In Los Angeles, Proposition D has done its job over the past two years, putting a damper on new medical marijuana shops and dispensaries. Meanwhile, California inches toward decriminalization.
Most estimate it's only a matter of time before California opts for full decriminalization of weed. Until then, Los Angeles Proposition D still stands, limiting the number of medical marijuana dispensaries to the number present in 2007: approximately 140. In accordance with the law, over 500 shops have closed throughout the city.
A set of stringent rules governs dispensaries: "The requirements include things like being registered under past city ordinances and maintaining a certain distance between your dispensary and public parks and schools."
City medical marijuana policy remains a fraught issue, with some arguing that enforcement of a half-measure isn't worth the trouble. Until California moves to legalize (or fully prohibit) weed sales, "city officials have no official way to know how many dispensaries are still operating, making the crackdown [...] a murky game of whack-a-mole."
FULL STORY: Over 500 L.A. Pot Shops Have Closed in the Last Two Years
Another State Rejects a 10-Cents per Gallon Gas Tax Hike
It was not your basic fuel tax hike. Utah voters were told that raising the tax would help education by redirecting revenue from the General Fund to schools that currently goes to transportation. Yet voters also passed decidedly liberal initiatives.
DUIDs Surpass DUIs as Cause of Fatal Vehicle Crashes
2015 was the first year that driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) surpassed those killed while driving under the influence of alcohol. Increased legal access to marijuana is correlated with the surge. Amphetamine use is also a factor.
Marijuana Manufacturing Sets Up Shop in Denver's Communities of Color
Advocates are concerned that too many of Denver's new retail marijuana business are locating in neighborhoods with mostly minority and low-income residents.
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
Coming Soon to Ohio: The Largest Agrivoltaic Farm in the US
The ambitious 6,000-acre project will combine an 800-watt solar farm with crop and livestock production.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
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