History of Medical Marijuana Violence (From Playboy)

In his article in the March issue of Playboy, investigative journalist Frank Owen reports on the unsolved murder of medical marijuana activist Ken Gorman, and illustrates how medical marijuana laws played a role in the killing. Gorman is hardly the only dealer who has met with violence -- here are some other cases.


August 19, 2005: Half a dozen armed men descend on A Natural Source, a marijuana dispensary near Oakland, just as employees are opening for business. The intruders order the employees to lie on the floor and proceed to steal money and marijuana. As the robbers make their escape, one employee grabs a gun. The subsequent shoot-out leaves one of the robbers, 17-year-old Demarco Lowery, dead.


September 27, 2005: In Olivehurst, a small country town about an hour's drive from Sacramento, a pair of armed white supremacists -- Christopher Hance, 21, and Eugene Scott Davies, 19 -- are shot to death while protecting their medical marijuana garden after thieves come on their property at three in the morning. The shooter, Michael Huggins, claims self-defense but is later convicted of manslaughter.


September 8, 2006: Alan Darcey Smith, 45, a medical marijuana patient who lives in Goshen, Oregon, confronts two men breaking into his house to steal his pot. As the robbers flee in a pick-up truck, Smith fires a shotgun at the vehicle, killing the getaway driver, 48-year-old Debra Lynn Contreras. Smith is charged with murder.


September 20, 2006: In Bakersfield, California, thieves gun down 19-year-old Leonard Banks in his home while attempting to take his father's medical marijuana in the back yard. It is the second shooting in the house within a matter of hours. The father is shot on both occasions, but survives.


October 22, 2006: Three thieves posing as buyers attempt to purchase 20 pounds of medical marijuana from two patients at the Best Value Inn in Oroville, California. After one of the buyers pulls out a gun, a battle ensues in which 17 shots are fired. Two of the three buyers are killed in the shoot-out, along with one of the sellers.


January 21, 2007: Alerted by his barking dog, Los Angeles cancer patient Jerry Cress discovers a 15-year-old boy allegedly trying to steal marijuana plants from Cress's garden shed just before daybreak. Cress shoots the boy, Jacob Walker, in the back with a small-caliber handgun as the boy and his older brother flee the scene. Walker dies in the street and police arrest 57-year-old Cress at his home on suspicion of murder.


June 28, 2007: Two men follow 37-year-old Gary Jones after he drives away from the Compassionate Patient Cooperative on the outskirts of San Francisco. Jones stops at a gas station, and while he is inside paying for gas, he sees the men steal half an ounce of marijuana from his car. Jones confronts them, and is shot dead.


September 25, 2007: Adrienne Simone, a Sacramento woman protecting her medical marijuana garden, shoots a 17-year-old male in the face in the early hours of the morning. The teenager survives. Simone is arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

The rest of this article can be found in this months Playboy magazine.

Hope you guys and gals liked the article!

So no one else is extremely pissed off over all of this craziness?


Come on, you guys and gals know you are.

all of this bullshit is over greedy people and money... I've been held a gunpoint over some weed and money and know other people who have been robbed for pot aswell... people are super greedy these days, I don't know if it's the economy or what, but I've learned you really can't trust anyone...

intresting people are crazy just get a script

WTF
WTF
WTF

This is not a good picture of the cannabis culture. It makes us look like a society of heathens.

There are greedy people everywhere, but the shootings over hard drug deals gone bad just don't even make the paper any more because the conservative press [*cough* Playboy *cough*] isn't trying to make a political statement over those types of crimes, and anyway, it's poor minorities shooting each other, right?
MMJ is certainly high on everyones' radar screens as a political issue and it's a good issue to try to polarize people over in order to win votes or sell newspapers.

Now if we simply legalized it and it was worth only a few bucks a gram this sort of shit wouldn't happen...would it

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NextLineIsMine

Now if we simply legalized it and it was worth only a few bucks a gram this sort of shit wouldn't happen...would it

---

I don't think the writer is trying to make the cannabis culture look bad. I think that THIS is what he's trying to go at. Playboy is anything but the conservative press. They have a rich history of pro-cannabis support. Hell, they even do benefits for "the cause" 3-4 times a year.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rebgirl420

In his article in the March issue of Playboy, investigative journalist Frank Owen reports on the unsolved murder of medical marijuana activist Ken Gorman, and illustrates how medical marijuana laws played a role in the killing. Gorman is hardly the only dealer who has met with violence -- here are some other cases.


