Chico, California, Attorney for Medical Marijuana Users and Growers
The Compassionate Use Act of 1996, passed on the ballot as Proposition 215, led to the addition of certain protections for medical cannabis patients and caregivers to the California Health and Safety Code. Generally, these protections exempted authorized patients and caregivers from criminal charges for marijuana possession and cultivation and also prohibited punishment or persecution of physicians who recommend cannabis for medical purposes.
As with other aspects of California marijuana law, uncertainty and misinformation surround the issue of what a patient actually needs to avoid prosecution for marijuana cultivation or possession. Common, important questions include:
- Do you need a prescription, a letter, a card or something else?
- How can you determine whether you have a legal recommendation from a physician authorized to provide them?
- How can you ensure your marijuana grow falls within the limits that apply in your specific California city or county?
By the letter of the law, you need a "recommendation" from a physician, rather than a script like you would get for a pharmaceutical medication, and this recommendation must document the medical condition being treated. However, many people who believe they have what is necessary run into problems with law enforcement over legal grow amounts and other issues.
We Provide Drug Crime Defense and Medical Marijuana Doctor's "Script" Advice
At the Rooney Law Firm in Chico, we are well equipped to defend medical marijuana patients as well as caregivers and physicians accused of violating the law. We also provide counsel to individuals and cooperatives that want to stay compliant and proactively avoid arrest or prosecution for marijuana crimes.
Simply stated, having a doctor's recommendation, "prescription" or "script" for marijuana does not make you legal. Doctors do not make the law, often do not know the law, and cannot defend you if allegations arise. We are dedicated to staying up to date on specific county ordinances and policies on marijuana grow prosecution, enabling our clients to avoid raids, arrests, crop destruction, property seizures and other harsh consequences.
Getting the Right Results and Real Protection Starts With Choosing the Right Legal Team
Please note that our law firm handles both state and federal marijuana-related criminal defense cases. Our attorneys are licensed to practice in any federal court.
You can turn to our lawyers with questions about legal grow amounts, operation of your cooperative, and other marijuana issues — or for skilled, resourceful defense against any marijuana charge. To schedule a free consultation at our firm, led by a seven-time Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year as recognized in the Consumer Business Review section of the Chico News and Review, call (800) TKO-4-LAW or send us e-mail anytime.
