Medical Marijuana Crimes in Santa Barbara, CA

Understanding the Complicated Laws Surrounding Medical Marijuana

While the state of California has recognized the benefits of marijuana when used by individuals suffering from painful and serious illnesses such as cancer, AIDS, arthritis, and glaucoma, the laws surrounding medical marijuana can be difficult to pinpoint. Our attorneys at Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP have a solid understanding of state and local medical marijuana laws. Just as it is difficult for most people to know the exact particulars of the ever-changing drug laws in this state, law enforcement officers may be uninformed when it comes to medical use laws. As a result, individuals with valid marijuana prescriptions, operating legally within the law, may face unfounded prosecution.

A Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyer from our firm will be able to protect you from any unfair treatment and clear your name of any charges should you be arrested for doing something that is entirely legal.

Under the Compassionate Use Act and Senate Bill 420, any individual with legitimate health concerns can legally cultivate and possess marijuana following the approval of a physician. Sometimes, the actual prescription process can lead to a number of problems. When a physician writes a prescription for medical marijuana, he or she does not actually prescribe a suggested dosage or a recommended amount. This uncertainty as to how much marijuana an individual is allowed to possess can be difficult when confronted by law enforcement about the drugs. In general, California law holds that an individual can carry no more than eight (8) ounces of dried marijuana at any given time, and maintain no more than six (6) mature or twelve (12) immature plants.