Cannabis Law Group's Medical Marijuana Legal Blog
Attorneys Successful in Staying Judge’s Order to Close Lake Forest Marijuana Dispensaries
Our Orange County medical marijuana attorneys have been successful in securing a stay against Lake Forest’s orders to close two dispensaries located within 600 feet of a school.
As the Orange County Register reported, the judge on Friday issued a temporary restraining order permitting the city to close 7 pot shops near Montessori Children’s School House on Raymond Way. The judge ruled the dispensaries violate state law by operating within 600 feet of a school.
Lake Forest Dispensary Lawyer Damian Nassiri, who represents two of the dispensaries — the Lake Forest Wellness Center and Collective and the Independent Collective of Orange County — asked the appeals court to stay the judge’s order. That request was granted.
“The school is not a licensed K-12 school,” Nassiri said. “There are teachers who are providing instruction to that age, but there is no actual kindergarten. This is overreaching, and this school does not meet the requirement that went into place Jan. 1. The amendment excludes day care and colleges.”
It is the second time the CANNABIS LAW GROUP has been successful in staying the judge’s order for closure. The same judge ordered the businesses closed last July, based on the city’s argument that they violated local zoning code.
Nassiri also argues that the new restrictions only apply to businesses that need licenses, and thus do not apply in this instance because Lake Forest does not require business licenses.
The victory was good news for patients — dozens of whom were calling the collectives, concerned they might shut down. Operators say they have seen an increase in patients being treated for multiple sclerosis, carpel tunnel syndrome and PTSD.
The CANNABIS LAW GROUP offers experienced and aggressive representation to the medical marijuana industry in Southern California– including growers, dispensaries and collectives, patients and those facing marijuana charges. Call 949-375-4734 for a confidential consultation to discuss your rights.