Shortly after the Feds announced their campaign against Harborside Health Center — the nation’s largest and most famous medical marijuana dispensary — Oakland city officials are rallying behind the prescription pot shop, warning that the cannabis crackdown would have critical economic and social consequences.
Harborside has also shot back, telling customers in a statement: “Harborside has nothing to be ashamed of, and will contest the Federal actions openly and publicly, with every legal means at our disposal. We look forward to our day in court, and are confident that justice is on our side. Come what may, we shall continue to care for our patients unless we are physically prevented from doing so.”
City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan was one of many local pols voicing support for Harborside, telling reporters at a Thursday press conference: “We cannot afford the money, we cannot afford the waste of law enforcement resources, and we cannot afford the loss of jobs that this would entail.”
Oakland revenue manager Dave McPherson, at that same press conference, explained that dispensaries’ business taxes are about 2.5 percent city’s overall biz tax revenue, $54 million. City Councilman Ignacio De La Fuente told reporters that this money can’t be overlooked, as the city keeps cutting its police force and must return $21 million in redevelopment funds to the state, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Oakland City Atty. Barbara J. Parker, onetime federal prosecutor, said in a written statement:
“Fifteen years ago, Californians voted to decriminalize medical cannabis in California.
Oakland’s regulations and permitting requirements make it possible for patients to
access safe, affordable medical cannabis to alleviate their pain and suffering.
I am deeply dismayed that the federal government would seek to deprive Californians
of this vital medicine. These actions will force patients into the underground market
of street corners and back alleys, undermining public safety and endangering their
health and lives.
As Oakland’s City Attorney and a former Assistant US Attorney, I strongly oppose
federal actions against members of Oakland’s business community who are complying
with California and Oakland laws and regulations and paying their fair share of taxes.”
As detailed by the Los Angeles Times, Harborside has effectively set medical marijuana industry standards, such as lab testing weed to measure levels of active chemicals.
The business — which employs 125 people and pays $3.5 million in taxes — offers acupuncture, pain management, and “other free wellness services” as well.
By Victoria Bekiempis
