On Monday, April 29th, Charleston police received a report that someone was growing a large number of marijuana plants in a community garden by a public housing complex.
When officers arrived, they found that the public garden and all the marijuana plants were clearly visible from Magazine St. The police report stated that officers dug up nearly two dozen marijuana plants, between 3 and 8 inches tall. They were collected as evidence.
Reportedly, someone also pulled up the garden’s collard greens, which were found in a plastic bag near the scene of the incident.
Don Cameron, president of the Charleston Housing Authority, said that one of the agency’s assistant managers saw the marijuana plants in the garden and alerted the police. He said the plants did not seem to have been in the garden for long.
The community garden is an unofficial public space.
A man near the scene said the marijuana gardeners were not very bright – instead of planting the drug in plain sight, they should have planted the marijuana among sunflowers, which grow much taller than the illegal plants. “You know the character Goofy from Disney? Goofy would’ve done a better job growing that weed,” he said.
The “gardeners” are still on the loose, according to Charleston reports.
Possession, Manufacturing, and Distribution of Marijuana in South Carolina
Although a few states have recently legalized the cultivation, sale, and use of marijuana, South Carolina still considers any of these to be criminal offenses.
The “manufacture” of a controlled substance means the production, preparation, propagation, compounding, conversion, or processing of a drug. This definition of ” marijuana manufacturing” includes growing marijuana or cannabis. The law takes the manufacturing of a controlled substance very seriously in South Carolina.
Penalties for marijuana possession can vary based on the amount of marijuana seized by law enforcement and whether there was intent to distribute. Regardless of whether you are charged with misdemeanor or felony marijuana possession, you will be subject to lasting consequences. Marijuana possession charges are not something to be taken lightly. Fines, imprisonment, loss of driving privileges, and even loss of scholarships can result from a marijuana possession conviction.
Marijuana distribution is a serious offense and can carry stiff penalties depending upon how much marijuana was seized by law enforcement and whether it was your first offense or a subsequent offense. If you have been charged with marijuana distribution or any other drug related offense, it is important that you contact a South Carolina drug crimes attorney
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Drug Charges Related to Marijuana
If you or a loved one have been found with marijuana, you could face criminal charges ranging from misdemeanor to felony, depending on how much marijuana was on your person, and what your intent was with the drug. The drug crimes attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. Do not let drug charges for marijuana hurt your reputation or your future aspirations. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case. Contact us today for help. 803.252.4800