Judge denies last-minute attempt to stop shutdown of LA pot dispensaries
A judge has decided against coming to the aid of medical marijuana dispensaries threatened with closure under a new city ordinance.
Superior Court Judge James Chalfant rejected a bid Friday for a temporary restraining order that would prevent officials from enforcing the law.
A group of 12 patients has sued the city, saying the ordinance was unconstitutional because it would prohibit access to their medicine.
More than 400 pot dispensaries could be shut down beginning Monday, when the law goes into effect.
Another 130 have six months to meet stringent guidelines to remain open.
The shops cropped up across Los Angeles in recent years as the City Council wrestled with drafting an ordinance.
Copyright 2010 AP News
