DENVER – A federal jury ruled in favor of a Pueblo County marijuana grower today who was being sued by his neighbors. Ranchers Michael and Phillis Reilly first sued Parker Walton and Rocky Mountain Organic back in 2015 claiming that his grow operation harmed their property values. The Reilly’s told the court the marijuana grow made their ranch smell bad and it obstructed their view.
The suit was filed under the federal Racketeer Influence Corrupt Organizations Act which awards plaintiffs triple the damages if they succeed with their claim. Similar suits have been filed in courts in California, Oregon, and Massachusetts.
The jury disagreed with the Reilly’s claim and found in favor of Walton. He called the win a huge relief. Had they lost, it would have devastated him and his family financially.
Walton markets his product under the Cannacraft brand name.
News 5 also reached out to the Reilly’s to ask whether they plan to appeal and we are waiting to hear back from them.