Yellowknife Couple Lose Children Over Medical Marijuana Garden In Closet
Family destroyed by RCMP: Kim MacNearney, her husband Craig and two kids before police ransacked their home and took their children.The family of a woman who used marijuana to ease the pain of a spinal injury had their house raided and ransacked by RCMP last week after the police received an anonymous tip about a "smell" emanating from the home. Although the authorities found only a few marijuana plants, they have condemned the home and placed the children in foster care under family child protection services.
On Thursday, February 19, Kim MacNearney, a human resources manager for the government of the North West Territories (NWT), her husband Craig and their two boys (age 1 and 3), were shocked when the RCMP burst into their Yellowknife home without a search warrant, knocked holes in walls, sliced open new baby mattresses, and took both children away.
MacNearney says she had previously visited her doctor about legal medical cannabis use regarding a spinal injury and the Health Canada program, but the doctor refused to discuss it with her.
The police found less than 20 plants in a small closet in their home for their own medical use, a couple of dried clones, a few in veg and a few in bud under a 400w light.
After trashing their house, police then called the Fire Marshal who arrived and condemned their home as a grow-op for their small personal medical closet garden.
A week later, their kids are still in foster care under family child protection services.
PRESS CONTACT:
Kim MacNearney in Yellowknife, NWT (mother of 2 kids)
Phone: (867) 444-8450
Email: kjmacnearney@hotmail.com
THIS IS DISGUSTING
This is absolutely disgusting that this would happen. They are going to ruin this family's life. They lost their kids and their home over a person reasonably self medicating, she would not have been doing it illegally had her doctor been open to the idea. I want to know from the police how they find this to be in the best interest of the public. Two children traumatized from being taken from their parents and stuck into the overcrowded and dysfunctional foster care system does no good for anyone. Why is Canada going in a backwards direction when even America is starting to move the other way. Something needs to be done about this. What was the cost of the MMJ program? something like 25 million dollars with only 2500 people licensed to use and produce the medication. There should be a fund started to help these people with legal costs to retrieve their home and more importantly their children. I would not have much to offer but would send anything I could.
Harper
The conservatives are in power, they are the backers of the war on drugs and all of the associated elements. The RCMP are "Just Doin' Their Jobs" and get pat on the back for Gittin Er Done by the conservatives.
It's that simple.
Just Doing Their Jobs
If I ever had a job were I had to hang up my morales to do the job then I would quit. If you are one of those immoral people and you have respect for them, then go apply.
It used to be you could go anywhere in this country and whenever the conversation turned to bullies the RC's seemed to enjoy a good review. HEY FOOL; NOT ANYMORE. But if people like you want to support them, then keep in mind, 'We will prosecute the prosecutors'.
Dave
The NDP is even more
The NDP is even more sickening than the Conservative party however. I don't see anything about stopping the drug war on www.ndp.ca. They have a few supporters but they also have people on their team that are the exact opposite and legalization, etc.. is definitely far from their priority list. The NDP does not see persecution of drug users as a form of persecution against a group of people that have a right to exist. After all its safer than alcohol (www.saferchoice.org). The Conservative party boasts that they want to have less government interference where NDP wants the government to be your main focus in life in charge of your every move and every dime and nickel that you get. They've already proven that communism is not the way. All Karl Marx's ideas have failed. I will agree Obama has made a big difference for the USA but the situation there is still worst than in Canada although it will soon be a flip of role. But I wouldn't single out Harper by any means, compare to NDP and I don't believe the Liberal party is going to ensure that anything is any better. The only one that I even saw transparently and openly say that the drug war is wrong and that they will put an end to it is the green party. Nobody else has made this form of strong statement. The NDP has passed a hypocritical statement, in one sense they are saying that people who have knowingly consumed do not have the right to even work, that the end of the drug war would not do anything good and that the justice bestowed by Harper is not enough where on the flipside they have say 2 representatives that show a degree of support towards some strange form of legalization, one that involves heavy taxation, one that involves this and that and this and that with strange driving tests, etc., if you ask me, no good. Liberals have generally answered to the fact that they would like to tone down the level and decriminalize it which is probably a decent and somewhat effective approach but creates lots of problems and far from a solution. Conservatives take on the approach that its better to have people that play hardball than wusses and their approach is probably the most economically favorable in a sense. Cause its basically like saying they will scrape every dime and dollar and strip it on this market. By illegalizing they drive prices up like crazy, creating a market because it needs money to operate anyways, indoor ops aren't exactly free and by making it super illegal prices will be as high as possible. The guy making the money will get a house etc.. and than they'll strip that house off him after a certain point. it's obviously not the solution nor the full analysis but the point is no point of blaming harper, blame the other politicians for being even more terrible....
