Parents accused of child abuse for having medical marijuana operation in home

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Originally Posted by rightwinger

The point is the ELECTRICITY--that is extremely dangerous if not installed by a professional electrician. Grow rooms using 1000 watt lights require circuits--the ballasts get very hot--and it is more of a commercial wiring application--not residential. We have a lot of idiots out there that will jerry-rig their panels-double tap existing breakers--install new circuits--not using the correct sized wire-or breakers-and they put in all this new wiring into very old panels. FPE--Federal Pacific lost it's UL rating over 20 years ago--but there are still many around. (The breakers are known not to trip--when they need too--so they just get hot--and start a fire--or someone gets shocked.)

Then they fill up their basements with all this-electrical jerry-rigging-- while their kids are sleeping above or below these rooms--and then wonder--when busted--why they got charged with "child endangerment".LOL.

It is so much better to use a detached shed or other area away from the house -- other than putting an entire family at risk of fire or shock hazzard.

If you're going to grow your own--do it safely.

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Where in the article does it say that this was the case with these people? Oh yea, it doesnt.

Funny a guy who calls himself 'rightwinger' has no problem with the govt taking peoples kids over a plant. Scott McInnis could use you on the campaign trail.

Child abuse charges are very serious--and the looks of this guy in the Denver post--he looks like he is very well capable of it.

WTF does a child abuser look like? That is the most ridiculous statement I think I have read on here. Right up there with " That person doesn't look like they need medical marijuana " or "why is that person parked in a handicap spot when he / she can walk just fine" and "Those damn people that don't need mmj are going to ruin it for the rest of us that really do need it" Get real folks, just because someone does not fit the mold as you do, does not give you the right to pass judgement on them. Shame on you for that statement.

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Originally Posted by Zedleppelin

Where in the article does it say that this was the case with these people? Oh yea, it doesnt.

Funny a guy who calls himself 'rightwinger' has no problem with the govt taking peoples kids over a plant. Scott McInnis could use you on the campaign trail.

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This man was charged with child abuse--not child endangerment. You can find many articles related to child endangerment charges on a marijuana bust--where the grow area was within the residence.

And just because we don't have the exact details--we know that it was a call out on domestic violence--and AFTER the police arrived on the scene--they found the marijuana grow. And at that time they charged this man with Child Abuse--so he could have been very well knocking around one of his kids.

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Originally Posted by rightwinger

This man was charged with child abuse--not endangerment. You can find many articles related to child endangerment charges on a marijuana bust.

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Maybe so, but if you take the standpoint of being informative, then I will as well.

How many people die each year of cigarette smoke, how many kids are exposed to it. And then tell me how many people get DSS involved or their kids taken away for neglect since smoking around kids SHOULD be a crime, it is harmful to kids and parents alike, period.

Laws on marijuana need to change, and have been in motion for some time now by activists. Which is a step in the right direction.

There might be many articles on child endangerment and marijuana, but why? Is there some sort of associated link between neglecting your kids and growing a so called "illegal plant" one that SHOULD be legal to say the least. Since companies cannot control marijuana cultivation, they simple make it out to be some really bad thing when it is really not, and illegal, that way the state gets money out of you on fines, etc, gotta love the influence the media has on people. It is quite sickening.

As shitty of a parent that he may be, growing marijuana and taking care of your kids is two completely separate things and should be viewed as such. I can take great care of my kids and yet still cultivate tons of marijuana plants, without causing any kind of danger to my family (other than breaking the law, one that shouldn't even exist). So I see no reason to cross reference child neglect/abuse with cultivating a plant. That is almost like saying if you are from down south you are inbred, or your daddy is rich so he can't possibly be molesting your little sister. It is very stereotypical to say that there is a link between abuse and marijuana growing.

And to be honest, sure, electricity is dangerous when done improperly, which is why you should do your homework first or hire a licensed electrician to come out and do your setup as far as that aspect but beyond that, it is going to be up to the parent to ensure safety, no one else.

