Raid Preparedness for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries. Written by Cannabis Training University (CTU) All rights reserved

Transcription

1 Raid Preparedness for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Written by Cannabis Training University (CTU) All rights reserved

2 Contents Introduction... 3 How to Handle a Raid on a Medical Marijuana Dispensary... 4 Steps to prepare for a raid:... 5 Steps to prepare for an arrest:... 6 Actions for after being raided:

3 Introduction Recent changes in the DEA s handling of medical marijuana dispensaries in the United States have been very promising for current or future cannabis business owners. Below is news that occurred in May WASHINGTON The House passed an amendment May 29, 2014 to restrict the Drug Enforcement Administration from targeting medical marijuana operations in states where it is legal. The decision came on a bipartisan appropriations amendment spearheaded by California Republican Rep. Dana Rohrabacher and California Democrat Sam Farr. The amendment still faces several procedural hurdles before it is ratified, but this is the first time such an amendment has succeeded in the House. The vote is an encouraging one for marijuana advocates, who say it shows the congressional pendulum is finally tilting in their favor. The significance of it is a symbolic importance, said Dan Riffle, director of federal policies at the Marijuana Policy Project. We are nearing a point now where the United States Congress is essentially ready to end marijuana prohibition. Even with this news being stated, it is best for anyone who runs a cannabis business to be familiar with how to handle a raid from federal agents if it were to happen in their establishment. 3

4 How to Handle a Raid on a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Possession of marijuana is still illegal under federal law, and therefore a threat to all dispensary operators, even if their state laws allow it. It is important for all dispensary owners and staff members to be thoroughly prepared for a raid by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 4

5 Steps to prepare for a raid: Store all patient and financial data in a safe and secure location as well as an off-site location Be sure to properly label all cannabis and cannabis products for medical use only Educate the staff of their rights and what actions to take when a raid occurs Follow all appropriate state business laws and operate your facility in a professional and legal manner Never allow unauthorized people, drugs or weapons in your facility Have security cameras actively in place so if a raid does occur, it will be recorded 5

6 Steps to prepare for an arrest: Set aside a legal defense fund in case of an arrest It is important to let your lawyer handle everything, when dealing directly with the DEA do not voluntarily share any information instead state I choose to remain silent and want to see my lawyer. Be sure all staff is informed of the same procedure Do not consent to a search but allow it to happen without any resistance Inform your patients and supports of a backup phone # for them to call in case of a raid or arrest Forward all calls from the raided center to an active employee or assisting member Get a lawyer and inform them of your business risks and general plan for personal concerns in case of an arrest 6

7 Actions for after being raided: Update voic s and contact information for patients and supporters regarding your response plan Contact your patients and inform them of what happened Contact all lawyers and media about the raid Organize supporters and protesters for a fast response to the raid Release any photographs of the actual raid to public/media 7