Not only Charles Lynch's problem

The Register editorial on the request by the judge in medical marijuana dispensary proprietor Charles Lynch's trial for clarification from the US Justice Dept. points out some aspects few others have noted as of yet. At least a couple of dozen dispensary proprietors are under investigation. Presumably those cases will be dropped (the feds have actually not prosecuted that many, but have terrorized quite a few). Some have been indicted and are awaiting trial. Will those cases be dropped? And of course about two dozen are now serving time. Will their sentences be commuted?

Charles Lynch in limbo

It's almost exhausting but certainly pleasing to have more developments in the drug law reform area going on than I can keep up with. It will be fascinating to see how Charles Lynch's case turns out. He's the Morro Bay CA medical marijuana dispensary operator who was scheduled to be sentenced Monday after being convicted on five counts that could carry a sentence up to 100 years -- but the judge postponed sentencing and requested written clarification of the new policy announced by AG Eric Holder to the effect that the feds will stop going after patients and providers in states with medical marijuana laws. This will force the Justice Dept. to put some flesh on those bones. Some of the best coverage of the case has been done by Reason.TV, especially this short documentary featuring Drew Carey, and this, this and this. Register editorial will run tomorrow.