Hornets Forward Montrezl Harrell is Facing Felony Drug Charges After Three Pounds of Marijuana Found During a Traffic Stop

Hornets forward Montrezl Harrell is facing felony drug charges.  He was arrested in Richmond, Kentucky last month after three pounds of marijuana was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop.  Harrell was pulled over for following the vehicle in front of him too closely.  He was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday morning, but the arraignment was continued until July 13th.

Via Charlotte Observer:

Trooper Jesse Owens stated he “upon stop observed odor of marijuana” from the silver 2020 Honda Pilot that Harrell was driving, according to the citation. Harrell, Owens wrote in the report, “admitted to being in possession of marijuana and produced a small amount from his sweatpants.” During a subsequent search of the vehicle, which the report states Harrell claims was rented, “three pounds of marijuana in vacuum sealed bags” were found in a backpack in the back seat, according to the citation. He’s been charged with trafficking less than five pounds of marijuana.

Under Kentucky law, possessing or trafficking eight or more ounces but less than five pounds of marijuana is a Class D Felony for first-time offenders. It is punishable by 1-5 years of incarceration with a fine ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

It's a long summer.  Why does three pounds of marijuana in a vacuum sealed bag automatically mean drug trafficking?  Can't a a millionaire athlete ride around with a little bit of weed in his vehicle?