August 19, 2005: Half a dozen armed men descend on A Natural Source, a marijuana dispensary near Oakland, just as employees are opening for business. The intruders order the employees to lie on the floor and proceed to steal money and marijuana. As the robbers make their escape, one employee grabs a gun. The subsequent shoot-out leaves one of the robbers, 17-year-old Demarco Lowery, dead.


September 27, 2005: In Olivehurst, a small country town about an hour's drive from Sacramento, a pair of armed white supremacists -- Christopher Hance, 21, and Eugene Scott Davies, 19 -- are shot to death while protecting their medical marijuana garden after thieves come on their property at three in the morning. The shooter, Michael Huggins, claims self-defense but is later convicted of manslaughter.


September 8, 2006: Alan Darcey Smith, 45, a medical marijuana patient who lives in Goshen, Oregon, confronts two men breaking into his house to steal his pot. As the robbers flee in a pick-up truck, Smith fires a shotgun at the vehicle, killing the getaway driver, 48-year-old Debra Lynn Contreras. Smith is charged with murder.


September 20, 2006: In Bakersfield, California, thieves gun down 19-year-old Leonard Banks in his home while attempting to take his father's medical marijuana in the back yard. It is the second shooting in the house within a matter of hours. The father is shot on both occasions, but survives.


October 22, 2006: Three thieves posing as buyers attempt to purchase 20 pounds of medical marijuana from two patients at the Best Value Inn in Oroville, California. After one of the buyers pulls out a gun, a battle ensues in which 17 shots are fired. Two of the three buyers are killed in the shoot-out, along with one of the sellers.


January 21, 2007: Alerted by his barking dog, Los Angeles cancer patient Jerry Cress discovers a 15-year-old boy allegedly trying to steal marijuana plants from Cress's garden shed just before daybreak. Cress shoots the boy, Jacob Walker, in the back with a small-caliber handgun as the boy and his older brother flee the scene. Walker dies in the street and police arrest 57-year-old Cress at his home on suspicion of murder.


June 28, 2007: Two men follow 37-year-old Gary Jones after he drives away from the Compassionate Patient Cooperative on the outskirts of San Francisco. Jones stops at a gas station, and while he is inside paying for gas, he sees the men steal half an ounce of marijuana from his car. Jones confronts them, and is shot dead.


September 25, 2007: Adrienne Simone, a Sacramento woman protecting her medical marijuana garden, shoots a 17-year-old male in the face in the early hours of the morning. The teenager survives. Simone is arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

The rest of this article can be found in this months Playboy magazine.

Hope you guys and gals liked the article!

---

I thought in a lot of states you can legally shoot trespassers anyway? Hmm that is crazy..

Peace,
Denial

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NextLineIsMine

Now if we simply legalized it and it was worth only a few bucks a gram this sort of shit wouldn't happen...would it

---

for reals. i was thinking the same tthink brah

interesting..that budd looks nice:smokin:

Anything other than total legalization, or a system similar to Holland's, is wrong.

Until it is (legalized), these types of crimes are going to keep occurring in communities of MMJ users.

Exactly and it's quite disturbing and sad.


Especially becuase most people who are marijuana users won't or can't call the police to help them in these situations anyway. People are living in fear and terror. And that just shouldn't be. Not in America damnit. Not for something as non-serious as pot.

The government is literally making us criminals. They are making otherwise, hard working, law abiding citizens who vote, pay taxes, and have families hide in the shadows.

im not sure whether im upset because of all the jerks with firearms out there, or at the idea the pot growers are the kind of people who would try to kill others...:(

i would shoot anyone trying to steal from my property

That never happens in Scotland, Oh my GOD! I can't imagine a scenario like that, Your marijuana or your life! Go on, leave us a small blim please I'd beg them. I reckon it's because the quality of the hash is so bad in scotland that it never happens.

i love my pot as much as anyone but i cant get over the idea of a grown woman shooting a minor in the face when she caught him in her garden.

the issus is with the people in that article not the cannabis.

^i would without hesitation... anyone who steals especially that style deserves the worst... I've never been in a fight and I get along with everyone, im a peaceful person, but when it comes to my property i will protect it to the death...

I'd like to see how race plays into this. I wish the article gave that information. The media has been reinforcing the idea that black people are criminals for a LONG time and I'm wondering if the woman who shot the minor had fallen prey to that 'OMG a black kid he must be packing' mentality that is the REAL sickness in our society.

Quote:

---

I'd like to see how race plays into this. I wish the article gave that information. The media has been reinforcing the idea that black people are criminals for a LONG time and I'm wondering if the woman who shot the minor had fallen prey to that 'OMG a black kid he must be packing' mentality that is the REAL sickness in our society.

---

Here when a black person is wearing pants around their knees you shoot first and ask questions later. Many thugs are black,perhaps you don't live where you see it every day.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheChameleon

Here when a black person is wearing pants around their knees you shoot first and ask questions later.

---

Did you REALLY just type that or did I eat too many cannabutter truffles this morning?

Reb,

Yes I read the article

way ta go playboy!! Hefs got it goin on! good article!




its the sign of things to come
peeps are sick of the shit



THE ANSWER IS



LEGALIZE IT!!!



I read in the paper

death came to 4 innocent victims recently
over 50 lbs of pot!

2 women and their 2 babies
killed over pot!

they were hiding behind the bed, when 4 men came calling, for the stash, and the stash was gone!


not cool guys! never get legalization nation, by killing innocent people! over weed! are ya kiddin me!!

did them 4 [men] ever think maybe the women sold their herbs to get milk, and diapers for the babes?

they buried the mothers with the babys the men went to jail they will prolly get fried!

its just another way our gov lets our country bleed!

not so cool now, government !!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheChameleon

Here when a black person is wearing pants around their knees you shoot first and ask questions later. Many thugs are black,perhaps you don't live where you see it every day.

---

what the hell man? negative rep for that, its uncalled for.

i dont understand why people even in the forums would consider using a gun against a crop robber. hell, if someone came to my home and asked for some bud, id probably consider giving him some.

its horrible when society has advanced from fighting, to logical communication, back to fists, and now to guns....al without realising what theyre doing.

^^^

Quote:

---

i dont understand why people even in the forums would consider using a gun against a crop robber. hell, if someone came to my home and asked for some bud, id probably consider giving him some.

---

what if that someone broke in your house or jumped your fence while likely being armed?... they know the risks they take when they go rob shit... they are low-life scum who are ruthless and will do anyhing for money cuz they can't make it the legit way... I'm not gonna fucking let them steal from me or people I live with when I worked hard for what I have...

Quote:

---

ts horrible when society has advanced from fighting, to logical communication, back to fists, and now to guns....al without realising what theyre doing.

---

When someone is robbing you there is no time for "logical communication"

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FUNKNUGGET

^^^
what if that someone broke in your house or jumped your fence while likely being armed?... they know the risks they take when they go rob shit... they are low-life scum who are ruthless and will do anyhing for money cuz they can't make it the legit way... I'm not gonna fucking let them steal from me or people I live with when I worked hard for what I have...

When someone is robbing you there is no time for "logical communication"

---

1) maybe its different for you, but i feel completely safe in my canadian neighbourhood. its people who stereotype others which cause others to become such stereotypes.

2) sadly, thats my point. rather than even calling police to report a breakin (out of fear for prosecution for growing pot), people would rather shoot someone, possibly killing them, which would create much more than just a fine for growing weed.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by McLeodGanja

That never happens in Scotland, Oh my GOD! I can't imagine a scenario like that, Your marijuana or your life! Go on, leave us a small blim please I'd beg them. I reckon it's because the quality of the hash is so bad in scotland that it never happens.

---

a swift kilt lifting would surely scare the highland gun slingers off...right? :stoned:I'm only joking but undoubtadly mj violence happens in a lot of places although I have never witnessed it or been apart of it.

Quote:

---

maybe its different for you, but i feel completely safe in my canadian neighbourhood. its people who stereotype others which cause others to become such stereotypes.

---

well first off, canada is definatley safer than the u.s.... I don't what point you're trying to make about stereotypes, but if I see someone break into my house or jump my fence I know they're up to no good...

Quote:

---

sadly, thats my point. rather than even calling police to report a breakin (out of fear for prosecution for growing pot), people would rather shoot someone, possibly killing them, which would create much more than just a fine for growing weed.
Reply With Quote

---

that's another thing... the penalties for growing pot in the U.S. atleast are much more than a simple fine... also do you think the police are gonna have a good, fast response to a 911 call "HELP ME HELP ME SOMEONE'S STEALING MY POT PLANTS!!!"

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by FUNKNUGGET

well first off, canada is definatley safer than the u.s....

I don't what point you're trying to make about stereotypes, but if I see someone break into my house or jump my fence I know they're up to no good...



that's another thing... the penalties for growing pot in the U.S. atleast are much more than a simple fine... also do you think the police are gonna have a good, fast response to a 911 call "HELP ME HELP ME SOMEONE'S STEALING MY POT PLANTS!!!"

---

1) maybe its safer for a reason... possibly the much smaller number of firearms?

2) my point is that when you say all thieves carry guns, an idea becomes a fact, and everything escalates a step.

