CA: Santa Ana Awards $100K Settlement To Marijuana Dispensary Over 2015 Raid

[Katelyn Baker]

A Santa Ana, California, marijuana dispensary will receive $100,000 from the city to settle a federal lawsuit filed in response to a 2015 raid that led to the suspension of three local police officers, the Orange County Register reported Wednesday.

The dispensary, Sky High Holistic, sued the city for police harassment after the pot shop's surveillance cameras captured members of the Santa Ana Police Department snacking on marijuana-laced edibles and making crude remarks about a handicapped woman during the course of a May 26, 2015, raid.

Sky High claimed the raid was the culmination of a plan formulated by the city aimed at putting the pot shop out of business after it declined to participate in a 2014 lottery that awarded marijuana permits to 20 dispensaries. Sky High wasn't involved in the lottery process, and was subsequently shutdown for operating without a permit.

In the aftermath, however, the dispensary's decision to release surveillance footage of the raid caused the clip to go viral and resulted in charges being filed against several of the officers involved.

According to the complaint, "officers were intentionally destructive and destroyed video surveillance equipment, safes, furniture, fixtures, doors and other property" during the raid, resulting in damages "in excess of $100,000" and the arrest of a dozen people inside the dispensary at the time.

Three of the cops were charged with misdemeanor petty theft and one with vandalism after footage of the raid was released. All have since parted ways with the city's police department and are scheduled to appear in court next month, the Orange County Register reported.

News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Santa Ana Awards $100K Settlement To Marijuana Dispensary Over 2015 Raid
Author: Andrew Blake
Contact: 202-636-3000
Photo Credit: Gosia Wozniacka
Website: The Washington Times

 

[Big Sparks]

I remember very clearly when all of this "bulls**t" happened because I happen to live within a couple of miles from this place and had frequented the establishment quite a few times back in its heyday. The employees were always very nice and professional about their tender jobs and always made me feel safe. When I heard what had happened and how poorly the officers involved had acted I was very upset to say the least. Glad to hear at least something has been done by the way of justice towards the brave people who continue to pave the way as pioneers into still an unknown territory as far as legality goes and even the old school reefer madness stigma that been around for too long now. Hope all is well in all of your worlds and we are all one step closer to November 8th and the vote for recreational legalization in California! Lets get these laws changed and get on with the inevitable! Here here...I'll smoke to that!