Its legal, Its illegal, its legal

[Rockhales]

SAN FRANCISCO -- Federal drug agents raided eight Bay Area locations connected to a medical marijuana club Tuesday and arrested 15 people, including the club's operator, authorities said.

The raids took place at buildings in San Francisco and Oakland belonging to New Remedies Cooperative LLC, formerly known as Compassionate Caregivers, and its temporary employment agency for pot growers, Potent Employment Solutions.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents confiscated 12,743 marijuana plants, computers, four vehicles and a total of $125,000 in cash and three bank accounts belonging to operator Sparky Rose, 36, and the two businesses, authorities said.

Medical marijuana advocates who witnessed some of the raids said agents targeted New Remedies' growing facility, administrative offices and the pot club itself located in San Francisco's Mission District.

"Obviously, the DEA is on a little bit of a rampage this week," said advocate William Dolphin, citing other pot club crackdowns in Granada Hills, San Fernando Valley and Modesto.

Rose and the 14 others arrested were scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.

Medical marijuana has been legal in California since voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, but the drug remains illegal under federal law.

"Federal drug laws prohibit the cultivation and sale of marijuana. Anyone who breaks these laws to run a lucrative drug trade, buy fancy cars, boost their bank accounts, and exploit vulnerable citizens is not compassionate, they're criminal," DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Pena said in a statement Tuesday.

There are currently an estimated 30 to 40 clubs in San Francisco, according to city officials.
http://www.ktvu.com/news/9992952/detail.html

[TheRedHorseman]

medical marijuana "club"

brings images of rappers getting diagnosed with glaucoma just so they can go to "da cluuuuuub"

[82_toy]

Ahh just make it legal, i dont care...They paid taxes on it what does the government care anyways if they are payin taxes....

[rusted]

Well we'll see if the the next Admin really wants to go after this.

It's plain illegal under Federal law. There's no ambiguity.

It's whether the current admin wants to spend time stamping out the evil of medical marijuana (or recreational for that matter) or do other things like, oh... I don't know.... find Osama bin Laden or prosecute Republican pedophiles or the like. Matter of priorities I guess. International terrorist... hippies sitting on couches smoking pot and eating pot brownies.... so many choices...

[mike]

Originally Posted by rusted

Well we'll see if the the next Admin really wants to go after this.

It's plain illegal under Federal law. There's no ambiguity.

It's whether the current admin wants to spend time stamping out the evil of medical marijuana (or recreational for that matter) or do other things like, oh... I don't know.... find Osama bin Laden or prosecute Republican pedophiles or the like. Matter of priorities I guess. International terrorist... hippies sitting on couches smoking pot and eating pot brownies.... so many choices...

Sure, but since there is no legislative process in creating and modifying that particular law (it's merely an administrative act on behalf of the FDA to move a drug from one schedule to another) it's a pretty constitutionally gray law in the first place. Then again, there's the whole states rights issue.. which the "conservatives" conveniently forget about in these instances too.

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally Posted by rusted

Well we'll see if the the next Admin really wants to go after this.

It's plain illegal under Federal law. There's no ambiguity.

It's whether the current admin wants to spend time stamping out the evil of medical marijuana (or recreational for that matter) or do other things like, oh... I don't know.... find Osama bin Laden or prosecute Republican pedophiles or the like. Matter of priorities I guess. International terrorist... hippies sitting on couches smoking pot and eating pot brownies.... so many choices...

And what makes you think that the "feds" aren't doing all of those ?
I see no evidence that we aren't trying to find bin Laden or that that asshole
ex-congressman isn't being investigated.

[Positive Vibes]

So the people voted to legalize it but the government says no. What's the point of voting on issues like that???

[TheRedHorseman]

Originally Posted by Positive Vibes

So the people voted to legalize it but the government says no. What's the point of voting on issues like that???

it's a start

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally Posted by Positive Vibes

So the people voted to legalize it but the government says no. What's the point of voting on issues like that???

