Ann Arbor medical marijuana dispensary raided by DEA
Federal authorities raided People’s Choice Alternative Medicine, a medical marijuana dispensary on Ann Arbor’s west side, Tuesday afternoon.
The DEA raided this medical marijuana dispensary Tuesday afternoon.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
“It’s an ongoing investigation and I can’t comment further,” Isaacson said.
No one from People’s Choice was available to comment about the raid when an AnnArbor.com reporter went to the dispensary Tuesday afternoon. A sign on the door said "People's Choice is closed until further notice. Sorry for the inconvenience."
It’s the second such raid by the DEA in Washtenaw County in a month. On July 30, a search warrant was executed at The Shop — a medical marijuana dispensary in Ypsilanti.
After the raid, city officials suspended the license of the Cross Street dispensary after the raid because city inspectors found roaches, rolling papers and loose marijuana in and around an ashtray.
Isaacson would not comment on whether the two raids were related.
Ann Arbor police officials said they were not aware of the Tuesday raid at People’s Choice.
Intern reporter Chelsea Hoedl contributed to this report.
Kyle Feldscher covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
stickman551
Mon, Sep 2, 2013 : 6:33 p.m.
It's just about the almighty dollar and somebody making quota's, end of the month! DEA just isn't smart enough to catch the real drug dealers. I have a Heroin dealer 2 doors down! Kids, older people in and out! Do you think anything is done! Hmm! Because Rich people buy Heroin and Cocaine the police are bought off! Alcohol is much worse than weed 1st off and upmost. This raid was a farse!
MsCochise
Wed, Aug 28, 2013 : 3:42 a.m.
Noticed that within weeks of the holiday, the DEA conducts more raids, without writing the citation ticket? Hmmn? This is the same game they play with the heroin cartel? They confiscate 1M -2M bucks, give them a $50k bond (10% = Laughable), release them back on the streets......to make more money, then 8 months later, do it all over again!
Phil
Tue, Aug 27, 2013 : 4:33 p.m.
A true smash and grab. They took the money (but didn't write down the right amount, they were short). They removed the clones and broke apart a legal grow. AND, NO arrest was made and no charges were brought on the people working there. This is the DEA's form of justice, steal the money and share it amonst your cronies. YOU DEA THIEVES! ASSH0LES!
Phil
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:19 p.m.
Search warrant my ass. They took everything! The thieves!
Eduard Copely
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:54 p.m.
Congratulations and Kudos to the DEA for shutting this place down. Marijuana is still classified under federal law as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Milton Shift
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 5:35 a.m.
Whatever neurotransmitters that are responsible for pro-drug war stupidity should be scheduled - death penalty for possession.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:56 a.m.
I rank this law up there with the law making butter substitutes illegal in Wisconsin prisons. I have as much respect for the DEA as the guy who has to crack down on the guys smuggling in the canola oil blend.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 9:51 p.m.
Yes, it is VERY clear that we need to change the federal law. No doubt about it.
Eduard Copely
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 7:31 p.m.
Dear Hmm, I don't think the plants care one way or the other, but the people GROWING the plants certainly will feel repercussion for violating the federal controlled substance laws. Besides, HEMP is legally cultivated in most states already, so stop crying foul.
Hmm
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 6:49 p.m.
Silly plants don't they know they were outlawed in 1937? Why don't they take the hint and stop growing all over the place, don't they know that the US government declared them ILLEGAL? They need to stop growing, immediately, and comply with the letter and spirit of the law! These stupid cannabis plants always starting trouble breaking the laws that our forefathers like Harry Anslinger worked so hard to put into effect! One day, and I'm sure you would agree with me Eduard, these plants will get what's coming to them and it's not going to be pretty that's for sure!
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:50 p.m.
I think it makes not sense for a state to be able to pass a law that is contrary to an existing state or federal law still on the books. It is possible that the next President may not be as generous on these facilities. So if a substance is illegal at state or federal law, you can't make up a reason to make it legal the case with marijuana. Looking at research done on effects, it is clear widespread use, i.e., make it legal will create more health problems than any positive effects. And with emphasis on health care costs, we should not be legalizing anything that will negatively affect health.
leaguebus
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:36 a.m.