This is disgusting IF the
This is disgusting IF the marijuana was being used for medical purposes as suggested, and not sold to friends as local rumours suggest. The press reports child protection was doing a home inspection because of concerns for the children, and then RCMP alerted. It has been suggested the "smell" emanating from the home was that of filth and garbage not marijuana. Hopefully this couple isn't just using Medicinal Marijuana as a excuse to break the law, because if they are that is far more disgusting.
This is disgusting IF the
This is disgusting IF the marijuana was being used for medical purposes as suggested. The local press reports child protection was doing a home inspection because of concerns for the children, and then RCMP alerted. It has been suggested the "smell" emanating from the home was that of filth and garbage not marijuana. Hopefully this couple isn't just using Medicinal Marijuana as a excuse to break the law, because if they are that is far more disgusting.
^BEST post here. And the
^BEST post here. And the most accurate.
I can't believe that the users of this website take the above story as fact. It is highly incorrect.
Since you are obviously "in
Since you are obviously "in the know"...why don't you tell the users of this website what the real scoop is??? I, myself, would be very interested to know!
BEST post here. And the most
BEST post here. And the most accurate.
I can't believe the users of this website take the above story as fact. It is highly incorrect.
I would like to dispute the
I would like to dispute the above 2 comments, I am very involved in this story, and the story is true. I am very offended that someone who posted as anonymous would have the balls to say that it is not true, maybe you should try it all out sometime and have your life completely shattered for no apparent reason, AFTER HARMING NO ONE. The story is NOT highly incorrect, it is actually pretty spot on...and the smell coming from the home was NOT that of garbage and filth, trust me from personal experience, I have been there...honestly people, have a little respect for lives that have been ruined, someday it could be you...
"No apparent reason" is
"No apparent reason" is hilarious.
When the courts rule that there were substantial grounds for the apprehension, there's probably a reason.
"it has been suggested the
"it has been suggested the smell was filth and garbage"...when was the last time you smelled marijuana?? Because if it smelled like filth and garbage ...you should probably have passed on it and gone for some different stuff. and when was the last time you heard of the RCMP or Child protection actually telling the truth?? Let's open our eyes a little here people...
Funny how these same exact
Funny how these same exact people with the same exact plants in the same situation, with a fucking doctors note would not be sitting in jail but in the comfort of their home with their beautiful children! how do they consider it putting a child in danger ? What are they going to eat the fucking plants ? I live in a fucked up small town in Pennsylvania, am a recovering heroin addict of 27 with a wife and 3 year old son, if it wasnt for smoking herb again i would probably have not got clean and now I have to pay over 40 a cut for schwag that weighs 2 grams because of the dumb ass gov't war on drugs, they have done an excellent job of making heroin and crack more attractive to the youth here and also a hell of a lot cheaper!
shame on the canadian/NWT
shame on the canadian/NWT RCMP for rpping apart an innocint family. They do not deserve this kind of sensless harrassment.
-Totally apauled, BC Canada
Stunned
This is shocking but not unexpect in Florida.
But In Canada ?
If I ever see a Cop in need of help I will walk by and let the pig die.
For the rest of my life, even if prohibition ends tomorrow, I will think
of police as nothing but shit.
Brian Kerr
Are you the Brian Kerr brought up in Ethil Ont. if so email me p.s. y // our sister was Ruth ? brother Joe
SMACKDOWN: NWT GUMMIT EMPLOYEE GETS POPPED W/ CANNABIS
'Kim MacNearney, a human resources manager for the government of the North West Territories (NWT)'.............filiation with any legal/judicial/government
It's all the same in North America.
