Bay Area cannabis industry leaders concerned for public safety amid string of violent incidents

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Owners of Bay Area cannabis dispensaries are asking for the public's help identifying the criminals they say are terrorizing their businesses.

The owners say groups are robbing and burglarizing dispensaries all around the Bay Area, striking fear into employees, and making the community unsafe.

They're fed up and are demanding help.

MORE: Oakland cannabis dispensaries say they've lost $5M in recent thefts

"We're asking the police commission to change their no pursuit policies, we will continue to press for more protection, emergency funding and more security for cannabis operators, these attacks can be prevented. It's its only a matter of time before someone gets hurt or killed," Ali Jamalian said.

Dispensaries are attractive targets because they tend to work with a lot of cash.

Because marijuana is still illegal under federal law, financial institutions are hesitant to do business with the industry.

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