In the face of DEA raids, and LAPD cooperation with the feds, the California Patients Group (one of the 10 raided dispensaries) released this statement to it's patients:

The campaign to defend safe access to medical cannabis is a risky one, and we have always known we could face the wrath of our federal government for taking a principled stand for people suffering from AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other serious illnesses. Yesterday [July 26th] dozens of DEA agents and LAPD officers raided CPG and confiscated your medicine. It was a paramilitary-style operation complete with machine guns, body armor, and brute force. It was a terrifying incident for the staff and members caught up in it. I am happy to say that no one was arrested and there is no evidence that membership files were compromised. We are open again today and you can feel safe coming back. It may take us some time to get back on track and repair the damage done, but we will overcome this challenge and are committed to serving you, even in the face of oppression.

This in an email sent out calling for all supporters to stage a protest yesterday July, 27th in front of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building downtown LA to get the DEA to back off, and the LAPD to stop cooperating with their demands.

Photo By John Wayne Maioriello