Sacramento Topics

Medical marijuana advocates are hoping to qualify a ballot initiative for the November elections.

Medical marijuana supporters protest the federal government in November for cracking down on California pot dispensaries. U.S. attorneys say the dispensaries have been "hijacked by profiteers."

Brian Shutt, a medical marijuana patient, displays his receipt showing the free gram of marijuana he received from the Magnolia Wellness medical marijuana dispensary on it's last day of business, in Orangevale, Calif., Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. As a going away present the alternative care dispensary gave each customer a free gram of high-quality pot. Magnolia Wellness is among dozens of dispensaries that are closing since California's four U.S. attorneys announced in October that they are cracking down on marijuana cultivation and retail sales.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)

Brenda Helzer , right, hugs Cecilia, an employee of the Magnolia Wellness medical marijuana dispensary before the shop opens in Orangevale, Calif., Friday, Dec. 16, 2011. The alternative care dispensary is closing its doors at the end of business Friday, and as a going out of business present it is giving each customer a free gram of high-quality pot. Helzer, who had been a regular customer since Magnolia opened more than 2 years ago, arrived at the dispensary at 7:30 a.m. to be its first customer on their final day.(AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)