MEDICAL MARIJUANA GROUP TO FILE SUIT
A Bay Area organization supporting medical marijuana users said it's filing suit against the Solano County Board of Supervisors and the county's Health and Social Services Department to force them to implement a state-mandated medical marijuana identification card program.
The group, Americans for Safe Access, announced Monday that it would be seeking a writ of mandate -- basically an order to comply with existing law -- from Solano County Superior Court requiring that the county comply with California's Compassionate Use Act for medical marijuana users.
The suit also lists medical marijuana users identified as Linda Jimenez and "John Doe" as petitioners in the case.
Americans for Safe Access spokesman Kris Hermes reported that California law adopted in 2003 requires all counties in California to offer a marijuana ID card program to assist medical marijuana users and to make it easier for law enforcement to identify legitimate patients and their caregivers.
Since then, Hermes said, 40 of California's counties have put together medical marijuana ID programs, and another 11 are on their way.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors first discussed implementing a medical marijuana identification card program in 2006 but voted not to do so. Americans for Safe Access reported that letters requesting compliance were sent to the Board of Supervisors on Aug. 11 and Oct. 28, 2008, but neither the supervisors nor the county Health and Social Services Department complied.
In a prepared statement issued Monday, Oakland attorney Joe Elford, chief counsel for the group, said it was time for Solano County to comply with state law.
"Solano County cannot simply flaunt its obligation under the law," Elford stated. "This lawsuit is aimed at forcing counties like Solano to fully implement state law and to stop denying medical marijuana patients their legal rights and protections."
Solano County Counsel Dennis Bunting said he had been informed that the group had been preparing to file an action on the medical marijuana ID issue, but had not yet received a copy of the petition for writ of mandamus and could not comment on it.
The Board of Supervisors, he said, is scheduled to revisit the subject during a closed session discussion next Tuesday.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Weed Toilet Paper Has Arrived w Pot Leaves for 420 Cannabis users
Interested in Pot Leaf 420 Cannabis Toilet paper?
Operation Green Acres.
?"Operation Green Acres." anyone else heard about this????
POT GROWER SUES FOR 'LOST PROFIT'
Sheriff Destroyed Confiscated Plants
A Gasquet man currently facing marijuana-sales charges has sued the
Del Norte County Sheriff's Office for "lost profit" after his
marijuana plants were destroyed prior to the dismissal of a previous
marijuana-sales case.
Kirk David Stewart, 45, filed the suit Jan. 2, claiming the Sheriff's
Office should have returned 93 confiscated plants to Stewart -- or at
least the cash amount that could have been made by harvesting them.
The suit states that "Mr. Stewart is requesting the fair market
value" of the 93 marijuana plants that were destroyed.
If there is any truth to the true market value of the marijuana the
(Drug) Task Force say they are taking off the streets, then Mr.
Stewart's plants are worth upwards of several hundred thousand
dollars," said Jon Alexander, Stewart's attorney.
Stewart was arrested in January 2007 after a search warrant was
served on a Crescent City residence on Union Street that he owned.
Authorities confiscated 93 plants along with numerous items used to
grow marijuana, including grow lights, exhaust fans, ballasts and pots.
The suit alleges that Alexander sent a request to the Sheriff's
Office in August 2007 asking for the return of the plants confiscated
from Stewart.
In April 2008, the charges against Stewart were dismissed by the DA's
office because Stewart was found to be in compliance with the
Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Proposition 215), according to the suit.
He brought these certificates saying there were 10 people he was in
care for," said District Attorney Mike Riese.
Equipment, not plants, returned Alexander said Stewart's case should
not have taken as long as it did to be dismissed.
His case did not need to languish for an entire year -- allowing his
marijuana to rot," the lawyer said.
In May 2008, the growing equipment had been returned to Stewart at
the Sheriff's Office, but the plants were not, the suit states.
A copy of the evidence release form included in the lawsuit states,
"unable to release MJ plants -- they were destroyed."
Riese suggested another reason why the Sheriff's Office doesn't ever
give back confiscated drugs after a case is dismissed.
The feds don't recognize Prop. 215," he said. "Under federal law,
marijuana is an illegal substance."
The DA said the Sheriff's Office abides by federal laws and if it
gave drugs back to someone who was exonerated, the office could be
under federal suspicion for drug trafficking.
If they do something with it -- it's part of a distribution chain," said Riese.
New charges pending Stewart now faces several new marijuana-sales charges.
He is charged in Del Norte County with planting and cultivation of
marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, selling in lieu of a
controlled substance (trading in drugs) and being a felon in
possession of a firearm, said Riese.
Stewart was arrested at his trailer in Gasquet last April 17 with
Fred Kenneth Otremba, 48, of Crescent City, after the federal Drug
Enforcement Agency served a search warrant at the trailer with the
help of the Sheriff's Office.
Otremba is currently facing a charge of being a felon in possession
of a firearm.
The Sheriff's Office said Otremba and Stewart were trimming marijuana
when authorities arrived.
The arrests were part of a DEA operation called "Operation Green Acres."
