Legal cannabis dispensary operators and industry members said they fear more targeted looting as well as attacks by professional criminals this week amid national civil unrest over the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police.
Several dozen dispensaries in California and two in Oregon were subject to a wide range of criminal acts over the weekend, including vandalism, ransacking, and targeted professional robberies. At least one cannabis producer and a licensed distributor in California also reported being robbed.
Due to the licensed cannabis industry’s low access to banking, the businesses often have cash and an easily sellable product. Licensing also comes with increased public visibility, making them a target in a time when police might not respond.
MedMen looted in LA
Looting occurred in major cities across the country over the weekend, spurring the deployment of the National Guard in 15 states; at least 1,400 were arrested and four dead as of Sunday night. Dispensaries have emerged as targets for looters on the West Coast.
Social media footage shows people carrying out red shopping bags from two MedMen locations in Los Angeles. Similar acts were filmed at Cookies Melrose in Los Angeles. A lot of them looked like customers.