Introduction

This legislation establishes a legal framework for the operation of marijuana dispensaries within Los Santos County, detailing standards for distribution, allowances, legal protections from drug related criminal prosecutions and operational protocols.

 

Purpose

To regulate the retail distribution of marijuana products within licensed dispensaries, ensure legal compliance, provide protections from criminal prosecution related to drug offenses, and establish operational guidelines for dispensaries in Los Santos County.

 

Constitutional Justification

MDL aligns with Los Santos County’s authority to regulate local commerce and laws within its jurisdiction as stated in Article II of the San Andreas Constitution. By establishing clear standards for dispensaries, this legislation promotes public health, safety and the general welfare of citizens as stated in Article III.

 

Details and Stipulations

1. Dispensary Standards

Location: Dispensaries must be located on commercial properties and cannot operate at residential properties.

Inventory Control: Dispensaries must document stock levels, total sales and deliveries.

Property Ownership: Dispensary owners must have a felony free record.

 

2. Limits and Allowances

Sales Limits: Dispensaries are allowed to sell a maximum of six marijuana joints or the equivalent amount of baggies to a single customer per transaction.

Product Sourcing: All marijuana products possessed or sold must be sourced from county licensed cultivation facilities.

Possession: Licensed Dispensary employees in the course of dispensary business may possess bulk packaged marijuana, bagged marijuana or marijuana joints.

 

3. Product Distribution

Authorized Suppliers: Dispensaries may only purchase marijuana products from licensed cultivation facilities within Los Santos County.

Documentation: All distributor purchases must be documented for the date, time, quantity, strain, and purchase price.

Delivery Protocols: Any product delivery or sale incidents involving theft, loss or tampering must be reported to the Los Santos Police Department.

 

4. Legal Protections

Exemption: Dispensary employees in the course of legal business, in compliance with legislation are exempt from criminal charges for marijuana sale or possession related offenses.

 

5. Operation

Licensing: In order to operate legally in Los Santos County, dispensary facilities are required to obtain a license, which comes with a base fee of $25,000; however, the Mayor’s Office retains the authority to set this fee as deemed appropriate. They can choose to issue licenses either through direct sales to qualified applicants or via a competitive bidding process.

Background Checks: All dispensary employees must have no felony charges in the past 30 days in order to work legally.

Ownership: Owners must have no felony charges to operate legally.

Reporting: Monthly records detailing sales and inventory must be kept available.

 

Enforcement/Penalties

Compliance: Violations of these standards may result in fines and can lead to license suspension or revocation.

Liability: It is the onus of the dispensary owner to ensure all current employees are qualified to work and that their dispensary is operating legally.

Inspections: Dispensaries are subject to inspections by county appointed inspectors.

 

Definitions

Dispensary: A county approved business authorized to distribute marijuana products.

Licensed Cultivation Facility: An entity permitted by the county to cultivate and supply marijuana products to licensed dispensaries.

 

Signatures

Nino Chavez

Mayor of Los Santos County

9/9/2024

 

Underwriter: Abilene Contralto Esq.

9/9/2024