While cannabis is nearing legalization in California, some are still looking to push it out. The City of Pasadena has forced an eviction of a retail dispensary. We sat down with Joshua Schneiderman of Snell & Wilmer to find out the legal implications here. Here is what he tells us about the recent forced eviction and the legal issues at play in the decision.
GlobeSt.com: Tell me about the recent forced eviction case of a marijuana dispensary owner in Pasadena.
Joshua Schneiderman: Under California's Medicinal and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act, California cities have discretion to determine how they will regulate commercial cannabis activities within their borders. Pasadena is one of the cities that has elected, at present, to completely ban commercial cannabis activities within its borders. When the City discovers a commercial marijuana business operating in its borders, it will generally issue a cease and desist order and impose fines. Recently, however, the City has had to figure out what to do about an elusive marijuana dispensary operator who has been hard to find and has ignored the City's cease and desist order. Faced with that, Pasadena's Code Compliance Manager has recommended in this instance that the City order the landlord of the property to evict the tenant. This would be the first time the City uses its enforcement authority against a property owner.
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