I’d make a weed joke here but it’s just way too easy.
On August 5th, a man broke into Dockside Co-Op medical marijuana dispensary around 4:30am and removed a computer and marijuana products before leaving. The entire incident was captured on a security camera.
Footage of the robbery was matched up with footage from the previous day when the same man was in the dispensary as a customer. A quick check of the store’s files revealed that the man’s driver’s license, which contained his home address, was right there.
And that’s why you should never decide to rob a medical marijuana dispensary while still smoking last night’s stash.
This week, the Seattle City Council made three moves that will change the future of nightlife, street food and marijuana availability in Fremont, let alone all of Seattle.
We start with the nightlife, where Mayor McGinn’s proposal to change and/or extend bar hours in order to stagger police coverage was officially backed by the Council. The resolution let cities set their own bar-closing times, which could mean staggered schedules that make life easier for law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned rule changes to Seattle street food vendors got the blessing of the City Council as well. Now, don’t expect a free-for-all of taco trucks to swarm Fremont. There’s going to be a lot of regulations and fees that street vendors will have to adhere to. Also, vendors will be forbidden from parking within 50 feet of food businesses, schools and building entrances. That said, expect to see a lot more street food vendors in town when the remaining questions are answered and the trucks start rolling in.
Finally, the City Council voted Monday to approve a series of regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries. While still illegal on a federal level, the medical marijuana dispensaries will be able to operate locally, given that they comply with new regulations.
“They’re not kicking the can down the road and having somebody else deal with it,” [owner Oscar] Velasco-Schmitz says. “They realize that there is a need for medical cannibis within the community, and they’re taking steps to be able to provide that for the community in a safe manner.”
Of course, even if Seattle’s measures pass, dispensaries would still violate federal law.
What do you think? Is it time for medical marijuana dispensaries to be full licensed by the city and state?
Purple Cross Patient Care, a medical marijuana dispensary located at 469 36th Street, was robbed Monday and thieves made off with more than 10 pounds of pot and a laptop. Fremont KOMO has the story…
Surveillance video shows two men lingering in the clinic waiting for another patient to leave. Once he departs, one thief locks the front door, and then the two engage in conversation with [volunteer Josh] Salyards.
When Salyards turns to get something from the back of the clinic, one man – and then the other – jump the small counter that separates a waiting area from the clinic office. One of the men punches Salyards several times in the head, as the other ransacks the clinic’s safe.
“Just take what you want. I don’t want any trouble,” Salyards is heard saying on the tape.
“I don’t have anything!” he continues. “Dude, please, just leave!”
To his credit, Salyards returned to work the next morning despite being in shock.
In a surprising twist, one of the robbers apologized and returned half the pot and the laptop a few days later. He may turn himself in today as well. The robbers are seen in full view via security cameras (see below).
Check out the full report at Fremont KOMO and be a little nicer to Josh next time you’re picking up your medical marijuana.
Comments Off on Fremont Medical Marijuana Dispensary RobbedTags: crime, medical marijuana
Governor Gregoire has signed into law a bill spearheaded by 36th District Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles (D-Seattle). The new law grants Washingtonians with terminal or debilitating medical conditions improved access to medical marijuana. “With this bill we honor our state’s commitment to relieving some pain and suffering for thousands of Washingtonians,” said Kohl-Welles, the primary sponsor for SB 5798.
This new law expands on the 1998 voter-approved I-692 which first allowed MDs and osteopaths to authorize the use of medical marijuana. The new law extends the authority to prescribe medical marijuana to other licensed health professionals such as naturopathic doctors, advanced registered nurse practitioners, physician assistants and osteopathic physician assistants. These professionals are already authorized to prescribe controlled substances.
During the next legislative session, Senator Kohl-Welles plans to do more work on medical marijuana issues. “Most unfortunately, this small protection is not enough. In the last month we have seen attacks on medical marijuana patients and providers. Next session, I will build on this year’s progress by working to provide full legal protection for medical marijuana patients and designated providers who work within the law,” Kohl-Welles said.
Read the entire SB 5798 as it was signed by Gov. Gregoire here (.pdf).
