Marijuana: Cultivation, Distribution and Possession 

The legalization of marijuana in California and across the United States is an extremely unsettled area of law. California allows each jurisdiction to establish local cultivation and distribution guidelines. State law, however, is in conflict with federal law regarding the legalization of marijuana. Federal authorities have been aggressive in their pursuit and prosecution of distributors and cultivators of marijuana.

At the Law Office of John Runfola, we are available to counsel you so that you may legally navigate the ever-changing network of federal and local guidelines surrounding cultivation, possession and distribution of marijuana. A consultation with John Runfola before beginning to plant and grow marijuana can help a client avoid future prosecutions. Although possession, cultivation and distribution continued to be a violation of federal law, a basic understanding of California marijuana law follows.

Proposition 215 is the legalization statute in California, also known as the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. This Act allows patients with a valid doctor recommendation to obtain a Medical Marijuana Program card.

The Medical Marijuana Program, is administered through a patient's county of residence. Upon obtaining a recommendation from their physician for use of medicinal marijuana, patients and their primary caregivers may apply for and be issued, a Medical Marijuana Identification Card.

The Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) was established to provide a voluntary medical marijuana identification card issuance and registry program for qualified patients and their caregivers. The web-based registry system allows law enforcement and the public to verify the validity of qualified patient or caregiver's card as authorization to possess, grow, transport and/or use Medical Marijuana in California.

Marijuana Possession, Distribution and Cultivation Defenses

Mr. Runfola works with private investigators, forensic experts, botanists and medical doctors in closely examining the backgrounds and expertise of prosecution witnesses. Detailed scrutiny is given to arresting officers, cooperating witnesses and informants in preparing your defense.

To schedule a completely confidential consultation protected by the attorney-client privilege, contact criminal defense lawyer John Runfola today. He has over 30 years of experience defending clients charged with drug crimes.