Americans For Safe Access's topics - tribe.net

New Orleans as a mecca ?

2009-12-22T21:34:00Z

http://www.reefersmoke.com/2009/12/new-orleans-as-marijuana-mecca.html

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

needle exchange ban lifted

2009-12-22T08:50:03Z

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20100104/schwartzapfel

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Pennsylvania governor open to medical cannabis

2009-12-11T03:25:43Z

http://www.examiner.com/x-19678-Cannabis-Revolution-Examiner~y2009m11d18-Pennsylvania-Governor-Edward-G-Rendell-will-support-a-well-crafted-medical-marijuana-bill

hurray

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

California Medical Cannabis Ballot Measure Update as of November 12, 2009

2009-11-16T03:07:56Z

Yesterday i ran into someone that was collecting signatures for a Medical Cannabis prop in California .... i saw that he had quite a few signatures ... when i asked which initiative he had ... i noticed he had no idea what i was asking .... currently there 3 different Ballot Initiatives and a proposed Assembly Bill .... all want to Tax Medical Cannabis .... two of them @ a rate of $50.00 per OZ ..... people should take time to read this stuff and also pass this info to others

pls read section 11302 on this one ($50 tax per oz)
Proponent: Joe Rogoway, Omar Figueroa, and James J. Clark (415) 946-5591
http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initiatives/pdfs/i819_initiative_09-0022.pdf

This is the Oaksterdam one .... (pls read carefully, is not what it seems)
Proponents: Richard Seib Lee and Jeffrey Wayne Jones (510) 208-4554
http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initiatives/pdfs/i821_initiative_09-0024_amdt_1-s.pdf

Proponent: John Donohue
http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/initiatives/pdfs/i822_initiative_09-0025.pdf

There is also AB 390 ($50per oz Tax also)
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_0351-0400/ab_390_bill_20090223_introduced.pdf

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

War Breaks Out Within the Marijuana Legalization Movement

2009-10-23T04:27:31Z

These articles should be taken into consideration by the people in California

War Breaks Out Within the Marijuana Legalization Movement
http://www.opednews.com/articles/War-Breaks-Out-Within-the-by-Bruce-Cain-090926-298.html

Dennis Peron sacked by Oaksterdamn U for opposing marijuana tax
http://www.examiner.com/x-14883-Santa-Cruz-County-Drug-Policy-Examiner~y2009m9d16-Dennis-Peron-sacked-from-Oaksterdamn-U-for-opposing-marijuana-tax

The Jack Herer Initiative
http://www.examiner.com/x-14883-Santa-Cruz-County-Drug-Policy-Examiner~y2009m9d21-The-Jack-Herer-Initiative

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 8 replies

Questions?

2009-09-26T19:01:17Z

If I live in an apt and the lease specifies no illegal drugs, can I be evicted for growing the six plants I'm allowed by state law in my city if I have my MedCan ID card and keep the paper they gave me to display by the plants?

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 8 replies

New Mexico availability?

2009-09-26T18:43:42Z

not a problem for me but a second Provider (licensed to grow up to 95 mature plants) has not come on line yet and the first and only Provider is now out of product, I hear. I'm surprised their medicine lasted that long literally supplying the whole state. Not sure now what the status is of any non profits that may have been licensed already? I heard that the state has been bombarded with 200 to 300 applications for a commercial license but that 98 percent of them do not meet the state health dept requirements in one or usually more way - people smell money and are throwing themselves at this

not funny that this bill was passed now years ago and basically no patients in the state have access to legal and safe medicinal marijuana

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

medical marijuana/Hemp product resources

2009-09-24T01:03:59Z

My website has many resources for medcial marijuana,hemp products,doctors,clinics,hemp and mariujana products and resources for legal growing;

http://www.webspawner.com/users/melspot

Mel

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Medication+Health+ Marijuana

2009-09-21T08:21:00Z

I've been dealing with PTSD & depression for the last few months. The last couple of weeks were especially difficult. I just started Sertraline (generic for Zoloft) and occasionally take anti anxiety pills as needed. In the last couple of weeks (2 to 3 weeks) I have had really bad upper back and shoulder pains, my stomach is in knots and I can rarely eat anything without feeling bloated or sick and my sleeping is completely erratic. I also have severe asthma and that has also gotten worse in the last couple of weeks. I believe everything is stress related and I have been considering consuming (I can’t smoke) brownies or fudge or some other method so that I don’t have to take sleeping pills and pain pills -- I’m worried of becoming a pill popper. I know no one BUT a physician can officially recommend anything medical wise. But with the drugs and symptoms I listed could using marijuana be an alternative for sleeping pills and pain pills?

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Legalize Hemp and Cannabis in California

2009-09-14T06:34:10Z

Hi Family,

Currently medical Cannabis patients can be fired from their job after a positive urinalysis even if they do not show up to work impaired. The CCI initiative would fix this problem; protecting patients (as well as all other Cannabis people) from discrimination in healthcare, employment, and housing.

Right now there are two competing signature drives to put Cannabis legalization initiatives on the ballot in California in November 2010.

One is found at www.taxcannabis2010.org

The other is found at www.CaliforniaCannabisInitiative.org

Please look carefully at the text of both laws (the text of each is finalized) and make up your own mind which one you support.

I am supporting www.CaliforniaCannabisInitiative.org because our law will protect Cannabis users from discrimination in healthcare, employment, and housing. It is a full legalization measure for industrial hemp and recreational cannabis which will restore full human rights to Hemp farmers and Cannabis users all across California. Of course supplying Cannabis to children will remain illegal just as it is today. Driving vehicles under the influence will remain illegal just as it is today. Cannabis users will still be fired from their jobs if they show up to work impaired.

There are two parts to our plan. The first part is to publicly post and personally distribute our "Freedom Lover's Call to Arms" in order to recruit volunteers. This document is available here-

www.imgur.com/dbU83

The second part of our plan is to ask everyone who volunteers to make a pledge for how many signatures they can collect in the next 30 days or so. 15-30 signatures is a good number. If enough volunteers show this level of commitment we can succeed. You can probably get that number from your family members, friends, co-workers, and neighbors without having to solicit in public too much. This is an "out of the closet" movement. We will have to proudly advocate human rights for responsible, honest, hard-working Cannabis smokers in order to convince legitimate people to support us. I can supply stickers equivalent to each persons pledge number. These stickers can be used to generate interest and be given to voters who sign the petition. Here is the sticker design-

www.imgur.com/2cjvb

Feel free to distribute and use these images. Just don't copyright them.

We have 145 days in order to get the number of signatures that we need. Our petition is hot off the press on 9/11 and we have started collecting the first signatures yesterday 9/12.

We are polling 56% public support for Cannabis legalization in California which menas that this is an initiative which is not doomed. Its time has finally arrived; we are at the tipping point right now. Now is the time to do this and to do it right. We may only get one chance. If a law which is not exactly what we want is implemented then we may lose our critical mass and our ability to set it right.

I believe that less adults will smoke cannabis after it is legal. This is the case in the Netherlands where it has been available over-the-counter for 30 years yet only half as many citizens (percentage-wise) smoke as do citizens here. My economics professor has taught for years that prohibition has not succeeded in decreasing usage by increasing penalties. Instead it has destroyed lives and families without substantial benefit to society. After legalization hard-drug usage will decrease due to a "separation of the markets," a decline in the price of Cannabis relative to hard-drugs, and the restoration of honesty and common sense in drug education. Violence, thievery, and the incarceration of honest people will decrease as well. I also believe that a well regulated market will decrease the availability and appeal of cannabis to children. In fact teenage Cannabis use in California has fallen steadily since the passage of Proposition 215. Furthermore the adults who smoke Cannabis after legalization will be better able appreciate the majesty of nature in peace and unity without learning to fear and disrespect authority figures. This will be better for their spirits and better for society. Finally the human rights of legitimate medical Cannabis patients will be better protected than they are today. Legalizing Cannabis will create a safer, healthier, and more humane California for us all to live in.

If you want to help us in any way please contact the CCI campaign at www.CaliforniaCannabisInitiative.org or write me at
deep_space_underground@yahoo.com I give you my encouragement to modify this message if necessary and distribute it to anyone who might help on any forum or by any mechanism.

Love,
-Fully Committed

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

"The Path of Growing"

2009-08-29T22:32:18Z

beyond the hum of light ballasts and fans,
within the bubbling of nutrient rich waters
the secret heart of everything gently beats
GROW
O my little sunlusts reaching out for light
branch over branch over branch
all is of the one, each separate yet whole
GROW
In a vast sea of light that is this planet
thin, veined sails are spread out wide
a green spectacle sailing above the ground

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

Hello there-I hope someone reads the newbies post!

2009-07-21T13:56:57Z

Hey all Thanks for having this tribe here first of all Im planning to move to California, and have come across SafeAccess in my research.
Basically Im hopiing to find detailed info on the movement out there and how to legally get involved particularly the various medical conditions covered. The reason I ask that is, I dont know if the lists Ive come accross so far are complete lists or just giving examples. Naturally one needn;t move to California to be an activist, that goes with out saying, but I would really like to like to get my fingers dirty in more than one way. I hope Ive not been too forward, again Im just curious and looking for info, so if Ive stepped out of line forgive me.

Russ

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 16 replies

Skunk #1 Harvest w/ proud Pappa

2009-07-20T15:57:53Z

36 days grow and 51 days flowering from seedling
2 feet tall should yield at least two ounces dried
grown in a locked metal cabinet 18 inches deep by 3 ft wide by 4 feet high w/ 400 watt sodium
this is one of four plants - legal limit in NM - the other three are Barney's Farm LSD and are now undergoing three day blackout to crystal up and harvest either tomorrow or day after tomorrow.

http://people.tribe.net/bearsky/photos/85055cca-10c0-4482-a392-92936c0ce51b

http://people.tribe.net/bearsky/photos/cfcdd51b-f90d-47f2-9025-697f7fee2b30

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Thanks so much for your advice, I have another question.

2009-07-17T17:32:24Z

Hey there all thank you so much for the useful information. I really appreciate the openness, frankly i wasnt sure if you guys needed to get to know me in case I might be some jacked up DEA agent. I have some medical conditions which may qualify me, but Im planning on bringing my brother in law with me to California, and hes definitely got a list of conditions. Im certain that he would be pretty much handed a scrip on sight. Hes really in bad shape. So I want to try and be his primary caregiver, as I really have the passion and some of the know how to do this for him. Also my sister sorry to say is in a similiar boat. Id like to know if you guys have any advice or comments that might be helpful to us all in this. Thank you all again, I really want to do this mostly out of compassion but I obviously have to admit, I just really love weed! I mean c'mon, there is no need for me to lie to you guys right!? lol. Anyway, thank you guys so much for your help.

Russ

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 5 replies

The magic word that melts minds

2009-07-15T06:27:45Z

I'm trying to start a commercial MM business out here in New Mexico and it would be funny maybe if if were happening to someone I don't like

I have to tell some of the people I'm dealing with what the business is and it's funny because they might seem accepting but (so far) invariably they decide not to support the program, bla bla bla - I think they go and talk to the spouse or some relative or church friend or god knows and they say, "are out of your mind, "marijuana!!" And I never hear from the people again.

It's like a magic word that is almost guaranteed to stun the person you say it to for at least a second - giving you time to get the draw on them if need be! "Marijauna!" it's like hitting them with a stun grenade or something

like water i'll just find my way around or over or under flowing on and on ...

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 12 replies

Barney's Farm "LSD" and Skunk #1 Grow

2009-07-13T16:15:21Z

http://people.tribe.net/bearsky/photos/4db20788-1adb-4b33-8194-63e6d5d7e48c

Vegged 36 days and this is day 43 of flowering with 400 watt sodium light, 4 plants in a contained in a area 4 feet tall by 3 feet wide by 18 inches deep

Perfect grow - all that remains is for the fat lady to sing

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

If youre trying to get a job?

2009-07-12T03:37:48Z

I have been wondering, since I may lose my job, if I have to find a new job, if they do a drugtest do I still need to clean out first? Or can I just be honest about being a Medicinal Cannabis Patient? I think legally I should be okay. But I would probably clean out anyway and keep it secret so I wouldnt NOT get the job because of it.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Medical Marijuana Patients and the Police

2009-07-12T00:33:06Z

All MM patients in MM states should be registered in the state and (federal - since Holder and Obama seem to be saying they do not want to prosecute MM patients?) computers so that if an MM patient gets pulled over and they are transporting medicine, the officer knows they are in the state MM program. Likewise, say if a neighbor calls the local police about marijuana smell? If MM patients were on this list, the police could simply knock on the door and give a warning (in the state of NM) that is copied to the state health department who then revisitis the address in a month to see if the grower is in ordinance - however defined. Point is that the police would not have to put you on a list and bust down your door at 2am and shoot your dogs and maybe you when you have a legal state grow and possession license??

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

New Mexico Medical Marijuana

2009-06-16T15:49:38Z

Here it is very difficult to find a doctor to sign your medical marijuana paperwork. I lucked out and my family doctor signed it - he has been pretty compliant since I got MS? Good, I guess. I'm hearing that most people who want cards are having to travel to this one doctor in Truth or Consequences New Mexico. Also, here the state has the strictest MM laws in the country. You actually have to have a pretty serious medical condition to get approved for MM. The only "psychological" condition now approved is PTSD. Good news is that the system is set up to change and people are hammering the state health dept with personal exemption requests and with requests to add addtional illnesses to those "approved" for MM.

In the entire state, the lastest I could gather, is that only 369 individuals have cards - but there is no where to buy MM in the state yet - the first commercial grower - called a "Provider" that can legally grow up to 95 mature plants for distribution to MM patients within the state - does not yet have any product. There are now ten Provider applications submitted to the state and two have been approved and only one is actually in production and says they should have product around middle of July.

I'm trying my best to get a Provider license myself but what a pain in the ass. Incorporating a non-profit is lengthy and annoying but the hardest part of all is find a "Medical Board Member" which one must have to be approved by the state. The board member must be a doctor or nurse or "other medical provider" which is defined as anyone who can write a prescription in the state. I thought I had a great lead but she said that she and everyone she spoke with at the hospice is just too afradi to put their professional license on the line for this MM business. I don't blame them, really.

When you say the word, "Marijuana" peoples minds often just turn to jelly, like it's some magic word or somethig. After that any logic or reason is gone

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

club reccomendations?

2009-06-03T19:06:08Z

any recs for a great club in So Cal? LA or OC?

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

trouble in Eagle Rock

2009-06-03T18:45:14Z

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-medical-marijuana3-2009jun03,0,2392842.story

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

new tribe

2009-05-07T20:52:59Z

a drama free/troll free Tribe for the discussion of Medical Marijuana. Please feel free to join. I promise Ill moderate it and keep the negativity away.

http://tribes.tribe.net/naturesmedicine?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B6285f2a7-0ee2-4bce-be11-5448a9478569%5D

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Ed Rosenthal takes Time 4 Hemp PLUS Audio remarks from President Obama!

2009-05-07T03:04:27Z

Featured writer in CANNABIS CULTURE and SKUNK magazines as well as the author of more than a dozen books on growing marijuana - Ed Rosenthal takes 'Time 4 Hemp' and it's free to download at http://www.Time4Hemp.com Also included in this segment are audio recordings of President Obama talking about his use of marijuana and his approach to the War On Drugs.

Musical artists (in order of appearance):

Luke Scarmazzo - Pato Banton
Red Dirt - The Blaxicans

Please pass this information on to everyone you feel would enjoy this show.

Keep Strong!
Casper Leitch
Host/Creator: Time 4 Hemp
http://www.Time4Hemp.com

P.S. - Time 4 Hemp has a MySpace group - if you'd like to join, visit:
http://groups.myspace.com/ATime4Hemp

If you have time to surf the net, take a minute to say 'high' to all our friends at the Marijuana Music Awards:
http://www.marijuanamusicawards.com and
http://www.myspace.com/marijuanamusicawards

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Safe Access

2009-04-27T00:46:03Z

When will you start to help us from the unsafe cannabis they call medicine in todays Clubs. I want safe access from chemical cannabis and poison pusher called dispenserys. I demand after 12 years ,more accountability from clubs who sell unsafe medical cannabis to be put out of biz. I like to see test results for quality control posted on windows of co-ops. If private clubs cant meet the standards I encourage the State and local agency follow prop 215 guide lines and set up dispensery to supply the long awaited Healing Herb. Safe Access must encourge the prodution of Clean Co-ops in order to portect patients. Just for fun I wonder what the results would be if you tested 10 samples each from the 4 Oakland clubs and posted the Toxic substances ? Thanks for all the work you have done for us in past and still do! If anyone can help its A.S.A

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

north carollina & medical marijauna???

2009-04-21T04:28:53Z

is north carolina, aka the tobacco state, anywhere near to
legalizing medical cannabis or at least generating a "senate bill
215" on the next ballot (like california) or any of the other 13 states
in the nation that now support it?

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Get your NORML Daily Stash here!

2009-03-29T07:51:33Z

http://stash.norml.org/ Very informative! Good music!

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Free at last .....free at last.......Thank God Almighty......we are free at last!

2009-03-14T20:12:02Z

The next step is to have a source of medical cannabis that is produced in a holistic fashion that does not put patients at risk. The stuff they call medicine in todays cannabis club will make you more sick that the condition thats being treated. Unless we, the consumer ,ask for a safe organic prodution style club owners cant see past the stacks of money they have to count to give a crap! EM Of California.com

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Thank You!

2009-03-04T17:35:24Z

Once again you kick butt and free us from the vipers(DMV) I know you had a hand in this. Dank You .....EM of California.com

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

First DEA raid under Obama- Call Whiet House Now!

2009-02-07T00:43:50Z

DEA Scoffs Obama: Raids California Dispensary
Call the White House Immediately!

Dear ASA Supporter,

Can you believe that DEA would act so quickly to undermine and disregard the statements made by President Obama?

Today, the Drug Enforcement Administration, currently staffed by officials from the Bush Administration, raided a medical cannabis dispensary in South Lake Tahoe, California. They did so knowing full well that President Obama has repeatedly pledged to end federal threats, arrests, and prosecutions of patients and their providers in medical cannabis states.

You can see video clips of Obama's statements here and here.

We are shocked and awed! For DEA to act with such brazen arrogance and in direct conflict with the new President’s pledge to end federal raids is deeply concerning. With only weeks left in office, it is clear that top DEA officials are using this transitional period to exploit the differences in policy between the old and new administration.

We need you to act… and we need you to act NOW!

Call President Obama and urge that he issue an immediate suspension to all federal funds used to investigate, intimidate, arrest, and prosecute individuals who use or provide medical cannabis in accordance with their state laws. Call the White House at (202) 456-1111 and say:

"Hi, my name is _____________. Today, the Drug Enforcement Agency raided a medical cannabis dispensary in Tahoe, California. The dispensary was raided by DEA despite numerous statements by President Obama saying he would end federal interference with state medical cannabis laws. I'm very concerned about outgoing DEA officials undermining these state laws and aggressively threatening innocent Americans. I'm also concerned about DEA taking action that is an affront to President Obama's position. I am pleading with President Obama to issue an immediate suspension of all federal funds used to investigate, intimidate, arrest, or prosecute individuals who use or provide medical cannabis in accordance with their state laws. We are being threatened by our own DEA. Please help us."

President Obama's position on medical marijuana is no secret. This is the single most important action you have been asked to take this year. We need President Obama's support. Once you’ve made this phone call, please forward this message to friends and family. Then visit www.whitehouse.gov/contact to copy and paste the above message.

Sincerely,

George Pappas
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. The only way we can continue to work with the Obama Administration and Congress is with your continued support. Become a member of ASA today!

Americans for Safe Access is the nation's largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

If you could affect National cannabis policy, would you? You can NOW!

2009-01-21T18:21:12Z

Dear Medical marijuana supporters,

Thousands of people, representing all 50 states and every corner of the country, have volunteered to take part in Obama's grassroots healthcare reform effort. The response has been truly inspiring.

As medical marijuana patients and supporters we have an unprecedented opportunity to tell Obama’s transition team how medical marijuana is a part of our healthcare and should be considered as part of healthcare reform for preventative and treatment measures.

Obama’s transition team has asked for people to host neighborhood meetings about healthcare reform before December 31, 2009. We realize the timing is pretty tough for most people, so as an alternative, we are asking supporters to meet up with just one or two other (more if possible) supporters to fill out Participant Guides and report back to Obama. You can download the Participant Guide by visiting http://change.gov/participantguide.

If you’re interested in trying to host an event before December 31, 2008 you can down load this moderator’s guide: http://change.gov/moderatorguide.

The Participant Guide have everything you need to make your discussion a great success -- including key statistics and information that will stimulate the conversation and tips to make the discussion as productive as possible.

Participating in a discussion is the first step. But even more importantly, we need to submit our feedback to the Obama team. These will be read by a Transition team member and gives us another chance to show Obama our medical cannabis concerns are related to his national concerns.

After your discussion is over, please tell them how it went by visiting http://change.gov/reportback.

Both President-elect Obama and the transition team are committed to reforming the health care system from the grassroots up -- and medical marijuana leaders like you are crucial allies in that effort.

We are looking forward to making medical cannabis reform on a national level. Read below for an agenda and additional ways to contact Obama’s team about your medical marijuana experience and hopes. Remember the deadline is December 31, 2008. Make sure you submit your forms before the deadline. We don’t want the stereotypes of cannabis users to negatively impact the way Obama’s Transition team perceives us.

We know it is the holiday season and your have plenty of plans with friends and family. We fully acknowledge that your time is precious and want to offer our greatest gratitude for your participation in letting Obama know that there are medical marijuana issues that deserve to be recognized by the federal government.

Medical Marijuana Health Care Community Discussion:
Agenda

1. Introduce yourself to Obama and his transition team by sharing your story about medical cannabis.
http://change.gov/page/s/yourstory

2. Share your vision of medical marijuana in America with the Transition team.
http://change.gov/page/s/yourvision

3. Leave a comment for Obama about any medical cannabis service organization that you are a part of that has made a difference in the community. (MPP, ASA, NORML, SSDP, etc)
http://change.gov/page/content/discussservice

4. Please create a profile add a medical marijuana avatar, and Leave a general comment about the need for national reform for cannabis in the section Obama has opened. When writing please type out the words “marijuana” and “cannabis” because there is a chance Obama is monitoring word usage on the site. Abbreviations like “mmj” will not register in any meaningful way.
http://change.gov/page/content/GeneralDiscussion/

5. Answer any of the Discussion Questions you want on the Participant Guide. Question #7 allows you to address current harmful public policy and their interferes with health lifestyles and community health.
http://change.gov/page/-/Health%20Care%20Community%20Discussion%20Participant%20Guide.pdf

6. Fill out Participant Survey
http://change.gov/page/-/Health%20Care%20Community%20Discussion%20Participant%20Guide.pdf

7. Draft a Group Submission for Transition Health Policy Team.
http://change.gov/reportback

8. Consider hosting or participating in a medical marijuana community service event. (i.e. MS wheelchair wash, Cancer outreach, AIDS volunteering, Anorexia support, Arthritis help, etc) .

9. Thank You

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

N.E. Washington MMJ tribe

2009-01-21T18:20:15Z

This tribe is for local info sharing and medicine access in the N.E. Washington state area. I hope this helps...

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

If you could save a honorable man from going to federal prison, would you?

2008-12-22T03:14:52Z

If you could save a honorable man from going to federal prison, would you?

You can help save an law-biding citizen from going to federal prison by simply writing a letter to his judge and asking for leniency in sentencing which is scheduled to happen January 12, 2009.

That honorable man is Charles C. Lynch the former operator of the medical marijuana dispensary called Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers in Morro Bay, Ca. By some estimates Charlie faces up 100 years in federal prison due to sentencing guidelines. However, anytime behind bars would be a travesty of justice in this situation. I've dedicated my personal time to help save him. I'm looking for media support, letters of support and any support you can offer, please read below:

Charles did everything he could to follow the laws governing medical marijuana dispensaries in California. He called the DEA months before opening his location to inquire about the laws. He was told by a DEA agent that "it's up to the cities and counties to decide how to handle that [medical marijuana dispensary] matter".

So Charlie worked closely with the city of Morro Bay and the county of San Luis Obispo to obtain a business license which clearly stated "medical marijuana dispensary" and a nursery permit to sell cloned medical marijuana plants. He followed all his business license requirements, city regulations, county restrictions and state laws.

However, the local San Luis Obispo County Sheriff doesn't like medical marijuana and apparently doesn't like following California law. And after 11 months of investigating Charles, his employees, his patients, and his dispensary and NOT finding anything to justify a state-issued search warrant, the local Sheriff called the DEA.

Together both law enforcement agencies forced their way into Charlie's house and place of business with para-military style actions, uniforms and weapons. At his home they forced Charlie to the ground naked. At his dispensary, they terrorized his patients and employees taking everything relevant.

Charlie was allowed to re-open his dispensary by local authorities but the DEA eventually sent a letter threatening to take all of the landlord's property away if he didn't evict the medical marijuana dispensary from the building.

CCCC was the only medical marijuana dispensary in San Luis Obispo County. Charlie was out of work and more than 2,000 patients with doctor's recommendation to use medical marijuana lost their safe access to medicine that helps their chronic conditions and terminal illnesses.

Eventually the DEA and local sheriff's department came back to arrested the Charlie at his home and violated his rights by covertly taping the incident and not allowing him to speak with his lawyer. This evidence was eventually not allowed into the case due to the illegal conduct of the DEA.

Charlie's family had to post $400,000 bail with their own property and money to get Charlie out of jail but he was still restricted to house arrest with an ankle bracelet. Drew Carey & ReasonTV did a video about this situation and have followed the story. Check out www.reason.tv for more.

If Charlie's bail amount seems excessive, that's because it is. Especially in comparison to the $5,000 bail set for a San Luis Obispo sheriff's deputy who is accused of child pornography and who only faces up 10 year in prison. (yes, the same department that investigated, raided, arrested, and eventually testified against Charlie)

The disparity in these two bails and sentencing shows the grave injustice of mandatory minimums, sentencing guidelines, bail amounts and the federal government's civil war on drugs as opposed to protecting our children from REAL predators.

The prosecution painted Charlie like a major drug cartel leader to the jury. They said Charlie made over $2 million but what they don't say is that he gave away roughly $100,000 in cannabis to his neediest patients, nor did they mention the expenses for running the dispensary, paying the employees and taxes far exceeded that amount and the dispensary was in debt at the time of its closure and remains in debt to this day.

The prosecution also tried to make it seem like Charlie was endangering children in his community by charging him with sales to minors. What they didn't say is that Charlie ONLY sold to adults over 18 years old or to the parents or guardians of patients under 18 years old. Or that the Federal Government considers any ADULT under the age of 21 years old a minor in drug cases.

The only evidence of wrongdoing presented in the trial was that of a CCCC's security guard and the only evidence presented connecting Charlie to that wrongdoing was that said security guard was employed at CCCC and the name of the strain (variety) sold to an undercover officer miles away from the dispensary location in a parking lot of a Big5 store. That strain name: Diesel.

Diesel was a name of a strain that CCCC had and it was also the name of a strain sold by the security guard to the undercover cop. However, upon inspection, the two strains were drastically different. And we all know how common the strain name Diesel is. I have some sitting next to me as I type this and I know I did NOT get it from CCCC or Charlie for that matter.

On August 5, 2008 Charles C. Lynch was found guilty of 5 cannabis-only felonies and faces 5-100 years in federal prison despite the Mayor and City Attorney testifying on his behalf as a law-abiding citizen.

He wasn't allowed to use the medical benefits of marijuana, state law, or all the facts as evidence in the case because of strict federal precedents. The jury only heard part of the story and was issued over 13 pages of more than forty individual jury instructions explaining to them how to deliberate in this case.

Within hours the jury found him guilty of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, two counts of sales to adults under the age of 21 years old, maintaining a drug premises, possession with the intent to distribute.

I also want to clear up one rumor. There is a DIFFERENT man named Charles LEON Lynch who is registered as a sex offender that is NOT Charles CORNELIUS Lynch who is facing federal marijuana charges for operating a medical marijuana dispensary in California.

So that brings me back to the subject title of this email: If you could save a honorable man from going to federal prison, would you?

If you answered yes, this is where you can help make a difference. By law, judges have to read every single correspondence related to sentencing that they receive for each case. So your letter will be read and will play an important role in securing Charlie's freedom.

His lawyers have asked for thousands of letters to come in on his behalf. In a recent federal medical marijuana case (Mickey Martin's), the judge stated that public support both in written form and court supporters helped her give Mickey a compassionate sentence (no time behind bars).

We're hoping that public support can save Charlie from going to prison. Charlie's probation officers has recommended 5 years behind bars to "teach others a lesson" and because that's what others have received in marijuana cases. And I say, 5 years is 5 years too many. This man doesn't deserve to be behind bars for helping patients (like me), he deserves to be honored.

And we all know long prison sentences do not deter others from committing crimes and that sentencing should be based off individual cases not off of what everyone else is getting sentenced to for cases with similar charges.

The personalized letter that you write doesn't have to be long. I've written 5 letters myself, all just one page long with supporting documents attached. It only took me about 20 minutes to an hour to write each letter.

The topic of the letters can be focused on educating the judge about drug policy errors, mandatory minimums, sentencing guidelines, prison life, the benefits of cannabis, the social harm of wasted tax payers' funds, etc. all with a plea for true justice & leniency. Form letters aren't as powerful as personal letters.

Supporters who wish to write a letter of support regarding sentencing should use the Letter salutation "Dear Judge Wu" and then send the letter to:

Reuven Cohen
Federal Public Defender
321 East 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012-4702

For a sample letter and guidelines go to Charlie's website: www.friendsofccl.com. All letters should have a professional tone. If you have a hard time figuring out what to say, just pretend that Charlie is one of your loved ones. What would you say to save his life and keep him from going to federal prison.

We often get overwhelmed trying to create positive change because there is so much to do. Writing a letter to Charlie's judge will help make a difference. Here are some other ways you can help make a difference in this situation:

1. Throw a Letter-writing party. Get your friends, classmates, and others together to help each other write letters. Provide snacks and make it a fun yet productive get-together. Join forces with local chapters of drug policy groups. Proof read each others' letters.

2. Send Charlie an email. Let him know that you support him and the other casualties of the Federal Government's war against medical marijuana.

3. Donate money. Charlie has been unable to find full time work since the DEA and Local Sheriffs department violently raided his home and business. Charlie is facing bankruptcy and foreclosure of his home. Every little bit will help.

4. Offer Charlie a job. He's a software engineer by trade and lives in San Luis Obispo county. Send an email to Charlie if you would like to receive a copy of his resume for consideration.

5. Share this email with your friends. "Share" it on facebook. Blog it. Post it on myspace. Help get the word out. Very few people know about this case and the more that know, the more that can help. No one can do it all by themselves.

6. Contact the media to tell them about this story and let them know how you feel. A number of sources have taken on the Lynch Saga, namely Reason.tv has done a short documentary on the case and followed the trial with daily updates. Rick Ray Films is currently working on a full blown documentary regarding States Rights and Medical Marijuana. CNN ran a news story on the trial of Charles C. Lynch. Also numerous other News Agencies have run stories on USA vs Lynch. Al Roker has also been in contact with Lynch and wants to do a hour long documentary.

7. Contact your congress people. E-mail, phone, write, and visit your Senators and your House of Representatives' offices.

If you don't know who your House of Representatives Congressional member is go to www.house.gov and put your zip code +4 in the upper left-hand corner. If you don't know who your Senators are go to www.senate.gov. You can even visit your congress member's offices fairly close to your own home because they have satellite offices throughout their districts.

Contacting Congress is vital because laws change in Congress and the only reason why the DEA and federal prosecutors are allowed to do what they're doing is because of a federal law; that law needs to be changed.

8. Pray for Charlie's freedom and for Judge Wu to use divine justice. Also pray for other patients and providers that are being prosecuted and thrown in prison by our Federal Government.

9. Spread the word about Charles Lynch. Talk to family, friends, associates, co-workers, classmates, schoolmates, roommates, lovers, anyone who will listen, etc. Ask them what they think about the situation. If they don't know that much, inform them.

Forward this email to everyone on your email list. Repost this on facebook, myspace, craigslist, live journal, blogspot, and any other website or forum you frequent.

10. Learn more about Charlie's case by doing a google search or visiting his website www.friendsofccl.com. Add Charlie as a FB friend. Add Cheryl as a FB friend. Join the Free Charles Lynch FB group.

11. Join organizations like Americans for Safe Access, Marijuana Policy Project, NORML, Drug Policy Alliance, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, CANorml, ect. These organizations are making changes in legislation so people like Charles C. Lynch do not have to suffer at the hands of the Federal Government.
12. Let Barrack Obama's transition team know your vision of the future for Charlie's case, medical marijuana, and drug policies in America.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

Time 4 Hemp celebrates the Holidays with an All-Star line-up 4...

2008-12-20T20:21:54Z

...you to party with, and it's free to download at http://www.Time4Hemp.TV

You and your friends are invited to big the holiday party at 'Time 4 Hemp' and smoke out with the remarkable guests who dropped by to share in the fun!

Joining in for this event are (in order of arrival):

Neal Smith - Vice-Chairman of Indiana NORML

Jack Herer - Author of 'The Emperor Wears No Clothes' considered by some to be the Bible of the Hemp Movement

Steve Hager - Creative Director of 'High Times' magazine

Chris Conrad - Publisher of 'The Leaf' newspaper and founder of the Business Alliance of Commence in Hemp

Mikki Norris - Editor of 'The Leaf' newspaper and founder of the Cannabis Consumers organization

Josh Schimberg - President of Texas NORML

Ethan Nadelmann - Founder of the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA)

Alison Myrden - one of the first 20 people in Canada to be granted permission by her government to use Medical Marijuana

Steve Bloom - Publisher of the on-line magazine, 'CelebStoner'

Lynnette Shaw - Co-author of California Proposition 215

Keith Stroup - Founder of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)

Eddy Lepp - Marijuana Farmer and Hero of the Marijuana Movement

Paul Krassner - Author of 'Pot Stories For The Soul' and one of the comic geniuses of the 20Th century

Ed Rosenthal - Author of several marijuana grow books and featured writer for 'SKUNK' magazine

Gatewood Galbraith - One of the Founding Fathers of the Hemp Movement

Tokin' Tam - A Founder of the Global Marijuana Music Awards (GMMA)

Peter Christ - A Founder of the Law Enforcement Against Prohibition organization (LEAP)

Holly G. - Colorado activists and medical marijuana user

Marc Emery - Publisher of 'Cannabis Culture' magazine

Jodie Emery - Editor of 'Cannabis Culture' magazine

Featured Musical Artist (in order of FIRST appearance):

Emerald Night - Kenny G - Shirley Bassey
The Killing Time Band - Cannabis Chorus - Afro Man
Jet Baker - Adam Sandler - Brian Setzer
Kevin Bloody Wilson - B B King - Chief Greenbud
The Tall Brothers - Rubber Band - Lana Brown - Willie Nelson

Please pass this information on to everyone who you know would enjoy the programs and have yourself a HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON AND A GREAT NEW YEAR!!

Keep Strong!
Casper

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Cab Calloway

2008-12-19T02:44:47Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D44pyeEvhcQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GtZ_DVBQ78

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

Ruling: State Medical Laws not preempted by Fed Law!

2008-12-04T23:32:30Z

For Immediate Release: December 1st, 2008

U.S. Supreme Court: State Medical Marijuana Laws Not Preempted by Federal Law
Medical marijuana case appealed by the City of Garden Grove was denied review today

Washington, DC -- The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a landmark decision today in which California state courts found that its medical marijuana law was not preempted by federal law. The state appellate court decision from November 28, 2007, ruled that "it is not the job of the local police to enforce the federal drug laws." The case, involving Felix Kha, a medical marijuana patient from Garden Grove, was the result of a wrongful seizure of medical marijuana by local police in June 2005. Medical marijuana advocates hailed today's decision as a huge victory in clarifying law enforcement's obligation to uphold state law. Advocates assert that better adherence to state medical marijuana laws by local police will result in fewer needless arrests and seizures. In turn, this will allow for better implementation of medical marijuana laws not only in California, but in all states that have adopted such laws.

"It's now settled that state law enforcement officers cannot arrest medical marijuana patients or seize their medicine simply because they prefer the contrary federal law," said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel with Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the medical marijuana advocacy organization that represented the defendant Felix Kha in a case that the City of Garden Grove appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. "Perhaps, in the future local government will think twice about expending significant time and resources to defy a law that is overwhelmingly supported by the people of our state."

California medical marijuana patient Felix Kha was pulled over by the Garden Grove Police Department and cited for possession of marijuana, despite Kha showing the officers proper documentation. The charge against Kha was subsequently dismissed, with the Superior Court of Orange County issuing an order to return Kha's wrongfully seized 8 grams of medical marijuana. The police, backed by the City of Garden Grove, refused to return Kha's medicine and the city appealed. Before the 41-page decision was issued a year ago by California's Fourth District Court of Appeal, the California Attorney General filed a "friend of the court" brief on behalf of Kha's right to possess his medicine. The California Supreme Court then denied review in March.

"The source of local law enforcement's resistance to upholding state law is an outdated, harmful federal policy with regard to medical marijuana," said ASA spokesperson Kris Hermes. "This should send a message to the federal government that it's time to establish a compassionate policy more consistent with the 13 states that have adopted medical marijuana laws."

Further information:
Today's U.S. Supreme Court Order denying review: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/Kha_USSC.pdf
Decision by the California Fourth Appellate District Court: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/GardenGroveDecision.pdf
Felix Kha's return of property case: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/article.php?id=4412

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

October 2008 Activist Newsletter

2008-10-20T20:04:42Z

No Prison for Cannabis Edible Maker
A federal judge has refused to impose prison time on a California man who had produced and distributed edible medical cannabis products throughout the state.

Michael Martin addresses supporters at his sentencing
Despite sentencing guidelines calling for at least two and a half years in jail, U.S. District Court Judge Claudia Wilkin exercised her discretion to sentence Michael Martin, 34, to five years probation, with one year to be served in a halfway house and one year to be served in home confinement. The dramatic sentence caused the courtroom full of patients and activists to erupt in applause.

Faced with the threat of more serious charges and the specter of a federal trial in which no information about state law or medical use could be introduced, Martin pled guilty in federal court to manufacturing marijuana edibles and did not contest the government finding of more than 400 plants seized in the September 2007 DEA raid.

In a speech to the court that had observers in tears, Martin spoke eloquently about why he had acted on behalf of patients, describing the cancer patients he was proud to have helped, the support of his loving family, and how he had only acted on behalf of others, never for profit.

That speech, the enormous volume of letters of support for Martin the judge received, and the lack of any evidence that any edible produced by Mickey was diverted to recreational use, all helped the judge declare that this was a unique case that did not call for a normal sentence, and certainly not the more than three years of federal prison that the law mandates.

Comments from the bench about the tensions between state and federal laws also made clear that the judge understood medical cannabis cases to be different from other federal drug cases, and she joined several other members of the federal judiciary in departing from the government's sentencing guidelines.

"The prosecution of good people like Michael Martin, who are trying to give patients the choice of an edible, non-smoked medicine, is a travesty," said Rebecca Saltzman, ASA Chief of Staff. "The government says smoking is a bad delivery method then prosecutes those who provide an alternative -- ridiculous."

ASA played a key role in providing support for Martin and his family after he surrendered to authorities. ASA staff helped organize the grassroots response of local patients and activists who filled the courtroom during Martin's hearings and assisted him with managing the media response in the wake of DEA attempts to portray him as a dangerous drug dealer.

Martin was the state's largest producer of medical cannabis baked goods and other edibles, products that offer an alternative to smoking cannabis that is preferred by many patients. The products were available only through licensed dispensaries and carried prominent labels warning that they were cannabis products for medical use only. A majority of the more than 300 medical cannabis dispensaries in California provide edible products to their patients.

Calif. Job Rights Bill Vetoed, ASA Vows Fight
Late September 30, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed AB 2279, a bill to ensure job rights for the state's medical cannabis patients.

AB 2279 would have stopped workplace discrimination against hundreds of thousands of legal patients, whose right to work was compromised by a California Supreme Court decision earlier this year. The governor's veto means that California employers can still fire patients who follow state law - even those who only use medical cannabis in the privacy of their homes. The veto is a setback for fairness and non-discrimination, but ASA will fight on in the state courts and capitol to protect and expand cannabis patients' rights.

"The governor's veto is disappointing," said Don Duncan, ASA's California Director. "But we have seen that persistent and strategic work by ASA - supported by our robust grassroots effort - can get results. In a different political climate, we would have gotten the governor's signature. But our strategy got it through the legislature, so we're hopeful for the future."

Medical cannabis patients were caught with other constituencies in the crossfire between Gov. Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers over the state's budget. The governor vetoed a record number of bills this year, including some that passed both houses unanimously and had no registered opposition, in apparent retaliation for the legislature's reluctance to adopt his controversial budget.

Patient Gets Cannabis Back from Police, Finally
In another victory for ASA's return of property campaign, a California medical cannabis patient got his cannabis back from police after a nearly three-year wait.

Jim Spray, 52, finally got Huntington Beach police to return the property they had seized from him in November 2005, but not without going through the legal wringer.

Jim Spray sports an ASA cap as he retrieves his property from police.
With the help of ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, Spray went to court three years ago, asking for the return of approximately five ounces of marijuana, twelve immature plants, a jar of concentrated cannabis, and marijuana cultivation equipment valued at $1,000. But the court denied the motion.

The ruling hinged on another case, Chavez v. Superior Court, which had said that a patient-caregiver was not entitled to the return of his medical marijuana because not all was for his personal medical use. Courts and prosecutors used this to claim that there was no circumstance under which medical marijuana could be returned.
"We had been fighting this misunderstanding in a number of cases," said Joe Elford, ASA's Chief Counsel. "But because you can only appeal the denial of a motion for return of property through a procedure known as a writ, the appellate courts could elect to ignore us, which is what they did."

But Spray was not alone. Felix Kha was fighting a similar battle with Garden Grove police, also with ASA's help. Police had already been ordered to return patient Kha's property, but the city refused, and the appeal languished for months - until Spray's case came along.

ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford
"With Jim Spray's case filed," said Elford, "I could remind the court of appeal that the Garden Grove case was pending and that this was an issue that needed to be resolved. James Spray's case pushed the issue along."

The appeals court consolidated the cases for oral argument, with Elford arguing both. Three months later, decisions came down in favor of both patients. But the difficulties continued for Spray.

Despite being directed by the court of appeal to issue an order for the return of Spray's property, the trial court refused. So Spray and Elford had to file yet more paperwork, finally resulting in an order to police, nine months after ASA's court win.

On September 17, Spray took the order to the Huntington Beach Police Department to get his property back. Although much of the cultivation equipment had been mysteriously destroyed and the dried marijuana and plants were beyond salvage, one jar contained several grams of concentrated cannabis that is still usable, much to Spray's delight.

Congress Urges Oversight of DEA Tactics on Medical Cannabis
Several U.S. Representatives used the waning days of 110th Congress to record their continued opposition to federal enforcement raids on individuals who use or provide medical cannabis in accordance with their state law.

ASA's lobbying efforts helped convince more than a dozen members of the U.S. House of Representatives to sign a bi-partisan letter asking the Judiciary Committee to investigate DEA enforcement activity against medical cannabis dispensing collectives and their landlords. The lawmakers have asked to Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers to convene an oversight hearing on whether the DEA is using federal resources wisely and efficiently, what impact the increased level of enforcement is having on the ability of state and local governments to effectively implement their state law, and what changes to federal law are necessary.

The letter, which was spearheaded by ASA and sponsored by U.S. Representatives Sam Farr (D-CA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Barney Frank (D-MA), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), and Dr. Ron Paul (R-TX), echoes the concerns raised by local officials across California and acknowledges the Chairman's pervious endeavors to provide oversight.

"We had hoped that oversight would have occurred by now," said Caren Woodson, ASA's Director of Government Affairs, "But given the Bush Administration's systematic obstruction of Congressional oversight the past few years, particularly of officials in the Justice Department, we expect oversight hearings to have generous support next year with a new Congress and new Administration open to change."

As a result of ASA efforts on Capitol Hill and in California this year, Chairman Conyers earlier sent a letter to DEA Acting Administrator Michelle Leonhart which questioned the Department of Justice about the enforcement tactics being used against medical cannabis patients and state programs.

NATIONAL ACTION ALERT: Call the Obama and McCain Campaigns
Two candidates, one president. Both Obama and McCain have public positions on medical cannabis, and one is better than the other, but neither is perfect. But you can help. Call both campaigns right now and set them straight about medical cannabis.

Sen. Barack Obama has stated publicly that he will end DEA raids on medical cannabis patients. Call his campaign at: (866) 675-2008 and say:

"Hi, my name is ___________ and I want to thank Sen. Obama for promising to end DEA raids on medical cannabis patients in California. But, 80% of Americans live in states where they can be arrested for using medical cannabis as recommended by their doctors. I urge the Senator to support cannabis research and legal protections for all medical cannabis patients.

On the other hand, Sen. John McCain will not end DEA raids, and does not even believe that cannabis can be an effective treatment. Call his campaign at: (703) 418-2008, and say:

"Hi, my name is __________ and I understand Sen. McCain is opposed to ending DEA raids on seriously ill patients in states that have medical cannabis laws. But medical research, public opinion, and states' rights all say Sen. McCain is wrong, and I strongly urge him to change his position in favor of protecting patients who use medical cannabis legally in their own state."

Send pictures via email to George@AmericansForSafeAccess.org or by postal mail to Americans for Safe Access, 1322 Webster St. Suite 402, Oakland, CA 94612.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

GREEN MONDAY 10/6/08 Medical Cannabis Patients and Marijuana Users will GREEN OUT the Nation

2008-09-15T16:42:07Z

GREEN MONDAY 10/6/08 Medical Cannabis Patients and Marijuana Users will GREEN OUT the Nation

Medical cannabis patients and marijuana user are asked NOT to go to work, school, or do any normal daily activities such as doctor's appointments, therapy sessions, grocery shopping, gas pumping, etc. ON MON 10/6/08.

We will show this nation that we do not work without our medicine and this nation does NOT work without us. Federal law is wrong. Cannabis is a Medicine. Free Charles Lynch.

Charles Lynch, a former Morro Bay medical cannabis dispensary owner was convicted of 5 counts of CANNABIS-ONLY charges and faces 25-100 years in Federal prison even though he was an honest business man and followed ALL city, county, and State laws. His sentencing is Monday Oct 6 at 8pm at the Federal Courthouse located at 312 N Spring St Los Angeles, CA Courtroom 10.

If you can NOT make it to LA that day, You can make it to a protest near you and LET OUR VOICE BE HEARD.

Tribe Invite:
http://losangeles.tribe.net/tribe/servlet/template/pub%2CEvent.vm?eventid=7514c366-6e34-404f-93ad-dd3694e3ef81&published=true&nextpage=http%3A%2F%2Flosangeles.tribe.net%2Flocal

Facebook invite:
http://www.new.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?gid=19021484937&members=1&oid=19021484937&view=noreplies#/event.php?eid=42715700808

Myspace Invite:
http://events.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=events.detail&eventID=450302.3712&indicate=1&Mytoken=4D1C6524-34A4-41CC-8F23B6148442CC0E79209741

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 2 replies

PLEASE HELP A MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSER FROM THE FEDS

2008-09-15T16:41:28Z

Ways you can help Charles C Lynch:

I wanted to thank you for showing interest in Charles Lynch's federal cannabis case. I'm doing everything to get the word out about this travesty and to get people involved.

Charles Lynch was convicted of 5 cannabis-only offenses in Federal court 2 weeks ago and faces upto 100 years in federal prison for operating a medical marijuana dispensary even though his dispensary followed all his business license requirements, city regulations, county restrictions and state laws. This grave injustice happened because cannabis is a schedule one drug under federal law. The jury was forbidden to hear any evidence about medical marijuana or state law and was instructed to come to a verdict solely on Federal law.

I first heard about Charles Lynch on Drew Carey's ReasonTV piece*. It's a sad video, so be warned. About a month ago, I was at a "Know Your Rights" training put on by Americans for Safe Access (ASA) and was informed Charles Lynch's trial was being held in LA that following week. I decided to show up because I was told dependent appreciate all the patient support they can get in court.
*http://reason.tv/video/show/413.html

I had never met Charles Lynch before but because I am a medical cannabis patient myself and rely on people like Charles Lynch to get my medicine, I decided to show up in court and give all the support I could. I truly believe no one deserves to spend the rest of their life behind bars for helping patients with their medical cannabis needs.

That night, after the ASA meeting, I visited Charlie's website* and emailed** Charles Lynch to tell him I was going to attend court and I got back a very gracious note from him indicating his gratitude and interest in meeting me.
*http://www.friendsofccl.com/index.html
**ccl@friendsofccl.com

After that, I contacted the LA Times (articles 1*, 2**, 3***, 4****) CNN*****, NPR******, KCRW*******, Stop the Drug Wars.com********, and other local and national news organizations.

During the trial, I created a list of things people could do to help Charles Lynch like: donating to Charlie*; calling or emailing Charlie**; thanking the media outlets*** who had already covered the story; showing up to the trial, etc. The items and the list were not much but they were what I could come up with and I, myself, donated, and showed up to the federal court for all two weeks of the trial.
*http://www.friendsofccl.com/donate.htm
**http://www.friendsofccl.com/contact.htm
***http://www.friendsofccl.com/news.htm

I met Charles Lynch the first day of jury selection. He's a mild-mannered, soft-spoken and compassionate man. He was with his mother and sister. His sister stayed for the entire trial but his mother had to return to New Mexico because another one of her sons had to go through cancer surgery. The family has been hit hard by emotional and financial burdens most recently.

During this time I also met with the offices of all three of my Congresswomen (yes, all my congressional representatives are female). I spoke to them about the affects of Federal drug policies on individuals and communities in California and I urged them to support John Conyers Letter* to the DEA and Barney Frank's resolutions HR 5842** (medical cannabis rescheduling) and HR 5843 (personal cannabis use bill).
*http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/Conyers_DEA_Letter.pdf
** http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5515
***http://www.house.gov/frank/hr5843summary.html

I also educated them about the history and science of cannabis since a lot of what Congress knows comes from the Office for National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) and by Congressional law that White House department can provide misinformation*. Title VII Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998 (H11225) section 12** allows the Drug Czar to lie about the scientific facts regarding cannabis.
*http://blogs.salon.com/0002762/stories/2007/10/09/theDrugCzarIsRequiredByLaw.html
**http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/about/98reauthorization.html

I've come up with a list of how You can help Charles Lynch:

~ I am planning a protest for 10/6 which is the next day Charlie will be in the Federal Courthouse in Downtown LA. Court support will start at 8am and rally will begin at 11am. The courthouse is located at 312 N. Spring Street, Los Angeles. Protesters are encouraged to bring acoustic instruments to the rally. Americans for Safe Access (ASA)* , Marijuana project policy (MPP)**, and National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (Norml) will be helping plan and organize this event. WE NEED AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TO ATTEND.
*http://www.safeaccessnow.org/
**http://www.mpp.org/
***http://norml.org/

~ Email Charles*
*http://www.friendsofccl.com/contact.htm

~ Donations*. Charles Lynch has been unable to find work since the DEA and Local Sheriffs department violently raided his home and business. If everyone donated a $1 that would be helpful. If people can afford more that's great. I know one senior-citizen medical-cannabis patient who donated $50 because she knew she wasn't going to be able to physical support as much as she wants to.
*http://www.friendsofccl.com/donate.htm

~ Offer Charles a job. He's a software engineer by trade and lives in San Luis Obispo county.

~ Write Judge Wu and plead for Charlie's freedom. Supporters who wish to write a letter of support regarding sentencing should use the Letter salutation "Dear Judge Wu" and then send the letter to: Reuven Cohen Federal Public Defender at 321 East 2nd Street Los Angeles, CA 90012-4702. A sample outline can be found on Charlie's website*. I've written 3 letters myself (I had 2 other patients sign one of those letters each). And I'm continuing to write letters.
*
http://www.friendsofccl.com/index.html

~contact the media to tell them about this story and let them know how you feel.

~contact your congress people. E-mail, phone, write, and visit your Senators and your House of Representatives. If you don't know who your House of Representatives Congress member is go to www.house.gov and put your zip code +4 in the upper left-hand corner. if you don't know who your Senators are go to www.senate.gov. You can even visit your congress member's offices fairly close to your own home because they have satellite offices throughout their districts. Contacting Congress is vital because laws change in Congress and the only reason why the DEA and federal prosecutors are allowed to do what they're doing is because of a federal law; that law needs to be changed.

~ Pray for Charlie's freedom and for Judge Wu to use divine justice.

~ Spread the word about Charles Lynch and the protest. Talk to family, friends, associates, co-workers, classmates, schoolmates, roommates, lovers, anyone who will listen. Ask them what they think about the situation. If they don't know that much, inform them. Forward this email to everyone on your email list. Repost this on facebook, myspace, craigslist, live journal, blogspot, and any other website or forum you frequent.

~ Thank those that have been fighting for justice in this situation.

~ Join organizations like Americans for Safe Access, Marijuana Policy Project, NORML, etc. These organizations are making changes in legislation so people like Charles Lynch do not have to suffer at the hands of the Federal government.

LINKS to above articles:
*http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-weed26-2008jul26,0,6418930.story
**http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-medpot5-2008aug05,0,2892714.story
*** http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pot6-2008aug06,0,516054.story
****http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/suncommentary/la-oe-yoshino17-2008aug17,0,6932017.story
*****http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/health/2008/08/03/finnstrom.medical.marijuana.trial.cnn?iref=videosearch
******http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=93697469&m=93697443
*******http://www.kcrw.com/news/programs/ww/ww080806when_state_and_feder
********http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle_blog/2008/aug/05/dea_secures_another_medical_mari

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

FREE MP3 with RON PAUL, BARACK OBAMA, JOHN McCAIN & LOTS OF MUSIC!

2008-09-14T09:02:56Z

Enjoy a real Texas ho-down in celebration of the 2008 Global Marijuana Music Awards and the 3RD ANNUAL 6TH ST SMOKE-OUT hosted by Texas NORML in Austin on September 20th. One of the organizers of this event (a leader in the TX-NORML chapter and founder of the organization Out Grow Big Bro.), Hector Sanchez detailed all the excitement when he sat down and took Time 4 Hemp. It's FREE to download at http://www.Time4Hemp.TV

Not only is it Time 2 Vote for the winning songs at the GMMA - it's Time 2 Vote for a new President of the United States. That's why, in this segment you hear directly from the Democratic candidate, Sen. Barack Obama and the Republican candidate, Sen. John McCain as to where they stand on medical marijuana and the War On Drugs.

You also hear Texas Congressman and former Presidential candidate, Ron Paul discuss the Marijuana Bill that recently went before United States Congress.

If you get the chance to visit the http://www.Time4Hemp.TV Video Vault, you can download these segments as well as many others) and send them in e-mails to your friends and community leaders!

Musical Artists Featured (in order of appearance):

The Individuals
Jet Baker
Johnny Reefer Seed & Afro-man
Sean Reefer and the Resin Valley Boys
Jr. Boogie
Donovan and Afro-man
Love and Rockets

Please pass this information on to everyone who you feel would enjoy it.

Keep Strong
Casper Leitch
Creator/Host: Time 4 Hemp
http://www.Time4Hemp.TV

Time 4 Hemp cell phone Website:
http://www.Time4Hemp.mobi/

"The only thing new in the world is the history you do not know"
President Harry Truman

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Medical Cannabis Safety Commission: are you interested in helping?

2008-08-23T17:47:33Z

Medical cannabis safety commission

I was invited to my first MCSC meeting on Thursday. The focus of this group is for the cannabis industry to come up with self regulations. As an industry, we should create regulations before the legislators enforce their own regulations on us. Their goal is to come up with regulations from seed to patient and address safety concerns every step of the way. Their main question is what self-regulation should we adopt? What we don't want is to regulate ourselves out of business at the same time keeping in mind what is important policymakers and how do we appease them and make our industry batter. Our concern is public image.

This organization started in Northern California, and the Bay area, and focused firstly on edible packaging and handling standards.

Areas of focus are:

-safety

-potency [lab testing, etc.]

-naming [currently there is patient confusion and randomness. Goal standardized names]

-contamination [pet hair, molds and mildew, etc.]

-environmental concerns [grosgrain runoff, etc.]
this organization will be made up of individual with experience in growing, transporting, dispensing, consuming, food handling, concentrate making, doctors, lawyers, and patients]

in attendance at this meeting was an attorney in LA, a vendor, a doctor, a criminal lawyer, a disabled vet who runs a delivery service, dispensary operators, a patient who considers himself a freedom fighter and also runs the orange county caregivers delivery service, the Northern California MCSC organizer, a Southern California and CSC organizer and me (a patient student activist).

Immediate goal:

to create working groups by September 1 for Southern California. There are 18 groups that will be focusing on specific areas of interest. Those areas of interest are:

-defined proper classification names for cannabis medicine [tinctures, hash, oil, etc.]

- define a list of contaminates, such as fertilizers, pesticides, bacteria, no dues and molds that are not acceptable In cannabis medicine

-determine the safety of various methods used to produce cannabis medicine [growing/venting, etc.]

-develop standardized naming guidelines for cannabis medicine [strain names]

-develop safety and handling protocols for production methods used in growing whole plant medicine (WPMs )

-bring ingestibleplant medicine (IP Ms/edibles) kitchen/production areas into compliance with Appicable state and/or local safety and handling protocols [the group has already done a lot of work in this area and it's nearly complete]

-bring concentrated medicines cooperatives (CMCs) production areas into compliance with applicable safety and handling protocols

-develop a training curriculum to teach propped her safety, preparation, dosage management, and handling of ingestible plant medicine (IPM s) production methods

-develop a training curriculum to teach proper safety, appropriation, dosage management, and handling of concentrated plant medicines (CPM s) production methods

-design a bill of lading/quality assurance reports (QAR) for patient colt invading cool operatives, ingestible medicine cooperatives and concentrated medicines cooperatives to attach to cannabis medicine for dispensaries to evaluate and ensure that safe prediction methods have been used

-develop a scientific method for dispensing quality-control staff to use to detect contaminants on whole plant medicine, ingestible plant medicine calmer and concentrated medicine cooperatives using available methods such as by sight, magnification, smell and feel

-work with analytical lab to test whole plant medicines, ingestible plant medicine calmer and concentrated plant medicines for contaminants such as fertilizer, pesticides, bacteria, mildew and molds

-develop a scientific method to systematically bioassay cannabis and rate the potency of whole plant medicines, ingestible plant medicines, and concentrated plant medicines

-work with analytical lab to test for potency of THC and other cannabinoids, and other active ingredients such as Turkey and its calmer in whole plant medicine, ingestible plant medicine and concentrated plant medicine

-create standards for safe and sanitary handling procedures for whole plant medicine, ingestible plant medicine, and concentrated plant medicine at dispensaries, from the point it is taken in by a dispensary Entebbe is given to patient members

-develop packaging standards for whole plant medicine, ingestible plant medicine, and concentrated plant medicine

-training and outreach

-develop research to determine efficiency of individual genetics, cannabis Turkington, and other active ingredients like THC, in whole plant medicines, ingestible plant medicines, and concentrated plant medicines and helping specific medical conditions and or specific patients

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING TO DEVELOP SELF REGULATIONS IN ANY OF THESE AREAS PLEASE RESPOND
NEXT MEETING SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 11 A.M. - 2 P.M. AT THE PATIENT ID CENTER

interesting information about Organic
during the meeting the concept of "organic" came up and it was brought to my attention that for the item to have organic on its label were to be considered organic it has to meet certain governmental standards which means the government has to approve the "organic" seal. And we all know how the government feels about our products so there's another designation that does not require the government's involvement and does not require us to misuse the term "organic" and it's called CleanGreen. This is a concept the group will be looking into.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Culver City patients NEEDED for City Council meeting 8/25 7pm

2008-08-19T16:40:27Z

If you live in Culver City, please Contact Richard Kearns at [email]rk@aids-write.org[/email] 310-488-1328

We're looking for natives interested in phoning, faxing, emailing or snail mailing about the Organica raid & other medical cannabis issues.

We're looking for Culver City patients who would be interested in making a 2-3 minute brown act statement at the next Culver city council meeting. Richard can train you to do this.

Finally, We're looking for Culver City based patients and caregivers and friends who want to come along to the next Culver City council meeting simply to be supportive with their presence.

Date: Monday, 8/25 7pm
Venue: Council Chambers
9770 Culver Blvd
Culver City, 90232

Please contact Richard Kearns, poet-secretary, PAN

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Lynch Trial Update-

2008-08-06T04:21:42Z

http://www.reason.tv/roughcut/show/495.html

Rough Cut
Earthquake in the courtroom! -- Lynch Trial Update

Posted on July 30, 2008, 12:00am | Seth Goldin

On Tuesday, Owen Beck attempted to testify, unsuccessfully. Raiding California told the tale of Owen Beck, a teenager that lost his leg to bone cancer, and found relief from excruciating phantom pain only from marijuana.

The government continued the examination of DEA agent Rachel Burkdol, going straight through 65 pieces of evidence from the raid, describing, in detail, photographs of display cases, offices, computers, and products, as well as copies of computer files, financial records, bank statements, and notebooks, all of which were seized during the raid. This took the entire morning, and went into the afternoon, after lunch.

Before lunch, an earthquake hit the courtroom, interrupting the proceedings. When the council attempted to continue, a voice on the loudspeaker with emergency information about the earthquake repeatedly interrupted, so the court broke for lunch.

After lunch, the defense wanted to interrupt the prosecution's all-day examination of Burkdol to bring in Owen Beck. The defense didn't want Beck and his family to have to wait through another day of the trial because no one had anticipated how long the prosecution would drag on with their presentation of evidence seized from the raid.

Judge Wu had warned the defense that Beck's testimony would need to be relevant, and would need proper foundation. The defense attempted to bring him in as a character witness, a witness who could testify as to Lynch's moral and law-abiding nature.

The nineteen-year-old Beck entered the crowded courtroom on crutches. He showed not even a hint of intimidation despite a powerful silence from a room full of observers. He was sworn in, and began to answer questions from Cohen, one of the defense attorneys. When Cohen asked how Beck knew Lynch, Beck began to answer in a confident, direct voice, that he was diagnosed with bone cancer, and obtained a prescription from his Stanford oncologist for marijuana, at which point the government immediately objected. Wu sustained the objection, and quickly sent the jury out of the room. The council deliberated on whether or not Beck's testimony was legitimate. Wu explained that Beck had no foundational basis to testify about Lynch's law-abiding nature, since he only knew him in the context of the lawsuit itself, being a patient who patronized the dispensary. Even though Beck did form a close relationship with Lynch over the two years he knew Charlie, corresponding by e-mail at least every three weeks, Wu found this to be insufficient foundation. According to Wu, the testimony apparently would have violated a rule, 404, by attempting to confuse the jury. That Beck could testify as to how Lynch was a law-abiding citizen with regard to state laws made no difference to Wu; he saw this as a red herring since federal laws were in question here. Wu had not elaborated to what a character witness could testify. If the defense wanted a character witness to explain how Lynch was a law-abiding citizen, there was never any clarification that this meant only federal law. Regardless, Beck was dismissed from the courtroom, and the jury was instructed to disregard anything he said at all.

The prosecution continued on with Burkdol, jumping to footage from security cameras inside the store, and more evidence turned up from the raid.

The trial continues today.

Supporters are encouraged to attend the trial.

U.S. District Court
Courtroom 10
312 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Feel free to join the Facebook group for supporters following the progress of the trial.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

Drew Carey... new Reason

2008-08-06T04:21:17Z

http://safeaccessnow.org/blog/?p=110

Drew Carey hosts a new episode of Reason TV, titled "Drew Carey on DEA Raids & Medical Marijuana Use by Minors"

Check it out...

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 6 replies

ASA wins San Diego lawsuit!!

2008-08-04T18:14:07Z

http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/article.php?id=5552
CA Appellate Court Upholds Medical Marijuana Law

San Diego County challenge to state ID card is javascript:document.postTopicForm.submit()
Submitrejected

San Diego, CA -- The Fourth District Court of Appeal for the State of California issued a published opinion today stating that federal law does not preempt the state's medical marijuana law. The County of San Diego filed suit against the state in February 2006, which was rejected by the Superior Court in December of that year. The lawsuit challenged the validity of the state identification card program, as well as the foundation of California's medical marijuana laws, but both lower and appellate courts found that the ID card program and state law remained valid and does not violate the state constitution.

"This is a huge win for medical marijuana patients, not only in California, but across the country," said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel of Americans for Safe Access, who argued before the appellate court on behalf of patients. "This ruling makes clear the ability of states to pass medical marijuana laws with an expectation that those laws will be upheld by local and state, if not federal, officials.
"

In a unanimous opinion authored by Justice Alex McDonald, the court ruled that the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA) "signifies Congress's intent to maintain the power of states to elect 'to serve as a laboratory in the trial of novel social and economic experiments without risk to the rest of the country' by preserving all state laws that do not positively conflict with the CSA.
"

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) defended the interests of patients in the appeal and filed briefs along with the ACLU Drug Law Reform Project. Both organizations successfully intervened as defendants in the lawsuit in August of 2006, while the case was still being litigated in the Superior Court. ASA intends to launch an educational campaign soon that will apprise elected officials across the state of their obligation to implement state law, in particular the state ID card program, which both assists law enforcement and bestows greater protection for patients.

San Diego County was originally joined by San Bernardino and Merced Counties, but Merced chose not to appeal, opting instead to implement the state ID card program and a Sheriff's policy on medical marijuana patient encounters. Against the wishes of the San Diego City Council, the County of San Diego filed an appeal in February 2007, along with San Bernardino County. Publicly voicing its opposition to the lawsuit, the City of San Diego filed an amicus 'friend of the court' brief in December 2007, siding with the Attorney General and medical marijuana patient advocates.

"More than eleven years after the passage of Proposition 215, it's about time that we all got on the same page with regard to medical marijuana and the protections afforded by California law," continued Elford. "With two appellate court decisions clearly stating that federal law should not be an excuse to avoid enforcing state law, it is now time for full implementation in California." In March, the California Supreme Court denied review of City of Garden Grove v. Superior Court, another appellate court case that found the state's medical marijuana law was not preempted by federal law.

For further information:
Today's appellate court ruling: http://www. AmericansForSafeAccess. org/downloads/San_Diego_Appeal_Ruling. pdf
ASA's web page on the San Diego case: http://www. AmericansForSafeAccess. org/article. php?id=4405
City of San Diego friend of the court brief: http://www. AmericansForSafeAccess. org/downloads/SD_City_Amicus_Brief. pdf
Appellate court ruling in City of Garden Grove v. Superior Court: http://www. AmericansForSafeAccess. org/downloads/GardenGroveDecision. pdf

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Federal Trial in LA for MMJ = please read

2008-07-30T04:21:53Z

Federal Trial in Los Angeles for MMJ
This week, come out and show your support for Charles.

Watch his video on Drew Carey's Reason. tv:
http://www. reason. tv/video/show/413. html

Dress to impress.

Watch and listen to the federal judicial process as the federal government refuses people on the stand the right to use the words "medical marijuana" and in effect, telling witnesses to lie by omitting the truth.

Details of the trial are below and for more information visit: http://www. friendsofccl. com

Pass it on.

See you there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you'll read below, Charles Lynch is a great man who's worked hard to bring relief to many suffering people. He did it with permission and blessings from local officials.

He was raided by DEA and is now facing federal charges, and many years in prison. The Federal Government has successfully blocked the jury from knowing that Lynch was operating a business which was allowed by California State Law and sanctioned by the City of Morro Bay, California. The jury thinks he's a large scale drug kingpin, and no evidence is allowed in court to say otherwise.

As Mr. Lynch moves forward with his federal trial, he needs to know that there are many us are behind him. Please show your support by attending his trial, if you're in the L.A. area, or write to him to let him know you care and are thinking about him.

Watch his video on Drew Carey's Reason. tv:
http://www. reason. tv/video/show/413. html

In solidarity,
George

Press Release

Dateline: July 15, 2008 ... Morro Bay, CA
Contact: Charles C.
Lynch
Phone: (805)801-0380
E-Mail: caregiver@centralcoastcompassionatecaregivers.com
Web Address: http://www. friendsofccl. com

MORRO BAY, CA - July 15, 2008 - The Trial of Charles C.
Lynch, former
owner of a Medical Marijuana Dispensary located in Morro Bay
California, is set for July 22, 2008 at 8am in Los Angeles, California.

Supporters are encouraged to attend.
The Federal court house address
is:

U.S.
District Court
Courtroom 10
312 North Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Charles C.
Lynch was the owner and operator of a City Sanctioned
Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Morro Bay California.
The Dispensary
opened in April 2006.
The business license issued by the city clearly
stated 'Medical Marijuana Dispensary' as the business type.
The city
also issued a Conditions of Business document which stated, "no person
under the age of 18 unless accompanied by a parent should be allowed
in the dispensary.
" The business was also a member of the Morro Bay
Chamber of Commerce.
In July 2006, the dispensary was issued a Medical
Cannabis Nursery Permit after a lengthy conditional use permit
process.

The dispensary operated for nearly a year without incident until the
local Sheriff, Pat Hedges, called in the DEA to raid the dispensary on
March 29, 2007.
Lynch was not arrested at that time and reopened the
business with the blessing of the Landlord and City Officials.
The DEA
subsequently contacted the Landlord and threatened him with forfeiture
of his property and possible prosecution if he did not evict the
dispensary from his building. The dispensary closed on May 16, 2007.

On July 17, 2007 federal agents and the local sheriff arrested Charles
C.
Lynch and charged him with a series of federal crimes including,
distributing to persons under 21 years of age.
Lynch spent 4 days in
federal detention and was eventually released on a $400,000 bail
posted by his family.
Lynch was placed under house arrest and was
required to wear an electronic monitor for 10 months while he waited
for his trial to begin. During this time, Reason. tv (http://www. reason. tv/)
recorded video of Lynch’s struggle with the Federal Government and on
June 11, 2008 published a video hosted by Drew Carey on the Reason. tv
website located at:

http://www. reason. tv/video/show/413. html

The California State Laws regarding Medical Marijuana are based on the
10th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America
which essentially gives States the right to rule and regulate
themselves without fear of Federal Government intervention.
In
pretrial motions, the Federal Government has successfully blocked the
jury from knowing that Lynch was operating a business which was
allowed by California State Law and sanctioned by the City of Morro
Bay, California.
Lynch did win one pre-trial motion stating his
Miranda rights were violated when he was not allowed to contact his
lawyer for 6 hours when he was arrested and questioned by DEA agents.

As hundreds of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries continue to operate
around the State of California including those in Los Angeles, the
Federal Government has chosen to prosecute Lynch.
Lynch has no
previous criminal convictions and is 46 years old.
Lynch’s trial is
set to begin at 8:00am in Los Angeles, California Federal Court at the
address listed above.

Supporters are encouraged to attend the trial.

For more information visit: http://www. friendsofccl. com

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 2 replies

[losangeles] Special KYR Training & ASA Exec. Director Sherer - Saturday July 19‏

2008-07-07T00:53:49Z

Hello, ASA Members and Friends. Mark you calendars now for a very special ASA meeting at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 19, in West Hollywood.

On that day, we will have a free “Know Your Rights” training for patients and hear from ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer. ASA pioneered legal training for patients, teaching thousands their rights and responsibilities under California medical cannabis law. Don’t miss this great free training – and a very special opportunity to meet ASA founder and Executive Director Steph Sherer. Steph will talk about ASA’s work to defend and expand patients’ rights in California and in Washington, DC. Come ready to listen, ask questions, and get active in the grassroots campaign for safe access.

What: “Know Your Rights” Training & Executive Director Steph Sherer

When: 2 PM * Saturday, July 19

Where: West Hollywood Gateway Mall Community Room, lower level, 7100 Santa Monica Blvd. (at La Brea Ave.) in West Hollywood. (Target shopping center)

More Info: http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/punbb/viewtopic.php?id=1420

Please feel free to forward this message and invite your friends!

This special event will replace on July chapter meeting. Note it is at a different time and location. Meet See you at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 19!

__________________
Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Are you an ASA member? http://www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/Join

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Tue, May 27, LA : Action for Compassion !

2008-05-25T22:52:14Z

You are all invited to join us on Tuesday, May 27, for a peaceful protest to support medical cannabis patients and oppose DEA interference and intimidation in California. Patients and advocates will gather in front of the Mayor Villaraigosa’s office at 11:00am to make our voices heard. This will be a great media and community building opportunity, so make plans to attend and bring some friends. This will be a unique and uplifting event you will not want to miss. Get the details at www.ASAaction.org

What: Where's Antonio? Action for Compassion

When: 11:00am Tuesday, May 27

Where: Corner of N. Main St. & Tom Bradley Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA

For more information, contact Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

ASA California Weekly Alert: May 9, 2008

2008-05-12T20:01:24Z

Weekly Round Up
1. a. US House Judiciary Chairman Questions DEA Medical Marijuana Tactics
b. Federal Government Presents its Case in California Healthcare Collective Trial
c. Former Dispensary Operator Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges

Take Action
2. This is Your Last Chance to Contact Your Assembly Member for Employment Rights!

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
3. Monday, May 12, Fresno: Fresno ASA Meeting
4. Tuesday, May 13, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting
5. Tuesday, May 13, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
6. Wednesday, May 14, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
7. Thursday, May 15, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting
8. Saturday, May 17, Los Angeles: LA ASA Meeting

City and County Hearings
9. Tuesday, May 13, Claremont: City Council to Discuss Dispensary Ordinance

Court Support
10. Monday-Thursday, May 12-May 15, Fresno: Trial for Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Ruiz Montes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weekly Round Up

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. a. US House Judiciary Chairman Questions DEA Medical Marijuana Tactics
ASA’s ongoing campaign to hold the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) accountable for its continued efforts to undermine state medical marijuana laws is working. We are pleased to announce that US House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) has sent a letter to DEA Acting Administrator Michele Leonhart challenging the DEA’s actions!

As a follow-up to a public statement he made in December, Chairman Conyers’ letter questions DEA directly about its heightened raid activity across California and its intimidation of property owners owners with threats of prosecution and asset forfeiture because they rent to medical cannabis dispensaries. This letter is an important and necessary step towards Congressional hearings by the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees the actions of the DEA.

ASA has worked closely with the House Judiciary Committee for the past several months to help produce this letter. Our work was bolstered by a statewide effort to get California’s elected officials to call for an end to the harmful tactics of the DEA. ASA and its allies were successful in garnering strong letters of support from several elected officials, urging Chairman Conyers to hold hearings. Among those who spoke up were Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine, and the mayors of Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and West Hollywood.

Thanks to all of the California activists that worked with their local officials and with Chairman Conyers on this campaign. A special thanks goes out to Shona Gochenaur, Axis of Love; Dege Coutee, Patients Advocacy Network; San Francisco ASA; Becky DeKeuster, Berkeley Patients Group; Attorney James Anthony; and Lisa Molyneux, Greenway Compassionate Relief.

Please visit www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/ConyersLetter to read the letter from Chairman Conyers. The San Francisco Chronicle covered the story, which you can read here.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

b. Federal Government Presents its Case in California Healthcare Collective Trial
During the past week, Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes have faced trial for their involvement in the California Healthcare Collective dispensary in Modesto. On September 27, 2006, the DEA raided the collective and arrested four people (owner-operators Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes and two staff members) on charges of distribution of marijuana and conspiracy to distribute. Scarmazzo and Montes were also charged with possession of firearms and money laundering. Recently, Lucky Boissiere, Jose and Antonio Malagon, Monica Valencia, Bradley Heinmiller, Bradley Wickliffe and Stephen DeMattos have pled guilty to avoid trial, and two defendants (Scarmazzo and Montes) are on trial.

Federal prosecutors called several witnesses to the stand, including former dispensary managers and law enforcement officers. They focused heavily on the amount of money the dispensary brought in, trying to make the case that Scarmazzo and Montes profited heavily. They ended their case by showing a hip-hop video Scarmazzo had made before being raided, in which Scarmazzo sharply spoke out against authorities.

On Thursday, the defense began to argue its case. Both defendants took to the stand, but prosecutors continuously protested their choice of words, such as describing what they did as "legal" and calling marijuana "medicine."

Vanessa Nelson has been closely following the trial, and you can read these detailed accounts at www.MedicalMarijuanaOfAmerica.com:

Opening Statements In CHC Trial Reveal Government Weakness
Local Cops Take the Stand in CHC Trial
Sheriff’s Deputy Testifies About Undercover Buy at CHC
Government Rests Its Case in CHC Trial, Shows Scarmazzo Rap Video

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

c. Former Dispensary Operator Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges
On Tuesday, Richard Marino pleaded guilty to federal charges of drug conspiracy and money laundering. Marino had reached a plea deal to serve between 3 1/2 to five years. If he had taken the case to trial, he would not have been allowed to bring up a medical marijuana defense.

Marino, a former Roseville dispensary operator, was raided on September 3, 2004 at Capitol Compassionate Care Center and at his home in Newcastle, CA. DEA agents allegedly seized 250 plants, 20 pounds of processed medical marijuana, and more than $100,000. Criminal charges were not filed for more than a year and a half, but on January 13, 2006, Marino was indicted for conspiracy to distribute marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, and money laundering. The federal government also has forfeiture proceedings pending on Marino's home and the facility in which Marino ran his business.

Marino's sentencing has been set for July 22, and he will remain free on bail until then.

Please read the Sacramento Bee article about the case for more information.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take Action

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2. This is Your Last Chance to Contact Your Assembly Member for Employment Rights!
AB 2279, the Patients' Employments Rights Bill, was scheduled for a floor vote yesterday, but the vote has been postponed until Monday. Please take action today to ensure that medical cannabis patients are protected from employment discrimination. Contact your California Assembly Member now! Visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/AB2279Action to protect patients' rights!

For more information on AB 2279 go to: www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/AB2279

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Monday, May 12, Fresno: Fresno ASA Meeting
Join Fresno ASA to discuss important regional, state and national issues.

When: 6:00pm
Where: Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard Ave in Fresno

For more information, email fresnocagal@sbcglobal.net

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Tuesday, May 13, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting
San Diego ASA has been very busy lately. Come to the San Diego ASA meeting where we will be discussing the latest medical cannabis issues.

When: 7:00pm
Where: International Cannabis University
6070 Mt. Alifan Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92111, Clairemont

For more information, contact Dion at 4cccp@cox.net

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. Tuesday, May 13, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
Join San Francisco ASA as we organize to protect safe access in San Francisco! We will discuss the latest in medical cannabis politics, laws, science and activism and follow up on the city-wide Stand Up Newsom Campaign.

When: Tuesday, the 12th at 7:30pm
Where: Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco

For more info, contact Alex: aaafranco@yahoo.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Wednesday, May 14, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
Safe access has been under attack in Orange County and we need your help us fight the war on patients. Please come out and show your support at our monthly meeting!

When: 7:00pm
Where: Law Offices of WENTWORTH, PAOLI & PURDY, LLP
4631 Teller Avenue, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660

For more information contact: OCLawyer@aol.com.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Thursday, May 15, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

This month ASA Humboldt invites the public to come and view the movie, "SUPER HIGH ME."

"Super High Me" features comedian Doug Benson and explores the current situation with medical marijuana in California and the United States, specifically focusing on the conflict between federal and state law and the explosive growth in medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles over the past two years.

When: 6:00pm
Where: Community recreation room of the Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex
550 Union Street, Arcata

For more information, contact asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. Saturday, May 17, Los Angeles: LA ASA Meeting

Join Los Angeles ASA to plan for upcoming events and campaigns.

When: 1:00pm
Where: Patient ID Center
470 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles
(Cross street is Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

City and County Hearings

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

9. Tuesday, May 13, Claremont: City Council to Discuss Dispensary Ordinance

The Claremont City Council will consider an ordinance regulating medical cannabis dispensaries on May 13th. Please come out and show your support for safe access!

Download ASA's talking points about dispensary regulations.

When: May 13 at 7:00pm
Where: City Council Chambers, 225 W. Second Street
Claremont, CA

For more information contact Info@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Court Support
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10. Monday-Thursday, May 12-May 15, Fresno: Trial for Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Ruiz Montes

After the City of Modesto failed to shut down the California Healthcare Collective by banning dispensaries, it called in the DEA. On September 27, 2006, the DEA raided the collective and arrested four people (owner-operators Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes and two staff members) on charges of distribution of marijuana and conspiracy to distribute. Scarmazzo and Montes were also charged with possession of firearms and money laundering. Later, an additional five people were indicted, bringing the total to nine people being prosecuted by the federal government. In the raid, the DEA allegedly seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana, one thousand plants, multiple firearms, and more than $200,000 in cash. The raids were the result of a 15-month investigation between the DEA and the Modesto Police Department. Since Judge O'Neill finally decided to release Monica Valencia on bail after 7 months in jail, all defendants have been released on bail pending trial. Recently, Lucky Boissiere, Jose and Antonio Malagon, Monica Valencia, Bradley Heinmiller, Bradley Wickliffe and Stephen DeMattos have pled guilty to avoid trial, and two defendants (Scarmazzo and Montes) are on trial. Please come out and show your support!

When: Monday-Thursday, May 12-15 9:00am-5:00pm
Where: Before Judge Oliver Wagner in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA)
2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA

For more information, contact Info@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

--

Rebecca Saltzman
Chief of Staff
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org

Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 308 F: 510-251-2036

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Ron Paul will legalize Marijuana and End the War on Drugs!

2008-05-07T03:49:59Z

Liberty and freedom is being lost everyday and most people see this. But we don't have to sit and watch them take them away from us. And now we have a movement that is truly based in Freedom, Liberty and will follow our Constitution. A movement of Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, Greens, non-voters and more! People from all walks of life. Rich, middle class and poor. All races. This is changing the rules and breaking all the boundaries!

On election day (Nov 6, 2007) a historic record-breaking grassroots fund raiser netted over $4 million in just one day! This is Ron Paul's and our quest for liberty and Freedom in the USA . We did this with the average donation of $40.00! Now we are going for 10 million! Will you help us get the message of liberty and peace to the people of America? We know if we can reach the freedom lovers in this country than we can win! Than we will have a country we can be proud of and a leader we can be proud of. Please join us!

Never heard of Ron Paul?

Find out more at http://www.ronpaul2008.com

You can also google Ron Paul for lots of good links and info.

Ron voted against the war. Against the Patriot Act. He wants to stop out of control government spending and oppression. He wants to end the war on drugs. He introduced a bill to re-legalize Hemp farming in America. He voted against internet restrictions. etc etc

On December 16th, 1773, American colonists dumped tea into the Boston Harbor to protest an oppressive tax. This December 16th, American citizens will dump millions of dollars into the Ron Paul presidential campaign (again) to protest the oppressive and unconstitutional inflation tax -
which has enabled a flawed foreign policy, a costly war and the sacrificing
of our liberties here at home.

Please join us this December 16th 2007 for the largest one-day political donation event in history. Our goal is to bring together 100,000 people to donate $100 each (but whatever you can donate is great), creating a one day donation total of $10,000,000.

Below are videos you can watch to hear what he has to say about the issues that matter to folks like us.

Join The Revolution!

Ron Paul Calls for an End to the War on Drugs!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8S8N2OG7sU

Ron Paul on medical marijuana
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p_G9BPouCo

Ron Paul Talks Marijuana, Hemp with the NORML audio stash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8t7jqis2Mc

Below is one of the many videos that you can view for free about Ron Paul and the Ron Paul Revolution (LOVE), Please share this information with your friends.

Have a safe, healthy and happy new year everyone!

Love & Liberty,
Rob Robinson

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Breaking News: House Judiciary Chair Questions DEA Tactics!!!

2008-05-07T01:11:19Z

House Judiciary Chair Questions DEA Tactics
Rep. Conyers Next Step Toward Congressional Hearings

Dear ASA Supporter,

ASAâ€™s ongoing campaign to hold the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) accountable for its continued efforts to undermine state medical marijuana laws is working. We are pleased to announce that US House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers (D-MI) has sent a letter to DEA Acting Administrator Michele Leonhart challenging the DEA's actions.

ASA staff together with grassroots activists helped make it possible for Chairman Conyers to issue this letter. Please donate now to support our important work in Washington, D.C.!

As a follow-up to a public statement he made in December, Chairman Conyersâ€™ letter questions DEA directly about its heightened raid activity across California and its intimidation of property owners owners with threats of prosecution and asset forfeiture because they rent to medical cannabis dispensaries. Chairman Conyers is the highest ranking elected official to question the DEAâ€™s tactics since medical cannabis raids in California escalated dramatically in 2007. This letter is an important and necessary step towards Congressional hearings by the House Judiciary Committee, which oversees the actions of the DEA.

Over the past several months, ASA and advocates all over the country have lobbied Chairman Conyers to convene hearings. Dozens of legal, tax-paying dispensaries have been shut down or evicted by their landlords, and many more face the same fate if Congress does not intervene. ASA Director of Government Affairs Caren Woodson has been lobbying the offices of Chairman Conyers and Subcommittee Chairman Scott about this issue for months, and her persistence is paying off!

Carenâ€™s work with the House Judiciary Committee was bolstered by a statewide effort to get Californiaâ€™s elected officials to call for an end to the harmful tactics of the DEA. ASA and its allies were successful in garnering strong letters of support from several elected officials, urging Chairman Conyers to hold hearings. Among those who spoke up were Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby, Los Angeles City Councilmember Dennis Zine, and the mayors of Berkeley, Oakland, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and West Hollywood.

I urge you to make a special commitment to support the kind of persistent, strategic, and effective organizing that ASA demonstrated in moving Chairman Conyers forward on this issue by making a monthly pledge of support or a one time contribution to ASA.

Please visit www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/Donate and make a contribution today!

Steph Sherer
Executive Director
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. Please visit www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/ConyersLetter to read the letter from Chairman Conyers.

Americans for Safe Access is the nation's largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 2 replies

HUGE NEWS!!!!

2008-04-24T20:58:17Z

www.norml.org

Washington, DC: US Congressman Barney Frank (D-MA) introduced legislation in Congress Friday to strip the federal government of its authority to arrest responsible adult cannabis consumers. The measure, H.R. 5843, known as an “Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults,” is the first federal decriminalization legislation introduced in 24 years. Frank’s pending bill, co-sponsored by presidential candidate Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), seeks to eliminate all federal penalties prohibiting the personal use and possession of up to 100 grams (3 1/2 ounces) of marijuana. Under this measure, adults who consume cannabis would no longer face arrest, prison, or even the threat of a civil fine. The bill also eliminates all penalties for the not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce of pot. All are encouraged to write their representatives in support of this important legislation via NORML’s online advocacy system.
You can send a message here just click on the link and scroll down: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11280301&type=CO

Washington, DC: Representative Ron Paul (R-TX) introduced H.R. 5842, the “Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act,” earlier today. This bill would make federal authorities respect states’ current laws on medicinal cannabis and end DEA raids on facilities distributing medical marijuana legally under state law. Representative Paul, whose presidential campaign prominently featured the ending of the drug war as a platform plank, was joined by Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), and Sam Farr (D-CA) in co-sponsoring this bill. All NORML supporters are strongly encouraged to write their Representatives in favor of this important bill via NORML’s online advocacy system.
You can send a message here just click on the link and scroll down: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=11280351&type=CO
_________________

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Marc Emery has Time 2 Spare!

2008-04-21T16:02:15Z

The fight is on between Marc Emery and the United States Government - giving the founder and editor of Cannabis Culture Magazine some time to spare -AND more Time 4 Hemp.
This new interview is free to download at http://www.Time4Hemp.tv

Music Artists:

The Tall Brothers
Green Feever
Shen Reefer and the Resin Valley Boys
Marlon Asher
Bob Dylan

Please share this information with everyone you know who would enjoy it.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

ASA Introduces New Video Testimonials

2008-04-16T21:20:35Z

Watch 3 Medical Cannabis Supporters Share Their Stories
http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/VideoTestimonial

Dear ASA Supporter,

As the National Field Coordinator for ASA I meet patients, medical professionals, caregivers, and people from all walks of life on a daily basis. When meeting people new to the movement I am regularly asked who supports medical cannabis and why should I get on board? In the past, I would then take several minutes to explain, but that is about to change today!

I am very excited to announce that ASA has developed a new type of outreach and education tool, which also happens to be rather entertaining! Today, we are releasing three video testimonials which at www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/VideoTestimonial to help spread the word about medical cannabis.

"I had to pack up all my belongings, sell the family home, and move across the country to California to be safe to be a patient."
- Steve from Oakland speaking about his move from Virginia to Oakland to become a legal medical cannabis patient. Watch Steve's whole story.

The video testimonial project has been designed to help educate people about medical cannabis by having patients and supporters share their stories. This project was also designed to help people like you educate your friends and family about medical cannabis by sharing these videos with your community.

"Even my 80-year-old mother approves of me being a patient. She says to people, 'If it helps her pain then it is okay.'"
- Carole from the Fremont talking about being out as a medical cannabis patient with her family. Watch Carole's whole story.
Over the next month, ASA will be releasing a new testimonial each week beginning next Monday. Be sure to visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/VideoTestimonial next Monday to view the next installment of ASA's video testimonials. We will be releasing a new video every Monday through the end of April.

Thank you to Carson Higby-Flowers for volunteering to record, edit, and produce the testimonials. Also, thank you to all of the brave patients, supporters, and advocates who took the time to come in and participate in the video shoot.

Keep spreading the word about medical cannabis and forward this message on to your family, friends, and community members. Also, if you belong to an online social networking page like MySpace, Facebook, Tribe, and/or host your own personal blog, I strongly encourage you to link to the video testimonials.

Sincerely,

Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. Let us know if you are interested in participating in the next video testimonial shoot at the ASA headquarters (date and time have yet to be determined). E-mail Jocelyn@AmericansforSafeAccess.org if you are interested.

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Americans for Safe Access is the nation's largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

ASA Scores Victory for Patients' Rights

2008-04-16T06:02:37Z

Dear ASA Supporter,

Yesterday, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) scored a victory for patients’ rights, as the California Assembly Judiciary Committee approved our medical marijuana employment rights bill. AB 2279, authored by Assemblymember Mark Leno and sponsored by ASA, would protect the rights of hundreds of thousands of medical marijuana patients in California from employment discrimination.

This fight is not over – please donate today to end patient discrimination and protect patients’ jobs!

ASA began working with Assemblyman Leno last year to write this legislation in case of an adverse ruling from the California Supreme Court in Ross v. Ragingwire Telecommunications. It is a good thing that we were ready, because in February, the court ruled that Proposition 215 did not provide protection from employment discrimination – leaving hundreds of thousands of legal patients in jeopardy. In a show of support for working patients, Assemblymember Leno introduced AB 2279 on the same day the court ruled.

Approval from the Committee on Judiciary was our first big legislative test. ASA staff helped recruit important endorsements, including the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), the National Lawyers Guild, and several HIV/AIDS advocacy organizations. ASA staff also visited every member of the committee to be sure they understood the bill and to encourage their support. Then, we briefed and trained Supreme Court plaintiff Gary Ross to tell his story in person to the committee. ASA's Chief Counsel Joe Elford also testified before the committee and responded to several complex legal questions from the committee members.

This time consuming work paid off yesterday, as the committee passed the bill on a 6-3 vote. Assemblymember Leno and Chairman of the Judiciary Committee Dave Jones both made strong statements at the hearing in support of the bill and in support of medical marijuana patients’ rights.

Though we’ve passed this first hurdle, we have more hurdles to clear before AB 2279 becomes law. Next week, we’ll go before the Assembly Labor Committee. Then it’s on to the Assembly Floor, the Senate, and finally to the Governor’s desk. Please donate today to help make this work possible.

We have our work cut out for us, but with your support, we can advance state law to protect medical marijuana patients’ rights to work. Please donate $50, $100 or more today to support our continued efforts in Sacramento.

Thank you in advance for your generosity,

Rebecca Saltzman
Chief of Staff
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. For more information about ASA's employment rights bill, please visit www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/AB2279.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Action for Compassion: Rally in Support of Medical Marijuana

2008-04-14T19:25:24Z

Action for Compassion: Rally in Support of Medical Marijuana

Because a friend in need of medical weed is a friend indeed

Action for Compassion!
Saturday, April 26 * 2:00 PM
LA Federal Building, 11000 Wilshire Blvd.

Join us for a peaceful rally in support of medical cannabis patients & providers
in Southern California who are facing increasing attacks from the DEA!

More than 50 DEA raids in 2007 * Patients & Caregivers indicted
100+ facing federal prosecution *
Property owners intimidated into evicting patients' groups

It is time to stand up to federal interference & intimidation in our communities!
Download, copy, and distribute the rally flyer here!
____________________________________________________________
Email for more information. Attend the next LA-ASA meeting to get involved.
Hosted by the Greater Los Angeles Caregivers Alliance (GLACA) and
Los Angeles American for Safe Access (ASA)

Click this link for map of location:
www.mapquest.com/maps/1100...0024-3602/

Click this link for a PDF of Recent Escalations of DEA Intervention in medical marijuana states:
www.asaaction.org/files/dea...lation.pdf

Click here to download copies of flier:
www.asaaction.org/files/april26.pdf

Click this link to get involved with helping plan, organize, and promote the event:
www.asaaction.org/index.html

Click this link for GLACA website:
www.caregiversalliance.org/

Click this link for ASA website:
www.americansforsafeaccess.org/

On Saturday 04/26/08 at 2:00 pm there will be a rally and an act of civil disobediance (planting of seedlings) at the federal building in Westwood. Our goal is to turn up the heat on the DEA to stop interferring with California Law and the busines thereof. This rally is also to remind our Govenator that it is time that he stand behind us. While the building will be closed we intend on having the press there and to do that we need a spectacular turn out that is why we are planning for a Saturday.

There is alot going on politically with MMJ right now and we really need to raise awareness to our cause so please support this event so that we get the press needed.

Americans for Safe Access * 1322 Webster St., Suite 402, Oakland, CA 94612 * (888) 929-4367 * www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org
Los Angeles Chapter - 7211 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800, West Hollywood, CA 90046 * www.ASAaction.org
=======================================
Los Angeles ASA Meeting
Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Patient ID Center *470 S. San Vicente Blvd., LA
Click here for public transit information.

This will be our regular monthly meeting and the planning
meeting for the "Action for Compassion" rally at the Los
Angeles federal building on Saturday, April 26. Please join us
and invite your friends!

This month, we will be talking about how to talk to elected
officials and the media to dispel bias and overcome
indifference. Read the ASA Media Manual and ABC's of Citizen
Advocacy online.

For more information or media inquiries email Don Duncan

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

PROTEST the DEA's RAIDS in L.A. {3/25/08 : 11am}

2008-03-25T01:03:34Z

The DEA raided six medical cannabis dispensing collectives and one private residence in the Los Angeles area yesterday, the latest attack on patients’ access in a continued campaign of federal interference and intimidation. We need a show of support for the victims and opposition to the DEA. Join advocates at the Los Angeles Federal Building downtown on Tuesday morning to make your voice heard!

What: Medical Cannabis Protest at the Federal Building

When: 11:00 AM * Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Where: The Federal Building (and DEA offices) * 255 E. Temple St., Downtown Los Angeles

Bring signs and banners !
Invite your friends !
Take a stand for safe access !

Theses are important steps in making the protest work. We need a strong showing to be sure that the DEA and media hear our message: “Stop taking our medicine!” There is one more thing you can do to DOUBLE the size of the protest... Bring a friend.

You can help turn out a crowd for Tuesday’s protest at the DEA Offices/Federal Building downtown. We need to turn out a crowd to make an impression on the DEA and the community. Be sure to invite your friends and loved ones. You can also take a more active role by downloading the protest flyer at http://www.asaaction.org/files/stopdea.pdf print a copy of the full page, which includes four flyers. Then, take the page to your neighborhood copy shop and have it copied and cut into quarter pages. Once you have the quarter page flyers, start passing them out everywhere... dispensaries, coffee shops, campus, on the street.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

CA Supreme Court Affirms ASA Win!

2008-03-22T20:24:20Z

Appellate ruling that local police must uphold state law
is now binding statewide

Dear ASA supporter,

On Wednesday, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) quietly scored one of the most important legal victories since voters approved Proposition 215, when the California Supreme Court decided not to review or de-publish last year’s landmark return of property decision in Garden Grove v. Superior Court. By affirming the appellate court’s decision, the Supreme Court has made protection against wrongful seizure of medical marijuana legally binding throughout the state of California.

ASA needs your help right now to make the most of this victory and to keep fighting for patients’ rights. Please take a moment right now to join ASA or make a special contribution?

Last year, the California Court of Appeal ruled that state law enforcement could not use federal law as an excuse for not upholding California’s medical cannabis laws – therefore police must return medicine wrongfully seized from legal patients. ASA filed the successful appeal on behalf of Garden Grove patient Felix Kha in hopes of stemming the tide of hundreds of wrongful confiscations of medicine all over California. Our November victory should have ended the debate about “enforcing federal law,” but the decision was quickly appealed to the State Supreme Court.

As a result of literally hundreds of cases of wrongful medical marijuana confiscation, and careful legal planning and research, ASA’s legal team strongly defended the rights of Felix Kha and others like him. The whole process took more than two years! Think for a moment how lucky we are to have a dedicated legal team at ASA working full time to defend patients’ rights.

This victory would not have been possible without the ongoing and generous support of people like you – people who believe in the right to legally use medical cannabis in California. But now what? We need to make sure that the more than 250,000 legal patients, and thousands of attorneys and public defenders are sufficiently educated about patients’ rights and protection from medicine confiscation to which patients are now entitled. We also need to educate police officers, prosecutors, and judges. We need to tell this story in the media to end patient harassment and to ensure that police no longer hide behind the excuse that marijuana is illegal under federal law.

We can do all of this and press on to new victories for patients if we have your continued support! Please take a moment to join ASA or make a new pledge of monthly support right now. Your gift of $20, $50, or more per month will help us make the most of this case and finally succeed in defending patients’ rights to medicine. Please do it today, so we can keep fighting!

Thank you in advance for your generosity,

Don Duncan
California Director
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. For more information, please see ASA's page about the Garden Grove case @ http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/article.php?id=4412

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

ASA CA Weekly Alert 3-21-08‏

2008-03-22T08:34:19Z

Weekly Round Up
1. a. California Supreme Court Affirms ASA Win in Return of Property Case!
b. ASA, Operators, and Advocates Call on State to Protect Tax Revenue
c. DEA Raids 5 Los Angeles Dispensaries
d. Dr. Molly Fry and Dale Schafer Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison
e. Local Updates: Santa Barbara Approves Dispensary Ordinance and Sacramento Votes Against ID Cards

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
2. Tuesday, March 25, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
3. Wednesday, March 26, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting
4. Tuesday, April 1, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting
5. Thursday, April 3, Santa Rosa: Sonoma County ASA Meeting

Court Support
6. Wednesday, March 26, Oakland: General Appearance for Tainted Inc. Employees
7. Thursday, April 3, Sacramento: Change of Counsel Motion Hearing for David Davidson

Special Events
8. Tuesday, March 25, Los Angele: Rally at the Federal Building to Protest the DEA Raids
9. Friday and Saturday, April 4-5, 2008: Patients Out of Time Fifth National Conference

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Weekly Round Up

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1. a. California Supreme Court Affirms ASA Win in Return of Property Case
b. ASA, Operators, and Advocates Call on State to Protect Tax Revenue
c. DEA Raids 5 Los Angeles Dispensaries
d. Dr. Molly Fry and Dale Schafer Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison
e. Local Updates: Santa Barbara Approves Dispensary Ordinance and Sacramento Votes Against ID Cards

a. California Supreme Court Affirms ASA Win in Return of Property Case
From California Campaign Director, Don Duncan

On Wednesday, the California Supreme Court declined to review or "de-publish" the landmark ruling in City of Garden Grove v. Superior Court of Orange County (Felix Kha case) that upheld the right to return of wrongfully confiscated medical cannabis, despite federal law! The decision in Felix Kha's case was a huge victory for patients, but we feared the worst after the City of Corona asked the Supreme Court to review the case. The Court might have "de-published" the case, making it impossible to cite as a precedent in other litigation. Today's ruling was an about-face from the Supreme Court's unconscionable ruling allowing employment discrimination against legal patients in Ross v. Raginwire Telecommunications.

Now that the Felix Kha decision has been vindicated, patients and caregivers can challenge the wrongful confiscation of medicine in any court in the state. This will leave local law enforcement with a tough choice - obey California law or face a torrent of litigation under this decision. No longer can they hide behind the illusion of enforcing federal law. We have been waiting a long time for a ruling that would put some teeth in Proposition 215. This is a big incisor!

ASA spent years identifying this test case, preparing for the fight, and arguing in court. That is the kind of long-term, big picture thinking it is going to take to break the culture of resistance among some California police officers. This summer, ASA will beef up its return of property campaign to be sure every patient and caregiver in the state enjoys the full benefit of this precedent. Have a look at ASA Staff Counsel Joe Elford's blog on this topic at http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/blog/?p=74

b. ASA, Operators, and Advocates Call on State to Protect Tax Revenue

On Tuesday, advocates and dispensary operators from throughout the state met up in Sacramento to testify at the Board of Equalization's hearing to help protect safe access and sales tax. The group met with the Board to encourage them to protect an important source of revenue - $100 million in sales tax collected annually by medical marijuana dispensaries.

ASA's Chief of Staff, Rebecca Saltzman testified first saying that dispensaries' tax revenue is in danger, due to increased federal interference in the state medical marijuana program. In 2007 alone, the DEA raided more than 50 medical marijuana providers, and they embarked on a new strategy, sending more than 300 letters to landlords of dispensaries, threatening property owners with criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture. She also mentioned House Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers' intent to hold the DEA accountable for their actions against patients in future oversight hearings. Read Saltzman's report on the hearing on ASA's blog.

Following Rebecca Saltzman was Californial NORML's Dale Geiringer who broke down the numbers for the BOE, focusing on the amount of tax revenue dispensaries produce. He also discussed the problem of the DEA seizing assets from dispensaries.

Geiringer was followed by several dispensary operators and former operators from Berekeley, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma who explained the DEA threats they have been forced to face. Read more in Rebecca Saltzman's blog about the hearing.

c. DEA Raids 5 Los Angeles Dispensaries

On Thursday, the DEA raided 6 dispensaries and the private residence of an operator in Los Angeles. All of the dispensaries are from a single family of collectives. The collectives raided were:

The Holistic Caregivers, Compton
Western Caregivers Group, LA
Crenshaw Holistic Caregivers Group, LA
THC Gardena, Gardena
Southern California Caregivers Group, LA (SFV)
Med Ex, LA

No arrests were made and the collectives, which took only minor losses due to careful precautions, are expected to reopen today. During one of the raids, acitivists at the site protesting over heard one of the DEA officers tell the others that "the alert has gone out" and "they're on the way." This further shows that ASA's Raid Response Emergency Text Messaging system is working! Sign up for ASA's Emergency Response Text Messaging System to receive instant alerts about raids in your area. Visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/RaidAlert

Look for an announcement over the next few days about LA ASA's response to the raids at Los Angeles City Hall and the downtown Federal Building on Tuesday morning.

d. Dr. Molly Fry and Dale Schafer Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison

Federal Judge Frank C. Damrell sentenced Dr. Molly Fry and her husband, Dale Schafer to five years in prison for "conspiracy to grow marijuana and manufacturing it in a medicinal marijuana case." During the four hour sentencing hearing, Judge Damrell said he had no choice but to issue the statutory minimum of five years in federal prison with an option to appeal the decision. The couple has posted bail at $25,000 per person as they await appeal.

On September 28, 2001, the DEA raided the Cool, California (El Dorado County) clinic of medical marijuana physician and breast cancer patient Mollie Fry and her husband, attorney and hemophilia and chronic pain patient Dale Schafer, and seized patient records. Almost immediately after the Raich decision, on June 22, 2005, Fry and Schafer were arrested and indicted for marijuana found on the premises during the raid. In 2002, the federal government also successfully revoked Fry's DEA license to practice medicine.

In order to convince the jury to convict on charges of cultivation of more than 100 plants, the U.S. Attorney took the unusual and controversial step of aggregating the plants in gardens from three different years. Additionally, Judge Damrell did not allow them to explain to the jury that the El Dorado County Sheriffs and District Attorney had previously given them active permission to grow their relatively modest garden.

Fry & Schafer are currently caring for three beautiful children and two grandchildren in their home.

Read more about the hearing in the Sacramento Bee.

e. Local Updates: Santa Barbara Approves Dispensary Ordinance and Sacramento Votes Against ID Cards

This week, the Santa Barbara City Council unanimously voted to approve a citywide dispensary ordinance. The vote came after a 6-month moratorium which began last summer. The Santa Barbara ASA chapter has been diligently working to urge the city council to develop and implement a dispensary ordinance for over a year. Santa Barbara has seven dispensaries. Under the new regulations, only one dispensary will be in full compliance. The city council foresaw this problem and placed an addendum to the ordinance allowing the current dispensaries three years to fall into compliance with the new ordinance.

While the Santa Barbara City Council was voting for new regulations to protect safe access for patients, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors voted against implementing the state medical cannabis ID card program. The County Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 against the program. Many patients testified at the hearing asking the board to adopt the program, but the board refused. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and District Attorney testified against the program citing concern that the program would encourage marijuana use.

Thank you to Sacramento ASA chapter, Aaron Smith from the Marijuana Policy Project, and all of the other medical cannabis advocates who have been working for months to urge the Board of Supervisors to adopt the program.

To read more about Santa Barbara and Sacramento read the Santa Barbara Independent Article and the Sacramento Bee Article.

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Chapter and Affiliate Meetings

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2. Tuesday, March 25, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Join SF ASA on March 25. We will discuss the latest in medical cannabis politics, laws, science and activism. Also, we will be planning for the 6th annual Highway 420 party and other exciting upcoming events!

When: 7:30-9:00pm
Where: Bowers Pizza on 11th street in SF

For more information, contact: aaaFranco@yahoo.com

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3. Wednesday, March 26, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

Join the East Bay ASA Chapter as we continue to fight for safe access in California. We are excited to have California Director, Don Duncan, joining us at our East Bay meeting to give us the latest updates on California's campaigns. We will be also discussing upcoming court dates, a recap on the civil disobedience training, and national updates.

When: 7:00pm
Where: ASA Headquarters
1322 Webster St. Suite 402 (just 2 blocks from 12th St. BART!)
Oakland, CA

For more information contact: Rebecca@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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4. Tuesday, April 1, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting

There are several medical marijuana activities over the next month. Please come and find out how you can get involved. We will be discussing current state campaigns, reaching out to condition-based groups, and many more events on the horizon.

When: Tuesday the 19th at 7:00pm
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Ave. Suite H in Sacramento

For more information, contact Lanette: CannaCare@earthlink.net

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5. Thursday, April 3, Santa Rosa: Sonoma County ASA Meeting

Please join Sonoma County ASA as we discuss pressing local, state, and federal safe access issues.

When: Thursday, April 3, 5:00-7:00pm
Where: South City View Room
Department of Public Health
625 5th St., Santa Rosa, CA (Between Humboldt and Mendocino)

For more information, contact Sarah@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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Court Support

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Thank you to Vanessa Nelson for helping ASA stay on top of upcoming court dates!

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6. Wednesday, March 26, Oakland: General Appearance for Tainted Inc. Employees

Please come out and show your support for the four former Tainted Inc. employees. On September 26, 2007, the DEA raided five locations in Oakland and San Leandro, allegedly confiscating hundreds of edibles and 460 plants, and arresting Jessica Sanders (30), Michael Anderson (42), and Diallo McLinn (35). After a press conference on October 4, Michael Martin (33), who had been on vacation during the raid, voluntarily turned himself in. All four are charged with conspiracy to manufacture or distribute controlled substances and are out on bail. Tainted Edibles were available for patients as an alternative to smoking at dispensing collectives across the state.

When: Mar 26, 2008 from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Where: 1301 Clay St., Oakland CA (Judge Wilken's
Courtroom)

For more information contact: freetainted@yahoo.com

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7. Thursday, April 3, Sacramento: Change of Counsel Motion Hearing for David Davidson

Medical marijuana patients David Davidson & Cynthia Blake were raided in 2003 by Tehama County Sheriffs and were arrested on federal charges in January 2004. Blake took a plea deal in 2007 in which she received an 18-month sentence in exchange for cooperation. Davidson is now facing manufacturing and conspiracy to manufacture more than 1,000 plants and is currently incarcerated in Sacramento, with Tony Serra as his representation.

When: April 3rd at 9am
Where: Before Judge Morrison England, Jr
U.S. District Court (E.D., CA),
Courtroom 3, 15th Floor at 501 "I" Street in Sacramento

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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Special Events
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8. Tuesday, March 25, Los Angele: Rally at the Federal Building to Protest the DEA Raids

The DEA raided six medical cannabis dispensing collectives and one private residence in the Los Angeles area yesterday, the latest attack on patients’ access in a continued campaign of federal interference and intimidation. We need a show of support for the victims and opposition to the DEA. Join advocates at the Los Angeles Federal Building downtown on Tuesday morning to make your voice heard!

What: Medical Cannabis Protest at the Federal Building

When: 11:00 AM * Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Where: The Federal Building (and DEA offices) * 255 W. Temple St., Downtown Los Angeles

Bring signs and banners! Invite your friends! Take a stand for safe access! Details to follow this weekend.

For more information contact Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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9. Friday and Saturday, April 4-5, 2008: Patients Out of Time Fifth National Conference

Question: Have you registered for the Patients Out of Time national conference yet? If not, please register today!

Save the date for the Fifth National Patients Out of Time conference for April 4th and 5th. For more information and to register visit www.MedicalCannabis.com/registration

The Patient Out of Time Conference will feature patients, activists, doctors, and researchers gathering to discuss the latest research on medical marijuana. This important conference only happens once every other year, so if you are a patient, doctor, researcher, and/or supporter, we strongly encourage you to look into attending the conference, which will be held at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula.
--

Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org

Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 321 F: 510-251-2036

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Making Cannabis Legal: We Can Do It -- Here's How...

2008-02-15T02:46:20Z

http://www.alternet.org/drugreporter/76698/

Making Pot Legal: We Can Do It -- Here's How
By Paul Armentano, AlterNet
Posted on February 12, 2008, Printed on February 12, 2008
http://www.alternet.org/story/76698/

This month marks my 13th year working for marijuana law reform. During this time I've witnessed many successes and many more signs of progress. Nevertheless, it remains frustratingly clear that despite sincere efforts and millions poured into campaigns, very little headway has been made toward attaining the larger, essential goals of the movement -- specifically, abolishing the criminal laws that result in the arrest and prosecution of more than half a million Americans every year for possessing even small amounts of herb and establishing a framework for regulating legal access to marijuana to adults.

Is either one of these goals achievable? Certainly. Is either goal realistic? Not until we as a movement instigate significant shifts in both public attitude and political opinion.

Identifying the problems

For several decades, various organizations have pushed for the establishment of a legal and regulated market for adult cannabis use in the United States. Yet, despite extensive educational efforts and millions poured into various legislative campaigns, it's consistently been shown in opinion polls and at the voting booth that only between a third to 46 percent of Americans endorse legalizing the personal use of cannabis for adults.
As a result, the marijuana law reforms that have been enacted over the past several decades have been limited in scope. Specifically, these legal reforms fall into two distinct categories: "decriminalization" (exempting adult cannabis users from incarceration, but not necessarily arrest, under specified circumstances) and "medicalization" (exempting certain state-authorized medical marijuana patients from state-specific criminal sanctions). To date, 12 states -- almost one-third of the U.S. population -- have enacted limited versions of "decriminalization." Twelve states have also adopted various versions of "medicalization."
Both of these concepts -- unlike legalization -- enjoy majority support from the public, with national polls consistently finding that roughly 60 percent of Americans back "decriminalization" and nearly eight out of ten support the medical use of pot under a physician's supervision. But political support for these reforms has been historically weak, limiting the extent of their implementation.

In order to effectively move the debate forward, there has to be a clear sense of why -- despite years of public outreach -- we have failed to persuade a majority of the public that broader pot law reforms are needed. In addition, we must also identify why -- despite years of lobbying -- we have failed to persuade a majority of politicians that even incremental reforms are needed.

Changing the political landscape

All hot-button political issues -- most notably the struggle for "gay rights," immigration reform, and reproductive autonomy -- have faced significant political opposition, particularly from "conservative" or "right-wing" legislators. Similar political antipathy (e.g., opposition from religious or so-called "pro-family" organizations) has obstructed sensible federal marijuana law reforms. Why are political leaders typically unwilling to embrace marijuana law reform as a core, civil rights issue, and what must be done to change this? Below are four suggestions.

Media complacency

Mainstream media coverage of the cannabis issue is often inaccurate and rarely criticizes government policy. Alarmist stories about the alleged dangers of pot often get widespread coverage while evidence that refutes these claims is minimized or ignored. Finally, news reporters typically give greater credence and coverage to government officials espousing the need to maintain the "status quo" while granting far less weight to experts who disagree.

To combat this media bias, pot reformers must do a better job providing consistent and resonant messages to reporters, as well as establishing long-lasting, personal relationships with key journalists and opinion makers. Advocates could consider dedicating resources for print and media advertising campaigns to offset the federal government's anti-drug advertising budget, which annually spends some hundred million dollars in taxpayers' dollars and matching funds to buy television and radio commercials warning about the alleged dangers of pot.

Law enforcement opposition

The law enforcement community is a multifaceted and persuasive lobby group that holds tremendous sway with politicians. More than any single interest group, cops are the most vocal opponents -- in the media and as witnesses at government hearings -- of all aspects of marijuana law reform. In addition, law enforcement typically continues to oppose pot liberalization policies even after such policies have become law -- thus making their implementation that much more difficult (and, often times, less effective). For example, legislation passed last year in Texas allowing police to ticket, rather than arrest, minor marijuana offenders has thus far been implemented in only one county -- despite having been passed nearly unanimously by state politicians.

The drug law reform movement must engage in greater and more active outreach within the law enforcement community. While some groups are already engaging in such efforts, these actions too often rely on the recruitment of retired members of law enforcement and the criminal justice community. Only by recruiting active members of law enforcement can we begin to build necessary credibility and support among politicians, and provide a persuasive counter to the lobbying activities of various state and federal criminal justice associations.

Victims of pot prohibition lack a public face

While there are countless victims of marijuana prohibition -- over 10 million Americans have been arrested for violating U.S. pot laws since 1990 and an estimated 45,000 of them now sit in state or federal prison -- there are few if any publicly recognized "poster children" that embody the excesses of the government's war on weed. Without parading the images and stories of sympathetic victims of various ages, races, and economic strata before the public, most Americans are unlikely to be convinced that the country should amend its pot laws.

Marijuana law reform is often presented by the activist community as a broad political concept (e.g., "Hemp can save the planet!"). It is not. At its core level, it is an effort to bring civil justice to millions of Americans who have been targeted, persecuted, and in many cases, have had their lives ruined for no other reason than the fact that they chose cannabis rather than alcohol to relax.

The harsh penalties associated with a minor marijuana arrest are rarely attacked as extreme or counterproductive. These sanctions include probation and mandatory drug testing, loss of employment, loss of child custody, removal from subsidized housing, asset forfeiture, loss of student aid, loss of voting privileges, loss of adoption rights and the loss of certain federal welfare benefits such as food stamps.
Thousands of Americans suffer such sanctions every day -- at a rate of one person every 38 seconds. Our movement must do a better job of humanizing this issue to the public by emphasizing the personal stories and tragedies endured by the millions of individual Americans who have suffered unduly and egregiously under criminal prohibition. We must also do a better job of recruiting high-profile celebrities and human rights advocates to publicly speak out on these victims' behalf.

Victims of pot prohibition lack sufficient political or financial resources

Criminal marijuana enforcement disproportionately impacts citizens by age. According to a 2005 study commissioned by the NORML Foundation, 74 percent of all Americans busted for pot are under age 30, and one out of four are age 18 or younger. Though these young people suffer the most under our current laws, they lack the financial means and political capital to effectively influence politicians to challenge them. Young people also lack the money to adequately fund the drug law reform movement at a level necessary to adequately represent and protect their interests.

Marijuana enforcement also disproportionately impacts citizens by race. According to NORML's 2005 report, adult African-Americans account for only 12 percent of annual marijuana users, but comprise 23 percent of all marijuana possession arrests in the United States. In some jurisdictions, such as New York City, minorities comprise more than 80 percent of all individuals arrested for pot offenses. However, despite the law's disproportionate impact on minorities, marijuana law reform is seldom portrayed as a racial equality issue.
The marijuana law reform movement must do a better job of engaging with organizations working toward racial equality to properly convey to politicians and the public that this issue is about racial justice and fundamental fairness. Additionally, reformers must do a better job allying with organizations that speak on behalf of youth, particularly urban youth -- who are most at risk of suffering from the lifetime hardships associated with a marijuana conviction. Finally, reformers must reach out to the parents of young people and urge them to become active members of the cannabis law reform movement, which needs the majority of parents to join its ranks as both financial contributors and as political advocates in order to gain the political support necessary to bring about a change in the country's pot laws.

Changing the public's mindset

A strong majority of Americans -- nearly 75 percent -- say that they oppose jailing pot offenders, yet fewer than 50 percent support regulating cannabis so that adults no longer face arrest or incarceration for engaging in the drug's use. Why this apparent paradox? In large part, this ambivalence may be a result of the shortcomings of the drug law reform movement.

Though historically reformers have been effective at presenting persuasive arguments critical of prohibition's failings, we as a movement have devoted far less time and resources educating the public to the numerous societal benefits offered by the alternative: allowing states the option to restrict, tax and regulate the use and sale of marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. The focus must change. It is time for the drug law reform movement to move beyond offering criticism and begin providing solutions. If our solution is a model of legalization -- with state-mandated age controls and pot sales restricted to state-licensed stores -- then we must begin to consistently and repeatedly articulate the details and advantages of this alternative to the public.

Finally, in order to move public support for such a regulated system above 50 percent, the marijuana law reform movement must adequately identify those demographic groups -- such as parents of teenage children and/or women -- that tend to voice lower support for legalization as compared to other populations, such as "twenty-somethings" or college educated males. (Notably, a 2006 poll by NORML found that, among all age groups polled, the least amount of support for regulating pot was among those aged 30 to 49!) Once these groups are properly identified, reformers must create distinctly tailored messages and talking points to effectively target their unique concerns. I've listed three of these concerns, as well as suggestions for how best to respond to them, below.

Legalizing cannabis like alcohol will increase teens' access and use of pot

One of the great ironies of prohibition is that criminalization's proponents allege that the existing policy is one of drug "control." In fact, prohibition is just the opposite.

Cannabis prohibition is responsible for driving the production, sale and use of marijuana underground. Under the current system, clandestine marijuana suppliers produce pot of unknown quantity and sell it in an unrestricted market to customers of any age. By contrast, a regulated and restricted system would limit the supply of cannabis to young people, while bringing the production and sale of pot for adults within the framework of an above ground, readily accountable marketplace. As reformers, we need to stress to parents that it is only through the implementation of marijuana legalization that they can begin to regain the sense of control that they have lost under the existing anarchic regime.

Legalizing cannabis like alcohol will send a public a message that pot is "OK"

Of all the concerns commonly expressed by the public, fears that marijuana regulation will imply that pot is "OK" may be the easiest to respond to. Why? Because compared to the use and abuse of other legal intoxicants -- most notably alcohol and tobacco -- the responsible use of marijuana is, by typical societal standards, "OK." Pot lacks the dependence liability of tobacco or booze and, unlike alcohol -- or even aspirin -- marijuana consumption is incapable of causing a fatal overdose. According to government survey data, the majority of Americans who use pot do so intermittently -- not daily -- and most voluntarily cease their habit by time they reach their early 30s. (Compare this use pattern to most people's use of cigarettes, a habit that often continues unabated throughout one's lifetime.) Of course, inhaling marijuana smoke over time may be associated with certain pulmonary risks, such as wheezing and chest tightness. However, most of these adverse effects can be mitigated by vaporizing cannabis -- a practice that heats marijuana to a temperature where active cannabis vapors form, but below the point of combustion.

It is time for marijuana law reformers to embrace rather than dispute the notion that the responsible use of cannabis by adults falls well within the ambit of choice we permit individuals in a free society. Reformers shouldn't be afraid to educate the public as to the relative safety of cannabis, particularly when compared to the use of other common intoxicants. Recently, a regional education campaign comparing and contrasting pot use with alcohol launched by the group SAFER (Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation) resulted in a majority of Denver voters electing to do away with minor marijuana law enforcement within the city's limits. The enactment of a similar marijuana "image enhancement" campaign by reformers on a national level would arguably result in a significant increase in public support for broader legalization.

Legalizing cannabis like alcohol will lead to an increase in incidences of drugged driving

According to a 2007 Zogby poll of over 1,000 registered voters, only 36 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, "Should marijuana be legally taxed and regulated like liquor, tobacco or gambling?" By contrast, 44 percent of these same respondents voiced support for legalization "if police had a roadside impairment test for marijuana like they have for alcohol." In other words, the public's concern about traffic safety significantly impedes their support for broader cannabis legalization. Reformers need to address this public concern by offering potential solutions to mitigate incidences of driving while impaired by cannabis.
For example, the marijuana law reform movement should encourage the development of educational or public service campaigns targeting drugged driving behavior. Such campaigns should particularly be aimed toward the younger driving population age 16 to 25 -- as this group is most likely use cannabis and report having operated a motor vehicle shortly after consuming pot. Reformers should also encourage additional funding and training for DREs (drug recognition experts) to better identify drivers who may be operating a vehicle while impaired by marijuana. Finally, the development of cannabis-sensitive technology to rapidly identify the presence of THC in drivers, such as a roadside saliva test, would provide utility to law enforcement in their efforts to better identify potentially intoxicated drivers. Reformers' endorsement of these and other traffic-safety specific campaigns will increase support among the public (and arguably law enforcement) in favor of regulating cannabis by assuaging their concerns that such a policy would potentially lead to an increase in drugged driving activity.

The long-expressed goals of the marijuana law reform movement to end the arrests of responsible adult pot smokers and enact a regulated system of cannabis access and sales are achievable. However, these goals will continue to remain unattainable unless this movement begins to better address the political and public hurdles that have plagued it for more than 30 years.

Paul Armentano is the senior policy analyst for the NORML Foundation in Washington, D.C. Armentano is an expert in the field of marijuana policy, health and pharmacokinetics. He has spoken at numerous national conferences and legal seminars, testified before several state legislatures and federal bodies, and assisted dozens of criminal defense attorneys in cases pertaining to the use of medicinal cannabis and drugged driving.

© 2008 Independent Media Institute. All rights reserved.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

ASA CA Weekly Alert 2-8-08

2008-02-15T02:43:20Z

ASA California Weekly Alert: February 8, 2008
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*Make Sure We Stay On Top of It:* If you wish to have a medical cannabis event, meeting, federal trial, and/or city or county hearing listed in the ASA CA Weekly Alert, please send information to Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org no later than Thursdays by 3:00pm.
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Weekly Round Up
1. a. Fullerton City Council Rejects Dispensary Ban
b. Placer County Votes to Implement the Medical Marijuana State ID Card
c . Medical Cannabis Providers Plea Guilty to Federal Charges

Take Action
2. Celebrate Medical Marijuana Week, February the 11th-17th

Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
3. Saturday, February 9, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting
4. Monday, February 11: Fresno ASA Meeting
5. Tuesday, February 12, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting
6. Wednesday, February 13, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting
7. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles ASA Meeting
8. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition Meeting
9. Thursday, February 21, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

City and County Hearings
10. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: San Francisco Board of Supervisors to Vote on Resolution to Support Rep. Conyers' Pledge to Hold DEA Oversight Hearings
11. Tuesday, February 19, Fullerton: City Council to Discuss a Dispensary Ordinance

Court Support
12. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: Sentencing Hearing for Jeff Sanderson
13. Friday, February 22, Fresno: Evidentiary Hearing for California Healthcare Collective

*Medical Marijuana Week Activities
14. Sunday, February 10, San Francisco: Medical Marijuana University
15. Monday, February 11, Marin County: Showing of In Pot We Trust
16. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: Know Your Rights Legal Training
17. Wednesday, February 13, Oakland: Sneak Preview of a New Medical Marijuana Movie
18. Thursday, February 14, San Francisco: Valentine's Spread the Love Seed Planting
19. Friday, February 15, Oakland: Patients' Testimonials Video and Photo Shoot
20. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles: LA ASA Meeting and Special Guest Speaker, Jahan Marcu
21. Saturday, February 16, Oakland: Civil Disobedience Training for Emergency Response
22. Saturday, February 16, Berkeley: Medical Marijuana Movie Matinee
23. Sunday, February 17, San Francisco: SF ASA 215 Party
24. Saturday, February 23, Sacramento: Sacramento Medical Marijuana Patients Art Show*

Special Events
25. Sunday, February 10, Palm Springs: Comedy Event Fundraiser for Senior Medical Marijuana Defendants*
26. Save the Date: April 4-5, 2008: Patients Out of Time Fifth National Conference
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Weekly Round Up
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1. a. Fullerton City Council Rejects Dispensary Ban
b. Placer County Votes to Implement the Medical Marijuana State ID Card
c . Medical Cannabis Providers Plea Guilty to Federal Charges*

a. Fullerton City Council Rejects Dispensary Ban

This week, the Fullerton City Council met to discuss a proposed ban of medical cannabis collectives or adopt regulations to protect patients and the community. Activists, patients, and providers voiced their opposition to a ban and shared their concerns and need for safe access at the City Council's hearing. The city council responded to the community's plea and by voting 3-2 against a ban and in favor of dispensary regulations.

This victory for safe access is the first step in securing access in Fullerton. The city council voted to continue the hearing. The council will be meeting on February 19 to discuss adopting regulations. Please see the "City and County Hearings" section for more details on the upcoming hearing.*

b. Placer County Votes to Implement the Medical Marijuana State ID Card

Placer County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of implementing the state medical marijuana ID card program. The Board of Supervisors passed the state ID card program with a unanimous vote. The only debate the supervisors' had was the fee for the card, which after discussion was set at $125.00.
The ID cards are scheduled to be available for Placer County patients on March 1st. ASA will keep you updated on any new developments regarding Placer County and the ID cards as news comes in.

c . Medical Cannabis Providers Plea Guilty to Federal Charges

The Compassionate Caregivers defendants all pleaded guilty this week to federal charges. The Compassionate Caregivers owners and employees were charged with federal charges in 2005, after the DEA, IRS, and ATF investigated and raided several of the dispensaries in the Compassionate Caregivers network.

Larry Roger Kristich, the former owner of the seven medical cannabis dispensaries, Compassionate Caregivers, who recently returned to the U.S. from Costa Rica plead guilty to federal narcotics and money laundering charges. Compassionate Caregivers operated dispensaries in Bakersfield, West Hollywood, Oakland, San Diego, San Leandro, Ukiah, and San Francisco (Mission Street Caregivers), all of which are now closed.The other two defendants in the case also pleaded guilty to federal charges.

To read more about the case click here <http://lawfuel.com/show-release.asp?ID=16865>.

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Take Action
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2. Celebrate Medical Marijuana Week, February the 11th-17th

To celebrate the growing support for medical cannabis and the spread of safe access in medical cannabis states throughout the nation, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has organized Medical Marijuana Week 2008. To find out about this year's activities visit: www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/MMJWeek. This will be the sixth annual Medical Marijuana Week, held during the week of 2/15 to commemorate the passage of Proposition 215, California's medical cannabis law.

This year, we are calling on you and advocates nationwide to take action every day this week. Celebrate Medical Marijuana Week with us by educating your community, meeting with your U.S. Senators, writing letters to the editor, and more!

Get ready to take action next week! For a sneak preview visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/MMJWeek today!

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Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
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3. Saturday, February 9, Willits: Mendocino ASA Meeting

Come celebrate Medical Marijuana Awareness Week with Mendocino ASA at our monthly potluck and meeting. Medical cannabis supporters are welcome!

When: Saturday, the 9th at 12:00pm
Where: The Ping Pong Club at 475 E. Valley Rd. in Willits

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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4. Monday, February 11: Fresno ASA Meeting

The Fresno Chapter of ASA will be meeting on Monday February 11. We have a lot of topics to cover regarding safe access, so please join us.

When: February the 11th at 6:00pm
Where: Fig Garden library located in the shopping center on Marks & Bullard.

If you have any questions please contact Diana at fresnocagal@sbcglobal.net

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5. Tuesday, February 12, San Diego: San Diego ASA Meeting

Join us at the San Diego ASA meeting this month. Our San Diego chapter of ASA has been busy lately and needs you to get involved. We will be discussing important local issues including medical marijuana week. It is time to get involved and protect safe access!

Twiggs Coffee House
4590 Park Blvd.
In the Green Room
7:00-8:00 p.m.
For more information, contact: sdasa420@yahoo.com.

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6. Wednesday, February 13, Newport Beach: Orange County ASA Meeting

Please attend the meeting next Wednesday as we celebrate Medical Marijuana Awareness Week and discuss other pressing local, state, and national campaigns.

When: 7:00pm
Where: Law Offices of WENTWORTH, PAOLI & PURDY, LLP
4631 Teller Avenue, Suite 100
Newport Beach, CA 92660

For more information, contact Bill: OCLawyer@aol.com.

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7. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles ASA Meeting

The next LA-ASA meeting will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 16. We will be talking about our Emergency Response plans, local regulations, and the latest news in the statewide campaign. We will also be hosting a special guest for an exciting presentation. Please see the "Medical Marijuana Week Events" section below for more information.

What: LA-ASA Meeting

When: 1 PM * Saturday, February 16, 2008

Where: Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107.
(The cross street is Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

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8. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition Meeting

There are several medical marijuana activities over the next month. Please come and find out how you can get involved. We will be discussing Medical Marijuana Awareness Week, upcoming campaigns, reaching out to condition-based groups and many more events on the horizon.

When: Tuesday the 19th at 7:00pm
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Ave. Suite H in Sacramento

For more information, contact Nathan at: nathan@CompassionateCoalition.org

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9. Thursday, February 21, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

The Humboldt County Chapter of Americans for Safe Access will be meeting Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 6 p.m. in the community recreation room of the Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex at 550 Union Street, Arcata.

ASA of Humboldt meets on the third Thursday of every month. Park across the street in the Arcata Community Center parking lot. Limited Handicapped parking is available on site. All interested persons should call (707) 445 8154 or email asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net for further information.

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City and County Hearings
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10. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: San Francisco Board of Supervisors to Vote on Resolution to Support Rep. Conyers' Pledge to Hold DEA Oversight Hearings

*The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hear a resolution on Tuesday, February 12 which would show their support for the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee's, John Conyer's, statements in support of holding DEA oversight hearings investigating the DEA's escalating attacks on medical cannabis patients and providers.

Please come out and show your support for the resolution.
When: 2:00pm on February the 12th
Where: Supervisors chambers on the second floor
1 Carlton B Goodlett Pl in San Francisco
For more information, contact Alex at: aaaFranco@yahoo.com
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11. Tuesday, February 19, Fullerton: City Council to Discuss a Dispensary Ordinance

After voting 3 to 2 against a ban on dispensaries the Fullerton City Council will be discussing the development and implementation of a dispensary ordinance. Please come out and show your support for safe access.

Download ASA's talking points about dispensary regulations. <http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=2717>

What: Fullerton City Council Meeting
When: Beginning at 5:00 PM * Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Where: 303 West Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92832

For more information, contact Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

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Court Support
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12. Tuesday, February 19, Sacramento: Sentencing Hearing for Jeff Sanderson

On August 14, 2006, a local-federal task force arrested Plumas County patients Jeff Sanderson (who also serves as a caregiver for nine other patients) & Alice Wiegand in a raid for allegedly growing more than 260 plants. Though they were released from Plumas County jail within several days, on September 5, 2006, Sanderson was rearrested by federal agents and is being prosecuted on federal charges of manufacturing and conspiracy to manufacture more than 100 marijuana plants. Authorities confiscated all of the plants and medicine, and have initiated asset forfeiture proceedings on their home and family farm. Sanderson is currently being detained in Sacramento County Main Jail awaiting sentencing and both he and Wiegand have agreed to accept plea bargains.

When: Tuesday, the 19th at10:00am
Where: Before Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr. in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA),
Courtrooom 2, 15th Floor at 501 "I" Street in Sacramento.

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13. Friday, February 22, Fresno: Evidentiary Hearing for California Healthcare Collective

This hearing is subject to change based on witness availability. After the City of Modesto failed to shut down the California Healthcare Collective by banning dispensaries, it called in the DEA. On September 27, 2006, the DEA raided the collective and arrested four people (owner-operators Luke Scarmazzo and Ricardo Montes and two staff members) on charges of distribution of marijuana and conspiracy to distribute. Scarmazzo and Montes were also charged with possession of firearms and money laundering. Later, an additional five people were indicted, bringing the total to nine people being prosecuted by the federal government. In the raid, the DEA allegedly seized more than 100 pounds of marijuana, one thousand plants, multiple firearms, and more than $200,000 in cash. The raids were the result of a 15-month investigation between the DEA and the Modesto Police Department. Since Judge O'Neill finally decided to release Monica Valencia on bail after 7 months in federal prison, all defendants have been released on bail pending trial. Recently, Bradley Heinmiller, Bradley Wickliffe and Stephen DeMattos have pled guilty to avoid trial, and only six defendants (Scarmazzo, Montes, Valencia, Lucky Boissiere, Jose Malagon, and Antonio Malagon) remain. The trial confirmation hearing is expected to occur on March 14, 2008 at 8:45am, and the trial is expected to begin on April 15th, 2008 at 9am. For more info, see Vanessa Nelson's article <http://www.medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com/content/view/155/1/>

When: Friday, the 22nd at 1:15pm
Where: Before Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA)
2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA.
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Medical Marijuana Awareness Week Events
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14. Sunday, February 10, San Francisco: Medical Marijuana University

When: 1:00-4:00p.m.
Where: The Women's Building
3543 18th St # 8, San Francisco

Join us for the 5th Annual Medical Cannabis University. Come get your diploma in Medical Cannabis Law, Research, and Cultivation!

Sponsored by Americans for Safe Access, San Francisco

For more information, please contact asasf@gmail.com

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15. Monday, February 11, Marin County: Showing of In Pot We Trust

Screening with the Star of Showtime's in Pot We Trust

For time & location e-mail: medicalmaryjane@hotmail.com

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16. Tuesday, February 12, San Francisco: Know Your Rights Legal Training

When: 7-9pm
Where: Medical Marijuana Activist Resource Center (next door to Hope Net Dispensary)
223A 9th Street between Howard & Folsom.

Come practice how to deal with law enforcement encounters through a series of roleplays. Learn what do when you get pulled over, police show up at you door, or what happens after you are arrested.

Sponsored by ASA SF

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17. Wednesday, February 13, Oakland: Sneak Preview of a New Medical Marijuana Movie

What: Sneak Preview of an unreleased docu-commedy on Cannabis.
Where: Oaksterdam University
410 15th St. Oakland
When: Door 7pm, Movie 7:30 (90 minutes)

Featuring well-known comedians and includes footage of Don Duncan and protests of the DEA raids in L.A.

For more information please call: 510.251.1544

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18. Thursday, February 14, San Francisco: Valentine's Spread the Love Seed Planting

Help us deliver a Valentine to Mayor Newsom! Bring plants and seeds to plant in Civic Center.

When: 4:20pm
Where: San Francisco Civic Center Plaza

For more information, contact asasf@gmail.com

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19. Friday, February 15, Oakland: Patients' Testimonials Video and Photo Shoot

Calling All Patients in the Bay Area!

Are you a medical marijuana patient? Are you willing to share your story with the world? Are you interested in being the new face of ASA and having your picture on our website? If so, please join Americans for Safe Access at our headquarters in Oakland on February 15, during Medical Marijuana Awareness Week, for our YouTube video testimonials and photo shoot day. On Feb.15 we are asking patients willing to share their story on camera to come in and film a short 1-3 minute video testimonial to be posted on YouTube and ASA's website to help educate the world about medical marijuana and why people need safe access.

If you would rather do a written testimonial and have your picture on the website, please come in and join us that day for a photo shoot. The video and photo shoot will take place at ASA headquarters on February 15th, 11:00am-7:00pm.
In order to participate in this event, we need you to sign up for a time slot. To sign up, RSVP to Josie@AmericansforSafeAccess.org or call (510) 251-1856 . Time slots are going to be fillied on a first come first serve basis so sign-up today! We will also need you to sign a release when you come to the shoot to allow ASA to share your story.

Please join us for a fun and important day of filming and photo shoot!

When: Friday, February 15th, 11:00am-7:00pm
Where: ASA Headquarters
1322 Webster St., Suite 402
Oakland, CA
How: RSVP to Josie@AmericansforSafeAccess.org or call (510) 251-1856 to sign up for a time slot!

------------------------------------------------------------------------
20. Saturday, February 16, Los Angeles: LA ASA Meeting and Special Guest Speaker, Jahan Marcu

Medical cannabis researcher Jahan Marcu will be our special guest speaker on February 16. Jahan is currently investigating cannabinoid synergy at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, and effectively translates complex scientific concepts to a lay audience. As the youth member of ASA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, Mr. Marcu represents the future of cannabinoid research, and is developing international networks of key cannabis researchers. He has served as a volunteer for ASA since 2003. He has lectured on the subject of cannabinoids at Cannabis Cooperatives and at New College of California. At San Francisco State University, he investigated the therapeutic applicability of whole plant cannabinoid ratios, correlating these ratios to effects reported by medical cannabis patients and in clinical trials. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology at San Francisco State University.

What: LA-ASA Meeting with special guest speaker, Jahan Marcu
When: 1 PM * Saturday, February 16, 2008
Where: Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107.
(The cross street is Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

Visit http://www.ASAaction.org to find a map and public transit information.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
21. Saturday, February 16, Oakland: Civil Disobedience Training for Emergency Response

What: Civil Disobedience Training for Emergency Response
When: 12-2pm
Where: 1322 Webster Suite 402 in Oakland, CA

For more information, contact Rebecca@AmericansforSafeAccess.org or call (510)251-1856 .

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12. Saturday, February 16, Berkeley: Medical Marijuana Movie Matinee

What: Medical Marijuana Film Festival
When: 2-9pm
Where: 48th and Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley

Movies to be announced.

More info available on nberkhills@sbcglobal.net

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22. Sunday, February 17, San Francisco: SF ASA 215 Party

Celebrating California's State Law, Prop 215 inspiring Medical Marijuana Awareness Week

Featuring: Live Music and DJ's: Reggae, Hip Hop and Latin Beats. Door Prizes, Community Awards and Much Much More...

When: 8:00pm
Where: 2700 16th Street at Harrison
Other Details: $10 Admission. Hemp Ale & Cuban Food Available

For information check out sf.safeaccessnow.org

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23. Saturday, February 23, Sacramento: Sacramento Medical Marijuana Patients Art Show*

More details to come....

The Brick House 2837 36th Street
Time: 7:00pm
For more information contact: 916-325-9000

All of this information is available at SF ASA's website:
sf.safeaccessnow.org

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Special Events
------------------------------------------------------------------------
24. Sunday, February 10, Palm Springs: Comedy Event Fundraiser for Senior Medical Marijuana Defendants

Like many high desert senior citizens, JoAnn and Rich McCabe find that marijuana provides safe, effective symptomatic relief for the ailments of advancing years and use it specifically to manage their arthritis, insomnia and chronic back and joint pain. For following state law and doing what the voters of California said they could do, they are now paying a terrible price -- a price they cannot afford.

Please come out and help JoAnn and Rich McCabe and have a great time as well!

What: Benefit Show Featuring Celebrity Impersonators at CopyKatz Showroom
When: Sunday, February 10 at 3:00pm
Where: CopyKatz Showroom and Backstage Bistro located at 210 South Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs

Other details: A $20 cover charge to attend will be requested with all funds from the cover charge and auction going directly to the defense fund.

For more information, contact Lanny Swerdlow at: 760-799-2055 .

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25. Save the Date: April 4-5, 2008: Patients Out of Time Fifth National Conference

*Question: Have you registered for the Patients Out of Time national conference yet? If not, please register today <http://www.MedicalCannabis.com/registration>!
Save the date for the Fifth National Patients Out of Time conference for April 4th and 5th. For more information and to register visit www.MedicalCannabis.com/registration <http://www.MedicalCannabis.com>

The Patient Out of Time Conference will feature patients, activists, doctors, and researchers gathering to discuss the latest research on medical marijuana. This important conference only happens once every other year, so if you are a patient, doctor, researcher, and/or supporter, we strongly encourage you to look into attending the conference, which will be held at Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula.
--

Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org

Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 321 F: 510-251-2036

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

LA-ASA Meeting - Sat 2/16 w/ Jahan Marcu

2008-02-15T02:41:01Z

Hello, ASA Members and Friends. The next LA-ASA meeting will be at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 16. We will be talking about our Emergency Response plans, local regulations, and the latest news in the statewide campaign. I will be returning from a visit to Sacramento the day before, and hope to bring good news!

