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LA seeks to implement emblem program for licensed cannabis stores
Los Angeles Jun 07, 2022
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In an effort to protect cannabis consumers from untested and unregulated product at unlicensed businesses, the Los Angeles City Council approved a motion Tuesday aimed at implementing a county program that issues emblem placards to licensed cannabis businesses.
Under the County of Los Angeles’ Emblem Program for Authorized Cannabis Stores, storefront and delivery cannabis businesses are able to apply for an emblem, obtain the requisite inspection and place the emblem on their premises in an area visible to someone outside the store.
“The item we have before us today is an important step towards making it easier to differentiate between legal and illegal dispensaries, but there’s a lot more to it than that because the conversation is often couched in terms of dispensaries simply operating as unpermitted or illegal without considerations of the larger issues, which are health and safety impacts that come from these illegal operations,” said Councilman Paul Koretz, who co-introduced the motion with Councilman Curren Price.
Koretz added that unlicensed dispensaries sometimes sell products tainted and contaminated and mislabeled and undermine the legal framework that we’ve implemented to ensure that Angelenos are safe when they walk into a dispensary.
The motion instructs the Los Angeles City Attorney to draft an ordinance implementing the county program in the city. Koretz’s office said when the motion was introduced in May that the emblem program would launch later this year if an ordinance is adopted.
“Establishing an Emblem Program will allow patrons to make an informed choice of where they want to shop and spend their hard-earned money. This initiative will provide a comfort level that they’re at a business that is properly regulated and inspected by the county,” Price said in May. “Furthermore, such a program will inform customers of safe locations to shop for legal cannabis.”
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer commended the council members for considering having the county’s largest city join the program, saying in May it would help ensure the safety of cannabis employees and consumers. Under the program, Public Health officials inspect locations and ensure that they are in compliance with applicable public health laws and regulations.
“DCR looks forward to facilitating, educating and verifying that our licensed operators also meet all public health standards which will allow the public to make informed and healthy consumer decisions,” said Michelle Garakian, acting executive director of the city of Los Angeles Department of Cannabis Regulation. “We welcome our partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; our collective aim is to partner to protect the health of consumers, employees and the community.”
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