California shops like this one selling medical marijuana are being targeted by U.S. officials.
Federal prosecutors have announced a crackdown on the state's massive commercial marijuana industry.
They say the pot dispensaries are often fronts for illegal drug deals.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) BENJAMIN WAGNER, U.S. ATTORNEY IN SACRAMENTO
"We are not focused on backyard grows with small amounts of marijuana for use by seriously ill people. We are targeting commercial operations which profit from growing and distributing marijuana. And which often use the trappings of state law for cover but in fact are abusing state law."
Many users and regular Californians were disappointed with the news, saying the crackdown unfairly targets people suffering painful illnesses.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ALEX SORROS, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, SAYING:
"I have a friend who has cancer and uses it. I also have people who are not really sick, which is kind of a shame , that is decriminalization through the back door, so. But, the people who are really sick need it. It helps them a lot."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) STEVE YOUNESIEN, MEDICAL MARIJUANA USER, SAYING:
"I just don't understand, this whole business of controlling this stuff. This is the best pain killer I have ever used in my life."
Some worried about where they would turn if the dispensaries closed up shop.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) JIMMY ORTIZ, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA AND MEDICAL MARIJUANA USER SAYING:
"I wouldn't know where to go anymore because I have been getting it from them and I haven't had the old ties like I used to have when I was younger."
The move showcases the escalating friction between the federal government and California - the first state to legalize medical marijuana in 1996.
Jessica Gray, Reuters