MEDICAL MARIJUANA OWNER HEADED TO TRIAL AFTER JUDGE DENIES MOTION TO DISMISS

A motion to dismiss the case against a Gratiot medical marijuana
supplier was denied by the judge Tuesday.

Todd Prior, 49, of St. Johns and the owner of the Great Lakes
Holistic Cannabis Club on M-46 has been charged with three counts of
delivery of marijuana and one count of possession, said Gratiot
County Prosecutor Keith Kushion.

The charges center around donations made to Prior at his store in
August, Kushion said.

Kushion said customers would come into the store, specify the kind of
marijuana wanted and put a donation in a jar. Prior would then
allegedly make arrangements to meet at the Park and Ride on M-46.

In the motion, Prior claimed that he had a medical marijuana card and
was a qualified care giver. However, Kushion said the people he
delivered the marijuana to were not in his care.

Circuit Court Judge Randy Tahvonen agreed with Kushion.

"oeHe said no," Kushion said. "oeIt doesn't matter if you put a
donation in a jar, it is still the sale of marijuana."

Prior's arrest came after two deliveries were made to undercover
officers from the Mid Michigan Area Group Narcotics Enforcement Team.
Another exchange was also allegedly made, witnessed by the MAGNET
members, Kushion said.

Prior also allegedly had additional amounts of marijuana in his
possession,with various names on the bags and for whom Prior is not a
registered caregiver, Kushion said.

His charges carry a maximum penalty of of four years in prison, Kushion said.

His trial date is scheduled for Feb. 8.