Activists force vote on LA pot sale ban

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Activists in Los Angeles have turned in enough signatures to force a vote on the city's ban on the sale of marijuana in retail shops, the city clerk says.

City Clerk June Lagmay said Monday supporters of medical marijuana dispensaries appeared to have 110 percent of the 27,425 signatures needed to call a referendum, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The city council passed an ordinance two months ago that prohibits the sale of marijuana, but allows groups of three or fewer people to grow and share the herb.

Enforcement of the ordinance has been on hold until the signatures were turned in.

The council now has three choices: it can repeal the ordinance, call a special election, or place the measure on the ballot for the March 5 city council election.

The referendum is supported by a dispensary workers union and a collective that represents dispensary operators.