Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley issued a stern warning Tuesday, vowing to prosecute marijuana dispensary operators who violate state law.
The warning came via a two paragraph press release from Cooley's office. It was worded politely, but very bluntly, and directed at cities that have recently discussed the expansion or modifications to medical marijuana clinics and marijuana dispensaries.
"Any proposed ordinance allowing for the sale of marijuana is in direct conflict with California's
Compassionate Use Act and Medical Marijuana Program," the press release stated.
"The City Council has no authority to amend state law or Prop. 215. Such authority is solely possessed by California voters."
When voters passed Prop. 215, the DA's office noted, they voted to provide marijuana for those in medical need only.
While the press release was issued primarily as a result of action being discussed by the Los Angeles City Council, the office's interpretation of the law applies to all cities within the DA's jurisdiction, a DA staffer said Tuesday.
Cooley's office handles criminal prosecution for cities throughout L.A. county, including Long Beach and its surrounding communities of Artesia, Bellflower, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Norwalk, Paramount, San Pedro, Signal Hill and Wilmington.
The warning came via a two paragraph press release from Cooley's office. It was worded politely, but very bluntly, and directed at cities that have recently discussed the expansion or modifications to medical marijuana clinics and marijuana dispensaries.
"Any proposed ordinance allowing for the sale of marijuana is in direct conflict with California's
Compassionate Use Act and Medical Marijuana Program," the press release stated.
"The City Council has no authority to amend state law or Prop. 215. Such authority is solely possessed by California voters."
When voters passed Prop. 215, the DA's office noted, they voted to provide marijuana for those in medical need only.
While the press release was issued primarily as a result of action being discussed by the Los Angeles City Council, the office's interpretation of the law applies to all cities within the DA's jurisdiction, a DA staffer said Tuesday.
Cooley's office handles criminal prosecution for cities throughout L.A. county, including Long Beach and its surrounding communities of Artesia, Bellflower, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Norwalk, Paramount, San Pedro, Signal Hill and Wilmington.
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