100 pounds of bud seized

Photo: RCMP

The Penticton RCMP says it seized about 100 pounds of cannabis and edibles during its raid of an illegal dispensary in Okanagan Falls on Wednesday.

Herbal Green Apothecary is alleged to have been selling marijuana to the general public without a medical license. Police have confirmed one man was arrested and they are recommending charges to the Crown. The shop is owned and operated by Jukka Laurio, who recently agreed to pay the City of Penticton $15,000 in penalties for operating a pot shop there before moving to OK Falls.

The RCMP notes all storefront marijuana dispensaries are illegal.

“No storefront is legally able to sell marijuana products to the general public. The marijuana seized from this dispensary was openly sold to anyone who walked into the store, regardless if they had a medical use license, or not. There are legal methods of obtaining the drug, which don’t require people to walk into a non-licensed establishment,” explained Const. James Grandy.

He added the cannabis infused products displayed for sale were of “particular concern” to them.

“Written on some of the packaging seized were the words ‘the best high you’ve ever had.’ This is clearly not marketed toward those in medical need to use,” said Grandy.

The Penticton RCMP says it will “continue monitoring and investigating similar non-legal dispensaries within the region, making their way further north from Okanagan Falls.”

When asked if that meant the two illegal dispensaries currently operating in Penticton, Grandy wouldn’t get specific.

Cannabis is expected to be legalized by the federal government this summer, but in the meantime, the RCMP says it will be enforcing the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.