If you are in or know people in Colorado,please get the word out on voting for Stan Garnett for AG. JB Woods Kush Magazine September 22, 2010 All Rights Reserved In federal court today, marijuana grower Christopher Bartkowicz lost his right to use his medical marijuana caregiver status as a defense against charges by the federal government. Bartkowicz and his attorney, Joseph Saint-Veltri, were hoping to convince U.S. District Judge Philip A. Brimmer that Colorado's medical marijuana laws protect Bartkowicz from federal prosecution. Brimmer did not agree, which could result in Bartkowicz facing a life sentence if convicted. Bartkowicz became famous after 9News aired a video of him in February 2010, proudly displaying his medical marijuana grow to a reporter. (The jungle in your neighbor's basement) Despite his belief that he was following Colorado's medical marijuana laws, federal agents raided his suburban home in Highlands Ranch, confiscating medical marijuana plants and equipment. The conflict between federal and state laws regarding medical marijuana continues to be a major source of confusion for those involved in the industry. Colorado's recently enacted House Bill 10-1284 was designed to license and validate medical marijuana centers, growers, and infused products manufacturers. There is even further recognition of the “caregiver†designation that Bartkowicz could have embraced as part of his defense. In a recent debate for Attorney General, incumbent John Suthers and Boulder District Attorney Stan Garnett discussed the ambiguities of medical marijuana laws. Suthers described the quagmire between federal and state laws as a hypocrisy, while Garnett recognized it as confusing, especially as it pertains to land-use regulation. An exclusive statement released today by Stan Garnett, provides further support that change is required between the federal and state government. September 22, 2010 The ongoing federal prosecution in Denver of medical marijuana grower Christopher Bartkowicz highlights my belief that this evolving and complex issue is currently best dealt with through land-use regulation, rather than the criminal courts. This prosecution, threatening Mr. Bartkowicz with decades in prison, for an activity he believed to be sanctioned under Amendment 20 and Colorado law as it was currently written, is totally unjust and unnecessary. John Suthers, a professed staunch supporter of states' rights, and obligated as the current Attorney General to defend Colorado law, should call on the U.S. Attorney to promptly and fairly reach a proportionate and just resolution of this case. Stan Garnett Garnett for our Attorney General Post Office Box 17006 Boulder, Colorado 80308 Phone: (303) 499-6864 info@garnettforag.com website: http://www.garnettforag.com/