Charles Lynch

In California, medical marijuana is legal. You see medical marijuana stores in strip malls, office parks, and even residential neighborhoods.

In the United States, medical marijuana is not legal. Distribution of marijuana remains a federal crime.

How does that work?

It doesn't. And it's more than an interesting anomaly in constitutional law. It's fucking up people's lives.

Check out the website for the Friends of Charles Lynch, who is currently awaiting sentencing on federal marijuana charges.

If you're too lazy to do that, I'm copying to copy the text of the front page here:

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Charles C. Lynch is the former owner and managing Caregiver for Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers in Morro Bay.

The dispensary opened on April 1 2006 with the blessing of the city and even joined the Chamber of Commerce. In July 2006 the dispensary was granted a Conditional Use Permit from the City of Morro Bay to include a Medical Cannabis Nursery at the dispensary.

The Dispensary operated for almost one year without any major problems or complaints to the owner. On March 29, 2007 the Local Sheriff and DEA agents raided the Dispensary and Home of Charles Lynch. Lynch was not arrested at the time and reopened the dispensary on April 7 2007 with the blessing of the City of Morro Bay.

On July 17, 2007 Lynch was arrested at his home and charged with Federal Marijuana Distribution. Now Lynch faces federal Prosecution for operating the Dispensary. His trial is scheduled to begin on July 22, 2008 in Los Angeles. Click here for more information.

On August 5, 2008 Lynch was convicted in Federal Court for operating the Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers. Supporters who wish to write a letter of support regarding sentencing should use the Letter salutation "Dear Judge Wu" and then send the letter to:

Reuven Cohen
Federal Public Defender
321 East 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012-4702

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As far as I know, Charles Lynch (who I've never met) has no criminal record before this. All he did was open a business with the approval of the city and state government that the U.S. government wanted to make an example of.

Whether or not you agree with medical marijuana is irrelevant. If the U.S. Government wants to overturn California law, it should do so through one of the many legal or political avenues available to it. The are over 150 years of precedent and case law since the Civil War that govern intergovernmental disputes and issues of jurisdiction. Bringing the weight of the U.S. government to arrest, prosecute, and imprison individuals caught in the middle is loathsome.

If you haven't done a good deed today, then stop reading my blog and any other dating science material for twenty minutes, check out Charles' site, and then write, print, and send a quick letter.

I'm looking into what else can be done, and will post updates on this blog.