Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jan 2009
Source: New Times (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Copyright: 2009 New Times
Contact:  http://www.newtimesslo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1277
Author: Kylie Mendonca
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Charles+Lynch

RECLAIMING MARYJANE

Richard Steenken is the latest SLO County medical marijuana patient 
to have his confiscated marijuana returned by the local sheriff. 
Steenken arrived at the SLO County Sheriff's office on Jan. 15 to 
retrieve his property, which included 3 jars of marijuana, 2 grams of 
hashish, 2 grams of kief, and 43 dead marijuana plants. Steenken was 
also given back his growing equipment.

Despite his status as a medical patient, Steenken's home was raided 
after a landlord tipped off the Sheriff's Department. His patient 
status was not thoroughly checked by deputies at the time of his 
arrest or even after his arrest. Steenken failed to post bail and was 
held in custody for 21 days before the case against him was dropped 
by the District Attorney.

Steenken declined to make a statement when he picked up the property, 
but he and a friend both wore a green ribbon with an American flag 
pin, which he said, represents their support of cannabis reform and 
their continued support for Charles Lynch, the former Morro Bay 
medical marijuana dispensary owner who is now facing prison time.

A representative for the Sheriff's Department was unable to comment 
as of press time. As with past cases, Sheriff Pat Hedges declined to 
return the marijuana until he was presented with a court order. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake