User talk:Philip northcutt

A Marine reservist and former military policeman, arrested in Long Beach, Calif., on March 26 after police stopped him regarding the tint on his vehicle’s window and discovered marijuana and a loaded handgun in his possession, according to Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman Nancy Pratt.

Pratt said Sgt. Philip Northcutt’s comments to police led authorities to a warehouse where they found about 400 marijuana plants valued at around $500,000. It is believed that Northcutt grew the marijuana for medical purposes and had the appropriate documents which allowed him to do so under state law.

Sergeant Northcutt, now disabled, received permanent irreversable nerve damage, as a result of injuries sustained in combat.

Los Angeles County, where Northcutt was arrested, was one of the last counties to establish guidelines for medical cannabis cultivation which may be part of the reason for his arrest.

Northcutt has been charged with cultivation, transportation and possession of marijuana for sale, along with charges involving a “firearms enhancement” that stiffens the possible penalties, Pratt said.

Northcutt is out on bail ($150,000) and is currently represented by Mr. Bruce Margolin. His hearing is scheduled for September 20, 2006. Sergeant Northcutt was decorated for Valor in Combat, for his actions in Ramadi, Iraq, in Sptember of 2004.

Today, Northcutt speaks publicly on the benefits of medical cannabis for veterans with both physical injuries and post-traumatic stress.