Residents object to recent drug raids

Posted: Jan 5, 2011 7:44 PM by Ariel Wesler
Updated: Jan 5, 2011 9:13 PM

Last week's drug raid in San Luis Obispo County has many residents outraged and they're speaking out.

Twelve people were arrested last week after a two month investigation. The San Luis Obispo County Narcotic Task Force says they were illegally transporting and selling marijuana. Officers also say they violated the state's Compassionate Use Act and Medical Marijuana Program.

Rachel Tamagni was one of twelve people arrested last week for illegally selling and trasporting medical marijuana through a mobile dispensary.

"Many others were arrested in this county, who just like us believed they were in total compliance with the law," Tamagni said.

"Going out there and just establishing a business on somebody's say so that it's ok, which many of them are, that doesn't make it ok," said Agent Rodney John with the San Luis Obispo County Narcotic Task Force.

The drug raid prompted many people to complain before the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.

"I understand that one person suffered a heart attack. This simply cannot stand. It's not right. It's not reasonable," said Linda Hill, a medical marijuana advocate.

Many feel the cannabis crackdown is going overboard.

"I think people in this community really appreciate our tax dollars going after grandmothers and putting children into Child Protective Services," said Craig Steffens, a medical marijuana advocate.

There is still debate over exactly what makes a medical marijuana dispensary legal, but drug officers say you must do your research and know the law.

"If you're not a caregiver and not in a true collective by definition, by giving, by selling that marijuana, you're making an illegal transaction," Agent John said.

A simple transaction that could easily land you in jail.

The raids took place under Sheriff Pat Hedges. Some board members have said they want to meet with newly elected Sheriff Ian Parkinson to discuss a rational approach to dealing with medical marijuana.