Pubdate: Sun, 09 Jun 2013
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2013 The Denver Post Corp
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122
Author: John Ingold

NO POT FOR COLO. MARIJUANA MOGUL

Possesion Arrest in Alabama Brings Two-Year Ban for Dixie Elixers Chief

The Colorado man behind one of the nation's largest medical-marijuana 
products companies won't be able to use marijuana for two years, 
after he was arrested for possession in Alabama.

Vincent "Tripp" Keber, who is the managing director of the company 
that makes the Dixie Elixirs line of marijuana-infused products, 
pleaded guilty last month to misdemeanor marijuana possession in 
Baldwin County, Ala. A second charge of marijuana possession was 
dismissed as part of the deal, and the whole case will be wiped out 
if Keber stays trouble-free for the next two years, said Keber's 
lawyer, Harold Callaway.

As part of the deal, Keber must check in with authorities in Alabama 
daily and submit to random drug tests. If those tests turn up 
evidence of alcohol consumption or drug use - including marijuana use 
- - Keber could face up to a year in jail, said Martha Simmons, a 
spokeswoman for the Baldwin County district attorney's office.

"This is a situation during some vacation where I basically made an 
error in judgment," Keber said.

Deputies arrested Keber on May 18 after he was found in possession of 
a small amount of concentrated marijuana while entering the Hangout 
Music Festival in Gulf Shores, Ala., said Baldwin County sheriff's 
Maj. Anthony Lowery. Arrest documents show Keber was also initially 
held on suspicion of felony possession of cocaine, though Callaway 
said deputies mistook a marijuana concentrate for cocaine. Keber 
denies possessing cocaine, and Keber was charged only with marijuana 
possession.

Alabama does not have a medical-marijuana law. As a result of limited 
marijuana legalization in Colorado, Keber's possession likely 
wouldn't have brought criminal charges in this state.

Dixie Elixirs makes an array of marijuana-infused oils, sweets and 
drinks. Keber said he reported the charges to Colorado's Medical 
Marijuana Enforcement Division and said he does not believe they will 
have an impact on the company's license.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom