City Extends Moratorium on Pot Businesses

People wishing to open medical marijuana dispensaries in Lake Elsinore will have to wait a bit longer to learn whether or not they’ll be allowed to open their business.

Last week, the Lake Elsinore City Council voted to extend a moratorium on marijuana manufacturing businesses until mid December. A previous moratorium was set to expire February 5.

City officials said they need more time to research and study the issue. In particular, they want to monitor how the courts resolve discrepancies between California state law, which recognizes medical marijuana, and federal law, which criminalizes medical marijuana.

Medical Marijuana Controversy

Medical marijuana is a long-standing controversial issue, not just in Riverside County and California, but throughout the U.S.  Supporters argue the compassionate use theory: that people who are suffering from painful chronic or terminal illnesses should be allowed to possess and smoke marijuana as a way to manage their page. Opponents of medical marijuana argue that, should the government legalize marijuana, it would be exploited by people who aren’t suffering from any ailments. It would just make it easier for them to get high.

For now, medical marijuana largely remains legal in California, with some exceptions of course. For example, Los Angeles District Attorney Steve Cooley announced  he will be cracking down on medical marijuana dispensaries in his jurisdiction. And although medical marijuana is legal in California, it is still a federal crime.

If you are facing federal charges for  possessing or  cultivating medical marijuana, an experienced Riverside drug crimes attorney at the Law Offices of Gregory H. Comings is available to protect your rights and provide you with the aggressive defense you need. To schedule a consultation to discuss your case, please contact the office at (866) 399-1215.