While it’s not unusual to hear of federal agents storming a pot dispensary, it is rare to learn of local law enforcement doing the same thing. But, that’s exactly what occurred in Eugene this week as detectives with the Lane County’s Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team raided Kannabosm, a medical marijuana business in Eugene.
According to the Register-Guard, the business is owned by 58-year old Curtis Dean Shimmin, who is now facing charges of money laundering, tampering with physical evidence, and possessing, manufacturing, and distributing marijuana. He has since been released on bond.
In the raid, 105 plants were seized, as well as several pounds of processed marijuana, hashish, and pot ready for sale. Food and beverages containing marijuana-derived ingredients were also taken.
Shimmin calls the raid a “travesty of justice,” and goes on to say, “many patients’ legal right to access medicine has been infringed upon, due in no part and in direct opposition to the complete legality of this program in the state of Oregon.”
The laws regarding the production and sale of medical marijuana in the state of Oregon are unique. In 2010, 58% of voters struck down a measure that would have allowed non-profits to open actual dispensaries. As it stands, dispensaries are technically illegal. However, Shimmin claims he was never selling pot for a profit.
Under Oregon law, medical marijuana cardholders can have someone grow their medicinal pot for them, reimbursing them only for the cost of growing it. Also, patients can give their excess marijuana to other cardholders. Warrants for Shimmin allege he was selling the pot at “street value” rather than just asking for reimbursement for production costs. He says that simply isn’t true.
Shimmin said much of the money paid by Kannabosm members for access to marijuana works to reimburse growers for supplies and electricity used to produce the buds. In return, growers return a “small amount” of cash to Kannabosm for “storage and handling,” Shimmin said.
This raid is one of a very small amount of those raided in the state, as law enforcement has generally taken a “hands-off” approach to the clubs that have popped up.
Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and under state law for those people who are not registered as medical marijuana cardholders. This means, if you are accused of a marijuana offense, you can face serious penalties.
If you are charged with possessing, selling, or growing pot or another controlled substance, contact our offices today to discuss your case and how we might be able to help.