| Watch Video Above for Extended Coverage |
About fifteen collectives still had storefront businesses when county supervisors passed a ban in August. As the restrictions take effect Thursday night, only a few dispensaries were still left. They all told Action News, they plan to close for good when they lock the doors Thursday night.
County Supervisor Henry Perea says he believes there are people who could legitimately use marijuana for medical conditions. But he says the board needed to stop rampant abuse of the system. "Right now, we're back to square one and we need to find a way to get medical marijuana to those who truly need it."
Sheriff's deputies will be monitoring the dispensaries in the coming days, but the ordinance doesn't let them make arrests.
County leaders say they have civil lawsuits ready to go against any dispensary that stays open.
