Which Way, L.A.?
When State and Federal Laws Conflict, Guess Who Wins
Medical marijuana was approved by California voters 12 years ago. But under federal law, it’s as illegal as cocaine and heroin. The US Supreme Court says federal law prevails, so a jury has convicted a Morro Bay dispensary owner for selling and distribution despite his support from the town mayor. Also tonight, three LA area hospitals are accused of recruiting homeless people for Medicare fraud.
By Warren Olney • • 30m ListenMedical marijuana was approved by California voters 12 years ago. But under federal law, it’s as illegal as cocaine and heroin. The US Supreme Court says federal law prevails, so a jury has convicted a Morro Bay dispensary owner for selling and distribution despite his support from the town mayor. Also tonight, three LA area hospitals are accused of recruiting homeless people for Medicare fraud. Image Credit: LEON NEAL/AFP/Getty Images
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2 storiesLocal Hospitals Raided In Medicare Fraud Investigation
Three southern California hospitals have been accused of rounding up homeless people on Skid Row, faking medical illnesses and collecting payments from Medicare and Medi-Cal. The FBI today served warrants at the City of Angels and Metropolitan Medical Centers in Los Angeles and the Tustin Hospital and Medical Center in Orange County.
Read the story6 minMarijuana Dispensary Owner Found Guilty—Federal Law Always Wins
Charles Lynch runs Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers in Morro Bay—a dispensary for medical marijuana. Under the state law approved by voters in 1996, that’s perfectly legal, and Lynch has the support of Morro Bay’s Mayor. But yesterday in Los Angeles a federal court jury convicted Lynch of selling and distributing marijuana.
Read the story19 min
