June 22nd, 2004: Federal agents raided 3 or possibly 4 medical marijuana dispensaries in San Francisco today. Photos Corporate media has reported that the dispensaries were targeted because they were alleged to be fronts for money laundering; two individuals have been charged with a conspiracy to engage in money laundering. Both IRS and DEA agents were present at the raids. Apparently federal agents, joined by the SFPD, also raided 20 homes and businesses as part of the operation. Some reports say that Oakland police assisted with one raid. It is unclear how many people were arrested, but apparently Dr. Molly Fry, who recommends cannabis to qualified patients, and her husband Dale Schafer, were taken into custody and arraigned in Sacramento. The U.S. Attorney’s office, the DEA, and the IRS held a joint press conference on June 23rd at the federal building in SF: Transcript | Read more

Americans for Safe Access has called for a rally at noon at City Hall on Thursday, June 23rd to protest the raids. ASA plans to push the city to uphold the Sanctuary Resolution that San Francisco Supervisors passed in December 2001. The resolution declared the city a safe haven for medical marijuana patients and caregivers. More rally details

This morning, independent reporter Ann Harrison wrote that the city had suspended planning and building permits for the Green Cross medical cannabis dispensary at 3420 22nd Street. She wrote that the dispensary had refused to shut down and planned to file an appeal with the city.

More SF Medical Marijuana Coverage at Hempevolution.org