It has been nearly 10 years since voters approved the Michigan Medical Marijuana Initiative, and licensed dispensaries have helped those who deal with chronic pain and related maladies find a way to cope that departs from traditional opioids and other painkillers. But even with legalized marijuana, users may still find themselves running afoul of the law.
Indeed, enforcement of federal law against large scale growers and dispensaries may be imminent, but individual users may be at risk even if they have a valid prescription for medical marijuana. For instance, if you are buying medical marijuana from a dispensary that is not properly credentialed or has had its license suspended or revoked, you could be subject to prosecution.
Additionally, selling your prescribed marijuana outside of the authorized channels (i.e. reselling your own marijuana) could lead to criminal charges. Further, driving while under the influence of marijuana could be charged in the same manner as driving under the influence of alcohol.
While these crimes may not appear to be serious, they could lead to other crimes or prevent you from obtaining certain benefits in the future. So regardless of whether the crime charged is a misdemeanor or a felony, it is essential to have experienced, aggressive legal representation on your side. This is where a skilled criminal defense attorney comes in.
A seasoned lawyer can analyze all aspects of the case to determine whether pleading to a lesser charge or challenging them at trial works best for your individual circumstance. If you have questions about criminal charges stemming from medicinal marijuana use, an experienced attorney can advise you.