[Sativa]

The operators of nearly a dozen medical marijuana dispensaries in California have been indicted in Los Angeles for allegedly distributed pot for a significant profit.

The federal indictment says owners if the Compassionate Caregivers chain of 7 medicinal marijuana stores took in $95 million during a 3-year period.

Prosecutors say the huge profits were used to buy expensive cars and real estate in Costa Rica.

DEA chief Timothy Landrum says the dispensary operators claimed they were devoted to the medical value of pot but marijuana's financial value was their true motivation."

Prosecutors also alleged that a medical marijuana dispensary in Morro Bay sold more than two million dollars worth of pot during a 1-year period and that 281 minors were among its customers.

Additionally, a doctor who conspired with the shop wrote recommendations approving the teenagers' use of marijuana and was paid a "finder's fee" for each form.

Five men were arrested yesterday but Compassionate Caregivers operators Larry Kristich and James Carberry have eluded authorities.

Federal charges include conspiracy, distribution of marijuana, maintaining a drug establishment, aiding and abetting and money laundering.



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Website: Authorities allege medical marijuana stores profited from sales