Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jun 2017 Source: Blade, The (Toledo, OH) Copyright: 2017 The Blade Contact: http://www.toledoblade.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/48 Author: Jennifer Feehan WEST TOLEDO CHURCH PROTESTS FOR RELEASE OF 'MEDICINE WOMAN' Members of a West Toledo church that describes itself as "an alternative medicine and naturopathic healing center" demonstrated outside the Lucas County Courthouse today in support of the woman they call their head medicine woman. Charmaine Rose Bassett, 56, is held in the Lucas County jail on felony charges of aggravated possession of drugs, aggravated trafficking in drugs, and trafficking in marijuana. Bassett, who founded Anyana-Kai at 3344 Secor Rd., was indicted by a Lucas County grand jury after Toledo police raided the church and seized marijuana and illegal mushrooms. The indictment alleges she sold the marijuana and mushrooms to members who paid a fee to join the church. Supporters say the search, Bassett's arrest, and her detention all are illegal based on what they referred to as constitutional law. Bassett has so far declined to cooperate with the court process, prompting Common Pleas Judge Michael Goulding to order that she undergo a competency evaluation at the Court Diagnostic and Treatment Center. Judge Goulding also ordered that she be held in the county jail after she left Lucas County and failed to appear for a court hearing in March. She was arrested in Canton, Ohio on June 7 and booked the same day at the Lucas County jail. Church member Tanya Walker said Bassett and Anyana-Kai do amazing work for people suffering from various illnesses who have not been helped by traditional medicine. Bassett uses "earth-based sacraments," including cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms, she said. "Her knowledge is vast," Ms. Walker said. "She is the most giving person I've ever met, and to us it's a crime she's in there when there are dangerous people out here." A hearing in Bassett's case is set for July 7. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt