LA might help people convicted of some drug crimes get into the marijuana business

LOS ANGELES_Los Angeles could soon help people who were jailed for marijuana crimes get into the newly legalized cannabis industry, in a push to address the uneven toll of the drug war on disadvantaged communities.

But it would also shut the door to people who have committed many other offenses - including violent crimes or selling other drugs besides marijuana - barring them from getting marijuana licenses for years after their convictions.

The hotly contested regulations reflect the dilemma over who should profit as an illegal industry gains legitimacy at City Hall: As marijuana becomes a booming business, should the people who were once jailed for it be treated as victims or as scofflaws?

And should the marijuana business be open