MEDICAL MARIJUANA

Medical marijuana has been a hot topic in the news lately due to confusion surrounding medical marijuana laws. While 14 states have passed laws allowing marijuana to be grown for medical purposes it seems as though there is some confusion as to what exactly this means.

If you’ve been arrested for growing, selling or distributing medicinal marijuana, contact Imhoff & Associates for aggressive criminal defense reputation in your case. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling the most complex drug cases, and have taken a special interest in medical marijuana arrests. We recognize that drug charges can have a lasting negative impact on your life and we will do whatever it takes to ensure that your rights are properly protected.

Medical Marijuana Laws Spark Confusion, Debate

Legalizing marijuana for medical purposes has been a huge debate across the nation for quite some time. The legalization of cannabis for ill patients, although passed in 14 states, continues to spark public debate and confusion about what is and isn’t legal. To add some clarity to the subject, the Justice Department announced in October 2008 that it will no longer go after patients and caregivers, but instead drug traffickers who continue to break the law on a much larger scale.

Despite the announcement, some state officials are planning to continue to crack down on medical marijuana dispensaries. For instance, Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley announced that he plan to tighten his belt when it comes to the dispensaries in his jurisdiction, arguing that they are illegal.

Confused About Medical Marijuana Laws in Your State?

The laws in California (home to hundreds of cannabis dispensaries) and other states remain murky. If you’re unsure about the laws and you have been arrested for using, growing or selling marijuana is important for you to seek legal counsel from a marijuana defense attorney who is highly familiar with pot laws in your specific state. At Imhoff & Associates, our criminal defense team is experienced in all types of drug offenses. We know the laws and we know how to protect our clients.

Medical Marijuana Facts

Following are some facts about medical marijuana:

The 14 states that have medical marijuana laws include:

• Alaska
• California
• Colorado
• Hawaii
• Maine
• Michigan
• Montana
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Maryland
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington

Because most patients cannot cultivate medical marijuana themselves, or find a caretaker to grow it for them, medical cannabis dispensaries have pooped up. Also known as cannabis “clubs,” medical marijuana dispensaries are storefront facilities that provide patients with marijuana and related items.

The risk of serious lung damage is lower in marijuana smokers than in cigarette smokers. This is due, in part, because people who smoke marijuana typically inhale less smoke than cigarette smokers.

Medical Marijuana Uses

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) included the following conditions and/or symptoms in a 2002 report titled, Descriptions of Allowable Conditions under State Medical Marijuana Laws:

• Alzheimer's Disease
• Anorexia
• AIDS
• Arthritis
• Cachexia
• Cancer
• Crohn's Disease
• Epilepsy/seizures
• Glaucoma
• HIV
• Migraine
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Nausea
• Pain
• Spasticity
• Wasting Syndrome

Facing a Marijuana Charge?

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a drug offense related to medical marijuana, you may have some questions. For a thorough evaluation of your individual circumstances, please contact the criminal defense lawyers at Imhoff & Associates. Our attorneys will examine every shred of evidence in your case and fight aggressively to protect your rights.