Protecting Patients Cooperatives and Collectives

Over the past few years, safe and legal access to medical cannabis by way of centrally located dispensing collectives has improved greatly. Today, there are well over 200 dispensing collectives (dispensaries) throughout California. This is due at least in part to organizations like Americans for Safe Access (ASA) fighting for patients' rights.

Since Oakland established the first ordinance condoning and regulating dispensaries in early 2004, more than thirty other cities and counties have followed suit. ASA applauds these localities for recognizing their responsibility to facilitate safe and affordable distribution of medical cannabis. In September of 2006, ASA released a report showing the benefits of local dispensary ordinances.

However, not all localities understand their obligations under state law or are unwilling to address them. For a list of ordinances, moratoria, and bans in California cities and counties, see our list of Local California Dispensary Regulations.

Get Involved! Citizen Lobbying
ASA is working with local patients, dipensary operators, doctors and allies to educate your local elected officials on safe policies regarding medical marijuana. Citizen Lobbying is key to our Campaign to protect dispensing collectives and cooperatives because we can persuade local governments to pass safer laws when regulating medical cannabis.

We have guides and workshops on citizen lobbying, as well as a packet of persuasive materials for legislators.
Lawsuits against cities with bans on dispensaries
We prefer to assist local governments through the process of creating sensible and safe regulations. However we are willing to file suit against local governments in violation of state law. Bans against dispensaries are unacceptable as they punish the vast majority of California patients. We are currently suing the cities of Fresno, Concord, Pasadena, and Susanville.
Supporting Documents
These documents explain various aspects of dispensary regulation in language legislators and laypeople will understand.

Other California Campaigns
Documentary: "Dispensing Cannabis: The California Story" (2006)
In a time of increased federal raids and DEA attacks on patients and providers across California, it is important to have educational tools like the new documentary, “Dispensing Cannabis: The California Story,” to illustrate the importance of understanding and protecting dispensaries as an integral part of safe access and the successful implementation of state law.
Los Angeles Interim Control Ordinance (Moratorium)
Updated -- March 2009 Under the Interim Control Ordinance (ICO) approved by the LA Planning Commission, medical cannabis collectives in the City must have the documents listed below (dated PRIOR to the effective date of the ICO) in order to qualify as legally open before the moratorium. Collectives will have 60 days from the date of efficacy to register with the City Clerk's Office.
Local California Dispensary Regulations

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