In a 13 to 1 vote, the city Council of the nation's second-largest city decided to ban marijuana dispensaries within its city limits until it receives clearer guidance from California's highest court.

If the vote is approved by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, the ban will now go into effect after 30 days.

Today’s vote will affect as many as 900 dispensaries. Letters will be sent to these dispensaries advising them of the ban.

Prior attempts to close the marijuana shops have failed, spurring lawsuits and appellate court rulings.

Although a hearing has yet to be set by California State Supreme Court, it will be up to them to clarify marijuana’s hazy legal status, and address whether local governments can ban medical marijuana clinics.

In 1996, medical marijuana use with a doctor’s recommendation was voted on in California and passed.

The city of Los Angeles past an ordinance two years ago, that ordinance was drawn up to close down hundreds of pot dispensaries and The limit of dispensaries within the city to 70. That ordinance expired last month. This led to a surge of pot shops, 762 collectives have registered with the city, and there can be as many as 200 more existing in the city.

One City Councilman, Paul Koretz, has asked city staff to draw up a draft ordinance that would exempt about 180 marijuana shops that were in existence before the moratorium was enacted several years ago. But, the councilman’s motion is not expected to be considered anytime soon.

The council also voted 9-5 to draft an ordinance that would allow about 180 marijuana dispensaries to continue operating under new regulations.

Proponents of the ban say that one was needed because the lack of regulation against the marijuana shops. they say with marijuana shops opening up all over town, they are driving away businesses and drawing criminal activity.

This new ban by the city of Los Angeles does not include collectives with a maximum of three or fewer patients or caregivers.Home health agencies and hospices also will not be affected by this new ruling and will be able to continue to provide medical marijuana.