Lit_Match

Supporters speak out for the owner of the Morro Bay medical marijuana dispensary
07-20-07|KSBY|Amy Andrews

The owner of the Morro Bay medical marijuana dispensary raided by the DEA earlier this year has been released from federal custody.

Tonight his supporters are speaking out on the charges against him.

Here are the Facts First:

* In March, federal agents served search warrants at Compassionate Caregiver's medical marijuana dispensary and at the home of operator Charles Lynch.
* On Tuesday Lynch was arrested after the federal indictments against him were finally handed down.
* Today Lynch was released from custody on a $400,000 bond.

Charles Lynch is home tonight after spending the last 48 hours in federal custody.

Those close to medical marijuana dispensary operator Charles Lynch believe he's being unfairly targeted by local and federal authorities.

One woman, who worked side by side with Lynch the entire time the business was open, did not want to be identified.

"They picked on Charles Lynch, who's the most compassionate guy in this county, who wanted to help the community."

The federal indictment against Lynch alleges he distributed large quantities of marijuana for significant profits.

Proposition 215 states dispensaries cannot make money.

"Making 2.1 million dollars in a year is basically being a drug dealer, hiding behind Proposition 215," said Sergeant Brian Hascall of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department.

Lynch's friend insists all of that money went to salaries, overhead expenses, and rent.

"He wasn't there for profit. Every dime that he got from that facility he put back into that facility," explained Lynch's supporter.

The indictment also accuses Lynch of selling marijuana to 281 minors.

"What they failed to tell everyone was that was minors under 21."

Lynch's attorney says he did sell to two patients under 18, but that both teens were with their parents.

Elaine McKellips says she's just one of thousands of sick people who were helped by Lynch. She suffers from a painful stomach disease called Gastroparesis.

"He'll say, 'Oh, I know exactly what to give you. I've got something with lavender in it.' He makes sure I get what I need."

McKellips and the rest of his supporters plan on doing everything in their power to help prove his innocence.

Lynch is schedule to be arraigned in Los Angeles on Monday.

Three other California medical marijuana dispensary owners were also indicted by the DEA Tuesday on similar charges.

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Donation links to NORML (The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) | MPP (Marijuana Policy Project)