Remembering A Legend: Larry Harvey, Cannabis Champion
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]L[/dropcap]arry Harvey lived a remarkable life. Famous for winning the fight against the Feds in the Kettle Falls Five case, Harvey was a well-known cannabis advocate in Washington State. Harvey passed away at the Providence Mt. Carmel Hospital in Colville, Washington on August 20, 2015.
After a 2012 raid, Harvey was faced with 10 years in prison simply for growing his medicine. Harvey managed to avoid federal charges against all odds. Seven months ago, with the trial still underway, Harvey was diagnosed with fatal pancreatic cancer. The Feds decided to drop all charges soon after. Harvey’s family spoke about his victory in a statement they released following his passing.
“Larry will be remembered as a fighter until the bitter end. He fearlessly confronted the federal government head on and beat the Department of Justice, against all odds. In a so-called justice system where less than two-percent of defendants walk free, Larry was able to leave the federal courthouse with his head held high after the U.S. Attorney dropped all charges against him.”
In addition to avoiding the legal battle, Harvey got some more good news, “the Feds were forced to return his beloved motorcycle, confiscated in the 2012 raid of Larry’s family home.”
In 2012, Harvey along with his wife, son and daughter-in-law and a friend, grew 25 more medical cannabis plants than was allowed by state law. Even though the charge for going over the number of medical cannabis plants in Washington is minor, the federal government performed two raids on Harvey’s farm. Perhaps this overzealousness on behalf of the federal government is the same reason they eventually decided to back off.
Even though Harvey got off on all charges, the other four did receive charges. Harvey’s wife, son and daughter-in-law were found not guilty for the majority of charges against them, but were found guilty for growing fewer than 100 cannabis plants. The friend of the family pleads guilty to conspiracy and was charged with 16 months in a federal prison. Since cannabis is still federally illegal, the fact that it’s legal in Washington was irrelevant to their cases.
Despite the legal headache, Harvey managed to enjoy his final days on Earth. A free man, he was able to live life to the fullest, and he did. His family spoke of his joy-filled final days in the aforementioned statement.
“Though cancer ultimately took Larry from us far too soon, his final months on Earth were spent creating cherished memories with loved ones near and far. With terms of federal probation fully lifted, Larry took full advantage of traveling freely once again. The weeks prior to his death were spent with family in Yakutat, Alaska and earlier this summer, Larry was able to visit his mother in Sumas, Washington and go camping at Mudget Lake, one of his favorite spots. And he never missed the chance to take his motorcycle out for a spin.”
In what sums up his passing more poignantly than a stranger ever could, his family closed their statement with some wisdom.
“Larry will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him. Friends and family are finding solace in the remarkable legacy that he’s left behind.”
