Spokane, WA Dispensaries Face Federal Prosecution

The approximately forty dispensaries that are currently operating in the Spokane, WA area have been ordered by Federal Authorities to immediately cease operations, or face federal prosecution. The demand was issued by the US Attorney's office on April 6th. And, while the US Attorney's office is hoping businesses voluntarily comply with the order, they are prepared to take swift action against those who do not. In contrast, Western Washington has similar businesses, yet no action has been demanded of dispensaries outside of the Spokane area.

Business owners and Washington Medical Marijuana advocates alike are outraged at this recent turn of events. Many cite the memo issued by the Presidential Administration calling for a reduction in prosecutions of Medical Marijuana related activities that followed state law. Some business owners plan to fight the US Attorneys orders, even though in some cases the minimum sentence could be 10 years.