Pubdate: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 Source: Redding Record Searchlight (CA) Copyright: 1999 Redding Record Searchlight - E.W. Scripps Contact: PO Box 492397, Redding, CA 96049-2397 Website: http://www.redding.com/ Forum: http://www.redding.com/disc2_frm.htm Author: Alex Breitler, VERDICT WON'T CHANGE POLICY Shasta County law enforcement officials said Thursday that they won't change their stance on marijuana use. At least, not until prosecutors know why a jury this week acquitted a Redding man charged with growing marijuana for sale, pot that he claims to have used for medicinal purposes. And while reactions to Wednesday's acquittal varied, one question was shared by all. How much pot is enough pot for medical use? "I hope it (the verdict) is a sign that the county will finally get the message that we need their support and we need guidelines which will help patients follow the law," said Guy Mount, 61, of Cottonwood, a medical marijuana user who lobbied for Proposition 215, a 1996 initiative that legalized marijuana use if supported by a doctor. "We need real guidelines that are focused on health care, not on punishing somebody you don't agree with." Shasta County sheriff's deputies arrested 49-year-old Richard Levin in May 1998 after finding 41 seedlings in his back yard and 1 1/2 pounds of pot in his bedroom. The jury's verdict marked the first time in Shasta County - and possibly the state - that a medical marijuana defendant has been acquitted since California voters approved Prop. 215. But county law enforcement officials said they'll continue going after marijuana users as they always have. Redding Police Chief Bob Blankenship said Thursday that he wants to wait until the district attorney's office completes an investigation into the verdict before deciding whether a change in police policy is needed. "We take direction from the district attorney on how we enforce it (marijuana use)," Blankenship said. "If you're in possession of less than an ounce, we cite and release. If it's a felony, we book you. "Our scope, the enforcement end, is limited." Ed Pecis, commander of the Shasta Interagency Narcotics Task Force, echoed that sentiment, say his agents would continue their enforcement as they have been. District Attorney McGregor Scott said Wednesday that his office will speak with jurors to determine why they reached their verdict and whether prosecutors should change their approach to medicinal marijuana cases. All sides agree the law should specify how much marijuana patients can possess; Proposition 215 calls for a "reasonable amount." Mount said California should adopt a statewide guideline. Some cities and counties have already chosen their own. In 1998, the city of Oakland passed a resolution supporting the use of medical marijuana and determined users should be allowed to possess a three-month supply. With indoor marijuana plants harvested once a year, the recommended 6-pound harvest would require 30 mature plants, Oakland officials determined. But because many plants die, users should be allowed to aim for 60 plants, destroying the extras once 30 mature plants develop, the guideline says. There are no such standards in Shasta County, nor in many other parts of the state, Mount said. "The voters vote for something, then leave it wide open like this, it doesn't make sense," said Shasta County Supervisor Glenn Hawes. The Board of Supervisors has no immediate plans to address the issue, Hawes said, though it's been discussed several times in the past. The medical marijuana debate has received more attention since state Attorney General Bill Lockyer said last year that making Prop. 215 work is on of his top priorities. But Mount fears it will take drastic measures to get firm marijuana rules. "I only see it happening if the county is faced with a lawsuit," he said. Reporter Alex Breitler can be reached at 225-8344 or at --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D