Feds Say Oakland Cant Block Seizure of Harborside Medical Pot Dispensaryselfnews Post After losing a recent court judgement that said they couldnt evict Harborside under federal forfeiture, the Feds are now making the argument that the state and city cannot stand in their way of seizing the dispensary. Back in July, the federal government filedforfeiture proceedingsagainst the property that Harborside rents. Although Harborside has not violated any state laws, action by the Feds essentially forced the landlords Anna Chretien and Concourse Business Center to file eviction charges with the Feds. On Friday November 30th of this year a superior court ruled that Harborside cannot be evicted from their location simply because their product violates federal law. The granted stay of forfeiturewas seen as a huge victory for Harborside and for state sovereignty in a never-ending battle by the Feds. We are heartened by the robust support provided to Harborside by our elected officials and the California courts, said Harborsides co-founder Steve DeAngelo. The decision makes it clear that organizations that comply with state law deserve the protection of that law. For years, in medical cannabis cases, California state courts have followed a principle that cities should not be able to ask a state court to indirectly enforce federal controlled substance laws in a way that disadvantages cannabis patients and caregivers, said Harborsides lawyer, Henry Wykowski. However, this is the first opinion that extends that principle to private actors, such as landlords. In a brief, Justice Department attorney Kathryn Wyer writes: The brief further notes that the Controlled Substance Act applies to all states no matter if they have changed their own laws or not: Wyer even takes a swipe at the state and city for only sticking up for Harborside because it has received a windfall of millions of dollars in tax and sales revenues through the operation of illegal marijuana dispensaries within its borders. Indeed, Harborside has been a major benefit to the state of California and Oakland, as its estimated $20 million in annual sales operating as a non-profit have generated over $3 million is local and state taxes. Yet, apparently Wyer thinks that is a bad thing. Clearly the Feds have little respect for state rights, property rights, medical rights, and local sovereignty all of which are being tried in this case. Meanwhile, one of the most respected, lawful, and successful medical marijuana treatment centers is facing closure. Learn more about the Harborside Health Center by watching their video: A recent Gallup poll showed that 64% of Americans want the federal government out of state marijuana laws: If youre interested in sending your thoughts to DOJ attorney Kathryn Wyer regarding this case, please contact her below: kathryn.wyer@usdoj.gov Read other articles by selfnews Post Here 