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Agents seize non-medical marijuana plants

Contra Costa Times

Alamo, CA Sept 29, 2005 -- A 47-year-old man with a prescription for medical marijuana was arrested after narcotics agents found 30 marijuana plants in his home, well above the legal limit, police said Wednesday.

Ted Carscadden was arrested Monday on suspicion of marijuana cultivation after Contra Costa Narcotic Enforcement Team agents found an elaborate growing room inside his North Jackson Way home, a CNET news release said.

Carscadden had a valid prescription from Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco to use marijuana for chronic back pain, the release said.

Police found 23 plants in the growing room and another seven outside the home.

Under California law, residents with prescriptions can possess six mature plants or 12 immature plants. Agents left seven plants at the residence, the release said.

Officers also seized a shotgun and a .22 caliber rifle.

Two people inside the home were detained and released without charges. Carscadden was arrested and released at the scene because of his medical problems.

Agents searched the man' s home after receiving an anonymous tip, the release said. Residents of Central Contra Costa can call the CNET tip line at 925-602-6591 to report suspected drug dealers.