Many of the dispensaries that the DEA raids tend to be operating in shady ways. I am not saying there is not one unjustified raids, but the few that I looked over could have been breaking legitimate laws even under medical marijuana laws in the state.
For example, the owner of “Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers” was distributing to minors, and a doctor in the same article was giving out licenses without a proper examination. The DEA seems to be picking dispensaries that are not solely operating under the strict guidelines of the medical marijuanas in that specific state.
Although enforcement on individuals who do not operate legal marijuana dispensaries is justified, using the IRS as a method to enforce them is a loophole the federal government is exploiting. Medical marijuana dispensaries are not recognized by the IRS as a legitimate commercial establishment so any financing that occurs with dispensaries is considered money laundering and tax evasion.
The best way to make sure a dispensary is not prosecuted against is by following strict guidelines. Not serving minors or letting within the premises, not opening up within 1,000 feet of a school, do not grow exorbitant amount of cannabis, have video surveillance around all parts of the establishment, and do not have a firearm or convicted felon working on the premises.
The Weed Street Journal