As the lead agency in the raid, the DEA confiscated 100 pounds of
processed marijuana, 22 firearms and 84 plants, according to the
Sheriff's Office.
Riese said that because the two men were in Del Norte County when
they were arrested, he filed local charges against them -- so he
wouldn't have to wait for federal charges to be filed.
Riese said the men have appeared in court and the case will most
likely go to trial.
Stewart has already voiced the defense of being a Prop. 215 caregiver
just like he did in 2007, Riese said.
It's the same thing, he's saying they are compassionate caregivers
--they gave a certificate saying 'these are the people we care for,'"
said Riese.
So I said, 'prove it,'" he said, adding that in 2007 Stewart wasn't
required to prove he had been the caretaker of his "clients."
Riese said Stewart provided him with nearly a dozen of the Prop 215
certificates for the new case.
Alexander has since filed a motion to suppress the warrant that led
to the DEA confiscation of the processed marijuana, plants and firearms.
Stewart was already convicted around a decade ago in Del Norte County
for marijuana sales, said Riese.
Riese said Stewart was sentenced to 180 days in jail and felony
probation after he was found guilty of being in possession of a
10-pound bag of pot for sale.
The DA did not think the Prop. 215 compliance defense will work
because of the 100 pounds of pot that were found in the new case.
It's just not going to fly this time," said Riese.
The fate of confiscated drugs Sheriff Dean Wilson commented on the
office's policies on the confiscation of illicit substances and on
what he sees as problems with Stewart and Alexander's suit.
When processed marijuana --most commonly the dried and packaged buds
of the plant -- is confiscated it is kept until the case has been
adjudicated, said the sheriff.
Wilson said all the processed pot is kept in evidence, and "we'll
test a small portion of the marijuana."
The test would indicate the THC (tetra-hydra-cannabinol) content of
the drug, which is the chemical that gives users the "high."
The rest of it will be held in evidence up to the point to where the
case is adjudicated," said Wilson.
Some cases take so long that "the marijuana actually grows mold on it
before they would get it back," said the sheriff.
Wilson said his office hasn't given back any confiscated drugs, to
his knowledge.
He said pot-plant confiscation is different. When plants are
confiscated they are literally torn from the ground or planters they
are in and thrown in the back of a vehicle.
We retain a small percent of the plant, then record the amount of
THC," said the sheriff. "Once that is done, it just sits in our
impound and rots."
The sheriff said at the "rotting point," the plants are shredded and
buried, while processed pot is eventually burned.
Wilson said the burning, shredding and burying of confiscated pot
occurs in Del Norte County.
Usually, locally we can take care of the marijuana," he said.
Wilson said the policy is the same for most confiscated organic
drugs, such as hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Chemical drugs, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy pills and
prescription narcotics, cannot be disposed of in Del Norte County, he said.
We just don't have the facilities -- so we have to take all the white
dope over to Shasta County," said Wilson.
Once or twice every year, the office clears out or destroys all of
its drug evidence for cases that have been resolved, he said.
Misinterpretation of Prop. 215? The sheriff said that he felt the
suit misrepresented Prop. 215.
The law, the way that it states it, is 'if I'm growing marijuana for
medicinal purposes -- I'm not allowed to make a profit from it,'" said Wilson.
So how could he ask for the profit from the plants?" he said about
Stewart and Alexander's suit.
The sheriff said if Prop. 215 medicinal use is granted, the "personal
use" pot is not to be sold or bartered with.
Wilson said that makes the suit's claim for "lost profit" a moot point.
If you're not doing a commercial operation, then what is the profit
of a plant that you can't legally sell?" he asked.
Alexander called Wilson's interpretation of Prop. 215 "simply not true."
The attorney said, "I would like to see Sheriff Wilson's socialist
view of medicine extended to the country's pharmaceutical companies."
____________________________________________________________
POT GROWER SUES FOR 'LOST PROFIT'
Sheriff Destroyed Confiscated Plants
A Gasquet man currently facing marijuana-sales charges has sued the
Del Norte County Sheriff's Office for "lost profit" after his
marijuana plants were destroyed prior to the dismissal of a previous
marijuana-sales case.
Kirk David Stewart, 45, filed the suit Jan. 2, claiming the Sheriff's
Office should have returned 93 confiscated plants to Stewart -- or at
least the cash amount that could have been made by harvesting them.
The suit states that "Mr. Stewart is requesting the fair market
value" of the 93 marijuana plants that were destroyed.
If there is any truth to the true market value of the marijuana the
(Drug) Task Force say they are taking off the streets, then Mr.
Stewart's plants are worth upwards of several hundred thousand
dollars," said Jon Alexander, Stewart's attorney.
Stewart was arrested in January 2007 after a search warrant was
served on a Crescent City residence on Union Street that he owned.
Authorities confiscated 93 plants along with numerous items used to
grow marijuana, including grow lights, exhaust fans, ballasts and pots.
The suit alleges that Alexander sent a request to the Sheriff's
Office in August 2007 asking for the return of the plants confiscated
from Stewart.