If you are a librarian for a law firm, or any affiliation with any legal/judicial/government office or organization,or have anything to do with the government,you will feel the wrath.he judge's kid is
Never mind that the judge's kid is the supplying your friend who supplies you, you're the one going down.
Kim MacNearney's job had EVERYTHING to do with the protocol of this drug raid.
funny you say the judges son
funny you say the judges son is supplying because i live in the same smmall town as this family an if i dont recall it is the judges son running all over town selling cocaine and weed not once has he been botherd by the local drug section.
Ultimately, it's their fault.
It's true. I know the title will win my comments some flak, but it's absolutely true. The only way the government can take such actions against sovereign humans is if you're a part of their system. If they signed anything at the hospital, they signed their children away and the responsibilities with it.
I'm not trying to be mean or shocking, but the very nature of the actions we take for granted such as using a driver's license (what is a 'driver' as opposed to a 'traveler'?),or having a birth certificate (birth of whom? Your offspring? or your offspring's 'government body' aka. person?) Basically, there are rules that have been signed to and they can be held accountable for. You only have equitable ownership of your 'child' and are merely a 'guardian' for the true owner whom you have signed them over to. Which is why they have a SIN number, identifying the user of the number as an employee of the government.
Know your rights, state your intents, and claim said rights in the best interest of yourself and your society. No government agents can touch you after you have offered discussion. I'm not affiliated with thinkfree.ca, merely a fervent advocate. I'd urge anyone concerned with this story to watch the videos put forth by Rob Menard, a Freeman-on-the-Land, on his story dealing with the government taking his children and over a decade long search as to HOW it could have been. I hope you'll be as blown away as I was and check the forums there as well.
retarded, i hate harper, i
retarded, i hate harper, i really hate him lets hope theres a no confidence vote because of his stimulus plan,Oh while im hoping for things how about giving him chronic shits just for fun.
This is bigger than Harper, don't create a false argument
Until we raise the awareness level on this and make it an issue, it will continue, no matter who is in power. Politicians respond to us, so we need to show them that this will not be tolerated.
We can't sit around like children hoping our parents will one day tell us it's ok to do what we know is safe.
A Letter to Canadians
I understand that the Tories are the "conservative" party in Canada. I seriously dislike the use of words like "Liberal" or "Conservative". I think in the US the liberals (This term denotes liberty does it not? I firmly believe American Liberals could care less about individual freedoms) are actually social progressives and the conservatives are well, hypocrites that promote small government but actually vote to expand the government. Apparently our "Conservatives" share a common ground, they are absolutely terrified of marijuana. I believe it stems from them never being with their children because of their political aspirations, so their children turn to things like pot and alcohol. Al Gore would probably identify with this. It's simply not in the Governments purview to protect children from drugs. I'd likely say that a parent who smokes pot could keep it farther away from children (in a figurative sense) than a parent who is quite frankly clueless or preachy about it. My country is involved in a drug war that is spilling into private property and our current president wants to ban assault rifles, when the US DOJ are admitting drug smugglers are bringing marijuana across the border in large well armed groups and are crossing any unguarded land they can find, they want to tell property owners how they can and cannot defend themselves. Americans who smoke marijuana are actually believing that the Obama ( a man who will not get rid of the PAT. Act) administration will stop the US Supreme Court approved Drug Enforcement Agency from enforcing Federal Drug Laws. How gullible can we as a country be? Unfortunately I feel this is Canadians downfall-you trusted your Government. What do you expect from a Government that is dually your guard of civil liberties and your healthcare provider? You can't ask the Government to be involved in this part of your life, but to stay out that part of your life. I know that not all Canadians feel like this and don't have animosity towards those who do. But this is what happens in that type of system. European countries and even the USSR are good examples of this. Perhaps your country is growing larger. It doesn't matter whether they are Liberals or Conservatives, Democrats or Republicans-the pendulum is swaying towards mono-party systems in both the US and Canada. The drug war is painted as a righteous one and citizens buy it; everyone from wealthy white republicans to poor black families in the city all blaming the US's problems on drugs. So, will Canadians now face high crime rates? As the fascists government becomes more and more a police state the people tend to revolt indirectly. As for the family involved in this,I wish I could offer some sort of support. Its evil to punish parents by taking their children for having plants that could not even kill a toddler, much less a dog.
AS tears roll down my face,
AS tears roll down my face, my in most being is troubled by such abusive behaviour of man .The facts are the same ,these are nazis in there gloryious destructive atitude towards the children and as a family is a sacred thing that NO man or beast should come between.When these carnal beasty fleshly animals go home to their families at night ,i pray that GOD will throw them on their faces for the shame and anguish they have caused.
The crime is against GOD and all the saints like these herb users will have long-sufering and patients to over power these animals of the DEVIL.
I n the event of war against all the SAINTS we will in the end win the prize ,our crown will be jeweled by JAH and these bastards will hang them own selfs on the bloody cross of persecution.
When the rider comes into town all will be washed with the blood .The fowls will devour thier very fleshly beings.The polution is deep into their minds and it is thru a haze of coruption that they do these evil deeds of the master of their universe.
In all honour and peace be to my creator for the bleesings ,
love all ...
Re:Yellowknife couple+med marijuana
This story is so disgusting.I can't believe such a thing is still happening in Canada in 2009. I have never been so ashamed of being a Canadian.RCMP agents are much worse than the DEA.
The f...... attitude of CANADIAN M.D.'s all over the country who still refuse
to even discuss medical cannabis with their patients or simply ignore or find all kinds of reasons not to prescribe med pot. Does one absolutely need to be near death to have access to med pot ? To all Canadians :keep on admiring your American neighbor on their progressive pot laws but FORGET ALL about what is going on in your own backyard and MAKE SURE YOU DON"T TELL YOUR POLITICIANS HOW UPSET YOU ARE. Youre all in good hand with Mr.Harper...Ah!Ah!Ah!
assholes!!
These cops are pure evil and need to be exposed. Hopefully the people of Yellowknife will not be derilect and will kick these assholes out on thier asses.
There is no mystery as to
There is no mystery as to why such a terrible ordeal would happen over an injured person self medicating with marijuana, primeminister farter and his backwards ass dumbservative cohorts are in power. The cons are known for their anti-marijuana stance on all fronts. Just as long as mr FARTer and his dumbservative goverment is in power, all canadians prepare to see a Canada moving backwards into a poltical dark age mimmicking the reagan & w bush era, where not even the sick and dying found using this wonderful medicinal herb will be spared the wrath. The police state is now in Canada
Canadians, prepare for a darker Canada
There is no mystery as to why such a terrible ordeal would happen over an injured person self medicating with marijuana, primeminister farter and his backwards ass dumbservative cohorts are in power. The cons are known for their anti-marijuana stance on all fronts. Just as long as mr FARTer and his dumbservative goverment is in power, all canadians prepare to see a Canada moving backwards into a poltical dark age mimmicking the reagan & w bush era, where not even the sick and dying found using this wonderful medicinal herb will be spared the wrath. The police state is now in Canada
We Live in a World of Ignorance and Call it Justice
If we as Canadians took to the streets and held signs that said "I have smoked marijuana, and it's ok", then we could put an end to this madness.
The only people who think that marijuana is a problem are those who have been brainwashed by people who have never tried it. Every major study shows that it is not a harmful drug and it is non-addictive. On top of this it has many medicinal benefits. It even has less side-effects than most pharmacutical drugs used for the same purposes. The only reason it is illegal is because it doesn't have a patent. Collectively as Canadians it is OUR responsibility to put a stop to this craziness. Harper is a tool yes, but he is just part of what has already been in place for decades.
Shocking
This is just terrible. Are the justice officials in the NWT rednecks? Don't they have anything better to do?
My God, what is this...Iran?? It's not like they were making moonshine and selling it to people who would then crash their cars or beat innocent people up.
Holy fuck.