The problem is, and we have seen this over and over, if the people decide that they want to do something that alters their brain state, they will do it, whether it is illegal or not. By making alcohol illegal, we got the Mafia. By making weed illegal, we got drug cartels. Same with cocaine and a bunch of other "illegal drugs". By the way, the prison corporations are against the moves made by the current Administration to lessen penalties on drugs. Wonder why?
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:51 a.m.
Did it make sense to repeal prohibition?
InformationisPower
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 6:14 p.m.
As you are very concerned about the overall health in America, what are you thoughts on the escalating prescription drug epidemic (more deaths from prescription drugs than all illegal drugs)? How about the horrible side effects of tobacco and alcohol? Both contribute to billions of dollars of in healthcare.
you can't handle the truth
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:40 p.m.
Was this roach that was found an insect, man??
SqueegeeBeckenheim
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:02 p.m.
That Ann Arbor police officials didn't know about the raid is a little hard to believe, since police cars from all over blocked traffic around the building for the DEA vehicles...
Hmm
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:35 p.m.
Organized and sanctioned thievery basically. Just watch, no charges will come about from this, they are going to confiscate the business' cash and product, but no one is actually going to go to jail. Same M.O. as the other ones. It's been weeks now and what charges have come about from The Shop raid in Ypsi? If it was so much evidence that they needed to do a raid wouldn't they have arrested someone by now? Thievery that's all it is!
Eduard Copely
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 8:49 p.m.
Hmm, how so? Care to articulate or explain your accusations? Or you just happy hearing you're own voice?
Anita
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:33 p.m.
WAY TO GO DEA!!!! You guys should be so proud, I mean it isn't like there is a heroin problem where people are dying left and right, it is a great thing all the money you used to shut down the evils of pot.
Anita
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.
MICK52 I am assuming you don't know what sarcasm is, I typed this slow so you have time to look it up.......
Eduard Copely
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.
I see dead people.
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
Actually Anita, people are dying left and right on heroin overdoses. I am curious, would you object to the DEA raiding a local pharmacy if they were violating the law? Or was this whole "medical marijuana" thing just a scam to let dopers get their dope?
harry b
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:42 p.m.
The DEA is just following the law. Blame your president who by the way, said he would not interfere in state rights. Another Obama lie.
whojix
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:24 p.m.
I don't think anyone is surprised this system has been abused by people looking for their fix.
incubo734
Mon, Aug 26, 2013 : 4:53 p.m.
Who needs facts when you have fear and ignorance!
Go waste
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:13 p.m.
Another lemming. Can't think for yourself. Where are your facts?
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:50 a.m.
People do not "fix" for marijuana. Compare with alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:37 p.m.
Link to it then. I have seen no evidence of wide spread abuse of the Michigan law
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:20 p.m.
Woman, there has been tons of evidence of abuse of the Michigan statute.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:49 p.m.
I am certainly not surprised that some people are so against this drug that they like to accuse people of abusing the system even without evidence that is occurring.
harry b
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:21 p.m.
I dont know why they just don't treat it like any other drug. Put it in a pharmacy and have it dispensed by license pharmacists.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 1:47 a.m.
@Mick52, They would prefer to prescribe synthetic opioids, they are certainly more effective at relieving pain, but at what cost? Most will develop physical dependency, some will get full-blown addiction and end up stealing, overdosing, or shooting heroin. I like the side effects of ibuprofen, Advil, or THC much better, even if there are not as clinically effective.
quintessentially
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:31 p.m.
Well Harry B I'll tell you why it's not dispensed by pharmacists..because there is no chance of overdosing and no risk for abuse, or physical dependence. Some people sell it, some smoke it too much and don't have the will power to stop using as frequently but still no one can die from it. In fact Asprin is worse for you and that drug is sold over the counter. This means that there is no need for strict regulation. The fact that it was such a big deal in the past 60 years, made the drug have a lot of demand so the price went up a lot up to this point. As soon as it is completely legal, marijuana drug dealers will make a very small fraction of what they do before it becomes legal, so there will be no reason to sell it out of a pharmacy...THE MORE YOU KNOW
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:26 p.m.
Actually Harry, they have a drug called Marinol that is from marijuana. A health care professional I know told me they do not prescribe it because it is not as effective as other drugs on the "symptoms" for which dopers are trying to get relief.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
Actually, it would be better as an over the counter drug. It is safer than tylenol and useful for a similarly wide array of ailments.
harry b
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:38 p.m.
Like coke and heroin. That sounds like a bad idea.
Third Coast
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:45 p.m.
I don't know why they just don't treat it like any other herb. Let everyone grow their own.
rayjay
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.
Weed is pretty much harmless. I believe there is some medicinal value to it in certain circumstances. On the other hand, I think "medical" marijuana is one of the biggest scams in health?care. Do you really believe there are enough bonafide patients to justify the number of distributors out there?
Eduard Copely
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
Actually "Weed" or "Pot" makes people pretty damn stupid.
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:25 p.m.
Oh it's all phony research and articles Riverguy? And you can prove this or is simply your opinion enough? Rayjay, if you read the articles you will see conditions that are quite harmless. Another issue with research on marijuana use is that researchers do not conduct research on illegal substances. We will get more as these "clinics" exist or if MJ becomes legal. In my opinion, at a time when the govt is pushing health care, we should not allow behaviors that cause illness.
rayjay
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:14 p.m.
@Mick52 Relatively harmless compared to alcohol and tobacco. Maybe I didn't make my opinion clear in my post. I am not a proponent of medical marijuana, however I do think it helps with some conditions.
riverguy
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:34 p.m.
Mick, when someone doing a "study" knows what conclusion they're looking for before it begins, that's the one they're going to find.
harry b
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:51 p.m.
A2isNuts Other than being a spelling police...I take it you agree.
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:46 p.m.
I have yet to find something that works better for symptoms related to menstruation. A very significant number of people menstruate so yes, I do believe that there are enough bonafide patients to justify the number of distributors out there.
A2isNuts
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:56 p.m.
harry b: Don't you mean they're not there? Seems like you aren't very sharp either.
harry b
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:22 p.m.
Have you ever talked to someone who smokes pot daily. There not the sharpest tool in the bunch. Tell me weed is harmless. HA
jastro734
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:30 p.m.
DEA is a joke. I thought there was real drugs out there that actually kill people?
HRD
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 9:08 p.m.
Mick, did you even read the articles that you provided links to? One clearly states that "a notorious gang allegedly grossed $11 million a year running open-air heroin and cocaine markets" in Chicago, and the other is about the long term effects of methanphetamines. How does that relate to legal medical marihuana here in Michigan?
Jon Wax
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:26 p.m.
told ya. Peace Wax
Milton Shift
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.
THC is neurochemical communism. (Better red than dead.)
Milton Shift
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
Drug Exporters of America, Inc. Don't make the mistake of competing with their imports.
Robert Hughes
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
Welcome to 2013. I hope you don't want to ease your medical condition with marijuana; you might get raided by the DEA. It's still substance 1, not for health or fun - says the man with a gun.
nickcarraweigh
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:17 p.m.
When they came for the roaches, I said nothing because I was not a roach.
Davidian
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:12 p.m.
DEA is a useless, near criminal organization. Total waste of time, resources, and MY MONEY. Re-appropriate the funds to people committing crimes that hurt people.
jmcmurray
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 7:09 p.m.
Mick, please tell me how gangs will still be making millions by selling weed if it is made legal, when anybody can grow their own in their yard. I grew my own tomatoes and peppers this summer. Guess what? I haven't had to buy any from the store in a while. If everyone who wanted to smoke could grow their own, there would be no demand for black market weed.
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 5:28 p.m.
Riverguy, I have heard this before, legalize MJ and the bad guys will get out of it. Why? What a dumb idea. They will still be able to make millions selling it. More than before, and since they are bad guys they are not going to follow any restrictions or pay taxes.
riverguy
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
Great. Keep the DEA to go after meth, crack, cocaine, heroin, and illegal prescription drugs. Legalize marijuana and the bad guys will get out of the weed business.
harry b
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:54 p.m.
Write your President.
justcurious
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
That sure is an ugly building. Psychodelic man....
craigjjs
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
Looks like a medical facility to me.
