Alaska Judge Okays Marijuana Use in Homes July 8, 2003
News Summary
A Superior Court judge ruled that Alaska's Constitution allows residents to possess a small amount of marijuana for personal use as long as there is no intent to sell the drug, the Associated Press reported July 5.The ruling pertained to a case involving the marijuana conviction of Scott A. Thomas. He was charged last summer for growing marijuana plants in his home. A jury found him guilty of sixth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance.
Bill Satterberg, an attorney for Thomas, appealed the verdict, arguing that his client's conviction was unconstitutional based on the 1975 state Supreme Court decision in Ravin v. State. The ruling made it legal for adults to possess marijuana in their homes for personal use.
Judge Richard Savell of Fairbanks dismissed Thomas' conviction, saying that possessing the drug at home is a fundamental constitutional right.
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