Pubdate: Fri, 23 Jan 2004 Source: Mountain Democrat (Placerville, CA) Copyright: 2004, Mountain Democrat Contact: http://www.mtdemocrat.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2246 Author: Marian Schwenn, Staff writer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) MEDICAL MARIJUANA CO-OP FARM PROPOSED It May Take More Than A Green Thumb To Make A Medical Marijuana Garden Grow In El Dorado County. A marijuana cultivation cooperative project proposed by a group of patients led by Dr. Philip A. Denney may have a higher price tag than taxpayers realize. "It is our intention to provide safe access to affordable, high quality medicinal cannabis," a letter from Denney to El Dorado County Board of Supervisors states. Providing a secure and safe outdoor community marijuana grove, however, will cost money. With the current budget concerns at the local law enforcement level, some are beginning to wonder where that money will come from. Denney says he plans to begin planting the crop in May at an outdoor location with strict security - but who is obligated to provide that security? "One of my chief concerns becomes the safety of all personnel involved," said El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Neves. "There is obviously a monetary value to marijuana and my safety concern ... is those folks that use it for medicinal purposes will create, essentially, robbery-type circumstances," the sheriff said of the proposed project. "I certainly embrace the voter mandate of Proposition 215 and the medical use of marijuana," Neves added. California's Proposition 215 states that its purpose is to ensure patients have a right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes. A "distribution" program is required to be implemented by the county Health Department and is mandated by the state, according to Dave Bishop, former president of the local Cannabis Club. Another concern regarding the marijuana cultivation cooperative effort lies in the exploration of uncharted territories under the law. That, too, can be costly. There are complexities to the cultivation issue that officials are not fully aware of with regard to the passage of SB 240, according to the Sheriff's Department. SB 240, which went into effect on Jan. 1, allows marijuana cultivation under Proposition 215. "The complexities of the 'community' kinds of groves lie where there are conflicts between federal law and state law," said Neves. A recent medical marijuana incident in Sacramento is a perfect example of the complex issues that may arise. A California couple was arraigned last week in federal court on charges of cultivating medical marijuana. Both hold doctors' recommendations, as outlined by Proposition 215. However, they were charged with possession and cultivation. State charges against them were dropped at the very moment federal charges were being filed. The couple was arrested by federal agents as they stood in a Corning courtroom. Exact costs regarding security measures and the implementation of SB 240 in El Dorado County have yet to be established. Meanwhile, District Attorney Gary Lacy said he and the sheriff would assess the proposed plan in light of state laws dealing with medicinal marijuana to ascertain whether or not it complies with law. "We (Lacy and Sheriff Neves) want to hear what their proposal or what their plan is first," said Lacy. "It's difficult to address things in abstract." Currently, there is no meeting planned between county officials and law enforcement officials with Denney, but not for lack of interest, according to Neves. "We are focusing right now on budget issues and budget challenges," he explained. "We will coordinate with the district attorney to schedule a meeting with Dr. Denney." Budget issues and monetary costs associated with Denney's proposal will likely be an important part of that dialogue. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin