LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- More than 100 medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles have received notice they must close their doors immediately.
The city attorney's office sent letters to 140 dispensaries that did not participate in a lottery to choose who will stay open.
Officials say the city could sue violators and seek financial penalties against those who did not file for the lottery.
The city clerk received 228 applications and is in the process of reviewing those who meet the qualifications.
The collectives have to be able to provide at least three documents showing they have been businesses since Sept. 14, 2007, among other requirements.
City officials say they think that, of the 228 applicants, fewer than 135 will actually meet the requirements.
The city will select 100 dispensaries to receive licenses. It's not clear yet when that lottery will be held.
The lottery marks an attempt by the city to find a way to separate legal dispensaries from illegal ones and reduce the number of dispensaries in the city limits.
The city previously tried to control pot dispensaries via an ordinance that was declared unconstitutional by a judge.
Some dispensary operators are not happy about the lottery, however. They have threatened to sue to challenge the selection process.
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