For the first time since the 1970s, defendants
in a cannabis-related criminal case are being allowed to present new
scientific and medical studies as part of their defense in a federal trial in California that begins today.
Starting today and for the next three days, U.S. District Judge Kimberly Mueller will be holding a hearing to determine if the classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance is supported by scientific and medical evidence.
The
marijuana growers using this defense were likely not growing the
cannabis in the national forest of Trinity and Tehama counties for
medical reasons, which their defense attorney, Zenia Gilg,
a member of the NORML legal committee, readily admits. However, her
defense is based on the premise that cannabis prohibition is
unconstitutional and based on inaccurate information. If the judge
agrees with Gilg, the initial ruling will have a massive impact on those
with pending federal marijuana charges.
The
courts will hear testimony from doctors, researchers, and even the
federal Department of Justice, which has been ordered by the
administration to not prosecute marijuana offenders who are complying
with state laws. Expert witnesses
for the defense include physician Dr. Philip Denney and Clinton-era FBI
crime analyst James Nolan. They’ll be squaring off against Bertha
Madras, who insists that marijuana use causes brain damage.
Ladybud Magazine
commends Judge Mueller for her willingness to hear the evidence in this
hearing, despite the protests of prosecutors. It is possible that the
next three days could result in the beginning of the end of federal
marijuana prohibition. Ladybud will be following the case and reporting on the ruling once it is made publicly available.
Virgin Atlantic Airways
http://tinyurl.com/pjbm6r6
Luxury French Lingerie
http://tinyurl.com/o7qcz7m
From chocolate eggs to chocolate coins, give your sweet tooth a treat with our delicious products.
http://tinyurl.com/nragc9j
No comments:
Post a Comment