What: LA-ASA Meeting

When: 1 PM * Saturday, February 16, 2008

Where: Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107.
(The cross street is Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

Visit http://www.ASAaction.org to find a map and public transit information.

Medical cannabis researcher Jahan Marcu will be our special guest speaker on February 16. Jahan is currently investigating cannabinoid synergy at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, and effectively translates complex scientific concepts to a lay audience. As the youth member of ASA's Medical and Scientific Advisory Board, Mr. Marcu represents the future of cannabinoid research, and is developing international networks of key cannabis researchers. He has served as a volunteer for ASA since 2003. He has lectured on the subject of cannabinoids at Cannabis Cooperatives and at New College of California. At San Francisco State University, he investigated the therapeutic applicability of whole plant cannabinoid ratios, correlating these ratios to effects reported by medical cannabis patients and in clinical trials. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology at San Francisco State University.

Please post agenda items you would like to discuss here. Invite your friends... all medical cannabis supporters are welcome!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Don Duncan
ASA California Campaign Director
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Marc Emery, Prince of Pot, takes Time 4 Hemp!

2008-01-30T04:47:10Z

Marc Emery is called the 'Prince of Pot' and claims to have sold more marijuana seeds than anyone in the world. To date, no one has disputed that claim. He lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, he is the founder of Cannabis Culture magazien, and considered by the U.S. government to be the biggest drug kingpin in history.

Just days before embarking on his 16-city 'Farewell Tour Across Canada' (and a few short weeks before entering prision for a 10-year stay), Marc was nice enough to sit down and take Time 4 Hemp.

Featured Music Artists:

The Individuals
Muck Sticky
Negative Index
Bob Marley
John Lennon

If you get a few minutes of free time, check out my new MySpace Time 4 Hemp Group Site at:
http://groups.myspace.com/ATime4Hemp

Please be kind enough to share this information with everyone who you know would enjoy these free downloads.

Keep Strong!

Casper Leitch
Creator/Host: Time 4 Hemp
http://www.Time4Hemp.com

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Bad news regarding Marc Emery. (Crossposted from Politics Tribe)

2008-01-29T11:43:42Z

Bad news I am afraid. It's about Marc Emery.

Please go to the original link here, and help keep this topic open. Please post a reply expressing your concern:

http://uspolitics.tribe.net/thread/7e39f67d-5273-441d-8420-d037264d3cb7

Marc Emery, a Canadian cannabis and libertarian activist, is considering a plea bargain to save his two friends from going to prison in the United States. In the following interview on CBC National News, Emery explains the situation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4uc98rM33M

The plea bargain will most likely sentence Marc to a five-year prison term. In consideration of possible incarceration, Emery is “thinking of embarking on a Farewell Tour across Canada to speak to the people one last time.” The following is the proposed schedule:

St. John's, Newfoundland - Feb. 19
Halifax, Nova Scotia - Feb. 21
Moncton, New Brunswick - Feb. 22
Quebec City - Feb. 23
Montreal - Feb. 25
Ottawa - Feb. 26
Toronto - Feb. 27
London - Feb. 29
Sudbury - March 1
Winnipeg - March 3
Regina - March 4
Saskatoon - March 5
Calgary - March 6
Edmonton - March 7
Whitehorse - March 8
Kamloops - March 10
Victoria - March 12

Emery is also asking for help to raise funds for this tour. It’s estimated that the cost will be approximately $12,500. Once $3,000 is raised, the flights will be booked. The 16-city tour has one message, "Ending Prohibition in Our Time: My Crusade to Free The Cannabis Culture."

You can donate to the FAREWELL TOUR in the following ways:

1) PayPal bank transfer:
Send to jodie_giesz@hotmail.com, or donate to the ChipIn

2) Cheque or money order:
Made out to "Marc Emery", memo "Farewell Tour"
307 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 1H6
Canada

3) Cash donations:
Contribute in person at Marc Emery's Cannabis Culture Headquarters, 307 West Hastings Street, Vancouver BC (Deliver only to Marc Emery or Jodie Emery in the CC magazine office downstairs, or to Anna, Rhiannon, or Brandon in the CC Headquarters store on the main floor.)

Additional information on this case and the Cannabis Culture available through the following documentary: The USA vs. Marc Emery.

It’s difficult to explain what it means to witness our society condemn a human being for selling seeds to a plant. Maybe even having the need to explain such a horror, explains why we are at the tipping point, facing extinction due to our destruction of the environment. We, human beings, will never win a war against nature, and by waging it, we are destroying the ecosystem and condemning future generation to a miserable existence on a planet devoid of diverse life.

While we wait for Marc Emery’s future to be decided, we can enjoy and learn from the following documentaries, explaining in detail some of the benefits of Cannabis and the complete disaster known as the ‘War on Drugs’ (Please note that the first few minutes of the first movie are in Dutch, but the rest is in English).

War on Drugs (The Prison Industrial Complex) (1999)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=864268000924014458&hl=en-CA

Hemp Revolution part 1 of 2
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3070358204716119824&hl=en-CA

Hemp Revolution part 2 of 2
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8376961766517588127&hl=en-CA

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 2 replies

LA-ASA meeting Jan 19th, @ 1 PM

2008-01-07T19:40:40Z

The next LA-ASA meeting is on Saturday, January 19, at 1 PM.

The meeting will be at the Patient ID Center,

470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107.

(The cross street is Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

Visit http://www.ASAaction.org to find a map and public transit information.

You dont have to be a memeber or a patient to attend so Please invite your friends. Everyone is welcome.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

so.................

2008-01-07T04:29:21Z

i am an extremely light user...................took a couple of hits over the thanksgiving weekend and then, weeks before a few more............
i have to pass a urine test for a new job this week...............what should i be eating, drinking, etc?
your help is much appreciated,
oke

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 3 replies

San Francisco medical marijuana fundraiser - 12/15

2007-12-11T22:51:17Z

SAN FRANCISCO
December 15th
Peir 23
Doors open at 7pm
Tickets are $50
21 and over
For tickets visit: www.safeaccessnow.org, call 510-251-1856 or email kerstin@safeaccessnow.org

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

LOS ANGELES PARTY! Celebrate Safe Access

2007-12-11T22:42:47Z

Please join us to celebrate the holidays and help raise money for the Americans for Safe Access (ASA) campaign! Our Holiday Shindig & Fundraiser will be at the Red Dragon Studios in the heart of Hollywood on Thursday, December 13.

Comedian Joe Rogan (http://www.joerogan.net) from Fear Factor and Comedy Central has agreed to autograph a Volcano Vaporizer for the raffle!

There will be some great music and entertainment, and you will be helping to support the nation’s largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. This year’s Holiday Shindig & Fundraiser is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Patients and Caregivers Group and Dr. William Eidelman.

Enjoy good humor and entertainment by our own Ngaio Bealum (http://www.myspace.com/ngaio) and live music by the Luchadoors (http://www.myspace.com/whoaretheluchadoors). Additional music and ambiance provided by DJ Naj and DJ Ill Media, and delight in the talents of the UkuLady (http://www.myspace.com/theukulady ) and The Juggolos (http://www.thejuggolos.com).

---

What: LA-ASA Holiday Shindig & Fundraiser

When: 9 PM * Thursday, December 13, 2007

Where: Red Dragon Studios * 1444 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood (near Sunset Blvd.)

Tickets: $35 and include ASA 2008 Membership, Gift Bag and a raffle ticket.

Tickets are on sale now at the Los Angeles Patients and Caregivers Group (http://www.LAMedicalmarijuana.com) or by calling (323) 882-6033.

Everyone is welcome, but you must be at least 21 years old to attend.

---

For information about local ASA meetings and activities, please visit http://www.ASAaction.org

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

TOU problems...

2007-12-10T16:26:29Z

Have any of you ever had problems with TOU...
because of the content of your discussions ?

(not self serving content like trolling or flaming)

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Medical Marijuana in the News - ending 11/2

2007-11-06T01:32:42Z

MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE NEWS
ASA’s Media Summary for the Week Ending 11/2

* ASA IN THE NEWS: Drew Carey Video Features ASA Executive Director
* FEDERAL: Hayward DEA Raid Leads to Arrests
* DOCTORS: Cannabis Specialists Provide Insights
* MONTANA: Suicide of Patient-Activist Draws Recriminations
* OREGON: Patient’s Case to Test Law’s Limits
* DISPENSARIES: Land Use Planning the Question for California
* ASA BLOG: Comments from ASA Staff and Guests

ASA IN THE NEWS: Drew Carey Video Features ASA Executive Director

In addition to speaking with a Los Angeles police officer and a Vietnam veteran who uses medical cannabis, comedian, actor and now game-show-host Drew Carey interviews ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer, who tells Carey how federal raids on medical cannabis collectives in the San Francisco Bay Area led to the founding of Americans for Safe Access. To view this episode of the Drew Carey Project, please visit www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/DrewCarey.

Drew Carey defends medical marijuana in new online video
by Sandy Cohen, Associated Press
Bob Barker famously closed each episode of "The Price Is Right" with a pitch to spay and neuter pets. His successor is taking a stand on a more controversial subject: marijuana. Drew Carey won't tout toking up on "Price," but he defends the use of medical marijuana in a video posted online Thursday on Reason.tv.

Drew Carey Defends Medical Marijuana
eMax Health
"I think it's clear by now that the federal government needs to reclassify marijuana. People who need it should be able to get it -- safely and easily," says The Price Is Right and Power of 10 host Drew Carey in a new Reason.tv video examining medical marijuana and the war on drugs.
FEDERAL: Hayward DEA Raid Leads to Arrests

DEA spokespeople have made much of the revenues they claim a Hayward medical cannabis collective enjoyed. They fail to note that the reason for an increase in revenue has been the systematic closing of the other dispensaries in the area, forcing the county’s many patients to one location. The increased revenue reflects an increased volume of patients more than profiteering. ASA's rapid response program again meant that the media was alerted immediately, helping ensure full coverage, and patients and activists were notified by text messages and emails so they could protest at the main dispensary location.

Feds raid seven East Bay medical pot sites
Bay Area News Group
Federal officials raided seven locations in the East Bay this morning that were connected to a medical marijuana dispensary in Hayward, officials said.

Medical-pot brothers held on drug charges
by Henry K. Lee, San Francisco Chronicle
Two East Bay brothers were arrested Tuesday after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges that they ran a large-scale drug operation from a Hayward medical marijuana club from which proceeds were delivered to a bank by armored car, authorities said.

Two brothers arrested, accused of drug dealing
by Jason Sweeney, Paul Thissen and Scott Marshall, Mercury News (San Jose)
Federal agents arrested two brothers early Tuesday and seized a Lafayette house after they were indicted on charges that they ran a multimillion-dollar drug operation out of a Hayward-area medical-marijuana collective.
DOCTORS: Cannabis Specialists Provide Insights

While doctors generally acknowledge that there are conditions and patients for whom cannabis can be effective, many prefer to refer their patients to cannabis specialists who have the education to counsel patients properly on the indications for appropriate treatment. Critics attempt to characterize those specialists as capitalizing on legal loopholes, but the reality of doctors such as those profiled here is that they provide a crucial service to patients who would otherwise be vulnerable to arrest for using cannabis therapeutically.

Doctor calls pot good medicine
by Jason Kotowski, Bakersfield Californian
Doctors who recommend medical marijuana say it helps treat everything from nausea caused by cancer treatment to spinal pain. Multiple sclerosis. Anorexia. Anxiety. Muscle spasms. Insomnia.

I-Team Investigation: Who Is Doc 420?
by Dan Noyes, KGO TV - ABC News (San Francisco)
California voters approved medical marijuana in 1996. It was meant for patients with serious illnesses, such as AIDS, cancer or glaucoma. However, there are new questions whether medical marijuana is too easily available, especially for people who aren't even sick.
MONTANA: Suicide of Patient-Activist Draws Recriminations

The tragic death of a Montana medical marijuana patient has been the subject of heartache and anger for many: heartache over the suffering that led her to take her own life, anger at the federal authorities who effectively cut off her supply to the one pain-control medication that worked.

Protected to Death
by Jacob Sullum, Reason Online
Last March, when the Drug Enforcement Administration seized less than half an ounce of cannabis that Robin Prosser, a Missoula lupus patient and medical marijuana activist, had been sent by her caregiver, the special agent in charge of the DEA's Rocky Mountain Field Division said it was "protecting people from their own state laws." Last week, unable to find a reliable supply of the only drug that relieved her pain without causing unacceptable side effects, Prosser killed herself. Although the use of medical marijuana is legal in Montana, friends say suppliers were spooked by the DEA. Writing in the Helena Independent Record, activist Tom Daubert calls Prosser's death "a direct result of DEA actions."

A tragic casualty in federal war on medical marijuana
by Tom Daubert, OpEd, Helena Independent Record (MT)
The nation's Drug Enforcement Administration agents can sleep a little easier tonight. They now have one less medical-marijuana patient to worry about policing. That's because Montana's leading medical marijuana patient-activist took her own life two weeks ago, a direct result of DEA actions earlier this year.
OREGON: Patient’s Case to Test Law’s Limits

Two factors have made the case of an Oregon patient a lightening rod for the state’s medical marijuana law: the proximity of the patient’s home garden to a high school and his processing of the cannabis to make a more potent extract. At least the second issue should be easily dealt with. Extracts of the cannabis plant such as hash and tinctures entail no chemical alterations, merely a concentration of the active ingredients, meaning it’s no different than growing strains that have more or less THC content.

Keizer Medical Marijuana Case Ignores Oregon Law
by Neal Feldman, Salem News (OR)
Anthony Wyatt Beasley probably did not wake up Friday, October 19th 2007 thinking he would be a lightning rod and a focal point in a legal dispute, but that is what he has become. A standard bearer, willing or not, for the medical marijuana law of Oregon and the thousands of card holders in the state.

Thoughts on Keizer's Controversial Medical Marijuana Case
by Tim King, Salem News (OR)
The Keizer medical marijuana case against Anthony Beasely has been a hot topic in the local community. Salem-News.com's Neal Feldman wrote a commentary this week (Keizer Medical Marijuana Case Ignores Oregon Law) that lays blame on the city of Keizer for not upholding the rules authorized by the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.
DISPENSARIES: Land Use Planning the Question for California

As medical cannabis dispensing collectives have proliferated around the state, more and more patients have come to rely on them for the consistency and safety of the access they provide, as well as social support services. And for patients who are unfamiliar with strains of cannabis or methods of delivery – vaporizing, edibles, tinctures, etc. – dispensaries provide information. Communities that have enacted regulatory ordinances report success in both serving those patient needs and assuaging community concerns. For more, see ASA’s report at AmericansForSafeAccess.org/DispensaryReport.

County has options on medical pot shops
KGET NBC TV (Bakersfield)
The county has a lot of options when it comes to medical marijuana dispensaries, and County Supervisors will get a chance to choose one Tuesday.

County Planning Commission debates medical marijuana dispensary in Templeton
by Stacy Daniel, KSBY - NBC TV 6 (San Luis Obispo)
The San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission weighs the pros and cons of having a medical marijuana dispensary in Templeton.
ASA BLOG: Comments from ASA Staff and Guests

ASA's blog is helping keep activists informed on the issues and events affecting medical marijuana patients and providers.

California Round Up
by Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
ASA and Orange County Medical Marijuana Activists Achieve a Victory for Safe Access; DEA Strikes East Bay Collective and Facilities; DEA Raids Orange County Collective and Operator’s Home

DEA Raids Hayward Dispensaries, but Activists Don’t Stand Down
by Justin Alan Ryan
Beginning early in the morning, October 30, 2007, the DEA raided several locations connected to Compassionate Patients’ Cooperative of California (CPCC).

Steph Sherer Shares Her Story with Drew Carey
by Rebecca Saltzman
If you’re familiar with ASA’s work, you’ve probably heard about our executive director, Steph Sherer. What you might not know is that she is a medical marijuana patient. Drew Carey recently interviewed Steph as part of The Drew Carey Project.

A Sad Day in Montana, and across the Country - In Remembrance of Robin Prosser
by Kris Hermes
It is a sad day for the people of Montana, medical marijuana advocates, and people anywhere who are sympathetic to the plight of the sick and dying. Robin Prosser, a Missoula, Montana medical marijuana patient, and a powerful activist fighting for the rights of patients, took her life on October 18.
MORE ABOUT AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS

Find out more about ASA at AmericansForSafeAccess.org. More medical marijuana news summaries can be seen at AmericansForSafeAccess.org/News.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

CA Supreme Court to Hear Medical Marijuana Right to Work Case

2007-11-05T22:49:00Z

CA Supreme Court to Hear Medical Marijuana Right to Work Case -

Oral arguments scheduled for November 6 at 9am in Sacramento in Ross v. RagingWire case

Sacramento, CA -- Gary Ross, a 45-year old disabled veteran and a medical marijuana patient living in Carmichael, California, is at the forefront of a landmark employment case, with significant ramifications for patients in California and across the country. Ross was fired in September 2001 for failing an employer-mandated drug test while working as a systems engineer for RagingWire Telecommunications, Inc. The California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the Ross v. RagingWire case on Thursday, November 6 at 9am in Sacramento.

What: Oral arguments before the California Supreme Court on the right to work for medical marijuana patients in the case of Ross v. RagingWire. When: Tuesday, November 6 at 9am. Where: Stanley Mosk Library and Courts Building, 914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento. Who: Statements will be made immediately succeeding the hearing by plaintiff Gary Ross, Americans for Safe Access Chief Counsel Joe Elford, and attorney Stewart Katz (both are co-counsel in the case).

“Neither the People of California nor the state legislature intended to exclude medical marijuana patients from a productive workforce,” said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel with Americans for Safe Access (ASA), who will argue as co-counsel before the State Supreme Court. “California must continue its leadership role in protecting disabled workers,” continued Elford. “The Court must rule on the side of Ross, and on the side of thousands of California patients that risk discrimination on a daily basis.”

Full article: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5185

***************************************************************

Want to get a text-message on your cell phone when a local raid is happening? -Then join the Sacramento Emergency Response Text-Message list! We're looking for patients and supporters to sign up for this service and show up to protest when a raid happens. Please help defend our local dispensaries and patients from DEA persecution. Sign up here: http://www.compassionatecoalition.org/forums-418

***************************************************************

Attention Sacramento County Medical Cannabis Patients! - Safe Access Now, along with local medical cannabis patients, is currently lobbying the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors to implement the statewide medical marijuana ID card program. Participation in the program would be entirely voluntary for patients and their caregivers; however, the county is required by law to offer the cards to qualified residents. Once the program is in place, patients and their caregivers will be able to obtain the ID cards through a confidential program administered by the Department of Health. The program works to protect cardholders from unnecessary arrest, detainment, or the seizure of medicine by state and local law enforcement.

In order for us to ensure that this vital program will be made available to Sacramento County patients, we need your help! If you are a resident of Sacramento County, please take a few minutes to visit http://snipurl.com/sac_action1 to e-mail the board of Supervisors urging their support for the local implementation of the ID card program. If you do not live in Sacramento County, please forward this alert to any friends, family or coworkers you might have in Sacramento. After you have sent your e-mail, please contact Safe Access Now's Aaron Smith at (866) 204-1341 or safeaccessnow@gmail.com to find out how you can become more involved in our efforts to protect Sacramento County's patients. With your support, implementation of our state's compassionate medical marijuana laws will be a reality! To e-mail the Board of Supervisor's, please visit: http://snipurl.com/sac_action1

Aaron Smith, Statewide Coordinator
Safe Access Now
Ph: (866) 287-6792 - Fx: (866) 204-1341
safeaccessnow@gmail.com
http://www.safeaccessnow.com

***************************************************************

Sacramento ASA Meeting: November 6th: Please join Sac ASA to plan for the future of safe access locally, statewide, and nationally! Note: Sac ASA now meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H, Sacramento, CA. For more information or to get involved, please contact Lanette: cannacare@earthlink.net

Ventura Second Safe Access Now Town Hall Meeting: November 18: Sunday, November 18, Safe Access Now will be hosting its second town hall meeting for local medical marijuana patients, caregivers and advocates. Currently Ventura County is not issuing California’s medical marijuana ID card and patients are left at risk of false arrest or seizure of property. This strategic planning meeting is the first step in our campaign to protect local patients by implementing the ID program in the Ventura County. Please attend this important meeting to help support patients’ rights in Ventura County! Details: Sunday, November 18th: 4 to 6 PM at the Foster Library (private meeting room), 651 E. Main St. (between Fir & Chestnut) in Ventura, CA. For more information, contact Aaron Smith at safeaccessnow@gmail.com

Colorado Chapter Meeting: November 19th: The CO. North Denver Medical Marijuana Discussion is every 3rd Monday, at the Front Range Community College LIBRARY, 3705 W 112th Ave Westminster, CO80031-2140, Room L211, from 7pm to 9pm. For more information contact Tim Tipton at (303)438-7221 or email him at TTipper39@hotmail.com or join the Meetup: http://medmarijuana.meetup.com/119/

New Schedule - National Compassionate Coalition Meeting: November 20th: Following the raid on River City Patient Center, our meetings will now be moved to Crusader Hall, on the third Tuesday of each month. Supporters from Sacramento, Solano, and beyond are invited to join us to discuss our overall strategy for defending patients rights; agenda items will include: Responding to DEA raids, the ID Card program, educating public officials, court support, business items, and more. This group now meets at 7:00PM at Crusader Hall, 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H, Sacramento, CA. For more information contact nathan@CompassionateCoalition.org or (916) 70 9-2483.

AAMC Meeting: November 24th: The El Dorado County American Alliance for Medical Cannabis meets on the fourth Saturday of each month from 2:15pm until 4:20pm, at the Garden Valley Grange, 4940 Marshall Road, Garden Valley, California. For more information email visit www.ElDoradoCountyAAMC.com

Check out the Oaksterdam News calendar for all meetings, events and more: http://oaksterdamnews.com/WebCalendar/month.php

***************************************************************

News Updates:

*Comments Needed* - SacPD Blog: "Medical Marijuana: Fact or Farce?": http://blog.sacpd.org/?p=376

DEA Raids Hayward Dispensaries, but Activists Don’t Stand Down: http://safeaccessnow.org/blog/?p=34

Feds go after wildly successful medical pot sellers: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/11/05/BA90T4PQP.DTL&hw=matier&sn=001&sc=1000

More News Updates from ASA: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=36

More News Updates from NORML: http://norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=daily_news

More News Updates from The Compassionate Coalition: http://www.compassionatecoalition.org/forum

***************************************************************

The Compassionate Coalition is an all-volunteer, non-profit, educational organization. We work to defend the rights of medical marijuana patients and care providers, and your support enables our work to continue. Please consider making a donation today: http://www.compassionatecoalition.org/donate

Thank you for helping to defend patients' rights!

Nathan Sands
Communications Director, Sacramento Chapter Representative
The Compassionate Coalition
1500 Oliver Road, Ste-K, P.M.B. #248 Fairfield, CA 94533
www.CompassionateCoalition.org
Email: nathan@CompassionateCoalition.org
Phone: (916) 709-2483

***************************************************************

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Watch the Drew Carey Project Medical Marijuana Episode!

2007-11-04T21:37:34Z

http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5181
repost!!!

Watch the Drew Carey Project Medical Marijuana Episode!

“I think it’s clear by now that the federal government needs to reclassify marijuana. People who need it should be able to get it – safely and easily,” says The Price Is Right and Power of 10 host Drew Carey in a new Reason.tv video examining medical marijuana and the war on drugs.

In this second episode of The Drew Carey Project, released on Reason.tv, Drew interviews ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer and takes a look at federal interference with medical cannabis dispensing in California.

Share this episode of the Drew Carey Project with your friends and family! We know medical cannabis improves the lives of millions of people and we know that the federal interference with state medical marijuana laws is outrageous. But unless we share Drew's report with friends and family who might not support our views or who might not feel as passionately as we do, we will lose a great opportunity to reach out and educate people about medical cannabis and the threats facing patients nationwide. So please forward this link and share Drew Carey’s report on Medical Marijuana: www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/DrewCarey

* Medical Info
* Legal Info
* Take Action!
* What We Do
* Join ASA

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Free MP3 with Keith Stroup - Founder of NORML

2007-10-20T18:07:26Z

Eight hundred thousand people were arrested in 2006 on marijuana related charges. Today, every 41 seconds someone in America is arrested on a marijuana related charge.

On September 15, 2007 - Keith Stroup (founder of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws - NORML) was one of those arrested.

This was the second time for Keith to be arrested on a marijuana charge. He recalled getting busted with joint on him while crossing into Canada during the 1970s in an exclusive interview with Casper Leitch when he sat down and took 'Time 4 Hemp'. Download it for free at http://www.Time4Hemp.com

Also - If you get time, you might want to get your fee downloads of the following 'Time 4 Hemp - TODAY PotCast' interviews:

Allen St. Pierre (Dir. of NORML)
Steve Hager (Editor of High Times Magazine)
Steve Bloom (Former Editor of High Times)
Jack Cole (Founder of LEAP)
Gatewood Galbraith (Author)

EACH SEGMENT HAS LOTS OF GREAT MUSIC INCLUDED!!

Interviews SOON to be released:
Ed Rosenthal
and Marc Emery

Don't miss the free downloads on the 'Time 4 Hemp - MUSIC PotCast':

This week, we turned over the controls to the hard working activists at MarijuanaRadio.com because we think everyone should discover their great work! (It just so happens that our host was a guest on this segment!) Tune in and tell your friends about: http://www.MarijuanaRadio.com

And, if you get time, you might want to get your free downloads of the following 'Time 4 Hemp - MUSIC PotCast' interviews:

The Individuals (7-Time winners of the Global Marijuana Music Awards)
Muck Sticky (Check out his new CD ''Bob-O-Link Cove')
Lynnette Shaw (Hemp Activists and song wirter).

Many of interviews from the television series have been released through the PotCast series, 'Time 4 Hemp - CLASSICS' and feature:

Willie Nelson (Super Star)
Dr. Tim Leary (Author)
Jack Herer (Author)
Kevin Zeese (co-founder of the Drug Policy Foundation)

I’ve worked hard to put together some great podcasts designed to feed brains the truth about Marijuana being used for paper, fiber, fuel, and medications. What’s more - the thing that makes these shows so great are the guests!

Please be kind enough to share the http://www.Time4Hemp.com URL with everyone who you know would enjoy hearing what they have to say.

Keep Strong!
Casper Leitch
Creator/Host: Time 4 Hemp
http://www.Time4Hemp.com

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Zero Tolerance Pesticide by Ed Rosenthal

2007-10-20T04:59:39Z

http://rainbowpuddle.com/EdRosenthal/JustSayNo/zerotolerance.html

Drop me an email. This herbal pesticide kills spider mites and their eggs, thrips, powdery mildew, whiteflies and lots of other pests. Works great in greenhouses, indoor soil and hydroponic gardens as well as outside.

I can ship you quarts or gallons, individually or by the case. Hope to hear from you. Peace, Phoenix

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Portland, 11/2/07 FREE SCREENING: Medical Marijuana Documentaries

2007-10-19T22:37:49Z

FREE SCREENING of two documentary films about medical
marijuana.

Date/Time:

FRIDAY NOV 2ND, 2007 7PM

Location:

5TH AVENUE CINEMAS
PSU CAMPUS
510 SW Hall Street
Portland, Oregon
(503) 725-3551

Films:

WAITING TO INHALE 74 Minutes 2005
Directed by Jed Riffe

IN POT WE TRUST 88 MInutes 2007

WAITING TO INHALE examines the heated debate
surrounding marijuana and its use as medicine in the
United States. As seriously ill patients demand laws
to protect their right to use medical marijuana,
opponents claim their argument is just a smokescreen
for a different agenda--to legalize the drug
altogether. How did America go from Reefer Madness
mania to permitting the first clinical trials using
smoked cannabis in decades? And what evidence is there
that marijuana can alleviate the devastating symptoms
of AIDS, cancer and multiple sclerosis? Waiting to
Inhale takes the viewer from underground pot clubs to
the U. S. Supreme Court; from an Israeli scientists
laboratory to massive government-approved marijuana
greenhouses outside London. The film goes inside the
lives of patients who have been forever changed by
illness--and parents who have lost children to drug
overdoses and believe marijuana is the culprit. Above
all, Waiting to Inhale sheds new light on the
controversy and presents shocking new evidence that
marijuana could hold a big stake in the future of
medicine.

IN POT WE TRUST
The medical use of marijuana is examined from every
side of a very complex issue with this documentary
that charts the suffering of four chronically ill
patients whose reliance on the illegal drug as a pain
killer is in jeopardy due to federal anti-narcotic
legislation. Also follows a DEA agent.Reform
organizations, prohibitionist groups, politicians,
drug war critics, scientists, and celebrities all get
their say in this fascinating analysis.
Produced for Showtime.

This event is sponsored by the MPP, the Marijuana
Policy Project. There will be informational handouts,
brochures, and activism opportunities.
For further info about MPP, go to www.mpp.org

***Please Note! No smoking will be permitted in or around theatre. Thank you for your consideration.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 2 replies

TRIBE Gathering 10/20/07 .....

2007-10-19T21:50:40Z

YES thats right this coming Saturday, October 20, at 1:00 PM there will be a gathering of tribers. This is open to all folks to attend this meet and greet whether your a patient, caregiver or not. The gathering will be during the next LA-ASA meeting in which.....

We will be having a special protest and Civil Disobedience training as part of the LA-ASA meeting. We discussed having this training at the last two monthly meetings, and I think it is important to do it soon in light of the continued escalation of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raids in the area. There were some tense moments at the emergency response protest in from of the Arts District Healing Center (ADHC) last week. It is crucial that everyone who intends to protest and/or engage in Civil Disobedience as part of the resistance to DEA raids know strategies to stay safe and be effective.

Saturday's meeting will also include updates on our statewide campaign to persuade the Governor to stand up for medical cannabis and other key campaigns. Invite a friend and come on out to the meeting:

What: LA-ASA Chapter Meeting & Civil Disobedience Training

When: 1 PM * Saturday, October 20, 2007

Where: Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048-4107 (Cross Street is Drexel Between Wilshire & 3rd St.)

More Info: http://www.ASAaction.org or call (323) 882-6766

Hope to SEE you ALL on Saturday !

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

An Update on ASA’s CA Campaign

2007-10-18T02:39:36Z

Protecting Safe Access in California

Dear ASA Supporters,

On Thursday, ASA activists took a critical step in our campaign to urge Governor Schwarzenegger to stand up for patients’ rights. Over 300 medical cannabis supporters from around the state gathered with colorful signs and banners in front of the Governor’s Los Angeles office, chanting “Support patients’ rights, stand up and fight."

Brian Perry, LA City Council Member Dennis Zine's spokesperson, read a powerful statement at the rally, saying to the Governor, "I would like to ask you to call on the President, Congress, and the DEA to end the federal raids and intimidation of legitimate medical marijuana patients and providers." Orange County Supervisor Chris Norby also sent a statement calling for the Governor to act. Other speakers joining me included ASA Executive Director, Steph Sherer and Michael Martin, a former medical marijuana edible manufacturer who was recently raided by the DEA.

We are hoping the rally will be the tipping point that we have been waiting for. This campaign has included generating over 40,000 postcards to the Governor, as well as hundreds of phone calls and emails, all urging him to take action to defend patients’ rights. It also followed a successful meeting I had with Governor Schwarzenegger’s Chief Advisor for Health and Transportation, to ask that the Governor stand up against the Bush Administration’s attack on patients and providers. ASA prepared extensive materials for the Governor’s office, detailing the problems patients and providers face and explaining what the Governor could do to help. You can find all of these documents at the bottom of hte page ofwww.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/StandUp.

Thursday’s rally and the entire campaign have been very successful, but ASA is not content to stop here. We are employing several strategies to keep California patients and providers safe, including:

Coalition Building – Networking and coordinating with individuals and other organizations to build the state coalition promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. Special focus will be paid to the fields of health care and condition-based advocacy.

Legislation – Working with chapters and affiliates across the state to pass local ordinances and support state-wide legislative efforts, covering issues such as sales tax, child protective services, dispensary regulations, police policies, and non-cooperation with federal law enforcement.

Constituent Lobbying – Training and coordinating citizen lobbyists to engage with local and state officials using professional skills and strategic messaging.

Public Education – Publishing reports, position papers, press releases, media advisories, editorials, booklets, and other materials needed to educate citizen-lobbyists, elected officials, and the electorate.

Capacity Building – Training and mobilizing the grassroots constituency through local chapters and affiliates, as well as skills-based training events and materials.

Emergency Raid Response – Organizing and publicizing emergency response actions in response to federal and local law enforcement activity.

Organizing Collectives - ASA has seeded autonomous alliance of collectives in Sacramento, Berkeley, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and Orange County with the purpose of developing and implementing self-regulatory models for collectives.

Proactive and Reactive Litigation – Litigating groundbreaking cases dealing with return of property, employment discrimination, and collective bans.
Thank you to everyone who has participated in ASA’s statewide campaigns. You have made all of our successes possible, and we look forward to your future participation to help keep this movement strong.

Please look out for future messages from ASA on ways you can help to protect access and patients in California.

Sincerely,

Don Duncan
Interim California Campaign Director
Americans for Safe Access

P.S. The only way we can continue work like this here in California is with support from people like you. Please visit www.AmericansforSafeAccesss.org/Donate today to become a member of ASA.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Americans for Safe Access is the nation's largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Video from Rally on October 11th/ DEA raid protest response

2007-10-14T21:06:35Z

Rally footage:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-eWSAVNQHAg

Local News Video Coverage of the raids:
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=local&id=5703693

Print coverage:
http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_7152584
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/10498797.html
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-me-pot12oct12,1,7267901.story?coll=la-health-medicine

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Patients Rally at Gov office and another DEA raid

2007-10-14T20:45:38Z

Yesterday, more than 200 medical cannabis patients and advocates rallied in front of the Governor's office in downtown Los Angeles demanding that he stand up for patients' rights and the will of California voters and lawmakers. Last night, the DEA and LAPD staged yet another raid a one of Los Angeles' most respected collectives, the Arts District Healing Center (ADHC). Dozens of protesters turned out again to defend ADHC, which serves patients just blocks from City Hall.

It is disheartening to see our local police department continue to support these harmful and unnecessary raids – despite clear guidance from LAPD Veteran and City Council Member Dennis Zine and his colleagues that the City intends to regulate medical cannabis facilities instead of close them. It is crucial that City Council members move forward quickly with a proposed resolution calling on an end to cooperation between the LAPD and DEA on medical cannabis raids. The image of our police department has been battered of late by brutality and scandal. This city does not need to see the men and women who should be heroes doing the work of villains.

I was so proud of my fellow Angelinos and our guests from as far away as Rhode Island who stood up twice yesterday. It is a tremendous credit to local organizers that this constituency is so well trained and prepared to respond to an emergency on short notice. Americans for Safe Access (ASA) staff and volunteers leapt into action – sending hundreds of text messages and thousands of email alerts about the raid and protest less than one one half an hour after in began. Volunteers started calling phone trees prepared in advance for just this situation. ASA members showed up with signs and bull horns they keep in their cars in case of a federal raid.

