PORT ORCHARD — A jury has acquitted 54-year-old Bruce Olson on one count of manufacturing marijuana and one count of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver.
Olson, who had a card from the state allowing him to use marijuana for medicinal purposes, was arrested in May 2007 by detectives with the West Sound Narcotics Enforcement Team, who contended that he had marijuana than state law allowed.
The jury deliberated between two and three hours between Monday and Tuesday before returning the verdict.
Olson said he had to sell his home to fund his defense. He and his wife, Pamela, live in a travel trailer.
“But it’s worth it for the cause: Quit arresting medical marijuana patients,” he said after the verdict.
via Jury Acquits South Kitsap Man in Medical Marijuana Case : South Kitsap : Kitsap Sun.
I am ecstatic over this news! I have quite a few friends who have been making that trek up to Port Orchard to observe this trial (one is the guy who had the 4″ “Stop Arresting Patients” sign that caused the judge to dismiss an entire day’s worth of jury seating, another is our podcast sponsor Paul Stanford who gave expert testimony on marijuana cultivation.)
Prosecutors are going to find it increasingly difficult to gain convictions in these medical marijuana trials, especially as the federal government has signalled a hands-off approach to letting the states manage their medical marijuana programs. Shame on them for bankrupting the Olsons in order to pursue an anti-marijuana agenda, especially in a state where the people have decided to allow medical marijuana!
Thank God!
The laws were very unclear when he and his wife were arrested. The jury knew she was railroaded. I never prayed so hard for a stranger in my life! Just let me say that the jury knew there was something more to it all and the state’s witness was just a druggie himself. The state hurt them selves by having him testify. They need to make all the laws clear (I guess they have now but I am not sure since I couldn’t go). All I can say is THANK GOD the jury saw through what the state was trying to do and set him free!!!!!
I am inspired by the perseverance of the entire Olson family in this terrible and unnecessary ordeal. Their sacrifices and ultimate triumph will give hope to other patients who are continually persecuted for medical marijuana that their DOCTORS have recommended.
The push forward and re-education of the public about Cannabis sativa needs to be factual and consistent; let’s rid our society of the old scare propaganda, lies, and rhetoric. Embrace research into this wonderful and diverse plant!
I’d like to see some civil charges brought against
the police who poisoned their dogs.
but great news on the acquittal.