Police: Saugus man tried to sell medical pot to off-duty officer

NAHANT – A 64-year-old Saugus man faces drug charges after allegedly trying to sell his medical marijuana to an off-duty police officer at the beach.”He showed us a form that said you can possess it, but you just can’t turn around and sell it!” Nahant Police Lt. Thomas Hutton said Sunday.John Boy, 64, of 59 Denver St. #3, Saugus, was arrested and charged with possession of Class D drugs; and possession with intent to distribute Class D drugs; at 11:02 a.m. Sunday.Hutton said he and another officer were directing traffic at Nahant Beach in front of the Tides Restaurant Sunday when a man, who identified himself as Revere Police Sgt. Brian Chapman, approached. Chapman said Boy had just tried to sell him marijuana, Hutton reported.Hutton said he and his colleague went over to two other people whom they saw speaking with Boy. Those people also allegedly told police that Boy had tried to sell them marijuana.Hutton said Boy had paperwork from a doctor allowing him to possess marijuana for medical reasons, and the officer acknowledged the straight possession charge may be dismissed.Voters approved the sale of medical marijuana in 2012. But the implementation of the guidelines for medical marijuana – particularly the rollout of the up to 35 dispensaries that may be approved to sell the marijuana – is ongoing and has been mired with concerns of lax oversight. Of the 20 dispensary applications given preliminary approval by the Department of Public Health, only 11 applications were approved June 27 after further review. Meanwhile, patients can grow a small amount of marijuana for personal use until the guidelines of the policy are implemented.However, Hutton said he imagined the distribution charge would stick.”There were two cops directing traffic, 50 yards away,” Hutton said. “And then he had to pick an off-duty police sergeant from Revere.”Boy posted $40 cash bail and is expected to be arraigned in Lynn District Court today.