Pubdate: Thu, 8 Jan 2004
Source: Denver Post (CO)
h=filter
Copyright: 2004 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: The Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

JUDGE HOLDS COPS IN CONTEMPT IN MEDICAL-POT CASE

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. - A judge has issued contempt citations to nine
police officers involved in a drug raid that has led to a clash in state and
federal laws over the use of marijuana by the sick.

The citations, issued Wednesday, accuse the officers of failing to return 2
ounces of marijuana seized from Don Nord, 57, last October.

Colorado is one of nine states that allow the infirm to grow or smoke
marijuana with a doctor's recommendation. Nord, who has battled cancer,
diabetes and other ailments, has a certificate from the state allowing him
to use the drug under a voter-approved 2000 constitutional amendment.

"My client just wants them to give him back his medicine," attorney
Kristopher Hammond said. "We're not going to run away."

Last month, some of Nord's pot-growing equipment was returned but he is
still waiting for the marijuana and his pipes.

Officials with the Drug Enforcement Agency have said they have no intention
of returning the marijuana, which is illegal for any use under federal law.

The officers, who served on a federal task force that conducted the raid,
must appear before Routt County Judge James Garrecht on Feb. 2 to explain
why they should not be punished for contempt.
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