RCMP executes search warrant on Similkameen Valley cannabis dispensary

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      The federal government has promised to legalize marijuana by July 1, but that's not stopping the Mounties from continuing to raid storefront operations.

      On Friday (January 26), Keremeos RCMP executed a search warrant on the Amber Light Compassion Society in Cawston, B.C., which is an unincorporated community in the Similkameen Valley.

      In a Facebook post, the compassion club said that "due to overwhelming pressure" from the RCMP, it has been forced to close its doors.

      "We feel it very discouraging that the police have taken this route instead of calling on the community to have its say before they enact their will without the thought of the community." 

      The cops say they found 20 pounds of dried marijuana, hashish, and various extracts in the form of pills, lotions, balms, and oils. In other words, exactly the types of products that are available in municipally licensed dispensaries in Vancouver.

      "After learning that local youths had allegedly obtained marihuana from the dispensary, we immediately launched an investigation which led to these arrests and seizures," Cpl. Brian Evans said in a news release. "We view our actions as appropriate and necessary in responding to public complaints received and initiated the resulting investigation. During the search, investigators gathered evidence of possible offences under the Criminal Code of Canada and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and took enforcement actions accordingly."

      Cawston has a population of about 1,000 and bills itself as the "organic capital of Canada". That's because 40 percent of the farms in the area have obtained this certification.

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