DEA to Medical-Pot Shops: Get Away From Schools

By Maureen O'Hagan and Jonathan Martin, The Seattle Times (MCT)

For the past few years, as businesses associated with medical marijuana have proliferated in Western Washington, federal prosecutors have taken mostly a hands-off approach.

On Thursday, however, the feds issued the clearest threat yet to 23 medical-cannabis dispensaries in the region: Shut down or else. The issue was their location, within 1,000 feet of an "educational facility or other prohibited area."

In letters sent by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the targeted businesses were warned they could be charged criminally if they didn't close within 30 days. Their property, including profits and the buildings themselves, could also be seized under federal law, which prohibits the sale of marijuana, the letters warned. They were sent to both the business...