In April 2008, the charges against Stewart were dismissed by the DA's
office because Stewart was found to be in compliance with the
Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Proposition 215), according to the suit.
He brought these certificates saying there were 10 people he was in
care for," said District Attorney Mike Riese.
Equipment, not plants, returned Alexander said Stewart's case should
not have taken as long as it did to be dismissed.
His case did not need to languish for an entire year -- allowing his
marijuana to rot," the lawyer said.
In May 2008, the growing equipment had been returned to Stewart at
the Sheriff's Office, but the plants were not, the suit states.
A copy of the evidence release form included in the lawsuit states,
"unable to release MJ plants -- they were destroyed."
Riese suggested another reason why the Sheriff's Office doesn't ever
give back confiscated drugs after a case is dismissed.
The feds don't recognize Prop. 215," he said. "Under federal law,
marijuana is an illegal substance."
The DA said the Sheriff's Office abides by federal laws and if it
gave drugs back to someone who was exonerated, the office could be
under federal suspicion for drug trafficking.
If they do something with it -- it's part of a distribution chain," said Riese.
New charges pending Stewart now faces several new marijuana-sales charges.
He is charged in Del Norte County with planting and cultivation of
marijuana, possession of marijuana for sale, selling in lieu of a
controlled substance (trading in drugs) and being a felon in
possession of a firearm, said Riese.
Stewart was arrested at his trailer in Gasquet last April 17 with
Fred Kenneth Otremba, 48, of Crescent City, after the federal Drug
Enforcement Agency served a search warrant at the trailer with the
help of the Sheriff's Office.
Otremba is currently facing a charge of being a felon in possession
of a firearm.
The Sheriff's Office said Otremba and Stewart were trimming marijuana
when authorities arrived.
The arrests were part of a DEA operation called "Operation Green Acres."
As the lead agency in the raid, the DEA confiscated 100 pounds of
processed marijuana, 22 firearms and 84 plants, according to the
Sheriff's Office.
Riese said that because the two men were in Del Norte County when
they were arrested, he filed local charges against them -- so he
wouldn't have to wait for federal charges to be filed.
Riese said the men have appeared in court and the case will most
likely go to trial.
Stewart has already voiced the defense of being a Prop. 215 caregiver
just like he did in 2007, Riese said.
It's the same thing, he's saying they are compassionate caregivers
--they gave a certificate saying 'these are the people we care for,'"
said Riese.
So I said, 'prove it,'" he said, adding that in 2007 Stewart wasn't
required to prove he had been the caretaker of his "clients."
Riese said Stewart provided him with nearly a dozen of the Prop 215
certificates for the new case.
Alexander has since filed a motion to suppress the warrant that led
to the DEA confiscation of the processed marijuana, plants and firearms.
Stewart was already convicted around a decade ago in Del Norte County
for marijuana sales, said Riese.
Riese said Stewart was sentenced to 180 days in jail and felony
probation after he was found guilty of being in possession of a
10-pound bag of pot for sale.
The DA did not think the Prop. 215 compliance defense will work
because of the 100 pounds of pot that were found in the new case.
It's just not going to fly this time," said Riese.
The fate of confiscated drugs Sheriff Dean Wilson commented on the
office's policies on the confiscation of illicit substances and on
what he sees as problems with Stewart and Alexander's suit.
When processed marijuana --most commonly the dried and packaged buds
of the plant -- is confiscated it is kept until the case has been
adjudicated, said the sheriff.
Wilson said all the processed pot is kept in evidence, and "we'll
test a small portion of the marijuana."
The test would indicate the THC (tetra-hydra-cannabinol) content of
the drug, which is the chemical that gives users the "high."
The rest of it will be held in evidence up to the point to where the
case is adjudicated," said Wilson.
Some cases take so long that "the marijuana actually grows mold on it
before they would get it back," said the sheriff.
Wilson said his office hasn't given back any confiscated drugs, to
his knowledge.
He said pot-plant confiscation is different. When plants are
confiscated they are literally torn from the ground or planters they
are in and thrown in the back of a vehicle.
We retain a small percent of the plant, then record the amount of
THC," said the sheriff. "Once that is done, it just sits in our
impound and rots."
The sheriff said at the "rotting point," the plants are shredded and
buried, while processed pot is eventually burned.
Wilson said the burning, shredding and burying of confiscated pot
occurs in Del Norte County.
Usually, locally we can take care of the marijuana," he said.
Wilson said the policy is the same for most confiscated organic
drugs, such as hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Chemical drugs, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy pills and
prescription narcotics, cannot be disposed of in Del Norte County, he said.
We just don't have the facilities -- so we have to take all the white
dope over to Shasta County," said Wilson.
Once or twice every year, the office clears out or destroys all of
its drug evidence for cases that have been resolved, he said.
Misinterpretation of Prop. 215? The sheriff said that he felt the
suit misrepresented Prop. 215.
The law, the way that it states it, is 'if I'm growing marijuana for
medicinal purposes -- I'm not allowed to make a profit from it,'" said Wilson.