Please, reread the article. The people in California voted to make "medicinal"
marijuana legal, NOT the people or their representatives across the country.
It's still a crime under federal law to grow and possess marijuana.

[76Cruiser]

Originally Posted by rusted

Well we'll see if the the next Admin really wants to go after this.

It's plain illegal under Federal law. There's no ambiguity.

It's whether the current admin wants to spend time stamping out the evil of medical marijuana (or recreational for that matter) or do other things like, oh... I don't know.... find Osama bin Laden or prosecute Republican pedophiles or the like. Matter of priorities I guess. International terrorist... hippies sitting on couches smoking pot and eating pot brownies.... so many choices...

What a complete crap argument. You assume these things are mutually exclusive.

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally Posted by 76Cruiser

What a complete crap argument. You assume these things are mutually exclusive.

Yup. I said basically the same thing in post #6 above.

[rusted]

Originally Posted by mike

Sure, but since there is no legislative process in creating and modifying that particular law (it's merely an administrative act on behalf of the FDA to move a drug from one schedule to another) it's a pretty constitutionally gray law in the first place. Then again, there's the whole states rights issue.. which the "conservatives" conveniently forget about in these instances too.

Yes, the drug war has gotten people used to the idea of executive officials effectively changing the law.

That way when a bureaucrat decides a grasshopper is endangered and vast areas of private and public land are made off-limits to American Citizens, no one complains.

[rusted]

Originally Posted by 76Cruiser

What a complete crap argument. You assume these things are mutually exclusive.

No you assumed I assumed that.

Yes, I would like the money spent on this "long term investigation" (quoted from the vid clip) spent on catching OBL.

[ScottFJ40]

Sparky Rose?!?!?

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally Posted by mike

Sure, but since there is no legislative process in creating and modifying that particular law (it's merely an administrative act on behalf of the FDA to move a drug from one schedule to another) it's a pretty constitutionally gray law in the first place. Then again, there's the whole states rights issue.. which the "conservatives" conveniently forget about in these instances too.

Not really a "gray area" constitutionally at all.

Eleven states[13] in the United States passed laws allowing cannabis possession and consumption for medical purposes; however, the Supreme Court of the United States in Gonzales v. Raich ruled that the listing of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance was constitutional, and that possession for any reason other than approved medical research was therefore illegal under federal law. This remained consistent with their ruling in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative, an 8-0 decision stating that there is no exception as a Schedule I drug for people to use cannabis for medical purposes.[14] This creates an interesting tension between state and federal laws.[15]

[mike]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoCJ

Not really a "gray area" constitutionally at all.

Eleven states[13] in the United States passed laws allowing cannabis possession and consumption for medical purposes; however, the Supreme Court of the United States in Gonzales v. Raich ruled that the listing of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance was constitutional, and that possession for any reason other than approved medical research was therefore illegal under federal law. This remained consistent with their ruling in United States v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers Cooperative, an 8-0 decision stating that there is no exception as a Schedule I drug for people to use cannabis for medical purposes.[14] This creates an interesting tension between state and federal laws.[15]

So you're OK with a federal agency enacting laws without legislative action?

[Pavemen]

its always been a one-way deal. Federal says its legal but a State can make it illegal there. Feds can say its illegal but the State can not make it legal. Its that way with everything. Local < County < State < Federal. Its how our country works.

I don't care how the 'medical mj' issue arrived where it is at, you still need to follow the law and how things work here. You don't change a law by breaking it. Do it right and start at the top and change it by following the rules. It might take a long time, but it can be done. Stop smoking the weed and get off your stoned ass. Pretend the paperwork and process are the munchies cure and go after it!

[ScottFJ40]

Originally Posted by Pavemen

its always been a one-way deal. Federal says its legal but a State can make it illegal there. Feds can say its illegal but the State can not make it legal. Its that way with everything. Local < County < State < Federal. Its how our country works.

