Saskatoon police are standing by their decision to shut down a medical marijuana dispensary and lay charges against those involved.
The police service issued a statement Tuesday to “clarify public statements” surrounding the raid of The Saskatchewan Compassion Club and the arrests of four people.
“At this time, it is a criminal offence to have in your possession or to sell (traffic) marijuana or its derivatives,” the statement read.
“It is also illegal to sell or produce marijuana through a dispensary unless approved by Health Canada.”
Police executed a search warrant at the dispensary on Thursday and arrested four people on charges of trafficking and possessing marijuana.
The raid and subsequent arrests resulted in immediate public backlash, with protesters gathering outside the police station over the weekend and Compassion Club customers showing their support at the shop.
The dispensary’s owner, Mark Hauk, who is one of the four accused, even confronted Mayor Don Atchison over the arrests.
Police stated drug investigators worked closely with federal prosecutors to ensure charges were appropriate.
“The four persons charged are alleged to have in their possession several drugs that are illegal in relation to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act,” the statement read.
“It is also alleged they were selling illegal drugs, thus charged with trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime.”
Police said while the new Liberal government is promising to legalize marijuana, the party will still regulate who can grow and sell it.
Hauk told CTV News he still plans to help people get prescriptions and information on medicinal marijuana — though he’s not selling any product.