So how could he ask for the profit from the plants?" he said about
Stewart and Alexander's suit.
The sheriff said if Prop. 215 medicinal use is granted, the "personal
use" pot is not to be sold or bartered with.
Wilson said that makes the suit's claim for "lost profit" a moot point.
If you're not doing a commercial operation, then what is the profit
of a plant that you can't legally sell?" he asked.
Alexander called Wilson's interpretation of Prop. 215 "simply not true."
The attorney said, "I would like to see Sheriff Wilson's socialist
view of medicine extended to the country's pharmaceutical companies."
____________________________________________________________
Hi Everyone in Riverside and San Bernardino County - From Lanny
1-11-9
Hi Everyone,
Once again – there is just so much going on that it is almost mind-boggling. With the economic disaster the country is going through (some pundits are now using the word “depression”), the two seemingly never-ending wars we are in and the looming (if not already here) disaster to our environment, medical marijuana and marijuana law reform pale in comparison. Cannabis cannot solve all these problems, but it can make a significant impact on each one.
As fuel and especially fiber, cannabis can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, practically eliminate the need to cut down forests for paper and hence have a significant impact on global warming and can be cultivated almost anywhere and needs less water than cotton. Solve all our environmental problems? – of course not. Make a significant improvement – absolutel y yes.
As for the economy, we can save $20 billion a year by ending law enforcement’s addiction to marijuana law prohibition and probably raise close to $50 billion a year in taxes (sin tax, sales tax, income tax and tax tax) on the legal sales of marijuana. With job losses and unemployment soaring to new heights, marijuana legalization will give jobs to hundreds of thousands. Will marijuana solve all our economic problems? – also of course not. Will it make a significant improvement? – Well I don’t know what world our elected officials are living in, but $50 billion plus hundreds of thousands of jobs isn’t something to ignore just because law enforcement wants to keep its pig trough of marijuana law prohibition and the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want the competition from cheap pot.
As for the two wars – well there are some things even marijuana can’t help – although I am thoroughly convinced if everyone could just sit down and pass around some joints with some really killer weed, maybe the perspective and tolerance that pot seems so capable of inducing in its users may lead them to want to stop all this crap. I know that this is beyond fanciful thinking – but you know damn well that it wouldn’t hurt.
OK – so if you agree with the above, then you should get involved and look at all that is happening that you can ge t involved in.
1. MAPP patient support group & law reform meetings.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main Street, Riverside 92501. Click here for a map.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper Lane, Landers 92285. Click here for a map.
At both meetings we will be discussing what is happening in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. With lawsuits being filed in SB County, dispensary ordinances being passed in Palm Springs and Yucca Valley, patient collectives forming and patients still under threat by law enforcement and drug warrior organizations, there is lots of stuff going on that you need to know about and get involved with. If you live in those areas an ywhere within reasonable driving distance to the meetings, you would be greatly benefited by making the time and coming on down.
2. THCF Medical Clinic 1st Anniversary Celebration
January 17 marks the one year anniversary of the opening of the THCF Medical Clinic - the first cannabis therapeutics clinic in the Inland Empire. Since the first day, the clinic has provided medical marijuana recommendations to over 500 patients, effectively and safely treating a variety of ailments from arthritis to depression to chronic pain.
Located at 647 Main St. in Riverside, the clinic is centrally located within the Inland Empire and has become the center of medical marijuana activism in the region.
To celebrate the one year anniversary, the THCF Clinic is hosting a one year anniversary party on Saturday, Jan. 17 open to the general public. The highlight of the celebrati on will be the presentation of plaque of honor to California medical marijuana pioneer Anna Boyce.
Anna Boyce, who is a retired R.N. became the public voice of medical marijuana advocates and was seen in many TV commercials advocating for the passage of Proposition 215.
Mrs. Boyce will discuss how Proposition 215 came into existence and her role in educating voters about this groundbreaking legislation. Her task and that of other Prop. 215 advocates was formidable, but through their concerted advocacy they overcame the opposition by law enforcement on every level including the concerted effort by every California District Attorney, save one, to convince the voters not to pass Proposition 2 15.
There will be desserts and other refreshments so this indeed will be a festive as well as an historic occasion. I hope you can make it – this is one of those all too rare chances to get together and celebrate our knowledge that our use of cannabis is beneficial for our health and the community rather than all this try-to-figure-out-the-legal BS we always seem to be meeting over.
There is no charge to attend the THCF Medical Clinic’s first year anniversary party. The celebration will be held at the THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main Street in Riverside 92501. Information may be obtained by calling 951-782-9898. Click here for a map.
Plan now to attend this event and meet Mrs. Boyce and many other patients and advocates in what promises to be very enjoyable evening on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. So as to get an idea of about how many desserts and drinks we are going to need , I would really appreciate it if you would either send me an email back letting me know that you are planning on coming or giving me a call at 760-799-2055.
