North Port, Florida has two medical cannabis dispensaries. But neither of them should be confused with a residence on the 5600 block of Brickell Drive, where police served a warrant and arrested two men on multiple drug charges Thursday. The USPS carrier who showed up while police were executing the warrant was probably confused, however, as he attempted to deliver a package containing cannabis buds, THC wax and vaporizer cartridges with law enforcement still on the scene.
USPS Carrier Delivers Weed, Wax and Vape Cartridges While Police Raid a Home
When it was all said and done, North Park, Florida police arrested two men and seized four pounds of cannabis buds, 243 grams of THC wax, 97 THC vaporizer cartridges, 12 grams of cocaine, liquid codeine and 2 handguns with extended 30 round magazines from a residence in the 5600 block of Brickell Drive they raided on May 16.
But most of that contraband arrived at the house while police were on the scene executing the warrant, searching the home and making arrests. That’s because a U.S. Postal Service carrier showed up with them in the middle of the raid.
The packaged the carrier delivered during the raid contained several vacuum-sealed bags of cannabis products. According to police reports, the package included four pounds of weed, 223 grams of THC wax and 50 THC vape cartridges. The guns and other substances were found during a search of the residence.
Florida Drug Enforcement Keeps Up as State Expands Medical Cannabis Access
Stemming from the raid, police arrested 24-year-old Bryan Vanskiver and 19-year-old David Chesser. Both face multiple charges, including drug possession, drug sales, drug equipment and weapons charges. North Port law enforcement have booked Vanskiver and Chesser in a Sarasota County jail.
But just a 10 minute drive down Route 41 from the spot where police raided a home, arrested two men and seized several forms of marijuana, stand two medical cannabis dispensaries offering Florida medcard patients everything from THC oils to vape cartridges, tinctures, concentrates, smokable flower and more.
In Florida, law enforcement continues to crack down on suspected unauthorized cannabis sellers. They’re even going after shop owners and sweet old ladies for selling and possessing cannabidiol (CBD). Meanwhile, marijuana legalization advocates continue to press for statewide adult-use. And health and patient advocates have succeeded in expanding Florida’s restrictive medical cannabis program.
Florida’s medical cannabis program has already grown to support a roughly $5.7 billion industry, according to a recent report. In all, the state has registered nearly a quarter million medical cannabis patients and there are nearly 2,000 qualified physicians who can issue recommendations.
Yet Florida’s medical cannabis patients still face discrimination at work and at school. Some have even lost their jobs.
