Pubdate: Wed, 22 Jan 2003
Source: Daily Kent Stater (OH Edu)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily Kent Stater
Contact: http://www.stater.kent.edu/contact/
Website: http://www.stater.kent.edu/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1256
Author: David Kravets, Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Ed+Rosenthal

COLUMNIST GOES ON TRIAL ON CHARGES OF GROWING POT

SAN FRANCISCO-- An author of how-to books and columns on growing marijuana 
and getting away with it went on trial Tuesday on federal charges of 
illegally cultivating pot.

The case against Ed Rosenthal represents the latest clash between federal 
agents and state and local authorities over the medical use of marijuana.

Rosenthal, a former columnist for the pro-marijuana magazine High Times, 
has said he was growing pot to help the sick, which is legal under 
California law. But marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

Prosecutor George Bevan told the jury that agents seized some 3,000 plants 
growing in Rosenthal's warehouse in Oakland.

"It's a federal offense," Bevan said.

Rosenthal, 58, could receive a life sentence if convicted.

California and seven other states -- Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, 
Maine, Oregon and Washington -- allow the sick to receive, possess, grow or 
smoke marijuana for medical purposes without fear of state prosecution.

Nearly two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court said it was a violation of 
federal drug laws for medical marijuana clubs to dispense pot.

Armed with that ruling, the government has raided several marijuana clubs 
and growing operations in California over the objection of marijuana 
advocates and local prosecutors and politicians.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens