SMOKEY POINT — City of Marysville officials were as surprised as anyone else to learn that a medicinal marijuana dispensary had set up shop within the city limits. The shop was discovered when police were investigating an April 20 robbery of approximately $50,000 worth of marijuana from a couple in Skagit County.

City of Marysville Chief Administrative Officer Gloria Hirashima explained that the dispensary, named “Elevated Medical Treatment,” had a business license application pending with the city since late March, but noted that the application said nothing about legally dispensing medicinal marijuana.

“The application made references to holistic medicine and alternative treatments, but it did not identify marijuana,” Hirashima said. “Now we need to review exactly what they’re proposing and make sure that it conforms to state laws on the subject.”

Hirashima pointed out that there are no specific provisions of the city which would prohibit such a dispensary, but added that state law is “very limiting” on the subject.

State and federal law both make it illegal to possess, buy or sell marijuana. However, a 60-day supply of marijuana is permitted for patients with qualifying medical conditions and recommendations from doctors or other medical professionals. The 12 pounds of marijuana that was stolen from the dispensary exceeds the 24 ounces allowed in that 60-day supply.

Hirashima reported that that the dispensary has not begun retail operations yet “to our knowledge,” but she emphasized that the city will look into the store and its operations further.

“Our position is that we review any business applying for a permit to make sure it’s complaint with city regulations, and more importantly in this case, with state regulations,” Hirashima said.

The business did not respond to calls as of press time. Its store is located in a converted residential house in general commercial zoning off Smokey Point Boulevard.