A prohibition-era type raid on a marijuana dispensary in operation on a busy Corona street shut down the pot shop and resulted in the arrests of five workers.
According to Corona police Sgt. Skip Shatford, a search warrant was obtained after an investigation revealed Corona Genetics, located at 944 Sixth St., was allegedly selling cannabis products — in violation of the municipal code, which strictly prohibits dispensaries of any kind.
[symple_googlemap title=”Pot bust” location=”944 Sixth St., Corona, Ca” height=”300″ zoom=”13″]
Shatford said that after officers seized marijuana at the site, which is in the heart of the downtown business district, five employees were arrested and cited for misdemeanor violations, then released on their own recognizance.
Additional administrative citations will be issued based on alleged breaches of the fire code, according to Shatford.
The California Supreme Court ruled four years ago that local jurisdictions have the authority to regulate or restrict commercial cannabis activity.
Proposition 64, the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, approved by voters in November, permits small private cannabis grows in most locations, with some limitations.
However, cities and counties still have the power to prohibit commercial marijuana cultivation and distribution within their jurisdictions.
The Corona raid took place Friday.
–City News Service