Pubdate: Tue, 30 Dec 2008
Source: Kennebec Journal (Augusta, ME)
Copyright: 2008 Blethen Maine Newspapers Inc
Contact:
http://centralmaine.mainetoday.com/readerservices/lettertotheeditor.html
Website: http://kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1405
Author: Don Christen
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08.n1137.a10.html

JURORS UNDERSTOOD CASE WAS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

In my recent case involving medical marijuana patient Carroll
Cummings, and my appointed caregiver status for him, Justice William
Anderson accepted and approved Cummings' doctor's authorization
document as well as the caregiver appointment document as meeting the
requirements by statute to possess and provide Cummings his medical
marijuana.

The jurors were instructed that they could apply the affirmative
defense under the law to my case if they felt it applied. My lawyer,
Walter McKee, had shown the jury that this was obviously all about
medical marijuana, so the jury decided in just an hour and a  quarter
to return a verdict of "not guilty."

I thank the judge for his part in administering justice in this case,
he has my respect. I thank my lawyer who did a fine job. Lastly, to
the jurors who served justice in this case, I thank each and every
one of you for your services and for paying close attention to the
facts presented to you.

This case means a lot for Maine's citizens who need medical
marijuana; you will see its benefits in the near future. District
Attorney Evert Fowle says marijuana isn't a medicine, but the voters
say different.

The judge and the jury now say different with this case Fowle just
lost.

Fowle should start abiding by the oath he took to serve the people
and uphold the law, whether or not he agrees  with it.

Don Christen

Madison
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