RECLAIMING MARYJANE

Richard Steenken is the latest SLO County medical marijuana patient
to have his confiscated marijuana returned by the local sheriff.
Steenken arrived at the SLO County Sheriff's office on Jan. 15 to
retrieve his property, which included 3 jars of marijuana, 2 grams of
hashish, 2 grams of kief, and 43 dead marijuana plants. Steenken was
also given back his growing equipment.

Despite his status as a medical patient, Steenken's home was raided
after a landlord tipped off the Sheriff's Department. His patient
status was not thoroughly checked by deputies at the time of his
arrest or even after his arrest. Steenken failed to post bail and was
held in custody for 21 days before the case against him was dropped
by the District Attorney.

Steenken declined to make a statement when he picked up the property,
but he and a friend both wore a green ribbon with an American flag
pin, which he said, represents their support of cannabis reform and
their continued support for Charles Lynch, the former Morro Bay
medical marijuana dispensary owner who is now facing prison time.

A representative for the Sheriff's Department was unable to comment
as of press time. As with past cases, Sheriff Pat Hedges declined to
return the marijuana until he was presented with a court order.