Medical Marijuana: Another California Dispensary Raid

Submitted by Phillip Smith on (Issue #584)

A Bakersfield medical marijuana dispensary was raided Wednesday afternoon by Kern County sheriff's deputies and DEA agents. Three men were arrested, and police said they seized two pounds of marijuana and two loaded handguns.

The target of the raid was the Green Cross Compassionate Co-op at 309 Bernard Street in east Bakersfield, one of the first to open in the city since Sheriff Donny Youngblood raided a half-dozen dispensaries in 2007. Youngblood has said he will not interfere with the operation of nonprofit medical marijuana co-ops, but he has also said that dispensaries for profit should expect to be treated like drug dealers.

It is unclear at this point how Youngblood determined the Green Cross Compassionate Co-op was not a legal co-op under California law and guidelines issued by the state attorney general.

US Attorney General Eric Holder has said that the Justice Department would not act against California dispensaries unless they violated both state and federal law. At least one dispensary, Emmalyn's in San Francisco, has been subjected to a DEA-led raid.

But Wednesday's Bakersfield raid appears to have been led by the crusading Sheriff Youngblood. A DEA spokesman told local media its agents were there only in a backup capacity.

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Comments

Anonymous (not verified)

Looks like maybe the citizens of Bakersfield need to get rid of their sheriff. If it is like most Sheriff positions, it is an elected position and thus subject to having the person recalled. He clearly does not want to obey the laws and constitution of the state which as far as I know when they take their oath of office it includes them making a statement that they will do so.

Fri, 05/08/2009 - 10:57pm Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

This Sheriff needs to have his record clearly reflect him unfit for any law enforcement position, after the people permanently retire him without compensation.

Sun, 05/10/2009 - 12:58am Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

The DEA probably offered Youngblood a lot of unmarked drug money or a job with them when things cool down.

Sun, 05/10/2009 - 3:17am Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

what are these people's problem with a for-profit business anyway? It's an essential part of a free-market economy...somehow it's the sin of all sins to profit from cannabis sales...ridiculous, as usual!

Wed, 05/20/2009 - 2:01pm Permalink
gary (not verified)

The dispensaries must be non profit, or so I am told. I think its a great idea.......as long as My pharmacy becomes non profit where they would like me to buy anti depressants, anti anxiety meds, and so on.......

Tue, 06/16/2009 - 6:39pm Permalink
future weed grower (not verified)

He isnt even my sheriff but I know now who wont be my sheriff again..........hint....Youngblood he is just trying to move up the old ladder by ruining others lives in the process it is the American way our pres is doing the same thing. If I had a pot shop i would promise it would be at a profit how stupid. Lets throw them all out untill we get it our way who is with me? who is with me? Hey come on who is with me?

Tue, 05/18/2010 - 7:47pm Permalink

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Source URL: https://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2009/may/08/medical_marijuana_another_califo