Illicit Activities of Some Could Cause Problems for All

The alleged activities of a few in the Washington Medical Marijuana industry could hinder the progression of the Medical Marijuana community in Washington.

For several months, multiple government agencies were acquiring information on "Club 420," a Washington Medical Marijuana dispensary, and the alleged illicit activities taking place inside. Authorities claim that several undercover informants successfully acquired cannabis without having the required documentation or proof needed to purchase Medical Marijuana. They state that the informants were able to purchase the medication upon request, and were not asked to present any documentation.

Two suspects were arrested in the case, with the possibility of more related arrests to follow. One of those arrested was the owner of "Club 420." In addition to the business location being raided, the owner's residence was also raided, were law enforcement found 70 plants. Under Medical Marijuana Washington law, each qualified individual is limited to 15 plants, or whatever is deemed medically necessary. Speaking out from jail, the owner is claiming the accusations are false, and the number of plants are medically necessary to support 3 patients who live on the property. In addition, the owner is calling for others in the Medical Marijuana community to stand behind him.

Washington Medical Marijuana has struggled to gain ground through ambiguous legal literature as well as lack of support for cannabis as a whole from the state's government. Recently, a third attempt to decriminalize non-medical marijuana lost steam in the legislature. Hopefully, the actions of a few bad apples will not jeopardize the continued growth and support for Medical Marijuana and the numerous Washington residents it benefits.