Public policy assessment of local government approaches to implementing California's medical marijuana laws

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Sociology, Public and Teaching Emphasis, 2012As states continue to implement medical marijuana ordinances and laws, it is necessary to conduct assessments of the implementation issues and outcomes of different medical marijuana regulations now in place. And as local governments scramble to deal with issues stemming from the cultivation, production and distribution of medical marijuana, it is necessary to provide guidance for them. This project involves using data to understand: (1) how ordinances are developed; (2) intended goals and effectiveness of marijuana ordinances; (3) how ordinances are implemented; and (4) legal avenues used to grow medical marijuana. The data will contribute to the analysis of medical marijuana ordinances and hopes to assist in future policy creation. Furthermore it will contribute to the California League of Cities??? assessment of medical marijuana ordinances, by providing an analysis of the intended and unintended consequences of these laws