As a federal agents crackdown on medical marijuana facilities, the long-running in Fairfax and its owner, Lynette Shaw, have found themselves at the center of the battle over medical marijuana. But, said Shaw, they will continue to serve the need locally.
In September, . The four U.S. attorneys in California said they are cracking down on for-profit dispensaries -- despite assurances by President Obama when he took office that no such thing would happen.
According to The San Francisco Chronicle, it is just that failed promise from Obama that is leaving many medical marijuana users and sellers disillusioned with the president.
But "if [Obama[ doesn't change, I'm going to tell everyone I know to vote for Ron Paul," the Republican representative from Texas who is running for president, Shaw said.
Shaw operates the oldest, licensed dispensary in the state at School Street Plaza in Fairfax. Although the dispensary is close to the park and ballfield (and would not comply with current zoning laws, but was grandfathered-in), town officials said they've never had any problems.
On Nov. 4, the council passed a resolution in support of the Marin Alliance and condemning the federal raids.
"The Marin Alliance has developed into a welcome addition to the Fairfax business community and contributes significant sales tax to the town budget," reads the resolution.
The council's resolution goes on to argue that if the Marin Alliance and other dispensaries are forced to shut down, then medical marijuana patients will instead turn to the black market.
"Such consequences are counterproductive to the health of Marin residents and will increase public safety concerns," said the resolution.
The Marin Alliance is currently seeking a temporary restraining order against the Department of Justice and is one of the lead plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the federal authorities, said Shaw.
In the meantime, the dispensary will continue to serve patients in Marin, at the urging of the town, "even if we have to go 100% delivery," said Shaw by email. If the dispensary doesn't get it's temporary restraining order, then it may have to remove all marijuana from the facility by Nov. 21.
The organization will remain open to organize and fundraise, if they are forced to cut operations our of their current location.
What do you think of the crackdown? Of medical marijuana?
