Los Angeles orders 439 medical marijuana stores to shut

May 5, 2010, 21:29 GMT

Los Angeles - Los Angeles city authorities have ordered 438 medical marijuana dispensaries to close by June 7 as it tries to tackle the unprecedented growth in sales of pot, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday.

The west coast metropolis has seen a boom in stores selling marijuana products in line with a California state law that allows people to use cannabis as doctor-prescribed medication. Though use of marijuana is still illegal under federal law, hundreds of stores opened in Los Angeles after US Attorney General Eric Holder announced last year that he would not prosecute people following state laws.

Los Angeles launched the crackdown effort following a moratorium it issued last year following numerous complaints from residents. However 180 pre-existing dispensaries, which registered as required with authorities and met all other city regulations will be allowed to stay in business.

Unapproved dispensaries that remain open following the June 7 deadline will be liable for fines of up to 2,500 dollars per day.

At least two dispensaries have already filed lawsuits against the city, arguing that the moratorium unfairly discriminates against medical marijuana patients.

'There is really nothing that allows medical marijuana patients to be treated differently than, say Vicodin patients,' said lawyer Eric Shevin.