By Tiffany Goodwein

Update: Pot shop raided

Aug 27, 2019 | 2:14 PM

An illegal cannabis retail store in the downtown core has been raided by authorities.

A public notice of seizure was posted on the door and window of the Ocean Sprout cannabis retail store on 3106 30 Avenue.

The unlicenced shop is also refered to as the Vernon Organic Rasta Bong Dispensary, and the Vernon Organic Marijuana Botanical Society.

The Vernon North Okanagnan RCMP confirm that they were on site this morning to help keep the peace.

A worker at a nearby business told Vernon Matters that he saw about six to seven officers at the scene of the business this morning.

Septic System Setbacks

Public hearing to discuss regulations around septic tanks in Coldstream

Apr 10, 2026

Health Care

New maternity care clinic open in Vernon

Apr 10, 2026

Labour Force Stats

Regional unemployment on the rise

Apr 10, 2026

(Tiffany Goodwein/ VernonMatters Staff)

A webpage that is believed to be associated with the store states that they are open seven days a week in Vancouver and Vernon with payment accepted through E-transfer.

The business also offers to ship cannabis products throughout Canada.

“JUST BRING ID and your served!,” the webpage states.

In a statement to VernonMatters, the Ministry of Public Safety said that they, along with the community safety unit are working to crack down on cannabis retail stores operating without a licence.

“The CSU is actively following up with unlicensed retailers in communities across B.C. It’s been clear that illegal retailers that do not obtain a provincial licence will have to close or face increasing enforcement action from the CSU,” The Ministry of Public Safety said.

The RCMP are responsible for making seizures, issuing violation tickets and investigating and recommending charges for offenses under both the provincial statutes and the federal criminal law, according to the Ministry of Public Safety.

by Tiffany Goodwein

View Comments