A man growing pot in his attic shot two masked burglars

Dec 8, 2012 11:50 GMT  ·  By
The legalization of pot in Washington state is followed by two deaths at an improvised growing center
   The legalization of pot in Washington state is followed by two deaths at an improvised growing center

Two deaths registered in Puyallup, near Seattle, Washington, raise questions about the legalization of marijuana in the state.

As Thursday, December 6 marked the occasion of pot being legal in the Washington, two men were shot on Friday, at an alleged improvised pot growing facility.

Today News Gazette reports that the shooting was a result of an attempted robbery. A homeowner shot two suspected burglars, wearing masks, in front of his 9-year-old son.

According to the Seattle Police Department, the 35-year-old owner of the house had surprised the intruders as they broke into his house, who doubled as a center for growing marijuana. Officers at the scene uncovered the plants growing in his attic.

Sgt. Sean Whitcomb of the Seattle Police Department states that, while the consumption of pot is now legal in the state, its growing, sale and distribution are not.

The dealer "is still committing a felony," he says.

The law enforcement officer warns potential consumers that they might come into contact with dangerous situations and environments, were they to choose to cultivate marijuana.

"When you're engaged in that type of criminal activity, there is an element of risk," Whitcomb reminds consumers.

The clarification was made by the U.S. Attorney's office in Seattle on Wednesday, one day before the decision came into effect.

"Regardless of any changes in state law, including the change that will go into effect on December 6th in Washington State, growing, selling or possessing any amount of marijuana remains illegal under federal law," U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan states.

The consumption of pot has been decriminalized in Washington State and Colorado, where residents are allowed to use it as a recreational drug. In a recent poll, 48 percent of Americans expressed their approval for its legalization.