Opinion ID: 788678
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Count One: Manufacturing Marijuana — Seized in July 2002

Text: 19 Count One of the indictment charges Bernitt with manufacturing marijuana in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B). The elements of this offense consist of the following: (1) that the defendant manufactured a controlled substance; (2) that the defendant did so knowingly or intentionally; and (3) that the defendant knew that the substance he manufactured was a controlled substance. 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). 1 20 Bernitt claims that the evidence is insufficient to show that he manufactured marijuana. Bernitt alleges that the plants were growing wild on his property. However, several facts belie Bernitt's asserted defense. The definition of manufacturing includes the production of a substance. 21 U.S.C. § 802(15). Production is in turn defined as planting, cultivation, growing, or harvesting of a controlled substance. 21 U.S.C. § 802(22). At trial, Officer Hoell testified that there were 110 marijuana plants ranging in height from two to eight feet growing alongside Bernitt's house. According to Officer Hoell, the plants seemed very healthy and lush. Officer Hoell also testified that he found 248 marijuana plants in Bernitt's garden behind his home. In Officer Hoell's estimation, these plants were well-tended. Half of the marijuana patches were weeded and the marijuana plants were green, lush, and growing thick, even though the grass surrounding the plants was brown and dry. Moreover, Officer Hoell found the marijuana plants in the garden growing in rows. Finally, Bernitt also admitted at trial that he picked leaves from the plants growing alongside his house to make herbal tea to ease the taking of his medication. Viewing these facts in the light most favorable to the government, they together evince cultivating and harvesting of marijuana. We conclude there is sufficient evidence of manufacturing marijuana to sustain the jury's verdict. 21