Markwart's self defense goes up in smoke

First of two cases in Whitman County Superior Court tests state’s

medical marijuana laws.

In a high-profile medical marijuana case, a Whitman County jury convicted Tyler Markwart, 30, Seattle, of five counts of growing and selling marijuana Tuesday.

The jury also found Markwart guilty on a gun enhancement charge which was sought by Senior Deputy Prosecutor Bill Druffel.

Jurors deliberated for just over an hour after the testimony and arguments finished Tuesday morning.

Markwart, a former WSU student, was arrested April 19 after Quad Cities Drug Task Force agents made three controlled marijuana...