Raids on multiple Maine cannabis operations by Maine police and feds drive home importance of total
State and federal law enforcement agents converged on several locations in the great Lewiston-Auburn area this morning to conduct several raids on allegedly non-compliant medical marijuana operations. (Andree Kehn/Sun Journal).
Several raids have been reported today in the Lewiston-Auburn area, involving seizure of cannabis plants, prepared cannabis, and personal property including luxury cars.
At least one person has been charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and manufacturing butane hash oil.
According to a press release issued by the US attorney's office today, the raids stem from the defendant's alleged manufacture and distribution "large quantities" of cannabis and cannabis products, including butane hash oil and shatter, in violation of Maine medical marijuana law, "to people who were not participants in Maine’s Medical Marijuana program, including out-of-state customers."
These raids and related charges drive home the absolute importance for Maine caregivers and patients to follow Maine medical marijuana law to the letter, and to avoid running afoul of federal financial laws. The Rohrabacher-Blumenauer amendment may shield state-compliant medical marijuana businesses from enforcement of federal drug laws, but it does nothing to prevent the DOJ from charging caregivers and others who violate Maine medical marijuana law, or who allegedly commit federal financial crimes like tax fraud or avoiding bank reporting requirements.
Caregivers and patients who are uncertain whether they are fully compliant with Maine medical marijuana law or federal financial laws should contact an attorney and a qualified accountant.
