As previous blog posts have mentioned, Oregon has a complicated relationship with marijuana, and therefore, complicated marijuana laws. While marijuana possession laws tend to be less severe than in other areas of the country, there are still severe sanctions for drug trafficking. The laws surrounding medical marijuana can be even more involved and murky. People who are interested in producing or using medical marijuana need to fully understand their rights, and their limitations or else they may face drug charges.
Recently, a joint investigation has led to searches of 15 Oregon residences for violations of medical marijuana laws. This joint investigation was conducted by law enforcement officials from both state and federal agencies including the Portland Police Bureau, the Oregon National Guard, the FBI and others. In this raid, the police were apparently searching for illegal marijuana production.
Of the 15 houses searched, five of them were licensed grow houses that had permits to grow medical marijuana. Furthermore, 18 of the 35 people who are involved in this investigation have medical marijuana cards. Yet, the authorities claim that they seized $100,000 worth of marijuana in the raid -- more than 10 times the amount legally allowed.
In particular, the police say they seized, 34 pounds of dried marijuana, 2,600 plants, $80,000 in cash and firearms. No one was arrested as a result of the investigation, but the information gathered was passed to the district attorney who will ultimately decide if charges are filed.
With all the confusing medical marijuana laws in Oregon, it could be easy for someone to become confused and possess too much medical marijuana. In these cases, criminal defenses may be available that can help to mitigate the damage caused by the charges.
Source: Hillsboro Tribune, "Police search 15 houses in drug bust," Doug Burkhardt, Sept. 13, 2013
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