Kern County serves warrants on three more pot shops in Eastern Kern

A Kern County Enforcement Task Force commenced action today to enforce the county's moratorium on three illegal medical marijuana dispensaries in the communities of Mojave and Rosamond. The three dispensaries, Big O Relief at 16940 Highway 14, and an associated grow site at 16916 Highway 14, Lights Out Wellness located at 1739 Poplar Street, Rosamond, and American Organics Club at 1737 Locust Street in Rosamond, 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 pounds of edible products being sold without a permit, and served notices of violation for building, fire, and other code violations.

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.

"I applaud the actions taken today by our Enforcement Team in Eastern Kern against these illegal marijuana dispensaries," said Zack Scrivner, Second District Supervisor, who spearheaded the county's enforcement efforts. "All illegal dispensaries in Eastern Kern should be on notice that our Enforcement Team will visit them soon."