Under Oregon law, people can grow and sell medical marijuana under very specific conditions. First, these people must have the proper permits and be a licensed grower. Second, licensed growers can only sell to up to four patients with an Oregon Medicinal Marijuana Program card. Finally, these people can only sell the marijuana to recoup the costs of growing it and nothing more. If these rules are not carefully followed, then people can face felony drug charges.
In a recent case, five people -- between the ages of 52 and 37 -- were arrested on a variety of drug charges after they were selling medicinal marijuana. According to police, they raided and searched a series of warehouses owned by one of the men. In total, the police say they searched nine different buildings. In these searches the police claim that they found more than 30 pounds of marijuana that had already been processed in addition to 300 marijuana plants. The police also allege that they found $7,000 in cash and several weapons.
After the raids, officials have estimated the value of all the marijuana to be around $100,000.This number takes into account the fact that the individuals were selling the marijuana for its street value -- $200 an ounce.
Medicinal marijuana laws must have strict compliance for those growing, selling or using it. Otherwise, serious consequences including jail or prison time can follow. When people are arrested for violating medicinal marijuana laws, they should prepare a proper criminal defense. As part of this defense, they should make sure that the police followed all appropriate rules during any search or raid. They should also gather any evidence that proves they were in compliance with Oregon's medicinal marijuana laws.
Source: Statesman Journal, "5 arrested after drug raids," Anna Staver, June 1, 2013
