Federal Prosecutors Crack Down on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
Federal prosecutors are continuing to crackdown on California medical marijuana dispensaries. Wednesday, they filed four additional lawsuits against building owners accusing costa mesa landlords of allowing the stores to operate.
In October, California’s four U.S. Attorneys announced the crackdown on dozens of pot shops growing and selling medical marijuana illegally.
Advocates argue the collectives are protected by California law but federal officials say medical marijuana has become a commercial, profitable business.
The threat of prosecution has had little effect here in the Coachella Valley. More than 30 pot shops have popped-up around the valley including clusters in Palm Springs and Thousand Palms where some operate side by side, in the same building.
