Michigan Dispensaries hit by DEA
In the past three weeks, despite growing national attention on the efficacy of medical marijuana, Michigan medical marijuana distribution centers have been subjected to over 8 raids by federal state and city level law enforcement. From city police to the DEA, law enforcement is making it clear that they will not be slowed down by growing national support of medical marijuana.
On August 20th, People's Choice in Ann Arbor was raided by the DEA. As of yet, there have been no arrests made, but the dispensary will remain closed until further notice. People's choice was not protected by Ann Arbor's city ordinance which allows for a specific number of specially selected dispensaries to operate within city limits. Ann Arbor has been historically progressive in marijuana decriminalization. Currently, marijuana possession is punishable by a $5 fine.
Medical marijuana facilities in Ypsilanti and Walled Lake were also raided by the DEA. All three raids were executed with a state issued warrant. None of the warrants have yet been made available to attorneys representing the accused. The Ypsilanti facility's license has been temporarily suspended due to a minor code violation. Police found an ash tray allegedly containing two partially smoked marijuana cigarettes. In Ypsilanti, DEA agents were assisted by city officials and local police enforcement. In Walled Lake however, local police officers refused to participate in the raid.
In a perhaps unrelated series of events, an additional 5 dispensaries were recently raided in Detroit. State police and federal agents of the bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were allegedly involved in busting 'Green Cross' located on 8 mile. The other facilities were raided by the Detroit Police Department. The Detroit Police seemed more interested in snatching money and marijuana than actually making arrests. No official documents or receipts of confiscated items were given to dispensary owners. DPD has also been unavailable to comment on any of the raids.