Hundreds of L.A. medical collectives at risk

Earlier today, Judge James C. Chalfant’s started what could end up being a disastrous situation for thousands of Los Angeles patients.

Chalfant concluded that state law does not authorize collectives to sell marijuana, but only to grow it and recoup reasonable costs. “A retail store that sells marijuana to its members simply does not satisfy the requirement of a collective to cultivate marijuana,” he wrote in his decision.

Anthony Malecki, the attorney for Hemp Factory and its operator, Gevork Berberyan, did not challenge Chalfant’s conclusions in the courtroom. He said he would consult with Berberyan before deciding whether to appeal the injunction. Chalfant’s decision came in the preliminary phase of the city’s lawsuit against the dispensary. The case is likely to go to trial.

This should be an interesting and pivotal case this year. Can’t wait to see what happens myself. I’ll post updates as I hear about them.

The full article by John Hoeffel can be seen at http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/01/judge-orders-eagle-rock-dispensary-to-stop-selling-medical-marijuana.html.