Since passing the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, qualified patients in the State of California can possess, use, and cultivate medicinal marijuana for personal use. Medicinal marijuana is legal in nearly half of the states, California included. Under California Health and Safety Code 11362.7-11362.83, medicinal marijuana patients, with qualification, can posses up to 8 ounces of marijuana. Marijuana has brought relief and healing to many Californians as an effective alternative therapy for many serious conditions. Something so effective and natural, like an over the counter supplement, might seem like something that is safe to share with others who can benefit from its medicinal properties. However, providing even a small amount to a friend or family member can land you in front of criminal charges. Under California Health and Safety Code 11360, giving away less than an ounce of dried medicinal marijuana is considered a misdemeanor offense. It is easy to find oneself in this situation; your friend has had chronic pain for years following a traffic accident. He or she has sought other treatments like acupuncture and opiate pain medications, with little relief. You use medicinal marijuana for your own pain and it has greatly increased your quality of life. You want to help your friend and give them a small amount to try out. This may seem like a small offense, but a misdemeanor shows up on a criminal record and can prevent you from getting certain jobs, federal financial aid, or even renting an apartment. Being unaware of the law is never an excuse when facing charges so it is important to be aware of these laws so you don't find yourself committing a crime without knowing it. Consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney when facing charges for selling medicinal marijuana is a good way to ensure you are not making any mistakes in your defense that could have lasting consequences. If you are in the Fresno, Tulare or Kings county area and are facing criminal charges for the sale of medicinal marijuana, Martens Law Firm is here to help you.

How can you fight back? Contact attorney Christopher Martens and his legal team. If you are facing criminal charges and don't know where to turn, we will take you step by step through the process and

will fight aggressively for you to ensure you are charged fairly and justly. Call our office at 559-967-7386 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your options for defending your case.