"All known marijuana stores in Santa Barbara County are now the subject of federal enforcement actions," a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office in Los Angeles said.
The moves on Santa Barbara storefronts and cultivation facilities mark the fourth such sweep in recent months in the seven-county California region that ranks as the largest federal law-enforcement district in the nation, U.S. attorney spokesman Thom Mrozek said.
He said authorities have gone after 150 pot stores in the district since October, when federal prosecutors announced a statewide crackdown on what they called a massive network of illegal cannabis suppliers established under the guise of California's medical marijuana law. Most of those stores have been closed, Mrozek said.
Similar crackdowns have been launched in other states as well, notably Colorado, Montana and Washington, in an escalation of friction between the federal government and states that have decriminalized marijuana for medical purposes.
California was the first to do so - in 1996 - and 15 other states and the District of Columbia have enacted similar statutes, though marijuana remains classified as an illegal narcotic under federal law.
Mrozek said federal authorities also conducted raids on a dispensary, on an indoor pot farm and on the homes of people identified as operators of those two facilities.
"No one's been arrested, nor do I anticipate anyone being arrested," Mrozek said, adding that the actions taken on Tuesday and Wednesday amounted to non-criminal enforcement.
One dispensary was hit with an asset forfeiture notice for operating as a not-for-profit business even though it lacks non-profit status for tax purposes, officials said. A warehouse run as an indoor cultivation center was singled out for using substandard and unpermitted electrical equipment.
39 comments:
Similar to the ban on alcohol during the prohibition era, a ban on marijuana has caused numerous crimes. Now cities such as Santa Barbara have to deal with the increased crime rate as they have loosened the laws on marijuana usage. They must now increase their policing forces to stop underground dealings. This is a difficult job and will require much funding.
I think that its good that the law inforcement in Santa Barbara and other places are cracking down on marijuana stores. Some of them may be for medical purposes but I think we all know what people are really going in there and buying it for, not to be cured from being sick but to get high. I think that with the law inforcement stepping up and cracking down the amount of marijuana stores will decrease rapidly not only in Santa Barbara but in other places as well.
The fact that medical marijuana dispensaries are a form of pseudo-legalization is sort of old news at this point. I mean, you can get a prescription for just about any reason, and it seems to be understood that this is basically just a way to avoid punishing individuals who practice a safe form of marijuana usage. And why not? Why should the government be able to punish people for doing such things just because they are unhealthy? It just boggles me that the same people who want a small, non regulatory, non intrusive government also want peoples' personal behavior to be subject to legal scrutiny. At least be consistent with your ideals.
I think that the California law enforcement should have expected this when they passed the law. Marijuana is so widespread, and there are so many ways people can acquire it for "medical" reasons that it is hard to determine whether the person actually needs it, or is using a doctors not to get some. I don't think closing down these stores will necessarily control the problem. People are still going to find a way to get their pot.
Well for one, I'm still trying to figure out why they haven't cracked down on the illegal operations before. Is it because of the usual red tape and lack of funding and what not? Either way it comes as no surprise that there have been at least 150 crack downs since October. What does shock me is that there hasn't been more and there haven't been any arrests, since according to them it's an illegal operation that's going on. If they want to "crack down" on the pot stores as they say, then why not make an example of the distributors and have more arrests. But again, it could just be a lack of knowledge in legal matters on my part.
I think its a good thing that officials are cracking down on marijuana sales. The law states that the marijuana is for medicinal use and this way there will be less illegal activity. No one will actually be arrested but this way there is a warning for illegal marijuana use.
I feel like the use of marijuana for medical reasons is fine. But that people are abusing the right to use marijuana. The people that are abusing their rights to medicinal marijuana should be arrested.
I dont have a problem with people using marijuana for medicinal reasons. But I know that people are going to abuse their rights to marijuana. And if they do they should be arrested.
Regardless of if Marijuana is labeled as "legal for medicinal use" or not, there will ALWAYS be illegal sales. People who are desperate for money know that it's a pretty good way to make some quick cash, and creating a business, stating that the Marijuana is medicinal (even when it's not) is obviously a very good way to make money. There's not really a correct way to tackle the ban of illegal Marijuana.
Why do people need marijuana? I think the federal government should take down some of these stores. The problem about that is that the federal government can not take away the state's power. I know some people have medical problems. Why are the people without medical problems using marijuana? I think these people should stop using marijuana, because they do not need it and is the reason why the government does not like for the stores to be open.
I think that state authorities need to set a clear line for what is legal and illegal. If they were clearer there wouldn't be as many little confrontations and it would make the system of enforcing the law more efficient.
The federal government is just trying to overpower the State's right to vote on medical marijuana but going out and specifically shutting down stores that sell pot. Either way, marijuana is marijuana so the people that are going to want the weed are going to get it. It just depends on if they are going to get it legally or illegally. Personally, I think the Federal Gov is wasting their time on this small issue, what they really should be focusing on is foreign affairs or the economy or gas prices.
