Medical Marijuana Advocate Pleads Innocent
A prominent medical-marijuana advocate in San Diego has pleaded innocent to federal charges of growing pot. Steve McWilliams was arrested yesterday. He was released last night after pledging to pay 50-thousand dollars bond if he fails to show up for court appearances.
Federal drug enforcement agents uprooted 25 marijuana plants from McWilliams´ front yard more than two weeks ago. He faces at least five years in prison if found guilty.
McWilliams and his partner operate a medical-marijuana resource center in San Diego. They also help sick and dying people legally obtain marijuana under California´s Proposition 215, which conflicts with federal drug statutes. He once smoked pot on the steps of City Hall to draw attention to his cause.