Medical marijuana case generates

Tyler Markwart, former Pullman resident now of Seattle, filed a motion Nov. 14 to dismiss drug charges against him in superior court here. Markwart contends his alleged actions were valid under the state’s medical marijuana provisions. The motion was accompanied by a 28-page argument and a publication by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

Markwart faces three charges of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and growing marijuana.

Markwart’s motion alleges the state’s requirement that medical marijuana providers can serve one patient at a time, one of the provisions the state alleges he violated, has been changed. He also alleges entrapment was involved in drug officers efforts to provide medical authorization to undercover agents.

Markwart has been representing himself in court sessions.

Prosecutors Nov. 16 filed a motion to add gun enhancement charges against Markwart. They allege he was in possession of a loaded shotgun and a pistol which were discovered when officers conducted a warrant search of his Pullman apartment last April.

A conviction on the gun enhancement charges would add 18 months to any sentence Markwart could face in the event he was convicted of the drug charges.

Prosecutors have also asked for more time to respond to Markwart’s motion to dismiss. They said their office had not received copies of the motion which was filed in court.