County crackdown on illegal medical marijuana dispensaries

A Kern County Enforcement Task Force commenced action on Aug. 10 to enforce the county's moratorium on three illegal medical marijuana dispensaries in the community of Rosamond. The three dispensaries, Green Mile Collective at 2613 Diamond Street, Highway Relief Medical at 2929 Sierra Highway and 5 Gramz Stop at 2949 Sierra Highway, were operating illegally.

This Enforcement Task Force action commences an initiative to close all illegal medical marijuana dispensaries that began operation after the May 10, 2016 Moratorium enacted by the Board of Supervisors.

The Enforcement Task Force is a collaborative effort between Kern County Public Works - Code Compliance Division, Kern County Sheriff's Department, District Attorney, County Counsel, Fire Department, Planning and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture and Measurement Standards, and Public Health.

The Enforcement Team seized several thousand dollars in unsafe edible product of unknown origin, as well as illegal bath salts. In addition, several notices of violation were issued.

Medical marijuana dispensaries that operate without regard for zoning, fire, building, and health codes endanger communities. Illegal dispensaries often create a climate of lawlessness and have detrimental impacts on communities with increased instances of robberies, shootings, and even one kidnapping and torture case connected with a dispensary in 2015.

"The actions taken today send a strong message to those operating illegal dispensaries that their days in Kern County are numbered," said Zack Scrivner, Second District Supervisor, who accompanied the Enforcement Task Force today.