Cannabis Criminal Defense Expert Witness

Cannabis Odor and Probable Cause

The widespread availability of legal hemp products has raised questions about the use of cannabis odor as an indicator in law enforcement contexts. Hemp and marijuana are botanically the same plant and share many physical and aromatic characteristics. Ted provides expert analysis on the characteristics of cannabis aroma in the context of hemp and marijuana identification, helping attorneys and courts understand the similarities between hemp and marijuana odor and what those similarities mean in the context of cannabis identification matters.

Cultivation Output and Crop Valuation

When the valuation of an alleged cannabis cultivation operation is at issue, whether in asset forfeiture proceedings, sentencing, or related matters, independent expert analysis can help ensure the court has relevant context about the factors involved. Factors relevant to cultivation output and crop valuation include plant count, growth stage, cultivation method, equipment condition and market value, yield expectations, processing losses, and wholesale versus retail market pricing differences.

Hemp vs. Marijuana Identification

Criminal matters frequently involve questions about whether seized plant material is hemp or marijuana. Hemp and marijuana are botanically the same plant and share many physical and aromatic characteristics. Laboratory testing is the standard method used in the industry to determine THC concentration, and the methodology used can affect the results. Ted provides expert analysis and testimony on the similarities between hemp and marijuana, what identification methods can and cannot show, and how to interpret COA results in the context of the matter at hand.

Plant Count and Yield Analysis

Plant counts and yield estimates are frequently relevant in cannabis criminal matters — affecting both the characterization of an alleged operation and related proceedings. Yield potential varies significantly based on a range of factors including the growth stage of the plants, the cultivation method, the growing environment, and the actual conditions of the operation. Ted provides independent analysis of plant counts, growth stage, cultivation method, and yield expectations based on industry knowledge, helping attorneys and courts understand the factors relevant to production capacity in the context of the specific matter at hand.

Areas of Expertise

• Cannabis aroma characteristics and hemp vs. marijuana odor similarities

• Hemp vs. marijuana identification

• Cultivation output and crop valuation

• Plant count and yield analysis

• Equipment and infrastructure valuation

• Asset forfeiture valuation analysis

• Cannabis cultivation practices and standards

• COA interpretation in criminal context

• Industry standards and accepted cultivation practices

• THCA flower identification and analysis

Case Types

• Suppression hearings involving cannabis odor

• Asset forfeiture proceedings involving cannabis cultivation operations

• Criminal matters involving cultivation output and crop valuation

• Hemp vs. marijuana identification disputes

• THCA flower seizure and prosecution matters

• Unlicensed cultivation matters

• Cannabis distribution and diversion matters

• Federal cannabis trafficking matters

Services Provided

• Case review and consultation

• Expert reports

• Suppression hearing testimony

• Deposition testimony

• Trial testimony

• Rebuttal expert services

• Cultivation operation valuation

Working With Ted on Cannabis Criminal Defense Matters

Cannabis criminal defense matters involve technical and industry questions that require someone who understands how cannabis is actually grown, what it is worth, and how hemp and marijuana are similar in practice. Ted's combination of cannabis industry experience and formal business education allows him to provide defense counsel with clear, credible, independent analysis of the cannabis and hemp industry factors relevant to the criminal matter at hand.