Longtime medical marijuana user and activist Darrel Paulsen will be arraigned on June 24 in connection with a September 1995 raid on his residence by agents from the East Metro Drug Task Force. Paulsen has been charged with felony possession of marijuana in the fifth degree.
An outspoken advocate for medical marijuana, Paulsen has acknowledged to using marijuana as a means to control his cerebral palsy. He has been featured on local news telecasts, spoken at national gatherings, and is currently running for city council. Paulsen tells NORML that he intends to request a postponement at his arraignment.
Paulsen has publicly said that he uses marijuana daily for medical purposes. Approximately two ounces of marijuana were confiscated during the fall raid.
Paulsen encourages other activists to contact Assistant District Attorney Stuart Shapiro and voice their disapproval over the city’s decision to file charges in this matter.
For more information on this case, please contact Allen St. Pierre of NORML @ (202) 483-5500. To contact the assistant district attorney’s office, please call (612) 438-4438. Paulsen’s case number is: K7-96-1170. If any activists would like to contribute to a fund established to help offset Paulsen’s legal fees, he or she can write to the following address: Paulsen & Company, Attention: Medical Defense Fund, P.O. Box 2865, St. Paul MN, 55102.