People v. Ventura

This case presents an issue of first impression in Michigan, namely what constitutes a marijuana plant. More specifically, we must determine at what point does a cutting from a mature marijuana plant that is placed in “grow material” become a “plant” that may be separately counted as a plant for purposes of determining how many plants defendant, Lorenzo E. Ventura, had in his possession.

In this case, the Grand Rapids Police Department executed a search warrant at defendant’s residence. In the “grow room” located on the main floor of the house, the officers found 21 marijuana plants plus 22…