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Originally Posted by THContent

Maybe so, but if you take the standpoint of being informative, then I will as well.

How many people die each year of cigarette smoke, how many kids are exposed to it. And then tell me how many people get DSS involved or their kids taken away for neglect since smoking around kids SHOULD be a crime, it is harmful to kids and parents alike, period.

Laws on marijuana need to change, and have been in motion for some time now by activists. Which is a step in the right direction.

There might be many articles on child endangerment and marijuana, but why? If there some sort of associated link between neglecting your kids and growing a so called "illegal plant" one that SHOULD be legal to say the least. Since companies cannot control marijuana cultivation, they simple make it out to be some really bad thing when it is really not, and illegal, that way the state gets money out of you on fines, etc, gotta love the influence the media has on people. It is quite sickening.

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Again--The safety of children is of the most importance here. I am talking about an idiot grower installing a grow room in their basement or other interior room of their home--that knows enough about electricity to be extremely dangerous--not only to himself--but to his children.

I am in no way suggesting that it is wrong for a patient to grow marijuana.--I am myself a medical marijuana advocate and a patient. What gets my blood boiling is when someone is so gung-ho--about growing it for themselves that they put other "innocents" at risk with their own stupidity--and total disregard for their safety.

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Originally Posted by rightwinger

Again--The safety of children is of the most importance here. I am talking about an idiot grower installing a grow room in their basement or other interior room of their home--that knows enough about electricity to be extremely dangerous--not only to himself--but to his children.

I am in no way suggesting that it is wrong for a patient to grow marijuana.--I am myself a medical marijuana advocate and a patient. What gets my blood boiling is when someone is so gung-ho--about growing it for themselves that they put other "innocents" at risk with their own stupidity--and total disregard for their safety.

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I can agree completely with you on this. When any kind of grow is done wether it be at home, or commercially in a different location. Safety precautions should be respected and followed, without them you DO put yourself and others at risk. Those are the people that ruin it for the rest of us.

I grow in my bedroom closet at home and I have 3 kids, I make sure everything is done so that it would be impossible for a fire to break out. Even got it in a cootube to cut down on heat output, and ballast is on an aluminum casing to keep from touching the floor.

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Originally Posted by HighPopalorum

Last year a local patient burned to death here in Durango when his grow caught fire. That's pretty big news for this town, and it has come up again and again as the city and county wrestle with the land use issues surrounding commercial marijuana grows.

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This is why its important to know what the heck your doing. So many people rig things up to get the job done its inevitable for some things to go wrong for some.

Medimar Ministry did an interview on the news tonight were their spokeswoman said, and I'm paraphrasing... home growers are dangerous because they are not regulated.

This place buys from home growers.

What bull! :mad:

I agree that the meds growing and child raising should be adressed seperately. It's bullshit that they point out that they were growing marijuana...and it's B.S. that people still think it needs to be hidden from kids. Sure, lets be careful about giving it to them from the get go but we should educate them from a young age. That's the biggest problem for a lot of Baby-boomers...they're just now starting to open their mind because complete B.S. has been pounded into their heads for years. Let's not make the same mistakes with our youths because some Big money industires aren't for MMJ.

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Originally Posted by TheAllDayToker

I agree that the meds growing and child raising should be adressed seperately. It's bullshit that they point out that they were growing marijuana...and it's B.S. that people still think it needs to be hidden from kids. Sure, lets be careful about giving it to them from the get go but we should educate them from a young age. That's the biggest problem for a lot of Baby-boomers...they're just now starting to open their mind because complete B.S. has been pounded into their heads for years. Let's not make the same mistakes with our youths because some Big money industires aren't for MMJ.

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No one is stating that your kids shouldn't know about it. But--after raising a couple of kids myself who are now grown--I know that kids and teenagers really can't keep a secret away from their friends. Let your kids know about your home grow--and you can bet--their friends will know--the parents of the friends will know--and eventually that will get to the ears of teachers--school administrators, etc. etc.