We will need all of those skills and dedication to keep pace with the continuing escalation of federal attacks on patients’ access in Los Angeles. We will likely face more raids in the near future, and some advocates will escalate their opposition using tactics of non-violent resistance, non-cooperation, and civil disobedience. The Los Angeles Chapter of ASA is prepared to train and support these advocates all along the way.

We will continue to face these raids until we finally succeed in harmonizing federal law with the laws of California and the other states that allow for medical cannabis. Support from our Governor and other public figures is an important part of that effort. We also need to educate Members of Congress and their staffs so they are prepared to solve this problem once and for all. Every single day, ASA staff is working in Washington, DC, to defend patients in Los Angeles and nationwide. It makes a tremendous difference in their work when elected officials hear from their constituency about medical cannabis. Our DC staff can tell you first hand: your calls and letters matter.

The next few months may be tough in Los Angeles. Please join us to fight back. Yesterday, I told the crowd at the rally that Los Angeles is where we will win the battle for safe access in California. That battle in underway in earnest right now. Thank you to those who have already joined the fight. We need everyone else!

The next LA-ASA meeting will be on Saturday, October 20, at 1:00 at the Patient ID Center. Get a map or public transit information at http://www.ASAaction.org

You can join the nation’s largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research right now – http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/Join

You can also sign up for our emergency text message alert to be notified about DEA raids at http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/RaidAlert

See you at the meeting! See you in the streets!

__________________
Don Duncan
California Campaign Director
Americans for Safe Access
www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org <http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/>

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Are you an ASA member? http://www.AmericansforSafeAccessNow.org/donate

Los Angeles Office
7211 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800
West Hollywood, CA 90046
P: 323-882-6766 F: 323-882-6263

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Weekly round up: what is going on in California

2007-10-14T20:44:37Z

Make Sure We Stay On Top of It: If you wish to have a medical cannabis event, meeting, federal trial, and/or city or county hearing listed in the ASA CA Weekly Alert, please send information to Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org no later than Thursdays by 3:00pm.

Weekly Round-Up
1. a. Hundreds Gather at the Governor's Office Calling on Him to Stand Up for Patients' Rights
b. DEA Raids Downtown Los Angeles Dispensary Following the Rally

ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
2. Monday, October 15, Fresno: ***First Fresno ASA Meeting***
3. Tuesday, October 16, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting
4. Thursday, October 18, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting
5. Saturday, October 20, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Chapter Meeting
6. Tuesday, October 23, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
7. Wednesday, October 24, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

Court Support
8. Monday, October 22, Sacramento: Bail Pending Appeal Hearing for Brian Epis
9. Monday, October 22, Sacramento: Status Conference for Jeff Sanderson & Alice Wiegand
10. Monday, October 22, Fresno: Preliminary Hearing for Nature's Medicinal Cooperative
11. Thursday, October 25, Sacramento: Arraignment for Mike Lombardo
12. Friday, October 26, Oakland: Arraignment for Tainted Inc. Defendants

Weekly Round-Up California
1. a. Hundreds Gather at the Governor's Office Calling on Him to Stand Up for Patients'
Rights
b. DEA Raids Downtown Los Angeles Dispensary Following the Rally

a. Hundreds Gather at the Governor's Office Calling on Him to Stand Up for Patients' Rights

a. On Thursday, over 300 medical cannabis supporters gathered from around the state to call on Governor Schwarzenegger to stand up for patients' rights and call on the Bush Administration to end the war on patients. The people began gathering in front of the Governor's over an hour before the event was scheduled. By the time the rally began, the crowd took up almost the entire block, spilling into the streets. During the rally, people were chanting, "support patients' rights, stand up and fight," and, "we're patients, not criminals!" Patients, providers, supporters, and concerned citizens held marquis-styled signs reading clever slogans such as, "Coming Soon: the Gov. in Terminate the DEA," "Coming Soon, the Gov. in End of DEA Days," and "The Gov. in Stop the Federal Predators."

Brian Perry, LA City Council Member, Dennis Zine's, staffer read a powerful statement at the rally saying, "this year has seen a dramatic increase in federal law enforcement activity surrounding medical cannabis, including raids, confiscation of medicine and plants, and indictments." Other speakers included a reading of a statement by Orange County Supervisor, Chris Norby, ASA Executive Director, Steph Sherer, Michael Martin, the former medical marijuana edible manufacturer who was recently raided by the DEA, and ASA California Campaign Director, Don Duncan. The rally ended on a somber note when the crowd went silent to hear federal inmate, Stephanie Landa, speak on a participant's speaker phone from jail.

Her speech further illustrated the need for the Governor to intervene in this dire situation. This year alone, the DEA has conducted at least 44 separate raids of patients and providers, more than twice that of the prior two years. Illustrating the breadth of these attacks, the DEA has conducted raids in no less than 10 counties across the state and has shut down entire regions of access to medical marijuana. Bringing a new dimension to the federal effort to undermine state law, letters were recently sent to more than 150 landlords in California, threatening asset forfeiture and criminal prosecution if they continued to lease to medical marijuana providers.

This rally culminated weeks of advocacy that resulted in more than 40,000 postcards sent to the Governor, as well as hundreds of phone calls and emails, all urging him to take action to defend patients’ rights. In addition to calling on the Governor to end the federal raids on patients and providers, advocates are seeking a directive from the Governor to local law enforcement discouraging cooperation with federal raids. Advocates are also urging Schwarzenegger to solicit support from Governors of other medical marijuana states in order to ward off federal interference. In August, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson sent a letter to President Bush after the DEA threatened state officials with criminal prosecution if they implemented the state-mandated medical cannabis distribution system.

Read more about the rally in the Associated Press, the Daily Breeze, and KSBY - NBC TV 6 (San Luis Obispo).

b. DEA Raids Downtown Dispensary Following the Rally
From California Campaign Director, Don Duncan

Yesterday, more than 300 medical cannabis patients and advocates rallied in front of the Governor's office in downtown Los Angeles demanding that he stand up for patients' rights and the will of California voters and lawmakers. Last night, the DEA and LAPD staged yet another raid a one of Los Angeles' collectives, the Arts District Healing Center (ADHC). More than 50 protesters turned out again to defend ADHC, which serves patients just blocks from City Hall.

It is disheartening to see our local police department continue to support these harmful and unnecessary raids – despite clear guidance from LAPD Veteran and City Council Member Dennis Zine and his colleagues that the City intends to regulate medical cannabis facilities instead of close them. It is crucial that City Council members move forward quickly with a proposed resolution calling on an end to cooperation between the LAPD and DEA on medical cannabis raids. The image of our police department has been battered of late by brutality and scandal. This city does not need to see the men and women who should be heroes doing the work of villains.

I was so proud of my fellow Angelinos and our guests from as far away as Rhode Island who stood up twice yesterday. It is a tremendous credit to local organizers that this constituency is so well trained and prepared to respond to an emergency on short notice. Americans for Safe Access (ASA) staff and volunteers leapt into action – sending hundreds of text messages and thousands of email alerts about the raid and protest less than one one half an hour after in began.

You can sign up for our emergency text message alert to be notified about DEA raids at http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/RaidAlert

ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings activist
2. Monday, October 15, Fresno: ***First Fresno ASA Meeting***

Please join the newly formed Fresno ASA chapter for our inaugural meeting. We will be discussing the protocols for being an ASA chapter, local medical marijuana issues, including establishing an ID card program, and other important medical marijuana issues. If you are a medical marijuana patient, provider, concerned citizen, and supporter, please join us as we gather to improve safe access in Fresno!

When: Monday, October 15th at 7:00pm
Where: Fig Garden Regional Library
3071 W. Bullard Ave. in Fresno

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

3. Tuesday, October 16, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting

Join the Sacramento ASA Chapter as we hear a report of the mobilization to Los Angeles, discuss upcoming court dates, and talk about other pressing medical cannabis issues in our community.

When: Tuesday, October 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

For more information, contact Lanette: cannacare@earthlink.net.

4. Thursday, October 18, Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting

Please join the Humboldt County ASA chapter this month. We will be discussing the recent Arcata City Council meeting, and other important medical marijuana issues in our community. Read about the City Council meeting in the Eureka Reporter here.

When: Thursday, October 18th at 7:00pm
Where: Bayview Courtyard Complex at 550 Union St. in Arcata

For more information, contact HumboldtASA@gmail.com.

5. Saturday, October 20, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Chapter Meeting

Please join Los Angeles ASA next Saturday at our Know Your Rights training. We are encouraging all of our members to come out and attend this important and special meeting.

When: Saturday, October 20th at 1:00pm
Where: Patients ID Center at 470 S. San Vicente

For more information, go to www.ASAAction.org.

6. Tuesday, October 23, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Come to the SF ASA meeting as we discuss the 350 Divisadero appeal, preparation for the Save our Friends:The Harvest Moon Celebration, and important San Francisco issues.

When: Tuesday, September 11 at 7:30pm
Where: Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco

For more information, contact Alex: aaafranco@yahoo.com.

7. Wednesday, October 24, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

Join the East Bay ASA chapter this month. We will be debriefing on the rally, doing emergency response follow up, and will be discussing other important local issues.

Where: ASA Headquarters- 1322 Webster St. in Oakland (just 2 blocks from 12th St. Bart station)
When: Wed. the 24th at 7:00pm

Snacks and beverages will be provided.

For more information, contact Rebecca@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

Court Support patients rights
8. Monday, October 22, Sacramento: Bail Pending Appeal Hearing for Brian Epis

Bryan Epis was the first medical marijuana patient convicted in federal court after the passage of California’s Proposition 215. Epis was arrested June 25, 1997, after Butte County sheriff's officers discovered marijuana plants growing in the basement of his home in Chico. On September 14, 2007, Judge Damrell sentenced Epis to 10 years in prison. Epis has been out on bail since August 9, 2004, pending his appeal, and Judge Damrell denied the prosecution's request to imprison him immediately. Epis' attorney, Brenda Grantland, will file more documents and move for continued bail pending his appeal. An in-depth report of Epis' sentencing hearing by Vanessa Nelson is available (with pictures) here.

When: Monday, October 22nd at 10:00pm
Where: In Front of Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
U.S. District Court (E.D., CA), 15th Floor at 501 "I" Street in Sacramento

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

9. Monday, October 22, Sacramento: Status Conference for Jeff Sanderson & Alice Wiegand

On August 14, 2006, a local-federal task force arrested Plumas County patients Jeff Sanderson (who also serves as a caregiver for nine other patients) & Alice Wiegand in a raid for allegedly growing more than 260 plants. Though they were released from Plumas County jail within several days, on September 5, 2006, Sanderson was rearrested by federal agents and is being prosecuted on federal charges of manufacturing and conspiracy to manufacture more than 100 marijuana plants. Authorities confiscated all of the plants and medicine, and have initiated asset forfeiture proceedings on their home and family farm. Sanderson is currently out on bail pending trial.

When: Monday, October 22nd at 10:00pm
Where: In Front of Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
U.S. District Court (E.D., CA), 15th Floor at 501 "I" Street in Sacramento

For more information, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

10. Monday, October 22, Fresno: Preliminary Hearing for Nature's Medicinal Cooperative

The DEA, Bakersfield PD, Kern County Sheriffs, and Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) raided Nature’s Medicinal Cooperative and a residence of one of the owners in April & July 2007, arresting owners David Chavez, Sr. & David Chavez, Jr., and employees John Wyatt, John Shanks, Jennifer Brown, Jonathon Chapman, and Israel Cabacos. They are charged with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession w/ intent to distribute allegedly more than 87 lbs. of medicine & 35 plants. All of the defendants have been released on bail pending trial, except David Chavez, Sr., who remains in jail.

When: Monday, October 22 at 1:30pm
Where: Before Magistrate Dennis L. Beck in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA),
8th Floor at 2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA.

For more information, contact: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

11. Thursday, October 25, Sacramento: Arraignment for Mike Lombardo

On September 13, 2007, the Nevada County Sheriffs called in the DEA and they jointly raided the residence of 50-year old chronic pain sufferer Lombardo in Big Oak Valley, confiscating a mere 65 plants, and charging him with cultivation with intent to sell. The federal government is also proceeding with asset forfeiture.

When: Thursday, October 25th at 2:00pm
Where: Before Judge Lawrence K. Karlton in U.S. District Court (E.D., CA),
15th Floor at 501 "I" Street in Sacramento

For more information, contact: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

12. Friday, October 26, Oakland: Arraignment for Tainted Inc. Defendants

On September 26, 2007, the DEA raided five locations in Oakland and San Leandro, allegedly confiscating hundreds of edibles and 460 plants, and arresting Jessica Sanders (30), Michael Anderson (42), and Diallo McLinn (35). After a press conference on October 4, Michael Martin (33), who had been on vacation during the raid, voluntarily turned himself in. All four are charged with conspiracy to manufacture or distribute controlled substances and are out on bail. Tainted Edibles were available for patients as an alternative to smoking at dispensing collectives across the state.

When: Friday, October 26th at 10:00am
Where: Before Magistrate Wayne D. Brazil
U.S. District Court (N.D., CA), at 1301 Clay Street in Oakland

Read ASA's press release about the DEA's raid on Tainted here.

--

Rebecca Saltzman
Chief of Staff
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org

Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 308 F: 510-251-2036

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Meet you at the Governors office tomorrow!

2007-10-10T18:26:58Z

Stand Up for Patients' Rights: Statewide Mobilization to the Governor's Los Angeles Office on Thursday, October 11th

On Thursday, October 11, 2007, ASA is calling on medical cannabis supporters to join us in a statewide mobilization to the Governor’s office in Los Angeles.

What: Stand Up for Patients' Rights Rally
When: Thursday, October 11, 2007, starting at 12:00pm.
Where: Governor Schwarzenegger's Los Angeles District Office
300 South Spring Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Why: Governor Schwarzenegger needs to know that patients are being attacked and need their rights protected!

For more information on the rally and/or to volunteer to help organize the rally, contact Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

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DEA war reaches Sacramento! Only 2 weeks to mobilize!

2007-09-27T22:31:55Z

DEA's War on Patients Reaches Sacramento! There are Only 2 Weeks Left to Mobilize a Statewide Response!

Dear ASA Supporter,

The war against patients and providers is escalating. Yesterday morning, the DEA raided the oldest operating dispensary in Sacramento, River City Patient Center. Independently from the Sacramento raid, yesterday, the DEA also attacked an Oakland edible manufacturing company by raiding several satellite production facilities, arresting 3 employees, and killing one of the employees' dog. Last week, the DEA wielded once more its newest weapon against the medical marijuana movement by victimizing third-party landlords of dispensaries in Santa Barbara, by issuing asset forfeiture letters. For analysis of the raid yesterday and DEA's escalating attacks, read a blog posting by
Rebecca Saltzman, ASA's Chief of Staff, at www.americansforsafeaccess.org/blog/?p=7.
(Look for a full report on the raids in tomorrow's CA Weekly Alert.)

Now is the time to act! We can no longer afford to sit back and wait, hoping attacks like these stop on their own accord. We must call on Governor Schwarzenegger to stand up against the Bush Administration's DEA and protect California patients' rights. Click here to take action right away! http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5029

We need you to support this campaign by getting the word out about the statewide mobilization to the Governor’s office in Los Angeles on October 11th at 12:00pm.

Download the mobilization flyer and poster right now and distribute them in your community!

Flyer: www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/downloads/StandUpFlyer.pdf Poster:
www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/downloads/StandUpPoster

Our goal is to turn out thousands of medical marijuana supporters to the mobilization in Los Angeles! We need to show the Governor, the state of California, and the federal government that the medical marijuana community must be protected! The only way we can do this is if people like you help get the word out! Download and distribute the following materials in your community to get the word out about the Governor Schwarzenegger: Stand Up For Patients Rights campaign! Distribute ASA's poster and flyer in local shops, cafes, dispensaries, and other community gathering places to get others to take action.

Once more, this week we need you to help us get the word out about the mobilization. If you didn't take action last week by calling Governor Schwarzenegger, please make sure you do so! Please call the Governor's Headquarters in Sacramento: 916-445-2841. Be sure to talk to a Constituents Affairs Representative, if calling between 9 a.m -5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Phone Script:

"Hello, my name is Insert Your Name and I live in Insert Your City in California. Thousands of California medical marijuana patients depend on safe access to medicine to treat the chronic and terminal disease symptoms. The federal government has taken serious actions to raid, arrest, and prosecute hundreds of patients and providers, publicly stating that they will not recognize the validity of our law.

On Thursday, October 11, we are gathering at your office in Los Angeles, I urge you to join us on that day to stand up for patients’ rights. I also urge you to defend California's laws and call on the Bush Administration to end the attack on patients and providers. Please let me know what you plan to do."

Please let ASA know you've called the governor by e-mailing Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

Thank you for your support and for taking action during these trying times. Your efforts help protect safe and legal access for patients.

Sincerely,
Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access

Americans for Safe Access is the nation's largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

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Luchadoors Benefit for ASA {9/27/07}

2007-09-26T07:15:44Z

Luchadoors Benefit for ASA

September, 27 2007

The Palmer Room

3387 Motor Ave
West L.A Ca 90232

Cost : $10

ASA Benefit featuring the Luchadoors. Help support safe access by purchasing a ticket at LAPCG or the Green Goddess.

visit http://www.myspace.com/whoaretheluchadoors to listen and join LuchaDOORS L.A.'s premier masked lounge and Doors recreation band that's NOT to be missed.

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Schwarzenegger: Stand up for patients!!

2007-09-21T00:45:25Z

Countdown to the Statewide Mobilization:
Less Than Three Weeks to Take Action! Call Gov. Schwarzenegger's Office:
Demand that He Stand Up for Patients' Rights!

Dear ASA Supporter,

We have less than 3 weeks before the mass mobilization in Los Angeles to take action and urge Governor Schwarzenegger to stand up for patients’ rights. Please call the Governor's headquarters today to urge him to stand up for patients' rights by calling on the Bush administration to end the DEA raids on state-sanctioned patients and providers. Use the script below to urge the Governor to protect California's medical marijuana laws.

Please call the Governor's Headquarters in Sacramento: 916-445-284. Be sure to talk to a Constituents Affairs Representative, if calling between 9 a.m -5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Phone Script:

"Hello, my name is Insert Your Name and I live in Insert Your City in California. Thousands of California medical marijuana patients depend on safe access to medicine to treat the chronic and terminal disease symptoms. The federal government has taken serious actions to raid, arrest, and prosecute hundreds of patients and providers, publicly stating that they will not recognize the validity of our law.

On Thursday, October 11, we are gathering at your office in Los Angeles, I urge you to join us on that day to stand up for patients’ rights. I also urge you to defend California's laws and call on the Bush Administration to end the attack on patients and providers. Please let me know what you plan to do."

Please let ASA know you've called the governor by e-mailing Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org.

For more information on the Governor Schwarzenegger: Stand Up for Patients' Rights campaign or to find out more ways to take action, visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/StandUp. And don’t forget to save the date for the mass mobilization to Governor Schwarzenegger’s Los Angeles office, Thursday, October 11th at noon at 300 South Spring Street.

Thank you for your support and for taking action!

Sincerely,
Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access

Americans for Safe Access is the nation's largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

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In the News- ending 7/27/2007: More Intimidation aimed at LA

2007-08-06T23:56:49Z

MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN THE NEWS
ASA’s Media Summary for the Week Ending 7/27/07
• FEDERAL: More Intimidation Aimed at LA’s Politicians and Patients
• FEDERAL: Congress Gets Two Votes Closer to Stopping DEA Raids
• CALIFORNIA: Kern County Patients Struggle with Access
• CALIFORNIA: Claremont Endorses Dispensaries
• NEW MEXICO: Medical Marijuana Program Gets Started
• CANADA: Patients Still Insist on Growing Their Own
• IN MEMORIAM: Reform Advocate Virginia Resner Dies
____________________________________________
FEDERAL: More Intimidation Aimed at LA’s Politicians and Patients
Another set of coordinated DEA raids on medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles proved again that federal action on the issue is less about law enforcement than it is politics. And it wasn’t just that the ten simultaneous raids came close on the heels of intimidating letters sent to at least 150 landlords renting to patient cooperatives, it was the day chosen. At the very moment federal agents were kicking down doors and detaining patients, two important political actions were in progress. The Los Angeles City Council was taking action on establishing regulatory ordinances for the operation of the dispensaries, and the US House was considering for the fifth year an amendment to stop funding for DEA raids on patients. Not only did LA -- under the leadership of councilman Dennis Zine, a former LAPD officer -- take a step toward regulation, it added a resolution urging Congress to stop federal interference in this local public health issue. Unfortunately, Congressional leadership failed to put their weight behind the bipartisan Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment, but it came two votes closer to passage than it did last year. ASA emergency response to the raids turned out hundreds of protesters within two hours, helping generate intense media coverage and, more importantly, secure the release of dispensary employees being held by the DEA.
DEA raids 10 pot shops
by Steve Hymon, Los Angeles Times
The gap between state and federal drug laws became apparent again Wednesday when federal agents raided 10 local medical marijuana facilities only minutes after the Los Angeles City Council placed a moratorium on new facilities so rules could be drafted to better regulate them.
DEA raids LA medical marijuana clinics
by Andrew Glazer, Associated Press
Federal agents raided 10 marijuana clinics Wednesday, the same day city leaders introduced a measure calling for an end to the crackdown on the dispensaries allowed under state law.
DEA serves 10 warrants in LA medical marijuana crackdown
Associated Press
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration served search warrants at 10 different locations throughout Los Angeles County in connection with its crackdown on medical marijuana facilities.
DEA targets landlords in pot battle
by William M. Welch, USA Today
The U.S. Justice Department is unleashing a potent new weapon in its battle against California’s hundreds of medical pot clinics, threatening landlords with arrest and property seizures for renting to tenants who flout federal drug laws.
Humboldt County ASA to hold protest
Eureka reporter (CA)
The Humboldt County chapter of Americans for Safe Access will hold a protest on the front lawn of Arcata City Hall tonight at 5, according to a news release from ASA. The demonstration will be held in response to raids conducted Wednesday by the Drug Enforcement Administration against medical marijuana dispensaries in the Los Angeles area.
Medical pot stores' profits questioned
by Dan Abendschein, Whittier Daily News (CA)
The recent busts of medical marijuana dispensaries have raised questions about the revenue the operations collect. "A business grossing the kind of numbers released by the DEA is not making that much money," said Chris Fusco of the Americans for Safe Access organization. "Both the federal and state governments need to give clear guidelines so there is no confusion for dispensary operators."
OPINION
Drug warriors on the hunt
EDITORIAL, Orange County Register
The federal Drug Enforcement Administration has started playing hardball with medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles, but it's unclear how far it will move beyond symbolic intimidation. The DEA, which has discretion when it comes to setting priorities, would do well to abandon this effort to deprive seriously ill people of medicine to which they are entitled under state law. Such efforts are unworthy of it.
Federal intervention
EDITORIAL, Los Angeles Daily News
Feds, back off. That's what the Los Angeles City Council and medical marijuana advocates hope will happen by adopting a moratorium on new dispensaries and bringing current ones into compliance while stricter rules are written.
____________________________________________
FEDERAL: Congress Gets Two Votes Closer to Stopping DEA Raids
For five years, an amendment has been put before Congress that would cut off the DEA’s funding for raids on medical marijuana patients and providers in states where it is legal. The bipartisan effort, lead by Democrat Maurice Hinchey of New York and Republican Dana Rohrabacher of California, gains more votes each year. But without the full support of the House leadership, it may be a few more before this way of stopping federal interference in state efforts to protect the health of their citizens succeeds.
Medical marijuana backers say they'll fight on
by Will Dunham, Reuters
Backers of a measure to stop the U.S. government from blocking the use of medical marijuana in states that allow it vowed on Thursday to press on with their fight despite losing another congressional vote.
U.S. House votes down change to end federal raids on medical marijuana
by Jewels Phraner, Columbia Missourian
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday night voted down the latest medicinal marijuana bill, which sought to keep residents of states that allow marijuana for medicinal purposes safe from federal raids.
House nixes medical pot amendment
by Josh Richman, ANG Newspapers
The House again has rejected an amendment to protect medical marijuana patients from federal prosecution, the fifth such vote in as many years.
____________________________________________
CALIFORNIA: Kern County Patients Struggle with Access
A crisis of access is developing in Kern County, as two of the three dispensaries there have elected to close their doors out of concern for federal raids and the county’s inability to protect them from DEA interference. By eliminating regulated access that can be monitored by local authorities, the DEA actually bolsters the illegal, underground market in drugs, as more patients are forced to use street dealers to get the medicine their doctors’ recommend.
Medical marijuana users testify of pot's importance
by Brynn Galindo, KGET TV 17 (Bakersfield)
The owners of two of three marijuana dispensaries in Kern County decided to close their stores, after the Board of Supervisors announced it wouldn't protect the pot shops from federal raids.
Pot-dispensary crackdown activates search for options
by David Olson, Press-Enterprise (CA)
As the number of medical-marijuana dispensaries in the Inland area dwindles, patients are looking for other options while their advocates try to shield them from arrest.
____________________________________________
CALIFORNIA: Claremont Endorses Dispensaries
With a medical marijuana dispensary already serving patients in the community, the city council decided it was time to act on adopting appropriate regulations. They put a hold on the opening of new ones while they work out procedures.
Medical marijuana dispensary opens in Claremont
Claremont Courier (CA)
Tuesday night’s council discussion on placing a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries was expected to be fairly routine. Several people had approached the city about opening such a business, according to the city staff report, and the city needed a moratorium in place to give time to craft appropriate regulations.
____________________________________________
NEW MEXICO: Medical Marijuana Program Gets Started
Getting medical marijuana legislation passed was a big step in New Mexico, and a testament to Governor Bill Richardson’s commonsense leadership, but once passed, the hard work of figuring out the details of implementation begins. New Mexico’s program is an ambitious one, as it directs the state to set up a cultivation and distribution system of its own, similar to Canada’s.
NM medical marijuana applications roll in
Associated Press
Nearly two dozen New Mexicans have applied to use medical marijuana since the state this month began allowing people with certain debilitating conditions to use the drug for nausea.
Local doctors to have say in medical marijuana program
The New Mexican
Two Santa Fe physicians have been appointed to an eight-member medical-advisory committee that will help guide the New Mexico Health Department’s new Medical Cannabis Program.
____________________________________________
CANADA: Patients Still Insist on Growing Their Own
Not all patients can grow their own medical marijuana, but many who can prefer to have that control over their medicine, not to mention avoiding the cost of having to buy it. In Canada, the health department has responsibility for providing medical cannabis to patients, but many have challenged that monopoly, complaining about the quality of the cannabis or other problems with the system. Those challenges are working their way through the Canadian courts.
RCMP Seizes Medical Pot User's Plants
by Glenn Kauth, Edmonton Sun
An Evansburg man who takes pot for his pain fears he's about to get sicker after police seized his weed yesterday.
____________________________________________
IN MEMORIAM: Reform Advocate Virginia Resner Dies
A great friend and colleague who was one of the champions of the drug law reform movement has passed away. Virginia Resner was an author and advocate who worked tirelessly on behalf of sentencing reform and medical marijuana. She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.
Virginia Resner -- strong advocate for reform of national drug policy
San Francisco Chronicle
Virginia Resner, a longtime advocate for drug policy reform and the families of imprisoned drug offenders, died July 18 after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 60.
___________________________________
MORE ABOUT AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS
Find out more about ASA at http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org. More medical marijuana news summaries can be seen at http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=122.

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Women Advancing Medical Cannabis- March with us

2007-08-06T18:51:06Z

I would like to cordially invite all of you to join with Women
Advancing Medical Cannabis on Wednesday, August 15th at 9:00am at the
Roybal Federal Building located at 255 E. Temple Street, embarking on
a symbolic march to City Hall.

We will display our patriotism as citizens dedicated to the will of
the people and our empathy for all patients who feel bereft of hope
that safe access will remain a reality. We at WAMC are your sisters,
mothers, lovers and friends. We need your support more than ever
before.

If you would like to RSVP, please do so to march@wamcla.org; our
website is still blossoming but available at http://www.wamcla.org,
as well as our MySpace, at http://www.myspace.com/wamcla

We have flyers available for you to print and distribute at our
website and MySpace, and some of your favorite collectives will have
them as well.

We are in the process of organizing provided transportation via bus
and van, so please let us know if you are interested so that we may
reserve the necessary amount of seats for what will be a united,
beautifully orchestrated arrival of many of us at once. (Again, some
of your favorite collectives may have sign-up sheets concerning
transportation.)

We urge all interested parties to march alongside us - be they in
wheelchairs, walkers, canes or in need of someone to lean on while we
make our way up to City Hall. How you 'march' is how you feel, and it
shows.

WHEN: August 15th

WHERE: 255 E. Temple Street (Edward R. Roybal Federal Building)
Downtown Los Angeles

WHY: Safe access isn't going anywhere on our watch.

WHO ARE THESE WOMEN?
We are not Sondheim's Ladies Who Lunch. We have little appreciation
for cocktails of Flexeril, Ambien, Oxycodone or Actiq followed by
multiple Mimosas. We are concerned patients who are dedicated to the
further enrichment of the Medical Cannabis community and survival of
safe access for all patients. We are your mothers, sisters, daughters
and partners; we seek to merge these traits into the minds of those
who know not what a 'patient is'.

We hope to see you there. Spread the word! The more the merrier.

Thank you!

Lauren Rothman
Women Advancing Medical Cannabis
la@eloquentscream.com

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HUGE protest planned against DEA actions in LA

2007-07-26T22:40:19Z

http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/LA%20ASA%20Call%20to%20action.pdf

Spread the word and tell FRIENDS!

Here are the details for the protest:

Friday: Protest DEA's Attack on Patients and Providers in Los Angeles!

Yesterday, at least 8 dispensaries in Hollywood were raided by the DEA. ASA is waiting to hear more information regarding arrests and confiscation of medicine and resources.

ASA is holding a protest and march from the Los Angeles Federal Building to LA City Hall this Friday, July 27 starting at 9:00am. Please show your support for medical cannabis and protest the DEA's contemptible actions! We will be meeting at the Federal Building at 9:00am for a protest. The march to City Hall will begin at 9:30am with the goal of arriving at 10:00am.

We are calling on all medical cannabis supporters, patients, and providers to come out and protest DEA's blatant attack on patients and providers in Los Angeles! Please bring signs in support of medical cannabis and safe access.

WHO: Patients and Advocates Outraged by the DEA's Actions
WHAT: A Demonstration in Protesting the DEA's Attack on Patients and Providers
WHERE: Starting at the Federal Building at 255 East Temple St. in downtown LA for the protest and then marching to City Hall at 200 N Spring St. in downtown LA.
WHEN: Friday, July 27 beginning at 9:00am with the goal of arriving at City Hall at 10:00am
WHY: TO DEFEND SAFE ACCESS IN LA!

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Sonnet: sonnet@safeaccessnow.org
--

Rebecca Saltzman
Chief of Staff
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

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A good and bad day in LA- RAIDS AND MORE

2007-07-26T22:38:31Z

Hello, LA-ASA members and allies. It has been a wonderful and terrible day for medical cannabis in Los Angles. Before this brief update, I want to say a special thank you to the hundreds of patients and advocates who turned out for meetings and protests today. I have attended countless political meetings about medical cannabis and protested outside dozens of DEA raids at medical cannabis facilities all over California. It meant the world to my colleagues and I at California Patients Group (CPG) to see the tremendous outpouring of support in our time of crisis today. More than a dozen protesters joined Dege Coutee in blockading the DEA at CPG today. Thanks to the protesters, including numerous CPG staff members, we were able to secure the release of all of the detained staff members, patients, and one arrested protester. Bravo! As of 11:30 PM, all but one of the five arrested protesters have been released. I am waiting patiently for the bail bondsman to secure the freedom of the last brave advocate.

There were between eight and ten DEA raids at medical cannabis facilities in Hollywood today. We have not yet determined how many arrests were made citywide. This is bad news for patients and providers, but let’s don’t forget how the day started. Today’s DEA sweep was timed to coincide with two landmark votes in Los Angeles and one in Washington, DC.

This morning, City Councilmember Dennis Zine, a former Los Angeles Police Officer, held an unprecedented press conference with Americans for Safe Access (ASA) to present a letter calling on the DEA to abandon its latest attack on landlords who rent to medical cannabis dispensaries and allow the City Council to move forward with regulations without further federal interference. City Council President Eric Garcetti joined patients and dispensary operators to support Zine’s courageous stance. Then, the City Council unanimously approved the first reading of a moratorium on new collectives that marks the first step towards sensible guidelines and greater legitimacy for collectives in the city. Those two things alone would have been a big step forward, but the City Council was not finished! One Councilmember after another stood up to join Councilmember Zine in signing the letter to the DEA and announcing their support for medical cannabis in Los Angeles. Finally, the Council unanimously approved a motion endorsing the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment in the US House, adding their considerable clout to the call to legalize medical cannabis at the federal level.

The LA City Council’s endorsement was not enough to secure a victory for patients in Congress, but it was a shot across the bow of the DEA and the Bush Administration. The outcome of today’s Los Angeles City Council meeting was abundantly clear for everyone to see – Los Angeles has turned a corner on medical cannabis and the endgame is now in sight! The DEA and their cohorts in the Los Angeles Police Department know the days of persecuting medical cannabis patients are almost gone. We are headed inexorably towards sensible guidelines and fully-sanctioned safe access in the state’s largest metropolis. Never doubt the significance of what has happened. As goes Los Angeles, so goes the county. We are making history and changing everything for patients all over the United States.

The DEA and the LAPD do not want us to succeed, so they have staged another sweep of local collectives in Los Angeles. At least eight locations were raided by the DEA and LAPD today. In an obscene and cynical twist, these raids were timed to coincide with the City Council vote to support legal medical cannabis in Congress! I spent all day protesting the raid at CPG and cleaning up the aftermath. I want to ensure you that CPG will continue to defend safe access and stop these unconscionable attacks on patients’ access. A handful of protesters at CPG decided to blockade the DEA and LAPD perpetrators and secure the freedom of staff, patients, and protesters. I can not express how impressed I was with the brave protestors who put their bodies ion the line. The demonstration was intense, and patients faced intimidation and violence at the hands of the LAPD. They behaved with bravery grace under pressure. I want to thank every one of them from the bottom of my heart.

On Friday, July 27, ASA is calling on medical cannabis supporters to protest the DEA raids at federal buildings nationwide. In Los Angeles, we will meet at the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building at 255 E. Temple St. in downtown Los Angeles to tell the DEA to back off. Then, we will march to the City Council meeting to demand they add action to their pro-medical cannabis words. Please bring signs, banners, and friends to the federal building and make you voice heard. This is a crisis moment in our community, and we need to stand up in record numbers.

I will send more information about today’s events and how they came to pass tomorrow. For now, I must focus on getting my last colleagues out of jail and safely home. Thank you again for your support today. Do not be discouraged... We are winning and today’s trouble is the DEA and LAPD’s last desperate attempt to stop us. Let’s finish this work together and make safe access a reality in Los Angeles!

