POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff's Office said it has arrested three people for illegally operating a mobile marijuana dispensary called the "Cannibus."
PCSO said deputies were tipped off to reports of a bus selling marijuana in the parking lot of a shopping center off Highway 92 near Clermont.
When they arrived, they found an Eldorado Bus decorated with marijuana leaves named the "Cannibus Mobile Dispensary."
“They had cocaine, as well as illegal marijuana but the front was that this was medical marijuana and legal hemp,” said Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd.
Deputies said inside the bus, there was a sign saying, "No medical card? No problem! Use ours! For $5."
Detectives located ads online for the "Cannibus," calling the place Florida's first recreational dispensary.
Medical marijuana is legal in Florida, but recreational use is illegal. Using another person's medical marijuana card to purchase marijuana is also illegal in Florida.
Authorities said Jimmy Andrial had a personal use medical marijuana card. Jimmy and Bianca Andrial told detectives they purchased marijuana from a licensed supplier, repackaged it in their own supplies, and sold it themselves.
PCSO said the two refused to tell detectives where they got the marijuana from, but they did not have a license to sell. Officials searched the bus and found 12 packages of marijuana.
Jimmy and Bianca Andrial were arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, among other charges. Daniel McCreary, an employee of "Cannibus," was also arrested and charged.
When you have a medical marijuana card, which is given to people who are diagnosed by a doctor, you can legally purchase medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries. Assistant General Manager for Trulieve, Brad Maynard said the number of medical marijuana patients they serve has grown substantially.
"We see close to 300 people a day. Not only does it help with pain relief, it helps with anxiety, PTSD and sometimes it can help with addiction problems,” said Maynard.
In November, Florida voters will decide on the ballot measure to legalize marijuana, known as Amendment 3.
“It will help with the state economy in my opinion. It will help us build roads and better schools," Maynard said.
Opponents say the initiative would endanger citizens.
“Marijuana is not healthy. It’s dangerous and there’s mountains of evidence to show that,” said Judd.
If Amendment 3 is approved, it will take effect six months after election day.
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