Palm Springs cracking down on non-licensed medical marijuana dispensaries

Threemonths ago Palm Springs Organicaopened its doors knowing full wellit was violating a city ordinance, operating as anon-permitted medical marijuana dispensary.

“Sometimes when you believe in something that’s right, it goes against what some other people think is right, and just gotta do what you gotta do, and I firmly believe in this,” said Charles Pace, director of operations at Palm Springs Organica.

Pace’s belief in the medicinal value of marijuana may be sincere, buthis operation and 10 others working without city permits are being scrutinizedby the city. The 11 dispensaries were paid a visit by city inspectors earlier this week.

“We are concerned about making sure all electrical appropriately grounded, that the premises appropriately ventilated, appropriate shield on all lights and all electrical equipment,” said city attorney Doug Holland.

In the eyes of the city, four of theof the dispensaries, includingPalm Springs Organica, had health and or safety issues.

The dispensariesin questionreceived letters from the cityindicating their gas and or electric service would be turned off immediately.

“We’re not the federal government. We’re not somebody who can close them because of them being an illegal drug operation,” said Holland. “We have to utilize the tools that are available in our code to enforce our code.”

While the citypermits threemedical marijuana dispensaries to operateand has talked about adding a fourth, this gives Pace hopehis dispensary at some point receives the city’s blessing.

In the meantime, he’s hoping the city backs off on its threat to turn off the lights.

“We’re all worried about our patients.It’s a patient orientated business.I think everyone thinks it’s a cash cow and it isn’t,” said Pace.