LOS ANGELES - The Los Angeles City Council has approved an ordinance that will close hundreds of pot dispensaries that have cropped up in recent years.
The 9-3 vote on Tuesday ends months of debate on how to curb the so-called "Green Rush" that has swept through much of California.
The ordinance will cap the number of medical marijuana clinics at 70. It also requires dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet from schools, parks and other public gathering spots.
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa must approve the ordinance for it to take effect.
The number of pot dispensaries has gone from four to as many as 1,000 over the past five years as the council struggled to adopt an ordinance.
City officials believe it will be at least 45 days before they can enforce the ordinance.