Judge blocks LA pot dispensary ban

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A California judge has ruled that a moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles is invalid and ordered the city not to enforce the ban.

The ruling came in a lawsuit against the city, filed last month by Green Oasis and several medical marijuana collectives. Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant found that Los Angeles did not comply with California law when it initially imposed the moratorium, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"The city cannot rely on an expired ordinance," the judge said.

The lawsuit contended the Los Angeles City Council was in violation of state law when it extended the ban until mid-March and argued the ban is unconstitutionally vague, the newspaper said.

The injunction issued Monday applies only to Green Oasis, but it raises legal questions about the city's authority to enforce the moratorium, the report said.

Layers for the city argued the moratorium on new dispensaries is not subject to restrictions under state law because it was implemented in a public safety ordinance, not a zoning ordinance.

The U.S. Justice Department said Monday it will relax prosecution of medical marijuana users in 14 states that permit prescribing pot for some patients. Attorney General Eric Holder said the policy change is intended to divert law enforcement resources to more pressing concerns.