Marijuana Grow Busted, A 22 year old man from Fairbanks Alaska, named Johnathon “Harley” Butterfield has been charged on Friday with a felony for his involvement in a large marijuana grow operation. This is the fourth person named in a Federal Indictment that began back in January, 2012. Johnathon Butterfield, along with 3 others are being charged with growing marijuana on multiple occasions at least 100 large cannabis plants that they began growing back in 2010.
Johnathon Butterfield Marijuana Grow Busted
Johnathon Butterfield was arrested near Ester at a cabin where he was growing 44 marijuana plants.
Alaska Authorities said they have seized more than a thousand plants in the past 6 months, and also seized 500 plants in August from several greenhouses located 10 miles north of Fox.
Alaska Marijuana Laws
1 oz or less in your residence or home no penalty
1 oz to 4 oz misdemeanor 90 days
$1,000
More than 4 oz, or 25 or more plants felony 5 years
$50,000
Any amount within 500 feet of school grounds or rec. center* felony 5 years
$50,000
* If charged with possession of marijuana in a school zone, an affirmative defense may be raised in court that the conduct took place entirely within a private residence.
Sale or Cultivation
Sale less than 1 oz misdemeanor 1 year
$5,000
1 oz or more felony 5 years
$50,000
Miscellaneous (paraphernalia, license suspensions, drug tax stamps, etc…)
Maintaining any structure or dwelling for keeping and distributing marijuana felony 5 years
$50,000
Details
Possession of one ounce or less of marijuana in the privacy of the home is legal. The status of possessing an amount between one ounce and four ounces is unclear, pending clarification by the courts. Possession of 4 ounces or more of marijuana is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Possession of less than 25 plants is protected under the Alaska Constitution’s right to privacy (See Ravin v. Alaska). Possession of 25 or more marijuana plants is “Misconduct involving a controlled substance in the fourth degree” and is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 or five years in prison.
Any possession within 500 feet of school grounds or a recreation center or possession on any school bus is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Sale, delivery or manufacture of marijuana of less than one ounce is a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. For amounts of one ounce or greater, the crime is a felony which can be punished with a sentence of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
It is an affirmative defense to possession, manufacture or delivery that the offender is a patient or caregiver who is registered with the state for medical use of marijuana.
Maintaining any structure or dwelling, including vehicles, to use for keeping and distributing marijuana, is a felony offense and punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
Alaska Marijuana Grow Busted, knowing the laws can save you time and money.
