Aptos man arrested for allegedly running an illegal medical marijuana dispensary

An illegal marijuana dispensary was discovered inside a bar in Aptos last week, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators said they were directed to Seabreeze Inn after numerous complaints from the public. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Marijuana Compliance Team and California Alcohol and Beverage Control Agents said they found evidence the owner had been operating an illegal marijuana dispensary in a back room concealed by a bed sheet.

Owner Thomas “Rich” McInnis, 52, was arrested for possession of marijuana for sale and forgery. Investigators said McInnis owns the bar and lives above it. They said he was selling marijuana edibles, candy bars, drinks and lotions without a permit approved through Santa Cruz County.

McInnis is also accused of selling fake CA state medical marijuana cards.