MAKAWAO, Maui — A 61-year-old medical marijuana patient was arrested Feb. 11 on several drug charges.

Police said the man was in possession of more than the permitted number of marijuana plants and was allegedly selling marijuana for profit.

Vice officers discovered an indoor marijuana growing setup on the suspect's Makawao property, along with 12 mature marijuana plants and an ounce of processed marijuana, according to Capt. Gerald Matsunaga, commander of the Maui Police Department's Vice Division.

Also seized were ventilation and lighting systems for indoor plants, a food-sealing machine, drug notes and other drug paraphernalia.

The man, who holds a state-issued medical marijuana permit, was released. Matsunaga said the case will be referred to the county prosecutor's office for possible prosecution on charges of commercial promotion of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and promotion of harmful drugs.

Hawai'i's medical marijuana law allows certified patients to keep three mature plants, four young plants and an ounce of marijuana for each mature plant.

In November, seven men involved in a medical marijuana advocacy group in Pa'ia were arrested on suspicion of running a drug-trafficking ring. The group admits selling or giving away marijuana to patients who might not otherwise be able to obtain it.

Maui police have said they are not targeting patients who comply with the medical marijuana law. However, Matsunaga noted that selling marijuana — even for approved medical use — is illegal under any circumstances.