The move on medical marijuana facilities in Santa Barbara should not come as a surprise. The federal government considers marijuana an illegal substance. In spite of this fact, states like California have legalized the sale and use of marijuana if it is used more medicinal purposes. The federal government's laws go over the laws of state governments, so the action taken by them against these medicinal marijuana clinics should have been expected. Whether or not marijuana is a viable medicine is not the question, the question is what is it considered as far as the federal government is concerned. Instead of legalizing marijuana in certain states, an attempt should be made to change federal law, it marijuana is in deed an effective medicine.
I think that the legalization of marijuana for medical purposes is funny. Everyone does not have a medical condition that they need to have marijuana. Just make marijuana legal for any purpose instead of abusing the fact that people who actually have the condition aren't punished for those who don't have a condition.
It is totally fine to use marijuana for medicinal properties though it is being extremely over prescribed. Because of this, it has been much easier to create illegal stores. This must be cracked down upon, or the use of medicinal marijuana will become worthless, as it will be too easily accessible.
I'm glad states are taking action to regulate and enforce laws regarding marijuana. Because it's a controversial issue, strict regulation is important so the issue does not become extreme in either way. It is also important because discriminalizing marijuana will set a precedent as a conflict between state and national laws.
I dont think weed should be sold anywhere. Yes even medical. While everybodys on a rage to get it legal they dont see the side effects. I have a close friend who graduated from estacado and his dad got high while he was in his moms stomach. When he was born he was born fine,all accept till the doctors told them that he would never be abel to use his arms. The dad was sent to jail,and was later released. So im against it,i hate it! And it shouldnt have ever became legal in some states!!!
This a states and federal issue on wether the states are able to legallize it or not... Technically the states don't have the power to fully legalize it even for medicinal purposes but federal laws are only good if they are enforced marijuana use fOr medicinal use has not been enforced you can tell by all the shops where it's "legal'.. I don't agree it should be legal but it really shouldnt be a really important issue there's people killing others and much worse stuff than smoking we shoul worry more about main issues first and Once those are resolved come back to these.
Legalization of marijuana has always been a heaviy disputed issue. As seen from the controversies betwen anti and pro marijuana supporters the recent police busts will lead to an eruption of arguments. As evident legalizing marijuana for medical reasons is hard to monitor regardless of he state or legal system.
There is a difference between promising no arrests, and actually arresting. President Obama has said that he will cease to arrest and prosecute the growers, but if his departments refuse to acknowledge that, then he has to address that. He and his departments need to be in an understanding that they can follow; not just say that he will do something that he will not.
This article is interesting just because it shows both views of the American society. America allows marijuana in a medical atmosphere yet it is still considered illegal. Honestly this probably just confuses people and so they think that they have the right to use marijuana whether for medical purposes or not. I think it is important that a firm grip on these stores and illegal usages has been put into effect. If more and more people are caught housing the drug though even with medical purposes, I think the sentence will lead to the imprisonment of people. Who knows?
I still don't understand why it's illegal. It's nowhere near as deadly as tobacco or alcohol, and will be extremely profitable. A lot of crime revolves around its illegal distribution, so if you make it legal...
A majority of America i believe would support the legalization of marijuana, but as Mr. Perkins said "it would not as beneficial to the economy as we would think." I think marijuana should be used for legal/healthy purposes. The crackdown on medical marijuana should be taken seriously. The use of marijuana should be limited to helpful and resourceful uses.
When discussing the legalization of medical marijuana you often here the argument which states that if you legalize marijuana it will cut down on crime because people will be able to just use it legaly. This article blows that argument out of the water. Here we see that the "businesses" that sell this stuff are by no means legitimate medical facilities and that they are still associated with crime. Besides everyone knows that most of the people who use "medical marijuana" don't actually have any real medical use for it.
I dont understand why they allowed it to beome not illegal in the first place. Because if it was orgionally set as illegal then it should stay illegal beause they prob had a good reason for making it illegal. So I say that the federal law enforcement agencies are in their full right to crack down like they are, because you don't know if their strictly selling for medical purposes or not.
My only comment is that the NATIONAL LAW outlaws marijuana, so how are states able to legalize it? What happned to "supreme law of the land"?
The use of medicinal marajuana would raise even more controversy in the United States and could be a drastic threat to the health of the citizens in the country.
Why hasn't the government employed the full power of federal law by closing all medical marijuana store fronts because technically the state statue is clearly in violation of a federal law. It was either pure luck or a miracle that they hadn't closed down very many before now. Just to be cynical for a little while maybe the reason that the medical marijuana stores haven't been closed down before now is that some one high up is getting a huge payoff to not close them.
