Urbn Leaf dispensary in West Hollywood (8477 W. Sunset Blvd) was robbed at approximately 4 a.m. today by a reported 12 males wearing ski masks who broke the store window with a crowbar and stole multiple bags of cannabis.
Smash-and-grab robberies have been on the upswing for cannabis dispensaries throughout California in recent years, at the same time the industry is grappling with surmounting taxes implemented by the state.
“We are devastated that Urbn Leaf WeHo was targeted in this attack, however we are well aware that we are not the only cannabis dispensary that has suffered this loss,” said Ed Schmults, CEO of Urbn Leaf. “Due to the product we carry we are more vulnerable to break ins than traditional retailers, and as the state continues to raise taxes on cannabis businesses our ability to protect ourselves is marginalized. As tax paying businesses, cannabis dispensaries deserve the same protection from authorities granted to traditional storefronts.”
Sol Yamini, owner of convenience delivery retailer Pink Dot in West Hollywood, neighbor and business partner of Urbn Leaf said “We chose to partner with Urbn Leaf because of the care and quality they provide their customers, they are normalizing the cannabis shopping experience to be like any other retail store and have been a great addition to the Sunset Strip. There is no doubt in my mind that they deserve the same protections as traditional retailers, and our team at Pink Dot will continue to speak out on their behalf particularly in the face of adversity.”
[a] when doors/windows are replaced, use ribbed chicken wire glass?
[b] now that USBank is moving, maybe a clever cannabis vendor will rent that space and have a walk-in safe for products!!
[c] great big safe?
d] alarm system?
“Shocking”….🙄🙄🙄
One break-in and one eviction. The doormat is out for unsavory events.
Stop selling drugs and you won’t attract criminals.
First off NO ONE including myself is OK with this break in & burglary and, the perpetrators should be held accountable for their actions. Realistically any business dealing with high value commodities needs to use the same security precautions as a Bank or High End Jeweler would. They need at the very least a vault with timed locks, highly bullet resistant glass clad polycarbonate windows and, heavy metal shutters for nonbusiness hours.
Congrats on the first time I’ve ever agreed with you. I don’t get opening a marijuana store without steel shutters to roll down during hours you aren’t open. While they shouldn’t have to, it is the world we live in, and would happen anywhere.
They shouldn’t have to worry about this, but at the same time they should have a metal shade they can pull down at night to prevent this in the future.
OMG, How could this happen in what SHYNE says is the safest city in California. Where was BBB🥸?