Marijuana dispensaries in California sell marijuana to clients who are legally allowed to purchase it because of California Proposition 215 (1996). Marijuana dispensaries are often referred to as "pot shops."
Observers disagree about how many marijuana dispensaries are open and doing business in California, with estimates ranging from 500-1,000:
bullet-icon.png"); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
According to the California State Board of Equalization, there are 500 marijuana clubs/dispensaries in California that bring in an estimated $870 million to $2 billion in revenue annually.[1]
bullet-icon.png"); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
According to the Associated Press in an October 2009 report, "In Los Angeles alone, there are an estimated 800 dispensaries, more than any other city in the nation."[2]
bullet-icon.png"); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
According to a December 2009 article in "Pasadena Weekly," "...there are about 1,000-plus medical marijuana dispensaries now operating in California and openly distributing the drug."[3]
What some are calling a "Walmart for Weed" opened in Oakland, California on January 28, 2010. The store, called IGrow, is a 15,000 square-foot warehouse that is said by its owner to meet every conceivable need of the marijuana horticulturist and medical marijuana consumer, except the sale of seedlings, which can only be sold at dispensaries. 25-year-old Dhar Mann owns the marijuana emporium. The store's grand opening ceremony was attended by 3 members of Oakland's City Council.[4][5][6]