I totally agree with federal officials cracking down on all marijuana stores that are known to sell the drug. Those people who have different medical conditions that need medical marijuana should have access to his or her medicine. If the federal officials want to shut down the varies housing marijuana operations then hospitals or other medical establishments should begin to start selling medical marijuana. That way people who need this particular medicine will have the ability to get it and the federal officials will not have to worry as much about the drugs being sold illegally.
I think that people who house marijuana do need to give it to the federal law because it is not legalized to grow and sell directly to people. Until it is legalized and the people who grow it can keep the profit form it the federal law needs to get the assets. But people are going to try to find way to keep their profit from the state so the federal law better start cracking down on this issue quickly!
I must say this really isn't surprising... My aunt came back from Colorado talking about how in the "medicinal marijuana" stores, most of the time, there was a pharmacist on-call to write you a prescription. Yes that is illegal and does need to be checked on, I really must ask, aren't there more important things the police should be doing? For example, there are other "illicit drugs" far more addicting and dangerous: i.e. crystal meth, cocaine, crack... The list goes on. As most people believe, this is a rather ridiculous use of time for authorities. This does not mean that the illegal marijuana stores shouldn't be shut down, it just shouldn't be the primary focus. For example, in San Francisco, there were 133 cocaine related deaths in a one year period and more than 700 Emergency Room visits because of cocaine in three months. I really think that problems such as these should be dealt with first rather than (what should be seen as) the rather petty crime of selling marijuana.
Obviously some people need to re-read this law and learn the do's and don'ts. If you're going to make an acception for a federal law then you shoud know the boundaries. I'm glad that there was non-criminal enforcement used, instead of violence.
I think the government should spend less time worrying about raiding medical marijuana stores, and more time on doing something productive. What do they think they're going accomplish here? People are just going to say "Aw shoot, the DEA just raided that medical marijuana store I always go to.. Ah well, ill just go to the one down the street or give my buddy Harold a call.." Oh yeah, didn't the DEA just recently have a lawsuit against them for some $20 million dollars for forgetting a student in a cell after raiding a house? One more thing.. When was the last time prohibition worked anyway? Oh yeah that's right, pretty much never.
I think if the government would legalize marijuana and but a ridiculously high tax on it, they would make a lot of money. One the other it would make Americans brain dead and steal. I think these raids are necessary to keep marijuana under control.
I think if the government would legalize marijuana and but a ridiculously high tax on it, they would make a lot of money. One the other it would make Americans brain dead and steal. I think these raids are necessary to keep marijuana under control.
I think its a good thing law enforcements are starting to crack down on this. Many people say pot isn't that big of a deal and is better for you than smoking, but if something is illegal it’s illegal. The ones continuing to act in this manner should be healed accountable for their actions. It’s just like anything else that’s not allowed. SO this cleansing is only helping with enforcing what’s right and what’s wrong where marijuana stands.
Mr.perry your class was soooooo much fun!!!!! I learned a lot! And the RANGERS are AWESOME!!!!! have fun this summer!!!
LOVE,
Cat:)
p.s.
Marijuana is bad! dont do it!!!!
*Sung to the tune of Call Me Maybe*
I logged on to this website
Thinking that right now I might
Post a crazy blog tonight,
And now it's on the way.
I don't know how this will go,
Or even if it will show
I will keep writing it though,
And now it's on the way.
This article's old,
Or so I have been told,
This move seems a bit bold:
PLEASE GIVE ME A HUNDRED PERRY!
Hey, I'm commenting
See, I'm not lazy!
So here's my blog post,
One hundred maybe?
It's hard to think that
You won't count this
So please give me a
One hundred maybe!
Government was so much fun
Talking 'bout rights with a gun
Now our Senior year is done,
So college here we come.
Priyanka at MIT,
Cat playing sports just like me,
The rest of us at UT,
So college here we come.
Anton, Jay, and big Joe
Prob'ly won't see this though
Well, to UT they go
WHY IS EVERYONE A LONGHORN?!
Hey! School is over
And now it's summer
But I have to blog..
Man what a bummer!
Goodbye Government!!
The government might have an easier time regulating the sale of marijuana if they legalized it and taxed it, just like they do with the sale of tobacco and alcohol. It's easy to grow, so maybe they sell licenses to be able to grow it and sell it. It would probably give a nice bump to America's economy, especially since it would form lots of local and small businesses. As long as they keep it that way. I can see where somethings may go wrong. Major companies might come forward and try to outsource huge mj farms to third world countries. Then the weed business would end up just like WalMart, or most other chains that started out as the "made in America" type. As the generations go on, it will go from a mom and pop shop to a global corporation. It will become more about profits than quality of the product. They may also put some additives to make it more addicting to customers, and therefore, making it a lot less safe than it is now. It may end up with the same long term affects as tobacco, but no study has been completed on that, so for now we'll have to wait. For now I think a gradual integration of mj into the society may be better for everyone, and keep (almost) everyone happy.
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