ChelseaBob
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:43 a.m.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced last week that federal prisons were overcrowded, so they are going to release a bunch of people being held for non-violent drug offenses. He also said they are going to rethink prosecuting such cases. I guess the DEA didn't get the message.
InformationisPower
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 7:06 p.m.
Mick52--Now your comments make sense. As you indicated you are/were a LEO, so your job and future pension depended on imprisoning people! As a LEO you know that marijuana dealers are obviously not as Violent as other felons (robbers, rapists, molestors, murderers, etc)! Tell me why the average prison sentence is longer for a convicted drug dealer than a child molester?
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:03 p.m.
I was curious about Mr. Holders comment and how many people would blindly agree. As a former LEO, I am curious about how a person committing "minor" crimes populate our prisons. My experience was that it was quite difficult to get anyone in prison. Sentencing guidelines are specific, set by law and typically if you are in prison, not jail where minor offenders go, you have to break a very serious law, or be an offender with multiple felony convictions on your record. So I looked it up and the first example I saw was some guy with Meth. Also the article I found says that "draconian" sentences are applied based on the amount of drugs a person has in his possession. High volume means dealer. Dealers are some of the worst offenders, note the violence drugs cause. So if Mr. Holder wants to ask congress to lessen sentences, he can, but I hope they ignore him. If his office won't charge, I hope his LEOs turn the case over to state and local police, the communities that have to deal with the effects of drugs.
Rich
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:24 a.m.
I'm embarrassed some idiot over at the DEA has spending power of my tax dollars for this nonsense. Can we raid the DEA and get our tax dollars/pot?
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:55 p.m.
Rich, would you be embarrassed if the DEA raided a pharmacy if they broke the law? Or is that a waste of your tax dollars too?
Michigan Man
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:42 a.m.
Rich - Very cool - Great Ann Arbor idea - raid the DEA! Let me know how that works out.
tinkywinky
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:52 a.m.
I suggest the City Council pass a strongly worded resolution condemning the DEA for their actions. That'll show them.
EyeHeartA2
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:43 a.m.
Did they just cut/paste this story from the one in Ypsi? or is this getting to be common place?
Dog Guy
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:41 a.m.
The Cross Street dispensary should have put out roach clips to catch those roaches.
Boo Radley
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:36 a.m.
Michigan's medical marijuana law has always been about a 'registered primary caregiver' acquiring, cultivating, providing medical marijuana to their 'registered qualified patient'. Shops set up to sell marijuana have NEVER been allowed under Michigan's law. Many of them try and get around the law by accepting "donations", but generally all of the other legal requirements have not been met. There is also a limit to the amount of marijuana that a registered caregiver may cultivate and possess for each qualified patient they have. Those limits generally are not observed by the shops set up to sell marijuana under the guise of providing medical marijuana.
leaguebus
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:23 a.m.
The private prisons need more prisoners so they can rake in more profits. Thanks DEA.
Homeland Conspiracy
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:51 a.m.
So...
smokeblwr
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 11:54 p.m.
Word on the street is that many of the local dispensaries are selling their wares to customers who don't have the proper paperwork. So, this is really no different than raiding a liquor store selling to minors. If you want to get high that bad and don't have cataracts may I suggest whippets?
Phil
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
People's Choice DID NOT sell TO ANYONE without the proper paperwork. I know the staff personally and they are pitbulls when it comes to having the proper paperwork. Get over yourself.
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.
Selling to people without proper paperwork?? Imagine that. Thank you Jack, for providing us with a confession that people do just that. You must look like an undercover federal agent, or you didn't slip the dealer at the counter a $50 bill.
JPLewis
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
Whippets, Greyhounds....any nice dog will make you feel high.
Jack Gladney
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
I went there on my birthday, because I want something to help ease me with my aging. The cat behind the counter was like a box, man. A real square, ya know? He said I needed papers to buy my stuff there. And I was like, "Dude, I don't need papers to smoke this, man. I got a sweet bong I bought downtown." And he was like, 'Sorry, man. In Michigan you gotta have papers to get high." Dude was a total downer. Who wants pizza?
HereAndThere
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:24 a.m.
I have to say that People's Choice surely wasn't willing to serve me on the day my medical marijuana card expired (it expired on midnight at the beginning of the day and I was just checking).
harpua
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:50 a.m.
so ... your fine with sucking down nitrous oxide, but the MM dispensaries are too much for you to deal with? cause of your "word off the street". lighten up.
