Pubdate: Wed, 21 Nov 2012
Source: Ukiah Daily Journal, The (CA)
Copyright: 2012 The Ukiah Daily Journal
Contact: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/feedback
Website: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/581
Author: Tiffany Revelle

FEDS DEMAND MENDOCINO COUNTY POT RECORDS

Federal authorities have subpoenaed financial records the county of
Mendocino keeps regarding its medical marijuana ordinance, official
sources confirmed.

County officials confirmed Tuesday that a federal grand jury issued a
subpoena to the Mendocino County Auditor-Controller's Office for
records of funds paid to the county under its medical marijuana
ordinance, County Code 9.31. The subpoena arrived in late October,
according to one source.

The reason for the request is unclear as local and federal officials
remain quiet regarding the subpoena.

Until recently, the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office issued permits
under 9.31 for collectives wanting to grow up to 99 marijuana plants,
an exemption to the county's 25-plant limit.

Former County Counsel Jeanine Nadel proposed in February that the
county stop issuing the permits and revert to the 25-plant limit for
all growers after the U.S. Attorney's Office threatened to file and
injunction against the county's medical marijuana cultivation
ordinance and seek legal action against county officials who supported
it.

Under 9.31, the Sheriff's Office still sells zip ties for $25 apiece,
which can be affixed to plants to show they are grown in compliance
with state law. The popular program had brought in about $500,000 for
zip ties and permits for the Sheriff's Office before the permitting
portion stopped in March.

Representatives with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and
U.S. Attorney's Office said they could "neither confirm nor deny" that
a subpoena was issued. When asked about the subpoena, Mendocino County
Counsel Tom Parker and Deputy Auditor-Controller Lloyd Weir both
refused to comment.
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