The tug of war between Federal Agents and the medical marijuana industry happened again Thursday, July 25. In Washington State, the people voted last November to make marijuana legal. The Washington Governor met with Federal officials to try to work out some compromise. The medicinal industry in the state has been legal and operating for several years. In spite of all the rules they try to follow, the industry can’t seem to get along with Federal Agents.
Frankly, the Federal Agents are on the losing side of the public relations battle. No matter what they may say in their statements read on the TV news, people are not believing there was good reason for this. Through Facebook and other social medial, we learn, once again, the other side of the story. We should expect better of our Federal Government, but they appear to most of us to be abusing their power and stirring fear for fear’s sake.
You should know, this commentary is coming from someone 1) with a medicinal marijuana patient in the family. 2) who can’t stand being around the stuff. To me, it stinks, bad. But maybe if I had a bout with cancer, I’d change my mind too. I want that option for people. I voted yes in November, because I don’t want to get in hot water if I take that family member on a trip and happen to get pulled over with him and his stash in the car.
The Fed, as my friend says, need to “eat a red.” All their drug laws appear to be doing is helping the cartels. They are certainly acting similarly, throwing their weight around, frightening and threatening people. Yes, some of you butthead might lose your jobs if the war against drugs quiets down. Guess what? We’re tired of paying your wages for a war you are not winning. I certainly would rather cut the Federal budget of your wages than take the 20% cut I got in my unemployment or the 20% cut the staff at Madigan just took.
Come on fellas, aren’t there truly dangerous people you can go after? Maybe some evil banksters? Are you afraid the nice people at these medicinal marijuana shops are just redressed crude old drug dealers? Nah. Get a life Feds. Go chase someone in a state where they are still criminals.

Here’s a statement from Facebook posted by a friend of one store raided in the Olympia area:

Good Thursday Morning, Today we are open from 11am to 7pm. DEEP BREATH!!!

“The purpose of your life is to serve in a way that brings great joy to yourself and others. Don’t worry about finding your purpose. Instead, focus upon serving a purpose, and then your purpose will serve you.”
Medical Cannabis and helping patients is our purpose.
Someone said to us last night this very saying, ” You are safe, and this situation is under the perfect control of Divine providence and universal order. Only infuse loving thoughts and emotions into the situation to ensure that the highest possible outcome flows effortlessly to and through you.”
In lieu of recent events that took place yesterday, it has taken a lot out of us, but yet we have gain a lot as well.
We have been comforted by many and supported by people we have never met. We can assure you we will fight for your rights as patients, and we will continue to provide you with a safe access point were you can obtain your meds. We are going to fight this fight. We are not sure why they came to us. But, I can assure you NO PATIENT FILES OR INFORMATION WAS CONFINSCATED (sic) OR SEIZED.
As for Bayside’s future, we remain OPEN, this is only the battle lost not the war won. We have a long road ahead of us and we would love and really appreciate your support through all of this. Bayside is and has been in complete compliance with all STATE LAWS and City regulations!
We do have a few strains of dry meds on our shelves. We have no concentrates, or edibles at this time. We have had a few clones donated as well.
We are here and can’t wait to see you. We are here and we are eager to help you.
We are still starting our School Supply Drive August 1, 2013- we are collecting school supplies for children in the Thurston county school districts. We are asking for your help in donating so no child has to show up for the first day of school with out the proper tools to succeed. Every child is capable of success, No Exceptions!
Also, we will be collecting new or gently used clothing items for school age children as well. You don’t have to be a patient to donate just come on in and say hey!
We are so happy to be here today and the fact that our patients have our backs and feel the same as we do is wonderful! THANK YOU TO ALLOF YOU.

Sincerely,
Bayside Collective

Here’s a story on the raid: http://www.thedailychronic.net/2013/24837/dea-agent-to-raided-wa-dispensary-owner-things-are-going-to-be-hell-for-you/2/