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Holistic therapist accused of peddling pot
Shanna Weiner
Updated: October 24, 2012 10:05PM
An aspiring holistic practitioner pleaded not guilty Thursday to possessing about 18 pounds of marijuana with the intent to deliver.
Shanna Weiner, 32, faces mandatory prison time between six and 30 years if convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, Lake County Circuit Court Judge Daniel Shanes said at her arraignment.
Weiner, who said she is a California resident, is accused of having 18 pounds of a “green, leafy substance” delivered to a Lake Forest residence in July, Assistant State’s Attorney Lauren Kalcheim Rothenberg said. Weiner is staying with her parents, her attorney said.
U.S. Postal Service inspectors found marijuana bundled in 15 packages inside a large package that was delivered to the Lake Forest home. Weiner signed for the package, Kalcheim Rothenberg said.
When police executed the search warrant, the package was found unopened outside the house. Inside the residence, police found a Tupperware container filled with plastic bags, weights, pipes, paperwork dealing with a cannabis co-op in California and $6,000 in cash, Kalcheim Rothenberg said.
Defense attorney Steven Muslin said Weiner is pursuing a career as a craniosacral therapist, which is a holistic practice that involves touching the bones in the skull, spine and pelvis to release tension and improve body movement.
Muslin asked the judge to allow Weiner to attend a craniosacral training session in October in California. Weiner was released on $50,000 bond.
“The problem is there is a hiccup in your career. You are charged with a Class X felony. That is a reality. Some people have a hard time wrapping their heads around this,” Shanes said. “Right now, you need to focus on this case.” ~.
Shanes said lawyers would discuss whether Weiner could attend the training session at her next court date Sept. 14. A trial date of Oct. 29 was also scheduled at her arraignment.
Weiner has no prior criminal history. She was arrested by Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group on July 12, according to court records.