The topic is about keeping your kids safe-from the electrical hazzards of a home grow. Working as an electrical contractor over the decades--and doing service work--I have seen some rat nest homeowner done work--in which I have told tenants to move out of these places because they are unsafe. Flying splices--great for shock--add-on's done horribly--etc. etc. etc.

I won't go into it all of that again. My point is to keep it safe--and if at all possible do it in a detached place other than your home. And if you're adding lights--air-conditioning--the works--hire a licensed electrical contractor for your electrical installations.

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Originally Posted by Zedleppelin

And coffee makers too. Coffee should only be allowed to be made in commercially zoned areas.

:microwave:

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Most newer homes today are protected by GFCI circuiitry in the kitchen-bathrooms--garages and exterior outlets---specifically for what you noted--they will trip out the electricity to the appliance--when things with the appliance go wrong.

So while some of you are making note of these kitchen appliances that have done that in the "past"-(caught on fire)-more than likely in older homes that are not protected by these outlets. You have to ask yourself--was it the appliance that was bad--or the electrical wiring to the outlet--or that dang FPE (Federal Pacific) breaker which lost it's UL rating 20 years ago--at the panel that wouldn't trip when it was suppose too--which was the actual reason for the appliance fire?---:):)

People falling asleep while smoking a cigarette--I have no comment on. But it is certainly no excuse for putting kids in danger over grow room wiring done by tenants or homeowners--by trying to save dollars--by NOT calling a professional--licensed--electrician.

Ok,... So I should be arrested for having my 1000w (400w veg, 400w flower, 96w clone, plus misc fans/humidifier's) grow in my basement since it's in the main residence?


I know it's a bit of a risk pulling 9-10a thru a 15a circuit and all, but is that really child abuse?


The fact that the cops showed up for a DV call tells me that there's probably more to the story, but the publicity is better for the anti MMJ front if they can pin it on MMJ.

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Originally Posted by canniwhatsis

Ok,... So I should be arrested for having my 1000w (400w veg, 400w flower, 96w clone, plus misc fans/humidifier's) grow in my basement since it's in the main residence?


I know it's a bit of a risk pulling 9-10a thru a 15a circuit and all, but is that really child abuse?


The fact that the cops showed up for a DV call tells me that there's probably more to the story, but the publicity is better for the anti MMJ front if they can pin it on MMJ.

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Had nothing to do with wiring or electricity nor were they charged with DV.

So why the arrest?


The article say's 60 plants,.... so they had too many plants? I know I'm only allowed 6,.... but if I was a caregiver I can grow more for my patients,....... where's the rest of the story.:wtf:

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Originally Posted by rightwinger

Most newer homes today are protected by GFCI circuiitry in the kitchen-bathrooms--garages and exterior outlets---specifically for what you noted--they will trip out the electricity to the appliance--when things with the appliance go wrong.

So while some of you are making note of these kitchen appliances that have done that in the "past"-(caught on fire)-more than likely in older homes that are not protected by these outlets. You have to ask yourself--was it the appliance that was bad--or the electrical wiring to the outlet--or that dang FPE (Federal Pacific) breaker which lost it's UL rating 20 years ago--at the panel that wouldn't trip when it was suppose too--which was the actual reason for the appliance fire?---:):)

People falling asleep while smoking a cigarette--I have no comment on. But it is certainly no excuse for putting kids in danger over grow room wiring done by tenants or homeowners--by trying to save dollars--by NOT calling a professional--licensed--electrician.

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I think they were just kidding rightwinger:rastabanna:

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Originally Posted by rightwinger

No one is stating that your kids shouldn't know about it. But--after raising a couple of kids myself who are now grown--I know that kids and teenagers really can't keep a secret away from their friends. Let your kids know about your home grow--and you can bet--their friends will know--the parents of the friends will know--and eventually that will get to the ears of teachers--school administrators, etc. etc.

