National Guard, police raid 81-year-old woman's home to seize one pot plant

AMHERST, Mass. — The Massachusetts National Guard and State Police reportedly joined forces to seize a single marijuana plant from an 81-year-old woman.

According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, Margaret Holcomb had been growing the marijuana plant as a medicine. She reportedly used the marijuana to ease her arthritis and glaucoma and to help her sleep at night.

The paper reports that the plant had been growing on Holcomb's property in a raspberry patch. It was reportedly separated from her neighbors by a fence.

On Sept. 21, a military-style helicopter and police arrived at Holcomb's home, entered her backyard and cut down the plant, the Daily Hampshire Gazette reports.

Holcomb was not home at the time, but her son and daughter were. The paper reports that Holcomb did not have a medical marijuana card. Police said the plant was in plain view.

Holcomb told the paper that she feels like her civil rights were violated and said she's ready to stand up in the case.

Click here to read the full story from the Daily Hampshire Gazette.

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