EPSO educate community on county’s marijuana laws

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office is taking aim at illegal marijuana grows.

At a forum on Tuesday night, several people expressed their concerns about illegal marijuana grows as well as water rights that could be affected by the grows.

Deputies reminded people of the kind of evidence they need to bring criminal charges against a suspected illegal grow and that getting a conviction isn’t always as easy as some might think.

“There are provisions within the amendment that says if we illegal seize these plants, or conviction doesn’t follow, law enforcement could be responsible for a financial reimbursement or return of the plants,” said Undersheriff Joe Breister.

Deputies say marijuana laws can be tough to enforce since the county has different laws than the state.