This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on July 1, 2013.
This past week, on a Wednesday, the day that most raids occur, three long established dispensaries in a county in western Michigan where their Sheriff is vocal about the evils marijuana brings, were raided.
The raid is nothing new, especially to the ready and embattled caregivers that ran these establishments, however, the media coverage was quite frightening. The official media release by law enforcement read that in total 150 plants, 30 guns and IED’s, you know those things terrorists have, were seized.
This was the official response? They raided about 20 residences and businesses, all parties had cards to possess and reputations of being consistent providers with local approval, yet law enforcement reported to the public, “they had IED’s”.
Did you know the 4th of July is this week, and the fireworks package I purchased from the local Meijer could be considered an IED?
We will soon learn the truth about these 3 dispensaries, but I doubt the terrorist charges stick. This “response” by law enforcement not only is dangerous to the credibility of those that share and report it, but an actual threat to our own security. Crying wolf about medical marijuana IED’s will lead to an un-trust of law enforcement within the general public.
Imagine if we have real terrorists, with real IED’s, and we need to communicate a “real warning” to the public?
This incident should be investigated as a matter of public safety. But who will?