A Warren man licensed to grow marijuana for up to five patients was charged Wednesday night, July 15 with two counts of drug trafficking.
The Maine Drug Enforcement Agency began investigating Kenneth Gray, 56, after he was observed last month by Maine game wardens selling marijuana to two men in Waldoboro, according to a news release issued Thursday, July 16 by the Maine Department of Public Safety. The wardens then referred the case to the MDEA.
Drug agents learned Gray was a registered primary caregiver under the Maine Medical Use of Marijuana Program.
But when they arrived at Gray’s residence in Warren on Wednesday to investigate, the agents discovered two warehouses converted to marijuana growing facilities, which they determined were not in compliance with a number of state requirements for being a caregiver, according to the news release.
Agents reported seizing 212 marijuana plants and more than 8 pounds of processed marijuana. The approximate street value of the processed marijuana is $20,000, according to the release.
Under state law, small medical marijuana cultivators can serve up to five patients and grow no more than six plants per patient.
Agents summoned Gray on Wednesday on two counts of unlawful trafficking in marijuana, one connected to the alleged sale of marijuana in Waldoboro and one connected to the alleged violations at the facility in Warren.
Gray is scheduled to appear in Knox County Unified Court in Rockland on Sept. 14.
MDEA agents were assisted by deputies from the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.