MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES RAIDED

Drugs: DEA investigates whether Marina del Rey, Venice stores broke
laws.

Federal narcotics agents Tuesday raided a medical marijuana dispensary
in Marina del Rey, but officials were not revealing anything about
their investigation.

The raid occurred about noon at Marina Caregivers, 730 Washington
Blvd.

"We are looking for violations of federal law," said Sarah Pullen, a
spokeswoman for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

DEA agents also served search warrants at two medical marijuana
dispensaries in the 400 block of Rose Avenue and the 100 block of
Lincoln Boulevard, both in Venice, Pullen said.

No arrests were made.

A man who answered the telephone at Marina Caregivers refused to
identify himself. He said he was closed for the day.

"We are not doing anything wrong," he said. "I don't really know the
nature of why they raided my place."

Marina Caregivers gets positive reviews on the Web site of the Los
Angeles Cannabis Clubs.

"Very nice people, clean, new offices," Jane B wrote. "This club would
be a 5-star if they had a better selection."

Two other reviews said:

"I was thoroughly impressed by the selection, not just the strains,
but the oils, honeys (which I am kicking myself for not getting
because I can't find honey anywhere else!) edibles, and clothes too."

"The quality of the cannabis is top notch, and the value card (where
you earn one dollar for every 10 purchased) is fantastic. I usually
get a free gram or eighth about once per month."

California voters passed Proposition 215 in 1996 to permit medicinal
marijuana for certain illnesses. However, the drug's use, possession
and distribution remains illegal under federal law.

Pullen said the search warrants' affidavits are sealed.