Marin Alliance Closes Its Doors

Folding to pressures from the federal government, the in Fairfax closed its doors Saturday.

The Marin Independent Journal reported that the oldest medical marijuana dispensary in the country finally shut its doors this weekend after the landlord was served with an eviction notice by federal prosecutors.

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The Fairfax dispensary, which was also for its service from the Fairfax Town Council, was targeted by federal prosecutors because of its proximity to schools and parks. Despite initial assurances from the Obama administration that it wouldn't target medical marijuana dispensaries, four US attorneys cracked down on cooperatives, collectives, dispensaries and growers across the state.

Lynette Shaw, the owner of the Marin Alliance and a prominent advocate for medical marijuana, was fighting the eviction notice that was served to the Alliance's landlord. Shaw initially opted to comply with the eviction and sue the landlord, hoping that California's strong tenant-landlord law would help the fight. This week, though, a sign was posted on the dispensary's front door stating it would close Saturday, Dec. 17.

The following message was also left from Shaw and the Alliance on the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana's website stating that she was ending her relationship with the dispensary. (Donations can also be made on the website to support the ongoing legal battle with the federal prosecutors.)

We are very sorry to announce that we have shut our doors until we can resolve certain legal issues. The battle is not over, but we await further court action that will allow us to reopen, hopefully within a month or two. Unfortunately, our owner and director, Lynnette Shaw, finds it best to sever her relationship with Marin Alliance. It goes without saying that Lynnette has been a major force in shaping California policy regarding medical marijuana. We owe her much gratitude not only for the huge contribution she has made to the cause, but also for the tireless love and support she has provided to all our members over these long years. The issue of medicinal marijuana will remain one of her top priorities and you can expect that she will continue to be a guiding light in the fight for patients' legal access to medications of proven benefit. Despite this setback, the spirit remains strong and Marin Alliance will continue to explore ways to provide services under new directorship.

In the meantime, we will continue to stay in touch with our collective community, keeping all up to date on the latest developments. Our phone number will remain in operation with message updates and this web site will continue to inform on a regular basis.

As they say, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Though we all have experienced a temporary setback, the resolve of all those who have been even remotely touched by this issue will only continue to gain strength until the day when sense and sanity finally prevail.

Should the Marin Alliance continue its fight to stay open? Should the federal agents continue their crackdown?