Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
DEA Bust More Los Angeles Marijuana Dispensaries
Today the DEA raided 10 marijuana dispensaries, made five arrests, and seized large quantities of marijuana and cash. All of this taking place the same day the Los Angeles City Council whipped out an ordinance calling for the federal government to stop singling out marujuana clinics that are legal under state law.
The government is here to serve us, and to protect us, just like it reads on many cop cars. So when the DEA comes and interferes with medical marijuana dispensaries that have the approval of the state, who are they serving, and who are they protecting?
Californians, despite what the other 49 states think, are not stupid. We can think and decide things for ourselves. Smoking marijuana is no more dangerous or a threat than drinking booze, or smoking cigarettes. Tobacco and Alcohol in fact pose greater risks to our health than marijuana.
There are two major American industries that can benefit from marijuana staying illegal. The pharmaceutical industry, and the prison industry. If we can easily grow our own medicines, then how does Pfizer make its billions? (maybe they should start selling seeds and fertilizer) And the prison industry makes money building new prisons, and having the prisoners make panties for Victoria's Secret. If fewer people are being arrested and thrown in jail, then fewer prisons will be built and a smaller workforce for hire (aka slaves)
There are no marijuana lobbyists to whisper in the ear of high powered politicians, so that they leave the dispensaries alone. And in the meantime the sick and needy get the shaft.
Top photo by John Wayne Maioriello
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