The topic is about keeping your kids safe-from the electrical hazzards of a home grow. Working as an electrical contractor over the decades--and doing service work--I have seen some rat nest homeowner done work--in which I have told tenants to move out of these places because they are unsafe. Flying splices--great for shock--add-on's done horribly--etc. etc. etc.

I won't go into it all of that again. My point is to keep it safe--and if at all possible do it in a detached place other than your home. And if you're adding lights--air-conditioning--the works--hire a licensed electrical contractor for your electrical installations.

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You have some valid points Rightwinger but my point was this, a legal mmj grow does not equal child abuse and there's been no justification for the exposure of their grow. The police who are supposed to protect us just put them in danger, way to go fuzz:thumbsup:

IMO the police and MMJ opposers took this as an opportunity to drag MMJ through the mud.

So...the topic actually was some MMJ patients accused of child abuse and the wonder of why it mattered they were mmj patients/caregivers in the first place.:pimp:

Well i think all of this is bullshit exuse my language. If ur lights are under code and all ur wiring is up to code. and ur not having random people in and out of ur house. how are ur childern in danger or abused?????????????????????????????? I SAY ITS ABOUT TIME TO OVERTHROW THE GOVERMENT, IN MY Opion!!! Afterall it says in the constition we the people are supposed to control the goverment not the other way around. I hope they make it out ok. prays are with them

This is one of the problems with medical marijuana gaining legitimacy in such a fast way. There are all kinds of conflicts that haven't been resolved within the justice system. Probation officers, social workers, etc are still being told to follow the old code, but patients are getting a jumbled message.

Anything that will sell papers or make you tune in!!!
Case in point; yesterday I saw on the front page of the Denver Post, Deana Martinez smoking a bowl (decent article); on the front page of a&e, "high art"(a better article); and on Ron Z "one on one", I watched a debate about mm in Colorado(Go Ron!). Be it good press or bad press fact is Its everywhere!;)

it is bullshit.

if there are code problems, cite them for that or give them the chance to bring it up to code.

If there are other safety issues, if they have marital problems / domestic violence issues, those are all separate issues.

If these folks are just plain old unfit, then cite cause and remove the kids.

A friend of our family, now over 18, was raised his entire life in a house with an indoor grow in the basement, not a big one (~10 flowering?)

Anyway, it was a safe setup and he's a well adjusted adult now.

Def a sensitive issue! This needs to be sorted out asap like so much else! You can't put people's lives at stake and have the "oh we'll figure it out or get to it attitude about all this":hippy:

It's ridiculous. Did you read that the people they arrested are also white folks from the south, had busch beer in the fridge and nascar items in the house?

Yup that's right, the cops also have reason to believe they're racist meth smokers now too lol j/k

No matter the negative publicity you try and give MMJ it will NEVER do the harm of alcohol or any of the over the counter "meds" that kill your kidneys every time you take em!

It's time and long overdue for city/state/law officials to be educated or removed. Ignorance of the law isn't a viable defense for citizens...should it be for enforcement? (my 2 cents)

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Originally Posted by TheAllDayToker

It's time and long overdue for city/state/law officials to be educated or removed. Ignorance of the law isn't a viable defense for citizens...should it be for enforcement? (my 2 cents)

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The problem is not ignorance of the law on the part of law enforcement, but rather the law itself which needs to be changed or updated.

I think part of the problem IS ignorance High. Marijuana is in large part legal now, they need to act like it. Regardless of how the law is currently written and the multiple interpretations it can provoke...the police/enforcement should know it better than most because of how delicate this all is. I haven't seen/heard of any efforts for them to improve their knowledge to protect MMJ patients...has anybody?

I've heard of a few old school grow busts here and there lately but nothing else. AT MOST, a few cops are taking a "ought oh, better call my superior" approach. Gee, thanks. Keep doing your part to serve the community =)

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Originally Posted by TheAllDayToker

Regardless of how the law is currently written and the multiple interpretations it can provoke...

