LAist: DEA Raids Eleven Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Today, City of West Hollywood Not Amused

M. Dragon

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 18:34:16 -0800

Omar: Not quite true. Federal laws pre-empt state laws *in subject areas that the Federal government has jusrisdiction over*. Those subject areas are listed here. In all other matters the states, or people individually, have the authority. (as mentioned in Amendments 9 and 10)

Zach Behrens

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:35:52 -0800

Rock on Abbe Land and Jeffrey Prang for their statements. Well said. Unfortunately, whether or not WeHo has the best relationships in the world with their 5 dispensaries, the DEA, as a federal government agency, cannot or should not cherry pick the businesses. As Omar said, "we have to change the rules about it on a federal level." Likelihood of that happening anytime soon, probably not. And that's a shame. Regarding the protest one of the dispensaries that I live very near in Sherman Oaks, that one never seemed legit to me, especially since numerous drug deals were going on in the alley behind (they were busted too). One LAPD officer alluded to a number of them being run by local gangs. I cannot verify that though.

Bernie

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:07:48 -0800

How many people are getting baked tonight planning the tomorrow rally? Comedy. I agree with the getting rid of bad rubbish, just run a clean business and don't be all shady. No matter what business you run. But really, what a waste of time and energy and money.

omar

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:52:39 -0800

its sad that people often forget that federal law preempts state laws, unless federal law allows states to enact legislation for it. the supremacy clause which is stated in the constitution declares that . as much as i believe that marijuana can help, we have to change the rules about it on a federal level.

stizz

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:15:44 -0800

Do we have a definitive list of dispensaries that were shut down? Also, some previous dispensary closures here in LA were the result of back door dealings and other shady practices. If those closed today were of these variety, then good riddance to bad rubbish. I worry however that the DEA is incapable if differentiating between a shady dispensary and one that is operating properly.

LA Scumbag

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 21:23:44 -0800

So there were actually a total of 11 to 13 dispensaries that were shut down total in los angeles county over the period of the day. there's a protest tomorrow morning. Heres some of the info i got. "Patients and advocates are protesting DEA raids at numerous medical cannabis collectives in Los Angeles and West Hollywood tonight. Crowds are gathering outside of a popular collective in Sherman Oaks on Ventura Blvd. between Coldwater Canyon and Woodman Ave. Another group has assembled in West Hollywood at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd. and Fairfax Ave. in sight of three simultaneous DEA raids." "There will be a rally and press conference tomorrow morning (Thursday) at 8:30 AM at West Hollywood City Hall located at 8300 Santa Monica Blvd. Former CA Assemblyman and medical cannabis champion Paul Koretz will be present, and elected officials from Los Angeles and West Hollywood have been invited. Please be there at 8:30 AM to show your support!" "We have already planned a major protest at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles for Monday, January 22, at 12:00 PM. This action is now more crucial than ever. We need to pull out all the stops and make a powerful showing next Monday. Please take the day off, take a long lunch, or call in sick. Organize a carpool, make signs, and bring your loved ones. The rally will be at 12:00 PM at 255 East Temple Street in downtown. "Please do not give in to fear right now. We have fought them back before and we can do it again!" - Don Duncan