3. Important phone call you can make to stop DEA raids!!!!
I am passing along to you this NATIONAL ACTION ALERT – please take 60 seconds to help stop the DEA raids by making a phone about the US Attorney General Confirmation! During his election campaign, President-elect Obama pledged to end DEA raids on individuals who use or provide medical cannabis in accordance with their state law. The U.S. Attorney General is the cabinet official who will carry out President-elect Obama's policies. Confirmation hearings for Obama's nominee, Eric Holder, are scheduled to begin on January 15th before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). Help us make sure the next Attorney General keeps the promises made by President-elect Obama!=2 0
*Call Sen. Leahy's office at (202) 224-4242 and say: "Hi, my name is ___________ and I am calling about the Attorney General confirmation hearings. President-elect Obama said numerous times during his campaign that DEA raids on individuals legally qualified to use medical marijuana in their states are a waste of resources and that he would end that policy. 72 million Americans live in the 13 states with medical marijuana laws. Please ask Eric Holder if he will uphold Obama's promise and end DEA raids on legal medical marijuana patients."
This is really Really REALLY important. It will take less than 60 seconds and YOU CAN CALL ANYTIME 24/7 because if the Senator’s office is not open, you can leave a message on the voice mail. I believe Senator Leahy has supported us in the past, so make sure he continues this support by asking him to ask AG nominee Eric Holden if he will uphold President elect Obama’s pledge to end DEA raids against medical marijuana patients in states that have legalized the use of marijuana medicinally.
Call his office RIGHT NOW at (202) 224-4242.
You may have heard about President elect=2 0Obama’s transition team website www.change.gov. Marijuana issues have been among the top issues and in a number instances, it is the number one issue. If you want to join in and let them know that marijuana law reform and medicinal marijuana is an important issue go to the following link.
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/legalize_the_medicinal_and_recreational_use_of_marijuana
4. Yucca Valley City Council recently passed a medical marijuana dispensary ban, but the one collective that was already up and running was grandfathered in. Now there is a concerted effort to try and close it being whipped up by the Inland Valley Drug Free Community Coalition. In another atrocious column by these anti-harm reduction drug warriors published in the Hi-Desert Star, they spread falsehoods and lies in order to whip up public support against medical marijuana and direct that anger at Yucca Valley’s lone medical marijuana dispensary. I have printed at the end of this email the IVDFCC column and an article about the meeting held in=2 0Yucca Valley last week.
This is an example how the IVDFCC works to defeat us (and with your tax money to boot).
I am not aware of anywhere else in the state of California where law enforcement is using public money to get the public to take action to close down medical marijuana facilities, but that is exactly what is happening here and if it succeeds here I don’t doubt for one second that other law enforcement agencies up and down the state will take their cue from San Bernardino law enforcement and channel public money to these organizations that are out to defeat us.
If we don’t challenge them by responding to their threats, then their BS becomes reality for the general public. Please read the article and column at the end of this email and then write a response and send it to: editor@hidesertstar.com
At the Wednesday, Jan. 21 MAPP meeting we will be dealing with this challenge. I strongly urge all of you up in the High Desert to attend this meeting. If you don’t challenge them and stop this illegal and unethical behavior on the part of law enforcement, then no one will and if you think it is difficult and dangerous to obtain your medicine, it will only get worse.
5 . Send us a donation!!!!! Please!!!!
Any cause organization in order to be effective relies on their supporters to help provide them with the financial resources needed to do what needs to be done. Could you take a moment and go to our website, www.marijuananews.org, and help provide us those resources by making a donation?
As you can see we are up to our neck in alligators and we need your help to get a boat.
Donations can also be made by sending a check made out to MAPP to:
MAPP, PO Box 739, Palm Springs CA 92263.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please contact me.
Take action today. There’s so much you can do it. Will you do it?
Lanny
Hi Everyone,
Once again – there is just so much going on that it is almost mind-boggling. With the economic disaster the country is going through (some pundits are now using the word “depression”), the two seemingly never-ending wars we are in and the looming (if not already here) disaster to our environment, medical marijuana and marijuana law reform pale in comparison. Cannabis cannot solve all these problems, but it can make a significant impact on each one.
As fuel and especially fiber, cannabis can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, practically eliminate the need to cut down forests for paper and hence have a significant impact on global warming and can be cultivated almost anywhere and needs less water than cotton. Solve all our environmental problems? – of course not. Make a significant improvement – absolutel y yes.
As for the economy, we can save $20 billion a year by ending law enforcement’s addiction to marijuana law prohibition and probably raise close to $50 billion a year in taxes (sin tax, sales tax, income tax and tax tax) on the legal sales of marijuana. With job losses and unemployment soaring to new heights, marijuana legalization will give jobs to hundreds of thousands. Will marijuana solve all our economic problems? – also of course not. Will it make a significant improvement? – Well I don’t know what world our elected officials are living in, but $50 billion plus hundreds of thousands of jobs isn’t something to ignore just because law enforcement wants to keep its pig trough of marijuana law prohibition and the pharmaceutical industry doesn’t want the competition from cheap pot.
