Indopedia All Things Marijuana
Some California municipalities have figured out one way to run illegal medical marijuana dispensaries out of town – shut off their electricity, water and other utilities they need to survive.
According to a report from the Pasadena Star-News, the city of Pasadena is planning to disconnect the utilities of those businesses that continue to violate the citywide ban on medical marijuana sales. The “lights out” ordinance, which has been well received by the City Council and is expected to pass, could take effect as early as next month.
Officials say they have been forced to play hardball with these operations because they have refused to comply with the city code.
Although the sale of medical marijuana is completely legal in the State of California, Pasadena wants no part of it. But rather than making it a criminal matter, the city simply leaned on its zoning code to put the kibosh on dispensaries. However, the threat of fines and lengthy court battles has not been a deterrent for more than a dozen companies still slinging weed on a daily basis.
“We’ve felt that our hands are tied in shutting down these illegal businesses,” said Councilwoman Margaret…
