California Highway Patrol officers arrested two employees of a Mendocino County-licensed cannabis delivery company on Friday claiming their operation is unlawful under state law until Jan. 1, according to an Associated Press report.
The employees of Old Kai Distribution were stopped in the unmarked company van for a traffic violation and arrested even after showing the officer their county-issued cannabis distribution license. Both employees were charged with unlawful transportation of marijuana and unlawful possession for sale; officers also seized the shipment which totaled nearly a ton. The cannabis was cultivated by a Mendocino County family farm and was on its way to a distribution center to be tested.
In an interview with the AP, Joe Rogoway, attorney for Old Kai, called the arrest and seizure “incomprehensible,” adding that he has sent a letter to the agency demanding the product be returned and all charges be dropped.
“This was basically their entire harvest. Their entire year was in the back of this vehicle. If that cannabis is destroyed, it really puts at risk the safety and well-being of their family.” – Rogoway, to the AP
Warren Stanley, acting California Highway Patrol Commissioner, said the officers “are just following the laws that are in place now” and they would start following the adult-use rules when they take effect on Monday.
Mendocino County Spokeswoman Sarah Duckett told the AP that the company’s licenses are valid under two local ordinances.