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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Olympia Updated: Feds Raiding Med-Pot Dispensaries in Spokane

Posted by on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 4:22 PM

[This post, originally published at 3:50 p.m, now contains information about three more dispensaries reportedly being raided.]

Lacking protection under state law, medical-marijuana dispensaries in Spokane were raided today at 2:00 p.m. by federal agents, reports the Cannabis Defense Coalition. The group was conducting a raid-preparedness training when the raid began; the activists left to rally outside the dispensary. Thus far, raids have been confirmed at THC Pharmacy and Compassion Club, and they have been reported at Treehouse and Evergreen. Updates are being posted to Twitter here.

Federal prosecutors made clear in 2009 that they won't target medical marijuana outlets in compliance with state law, and a bill on Governor Chris Gregoire's desk would license dispensaries like THC Pharmacy to give them the state's legal shelter. But Gregoire has announced she intends to veto that portion of the law—despite the legal advice of local experts—which exposes all the dispensary operators in Washington state to armed raids and prosecution.

Of course, governors in other states have approved medical pot laws that allow dispensaries without any ramification. New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, before signing a similar bill, said, "So what if it's risky? It's the right thing to do."

For all practical purposes, these raids are Governor Chris Gregoire's raids on the sick and their caretakers. She has the power to stop them by signing that bill, after all, so her inaction is allowing the raids to begin.

 

Comments (15) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment
1
i am writing the governor. i have a ton of sway, as we're close, close, CLOSE! http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/Savag…
Posted by Adrian Ryan on April 28, 2011 at 4:00 PM
2
Gregoire has no future here. She needs that job in the Obama administration and she'll do anything to get it. Smart choice of Spokane* for the raids. They've been going on for a while now though. I tried to get the attention of the Stranger but no one seemed to care . Shame.

* the home of your new ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Crocker!
Posted by spokevin on April 28, 2011 at 4:00 PM
Cui Bono 3
Total bullshit. What other proof do you require that something needs to be done, Gov Gregoire? The leg session is over, grow some huevos, ovaries, whatever, tell the US AG to keep federal stormtroopers out of marijuana dispensaries, these are not violent criminals!!!
Posted by Cui Bono on April 28, 2011 at 4:01 PM
rob! 4
The timing of this raid clearly indicates that the Feds would prefer Gregoire sign this bill. DUH.

There is no clearer way to convey the message besides writing it backwards on her forehead with a Sharpie, which they obviously cannot do.
Posted by rob! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZBdUceCL5U on April 28, 2011 at 4:03 PM
5
Before these raids on the sick and their caretakers belong to the governor, they belong to Obama.
Posted by LJM on April 28, 2011 at 4:12 PM
6
And this is why - despite being a legit MMJ patient, I don't go to despenseries. I don't need the feds getting their hands on a patient registry that includes my name. Until these stop ill keep gettin my meds on the black market. Thanks gregoire! Never voting for you again.
Posted by dougfresh on April 28, 2011 at 4:16 PM
Will in Seattle 7
Why doesn't the Governator just stop putting our Citizens on the line for her desire to become part of the Back East Nanny State "Law" Establishment?

MAN UP ALREADY, CHRIS!
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on April 28, 2011 at 4:27 PM
Fifty-Two-Eighty 8
@5 and 6: You're right, of course. Maybe you're not aware of the latest thing they've pulled out of their bag of tricks: IRS audits of legal dispensaries and their customers. Scum-sucking asswipes.
Posted by Fifty-Two-Eighty http://www.nra.org on April 28, 2011 at 4:31 PM
Cannabis Defense Coalition 9
Emergency meeting in Spokane tonight 8pm 1408 W. Broadway in Spokane.
Posted by Cannabis Defense Coalition http://www.cdc.coop/projects on April 28, 2011 at 4:49 PM
10
How about a rally in front of her office to voice our concerns!
Posted by BillBall on April 28, 2011 at 5:01 PM
11
Dominic, or whomever, can you set up one of those email links that pastes the address and subject right into your mail client for a message to Gregiore asking her to sign the medical marijuana bill?
Posted by gdcv on April 28, 2011 at 5:04 PM
12
Okay let me put out a scenario, marijuana is being used and has been used for many many years by people illegal or not. Pre medical marijuana most of this was provided by drug dealers and the billions spent were funding drug cartels in other countries. Now local medical growers are cuttiing off that money flow to the drug cartels and in turn spending that money in local communities. furthermore this provides jobs and safe medication to the people that need it. THE DEA IS SUPPOSED TO WORK FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON AND USE SOME COMMON SENSE,, THEY ARE SPENDING MILLIONS OF TAX PAYER DOLLARS TO TAKE OUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROUPS SO THAT SUPPLY CAN GO BACK TO THE DRUG DEALERS,, THE DEA ARE THE DRUG DEALERS BEST FRIEND RIGHT NOW.. FEDERAL AGENTS HAVE NO COMMON SENSE.........................
Posted by UNCLE JAMES on April 28, 2011 at 5:49 PM
Fifty-Two-Eighty 13
@12, ATF is also the drug cartels' friend - they're providing them with weapons. No shit. Isn't it about time we asked Obama whose side he's on?
Posted by Fifty-Two-Eighty http://www.nra.org on April 28, 2011 at 5:52 PM
14
@Dominick: Just saw you posted it, thanks!
Posted by gdcv on April 28, 2011 at 7:00 PM
15
It's just like Dominic predicted! Chief Kerlikowske is the best drug czar ever!
Posted by Trevor on April 28, 2011 at 8:25 PM

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