News (Media Awareness Project) - US HI: Hilo Woman Reimbursed For Stolen Pot Plants |
| Title: | US HI: Hilo Woman Reimbursed For Stolen Pot Plants |
| Published On: | 2003-07-25 |
| Source: | Maui News, The (HI) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-19 18:31:11 |
HILO WOMAN REIMBURSED FOR STOLEN POT PLANTS
HILO (AP) -- A Hilo woman who smokes marijuana to treat her glaucoma
received a check for $2,000 from her homeowners insurance company for the
loss of four plants stolen from her yard.
Tammy VanBuskirk, 57, who has a state permit to grow a limited amount of
marijuana and to use it with a doctor's approval, said the plants were
stolen from her yard May 5.
Under a state law passed in 2000, patients with permits who are under a
doctor's care may possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and grow up to seven
plants at a time for medical purposes.
The largest plant in VanBuskirk's yard had grown 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide
and was visible from the street despite a 6-foot rock wall that the thief
had to scale to get into her yard.
''I grew it in front of God and everybody. The police were well aware of the
plant.''
After the thief made off with the four plants, VanBuskirk filed a police
report but no arrests were made.
She then filed a claim on her homeowners policy with American Reliable
Insurance Co., based in Scottsdale, Ariz., which paid her $500 per plant.
VanBuskirk bought the homeowners policy when she moved into her home about
18 months ago, and received her permit to grow and use marijuana nine months
later.
''Prior to this I'd never grown outside,'' said VanBuskirk, who used to live
in Washington state, where she also was permitted to use marijuana for
glaucoma. ''They were legal long before Hawaii,'' she said.
In addition to Hawaii, state law allows doctors to recommend marijuana in
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
The state Narcotics Enforcement Division reports that about 920 medical
marijuana permits are currently in effect statewide.
VanBuskirk said she only has a small amount of marijuana remaining. She said
she must either wait until her next crop matures or attempt to obtain what
she needs illicitly.
She said she's considering installing a 6-by-6-foot fenced dog-kennel-like
enclosure with a car alarm to discourage future burglaries.
HILO (AP) -- A Hilo woman who smokes marijuana to treat her glaucoma
received a check for $2,000 from her homeowners insurance company for the
loss of four plants stolen from her yard.
Tammy VanBuskirk, 57, who has a state permit to grow a limited amount of
marijuana and to use it with a doctor's approval, said the plants were
stolen from her yard May 5.
Under a state law passed in 2000, patients with permits who are under a
doctor's care may possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana and grow up to seven
plants at a time for medical purposes.
The largest plant in VanBuskirk's yard had grown 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide
and was visible from the street despite a 6-foot rock wall that the thief
had to scale to get into her yard.
''I grew it in front of God and everybody. The police were well aware of the
plant.''
After the thief made off with the four plants, VanBuskirk filed a police
report but no arrests were made.
She then filed a claim on her homeowners policy with American Reliable
Insurance Co., based in Scottsdale, Ariz., which paid her $500 per plant.
VanBuskirk bought the homeowners policy when she moved into her home about
18 months ago, and received her permit to grow and use marijuana nine months
later.
''Prior to this I'd never grown outside,'' said VanBuskirk, who used to live
in Washington state, where she also was permitted to use marijuana for
glaucoma. ''They were legal long before Hawaii,'' she said.
In addition to Hawaii, state law allows doctors to recommend marijuana in
Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, Oregon and Washington.
The state Narcotics Enforcement Division reports that about 920 medical
marijuana permits are currently in effect statewide.
VanBuskirk said she only has a small amount of marijuana remaining. She said
she must either wait until her next crop matures or attempt to obtain what
she needs illicitly.
She said she's considering installing a 6-by-6-foot fenced dog-kennel-like
enclosure with a car alarm to discourage future burglaries.
Member Comments |
No member comments available...
