Los Angeles Launches Crackdown on 105 Unlicensed Cannabis Businesses

[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]A[/dropcap] well-coordinated crackdown was launched on non-compliant cannabis businesses in Los Angeles, California. On Friday, Sept. 7, Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Freuer announced that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and his office filed 120 criminal cases against 515 defendants over unlicensed cannabis businesses. The defendants were linked to a total of 105 businesses.

The businesses that were charged are listed here.

All defendants who are linked with the businesses face misdemeanor charges that are punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. When the announcement was released, 23 businesses have been closed.

Most of these businesses operated under the Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) but are no longer compliant under the city’s new rules. Since January, cannabis businesses in Los Angeles must be licensed by both the State of California and the City of Los Angeles.

“Los Angeles voters wanted common-sense rules to regulate recreational marijuana, so public safety is protected in our neighborhoods,” stated Freuer. “Our message is clear; if you are operating an illegal cannabis business, you will be held accountable.”

Freuer had the support of LAPD leaders and city councilmembers, who agree that unlicensed businesses shouldn’t be tolerated.

“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.”

Many of the businesses that operated under MAUCRSA simply can’t afford to pass all of the requirements for licenses. A list of legal businesses that have temporary approvals or a license to operate in Los Angeles are listed here.