Marijuana stores note, Law Enforcement in Oregon has had enough
Federal and State authorities have come together to put their foot down when it comes to letting marijuana dispensaries flout the law. They've let them know that enough is enough.
On June 3, 2011, a statement was sent from the U.S. Attorney, Oregon's District Attorney's, County Sheriff's and Police Chief's, reminding businesses that the sale of marijuana for any purpose, including medical reasons, is in violation of both Federal and State law and will not be tolerated.
Those who do continue to sell, individuals or businesses, face the risk of prosecution, civil enforcement action, and seizure of assets.
Coos County Sheriff Craig Zanni says it has been a growing problem in his county. In the past five years alone, he says, Coos County has gone from one medical marijuana dispensary to more than a dozen.
"I think the defeat of the dispensary Measure was an indication that the citizens of Oregon have said, 'we are willing to work with you but this is going beyond the realm of medically approved, or medical treatment.' I think the people in the community are smart enough to see some of those issues."
Zanni says marijuana ads in the South Coast Shopper, the distribution of THC candy, bubble bath and even THC laced bath salt, all for profit, are examples of dispensaries not being in compliance with the law.
"I think where I see this going is we're going to try and get back on top of this and make people comply with the law. You know, we all have our own opinion about what the law should or shouldn't be. Our job, in law enforcement, at the Sheriff's Office in particular, is to not make that determination or impose our will, but to enforce the laws we have."
He says if anyone has concern about whether or not they are in legal compliance, they should contact their local law enforcement agency or South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team.
They are willing, he says, to step in and help folks get in compliance with the law.
On June 3, 2011, a statement was sent from the U.S. Attorney, Oregon's District Attorney's, County Sheriff's and Police Chief's, reminding businesses that the sale of marijuana for any purpose, including medical reasons, is in violation of both Federal and State law and will not be tolerated.
Those who do continue to sell, individuals or businesses, face the risk of prosecution, civil enforcement action, and seizure of assets.
Coos County Sheriff Craig Zanni says it has been a growing problem in his county. In the past five years alone, he says, Coos County has gone from one medical marijuana dispensary to more than a dozen.
"I think the defeat of the dispensary Measure was an indication that the citizens of Oregon have said, 'we are willing to work with you but this is going beyond the realm of medically approved, or medical treatment.' I think the people in the community are smart enough to see some of those issues."
Zanni says marijuana ads in the South Coast Shopper, the distribution of THC candy, bubble bath and even THC laced bath salt, all for profit, are examples of dispensaries not being in compliance with the law.
"I think where I see this going is we're going to try and get back on top of this and make people comply with the law. You know, we all have our own opinion about what the law should or shouldn't be. Our job, in law enforcement, at the Sheriff's Office in particular, is to not make that determination or impose our will, but to enforce the laws we have."
He says if anyone has concern about whether or not they are in legal compliance, they should contact their local law enforcement agency or South Coast Interagency Narcotics Team.
They are willing, he says, to step in and help folks get in compliance with the law.
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