MARIJUANA ARRESTS

In 2008, marijuana arrests accounted for nearly half of the total drug arrests in the United States. Of those, 754,224 arrests were for marijuana possession, alone, and 93,640 were for marijuana trafficking/sales.

Each year, there are more than 800,000 marijuana arrests, most of which are not for drug trafficking, but rather simple possession. Annual marijuana arrests account for more than all violent crimes combined.

Medical Marijuana Arrests

In October 2009, the Justice Department sent out an announcement to certain U.S. Attorneys clarifying its policy for marijuana arrests. The department stated that it plans to focus on arresting drug traffickers and not patients who grow, purchase, possess and consume marijuana for medical purposes. The newly clarified policy comes on the heels of heavy controversy linked to marijuana arrests in the states that have medical cannabis laws.

The department states that it wants to focus its resources on arresting drug traffickers and big-time lawbreakers, and not waste valuable resources such as time and money on going after individual patients who use marijuana to treat health conditions such as cancer.

Studies continue to reveal that marijuana is less toxic than legal drugs such as alcohol and tobacco. It has also been proven to be a successful form of treatment in some health conditions such as cancer, AIDS and more. In recent years, progress has been made in the fight to legalize cannabis. In fact, 13 states have enacted laws allowing ill patients to grow and use marijuana in the treatment of certain medical conditions.

Federal Marijuana Cases Open

Currently, there are several pending medical marijuana cases in California and other states with cannabis laws. Pending cases include:

• San Diego, California: James Stacy and Joseph Nunes face federal charges after 30 people were arrested in the San Diego area for allegedly selling medical marijuana illegally. Stacy is facing federal charges because he, allegedly, does not meet the requirements of a caregiver who can legally provide marijuana to ill patients. Nunes faces charges for making a profit from medical marijuana sales, which is against the state guidelines.
• Los Angeles, California: Couple, Scott and Diane Feil were raided and arrested by the DEA for former involvement with a Los Angeles medical dispensary.
• Los Angeles, California: Charles Lynch was arrested and convicted on five counts of marijuana distribution. He was arrested for selling to minors (under 21), even though California law states they have to be over the age of 18 (which they were). Lynch operated medical marijuana dispensary, Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers in Morro Bay.

Have You Been Arrested for a Marijuana Offense?

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a marijuana-related offense, contact the highly skilled marijuana attorneys at Imhoff & Associates. We understand the complexities of the laws surrounding medical marijuana and have the knowledge and the skills to protect your rights. Call us today to schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your specific circumstances and make sure you understand all your legal options.