5c0++ H4d13y
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:25 a.m.
"If you want to get high that bad and don't have cataracts may I suggest whippets?" I think you mean glaucoma.
jjc155
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 11:45 p.m.
isnt this dispenary affiliated with the grow op that was raid a couple of months ago on railroad st in ypsi? maybe ongoing investigation? maybe much more than just having some roaches etc in there. I think ALL drugs should be legal, the DEA (and most alphabet fed agencies done away with) but they arent and when the fed's come a knocking, several times in a small geo area, maybe there is more to it than just the man coming down the little guy.
Chaz H
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 11:24 p.m.
I seem to recall the president saying the Feds would not prosecute in states will legal medical marijuana: http://www.justice.gov/opa/documents/medical-marijuana.pdf I voted for Obama, but I am getting really tired of the broken promises... DEA, NSA, Gitmo-Bay... Can we please get a viable Independent candidate in 2016?
Woman in Ypsilanti
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 9:45 p.m.
I have to admit that I wouldn't vote for Obama again specifically because of this nonsense.
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:50 p.m.
Chaz, I think what the President meany was they would not seek out these drug dens if they complied with the law the were formed under. If the DEA finds out they are violating the law they will investigate, just like they would if a typical pharmacy was violating laws required to be followed.
some random dude
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:12 p.m.
the feds will probably not prosecute..they'll turn it over to local authorities and.. just guessing here, but i would think that a local district attorney probably wouldn't touch the case if the business was running within the rules and regulations set forth in the city's policies. So..the feds get the goods, the owners are left with nothing but the decision to start over and run the risk of it happening again...it feels like a shakedown really. that being said...maybe the dispensary was operating outside the law and the raid was justifiable.
jklep12
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:58 p.m.
There is no such thing as a viable independent candidate in a presidential election. The two major parties set election rules to benefit themselves, not an independent or third party candidate.
Jon Wax
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:29 p.m.
that's not what he said at all: he said, specifically, that he wasn't targeting the end user. which, if you read it like a lawyer, means he was targeting the shops by omission. and he did. just like i said he would. Peace Wax
mw
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
"Please explain to us how President Obama has anything to do pot laws in Ann Arbor." He has nothing to do with the local laws. But his administration has *everything* to do with the federal DEA (part of the justice department that reports to Eric Holder and ultimately to Obama) making raids on dispensaries. He promised to stop the raids, and he could certainly stop them if he wanted to. But he has not. In fact the number of raids has gone UP not down during his presidency.
Borbsi
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:58 a.m.
"with"
Borbsi
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:57 a.m.
Please explain to us how President Obama has anything to do pot laws in Ann Arbor.
Kevin
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:25 a.m.
Rand Paul 2016
Mike
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:58 a.m.
I think they should let him run again, I'm curious how bad things could get..............
Michigan Man
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 11:13 p.m.
Good - DEA getting it done! Really a good move at the right time - most Ann Arborites would like to see this eyesore just go away.
Go waste
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 2:02 p.m.
Another government lemming. Would drink acid if the government told him too.
Phil
Thu, Aug 22, 2013 : 12:06 p.m.
Michigan man needs to move to Siberia if he thinks for one minute we are giving up on our Medicine. You, are a tool, idiot!
clownfish
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:34 p.m.
seeing as the voters in A2 voted OVERWHELMINGLY in FAVOR of allowing medical MJ...perhaps you are incorrect?
Jon Wax
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:28 p.m.
lol spoken like someone who just moved here in the last 10 years or so. Peace Wax
actionjackson
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
Michigan Man ~ Well by your vote tally not everyone is on the same page as yourself. Nothing wrong with that as long as you aren't running Ann Arbor!
HereAndThere
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:34 a.m.
How can it be an eyesore? It's not even that visible from any main streets. Many patients don't even know it's there. Or is it that groovy painting on the building that hurts your eyes?
donderop
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 11:24 a.m.
How do you know what most Ann Arborites want?
Mr. Ed
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:13 a.m.