As for the two wars – well there are some things even marijuana can’t help – although I am thoroughly convinced if everyone could just sit down and pass around some joints with some really killer weed, maybe the perspective and tolerance that pot seems so capable of inducing in its users may lead them to want to stop all this crap. I know that this is beyond fanciful thinking – but you know damn well that it wouldn’t hurt.
OK – so if you agree with the above, then you should get involved and look at all that is happening that you can ge t involved in.
1. MAPP patient support group & law reform meetings.
Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main Street, Riverside 92501. Click here for a map.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper Lane, Landers 92285. Click here for a map.
At both meetings we will be discussing what is happening in both Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. With lawsuits being filed in SB County, dispensary ordinances being passed in Palm Springs and Yucca Valley, patient collectives forming and patients still under threat by law enforcement and drug warrior organizations, there is lots of stuff going on that you need to know about and get involved with. If you live in those areas an ywhere within reasonable driving distance to the meetings, you would be greatly benefited by making the time and coming on down.
2. THCF Medical Clinic 1st Anniversary Celebration
January 17 marks the one year anniversary of the opening of the THCF Medical Clinic - the first cannabis therapeutics clinic in the Inland Empire. Since the first day, the clinic has provided medical marijuana recommendations to over 500 patients, effectively and safely treating a variety of ailments from arthritis to depression to chronic pain.
Located at 647 Main St. in Riverside, the clinic is centrally located within the Inland Empire and has become the center of medical marijuana activism in the region.
To celebrate the one year anniversary, the THCF Clinic is hosting a one year anniversary party on Saturday, Jan. 17 open to the general public. The highlight of the celebrati on will be the presentation of plaque of honor to California medical marijuana pioneer Anna Boyce.
Anna Boyce, who is a retired R.N. became the public voice of medical marijuana advocates and was seen in many TV commercials advocating for the passage of Proposition 215.
Mrs. Boyce will discuss how Proposition 215 came into existence and her role in educating voters about this groundbreaking legislation. Her task and that of other Prop. 215 advocates was formidable, but through their concerted advocacy they overcame the opposition by law enforcement on every level including the concerted effort by every California District Attorney, save one, to convince the voters not to pass Proposition 2 15.
There will be desserts and other refreshments so this indeed will be a festive as well as an historic occasion. I hope you can make it – this is one of those all too rare chances to get together and celebrate our knowledge that our use of cannabis is beneficial for our health and the community rather than all this try-to-figure-out-the-legal BS we always seem to be meeting over.
There is no charge to attend the THCF Medical Clinic’s first year anniversary party. The celebration will be held at the THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main Street in Riverside 92501. Information may be obtained by calling 951-782-9898. Click here for a map.
Plan now to attend this event and meet Mrs. Boyce and many other patients and advocates in what promises to be very enjoyable evening on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 7:30 p.m. So as to get an idea of about how many desserts and drinks we are going to need , I would really appreciate it if you would either send me an email back letting me know that you are planning on coming or giving me a call at 760-799-2055.
3. Important phone call you can make to stop DEA raids!!!!
I am passing along to you this NATIONAL ACTION ALERT – please take 60 seconds to help stop the DEA raids by making a phone about the US Attorney General Confirmation! During his election campaign, President-elect Obama pledged to end DEA raids on individuals who use or provide medical cannabis in accordance with their state law. The U.S. Attorney General is the cabinet official who will carry out President-elect Obama's policies. Confirmation hearings for Obama's nominee, Eric Holder, are scheduled to begin on January 15th before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). Help us make sure the next Attorney General keeps the promises made by President-elect Obama!=2 0
*Call Sen. Leahy's office at (202) 224-4242 and say: "Hi, my name is ___________ and I am calling about the Attorney General confirmation hearings. President-elect Obama said numerous times during his campaign that DEA raids on individuals legally qualified to use medical marijuana in their states are a waste of resources and that he would end that policy. 72 million Americans live in the 13 states with medical marijuana laws. Please ask Eric Holder if he will uphold Obama's promise and end DEA raids on legal medical marijuana patients."
This is really Really REALLY important. It will take less than 60 seconds and YOU CAN CALL ANYTIME 24/7 because if the Senator’s office is not open, you can leave a message on the voice mail. I believe Senator Leahy has supported us in the past, so make sure he continues this support by asking him to ask AG nominee Eric Holden if he will uphold President elect Obama’s pledge to end DEA raids against medical marijuana patients in states that have legalized the use of marijuana medicinally.
Call his office RIGHT NOW at (202) 224-4242.
You may have heard about President elect=2 0Obama’s transition team website www.change.gov. Marijuana issues have been among the top issues and in a number instances, it is the number one issue. If you want to join in and let them know that marijuana law reform and medicinal marijuana is an important issue go to the following link.
http://www.change.org/ideas/view/legalize_the_medicinal_and_recreational_use_of_marijuana
4. Yucca Valley City Council recently passed a medical marijuana dispensary ban, but the one collective that was already up and running was grandfathered in. Now there is a concerted effort to try and close it being whipped up by the Inland Valley Drug Free Community Coalition. In another atrocious column by these anti-harm reduction drug warriors published in the Hi-Desert Star, they spread falsehoods and lies in order to whip up public support against medical marijuana and direct that anger at Yucca Valley’s lone medical marijuana dispensary. I have printed at the end of this email the IVDFCC column and an article about the meeting held in=2 0Yucca Valley last week.
