The State of Colorado’s medical marijuana law is surrounded by many legal issues involving patients, growers, and sellers, who are susceptible to criminal prosecution for a variety of reasons. First, while legalized in Colorado for medical purposes, marijuana is still illegal under federal law, meaning there are loopholes in which defendants can face federal prosecution, even if they are in compliance with state law. In 2010, the Obama Administration issued a directive to federal authorities and federal prosecutors, ordering them not to pursue marijuana charges in cases where medical marijuana is legal under state law. But, still people are being prosecuted for various issues.
Patients often run into trouble with the state’s medical marijuana statute. A patient must be registered with the state and be medically diagnosed as suffering from a “debilitating medical condition” as defined by state law. Patients are also prohibited from possession more than two ounces of marijuana or six marijuana plants (with three or less being mature) and may not use marijuana in public. About 10,000 Coloradans per year deal with marijuana charges, including possession, sale, cultivation, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Drug convictions of any severity can result in job loss or the inability to obtain a job or occupational licenses. It can also preclude someone from being able to join the military or qualify for certain types of government assistance, including financial aid for college.
So, if you are facing a charge involving medical marijuana, it is important to hire an experienced attorney to represent you against these charges. Count on the Law Firm of Jaray Webster to protect your rights and call us today at (719) 633-6620 to schedule a free consultation.