The Seattle City Council approved a plan to shut down medical marijuana businesses that have opened since January 2013.

As part of a new licensing plan, Seattle will force medical-marijuana businesses that opened Jan. 1, 2013, or later to shut down by next July. This plan was propelled by recent changes in state law that will require all marijuana shops to be state-licensed by next July.

A marijuana dispensary in Jackson County, Oregon is currently operating without the required land use permit and now they’re paying for it.

The citation was issued because the dispensary doesn’t have the land use permit needed to operate lawfully. In addition to that, the county’s ordinance to allow medical marijuana facilities does not take effect until July 26th. Until then, if the dispensary remains open, the county will continue to cite the business $200 for every day they’re open.

In Adams County, CO, the ability to own a marijuana business, will be determined by whether you are lucky enough to win the lottery for a license. Even once you get a license, there are many regulations that come into play.

“All industry businesses must be at least 100 feet from churches, youth centers, alcohol or drug rehabilitation facilities, group homes for the developmentally disabled and halfway houses or correctional facilities.”

We get the feeling that these rules (which admittedly make some sense) are only the tip of the iceberg. This is precisely why research, especially on a national scale, is so challenging. When you’re trying to open up locations, who knows which rules embedded in the official law will give you trouble.

In recent news, Tacoma, WA, has decided it will be closing all unlicensed shops selling marijuana to close by the summer. There are at least 56 shops and unfortunately the “council members picked the toughest approach” when dealing with unlicensed stores. As with any business you open, it is important to be properly licensed or you could face serious consequences including forced closure of your business.