Marijuana grower sentenced to jail.

John Accardi with his attorney David Glancy.

Marijuana grower sentenced to jail.

#MasonCountyCrime

By Allison Scarbrough, Editor.

LUDINGTON – Even though recreational marijuana is now legal in Michigan, those arrested before the law took effect can still find themselves in jail.

This is the case for John Paul Accardi, 37, of 1283 W. Meisenheimer Rd., Riverton Township, who was recently convicted of marijuana possession in 51st Circuit Court.

Accardi was arrested by the State, Sheriffs’, Chiefs’ Enforcement of Narcotics Team (SSCENT) for a felony of marijuana delivery/manufacture last August – just a few months before marijuana was legalized.

According to Accardi’s pre-sentence investigation report, he was in possession of 19 pounds of pot, said Mason County Prosecutor Paul Spaniola. However, there is some discrepancy regarding the amount.

Accardi was growing it for medical marijuana patients, which was a legal enterprise, but he exceeded the legal amount.

“This is an interesting case due to the change of the law,” said Judge Susan K. Sniegowski. “It’s an area of the law that is changing constantly. If you are going to continue to grow for others, you need to get legal help. The amounts found at the time were in excess. If you’re going to be in this business, there is a lot of regulation and restriction. If you’re going to continue to work in this business, you absolutely need to follow the letter of the law.”

Sentencing guidelines in the case are 0-9 months.

The judge sentenced Accardi to serve 15 days up front of a one-year discretionary jail term, which he can serve on the weekends. He also received a one-year suspension on his driver’s license with a restricted license after 60 days.

The marijuana that was seized is forfeited.

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Tags: 51st Circuit Court, circuit court, court news