Illegally Threatened With Eviction for Medical Cannabis

My landlord threatened to evict me for simply pointing out it is unlawful to ban marijuana on the property without consideration for medical cardholders.

In response, I received a hostile email with the absolutely unhinged subject line, "Read Your Lease Before Jumping Staff." It goes on to state that I was "throwing threats at the office" and followed with, "Since you have told on, (sic) yourself that you smoke Marijuana, I am now required to send you a 10-Day notice for Lease Violation of Marijuana Use."

Are you, though? Is that really required?

Look, here are the facts:

1. I do not want to live here, where a Google reviewer accurately complained about finding a human corpse next to their car. There are many other problems, but that about sums it up.

2. I cannot afford to move out or retain an attorney. If I could, I would have moved out several red flags ago, thanks.

3. I did not "jump" staff. I sat on my couch and typed the words, "Banning marijuana on the property isn't legal, and if you try to enforce this you WILL be taken to court... Don't try it." Here I thought I was helping a sister out with free legal advice.

4. No where in my email did I "tell on myself." Do you see the part where I tell them I smoke anything at all? Yeah, me neither.

5. I am in fact a medical cannabis user. My condition is disabling. I respect my neighbors' right to a smoke-free environment. I also have a legal right to use cannabis.

6. Property management companies try to use legal loopholes to ban all forms of marijuana by citing federal laws; however, state law explicitly states I may not be penalized for my status as a cardholder.

7. The lease addendum I signed contradicts itself, but it says "disabled tenants who are medical marijuana users should not feel discouraged to request reasonable accommodations." I must admit that the unprofessional response to my advocacy on behalf of patients like me is more than a little discouraging.

So, here we are. I don't want to litigate, mainly because my disability causes me to panic when I enter a courthouse, among other things. I would however require more than ten days to vacate, and it would be best to retain an attorney for that.

My main goal is to raise funds for moving expenses and a suitable down payment for the Phoenix area, where my son attends school, and where I am required to live due to shared custody with his dad.

This sudden, forced move is going to be traumatic for my 8-year-old son. That's the worst part. It's traumatic for my partner and I, but I trust it is for the best. Courts in Arizona largely favor landlords over tenants. Being able to own a home would prevent future issues regarding medicinal cannabis use.

We have good credit and meager savings. My profession as a youth librarian, karmically, means I have several contacts for housing counseling, first time homebuyer resources, etc. Having helped families out of homelessness by connecting them to these resources, I now have access in my time of need. Still, we don't have the money for a down payment, moving costs, or defending ourselves in court. Your donation will help lift our family out of this mess and into greater independence and autonomy.

I typically donate $20-50 to fundraisers like this, because librarian assistant income is not massive. If that's your income bracket, I understand and appreciate whatever you can comfortably give. Every bit helps. Your support means the world. Thank you.