Politics & Government

Pot Shop Fans Plan City Council Protest

Medical marijuana advocates announce a 6 p.m. rally against Lake Forest's partnership with federal efforts to shut down California pot shops.

Nine of Lake Forest's marijuana shops have closed in the face of , but supporters of the businesses aren't going quietly.

A protest by Orange County NORML and OC Americans for Safe Access is planned for 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Organizers expect hundreds to rally against the city's partnership with the U.S. Attorney General's office to shut down Lake Forest's last 12 dispensaries.

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"We're outraged that the city spent $600,000 in court ... and, after being unsuccessful, that they called in the federal government," said Kandice Hawes, executive director of Orange County NORML. "I don't think that's right. It's a state issue."

The Lake Forest resident said she and other medical marijuana users feel betrayed by the city.

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"Lake Forest's loyalty should be to the residents," she said.

The protest's goals are to "let the council know how we feel and let them know that we're not going to vote for them in the future because they're not paying attention to our needs," she said.

Hawes said she fears banning pot shops will force sick people who use medical marijuana for pain relief to stand in front of convenience stores to find unsavory drug dealers.

The protest is set to take place before the begins at 7 p.m. Advocates also plan to address the council during the public comment portion of the meeting.


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