I don't care how the 'medical mj' issue arrived where it is at, you still need to follow the law and how things work here. You don't change a law by breaking it. Do it right and start at the top and change it by following the rules. It might take a long time, but it can be done. Stop smoking the weed and get off your stoned ass. Pretend the paperwork and process are the munchies cure and go after it!

You really have a good understanding of medicinal marijuana use as evidenced by the last 2 sentences in your little speech there.

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally Posted by mike

So you're OK with a federal agency enacting laws without legislative action?

Congress passed a law that said a federal agency, the FDA in this case, has
the authority to classify drugs. This is far from unusual. A great many of our
laws, both state and federal are this way. The legislation enables the beuaracarcy
to write the regulations.

[mike]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoCJ

Congress passed a law that said a federal agency, the FDA in this case, has
the authority to classify drugs. This is far from unusual. A great many of our
laws, both state and federal are this way. The legislation enables the beuaracarcy
to write the regulations.

Not for felony offenses.

[Pavemen]

Originally Posted by ScottFJ40

You really have a good understanding of medicinal marijuana use as evidenced by the last 2 sentences in your little speech there.

damn, cant even try the funnay without scooter here busting my chops.

i dont know shit about medical use of it other than its still illegal.

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally Posted by mike

Not for felony offenses.

In this case they have and the S.C. has upheld it. Remember, the beuarucratics
can write the regulations, but Congress always has the ability to pass a law
striking down or modifying one of those regulations. So far that hasn't happened
on a federal level with pot.

[Screwzer2]

As someone who lives in the #2 pot growing region (Humbolt is still #1) in the country, let me give you some insight:

1. The current laws, both federal and state are a joke. In our county, getting a script is as easy as walking to the doctor next door to the club and paying $50. Clubs are springing up all over, with several in my area. The Federal law is basically unenforcable, unless you want to plant 100s of DEA agents throughout the region. There will be NO cooperation from local police anywhere in Northern California.

2. We are now into our second and third generation of growers up here and some interesting dynamics are taking place. Growers are now investing in legitmate businesses and becoming well-established members of the community.

3. As pot gets more legal, the price is coming down and the quality is going up.

4. Biggest problem up here is with young people who see more profit in growing and selling than they do in working for more socially-responsible businessses.

Give it a few more years and parts of California will resemble Amsterdam more than the US. For a number of reasons, pot should be legalized. Not the least of which is to curb Mexican drug cartels (which have been moving in this last year) who grow shitty weed and use the profits for more nefarious activities. A legal pot growing and selling environment would lower prices to the growers and users alike and probably minimize the criminal element currently persuing the trade.

Will legal pot create more regular users? Doubtful if Amsterdam's experience is any indication. The majority of customers in a typical Amsterdam cafe are tourists, not locals. Most Dutch folks prefer beer to pot.

[Spawn_X]

Yer all missing something here..

Medical Marijuana is legal in CA. On a federa level its not. However what makes the difference is how big your operation is

If you're banking millions (agents confiscated 12,743 marijuana plants ) and simply trying to use prop 215 (med mj) to stand behind, the feds WILL go in and ass rape you (and in my opinion, rightfully so. 13,000 marijuana plants ain't no medical caregiving)

If you're a quiet old guy growing a few plants for yourself due to a health issue, no one is going to touch you. The locals might bust if receiving complaints / reports from neighbors, but based on compassionate use act (prop 215) will not prosecute

so lesson for all: California is a nice and kind state to allow medical MJ. If you're honestly using it for relief, you'll be all right. If you're making bank of it, then you rightfully get what you deserve for hiding behind prop215, because cases like these is what gives bad impression about medical MJ


should pot be legalized? don't know. honestly, don't care

[PTSchram]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoCJ

And what makes you think that the "feds" aren't doing all of those ?
I see no evidence that we aren't trying to find bin Laden or that that asshole
ex-congressman isn't being investigated.

Gary:
How about reallocating some of this money being spent to bust mainly non-violent hippies toward something valuable. Maybe something like ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION?

It isn't very obvious that much is being done to stop illegal immigration. But then again, why tackle a big real problem when you can just go after a bunch of potheads?