BAKERSFIELD: Pot dispensary re-opens for business after DEA raid

BAKERSFIELD: Pot dispensary re-opens for business after DEA raid

Last Update: May 2, 2007 8:25 PM

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Posted 5/2/07

BAKERSFIELD - Just one day after a local marijuana dispensary was raided by
federal agents, the store is back open for business.

Nature's Medicinal Cooperative is one of six dispensaries in Kern County,
but what will happen to the rest of the marijuana shops?

Nature's Medicinal Cooperative is leading a crusade; they are low on
marijuana and cash, but are staying open along with the other dispensaries
in town.

Patients who use pot for pain returned to the Oildale dispensary after
Tuesday's DEA raid.

Federal agents warned Nature's Medicinal Cooperative's owner, David Chavez,
to shut down after they seized 50 pounds of pot worth more than $150,000.

But for the self-declared marijuana man, the writing is on the wall.

"We're caught in the middle of nightmare federal agents saying were illegal
and criminals and the state saying we have a right to dispense to sick
patients," Chavez said. "The dispensary is rebuilding one jar at a time
before yesterday's raid. These were all full of medical marijuana and now
there is just a few with anything left inside. Right now, it's really tough,
but with the help of the patients and the community, we think we might be
able to make things work out here."

DEA officials said Wednesday there was no specific reason Nature's Medicinal
Dispensary was targeted, however, after a 12 month investigation, agents
said the operation is breaking a federal law of selling marijuana.

Store owners and customers said the dispensary was following strict state
guidelines required for operation.

Sheriff's deputies regulate the business and have no problems to report.

But one nearby resident said inspectors will never see what he does.

"They get high and come out in their vehicles and drive off and we got kids
and worry about the aftermath of their actions," said John Johanson, who
lives near the dispensary.

At least for now, Chavez's crusade will continue as he plans to supply his
patients with a dose of nature's medicine.

"I ain't sweatin' it," he said. "You can't stop a pot smoker."

A rally is planned for Saturday for people who support medical marijuana.

As for Chavez, he is not facing charges related to the raid, though his son
and a dispensary co-worker were arrested for possession of cocaine.

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