Jacob Bell
New Member
PHOENIX - The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors approved a motion authorizing County Attorney Bill Montgomery to intervene as co-plaintiffs in the state's medical marijuana lawsuit.
The County is effectively asking the court to determine whether Ariozna's Medical Marijuana Act provides a "safe harbor" from federal prosecution.
"I have asked the Board of Supervisors to intervene in the State's lawsuit because the interests of the County are separate and distinct from those of the State and cannot be adequately represented by the State alone," said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. "County officers and employees who have a role in implementing the Medical Marijuana Act should not be put in a position of having to wait and see whether or not any particular federal administration's policies would result in prosecution. This is a simple wish for fairness and legal certainty to avoid potential criminal liability," he added.
The AMMA requires officials to approve and issue permits for facilities that distribute and cultivate marijuana. It was approved by voters in November 2010.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, distribution or possession of marijuana is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison. Individuals can be fined up to $250,000 and up to $1 million for an organization.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: myfoxphoenix.com
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: Fox Television Stations, Inc.
Website: Maricopa County to Join Fed Lawsuit over Arizona Medical Marijuana Act
The County is effectively asking the court to determine whether Ariozna's Medical Marijuana Act provides a "safe harbor" from federal prosecution.
"I have asked the Board of Supervisors to intervene in the State's lawsuit because the interests of the County are separate and distinct from those of the State and cannot be adequately represented by the State alone," said Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery. "County officers and employees who have a role in implementing the Medical Marijuana Act should not be put in a position of having to wait and see whether or not any particular federal administration's policies would result in prosecution. This is a simple wish for fairness and legal certainty to avoid potential criminal liability," he added.
The AMMA requires officials to approve and issue permits for facilities that distribute and cultivate marijuana. It was approved by voters in November 2010.
Under the Controlled Substances Act, distribution or possession of marijuana is a criminal offense punishable by up to five years in prison. Individuals can be fined up to $250,000 and up to $1 million for an organization.
News Hawk- Jacob Ebel 420 MAGAZINE
Source: myfoxphoenix.com
Contact: Contact Us
Copyright: Fox Television Stations, Inc.
Website: Maricopa County to Join Fed Lawsuit over Arizona Medical Marijuana Act
