from nbc
DENVER - Monday Tim Haas went to the last place many marijuana users might go to get their stash back. He went to Denver Police headquarters.
And a strange thing happened. Police actually gave it back to him.
"It gives me my life back," Haas says.
His attorney says police confiscated Haas' marijuana a month ago. Robert Corry says Haas was simply using the marijuana for medicinal purposes as he is allowed to under Colorado law.
Through negotiations with the city, the two sides agreed it was best to return the half-ounce of marijuana back to Haas.
Haas says he has used marijuana for years to help him deal with chronic pain. "It's nothing to be ashamed of. It's something I need. It helps."
9News Legal Analyst Scott Robinson says technically the police did not have to return the marijuana. The drug remains illegal under federal law. In fact, this year the US Supreme Court ruled people who smoke marijuana for medical reasons can still be prosecuted for violating federal drugs laws.
Corry says Monday's action shows local agencies aren't willing to harshly prosecute small-time users.
"It's a message to people that Colorado's medical marijuana program is valid and viable."
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