Opinion ID: 2997401
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Count One: Manufacturing Marijuana—Seized in

Text: July 2002 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 1 As the indictment specifically alleged, Bernitt’s offenses involved 100 or more marijuana plants. As the jury issued a special verdict finding Bernitt guilty, he is subject to the penalties under 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(B)(vii). That subsection provides in pertinent part: “In the case of a violation of subsection (a) of this section involving . . . 100 kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana, or 100 or more marijuana plants regardless of weight. . . such person shall (continued...) No. 03-3065 9 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.