It seems the recent IRS audit of Harborside Health Centerwas only foreshadowing of something bigger. The tax problems were the least of their worries.

Several California marijuana dispensaries received love letters this week from the US Attorneys Office demanding that they shut down in 45 days or face criminal charges. Pot dispensaries operate legally under California law, but they are in violation of federal drug laws, and we all know which law prevails in situations like these.

Letters also went out to landlords graciously giving them the option of evicting their pot-selling tenants or risk seizure of their property by the federal government. Those who have followed this power struggle for the last few years are not surprised by what is going on; they see it as the United States simply following through on its threats.

Those who operate pot dispensaries understand that only a limited segment of the population will accept the position that they provide an indispensable service to society. Instead they focus on all the tax dollars that they have generated over the years. Even so, I think they’re wasting their breath. The feds have sent a very strong and clear message lately, through multiple agencies, including the FBI, IRS, DEA, even the EPA.

See full AP story here.

There should be more information tomorrow because the US attorneys are supposed to make a special announcement.