L.A. orders 439 medical marijuana dispensaries to close

The shops must close before a long-debated city ordinance takes effect June 7, or face criminal and civil penalties. About 130 dispensaries that registered with the city could be allowed to stay open.

Los Angeles city prosecutors began notifying 439 medical marijuana dispensaries Tuesday that they must shut down by June 7, when the city's ordinance to regulate the stores takes effect. It's the first step in what could be a lengthy and expensive legal battle to regain control over pot sales.