This is an example how the IVDFCC works to defeat us (and with your tax money to boot).
I am not aware of anywhere else in the state of California where law enforcement is using public money to get the public to take action to close down medical marijuana facilities, but that is exactly what is happening here and if it succeeds here I don’t doubt for one second that other law enforcement agencies up and down the state will take their cue from San Bernardino law enforcement and channel public money to these organizations that are out to defeat us.
If we don’t challenge them by responding to their threats, then their BS becomes reality for the general public. Please read the article and column at the end of this email and then write a response and send it to: editor@hidesertstar.com
At the Wednesday, Jan. 21 MAPP meeting we will be dealing with this challenge. I strongly urge all of you up in the High Desert to attend this meeting. If you don’t challenge them and stop this illegal and unethical behavior on the part of law enforcement, then no one will and if you think it is difficult and dangerous to obtain your medicine, it will only get worse.
5 . Send us a donation!!!!! Please!!!!
Any cause organization in order to be effective relies on their supporters to help provide them with the financial resources needed to do what needs to be done. Could you take a moment and go to our website, www.marijuananews.org, and help provide us those resources by making a donation?
As you can see we are up to our neck in alligators and we need your help to get a boat.
Donations can also be made by sending a check made out to MAPP to:
MAPP, PO Box 739, Palm Springs CA 92263.
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation, please contact me.
Take action today. There’s so much you can do it. Will you do it?
Lanny
DON'T WASTE RESOURCES: ID PROGRAM IS OVERDUE
DON'T WASTE RESOURCES: ID PROGRAM IS OVERDUE
Newshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htm
Pubdate: Mon, 12 Jan 2009
Source: Reporter, The (Vacaville, CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Reporter
Contact: letters@thereporter.com
Website: http://www.thereporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/472
Cited: Board of Supervisors http://www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/bos/default.asp
Cited: Health and Social Services Department http://www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/hss/default.asp
Cited: Americans for Safe Access http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Americans+for+Safe+Access
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
DON'T WASTE RESOURCES: ID PROGRAM IS OVERDUE
It is hard to believe that a county looking at all possible ways to cut expenses has resources to waste on a losing court battle, but that would seem to be the case in Solano County.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors and the Health and Social Services Department were sued because Solano continues to disregard a state law that requires counties to issue identification cards to patients whose physicians legitimately prescribe marijuana for a serious medical condition.
The law requiring counties to issue the cards was adopted by the Legislature in 2003 to clarify issues raised after voters approved Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Some 55 percent of Solano County voters joined the majority of Californians in approving that initiative.
And yet Solano County has steadfastly refused to follow state law on the matter.
The last time Supervisors voted on the issue, in 2006, the sentiment was that the board should wait until a San Diego County lawsuit concerning the legality of the state law was settled.
As it turns out, San Diego, which also does not wish to issue the cards, lost its case. The Superior Court upheld the validity of state-issued medical marijuana cards and the state Appeals and Supreme courts declined to hear any appeal. The final rejection came in October.
In August and again in October, the plaintiffs in the newest lawsuit, Americans for Safe Access, formally asked Solano County to establish a medical marijuana ID program. The plea fell on deaf ears, so the organization turned to the courts.
It is hard to imagine that judges are going to find in Solano's favor, considering not only the recent Supreme Court action but also an opinion by Attorney General Jerry Brown and instructions by the state Department of Publish Health, both requiring counties to provide the cards.
But it is easy to imagine that the courts will order the county to pay the plaintiff's attorney fees.
More to the point, it is foolish for the county not to issue the cards, which are specifically designed to help law officers determine who has a legitimate prescription for medical marijuana and who doesn't.
Statewide, 41 counties now issue the cards. Six more -- including neighboring Sacramento and San Joaquin counties -- are expected to implement the ID program this fiscal year. Solano is among only 11 holdouts.
It should stop fighting a losing battle and issue the cards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Newshawk: http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htm
Pubdate: Mon, 12 Jan 2009
Source: Reporter, The (Vacaville, CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Reporter
Contact: letters@thereporter.com
Website: http://www.thereporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/472
Cited: Board of Supervisors http://www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/bos/default.asp
Cited: Health and Social Services Department http://www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/hss/default.asp
Cited: Americans for Safe Access http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Americans+for+Safe+Access
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
DON'T WASTE RESOURCES: ID PROGRAM IS OVERDUE
It is hard to believe that a county looking at all possible ways to cut expenses has resources to waste on a losing court battle, but that would seem to be the case in Solano County.
Last week, the Board of Supervisors and the Health and Social Services Department were sued because Solano continues to disregard a state law that requires counties to issue identification cards to patients whose physicians legitimately prescribe marijuana for a serious medical condition.
The law requiring counties to issue the cards was adopted by the Legislature in 2003 to clarify issues raised after voters approved Proposition 215, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996. Some 55 percent of Solano County voters joined the majority of Californians in approving that initiative.
