Seven individuals arrested for allegedly growing marijuana

April 24, 2013

Seven individuals arrested for allegedly growing marijuana

Article provided by Schuetze & McGaha, P.C.
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Las Vegas is known for its wild party and nightlife scene, which attracts numerous tourists each year. Many of these tourists are unaware that this lifestyle usually means security and police presence. This results in a high number of drug arrests, for both tourists and residents. Nevada currently boasts some of the most aggressive laws in the country relating to drug possession and distribution.

Seven individuals charged with home marijuana growing

Federal authorities recently arrested seven Nevada individuals for growing marijuana in their homes. The seven are also accused of planning to distribute the drugs and maintaining a drug house. Prosecutors claim that at least three of the residences operate as "marijuana grow houses."

They also assert the individuals planned to manufacture approximately 100 marijuana plants. The actual indictment does not state the exact number of marijuana plants involved in the alleged operation, only that it is "more than 100." The individuals apparently obtained and planned to distribute over 20 kilograms of marijuana.

Drug charges come with substantial penalties. If convicted, these individuals could spend between five and 40 years in prison. Fines assessed could also reach as high as $5 million.

Medical marijuana laws are extremely complex in Nevada

Marijuana is a popular topic in Nevada, where medical marijuana users are allowed to grow marijuana. Current Nevada law allows medical marijuana users to grow plants for their own use and possess up to one ounce of the drug. Users are permitted to grow up to seven plants. Those growing more have been targeted by local law enforcement.

However, buying or selling marijuana to medical marijuana users remains illegal. This means even operators of registered marijuana dispensaries face being arrested on drug charges. It also leaves users who do not grow the plant with no way to purchase marijuana or even seeds for growing the drug. Additionally, it is difficult to grow marijuana. This means attempts to grow the drug are often unsuccessful.

Opponents of the current laws say that since state voters have elected to legalize the use of medical marijuana, there should be a system in place for users to obtain it the same way they obtain any other legal prescription drug. They also point out that allowing dispensaries to buy and sell medical marijuana to users with a valid medical marijuana card could have a positive effect on the local economy.

Marijuana currently belongs to a federal category of drugs with no valid medical purpose and a high dependency level. This means that individuals carrying a valid medical marijuana card still face the threat of federal prosecution on drug charges. A drug conviction has serious and long-term effects, including adverse employment consequences. However, police officers and federal officials are required to follow numerous procedures and regulations when attempting to make an arrest.

This is why an aggressive drug attorney with knowledge of drug related laws is essential. A skilled drug attorney can examine every aspect of the arrest and any drug related charges to ensure all constitutional rights are protected.