- 1992
Medical marijuana is approved in a few California cities including Santa Cruz (under 'Measure A').
- 1996
California State Proposition 215 (the Compassionate Use Act) passes, allowing medical marijuana to be dispensed to patients with a doctor’s recommendation.
- 2003
Senate Bill 420 (the Medical Marijuana Program Act) is written into law to clarify the scope and application of the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. It paves the way for voluntary a statewide medical marijuana identification card program, identifying patients’ medical marijuana status.
- 2005
Four known marijuana dispensaries stand in Los Angeles, in: Hancock Park, Van Nuys, Rancho Park and Cheviot Hills.
- 2007
Concerned by a 2,350% increase in the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in LA during an approximately one-year period, the Los Angeles City Council adopts an Interim Control Ordinance establishing a moratorium on new medical marijuana storefronts on August 1 and placing restrictions on hours of operation and their proximity to schools, churches, parks, and other dispensaries.
- 2008
California Attorney General Jerry Brown issues a directive of guidelines for medical marijuana cooperatives including that they sell only to legitimate patients, operate as non-profits, and only buy cannabis from fellow cooperative members (at prices that cover cost).
- 2009
Federal officials announce that they will no longer try to block medical marijuana distribution and use in California.
- January 2010
The Los Angeles City Council, without debate, approves an ordinance to shut down hundreds of medical marijuana dispensaries and impose strict rules on the operation and locations of these cannabis clubs, shops and collectives. The ordinance caps the number of dispensaries at 70 (with the exception of those registered with the city in 2007).
Voters statewide voted against the 'Regulat, Control and Tax Cannabis' initiative (Proposition 19). It proposed allowing Californians 21 years of age and older to possess up to an ounce of marijuana, and to grow their own plants on up to 25 square feet of land. Proposition 19 received 47.1% of the vote in San Diego, 48% in Los Angeles County, and 63.7% in San Francisco, according to Yes on 19.