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Police do not interpret the law, nor should they. Besides, the law in question admits only one interpretation; No one could possibly argue that marijuana is not a controlled substance. It's a zero-tolerance policy with absolutely no room to wiggle. Again, the problem is not the police or the DA, who seem to have behaved properly, but that they are duty-bound to enforce this law which must be updated to include reasonable exceptions.

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Originally Posted by TheAllDayToker

the police/enforcement should know it better than most because of how delicate this all is.

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I agree entirely. Police should know the law better than most. I think most of them know much more about the law than your average citizen, who lives in complete ignorance of it. More education is needed on both sides, but particularly on ours; Mr. Lightfoot and Ms. Wildenstein probably would not have chosen to grow had they bothered to educate themselves or consult an attorney, and learned that they risked losing custody of their children.

What world are you living in that you think police don't interpret the law? It happens constantly. Almost everything they do or "enforce" is directly hinged to their interpretation of the law...because of that there is plenty of "duty-bound" things that get overlooked all the time. oh ya, and police have been known to knowingly break laws...they even got caught on film sometimes thank god, now people can believe it happens.

IT would be nice for a lawyer to weigh in and inform people. Is it spelled out for patients with kids? thx.

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Originally Posted by TheAllDayToker

What world are you living in that you think police don't interpret the law? It happens constantly. Almost everything they do or "enforce" is directly hinged to their interpretation of the law.

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This is not true. Police officers do not base their actions on a particular interpretation of the law, but rather on the rules and procedures set down by their department, with the oversight and input of the District Attorney and the Attorney General. The reason why the system was designed this way is to prevent (and relieve) police officers from making legal interpretations, which is the proper function of the courts.

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Originally Posted by TheAllDayToker

IT would be nice for a lawyer to weigh in and inform people. Is it spelled out for patients with kids? thx.

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I thought the article was fairly clear in this regard. Did you read it?

which article? the 9news one? the one where they are prosecuting patients? do you think patients with kids should not grow for themselves.... they should just use dispensaries (er Centers)?

9news is the worst, and they pander to fear in everything. THEY are the ones that called the DEA on the guy in Highlands Ranch - for a better story.

All of you dispensaries - YOU STAY on the side of the patient. that's all I have to say. If it becomes clear you are FOS, protecting your biz model... look out. Your business model needs to be freedom for all, or you will circle the drain.

I hear you High, and I know that's how it's supposed to work I'm just sayin' some of them don't do a very good job at acknowledging the "new." Heck romer has even gone as far as making suspect remarks that could trick MMJ legal patients into illegal activities. We're citizens that need to be protected also, not prosecuted because that's how it's been for so long.

I don't believe I have read that releaf. I have seen several articles that seem to be one-sided and against growing with kids but I haven't seen anything concrete that explains the legal and why. THat would be nice, this is what's legal and why, this is what's not and why. That way the whole MMJ/around/with kids will have a little more clarity. (that's what I was fishin' for askin' for the lawyer nudge nudge lawers lol :)

People are making it sound like MMJ patients that have kids should, "know better" which to me is B.S. because there's no reason they should have to go to a dispensary when they're perfectly capable of doing it as well or better.

It would be nice to hear the black and white, ins and out on this. I don't have kids currently but are growers/patients going to have to plan different? Just because there's small grow are we not allowed to have happy accidents like everyone else? Thanks forum.

MJ is one of the safest substance on the planet. The kids were in no way endangered by growing it and to say they were is just ignorant of the facts.
To the folks out there thinking otherwise, if you have cigarettes or alcohol in the house with kids you're a hypocrite and it is much more likely they could ingest either and really need medical care. Kids die from chewing on cig butts.

Quoting Jack Herer "show me the bodies" but you can't since nobody ever died from MJ.
If the grow was licensed then there is no violation of the law because it isn't a controlled substance being manufactured, it is medicine legally produced under CO law.

LOL, they accepted it:

Urban Dictionary: trumped-up

2. Trumped-Up
a false charge filed by the police because they can't get anything else to stick.

"Police wanted to bust them for their medical marijuana but they were legal so the cops came up with trumped-up charges of child abuse instead."