Lynch Medical Marijuana Sentence Delayed in Los Angeles

People around the world have shown their support for this former medical marijuana dispensary owner.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The LA Times reports that a federal judge has postponed the sentencing of Charles Lynch, a Morro Bay medical marijuana dispensary owner, on a federal conviction for marijuana charges.

They might feel like their hands are tied. President Obama and Attorney General Holder have both clearly stated that the federal thwarting of state laws allowing the medical use of marijuana is a thing of the past.

The federal government still lists marijuana as a serious controlled substance just like heroin and methamphetamine. Lynch was arrested after a California Sheriff named Pat Hedges in San Luis Obispo tried for months to bust him on a state violation, but Lynch didn't break any state laws.

So Hedges called the Bush Administration-controlled DEA and they tried for a long time to bust Charles Lynch for doing something illegal. The problem is that he wasn't doing anything illegal, and that is backed by the Morro Bay Mayor and Chamber of Commerce Director.

In Los Angeles this morning, Lynch's scheduled sentencing was delayed because a judge has questions over the new announcements from the President and AG.

LA Times reporter Scott Glover reported this morning that U.S. District Court Judge George H. Wu delayed the sentencing, "asking prosecutors for a written response from the Justice Department about its position on medical marijuana prosecutions in light of recent comments from Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr."

Holder's specific statement last week was that the Justice Department under President Obama, had no plans to prosecute dispensary owners who operated within their state's law.

Wu apparently believes that a change in policy won't affect the conviction of 47-year old Charles Lynch, but he wants to give consideration to any new information about the policy before Charles Lynch is sentenced.

Charles Lynch is receiving support from well-known celebrities and news media covering his case in addition to the LA Times and Salem-News.com, include the Chicago Tribune, ABC News, CBS News and many other local and national organizations.

The people in his community and from far beyond describe Lynch without exception as a person whose personal health battles led to the discovery of marijuana treatment. His patients, local politicians in his community and many others say his only goal is to help sick people and he did everything he could possibly do to comply with the law.

Federal prosecutors portrayed Lynch as a man with a backpack dealing drugs. People like actor Drew Carey say that is far from the truth.

Lynch faces between 5 and 100 years in prison. Every reference to California state medical marijuana laws were disallowed by the federal judge during his trial.

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ruby March 23, 2009 5:16 pm (Pacific time)

I really hope this delay brings rational perspective. I'm pulling for you, Mr. Lynch.

Doc from Dayton March 23, 2009 3:56 pm (Pacific time)

This is GREAT news!!! I'm so happy for Mr. Lynch!!!! It's a shame there are so many simple minded judges like Wu....cause Mr. Lynch' pain will continue until all charges are erased! I hope people like Eddy Lepp also find relief and satisfaction in todays statement. I suppose the hackles are raised on the wicked folk...LOL, lol, LOL, lol,LOL,lol,LOL!!!

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