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Plainsman1963

Medical marijuana growers vulnerable to crime, police say
01-21-2005 | Albany Democrat-Herald

DUNDEE (AP) — Police in Oregon say this week's violent assault and robbery of a medical marijuana grower in Dundee is indicative of a scattered problem across the state.

"If you have a product that is legal for some and illegal for others — and they want it — that's an awful big temptation for bad guys,'' Yamhill County Sheriff Jack Crabtree told The Oregonian. "These marijuana-growing greenhouses aren't exactly reinforced with steel and concrete.''

Other law enforcement officials and medical marijuana advocates said they have heard reports of thieves preying on legal growing operations.

"I've been getting reports from Southern Oregon and Eastern Oregon of thefts and assaults,'' said Paul Stanford, executive director of the Portland-based Oregon Cannabis & Hemp Foundation, an education and support group for medical marijuana users.

In this week's case, Ernest R. Holter, 50, told police that he heard an alarm sounding about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday in his barn, just northeast of the Dundee city limits.

When Holter went to investigate, he was hit on the head and in the face. Holter — who had a valid medical marijuana card — passed out and lay on the ground until 7:19 a.m., when he was able to call for help.

He is now in serious condition in the intensive care unit at Legacy Emanuel Hospital & Health Center in Portland, where he underwent surgery for his head injuries.

According to the law, an Oregon resident can obtain a medical marijuana card by applying to the state Health Division after receiving a doctor's recommendation. According to Jan. 1 figures, 9,813 Oregonians now possess the cards, with an additional 1,327 applications pending.

Under the law, those enrolled in the program can possess "three mature marijuana plants, four immature marijuana plants and 1 ounce of usable marijuana per each mature plant'' in their homes.

However, the marijuana-growing operations, generally in homes, gardens or outbuildings, are vulnerable to thieves.

In September, a Southwest Portland man was shot and wounded by thieves targeting his medical marijuana. The man was shot in the doorway of his home, and thieves left before taking anything.

In 2002, two Gold Hill residents weathered repeated attempts to steal their medical marijuana. Intruders cut their chain-link fence and stabbed their guard dog.

Oregon is one of 11 states allowing medical marijuana. Other states with similar programs are Washington, Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada and Vermont. Arizona has a law allowing medical marijuana, but no active program.

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Puffer

We already know that outright prohibition doesn't work. Now, we're learning that halfway measures don't work, either. Maybe we should just admit that removing all restrictions against marijuana is the more sensible approach.

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Just say "know" to marijuana!

Bluee

Dundee is a peaceful town out on the way to the beach from Portland. I am surprised to hear of this...

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