MEDICAL MARIJUANA PERMIT A FACTOR IN LOCAL YOUTH'S ARREST AND RELEASE

A permit for medical marijuana played a part in the plea arrangement
accepted by Travis Aaron Pull, 19, of Tehachapi, leading to the
dismissal of multiple felony drug charges, according to Pull's
attorney, Alan Klein.

On May 31, Pull pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of possession of
less than an ounce of marijuana, carrying a fine of $20 in court fees
and the four days of time served in county jail, according to Kern
County Superior Court records.

"He did have a medical marijuana card, which does permit an
individual to have a certain amount in their possession or to grow
it, if cultivating, but it does not give the right to sell it, which
was the allegation made by the D.A.," Klein said, calling the plea a
"throwaway charge."

Pull was arrested by California Highway Patrol Officer E.G. Smith on
May 28, who said he smelled marijuana as he approached Pull's
vehicle, which was parked illegally in a residential area of Golden
Hills. Smith said in addition to finding marijuana out in plain
sight, paraphernalia suggesting an intent to package and sell the
drug was also seized.

Pull's father, Edward Pull, a 30-year resident of Tehachapi, said
that Smith willfully disregarded his son's medical marijuana card,
targeting him for unfair treatment because he didn't like the idea of
an Eagle Scout smoking pot.

"It is an attempt by the CHP officer to besmirch our family name,"
said the senior Pull. "This is an attempt at intimidation and I'm
getting tired of it."

Officer Smith was not available for comment at press time and had
been scheduled for time off for several days prior.

Edward Pull further criticized local law enforcement practices,
stating, "You can't fight the cops."

"The problem is, we've got people coming in from the outside thinking
they're hot shots and it's ruining our town," Pull said. "Instead of
getting at the people who are supplying [drugs to local youth] they
are arresting the users."

Pull also said that his son suffers from two separate injuries to his
knee, causing him chronic pain.

"He'll be crippled by 30. He's in constant pain," Pull said.

According to Klein, a lot of law enforcement officers will disregard
medical marijuana cards, especially if there's evidence that suggests
an intent to sell.

"The problem in this case is there were allegations involving sales
or possession for sale," Klein said, adding that the amount of drugs
seized could not support those allegations.

"He got an incredibly good deal. Instead of facing two felonies he's
got a misdemeanor charge and a $20 fine," the attorney said.