Pursuant to a motion by Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich , the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an ordinance to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

Antonovich had introduced a motion in July of this year directing staff to prepare an ordinance amending the County’s Zoning Code to prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries.  The Regional Planning Commission, after considering a draft ordinance and conducting a public hearing, recommended approval of the ban to the Board of Supervisors.

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“Attracting crime and other nuisances, these facilities have a negative impact on the communities where they’ve operated — leading more than 100 cities and 9 counties in California to pass similar ordinances,” said Antonovich.  “Since many municipalities in Los Angeles County currently have either a ban or moratorium, adjacent unincorporated communities would become the obvious location of choice for dispensary operators — creating an undue burden for residents in these areas.”

After a second reading before the Board next week, the ordinance will take effect 30 days later.