Most marijuana violations stem from traffic stops | Local News

Local authorities say almost all marijuana contacts come from simple traffic violations and pedestrian stops.

Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King said those who have been issued medical marijuana cards still have rules to follow.

“Driving under the influence is probably the most common injury we see. The level of legal possession is also an issue that we deal with occasionally,” King said.

Cherokee County Sheriff Jason Chennault said the majority of her contacts leading to marijuana being found take place during traffic stops or public poisoning arrests.

Both King and Chennault said they did not have access to information about how many and to whom medical marijuana cards were issued.

“I can’t track the number of times an MP finds marijuana, but the suspect has a health card,” Chennault said.

On April 9, officials drove over a vehicle with a defective taillight when they saw driver Frank Brackett smell of marijuana. Brackett told the officer he did not have a medical marijuana card and was arrested after other drugs were found in the vehicle.

Another simple traffic violation resulted in officers finding marijuana, methamphetamine, pills and syringes during a traffic obstruction on April 6.

Often times, those traffic stops that result in a simple marijuana crime involve people who do not have or have been issued with a medical marijuana card.

Deputy Kile Turley ran over a vehicle on April 7 after seeing the driver cross the shoulder line multiple times. The driver, Johnny Lee Hothouse III, provided the deputy with his medical marijuana card. However, he was sent to prison for driving while under the influence.

According to the Tahlequah City schedule, the fine is $ 400 for anyone charged with possession of marijuana and $ 240 for possession of drug paraphernalia.