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Feds Are Starting to Crack Down on California Pot Dispensaries
Susan Recht smokes a marijuana cigarette at the San Francisco Medical Cannabis Clinic in San Francisco, Friday, Oct. 15, 2010. Attorney General Eric Holder says the federal government will enforce its marijuana laws in California even if voters next month make the state the first in the nation to legalize the drug. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
The era of legal pot dispensaries could be coming to an end. Sixteen shops in San Diego received notices from the federal government ordering them to shut down within 45 days, even if they are operating legally under California's 15-year-old medical marijuana law, according the Associated Press.
And this is just the beginning. Tomorrow you can expect an announcement from the state's four U.S. Attorneys announcing a broader crackdown. AP was able to get copies of the letters that have been sent to pot dispensaries or their landlords:
"Under United States law, a dispensary's operations involving sales and distribution of marijuana are illegal and subject to criminal prosecution and civil enforcement actions," according to the letters signed by U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy in San Diego. "Real and personal property involved in such operations are subject to seizure by and forfeiture to the United States ... regardless of the purported purpose of the dispensary."
The Obama administration has been toughening its stance on medical marijuana, after backing off two years ago. Recently, the administration issued a letter saying that medical marijuana users aren't allowed to own guns under federal law.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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