The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports this week that the state Alcoholic Beverage Control Board voted to fine a Hot Springs marijuana dispensary $1,000 over two violations, writing:
State inspectors found five violations [by Green Springs Medical marijuana dispensary of Hot Springs] in July:
• Failure to properly label stored medical marijuana.
• Failure to maintain video surveillance.
• Failure to maintain biometric locks on doors.
• Failure to restrict access to marijuana storage areas.
• Display of improper signage.
Doralee Chandler, director of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division, dismissed the violations related to video surveillance and access restrictions last month, but she sustained the other three violations.
The board then dismissed the violation related to biometric locks . . . but it sustained the final two violations.
The newspaper reports that Green Springs has sold more than 1,400 pounds of marijuana since last May.
Considering that so-called “medical” marijuana in Arkansas typically sells for about $15 per gram, that’s several million dollars worth of marijuana.
Marijuana use is tied to stroke, heart problems, and hypertension as well as permanent loss in IQ and an increased risk for schizophrenia.
That’s part of the reason why the U.S. Surgeon General has issued warnings about marijuana.
As we have said for years: Marijuana may be many things, but “harmless” simply is not one of them.