Prop. 215 won’t protect targeted growers

A Southern Humboldt medical marijuana patient says federal agents raided his home and medical garden despite being within county guidelines.

KMUD news interviewed the man whose property was raided early Wednesday morning.  He didn’t give his name but said he owns part of the 2,000 acres targeted in “Operation Southern Sweep.”  He believes his 36 marijuana plants were destroyed despite having proper medical marijuana paperwork.

The man was taken to a command post and questioned before being released.  He said agents asked if he profits from marijuana, whether he has a job, and what his neighbors do for a living.  Agents told him he could not return to his property until Saturday.

“It’s legal now, I went and got my medical and did everything I was supposed to,” he said.  “Be aware — the federal government doesn’t honor anything.  They’re going to do whatever they want when it really comes down to it.”

KMUD questioned FBI agent Joseph Schadler about busting 215 gardens.

“Simply because they may have a 215 up doesn’t mean its’ still not illegal under federal law,” Schadler said.  “For example, If they are part of this larger group [targeted by the investigation], and they are growing marijuana for non-medical purposes, which is outside the statute — even if they say they’re growing it under 215 — it still doesn’t negate the fact that it’s illegal under federal law.  Just because we’re not targeting 215 doesn’t mean that somebody can hide behind that when they’re part of a larger investigation.”

The “investigation is about finding truth,” Schadler said, and added that people not involved in the alleged organization won’t be prosecuted.  “Our targets are not people simply growing for medical purposes,” he said.