Medical-Marijuana Dispensary Can't Find Welcome Home SAN FRANCISCO -- Kevin Reed launched his medical marijuana business two years ago, armed with big dreams and an Excel spreadsheet. Happy customers at his Green Cross cannabis club were greeted by so-called "bud tenders" and glass jars brimming with high-quality weed at red-tag prices. They hailed the slender, gentle Southerner as a "ganja" good Samaritan. Although Reed set out to run it like a Walgreens drugstore, his tiny storefront shop ended up buzzing with jazzy "joie de vivre." Turnover was Starbucks-style: On a good day, $30,000 in business would walk through the black, steel-gated front door. [continues 1042 words]
The Federal Agency Sees Big Profits for Medical Dispensaries As a Sign of Illegal High-Stakes Drug Dealing. Advocates Say the Raids Are Unfair. HAYWARD, CALIF. -- Until federal drug agents arrested him last month, Shon Squier was one of Hayward's most successful and generous young businessmen. Customers lined up outside his downtown storefront, particularly on Mondays, when he offered free samples to the first 50 visitors. Business was so good that Squier, a former construction worker, was able to donate more than $100,000 to local charities. [continues 1263 words]