And yet Solano County has steadfastly refused to follow state law on the matter.
The last time Supervisors voted on the issue, in 2006, the sentiment was that the board should wait until a San Diego County lawsuit concerning the legality of the state law was settled.
As it turns out, San Diego, which also does not wish to issue the cards, lost its case. The Superior Court upheld the validity of state-issued medical marijuana cards and the state Appeals and Supreme courts declined to hear any appeal. The final rejection came in October.
In August and again in October, the plaintiffs in the newest lawsuit, Americans for Safe Access, formally asked Solano County to establish a medical marijuana ID program. The plea fell on deaf ears, so the organization turned to the courts.
It is hard to imagine that judges are going to find in Solano's favor, considering not only the recent Supreme Court action but also an opinion by Attorney General Jerry Brown and instructions by the state Department of Publish Health, both requiring counties to provide the cards.
But it is easy to imagine that the courts will order the county to pay the plaintiff's attorney fees.
More to the point, it is foolish for the county not to issue the cards, which are specifically designed to help law officers determine who has a legitimate prescription for medical marijuana and who doesn't.
Statewide, 41 counties now issue the cards. Six more -- including neighboring Sacramento and San Joaquin counties -- are expected to implement the ID program this fiscal year. Solano is among only 11 holdouts.
It should stop fighting a losing battle and issue the cards.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, January 9, 2009
Solano County sued over pot ID cards Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Solano County sued over pot ID cards
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
(01-05) 16:03 PST FAIRFIELD --
A medical-marijuana advocacy group sued Solano County on Monday for its failure to issue identification cards to users of medicinal cannabis as required by state law.
The lawsuit, filed in Solano County Superior Court, said the county is among several in California that have failed to give out the cards, which protect their holders from arrest by state or local police for possessing small amounts of marijuana.
"Solano County cannot simply flout its obligation under the law," Joe Elford, an attorney for Americans for Safe Access, said in a statement.
The group sent letters to Solano County in August and October urging it to comply with the 2003 law requiring the marijuana ID card program, Elford said.
In July, a state court of appeal upheld California's medical marijuana law enacted in 1996, rejecting arguments by San Diego and San Bernardino counties that allowing patients to use the drug with their doctor's approval condoned violations of federal narcotics laws.
Of California's 58 counties, 51 comply with the ID card program, Elford said.
Jo Ann Parker, deputy Solano County counsel, said the county had not yet been served with the suit. But she noted that the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss the ID card program in closed session Jan. 13.
E-mail Henry K. Lee at hlee@sfchronicle.com.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/06/BAAO1541JK.DTL
This article appeared on page B - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
(01-05) 16:03 PST FAIRFIELD --
A medical-marijuana advocacy group sued Solano County on Monday for its failure to issue identification cards to users of medicinal cannabis as required by state law.
The lawsuit, filed in Solano County Superior Court, said the county is among several in California that have failed to give out the cards, which protect their holders from arrest by state or local police for possessing small amounts of marijuana.
"Solano County cannot simply flout its obligation under the law," Joe Elford, an attorney for Americans for Safe Access, said in a statement.
The group sent letters to Solano County in August and October urging it to comply with the 2003 law requiring the marijuana ID card program, Elford said.
In July, a state court of appeal upheld California's medical marijuana law enacted in 1996, rejecting arguments by San Diego and San Bernardino counties that allowing patients to use the drug with their doctor's approval condoned violations of federal narcotics laws.
Of California's 58 counties, 51 comply with the ID card program, Elford said.
Jo Ann Parker, deputy Solano County counsel, said the county had not yet been served with the suit. But she noted that the Board of Supervisors is scheduled to discuss the ID card program in closed session Jan. 13.
E-mail Henry K. Lee at hlee@sfchronicle.com.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/01/06/BAAO1541JK.DTL
This article appeared on page B - 2 of the San Francisco Chronicle
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Study links marijuana smoking to gum disease
Study links marijuana smoking to gum disease
By Will Dunham
WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Smoking marijuana, much like smoking tobacco, may increase a person's risk for gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, researchers said on Tuesday.
A study of 903 New Zealanders found that people who smoked marijuana frequently had triple the risk for severe gum disease and a 60 percent higher risk for a milder form of it compared to people who did not smoke the drug, also called cannabis.
People who smoked marijuana less frequently had a smaller increased risk for gum disease, the researchers said.
Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. In advanced stages, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged and the teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed. MORE
By Will Dunham
WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Smoking marijuana, much like smoking tobacco, may increase a person's risk for gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, researchers said on Tuesday.
A study of 903 New Zealanders found that people who smoked marijuana frequently had triple the risk for severe gum disease and a 60 percent higher risk for a milder form of it compared to people who did not smoke the drug, also called cannabis.
People who smoked marijuana less frequently had a smaller increased risk for gum disease, the researchers said.
Gum or periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. In advanced stages, the gums and bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged and the teeth can become loose, fall out or have to be removed. MORE
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