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For Alison and Peter: I am disabled and smoke pot to help me be out in the world, employed, social, active. any advice if I get busted w/pot on me?

my therapist and doctor are both aware, and although my doctor would rather I not smoke, she understands that right now it helps me function like a somewhat normal person. I usually only smoke at home, but on occasion I like to take a small pipe with me if I'm going to be gone from home a long time.

also, if I get caught, what should I do first?

maddingcrowd asked in 420: The Straight Dope About Pot over 2 years ago | Report
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    Alison Holcomb

    You didn't mention whether your doctor had issued you an authorization to engage in the medical use of cannabis.  If not, requesting that should be the first thing you do.

    Your doctor's advice not to smoke is sound: vaporization is better for the lungs, especially if you are a regular user.

    If you are questioned by law enforcement, the following four rules apply, regardless of the basis for the questioning:

    1. Be polite.

    2. Don't admit OR DENY anything. Exercise your constitutional right not to answer questions. Anything that is not exercised atrophies.

    3. Politely ask whether you are under arrest. If you are not under arrest, let the officer know that you would like to be on your way, and then be on your way.

    4. If you are arrested, request your right to talk to a lawyer, and otherwise exercise your right to remain silent.

    One caveat: the Washington State Medical Use of Marijuana Act requires, if you want to be able to raise the medical marijuana defense at trial, that you present your authorization and identification to any law enforcement officer who inquires about your medical use of marijuana. So, if you are a qualifying patient, present your ID and paperwork when asked.

    With respect to non-medical use of cannabis, I can't provide better advice than Jeff Steinborn.

    Alison Holcomb answered in 420: The Straight Dope About Pot over 2 years ago | Report
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    For more information about dealing with police encounters in general, look to the Flex Your Rights Foundation, including their movies "BUSTED: The Citizen's Guide to Surviving Police Encounters" and "10 Rules for Dealing with Police".

    Phil M answered in 420: The Straight Dope About Pot over 2 years ago | Report
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