Editor's Note: Well, this story is chock-full of issues--and conjures up some, not-so-favorable images of the movie "Road House." A non-permitted dispensary, allegations of corruption in the permitting process and general preferred treatment of dispensaries who accept bribes for such treatment ... among others. By the way, how do the police not know that dispensaries typically have security cameras blanketing the joint?
An Orange County marijuana dispensary and its members have filed a federal lawsuit accusing Santa Ana police officers of excessive force during a raid last month.
The suit, filed Monday by the nonprofit marijuana collective Sky High Holistic, further alleges that city officials, including Mayor Miguel Pulido, have solicited bribes in exchange for favorable treatment of dispensaries.
According to the complaint, police officers in the May 26 raid on Sky High Holistic -- captured on surveillance video that went viral after its release last week -- trampled over the constitutional rights of dispensary volunteers and members by arresting members for an “excessive” period of time, causing significant property damage, and making derogatory comments about a disabled woman.