This isn't the first time
This isn't the first time Yellowknife RCMP have arrested a person for having to resort to growing their own Medical Marijuana because the Doctors in NWT are not willing to discuss this. In 2004 a Yellowknife resident with severe rheumatoid arthritis in his spine had less than 5 plants growing to be used for pain relief. His home was raided, he was thrown in jail over night and subsequently fined. Just so he could get some pain relief.
Yeah, Well....
The laws against marijuana suck, but I think it's important to consider what role publishers like Cannabis Culture play in helping to create situations like this for people. The advocacy for medical marijuana use, the abundant resources especially on the forums to help people easily start home grows, and attitude of imminent repeal of prohibition all contribute to the motivation for a mother to think she'll be safe in her mostly pot tolerant nation to grow a few plants. Cannabis Culture and other marijuana activists really need to look at their own role in these stories and stop putting all the blame on the conservatives. At the very least there should be sufficient disclaimers and warnings against the very real legal ramifications of defying drug laws. Too bad for this family. Tragic and stupid, but she could have sought legal advice before deciding to have her own indoor farm. She could have been advised against jeopardizing her family.
"Cannabis Culture and other
"Cannabis Culture and other marijuana activists really need to look at their own role in these stories and stop putting all the blame on the conservatives."
Thanks for the nice attempt at blaming the victim, officer. At least you didn't use your badge number as part of your online handle, like a lot of your colleagues seem to do.
Yellowknife
Its very saddening to see this happen to what appears to be a happy family. Busted with 20 plants! usually its like 99 or or some crazy number, but 20?!? Most of them weren't even in bud cycle. Obviously this was for medication. People that grow a couple hundred are obviously not using it for medical. Also couldn't she have just gone to a different doctor and get a med card? Im from the states but its pretty easy to get a med card if you have documented illnesses that are treatable by cannabis. Sounds like she could have asked another doctor, but i dont know your canadian healthcare system. I feel the pain of these people and wish this were never to happen to my family.
To follow up on this story
To follow up on this story for all who are concerned about the family's welfare - the house was deemed safe (un-condemned) very shortly after the incident and the children were returned on day 13 of their apprehension, though they are quite emotionally traumatized. The parents are still facing criminal charges and the mother is having a lot of trouble with her job... They wish to thank everyone who has contacted them in support and send lots of love out to all!
I wish to correct some of
I wish to correct some of the minor errors in this story.
It was Child and Family Services that recieved the tip and not the RCMP.
The smell that was mentioned was described as being inside the home suggesting the tipster was someone inside the MacNearney's home.
Kim MacNearney is a human resource officer not a manager. She is now facing dismissal from her position over the charges.
It was a box spring that was sliced open not a baby mattress.
The dried clones were actually dead clones (about an inch high).
this is my fucking family
craig i certainly hope your going to hunt down this "tipster" and cut his fucking throat. i know id do it for you if i was out there. i dont even know what else to say. it'll all work out in the end
thats my fucking nephew
Thanks for the support sand man. You're my hero.
i know these people, nicest
i know these people, nicest folk you'll find any where and even better parents
serisouly what's been done to THEM is a crime
People with too much power.
This is what happens when you give any amount of power to anybody. The doctor likes pushing pills, so he's going to push pills. Cops like to smash stuff and destroy property, social workers like to kidnap children. They have to be stripped of their authority in order for freedom to exist. Doesn't matter if it's marijuana, they'll find new excuses, because the only people who "have what it takes" for a position of authority are the people who crave it because they are sick, and are the last people who should be trusted with it. Social workers and cops should be replaced by community volunteers with LESS "training", and no career mobility. Family doctors could easily be replaced by med techs/nurses for most things, since most of their long expensive training is never used and a lot of them are basically goldbricking, that would allow more doctors in special fields. Doctors who are obviously opposed to medical marijuana in itself, regardless of the patient, should have their licenses revoked.
Buy the ticket, take the ride.
I'm sure these people knew what they were doing was against the law. Like it or not, the consequences for breaking these laws are predictable.
I'd really like to be able to show some support here, but that would really go against my belief that once you have kids - you should put your crusader gauntlets up and see to raising the next generation to be smarter.
Like seriously, kids need a stable home. You think putting a stinking grow op in your closet is going to help provide that? No, you have invited the problem and now your kids pay the price.