Thank you,

Don Duncan

__________________
Don Duncan
Southern California Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org <http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/>

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today….www.AmericansforSafeAccessNow.org

Los Angeles Office
7211 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800
West Hollywood, CA 90046
P: 323-464-7719 F: 323-464-7355

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LA city council votes to end federal raids; DEA raids LA dispensaries

2007-07-26T22:37:49Z

Please, repost

MEDIA RELEASE
Americans for Safe Access
For Immediate Release: July 25, 2007

Los Angeles City Council Votes to End Federal DEA Medical Marijuana Raids
Meanwhile, DEA intensifies effort with raids today on at least 6 dispensaries in the city

Los Angeles, CA -- As the Los Angeles City Council voted today to move forward with the regulation of medical cannabis (marijuana) dispensaries, federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents were conducting raids on at least 6 dispensaries in the greater Los Angeles area. The Council approved the first reading today of a moratorium on new dispensaries in the city, with final approval expected within a week. The moratorium will give the city time to draft regulations that would establish a permit process and guidelines for providers of medical marijuana. The Council also passed a resolution in support of a vote in Congress scheduled to occur today that would deny funding to the U.S. Department of Justice, and the DEA, for enforcement against medical marijuana patients and providers.

Los Angeles City Councilmember, and former police officer, Dennis Zine, held a press conference this morning, prior to the vote, where he revealed a letter sent by three Councilmembers to DEA Administrator Karen Tandy. The letter from Los Angeles Councilmembers Dennis Zine, Janice Hahn and Bill Rosendahl was sent in response to increased federal activity, including numerous raids on medical cannabis dispensaries as well as letters sent by the DEA to at least 140 landlords of dispensing facilities. The letter requests that the DEA "abandon this tactic and allow this City Council to continue the important work of regulating these facilities without Federal interference." Despite the apparent conflict between state and federal law, Zine affirms the need to "uphold the will of our voters and adopt sensible guidelines to regulate the provision of medical cannabis in our communities."

A vote will also take place in Congress today that would prevent federal funds to be used to interfere in the twelve states that have adopted medical marijuana laws. The Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment to the House Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill, named after its authors Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), would end the federal crackdown currently occurring in Los Angeles and other parts of California. The resolution adopted today by the Los Angeles City Council supports the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment and the prohibition of further raids on "[medical] marijuana dispensaries in states that have laws supporting their operation."

"These continued actions by the DEA, in spite of the strong endorsement of medical marijuana by the Los Angeles City Council, is reprehensible," said Chris Fusco, the Southern California Field Coordinator for Americans for Safe Access, the nation's largest medical marijuana advocacy organization. "It shows that the federal government will stop at nothing to undermine California's medical marijuana law, and that today's DEA actions are in retaliation for the successful work being done by advocates and city officials." Two hundred protesters gathered today at California Patients Group, one of the dispensaries raided by the DEA, and confronted federal agents. Instead of arresting a group of people being held inside the facility, federal agents were forced to release them or face continued civil disobedience, in the form of blockades, by protesters at the scene.

In another apparent rebuke locally to federal efforts against medical marijuana access, Los Angeles' neighbor to the east, the City of Claremont, voted Tuesday night to allow and regulate a dispensary within its city limits.

In order to bring attention to the increased federal activity by the DEA, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is calling for statewide protests Friday. In Los Angeles, protests will occur at 9am at the federal building (255 East Temple) to be followed by a march to City Hall (200 N Spring St.) to request that the city do everything it can to ensure protection for its patients and providers from further federal interference.

For further information, refer to:
Letter from LA Councilmembers to DEA Administrator Karen Tandy: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloa...DEA_Letter.pdf
Resolution adopted by the Los Angeles City Council in support of Hinchey-Rohrabacher: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloa...Resolution.pdf
The DEA letter to more than 140 landlords in the Los Angeles area: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloa...ord_Letter.pdf
ASA's one-pager on the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloa..._One_Pager.pdf

# # #

With over 30,000 active members in more than 40 states, Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. ASA works to overcome political and legal barriers by creating policies that improve access to medical cannabis for patients and researchers through legislation, education, litigation, grassroots actions, advocacy and services for patients and the caregivers.

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Free MP3 featuring Steve Hager - High Times editor

2007-07-25T04:07:07Z

A rare interview with High Times Editor, Steve Hager, is free to download at http://www.Time4Hemp.com as is a new music interview featuring Lynnette Shaw (California hemp activists and singer/song writer).

If you're a fan of High Times magazine (and, who isn't?) this segment of the 'Time 4 Hemp PotCast Series' is one you DO NOT want to miss.

And if good music is what your are looking for - take time to enjoy the fun segment with Lynnette Shaw and discover her remarkable history with the Hemp Movement.

Also posted to the http://www.Time4Hemp.com site is another segment from the classic 'Time 4 Hemp Television Series' - featuring Dennis Perone, one of the founders of the Medical Marijuana Movement.

If you get time, check out and join the Time4Hemp.com forum and/or help yourself to any or all of the other free video and audio downloads.

Please forward this message to your friends &/or copy and post the above information anywhere and everywhere you feel people, who would enjoy these interviews, will be most likely to see it.

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Action Alerts: What you can do this week

2007-07-22T18:51:52Z

Weekly Round-Up
1. a. Virginia Resner: Human Rights and Medical Marijuana Activist, 1946-2007
b. Orange County Board of Supervisors Passes ID Card Program
c. Bakersfield and Corona Raid Updates
d. San Diego City Council Votes in Favor of Amicus Brief

Take Action
2. DEA's Actions Must be Thwarted! Urge Your Representative to Vote to Protect Patients!

ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
3. Saturday, July 21, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Community Forum
4. Tuesday, July 24, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
5. Tuesday, July 24, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting ***Rescheduled***
6. Thursday, July 26, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting
7. Wednesday, July 25, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

City and County Hearings
8. Tuesday, July 24, Claremont: City Council to Vote on Dispensary Regulations
9. Thursday, July 26, San Francisco: Committee to Discuss Dispensary Amendment

Court Support
10. Monday, July 30, Sacramento: Dr. Phillip Denney's Federal Motion to Dismiss Hearing
11. Monday, July 30, Fresno: Discovery Hearing for Bill Connelly
12. Tuesday, July 31, Sacramento: Federal Trial for Dr. Mollie Fry & Dale Schafer
13. Monday, July 30, Sacramento: State Sentencing Hearing for John Berchielli

Special Events
14. Saturday, July 21, Bakersfield: Medical Marijuana March at Beach Park
15. Monday, July 23, San Francisco: San Francisco Medical Cannabis Town Hall
16. Tuesday, July 31, San Francisco: Virginia Resner's Memorial Service

Weekly Round-Up CA Icon 1. a. Virginia Resner: Human Rights and Medical Marijuana Activist, 1946-2007
b. Orange County Board of Supervisors Passes ID Card Program
c. Bakersfield and Corona Raid Updates
d. San Diego City Council Votes in Favor of Amicus Brief

a. Virginia Resner: Human Rights and Medical Marijuana Activist, 1946-2007

by Mikki Norris

Virginia Resner, a great activist who worked tirelessly to put a human face on the injustice of the Drug War, succumbed to a five and a half year battle with breast cancer at age of 60 on July 18, 2007.

Virginia first became involved in drug policy reform in 1991. Unbeknownst to her, her companion Steven Faulkner had engaged in a plan to sell drugs. Coming home to find federal agents in her San Francisco residence on a warrantless search for evidence to use against him became her wake-up call. Through Faulkner’s arrest, prosecution, and 5-year mandatory minimum sentence as a first-time non-violent, drug offender, she quickly learned about the excesses of the Drug War.

Virginia found her way to the national organization Families Against Mandatory Minimums (www.famm.org) and volunteered as their California representative from 1992 to 2002. In this capacity, she provided information and support to prisoners and their families in similar situations, and advocated to public officials and the media for an end to mandatory minimum sentencing. She initiated a Women’s Project that collected stories and photos of women serving long sentences for low-level, non-violent drug offenses and conspiracy charges, to bring attention to the growing number of women in prison. She was instrumental in the effort to attain Presidential Clemency from Bill Clinton in 2000 for Amy Pofahl, who had already served nine years of a 24-year drug conspiracy sentence.

In 1995, Virginia joined forces with Mikki Norris and Chris Conrad of the Family Council on Drug Awareness to co-create HR95, now the Human Rights and the Drug War Photo Exhibit project (www.hr95.org). This compelling photo exhibit shows the faces and tells the stories of non-violent drug offenders and their families. It was first shown at Fort Mason during festivities commemorating the United Nations 50th Anniversary. It later was exhibited at libraries, universities, government buildings and events across the USA and Europe, including a six-week showing at the San Francisco Main Library in 1998.

The trio co-authored the acclaimed book, Shattered Lives: Portraits from America's Drug War and Human Rights and the US Drug War. Their work has moved and inspired activists everywhere to take action and get involved with the drug policy reform movement. It has influenced the media through subject matter used in the local and national press, political ads, documentaries, etc., influenced politicians and opinion makers, and shifted public perception to see the negative impact of the Drug War on the American people. For their efforts, they received a Robert C. Randall Award for Achievement in the Field of Citizen Action from the Lindesmith Center/Drug Policy Foundation in 2001.

Until her untimely death, Virginia continued to be intricately involved with the Ed Rosenthal case as president of Green Aid: Medical Marijuana Legal Defense and Education Fund, Inc. Although seriously ill, she took the time to come to court regularly to attend his trial and take care of the administrative tasks for his defense.

She was a true fighter for justice, and her commitment, courage and inner-strength, warm and generous spirit, as well as her dignity in her battle with cancer, has been an inspiration to many who had the fortune to know her. An indication of the special love that Virginia brought to her work can be seen in the outpouring of personal messages of support that she received during her final days. She will be dearly missed.

Her family requests that donations in Virginia Resner’s name to be made to Coming Home Hospice, Green Aid: Medical Marijuana Education and Legal Defense Fund, Inc., and to programs at Temple Emanu-El.

See below under Special Events for information about Virginia's memorial service.

b. Orange County Board of Supervisors Passes ID Card Program

This past Tuesday, in a 4-1 vote, the Board of Supervisors voted to implement the statewide medical cannabis ID card program for Orange County patients. Back in April, the Board of Supervisors had directed staff to draft a policy for local implementation of the medical marijuana ID card program.

After the Supervisors heard reports from the local sheriff's department, the Department of Health, and Orange County patients, they voted in favor of implementing an ID card program. The ID cards are expected to be made available to patients and their caregivers by December 2007. The annual application fee for the card will be $150 ($75 for MediCal recipients). Patients are not required to obtain the ID cards but many choose to because it reduces the risk of wrongful arrest, prosecution, and seizure of property.

Because of enormous grassroots pressure, an all-Republican Board of Supervisors voted to take these significant steps in implementing our medical marijuana laws. A special thanks to Aaron Smith from Safe Access Now, Bill Paoli from Orange County ASA, and Orange County ASA as a whole for their tremendous hard work! Thank you also to everyone who took action online to assure safe access for patients. Read the Los Angeles Times story about the O.C. ID card program.

c. Bakersfield and Corona Raid Updates

On Tuesday, July 17th, the federal agents raided two dispensaries in the Inland Empire, Bakersfield's Nature's Medicinal and Corona's Healing Nations Collective.

At the Nature's Medicinal Cooperative raid, DEA agents arrested 5 people. Agents also raided one of the owner's homes. The DEA confiscated medicine and resources. This is the second attack on the Bakersfield collective within three months.

At the Healing Nations Collective, in Corona, DEA agents stole fifteen pounds of medicine and a large amount of edibles. The collective's owner, Ronald Naulls was arrested along with another employee. During the collective's raid, federal agents raided the Naulls' home. Federal agents went so far as to contact Child Protective Services who took Naulls' children away and refused to allow them to stay with their grandparents, who were at Naulls' home during the raid.

During the Healing Nations Collective raid, federal agents found out that Naulls' owned another facility in Perris, CA. Two days later, DEA agents raided the Tree of Life dispensary in Perris. When agents arrived, they found that the dispensary had previously been shut down and was not in operation. Naulls was arraigned yesterday and should be released on bail shortly.

For more information about either of these raids, please contact ASA at: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

d. San Diego City Council Votes in Favor of Amicus Brief

The San Diego City Council voted in a closed session on Tuesday to file an amicus brief in support of the state of California. Filing an amicus brief offers a unique legal argument which is specific to the people of San Diego city in hopes of influencing the judge's decision. This is an unusual move for the city to file an amicus brief against the County. The majority of patients live in the city of San Diego.

The County of San Diego has sued the state of California, arguing that medical cannabis laws are preempted by the federal law. The trial court issued a ruling in favor of the State of California. The County of San Diego has now appealed and is awaiting a verdict in the Fourth District Court of Appeal.

The San Diego City Council's decision to file an amicus brief is a small step forward in the fight for safe access in San Diego. According to a staffer in Councilmember Atkins' office, the large turnout of activists at the hearing to discuss filing the amicus brief was very helpful in gaining support for this important action. The filing of the amicus brief is expected sometime in August. Great work and thanks to San Diego ASA and all the medical cannabis supporters that attended the hearing.

Take Action! Raid Icon
2. DEA's Actions Must be Thwarted! Urge Your Representative to Vote to Protect Patients!

In the past 6 weeks, the federal government's efforts to shut down safe access have been escalating. The list below illustrates the need for all medical cannabis supporters to take action to prevent further attacks on safe access. The following is a timeline of DEA activity reported to ASA staff:

* June 13 DEA raid Pomona dispensary, but makes no arrests
* July 9 DEA sends 150 Letters to landlords threatening to seize their assets due to asset forfeiture lawsif they do not evict their medical cannabis collective tenants.
* July 16 Raid Bakersfield dispensary, making five arrests
* July 17 DEA issues 4 indictments for raids from 2 years ago
* July 17 Raid Corona Dispensary making two arrests
* July 19 Raid Perris dispensary in connection with Corona raids

All of these actions could have been prevented by the Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment. This amendment to the Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill will cut federal funding for any efforts to preempt states' medical cannabis laws. Members of Congress must vote in favor of this amendment to protect patients and to prevent the DEA from taking any more actions such as those listed above. Take Action Now!

ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings Activist Fist
3. Saturday, July 21, Los Angeles:Los Angeles ASA Community Forum

ASA sees it as as very important that patients stay plugged into the developing situation in LA. ASA will be hosting a patient-based community forum to keep everyone informed. We also want to hear from patients to see what they want to see as a response.

This will be where patients can come and voice what they want to see as a response and how they can help save the collectives they support.

The meeting will be:

Saturday July 21, 2007 1 - 3 PM
California Patients Group
6208 Santa Monica Blvd @ Vine
Hollywood, CA

The meeting will be open to all patients and advocates who want to productively develop a response.

For more info, please call LA ASA: (323) 464-7719

4. Tuesday, July 24, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Safe Access is being threatened in San Francisco! There will be a Neighborhood Services Committee meeting on July 26th to discuss possible dispensary ordinance amendments. Please come out and show your support for patients and caregivers rights!

When: Tuesday, July 24th at 7:30pm
Where: Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco

For more info, contact Alex or Brent: aaafranco@yahoo.com; brent_saupe@yahoo.com

5. Tuesday, July 24, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting ***Rescheduled***

This meeting we will be focusing on ASA and the Data Quality Act. We will be discussing the possible outcomes and also the impact this lawsuit will have if ASA wins. We will also be discussing our recent invitations to participate in 2 local condition-based walks. Please come out and show your support!

When: July 10 @ 7:00pm
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

For more information or to get involved, please contact Lanette: cannacare@earthlink.net

6. Thursday, July 26, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting

Lake County is taking action to improve access to medicine for medicinal cannabis patients! We need your help to make this happen! Please show your support and attend the July 26th meeting in Clearlake.

When: June 26th at 6:00pm
Where: D&M Compassion Center, 15196 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake

For Additional information, contact Donna: LakeCoASA@msn.com

7. Wednesday, July 25, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

This month we will be discussing the following items:

- Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment vote
- Remembering Virginia Resner
- DEA letters sent to landlords of dispensaries
- Medical marijuana sales tax legislation update
- Court support
- And more!

Please join us and make your voice heard! Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, July 25th @ 7 pm

Americans for Safe Access Headquarters
1322 Webster Street, Suite 402, Downtown Oakland
Just a couple blocks from the 12th Street BART station!

For more information or to get involved, contact Rebecca: Rebecca@SafeAccessNow.org or 510-251-1856 x 308

City and County Hearings Federal Icon
8. Tuesday, July 24, Claremont: City Council to Vote on Dispensary Regulations

The Claremont City Council will vote on lifting the temporary ban on dispensaries and adopting dispensary regulations this Tuesday. Members of the City Council are reported to be in support of dispensary regulations and we need to show them that their constituents are as well! Please attend this hearing and speak out for safe access!

Download ASA talking points on dispensary regulations, moratoriums and bans.

When: Tuesday, July 24th at 6:30pm

Where: City Council Chambers
City Hall
207 Harvard Avenue, Claremont, CA

For more information, contact Sonnet: sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

9. Thursday, July 26, San Francisco: Committee to Discuss Dispensary Amendment

The City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee is holding a hearing to discuss an amendment to the Planning Code on July 26, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. This important hearing will determine whether the Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee will recommend an amendment to the dispensary code to the Board of Supervisors.

Please come out and show your support for safe access.

When:Thursday, July 12th at 1:00pm
Where: San Francisco Planning Commission
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

For more information, contact Alex: aaafranco@yahoo.com

Court Support Patients Rights
10. Monday, July 30, Sacramento: Dr. Phillip Denney's Federal Motion to Dismiss Hearing

In February 2006, Dr. Denney, a physician in practice for over 30 years, received documents revealing that an undercover agent of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) visited Dr. Denney’s Redding, CA office and obtained a recommendation using false information and under false pretenses. The government was allegedly investigating a local dispensary that was subsequently shut down. In November 2006, Dr. Denney filed a lawsuit in federal court naming the ATF, DEA, and various local law enforcement agencies, which alleges that his constitutional rights have been violated, and that the actions of law enforcement have had a chilling effect on his relationships patients. The lawsuit seeks to enjoin (prevent) law enforcement not only from investigating Dr. Denney, but also from using him in an investigation.

When: Monday, July 30th at 10:00pm
Where: Judge Lawrence Karlton in U.S. District Court 15th Floor
501 "I" Street in Sacramento

For more information, contact Sonnet at sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

11. Monday, July 30, Fresno: Discovery Hearing for Bill Connelly

Medical marijuana patient Bill Connelly, who operated the Seven Seas collective, was raided in June 12, 2007, and the DEA confiscated approximate 40 mature and 40 immature plants but did not arrest him. Later in June, the DEA returned and arrested him and at least four others and charged them with conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

When: Monday, July 30 at 9:00am
Where: Judge Anthony Ishii Courtroom
U.S. District Court (E.D., CA), 8th Floor
2500 Tulare Street, Fresno, CA

For more information, contact Sonnet: sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

12. Monday, July 30, Sacramento: State Sentencing Hearing for John Berchielli

In Sacramento Superior Court last month, patient and caregiver and ASA activist, John Berchielli, was convicted on five counts relating to his medical marijuana garden. Berchielli was a supplier of clones to the Sacramento dispensary Alternative Specialties, which was shut down by a multi-agency raid in July 2005 and whose owner is currently being prosecuted in federal court. This closure, which occurred shortly before the action against Berchielli, prevented the defendant from being able to present adequate evidence of his caregiver status during trial. This made his grow of over 1000 marijuana clones very difficult to defend. When interviewed after giving their verdict, jurors reported that the lack of patient lists and testimony heavily influenced their decision.

To read a full account of the trial of John Berchielli, visit http://www.medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com/content/category/1/56/109/

If Berchielli is sentenced heavily, it could mean that we will lose the work of a very valuable activist. Please come to the sentencing hearing to show your support for this asset to our community.

When: July 30 at 9:00am
Where: Dept. 47 (6th Floor) of 720 9th Street in Sacramento, California

For more information, contact Sonnet: Sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

13. Tuesday, July 31, Sacramento: Federal Trial for Dr. Mollie Fry & Dale Schafer

El Dorado County medical marijuana physician Mollie Fry and her husband, attorney Dale Schafer, were arrested as a result of a September 28, 2001 raid on their clinic in Cool, California, in which patient records were seized. After the Raich decision, on June 22, 2005, Fry and Schafer were indicted for marijuana found on the premises during the raid. Fry is also facing a separate action by the DEA to revoke her license to practice medicine.

When: Tuesday, July 31, Time, TBD
Where: Judge Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
U.S. District Court (E.D., CA), 15th Floor
501 "I" Street in Sacramento

For more information, contact Sonnet: sonnet@AmericansforSafeAccess.org

Special Events Raid Icon]
14. Saturday, July 21, Bakersfield: Medical Marijuana March at Beach Park

Event Timeline:
12:00 noon Meet at Beach Park (Oak St. and 24th St.) and press conference
12:30 PM March to the Liberty Bell at Truxtun Ave. and Chester Ave.
2:00 PM Rally at the Liberty Bell

Join hundreds of medical marijuana patients and activists will march and protest against the Sheriff's decision to stop the issuance of permits for dispensaries to operate and provide medicinal marijuana to sick people. Signs will be provided.

The people are angry that the Sheriff used our tax money to subvert state and local law. Many patients feel they have been betrayed.

The Sheriff has an ethical and constitutional duty to defend state law including the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and Senate Bill 420 allowing patients access to medical marijuana. Many patients are scared and do not understand how the Sheriff could cower down to federal agents.

For more information, contact Doug McAfee at 661-873-1703

15. Monday, July 23, San Francisco: San Francisco Medical Cannabis Town Hall

Americans for Safe Access (ASA-SF) and the Compassionate Care Council are co-hosting a forum.

What: ACCESSIBLITY AND ACCESS: San Francisco Medical Cannabis Town Hall
When: Monday, July 23rd from 6 - 8 PM
Where: Unitarian Universalist Church
1187 Franklin St. @ Geary (Disabled access on Geary St. side)

Why safe access?
Accessibility and safe access to medical cannabis are important issues for San Francisco, especially as the city is looking to permit local dispensaries. Come and learn more about how we can protect safe access to medical cannabis while defending disability rights!

What is going on?
The Town Hall will consist of a 6-person panel discussion from 6 - 7 PM and a reception with refreshments from 7 - 8 PM.

Who will be there?
Panelists will include a Jim Whipple of the Mayor’s Office on Disability, Debra Walker, president of the Building Inspection Commission, Michael Goldstein, an AIDS/HIV activist, Charles Pappas, a disabled chairman of a local medical cannabis cooperative, and lobbyist Stephanie Tucker.

Sponsored by: Americans for Safe Access San Francisco, www.AmericansForSafeAcccess.org and The Compassionate Care Council.

The Compassionate Care Council is a coalition of medical cannabis dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives in San Francisco. Partnering with caregivers, advocates and patients, the Council is committed to protecting neighborhood-based patient access.
Reach us at: carecouncil@gmail.com

16. Tuesday, July 31, San Francisco: Virginia Resner's Memorial Service
From Mikki Norris

A memorial service for our dear friend and colleague, Virginia Resner (who passed away earlier this week), will be held on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 1:00 PM at Temple Emanu-El, Martin Meyer Sanctuary, at 2 Lake Street (located on the corner of Lake and Arguello Streets), San Francisco, CA 94118.

Her family requests that donations in Virginia Resner’s name to be made to Coming Home Hospice, Green Aid: Medical Marijuana Education and Legal Defense Fund, Inc., and to programs at Temple Emanu-El.

A second gathering to celebrate Virginia’s life is being planned for Sunday, September 30, 2007. Details to come.

Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org

Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 321 F: 510-251-2036

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

FEDS indict medical marijuana dispensary operators

2007-07-21T15:44:31Z

Feds indict medical pot dispensary operators
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/medicine/la-me-potbusts18jul18,1,2501076.story?coll=la-health-medicine

By Eric Bailey, Times Staff Writer
July 18, 2007

Related Stories
- DEA targets landlords of pot outlets
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration announced a set of indictments Tuesday alleging that operators of nearly a dozen medical marijuana dispensaries — including two in West Hollywood — profiteered from the illegal distribution of pot.

Among those accused are the operators of Compassionate Caregivers, a chain-store medical marijuana operation that did more than $95 million in business.

"These dispensary operators are no different than any other drug trafficker: They prey on people in our communities to make a profit," said Timothy J. Landrum, special agent in charge of the DEA in Los Angeles.

Authorities say the owners of Compassionate Caregivers, Larry R. Kristich and James Carberry, ran dispensaries in Oakland, San Francisco, San Leandro, Ukiah, Bakersfield, San Diego and West Hollywood.

The indictment alleges that profits from marijuana sales were used to purchase expensive automobiles and real estate in Costa Rica. At a West Hollywood shop known as Yellow House, operators accepted credit cards and did more than $1.7 million in business in a single month, the indictment contends.

Others indicted included the operators of dispensaries in Corona and Morro Bay, where patients were charged two to three times the street value of marijuana, according to San Luis Obispo County Undersheriff Steve Bolts.

He called it "a super-sized retail drug-dealing center working under the cloak and smoke of Prop. 215," the 1996 ballot measure that legalized medical cannabis in California.

Also indicted in Morro Bay was Dr. Armand T. Tollette Jr. He is accused of writing marijuana recommendations for minors, failing to conduct physical examinations and paying "finder's fees" in marijuana for client referrals. Under federal law, conspiracy to distribute marijuana carries a sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

eric.bailey@latimes.com

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 4 replies

Reminder: ASA meeting this Saturday ~ Los Angeles

2007-07-20T21:46:39Z

Just a reminder...

ASA sees it as as very important that patients stay plugged into the developing situation in LA. ASA will be hosting a patient-based
community forum to keep everyone informed. We also want to hear from patients to see what they want to see as a response.

This will be where patients can come and voice what they want to see as a response and how they can help save the collectives they support.

The meeting will be:

Saturday July 21, 2007 1 - 3 PM
California Patients Group
6208 Santa Monica Blvd @ Vine
Hollywood, CA

The meeting will be open to all patients and advocates who want to
productively develop a response.

In Solidarity,

Chris Fusco
LA County Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org
www.ASAaction.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based
organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and
concerned
citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic
use
and research.

Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 303 F: 510-251-2036

Los Angeles Office
7211 Santa Monica Blvd #800
West Hollywood, CA 90046
P:323-464-7719 F:323-464-7735

National Office
1730 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
P: 202-857-4272 F: 202-857-4273

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Children caught in cross fire of medical marijuana drug war

2007-07-20T21:42:50Z

It is a sad day when the City and the County resort to force and taking children just to get their way in a zoning dispute.

Heavily-armed military-type Federal and Corona police today invaded a peaceful middle-class residential Corona hills neighborhood and a legal downtown community clinic.

Waving shotguns around, the commando-style police hauled away a local businessman and medical cannabis patient, Ronald Naulls, and his wife. Their three small daughters have been taken away from the family, including grandparents on both sides, by the County for no reason.

The City and the nonprofit medical cannabis collective operated by Mr. Naulls, Healing Nations Collective, have been in court for the last 10 months arguing about the collective's zoning status in downtown Corona. The Superior Court refused to close the collective pending an appeal. Apparently, this provoked the City and the County into taking today's outrageous actions against a peaceful, law-abiding, church-going, local business consultant and qualified medical cannabis patient, and his young family.

Medical cannabis is as legal as any prescription drug obtained with a physician's prescription. That's what the California Supreme Court confirmed in 2002 in People v. Mower. Does the City of Corona Zoning Department or Riverside County Child Protective Services know something that the Supreme Court missed?

Citizens beware: If the City of Corona and the County of Riverside can't take your land use rights away in court, they might just take your children and put you in jail--for no reason but their own frustration with the legal court procedures that guarantee our constitutional rights of liberty and property.

Ronald Naulls is caught in a war between the State and Federal governments over the legality of medical cannabis. Today he was arrested for standing up for his medical rights under state law. Not long ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was also arrested--for standing up peaceably against racist state governments for the federal right to vote. Should Dr. King's children have been taken away by Macon County Child Protective Services? Of course not, it would have been outrageous. And it is just as outrageous that the County is keeping Ronald Naulls' three little girls from their mother because their daddy was arrested for standing up for his rights.

Those three little girls need to be re-united with their mother and their family immediately--before the government causes them any further trauma or any harm.

A very sad day indeed.

James Anthony

Land Use Counsel for Healing Nations Collective

James Anthony
Counselor and Attorney at Law

Law Offices of James Anthony
3542 Fruitvale Avenue, 351
Oakland, CA 94602
510/207-6243
510/228-0411 fax
MMDLandUseLaw@comcast.net
Specializing in Medical Marijuana Dispensary Land Use Law

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 2 replies

Feds raid Corona dispensary

2007-07-18T17:52:35Z

FEDERAL AGENTS RAID CORONA POT DISPENSARY
http://www.pe.com/localnews/corona/stories/PE_News_Local_H_pot18.37f6357.html

Federal agents on Tuesday arrested the operator of a Corona medical
marijuana dispensary and raided his shop as dozens of patients and
employees protested outside the business.

The raid and arrest were part of a series that took place in Southern
California on Tuesday. Operators of medical marijuana dispensaries in
Hollywood, San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay also were arrested,
according to Drug Enforcement Administration spokeswoman Sarah Pullen.

The DEA, local police, Internal Revenue Service agents and the U.S.
Attorney's Office took part in the investigations leading up to the
raids and arrests, she said.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents and Corona police officers
investigate Healing Nations Collective Medical Marijuana Dispensary
in Corona on Tuesday.

Prop. 215, approved by California voters in 1996, decriminalized the
use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. But the sale and use of
marijuana remain illegal under federal law.

Pullen said Tuesday's raids were part of the agency's enforcement of
federal drug laws. She said the dispensaries had come under scrutiny
because of the scale of their sales operations.

The DEA previously has conducted raids on medical marijuana
dispensaries throughout California, including in such Inland cities
as Riverside and Palm Springs.

The Corona dispensary raided on Tuesday, Healing Nations Collective,
had sales of more than $1.2 million in a nine-month time period, Pullen
said.

"Our goals are to target the most egregious traffickers out there," she
said.

The raid on the strip-mall dispensary on West Grand Boulevard began
about 6 a.m. Agents also raided the Corona home of its operator,
Ronald Naulls, and searched a storage unit in the 2500 block of
Hamner Avenue in Norco. Corona police assisted in the investigation
and the serving of the warrant.

Authorities seized Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and GMC vehicles and $75,000
in cash at Naulls' home, 15 pounds of marijuana and a substantial
amount of "marijuana edibles" at the business, and additional
marijuana at the storage unit, Pullen said. Numerous documents also
were seized.

A federal indictment charges Naulls with conspiracy to possess with
intent to distribute marijuana, and of causing others to illegally
sell marijuana, which refers to employees of the dispensary. Naulls
faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted, Pullen said. He was
being held in downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday afternoon awaiting
arraignment.

Attempts to reach Naulls or family members Tuesday were unsuccessful.

James Anthony, a civil attorney who previously represented Naulls,
said Tuesday was a "sad day."

"Ronald Naulls is caught in a war between the state and federal
governments over the legality of medical cannabis," Anthony said.
"Today, he was arrested for standing up for his medical rights under
state law."

Marie Vasquera, a 21-year-old Riverside resident who works at Healing
Nations, contends the business operated as a nonprofit cooperative
and followed all state and local laws.

She said the business got its plants from medical marijuana patients
legally allowed to grow small numbers of plants, and the marijuana
was sold only to people with valid identification cards. Nonprofit
farming cooperatives were explicitly allowed by state legislation in
2003 and require identification cards for patients using marijuana
for medical purposes.

Pullen said that Naulls was not charged under state or local laws,
and that she did not know whether the business operated as a nonprofit.

Throughout Tuesday morning, Vasquera and others staged a boisterous
and emotional protest outside the dispensary. With signs and chants
and spontaneous cries, they invoked state law and patients rights,
and berated federal agents and police.

"What are the police going to do for people like me? Do they care
that people are going to suffer?" said Corona resident David
Martinez, 45, who suffers from painful tumors and back problems and
has patronized Healing Nations Collective since it opened in May 2006.

Many others said that medical marijuana was the best treatment for
their host of painful and life-disrupting conditions.

"It gave me my life back," said 47-year-old Riverside resident Kathy
Jones, who said a regimen of heavy painkillers taken for fibromyalgia
and other conditions had previously left her incapacitated.

"I'm not a druggie, I'm a patient," she said through tears.

Healing Nations was locked and boarded Tuesday afternoon. Its fate is
unclear.

The raid follows a year of Corona City Council actions and court
hearings aimed at shuttering the city's only known medical marijuana
dispensary.

Last summer, the City Council approved a yearlong moratorium
prohibiting the establishment of new dispensaries in Corona. In
April, the council voted unanimously to make the ban permanent.

In December, Riverside Superior Court Commissioner Joan R. Burgess
granted Corona a preliminary injunction against Healing Nations
Collective to shut down the dispensary, then stayed the injunction so
the business could operate until Naulls' appeal of the ruling was
complete.

About a month ago, the city refused to renew Naulls' business
license. He is appealing that ruling, Naulls' attorney said. An
administrative hearing was scheduled at City Hall on July 24, but it
may not happen after the raid, he said.

Corona Mayor Eugene Montanez said that the possibility of the federal
authorities coming into Corona to close the dispensary was a concern
the city shared with Naulls when he opened Healing Nations.

The mayor said he believes there is a hierarchy in the law and the
city can do little to alter that.

"Federal law always takes state law, just like state law overruns any
city laws we might pass," he said. "It's a priority for the federal
government and the district attorney. It's the priority of the law."

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Action Alert: What you can do about it

2007-07-16T19:57:14Z

ASA California Weekly Alert: July 13, 2007
________________________________________
Weekly Round Up
1. ASA Argues Against Federal Government in Court
Asset Forfeiture and What You Can Do About It!
Kris Hermes, Legal Director, is Moving into the Position of ASA Media Specialist!
ASA vs. Alameda County: Tentative Verdict is Promising

Take Action
2. Urge Your Representative to Stop Medical Marijuana Raids!

ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
3. Saturday, July 14, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara ASA Meeting
4. Saturday, July 21, Los Angeles: Los Angeles ASA Meeting
5. Tuesday, July 24, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting
6. Tuesday, July 24, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting ***Rescheduled***
7. Thursday, July 26, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting
8. Wednesday, July 25, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

City and County Hearings
9. Monday, July 16, San Diego: City Council to Hold Hearing Supporting Patients in Lawsuit
10. Tuesday, July 17th, Santa Ana: Orange County Board of Supervisors to Vote on ID Card Program
11. Wednesday, July 18, Ukiah: City Council to Discuss Changes to Current Cultivation Ordinance
12. Thursday, July 26, San Francisco: Committee to Discuss Dispensary Amendment
________________________________________
Weekly Round-Up
________________________________________
1. ASA Argues Against Federal Government in Court
Asset Forfeiture and What You Can Do About It!
Kris Hermes, Legal Director, is Moving into the Position of ASA Media Specialist!
ASA vs. Alameda County: Tentative Verdict is Promising

ASA Argues Against Federal Government in Court

Americans for Safe Access’ lawsuit against the Department of Health and Human Services under the Data Quality Act came up for hearing July 12th on the government’s motion to dismiss. The lawsuit is based on a little-known law called the Data Quality Act, which requires federal agencies to ensure the “quality, integrity, and objectivity” of information they disseminate. ASA’s lawsuit follows nearly two years of administrative proceedings wherein ASA contends that the Department of Health and Human Services is violating its own Data Quality Guidelines by disseminating the falsehood that “marijuana has no accepted medical value” in the United States.

