California's marijuana legalization debate

Reserve deputy who caught arson suspect shuns spotlight

Attorney Shervin Lalezary gives a brief glimpse into the arrest of the man accused of setting fires across a swath of Los Angeles County. But he declines to reveal much else about himself.

• Arrest in arson rampage reveals enigmatic mother and son

Baja wants the movie spotlight again

A 35-acre studio complex was thriving until drug-related violence and tough competition interfered. Now, with 'Little Boy,' it's trying for a comeback.

• Baja Studios

California Medical Assn. calls for legalization of marijuana

The doctor group questions the medical value of pot and acknowledges some health risk from its use but urges it be regulated like alcohol. A law enforcement official harshly criticizes the new stance.

• Medical marijuana guidance

Marijuana legalization bill approved by key Assembly committee

The measure, which would tax and regulate pot for users 21 and older, is unlikely to get additional consideration until next year.

A visit to the medical marijuana doctor

Atop a Glendale high-rise, a physician checks symptoms and determines if marijuana is the right course of treatment. It seems it often is.

L.A. bars medical marijuana shops next to residences

The council put off a vote on the last contentious issue until Tuesday, when it will decide whether dispensaries can be 500 feet or 1,000 feet from schools, parks and religious institutions.

Some officials challenge legality of over-the-counter medical marijuana sales

The L.A. city attorney and county district attorney say purchasing marijuana at dispensaries is illegal. Officials aim to stamp out 'greedy' dispensary owners who buy, rather than grow, their supply.

L.A. City Council finally passes medical marijuana ordinance

After years of debate, the city will drastically limit the number of dispensaries and restrict where they can operate. Advocates are threatening to challenge the law in court.

More than 170 medical marijuana dispensaries notify Los Angeles of intent to stay open

Representatives of 174 medical marijuana dispensaries have filed notices with the Los Angeles city clerk, indicating that they intend to remain open.

L.A. City Council is poised to debate how many pot dispensaries to allow

The number of shops selling marijuana has exploded from 186 two years ago. Officials hope to impose some order by capping the number of outlets or by requiring a certain distance between stores.

Illegal L.A. marijuana dispensaries lose exemption loophole

The City Council eliminates a provision in the 2007 moratorium that allowed outlets with pending applications to stay open. The city will continue to work toward a permanent ordinance.

L.A. closes loophole for medical marijuana dispensaries

The number of stores in the city has tripled, to nearly 600, since the City Council imposed a moratorium on new outlets in 2007.

Judge orders Eagle Rock dispensary to stop selling medical marijuana

L.A. prosecutors believe it is the first legal ruling to conclude that state law does not allow collectives to sell pot. If upheld, it would have a dramatic impact on how the drug is distributed.