And the photo caption?!??!
This caption:
Family destroyed by RCMP: Kim MacNearney, her husband Craig and two kids before police ransacked their home and took their children.
... and all the other subsequent B.S. strewn through the rest of these comments like:
"craig i certainly hope your going to hunt down this "tipster" and cut his fucking throat. i know id do it for you if i was out there. i dont even know what else to say. it'll all work out in the end
Submitted by sandy macnearney"
"Thanks for the support sand man. You're my hero.
Submitted by Craig MacNearney"
I am at a loss for words. They should consider themselves lucky it was the police that raided them and not thieves.
You do not grow in a house with children under the current legal/social/political climate. There is no rationalization for this incredible lapse in judgment at all.
The RCMP did NOT destroy this family, they simply enforced a law you don't agree with and chose not to obey in a completely predictable manner.
Take some responsibility for your actions!
im so sory for those kids!
I do not smoke marijuana and never will..however i fell bad for those kids..authorities should have taken the children out or call a relative other then letting them see their parents be taken away...that is trumatizing for a child....
I broke my ankle once and the pain was cruel but refused to take any drugs while my 4 year old son was around simply because it made me be out of it and small children need attention ..you have to make sacrifices when it comes down to yur children.....live with the pain or deal with the concequences...how would you feel if something would happen to those kids while parens are "high" ...... i left my son with his father that was high one time, he was about 10 months old..because of being high(he also has a medical marijuana prescription in california) he didnt realize he had dropped a vicodin on the floor and my son put it in his mouth as i was opening the door and got to him in time to snach it out of his mouth...we separated shortly after because i could no longer think it was ok...that could have seriously injured my baby.....one second later it would have been to late...is it really worth it?
These are fine people
I got involved to a degree after being outraged by the story. I emailed the folks involved and even sent a contribution to help. They are very nice people and good parents. Anyone that would judge them for using Gods herb is a moron.
These people are trying to raise a family...living in a remote and cold place...and they are GOOD PEOPLE and GOOD PARENTS and deserve to be left alone.
If those who are sympathetic would sacrifice an 1/8 th of dank and send the money these fine folks might get a good lawyer and also be able to take care of their kids. We are FAMILY, or we will swing alone at the hands of the Man.
Think about it!!
What an A-hole!!! I think
What an A-hole!!!
I think that these folks have been tortured by the system. Things are so upside down and crooked sideways that you can't see the forest from the trees.
Some day something will be taken from you and you will not ride your high horse so confidently.
PT Barnum said "There is a sucker born every minute" and that my jerky fool is you.
There is no gauntlet here this isn't knights of the round table. This is just a merciless system that craps on a family trying to medicate their pain. Open your eyes!
So once again because of the
So once again because of the "good work" of RCMP officers,children are left traumatized and emotionally disturbed,the family face all kinds of problems at home at work etc etc...multiply this story by number of arrests related to pot and you'll have a pretty good idea of the state of mind of many Canadians including young children. I personnally got busted while summer vacationing when I was 18 years old and still feel the associated trauma some 35 years later and I'm always scared of undercover agents and police and all that has left me somewhat paranoid in regard to pot smoking.
I can only say a big THANK YOU to those officers involved for what they have contributed me to become.And now when I go on the NORML web site and see that there collaborating with LEAP and find it quite normal for them for a reform marijuana association to collaborate with LEAP, I vomit.
The bottom line is NEVER, EVER, REPENTANT OR NOT,I will allow a police officer to tell me what kind of laws we should have regarding marijuana.NEVER.
DONT TRUST NORML to reform marijuana laws.
BUT DO TRUST MARC EMERY ! At least we all know hes not collaborating with the Police
Marijuana & Complete Legalization in Effect
Marijuana will be completely legal without the veil of medical soon enough. It's a time where suppression can be felt as us pioneers have to embark on the pains of ignorance as laws and social knowledge change. Once the government figures out a way to regulate and tax, things will change quite rapidly as long as resistence is minimized on both sides. This too will be no different than tobacco or alchohol.
Blessings and peace to you Kim and Craig.