At the July 12th hearing, defendants raised various technicalities, such as claiming that the Data Quality is only advisory and that ASA lacks standing to sue, in an effort to have ASA’s suit dismissed. Alan Morrison, who founded Public Citizen’s Litigation Group and currently serves as a senior lecturer at Stanford Law School, argued very forcefully on behalf of patients. United States District Judge William Alsup took the matter under submission and is expected to decide whether the suit can proceed in the next couple of weeks.

Read more about the Data Quality Act.

Asset Forfeiture and What You Can Do About It!

As many of you know, over the last 3 days, Americans For Safe Access has been forwarded numerous letters from the DEA to the landlords of Los Angeles medical cannabis dispensing collectives. The letters are all identical except for the specific information about the collectives and
their landlords (such as names and addresses). The DEA claims to have sent the letters to more than 100 landlords.

The letters all say (in less words) that the DEA has identified that you control a property, at XXX address, where a "medical marijuana" dispensary, XXXX Caregivers, is operating. Federal law states that medical marijuana is illegal. Nothing in California law takes precedent over Federal Law, including Prop 215.

Federal Law also makes it a crime to knowingly lease to a property used to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance. Federal Law also allows the US government to seize the property if the landlord knows what is happening there.

This letter shall serve as notice that there is a dispensary on your property, and you have now been made aware of it. You are advised that further violations of federal law will result in prosecution, imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets (property seizure).

It is signed by the head agent of LA field division.

A few of the landlords have contacted the DEA, and the DEA confirmed that they sent the letters. They have all been postmarked Friday. The first call we got was Monday morning at 9 AM. We had heard of 3 by the end of the day. We have now seen 17 letters, and heard reports as high as 25.

This is a serious action taken by the DEA, and ASA is working non-stop to find every way we can to fight this. It will take the most calculated and thought-out response we have ever launched, and we are dedicating every resource we have to developing our short-term response and long-term plan.

This revised tactic by DEA further underscores that it is now more important than ever for Congress to pass the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment. You can visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/hincheyaction and take action today! Call your Member of Congress and urge support for the amendment. Then, call a friend or family member in another state, and encourage them to take action too! Every call, every email makes a difference.

Kris Hermes, Legal Director, is Moving into the Position of ASA Media Specialist

A note from the Executive Director:

I would like to take sometime here to personally thank Kris Hermes for the contributions he has brought, not only to ASA, but to the lives of thousands of medical cannabis patients. Many of you may not know that Kris was ASA’s fifth employee. He started as Legal Coordinator and his passion and drive to build our legal department quickly moved him into the position of Legal Director.

Under Kris’ watch, access across the state of California has flourished: 37 cities and counties have passed ordinances for dispensing collectives, the CHP changed it policy... the list goes on and on. As a patient, I know that I am safer because of his work, and at ASA we are grateful to have him as staff member. Thank you Kris for all you have done and we are excited to have you in this new role at the organization!

Steph Sherer
Executive Director
Americans for Safe Access

ASA vs. Alameda County: Tentative Verdict is Promising

This past Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Winifred Y. Smith issued a tentative ruling that the Alameda County Registrar of Voters and Alameda County, “have engaged in a pattern of withholding relevant evidence and failure to preserve evidence” necessary to conduct a recount of a hotly contested Berkeley ballot measure. As a result, the Court has signaled its intention to void the election and order the County to place Measure R back on the ballot for a re-vote at the next general election. The measure sought to end limits on the number of plants allowed to medical marijuana users and would have created a peer oversight committee for medical cannabis dispensaries in the city.

Americans for Safe Access and three other patients filed the lawsuit against Alameda County on December 30, 2004. The lawsuit challenges Alameda County's refusal to allow the public to examine copies of the Measure R electronic votes and system audit logs during the recount of the ballot initiative conducted on electronic voting machines made by Diebold Election Systems, Inc.

Judge Smith heard final oral arguments this morning at the sanctions hearing and is expected to give her final ruling within the next week. During the hearing, the judge further questioned both sides and posed especially hard questions to Alameda County's attorneys. ASA's Chief of Staff, Rebecca Saltzman, attended the hearing today and said, "Judge Smith's tentative ruling is one step forward in the fight for fair and just election practices."

Channel 7, SF Chronicle, Bay City News, and the Daily Californian all covered the hearing.
________________________________________
Take Action!
________________________________________
2. Urge Your Representative to Stop Medical Marijuana Raids This Year!

The Hinchey-Rohrabacher-Amendment will be voted on in less than two weeks! It's time to stop wasting taxpayer dollars on raiding state-licensed medical marijuana patients and providers! The Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment to the Commerce-Justice-State appropriations bill instructs the Department of Justice to use its money wisely and specifically prohibits the Department from using appropriated funds to conduct raids or otherwise prevent the various states from implementing laws that authorize the therapeutic use of cannabis. Take action today! For more background info, see http://www.AmericansforSafeaccess.org/Hinchey

Call Your Member of Congress. Every single phone call counts!

What to say: "Please vote for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher Medical Marijuana Amendment. If adopted, this amendment will prohibits any funds made available to the Department of Justice from being used to raid medical marijuana patients and their care providers in the states that authorize use of marijuana for therapeutic use. It does not legalize marijuana, it simply prohibits taxpayer dollars from being used to interfere with state medical marijuana laws."

For phone numbers of your representatives, visit www.house.gov or call the congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Give the operator your zip code and ask to be connected to your U.S. Representative.

For more information, contact Sonnet: sonnet@safeaccessnow.org
________________________________________
ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
________________________________________
3. Saturday, July 14, Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara ASA Meeting

There has been a lot of discussion the past few days over the DEA's latest attack on landlords. Come to the Santa Barbara ASA Chapter meeting this Saturday to take action. We will be discussing the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment and later taking action to prevent this from happening in the future.

When: Saturday, July 14 at 3pm-5pm
Where: Antioch University
801 Garden St. Room #203 Santa Barbara

For More Information, contact: Jennifer at (805) 637-5365
________________________________________
4. Saturday, July 21, Los Angeles:Los Angeles ASA Meeting

LA ASA is hosting a patient informational forum. This meeting is designed for patients to attend to hear the latest news on the DEA's attack on landlords. There have been a lot of questions the past few days about the DEA's recent tactics and we want to answer patients' questions.

When: Saturday, July 21st, 1pm - 3pm
Where: California Patients Group
6208 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles

For more info, please call LA ASA: (323) 464-7719
________________________________________
5. Tuesday, July 24, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting

Safe Access is possibly being threatened in San Francisco! There will be a Neighborhood Services Committee meeting on July 26th to discuss possible dispensary ordinance amendments. Please come out and show your support for patients and caregivers rights!

When: Tuesday, July 24th at 7:30pm
Where: Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco

For more info, contact Alex or Brent: aaafranco@yahoo.com; brent_saupe@yahoo.com
________________________________________
6. Tuesday, July 24, Sacramento: Sacramento ASA Meeting ***Rescheduled***

This meeting we will be focusing on ASA and the Data Quality Act. We will be discussing the possible outcomes and also the impact this lawsuit will have if ASA wins. We will also be discussing our recent invitations to participate in 2 local condition-based walks. Please come out and show your support!

When: July 10 @ 7:00pm
Where: Crusaders Hall
320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA

For more information or to get involved, please contact Lanette: cannacare@earthlink.net
________________________________________
7. Thursday, July 26, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting

Lake County is taking action to improve access to medicine for medicinal cannabis patients! We need your help to make this happen! Please show your support and attend the July 26th meeting in Clearlake.

When: June 26th at 6:00pm
Where: D&M Compassion Center, 15196 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake

For Additional information, contact Donna: LakeCoASA@msn.com
________________________________________
8. Wednesday, July 25, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

This month we will be discussing current CA medical cannabis affairs, have a National Campaigns update, and discuss Court Support. This meeting is open to anyone who wants to learn about the latest medical cannabis issues and take action for safe access.

When: 7:00 pm @ ASA Headquarters Office
Where: 1322 Webster Street, Suite 402, Downtown Oakland

For more information, contact Rebecca: 510-251-1856 x. 308
________________________________________
City and County Hearings
________________________________________
9. Monday, July 16, San Diego: City Council to Hold Hearing Supporting Patients in Lawsuit

The County of San Diego filed the appeal earlier this year in its lawsuit against the state and Proposition 215, and the requirement to issue voluntary ID cards. In order to bring the patient perspective to the table, ASA joined the lawsuit and the patients prevailed with a strong ruling upholding the state's medical marijuana law.

The City of San Diego is now considering submitting an amicus (supportive) brief in favor of patients. It is important that we rally as many allies as we can in the fight for safe access in San Diego. Please come out for the hearing Monday and urge the City Council to file an amicus brief. The Council will vote in closed session on Tuesday whether or not to file the brief.

When: July 16, 2007 at 2pm
Where: 12th Floor, City Hall, 202 C Street, San Diego

For more information, contact Sonnet: sonnet@safeaccessnow.org
________________________________________
10. Tuesday, July 17th, Santa Ana: Orange County Board of Supervisors to Vote on ID Card Program

On July 17th, the Orange County Board of Supervisors will be voting on an ID card program. On April 17th, in a 4-1 vote, the Orange County Board of Supervisors directed staff to draft a policy for local implementation of the medical marijuana ID card program.

Because of enormous grassroots pressure, an all-Republican Board of Supervisors voted to take this small step towards implementing our medical cannabis laws, even in the face of fierce opposition from law enforcement. Please come out and once more show your support for safe access to medical cannabis.

When: July 17th at 9:30am
Where: Board Hearing Room, First Floor,
333 W. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana

For more information, contact Bill: oclawyer@aol.com

If you live in Orange County, take action and click here!
________________________________________
11. Wednesday, July 18, Ukiah: City Council to Discuss Changes to Current Cultivation Ordinance

Ukiah City Council will be discussing changes to the current cultivation ordinance next Wednesday. According to City Council, there have been escalating complaints of violations of the current city ordinance. The Council will discuss solutions to address the reported ordinance violations. Please come out and show your support for safe access. It is important that the medical cannabis community's voice be heard at this meeting.

When: Wednesday, July 18th at 6:00pm
Where: Council Chambers
300 Seminary Ave.
Ukiah, CA

For more information, contact Sonnet: Sonnet@safeaccessnow.org
________________________________________
12. Thursday, July 26, San Francisco: Committee to Discuss Dispensary Amendment

The City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee is holding a hearing to discuss an amendment to the Planning Code on July 26, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. This important hearing will determine whether the Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee will recommend an amendment to the dispensary code to the Board of Supervisors.

Please come out and show your support for safe access.

When:Thursday, July 12th at 1:00pm
Where: San Francisco Planning Commission
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

For more information, contact Alex: aaafranco@yahoo.com
--
Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org
Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 321 F: 510-251-2036

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

DEA letters to Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

2007-07-16T19:47:24Z

--please, repost--

Hi all,

This is a long message, but it will fill you in with the details of what is going on. Watch out for further bulletin posts with the latest information....

Unfortunately, this is not the only thing going on in the news this week.... so please, stay informed, get active, and SHARE the info.
~~~~~~~~

July 12th
Dear Community members,

As many of you know, over the last 48 hours, Americans For Safe Access has been forwarded numerous letters from the DEA to the landlords of Los Angeles medical cannabis dispensing collectives. The letters are all identical except for the specific information about the collectives and their landlords (such as names and addresses). We have received an initial 17 reports so far. However, the DEA claims to have sent the letters to more than 100 landlords.

The letters all say (in less words) that the DEA has identified that you control a property, at XXX address, where a "medical marijuana" dispensary, XXXX Caregivers, is operating. Federal law states that medical marijuana is illegal. Nothing in California law takes precedent over Federal Law, including Prop 215.

Federal Law also makes it a crime to knowingly lease to a property used to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance. Federal Law also allows the US government to seize the property if the landlord knows what is happening there.

This letter shall serve as notice that there is a dispensary on your property, and you have now been made aware of it. You are advised that
further violations of federal law will result in prosecution, imprisonment, fines, and forfeiture of assets (property seizure).

It is signed by the head agent of LA field division.

A few of the landlords have contacted the DEA, and the DEA confirmed that they sent the letters. They have all been postmarked Friday. The first call we got was Monday morning at 9 AM. We had heard of 3 by the end of
the day. We have now seen 17 letters, and heard reports as high as 25.

The shops have nothing in common. Some are new, some are old, some are big, and some are small. Many have had no neighbor issues at all. Some see less than 10 patients a day. From what we can tell there is not any specific correlation or connection between any of the collectives who have received them. It seems that the DEA used Weedtracker as the source.

This is a serious action taken by the DEA, and ASA is working non-stop to find every way we can to fight this. It will take the most calculated and thought-out response we have ever launched, and we are dedicating every resource we have to developing our short-term response and long-term plan.

In Solidarity,

Chris Fusco
LA County Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org
www.ASAaction.org

July 13th

Hello, ASA Members and Allies. I know many of you are worried about the recent DEA letters to landlords renting to medical cannabis collectives in Los Angeles. This is a serious threat and a real attack on safe access. I wish there were a simple answer to this new challenge, but there is not. I want everyone to know that collective operators in LA are committed to serving patients despite the risks and challenges. There will be safe access in our city!

Lawyers agree that landlords can not fight the asset forfeiture cases in court, as the US Attorney has the authority and jurisdiction to move forward. A legislative solution will take too long to be useful for the collectives and cooperatives targeted already, or for those will are likely to be targeted soon. We need a political fix for this problem in the immediate future.

There is a place for a public protest, especially one carefully crafted to generate grassroots support for a larger lobbying effort in Washington, DC. We need to think about who we intend to target with that protest and what we want them to do. The image and message will be crucial. Only a handful of people have direct influence over what is happening in LA right now. Unfortunately, most are in DC and insulated from grassroots pressure. I know community members are considering how to proceed now. Let’s all talk together and come up with a good plan.

We have to remember that this is a federal problem with a federal solution. ASA is the best vehicle we have now to effect a change in DC. ASA has the most effective communications team in the medical cannabis field. Last year, ASA was quoted in more than 3,000 print articles and an impressive number of broadcast stories. Our background work with editorial boards and influential journalists has helped turn the tide of media bias and public indifference on medical cannabis. ASA works in partnership with a prestigious public relations firm in DC to craft and place stories in high-profile media. Reflect on the media work around Gonzales vs. Raich, Dr. Abrams neuropathy study in February, or the DQA editorial in Science. All are good examples of effective media shaping subsequent coverage and public opinion.

We are working with the LA Times and other major media outlets to develop articles that will mitigate the inevitable impact this news will have on landlords statewide. Our story will also serve to maximize public sympathy for the patients, landlords, and operators. Chris Fusco is working non-stop this weekend with the staff in Oakland to set up key interviewees with strategic talking points. Getting our story in the mainstream press early will help frame how the media tells this story and shape public opinion. Effective media will also serve to underpin of direct lobbying efforts.

ASA Staff in DC is already calling Congressional leaders and coalition members to help us find some leverage with the Justice Department and the US Attorneys office. Because ASA is the only organization in Washington, DC, working exclusively on medical cannabis, we have seen doors open to us in the last two years that have been closed to organizations with broader drug policy agendas. Our lobbyists have become the go-to people on Capitol Hill and regarded as the most experienced in the field. Consider this: Dr. Barbara Roberts, former Senior Policy Analyst for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP), is now the President of ASA’ Medical and Scientific Advisory Board – and our lead lobbyist in Congress. Read her bio at http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=3209 Dr. Roberts is the caliber of expert to which members of Congress are accustomed to listening.

Most importantly, Dr. Roberts and the rest of our DC team are ready to act on this issue right now. Some collectives are already being evicted and that means patients are already losing out. I know many of you support medical cannabis passionately. Please make a a commitment to help me support ASA’s federal program and stop this attack. You may have assumed that ASA has ample resources for this fight. That is not true. We raise our budget week by week. We have no million dollar donors or big grants. If you, as stakeholders in the medical cannabis movement, do not support ASA, then no one will.

Take a moment to reflect on what stopping this attack – and changing federal law – means to you. Then think about what that looks like financially for you. We need funding for this fight right now. You can donate online immediately at http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/donate or send a check to ASA at 1322 Webster St., Suite 402, Oakland, CA 94612. Please do it today!

Thank you, again, for supporting ASA and medical cannabis!

Don't forget about the next ASA meeting...

Saturday, July 21 * 1 PM – LA ASA Meeting/Community Forum on DEA Attack
6210 Santa Monica Blvd., between Vine St. and El Centro, LA 90046
All medical cannabis advocates welcome * http://www.ASAaction.org

__________________
Don Duncan
Southern California Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org <http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/>

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today….www.AmericansforSafeAccessNow.org

Los Angeles Office
7211 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 800
West Hollywood, CA 90046
P: 323-464-7719 F: 323-464-7355

Sunday, July 15th
Hello. Thanks to everyone for the great input and brain storming on asset forfeiture threats against property owners renting to medical cannabis collectives in Los Angeles. I hear that several local collectives are starting letter writing or call in campaigns targeting strategic representatives in Congress. Others have made special pledges to support the lobbying effort already underway in Washington, DC. We had a good meeting with operators, two property owners, and a former prosecutor from the US Attorney’s office on Saturday afternoon.

On Monday, ASA is convening a conference call with some of the top asset forfeiture specialists in the county to evaluate legal and political options for resistance. ASA’s legal team will be joined by representatives from the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Forfeiture Endangers American Rights (FEAR), as well as two former US Attorneys and two lobbyists in Washington, DC, who are already working on asset forfeiture reform. ASA is also working to mobilize our new coalition of HIV/AIDS and other health care advocates to the defense of the targeted property owners. I will send a report after this unprecedented call.

I have heard that some advocates are planning a protest in Van Nuys on Tuesday morning. I do not know what strategic conversations organizers have had already, but would like to suggest some ideas for media images and messaging for participants. When planning a response like this, it is a good idea to consider who has the power to change what it is you do not like (or do what you want to happen). Then you can consider what tools you have to influence those people. If, for example, you want to pressure the City Council to amend the upcoming ICO to allow for existing collectives to relocate, protesting at a time and place when the council is in session (while lobbying the Council members from the inside) might be effective. If, however, you want to encourage a change in policy at the federal level, lobbying members on Congress directly is a better approach. We are going to explore this strategic approach in depth at the LA-ASA meeting on Saturday, July 21 (see http://www.ASAaction.org for info).

Regardless of the strategic decision, I urge everyone to think very carefully about the images and messages their response to this crisis will send to the public and to Congress. Marijuana legalization advocates have used the spectacle of public smoking to garner media attention for decades. Sadly, this approach often backfires because media portrays the smokers in an inappropriate light. Editors at broadcast media tend to focus on the image of smoking publicly instead of the message of the protesters. Sensationalism sells ad space, after all. Adopting the public smoking strategy in a medical context is tricky. The public and elected officials are unlikely to be persuaded by a crowd of people smoking cannabis. If civil disobedience is part of a protesters strategy, I recommend an action that can not be so easily distorted or misunderstood. Blockades, public plantings, medicine give aways, and sit ins have been used effectively in the medical-only context.

There was also some talk at Saturday afternoon’s meeting about raising religious defense in light of the current crisis. I think there is sometimes confusion about churches and medical cannabis as a result of the extraordinary bravery shown by congregations in San Francisco, West Hollywood, and elsewhere in defense of patients targeted by federal enforcement. I hope that people of faith will rally to the support the medical cannabis community again, but we must be very clear about messaging. Cannabis is medicine, and that fact must always be at the core of our message. We do not need to substitute a religious defense for medical cannabis advocacy. Doing so sends the message that our goal is to legalize marijuana by whatever tactic we can, instead of protecting safe access for legitimate patients. I know many of us support marijuana law reform, but we must be careful that medical cannabis stands on its own merits and is never portrayed as means to an end. Do not underestimate the importance of this. We deal with blowback from the “bait and switch” issue at the ASA office all the time – especially in Congress.

Thanks, again, for your continued vigilance in the crisis time. I hope you will all participate in the LA-ASA meeting next Saturday (see http://www.ASAaction.org for info).

Remember, we still need your support for a federal solution to a federal problem – http://www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/Donate

__________________
Don Duncan
Southern California Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org <http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org/>

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

DEA sending letters to Landlords of MM Dispensaries

2007-07-12T02:04:50Z

As of today at 5pm (7/11/07) there have been 37 confirmed letters received by landlords of different medical marijuana dispensaries.
I haven't seen one myself, but my understanding is that the DEA is threatening these landlords with seizures of their properties for leasing space to dispensaries.
Does anyone have any info regarding this? Please keep us posted.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

The new Time 4 Hemp iPotCast Series is now up and ready 2...

2007-07-03T03:28:46Z

...download. Two segments have been posted to the http://www.Time4Hemp.com website.

The first of a 5-part interview with Allen St. Pierre, Director of NORML, is now available along with a musical iPotCast featuring the remarkable work of Muck Sticky.

Please share this with everyone who you feel would enjoy these broadcasts.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 0 replies

Is cannabis the new prozac?

2007-06-27T15:59:27Z

Is Weed the new Prozac?
topic posted Today, 11:16 AM by Lola delete entire topic
Is Weed the New Prozac?

by Jonah Lehrer

Fifteen million Americans, or five percent of the population, are currently taking a drug that treats most of their anxiety symptoms. This drug isn’t addictive, can be delivered to your door in certain metropolitan areas, and is cheaper than most of its competitors. Its main side effect? The munchies.

I’m talking about marijuana, a.k.a. Cannabis sativa, and both scientists and pharmaceutical companies are looking to it as a possible cure for what may be our generation’s most pressing psychological affliction.

Anxiety Perhaps it’s the War on Terror, or our stagnating incomes, or just the fact that Prozac is running out of fresh supplicants and Eli Lilly needs a new disease. Whatever the cause, the data is clear: Americans are growing more nervous, and we want something to take the edge off. Every generation needs a new pandemic, and anxiety is our new depression.

Despite the fact marijuana was first cultivated almost 10,000 years ago, modern medicine has yet to find a pharmaceutical equal. No other substance melts away our fears with such slick efficiency. But that may soon change. A cadre of neuroscientists is now using the natural potency of pot—its active ingredient is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—as the possible basis for a next generation anti-anxiety pill.

Before you can understand why pot might be the next Prozac, you have to know a little bit about how marijuana works inside the brain. Our cortex contains a class of proteins called endocannabinoids. These compounds might sound illegal, but they are actually an essential ingredient of normal human brain function. For some mysterious reason, the active ingredient of a tropical shrub—THC—is able to perfectly mimic our natural endocannabinoids, and activate our neural receptors. Pot doesn’t infuse our brain with a foreign substance so much as it activates system that is already there. As Roger Nicoll, a neuroscientist at UCSF, puts it: “the brain makes its own marijuana.” Smoking a joint just helps you make more of it.

It wasn’t until 1984 that scientists even knew the endocannabinoid system existed. By the early 1990’s, researchers began to realize that this neural system was extremely important. For one thing, endocannabinoid receptors (CB1) proved to be one of the most abundant G-protein coupled receptors in the brain. Secondly, CB1 receptors were clustered where it counts, and seemed to populate many of our most important brain areas, like the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala.

But scientists still couldn’t figure out what all these natural endocannabinoids did when we weren’t smoking pot. After all, our brains didn’t evolve so that we could get high; our CB1 receptors must also control some aspects of normal brain function. A tantalizing solution arrived in 2003, from Giovanni Marsicano of the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich. After painstakingly dismantling their endocannabinoid system, he showed that mice lacking normal CB1 receptors could feel fear but couldn’t forget it. In other words, their anxiety is chronic. They are always nervous and twitchy.

Neuroscientists now believe that a faulty endocannabinoid system might play a large part in all sorts of anxiety syndromes from post-traumatic stress disorder to irrational phobias. Furthermore, they are using this knowledge to invent new drugs. The Holy Grail is a THC compound that is targeted to the parts of our brain—like the amygdala—that modulate our sense of fear. Such a pill would give us the anti-anxiety effects of pot, but without the giddiness, stupidity and hunger. While scientists still don’t know if such a site-specific pill is possible—can we just get our amygdala high?—experiments done in the next few years should help resolve the issue.

Needless to say, such a pill would raise all sorts of legal issues at the FDA. Although the FDA has already approved other types of synthetic THC—these drugs are used to treat the nausea brought on by chemotherapy and AIDS—it might be less prone to approve a pot inspired pill that is psychoactive, and deliberately imitates the effects of a fat spliff.

Jonah Lehrer is an editor-at-large for Seed Magazine. He blogs at scienceblogs.com/cortex. His first book, Proust Was A Neuroscientist, will be published by Houghton-Mifflin next year.

posted in Americans For Safe Access - 1 reply

Calfornia Weekly Action Alert00

2007-06-26T20:01:42Z

ASA California Weekly Alert: June 22, 2007
Weekly Round Up
1. California State Senator Proposes Back Sales Tax Relief; El Dorado ID Card Program Approved; Medical Cannabis Film in Post Production Needs Support

Take Action!
2. The Public Has a Right to Know! Protect Patients by Supporting Bill to Increase Law Enforcement Accountability!

ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
3. Tuesday, June 26, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting ***Location Change***
4. Wednesday, June 27, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting
5. Thursday, June 28, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting
6. Thursday, July 5, San Mateo: San Mateo ASA Meeting

City and County Hearings
7. Tuesday, June 26, Susanville: Lassen County Board of Supervisors to Vote on ID Card Program
8. Thursday, June 28, San Francisco: San Francisco Planning Commission to Hear Dispensary Permit Application

Weekly Round-Up California Logo 1. California State Senator Proposes Back Sales Tax Relief; El Dorado ID Card Program Approved; Medical Cannabis Film in Post Production Needs Support

California State Senator Proposes Back Sales Tax Relief

In 2005, the California Board of Equalization (BoE) voted to adopt a new policy to collect sales tax from dispensaries and other medical marijuana providers. At the time, ASA testified at several public hearings, presenting a position paper against collection of sales tax, as it would invariably be a cost absorbed by the patients. To read about ASA's position on sales tax, click here.

Following the decision to issue seller's permits, the BoE regulations required the payment of back sales tax revenue with a statute of limitations of 8 years. ASA has strongly opposed, with others, payment of back taxes in order to maintain the viability of existing dispensaries and, thereby, safer access for patients. Relief from this significant financial cost will also prevent the elimination of benefits and services currently provided by numerous dispensaries across the state. Back tax relief will also ensure better adherence to BoE requirements, since providers will more willingly to comply if their solvency is not at risk.

With help from ASA and other organizations and advocates, State Senator Carole Migden (D-SF) came up with a solution to the back sales tax debate when she introduced SB 529 earlier this week.

Senator Migden's proposed bill ensures back tax relief for medical cannabis dispensaries provided they comply with the following requirements:
1. Dispensary collectives must apply for voluntary disclosure of tax relief by March 31, 2008
2. Dispensary collectives must make a good faith effort to comply with the tax relief provision by applying for a sales permit, filing state sales tax returns, and remitting tax amounts due, effective on the approval of the bill.

The back sales tax relief would be contingent on compliance with the above good faith actions. Dispensaries that fail to apply for a sellers permit, report sales tax, and pay sales tax to the state, would not be able to benefit from back tax relief.

This bill is an important compromise for both dispensaries and the Board of Equalization, because it relieves the burden of paying large amounts of back taxes whilst encouraging compliance with and participation in the BoE's sales tax scheme. To read the bill, click here.

El Dorado ID Card Program Approved

Earlier this week, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to approve the medical cannabis ID card program. El Dorado's program requires a doctor's recommendation and two processing fees. The county has yet to determine what county office they will use to run the program out of.

This is an important victory for El Dorado County and for patients' safe access. Recently, ASA activist and Sacramento ASA Chapter leader, Lanette Davies had a letter to the editor published in the Sacramento Bee referencing El Dorado's decision and calling on her county to do the same and implement an ID card program. Click here to read Lanette's letter to the editor. This direct activism and citizen participation contributes to successful passing of county ID card programs. ASA encourages its members to follow Lanette's lead and write letters to the editor about medical cannabis issues to local papers. Click here to get pointers on writing a letter to the editor.

Medical Cannabis Film in Post Production Needs Support

"RxCannabis" is a feature documentary film - currently in post production - on the struggle for medical marijuana in California. It is written and directed by Harvey Stein. (Harvey directed the ASA commercial that aired last Fall on major network affiliates in San Diego, starring Pam Sakuda, Rudy Reyes and others.)

"RxCannabis" features time spent with well-known patient/activists Rudy Reyes, Pam Sakuda and Craig McClain; outspoken advocates of legalization like Judge Jim Gray; researchers like Lester Grinspoon, Rick Doblin, and others. They also shot material on the LA raids and aftermath.

"RxCannabis" is an unforgettable story of People Power in action against entrenched reactionary politicians.

The Director and Producers have had interest from contacts at HBO and IFC, and they believe there's a good chance that they will get theatrical distribution. They believe "RxCannabis" is an ideal way to help get the word out about the medical marijuana movement.

For more info about "RxCannabis," and to see the trailer and a "webisode," please go to: http://www.jerusalemnewyork.com/_wsn/page6

The production team needs about $30,000 more investment money to complete post production on "RxCannabis". For a way to support the finishing of "RxCannabis" for as little as $25, please check out: http://www.fundable.org/groupactions/rxcannabis2

Take Action! Activist Fist
2. The Public Has a Right to Know! Protect Patients by Supporting Bill to Increase Law Enforcement Accountability!

The California State Assembly Public Safety Committee will hear a SB 1019, a bill which will increase accountability of law enforcement this Tuesday, June 26 at 10:30am in Sacramento!!

This important piece of legislation would overturn a misguided California Supreme Court case in Copley Press that has had the effect of closing down public access to information about police complaints in jurisdictions throughout the state.

All too often medical cannabis patients encounter problems with law enforcement agents. Without access to these records, many of their complaints would never be heard and the rights of medical cannabis patients would continue to be endangered.

Time is running short to convince Northern California’s Assembly members on the Committee—Fiona Ma (D) and Greg Aghazarian (R)—to restore civilian oversight. Having heard the unfounded criticisms of the bill’s opponents, it is critical that they hear from us—its ardent supporters!

Because of this short timeframe, we urge you to consider doing the following:

* Put in a call to the capitol offices of Fiona Ma (916.319.2012) and Greg Aghazarian (916.319.2026) and tell whoever answers that you support SB 1019. Tell them:

* The public has a right to know! Police misconduct happens in public, is reported by the public, and investigations are paid for using the public tax dollars. We have a right to know about police activity, misconduct hearings, and punitive actions taken.
* Law enforcement must face public accountability! Unlike all other public employees, the public is now prevented by state law from learning about police misconduct and discipline issues. California provides far less information to the public about police complaints than most other states including Texas, Florida, Ohio, and South Carolina. Law enforcement is dodging accountability to the public through their lack of transparency.
* SB 1019 will overturn the Copley Press decision and help restore police accountability, build public trust, and promote public safety in communities throughout the state.
* As a medical cannabis patient, I am asking you to please protect the public's rights and vote for SB 1019

For more information on SB 1019, click here.

ASA Chapter and Affiliate Meetings Activist fist
3. Tuesday, June 26, San Francisco: San Francisco ASA Meeting ***Location Change***

San Francisco ASA will be discussing important dates coming up at this meeting. The Planning Department will conduct a hearing on the Dispensary amendments on July 12th, and the legislation will go before the City Operations and Neighborhood Services Committee on July 26th. Let’s work on getting the best possible regulations out of this process.

The next ASA SF meeting will be held on Tuesday June 26th 7:30 to 9:00 at:

Bowzer's Pizza (Note the new location)
371 11th St
San Francisco , CA 94103

4. Wednesday, June 27, Oakland: East Bay ASA Meeting

The East Bay ASA Chapter will be discussing the exciting new ASA National Campaign, Fight Gridlock: Demand Research! We will follow up discussion by contacting our elected officials and participating in citizen lobbying. Other agenda items include:
-Court Support update
-Volunteer opportunities
-Local Medical Cannabis issue update
-Bay area Festivals ****Please bring a list of local festivals in your community*****

Please join us and make your voice heard! Refreshments will be served.

Wednesday, June 27th @ 7 pm

Americans for Safe Access Headquarters
1322 Webster Street, Suite 402, Downtown Oakland
Just a couple blocks from the 12th Street BART station!

For more information or to get involved, contact Rebecca: Rebecca@SafeAccessNow.org or 510-251-1856 x 308

5. Thursday, June 28, Clearlake: Lake County ASA Meeting

Clearlake and Lake County medical cannabis patients and caregivers are gathering to discuss their most recent protests, letters to the editor, and other exciting activism. Please join us!

June 28th: 6:00pm @ D & M Compassion Center
15196 Lakeshore Dr., Clearlake

For more information, contact Donna: LakeCoASA@msn.com

6. Thursday, July 5, San Mateo: San Mateo ASA Meeting

On Thursday, July 5, we will be having our San Mateo ASA Meeting. It is very important that all supporters of ASA and medical cannabis living in the San Mateo area come to this particular meeting. We will be voting important lasting key chapter issues.

DATE: Thursday, July 5, 2007
TIME: 7:30-8:30
PLACE: PCRC, 164 South Blvd. San Mateo, CA
Finger foods, desserts, coffee, tea, water

For more information or to get involved, please contact Brent: brent_saupe@yahoo.com.

City and County Hearings Federal logo
7. Tuesday, June 26, Susanville: Lassen County Board of Supervisors to Vote on ID Card Program

Next Tuesday, June 26, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors will be conducting a hearing on the implementation of the statewide medical marijuana ID card program. The Public Health Department is seeking the board's approval to move forward with the program in Lassen County.

Once the voluntary program is made available, local patients will have the opportunity to obtain the ID cards through the county. The program provides further protection from detainment, arrest or the seizure of medicine for those who choose to become cardholders.

If you live in Lassen County, please take a few minutes to contact the Board of Supervisors and express your support for this important program.

Lassen County Board of Supervisors contact info:

E-mail: coadmin@co.lassen.ca.us
Phone: (530) 251-8333

Please contact the board, politely urging them to order county staff to begin accepting applications for the ID cards, without further delay.
*Please only take action if you live in Lassen County.*

The board meeting will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 9:30am in Susanville. Please attend this important hearing to show your support for California's medical marijuana ID program and patients' rights in Lassen County.

Lassen County Board of Supervisors
Tuesday, June 26, 9:30am
707 Nevada Street
Susanville, CA 96130
(this is a professional meeting, please dress and act accordingly)

Thank you for taking action to protect Lassen County's medical marijuana patients.

For more information, contact Aaron Smith at safeaccessnow@gmail.com or 707-575-9870

8. Thursday, June 28, San Francisco: San Francisco Planning Commission to Hear Dispensary Permit Application

On Thursday, June 28th the San Francisco Planning Commissino will be holding a hearing to discuss the issuance of medical cannabis dispensary, Emmalyn’s permit application. The commission's preliminary recommendation is to not take Discretionary Review and approve the project as submitted. We need you to come out an show your support for Safe and Legal Access in San Francisco!

Thursday, June 28 at 1:30pm
San Francisco Planning Commission
Commission Chambers - Room 400
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

--

Sonnet Seeborg Gabbard
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
AmericansForSafeAccess.org

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.

Join us today... AmericansforSafeAccess.org

Headquarters
1322 Webster St Suite 402
Oakland, CA 94612
P: 510-251-1856 ext. 321 F: 510-251-2036

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