Friday, August 31, 2012

Seattle Dispensaries Dig In Despite DEA Shutdown Letters

Though the effect of the feds' attempts to close 23 dispensaries in the Seattle area have prompted some to close, other dispensaries are planning on disputing their allegations and defending their rights as businesses.

KOMO reports that the Coalition for Cannabis Standards and Ethics held a closed door meeting with its members, who were vocally upset, frustrated and expressed fear over the letters from the Drug Enforcement Agency and the U.S. Attorney's Office. The letters demanded the affected dispensaries shut down and their landlords order them to vacate their storefronts.

The DEA claims the businesses are within 1,000 yards of schools, parks and other facilities meant for children. They've given the 23 dispensaries 30 days to close or face criminal prosecution.

John Davis, CEO of Northwest Patient Resource Center, defended the medical marijuana industry. He said, "We pay our taxes. We employ citizens of Seattle. We go to great lengths to make sure we are compliant with state law, and even going above and beyond."

1 comment:

Rufferto said...

WHERE: 423 4th Avenue West, Olympia Washington

WHEN: September 11, 2012 at 12:00

WHAT: Rally against DEA-Justice Department crackdown


SUPPORT THE RIGHT OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS
TO SAFE ACCESS TO MEDICINE COME TO A RALLY AND PRESS
CONFERENCE OUTSIDE THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HQ AT
423 4rth AVENUE WEST ON SEPTEMBER 11, AT 12:00

The federal government, through U.S. Attorney Jennifer Durkan and Seattle DEA Special Agent Mathew Barnes, are shutting down the dispensaries in the State of Washington that provide patients with safe access to medical marijuana.

The actions of these politicians, taken for reasons unspecified, but which may be linked to a campaign of retaliation by Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, have so far been limited to Seattle and Pierce County, but without your support, every collective garden and dispensary in the State is in danger of being shut down by the federal government.

Without your help and support, terminally ill patients, those suffering from cancer, debilitating disease and severe chronic pain will be unable to safely obtain the only medicine that helps them.

Come wearing green to the Democratic Party Headquarters in Olympia on September 11, at 12:00, to show the politicos that we live in a green State, not a red or blue one, and to ask why a democratic administration is maintaining a vendetta against our most vulnerable and debilitated citizens who cannot fight back.

We’ll see you there.