Prospective pot shop owners be warned: New England’s top narcotics cop says federal agents won’t hesitate to come down on dispensaries that pop up next year under the Bay State’s medical marijuana law.
John J. Arvanitis, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New England Division, told the Herald in an exclusive interview that the feds will probe pot pharmacies as they see fit.
“Marijuana is still a controlled substance,” Arvanitis said. “DEA is committed to investigating individuals who are involved in the distribution of marijuana. DEA goes to where the information and evidence take it. If we become aware that individuals are involved in marijuana distribution, we’ll investigate it.” [...]
Arvanitis’ warning didn’t seem to worry John Napoli, who is hoping to open a dispensary at his downtown hydroponics shop, Boston Gardener.
“Before it was banned in the 1930s, cannabis was available at every pharmacy in Massachusetts,” he said. “I think we’re headed back in that direction. The DEA will eventually follow the people’s lead.”