In a targeted effort to combat unregulated marijuana dispensaries in Vallejo, police arrested 24-year-old Jorge Luis Espinoza, the operator of the Better Health Group, on Wednesday night. Espinoza’s dispensary, located in the 3600 block of Sonoma Boulevard, was one of over 20 dispensaries in Vallejo that were operating without proper licensing.
According to Bay City News, Espinoza was booked at Solano County Jail on several charges, including possession of marijuana for sale, marijuana sales, and operating an unlawful business. The arrest followed a five-month investigation, during which detectives executed a search warrant at the dispensary. Inside, they discovered 400 marijuana plants, 340 marijuana-infused food items—such as cakes, brownies, cookies, lollipops, drinks, and powder drink mix—along with 30 pounds of processed marijuana and an ounce of hashish.
Detectives are also considering an additional charge related to the cultivation of marijuana. This arrest comes after similar raids in Vallejo and Benicia on February 21, where police, in collaboration with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), raided three other dispensaries. One of those arrested during the raids was 31-year-old Matthew Shotwell, who faces charges related to unauthorized marijuana cultivation and the sale of marijuana.
Authorities continue to crack down on illegal dispensaries in the region, sending a clear message that operating without proper authorization will result in serious legal consequences.