I agree Michigan man. Someone with common sense.
tori1228
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 10:59 p.m.
well let's see: more than 60% of all Michiganders voted in favor of medical marijuana: a majority in every county--even in Grand Rapids! the dispensaries are providing a needed service, running a successful business and contributing to the economy, and hiring employees. yup: sounds like something we need to put a stop to NOW!
riverguy
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:17 p.m.
AA Neighbor, it was 60% of the people who cared enough to vote on the issue, just like every other issue (or politician) on the ballot. Did YOU vote? "Go Feds"?? Would you like the feds to decide everything else for us in Michigan too? I sure as h*** don't! Mick52, just because YOU wouldn't frequent this type of business doesn't mean that others shouldn't. I'll bet that you go to businesses and buy products that I never would. That doesn't mean that I think they should be raided and shut down. To each his own.
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:47 p.m.
They are not providing a needed service. Frankly with the current emphasis on health care and providing insurance to everyone, I am surprised the federal govt is not cracking down severely on places like this selling substances that will make people unhealthy.
AA Neighbor
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:05 p.m.
60% of voters is not 60% of "all Michiganders". Go Feds!
bill s
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.
I don't understand the trouble over the roaches. I don't believe they sell food and beverages, and if authorities cited every business who had pests I suspect there would be a march on city hall. I just don't understand...
jrad1978
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 4:20 p.m.
Please .... do we really have to clarify here that a Roach is a marijuana cigarette butt? ...sheesh....and shame on the DEA ....shouldn't they be raiding CVS or Walgreens? ...they are way more dangerous medications at those pharmacies
microtini
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:31 p.m.
Clearly, bill s is being ironic. AA.com is at fault for using a colloquialism in a mainstream publication.
SqueegeeBeckenheim
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:40 p.m.
...cannot tell if serious...
Jack Gladney
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
Emily Litella: I'm here tonight to speak out against busting schoolchildren. Busting schoolchildren is a terrible, terrible thing!... Chevy Chase: Um... Miss Litella? The story was about bussing, not busting schoolchildren. Emily Litella: Oh... I'm sorry... Never mind. RIP Gilda.
arborani
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:18 a.m.
Yikes, even *I* know what a "roach" is.
matt1027
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:08 a.m.
Wow...the "s" must stand for "square"
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:05 a.m.
Umm, yeah, I would already guess that by the context. They sell pot. Hello?
Gorc
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:40 a.m.
Kyle can you confirm if jjc155 is correct that your use of the term "roaches" was referring to the partially smoked marijuana cigarette.
jjc155
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 11:40 p.m.
my guess is they are MJ roaches (ie partially smoked joints) and not El Cocoracha.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Aug 20, 2013 : 10:44 p.m.
Doesn't the feds have something better to do? How about stopping all the cocaine & heroin from crossing the border...oh that's right there's BIG money in coke & dope.
Mick52
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 3:45 p.m.
I do not understand the logic of people who see this action as bad. Any business that is regulated under some sort of licensing is required to follow the law and the regulations set by legislation. I wonder if you would feel the same about a typical pharmacy being raided by the DEA if it is determined the law was being violated. If they weren't phony this would not happen.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
My kids know right from wrong. It's the other idiots that let their kids run rampant that are the problem. It takes a village, one you obviously aren't a part of.
actionjackson
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:18 p.m.
Mike ~ The card does no good whatsoever if they keep shutting down the dispensaries. The people have voted in a wide majority to take these archaic laws off the books. Go raid crack houses or even liquor stores with the same ferocity!
Homeland Conspiracy
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:16 a.m.
Stop use "the children" as a reason for everything... Be an adult & teach your "kids" right & wrong So the state won't have to
matt1027
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 2:07 a.m.
No payoff/bribe money in running a pot dispensary. Plus, those guys are easy take-downs. Wouldn't want to put in a real days work against armed criminals who run hard drugs and put yourself at risk, right? Go bust the guys throwing a frisbee instead.
TryingToBeObjective
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 1:07 a.m.
Not concerned about the adults- that's their prerogative. It's the kids and the location I would have concern over. The kids.
Mike
Wed, Aug 21, 2013 : 12:57 a.m.
We pretty much have legalized marijuana, the only thing stopping you from getting it is a card you can get for $75 almost anywhere. Find something better to do...............