Otto Knorr, our local California Highway Patrol commander, finds
himself in a sticky situation. He is holding onto a small amount of
medical marijuana seized during an October 2004 arrest that he has
been ordered to return, and he must decide whether to obey federal
or state law.
Otto Knorr, our local California Highway Patrol commander, finds himself in a sticky situation. He is holding onto a small amount of medical marijuana seized during an October 2004 arrest that he has been ordered to return, and he must decide whether to obey federal or state law.
The state, a local judge and the CHP’s own policy says he must return the marijuana or face the possibility of a contempt of court charge, but the Feds say no. Knorr says he’s conflicted, but considering he is an employee of the state, and local judge Steven Sanders has already ordered him to return the substance, he must obey the state law even if it goes against his own belief.
“I’m in quite a quandary,” Knorr told the Free Lance. “I stand very strongly on my ethics and have a responsibility to the people of the state of California, the California Highway Patrol and my officers to uphold the law. If I lose my integrity, I have nothing else to stand for.”
While Knorr believes he isn’t mandated to return the marijuana because the man his officers seized it from failed to inform them it was for medicinal purposes at the time of arrest, Knorr himself said it is his responsibility to uphold the law. The state of California says medical marijuana is legal and the CHP’s policy is to return marijuana if the person has an official medical marijuana card.
Although we understand Knorr’s argument and believe civil disobedience has its place, people who disobey the law must be prepared to suffer the consequences of their actions even if they believe their cause is just.
Failing to abide by a court order is punishable with a misdemeanor and up to six months in jail. Is Knorr ready to spend some time in a place where he’s undoubtedly put many a criminal over his lengthy law enforcement career?
That’s a decision only he can make.
Public Defender Greg La Forge will argue before Sanders on Jan. 19 that Knorr should be held in contempt of court for disobeying the judge’s order to return the marijuana. At that time, Knorr should do what the judge and state law require him to do.
While we believe Knorr should return the marijuana, we understand his frustration. Medical marijuana laws were passed in this state to aid the chronically ill and increase their quality of life in the limited time they have left. But it seems many people are taking advantage of that law and using medical marijuana cards simply as a way to get their hands on legal pot.
That blatant disrespect is a direct slap in the face to the people of California who approved the law and the people who rely on the substance to ease their suffering.
