More than 40 people detained at Portsmouth marijuana ‘pop-up’ market
PORTSMOUTH, Va. March 11 2023 Portsmouth police detained dozens of people at a marijuana “pop-up” market on Wednesday evening.
According to the Portsmouth Police Department (PPD), officers responded to the 600 block of High Street at around 5:45 p.m. after a report of suspicious activity. That’s where officers found the “pop-up” shop operating out of a storefront.
“When law enforcement attempted to make contact with the occupants, officers were met by unlicensed armed security guards outside,” PPD said in a news release.
Officers detained 41 adults and seized 13 firearms, 100 pounds of marijuana, and a “variety of manufactured products containing THC.”
PPD said those detained came from all over Virginia to buy marijuana. The department said no one claimed ownership of any of the firearms or marijuana.
“It’s unfortunate when it comes to dealing with these pop-ups. They understand it is illegal but they are trying to take the loopholes and trying to navigate through them, which is unfortunate because they are potentially dangerous situations,” said Portsmouth Police Chief Stephen Jenkins in a phone interview.
A search warrant shows the location is not a licensed marijuana dispensary; however, police discovered large quantities of packaged marijuana and THC products.
The individuals have been released pending the outcome of the investigation, according to police. No charges have been placed at this time.
Jenkins told 13News Now authorities must enforce laws, but it is a reminder to educate people on marijuana laws, especially when some are looking for loopholes.
“So the biggest issue is the educational process. Unfortunately, this is a legislative issue,” said Jenkins.
It is illegal to sell marijuana in Virginia, but people can legally possess up to an ounce of pot and grow up to four plants. Possession of more than a pound of marijuana is a felony and can result in 1 to 10 years in prison with a $250,000 fine.
Ryan Boyce, co-owner of Grow VA in Virginia Beach, said marijuana pop-up markets became more popular after the Commonwealth decriminalized possession.
He thinks Virginia’s current laws — and lack of regulation on the sale of marijuana — can lead to issues.
“I think that kind of puts it in the gray area of, ‘Okay we can do this, and maybe get away with it,'” said Boyce. “But you know, people are still looking for it and there’s still a high demand of people looking for it. And they can’t go to a medical dispensary or a recreational dispensary and get it.”
Boyce said he awaits the day legislators determine the next steps regarding the sale of marijuana in Virginia.
