By Benjie Cooper
IG: @nuglifenews
YouTube: Lucid’s Vlog
As enforcement against unlicensed cannabis businesses ramps up in California under the Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) rules, the city of Los Angeles is taking an aggressive stance against those who continue to operate outside of the state’s legal marijuana regulatory system.
On Friday, September 7, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer announced that his office, in conjunction with law enforcement (LAPD), had filed 120 criminal cases against 515 defendants connected to unlicensed cannabis businesses.
“Los Angeles voters wanted common-sense rules to regulate recreational marijuana, so public safety is protected in our neighborhoods,” said Freuer. “Our message is clear; if you are operating an illegal cannabis business, you will be held accountable.”
Working with the LAPD, the Attorney’s Marijuana Enforcement Unit identified and rooted-out dispensaries, cultivation sites, delivery services, and extraction labs operating in the black market.
Defendants in all cases will be facing misdemeanor charges for violating the city’s municipal code which is punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
“Since the City began its work on laws regarding cannabis, I have been consistent in my argument that we must enforce these new regulations,” said City Councilmember Nury Martinez. “Today we are letting our residents and those who want to flout our laws know that the City is not going to stand idly by, while the safety of our communities are at risk.”
LAPD Chief Michael Moore stated that law enforcement would strive to help ensure “responsible and lawful commercial sales” in the city.
Freuer will continue to work closely with the LAPD and the city’s cannabis regulation department to identify and prosecute unlicensed marijuana businesses.
