The federal government has been trying to shut down America’s largest medical marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. The City of Oakland, where Harborside is located, has been trying to fight the federal government on Harborside’s behalf. This week the California Court of Appeals ruled against the City of Oakland. Per Reuters:
A federal appeals court on Thursday blocked efforts by the city of Oakland, California, to stop a U.S. government lawsuit aimed at closing down the largest medical marijuana dispensary in the country.
The three-judge panel for the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said in a written opinion that the city has standing to intervene in the civil forfeiture suit against Harborside Health Center, because its closure would cost the city tax revenue.
The judges said, however, that the U.S. government has the discretion to pursue its legal action under the law.
We will have to wait and see as to what the City of Oakland wants to do next. Steve DeAngelo, the head of Harborside Health Center, stated later in the article that they have no intention of closing their doors. He also stated that he feels the changing political attitudes in America make this case pointless to pursue. I have a lot of respect for Steve DeAngelo, and everything he has done to fight for social justice. Harborside has already outlasted Melinda Haag, and I’m confident that Steve’s wishes that the case be dismissed will become a reality.