3) doesnt matter what it is. the punishment for cultivation is gonna be much less than that of murder/manslaughter and cultivation mashed together. and no need to say what the guys after, just say theres a stranger in the house/yard and theyll rush over

Hate to break up the mini race debate here but I actually read the WHOLE multiple page article and it has NOTHING, repeat, NOTHING to do with race.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by rebgirl420

Hate to break up the mini race debate here but I actually read the WHOLE multiple page article and it has NOTHING, repeat, NOTHING to do with race.

---

That's not the point, whether the ARTICLE has to do with race. The point is how ignorant people react to a white kid in their back yard vs. a black kid in their back yard. I would have liked to see the article give that information. We all just saw one poster give the 'shoot blacks first ask questions later' answer and I'll betcha that is the EXACT mentality that has upped the death toll here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheChameleon

Here when a black person is wearing pants around their knees you shoot first and ask questions later. Many thugs are black,perhaps you don't live where you see it every day.

---

That is a racist statement. Disgusting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TheChameleon

Here when a black person is wearing pants around their knees you shoot first and ask questions later. Many thugs are black,perhaps you don't live where you see it every day.

---

A black person huh?? Here thugs come in all colors, and sure shoot (if you must) but not before asking your self what is the backstop. The fact that you word that statment like that raises my brow. But always remeber if you shoot some one even in your own home for self defense, you will probly spend some time in jail anyway. At least thats the way it usualy is here. But the worst part is they take your wepon used, sometimes you get it back sometimes you dont.

Last 2 thugs I ran into were not black but both bleed red.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by MadSativa

A black person huh?? Here thugs come in all colors, and sure shoot (if you must) but not before asking your self what is the backstop. The fact that you word that statment like that raises my brow. But always remeber if you shoot some one even in your own home for self defense, you will probly spend some time in jail anyway. At least thats the way it usualy is here. But the worst part is they take your wepon used, sometimes you get it back sometimes you dont.

Last 2 thugs I ran into were not black but both bleed red.

---

I was only responding to a racial post. There was no need to point the race thing out in the first place,because that is what perpetuates the race problems we have. As the original poster stated this was not a racial post till someone made it one.

Love to all!,
The Chameleon

Quote:

---

1) maybe its safer for a reason... possibly the much smaller number of firearms?

---

that's a big part of it...

Quote:

---

2) my point is that when you say all thieves carry guns, an idea becomes a fact, and everything escalates a step.

---

first off, i never said ALL theives carry guns, but in america most will be armed... I'm not gonna take any chances it's me or him...

Quote:

---

3) doesnt matter what it is. the punishment for cultivation is gonna be much less than that of murder/manslaughter and cultivation mashed together. and no need to say what the guys after, just say theres a stranger in the house/yard and theyll rush over

---

Well in the U.S. you're allowed to protect your property and use lethal force if you really need to defend yourself (not 100% sure on the laws but I know you can in some cases)... and that last part... you might not have time to call the cops and by the time the get there the thief will most likely be gone leaving them to find your crop... and are you just gonna sit around and watch while someone is robbing you? that to me just sounds ridiculous...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by angry nomad

That is a racist statement. Disgusting.

---

:mad::mad::mad::mad::mad::mad:
i agree that statment is disgusting
you should be ashamed you vile ignorant person
racism is an idiots game
you are a fool

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hybridlove420

what the hell man? negative rep for that, its uncalled for.

---

There's no need for this rebuttal either. Your whole "jerks with firearms" comment wasn't necessary. I own firearms... does that make me a jerk? Should people start giving you negative reps for that?

Break into my house with the sole intent of stealing my crops, and I'll still treat you the same as if you broke in to murder my wife and child. I'm not asking you any questions first... are you stupid? You cross a line when you illegally enter another persons home, ESPECIALLY if you do it by breaking-and-entering. That line could be life or death, and you asked for it by coming into my home in the first place. For those of you who think "shoot first, ask questions later" is a rash decision... you try to negotiate with someone when there's a 50% chance that they might try to harm you or your family anyway. I don't run around bragging about how much of a badass I am because I own guns. I have locked trigger-guards on all my firearms, and they're locked up in a case. It is possible to be a responsible gun owner, you know...

But again, if someone is ever dumb enough to break into my home and make my loved ones feel threatened, they're going to see a very dark side of me. And they're going to regret making that decision.

^^^THANK YOU

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NextLineIsMine

Now if we simply legalized it and it was worth only a few bucks a gram this sort of shit wouldn't happen...would it

---

Amen.

Wow....


















This thread wasn't supposed to have ANYTHING to do with all of this bullshit.

Seriously... I don't know whats worse, racists or people who are obsessed with political correctness. He's not a garbage man, he's a sanitation engineer with expertise in refuse collection. God bless America!