Weekly Cannabis Roundup April 16
by Lo
A Pennsylvania judge recently ruled that state troopers do not have the right to search vehicles based on a strong marijuana smell as long as a medical marijuana card could be produced.
Timothy Barr, 27 was traveling as a passenger with his wife when they were stopped because of a traffic violation. When police detected a strong marijuana odor, the couple was made aware that the aroma alone provided enough evidence to legally search the vehicle. While Barr was able to show them his medical marijuana card, police still continued to conduct a search on the car. During the check, police found less than a gram of dry cannabis, some residue, and a loaded handgun beneath the driver’s seat. Records indicate that Barr is currently prohibited from possessing a firearm because of previous convictions.
Judge Maria L. Dantos, of Lehigh County Court, tossed out the evidence that supported a conviction for drug and firearm possession. She cited that, “The smell of marijuana is no longer per se indicative of a crime”. In the ruling, Dantos maintained that it was “unreasonable” for police to keep searching once Barr provided his medical marijuana card.
Prosecutors are now left to either appeal the verdict or move forward without evidence. During testimony, one of the troopers made a statement that he thought that medical marijuana wasn’t supposed to produce a smell. The other officer was under the assumption that dried cannabis flower was illegal despite the fact that dispensaries have carried such since 2018. Dantos wrote in her opinion that this proves a “clear disconnect between the medical marijuana community and law enforcement.”
Barr was free to go after posting $1 bail.
Medical marijuana patients should always carry their cards and any dispensary receipts. These are a means of proof that they are legally authorized to possess cannabis. All law enforcement should make it their duty to be firmly knowledgeable of their state medical marijuana laws. This entire situation only supports the fact that the US must implement straightforward laws and regulations surrounding cannabis. Otherwise, there will always be an incredibly needless risk for establishing or adding to a person’s criminal record. Miscommunication will just cause further confusion and continue to waste everyone’s time when it is unnecessary in the first place. Hopefully, this ruling will only set a precedent for any similar cases in the future.
This should be the last everywhere! PA is finally leading the US with some good laws
Cannabis coconut oil is an excellent alternative to the more traditional edible baker favorite: cannabutter. Not only is cannabis infused coconut oil non-dairy and vegan, but it is also an incredibly effective carrier oil for one of this author’s favorite compounds: THC. Edibles are a fantastic way to medicate for many reasons. Firstly, the effects…
Who would have thought that a plant once feared for being a “gateway drug” – a myth that has actually been debunked by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – could quite possibly be the missing piece in a complex puzzle called health? Thanks to an ever-growing smorgasbord of scientific evidence and research, the public’s perception…
Cannabidiol (CBD) has gained its fame from being a medical wonder, while Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) received its glory from its intoxicating and pain-reducing effects and now… Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is gaining stature as a weight-loss wonder. THCV has appetite-suppressing properties, which goes against the general association between consuming cannabis and getting the “munchies”. The truth is that…
More people may be taking a trip to Massachusetts soon, and more people in Massachusetts may be taking a trip soon too. That’s because, like many other places in the US, lawmakers and elected representatives in Massachusetts are looking at decriminalizing the possession of all drugs in certain amounts. In fact, the state has introduced…
Growing cannabis at home can be very therapeutic. Raising a cannabis plant from a small seedling or clone all the way through flowering to produce potent medicine is very rewarding. You’re rewarded with a beautiful crop of buds. You’re also rewarded with the peace of mind that comes with knowing what went into your grow….
With the cannabis industry growing bigger and more popular, it is no wonder that the cannabis edibles and beverage industry would follow…
The 2020 election saw several states legalize cannabis along with a handful of others who’ve legalized in 2021. Legal access in the…
One of the major concerns surrounding cannabis legalization is the impact that cannabis can have on one’s driving abilities. This is also…