Hearings Scheduled for Release of Marijuana Activist Roger Christie

A hearing has been scheduled for Senate resolutions that urge the federal government to release marijuana advocate Roger Christie on bail pending trial.

Christie, a pro-legalization marijuana activist and founder of THC Ministry, was arrested in July 2010 on charges relating to growing and distributing marijuana.

He has been held in Hawaii’s Federal Detention Center since his arrest. Christie’s trial has been scheduled for July 23.

A federal judge has denied Christie’s release on bail, stating that he is a “danger to the community.” Christie’s THC Ministry offered cannabis as one of its services to members.

Hawaii Senators Will Espero and Russell E. Ruderman requested a meeting with Christie to discuss the case. Due to time constraints, they have yet to meet with him.

The Senate had earlier referred to committee two Senate resolutions asking President Obama to launch a formal investigation into whether the federal government is violating Christie’s constitutional rights by keeping him detained.

The measures, which are identical in wording, state that the holding of Christie is “illegal and unconstitutional,” and call for him to be released immediately.

Christie has been denied bail seven times. Reasons given by prosecutors at those hearings include Christie’s continued pursuit of marijuana distribution even after his operations were raided by police in March 2010.

The Senate Committee on Public Safety, Intergovernmental and Military Affairs will be hearing Senate Concurrent Resolution 75 and Senate Resolution 42 at 2:45 pm on Thursday March 21 at the State Capitol.