Thinking About Growing Your Own Weed? Think Again, County Adopts Ban

LOS ANGELES, CA - The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a ban on growing cannabis in unincorporated areas of the county, effective immediately.

The ordinance bans the cultivation, manufacturing, laboratory testing and distribution of medical marijuana for 45 days, while zoning officials study the impact of such activities.

Supervisor Michael Antonovich recommended the study and related ordinance in February in light of state legislation that sets up a regulatory framework for medical marijuana.

Antonovich said growing cannabis increases trespassing, burglary and violent crime.

The county has banned medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas since 2011, using its zoning laws to enforce the prohibition.

Until now, there has been no ban on related activities.

When first proposed, the ordinance drew protests from those who said they grow their own marijuana to help themselves or relatives manage painful and debilitating illnesses.

Tuesday, just one resident asked the board how he was supposed to cope given the ban.

Without comment, the board adopted the ordinance on a 4-0 vote, with Supervisor Sheila Kuehl abstaining.

Kuehl has said that people with prescriptions for medical marijuana — legal under state law — should be able to have access to the drug.

— City News Service, photo via Shutterstock