Opinion ID: 3047693
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The Controlled Substances Act, By Its Terms

Text: Finally, Raich argues that the plain text of the Controlled Substances Act does not prohibit her from possessing marijuana pursuant to a doctor’s order. She observes that the Controlled Substances Act prohibits possession of a controlled substance “unless such substance was obtained . . . pursuant to a valid prescription or order, from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice.” 21 U.S.C. § 844(a). The Controlled Substances Act defines “practitioner” as “a physician . . . licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted, by the United States or the jurisdiction in which he practices . . . to distribute, dispense, [or] administer . . . a conYork v. United States, 505 U.S. 144, 166 (1992). The Controlled Substances Act, by contrast, “does not require the [state legislature] to enact any laws or regulations, and it does not require state officials to assist in the enforcement of federal statutes regulating private individuals.” Reno v. Condon, 528 U.S. 141, 151 (2000). RAICH v. GONZALES 3055 trolled substance in the course of professional practice.” Id. § 802(21). Raich contends that her doctor is a licensed physician who may, in the jurisdiction in which he practices, administer controlled substances, including marijuana under the Compassionate Use Act, pursuant to a valid prescription. Accordingly, she argues that her possession of marijuana is legal under the Controlled Substances Act. [21] Raich raises this argument for the first time in her opening brief to our second review of her case. It is a longstanding rule in the Ninth Circuit that, generally, “we will not consider arguments that are raised for the first time on appeal.” Smith v. Marsh, 194 F.3d 1045, 1052 (9th Cir. 1999). That rule is subject to the exceptions that we may consider a new issue if: (1) there are exceptional circumstances why the issue was not raised in the trial court; (2) the new issue arises while the appeal is pending because of a change in the law; or (3) the issue presented is a pure question of law and the opposing party will suffer no prejudice as a result of the failure to raise the issue in the trial court. See United States v. Carlson, 900 F.2d 1346, 1349 (9th Cir. 1990). Raich does not address the waiver issue in her opening brief, nor does she cite any relevant exception that might apply to her argument. We observe that there do not appear to be any exceptional circumstances concerning why Raich did not raise the argument below, and that there has been no change in the law relevant to this argument. Thus, Raich’s only argument against waiver of this claim is that it is a purely legal question, and that the Government will suffer no prejudice as a result of Raich’s failure to raise the issue below.18 18 We assess prejudice to a party by asking whether the party is in a different position than it would have been absent the alleged deficiency. See Zhang v. Am. Gem Seafoods, Inc., 339 F.3d 1020, 1035 (9th Cir. 2003). The rule “serves to ensure that legal arguments are considered with the benefit of a fully developed factual record, offers appellate courts the benefit of the district court’s prior analysis, and prevents parties from sand3056 RAICH v. GONZALES Even if a case falls within one of the exceptions to waiver enunciated in Carlson, we must “still decide whether the particular circumstances of the case overcome our presumption against hearing new arguments.” Dream Palace, 384 F.3d at 1005. Although Raich’s Controlled Substances Act claim appears to fall within the third exception, we conclude that this claim is waived because of the “particular circumstances” surrounding the claim. [22] Raich failed to raise this claim before the district court and before this court in her appeal in Raich v. Ashcroft, 352 F.3d 1222. Furthermore, when we requested renewed briefing for this appeal by our order of September 6, 2005, we directed the parties to brief the “remaining claims for declaratory and injunctive relief on the basis of the Tenth Amendment, the Fifth and Ninth Amendments, and the doctrine of medical necessity, as set forth in their complaint.” Raich v. Gonzales, No. 03-15481 (9th Cir. Sept. 6, 2005) (order directing renewed briefing). Because Raich did not raise this issue below, and because our order instructed the parties to brief only the three claims set forth above, we hold that Raich’s claim based on the plain language of the Controlled Substances Act is waived. We express no opinion as to the merits of that claim.