Using Medical Marijuana in Non-Legal States
There are currently 14 states that have legalized medical marijuana laws.Should you happen to not live in one of these states but use marijuana for medicinal purposes, following are some tips should you ever find yourself on the wrong side of the interrogation table (with most being extracted from the Fourth Amendment to the Bill of Rights):
- Since law enforcement must obtain a warrant before they can conduct a privacy-related search, it is suggested that you keep all contraband out of plain sight this includes residual materials in ashtrays.
- Never consent to a search request without a warrant being present. If an officer asks to search you or anything that belongs to you, you should respond with “I do not consent to the search you have requested, I do not consent to this contact, and do not wish to answer any questions if I am not under arrest, I would like you to now leave me alone.”
- In keeping with the above statement, you should never answer any questions without your attorney present — whether arrested or not you should always exercise your right to remain silent.
- Do not be hostile and do not physically resist should officers persist in their detainment. Merely repeat “I do not consent to this contact and I do not want to answer any questions if I am not under arrest I would like you to now leave and leave me alone.”
- Lastly, consider downloading and carrying the NORML Foundation Freedom Card.
This article is not intended to discuss the rights or wrongs of marijuana use. It is merely intended to assist those individuals who have a true and dire need for its medicinal qualities while also protecting their Fourth Amendment rights.