So the letter the City Council asked City Attorney John Russo to write back in January to the DOJ about Oakland's plans to have industrial pot farms has now gotten a response. It's pretty straightforward: industrial pot farms are illegal, and if Oakland permits them, we're going to come after the city.

The letter (obtained first by The Bay Citizen) says the DOJ wants to be sure there is "no confusion" about the rules. In other words: break the law and we will come after you.

The critical quote: "Potential actions the Department is considering include injunctive actions to prevent cultivation and distribution of marijuana and other associated violations of the [federal Controlled Substances Act]; civil fines; criminal prosecution; and forfeiture of any property used to facilitate violations of the CSA.”

Of course, this game isn't over. More to come.

US Atty letter

About Susan Mernit

Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner Andy, her housemate, a big old dog named Winston, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist.