This position is responsible for providing an array of mobile-based harm reduction services including individual and group counseling to people living with and at risk for HIV/AIDS, rapid HIV testi

The Asian Network of People who Use Drugs (ANPUD) is an issues-based membership network that has the MIPUD principle (Meaningful Involvement of People who Use Drugs) as its guiding philosophy.

New Jersey became the 14th state to establish protections for patients who use cannabis on the advice of their doctors. The "New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act" signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine shields qualified patients from arrest and prosecution for possession and transportation, and mandates distribution of medical cannabis by state-regulated "Alternative Treatment Centers." As the 11th most populous state in the nation, New Jersey is the third largest state to pass medical cannabis legislation, after California and Michigan.

"The passage of New Jersey's medical cannabis law is a victory for commonsense health policies," said Caren Woodson, ASA's government affairs director. "It's only a matter of time before the federal government catches up."

The bill was passed by a 48-14 vote by the General Assembly and a 25-13 vote by the State Senate after years of lobbying by patients and advocates. New Jersey officials must now develop regulations for administering the program that will go into effect in six months. The law prohibits patients from cultivating their own medicine, requiring them to purchase their medicine from one of the six distribution centers to be established by the state.

The number of patients who will qualify for access through the state-run program is unclear, since lawmakers intentionally excluded the primary condition for which patients use cannabis: chronic pain. Among the qualifying conditions for which a doctor may recommend cannabis are cancer, HIV/AIDS, Lou Gehrig's disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis.

Following the signing of his state's medical cannabis bill, U.S. Representative Donald Payne (NJ-10) added his name to the list of co-sponsors on the federal Truth in Trials bill, which would allow medical cannabis patients who face federal marijuana charges that they were acting in compliance with state law. Currently, federal rules of evidence prevent cannabis patients from using any type of medical defense.

The "New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act" can be downloaded here.

Maryland to Consider Medical Cannabis Bill

Maryland Delegate Dan Morhaim announced at a January 26 press conference that he will be introducing a bi-partisan bill to protect the state's medical cannabis patients.

The bill would reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug under state law and allow eligible patients to obtain and possess medical cannabis when recommended by a physician. Similar to New Jersey's recently enacted law, patients would be required to purchase their medicine from designated centers run and regulated by the state.
Morhaim estimates that Maryland could register 1,000 qualified patients per month, if the bill is passed.

District of Columbia Takes Up Implementation

Medical cannabis patients in Washington, D.C. are edging closer to legal protection, in the wake of a lifting of the Congressional ban on implementing the medical cannabis initiative passed overwhelmingly by city voters in 1998. City Councilmember David Catania has introduced a bill, co-sponsored by nine of the 13 council members, that would put Initiative 59 into effect.

The council will consider regulations on how many dispensaries to allow, whether they'll be nonprofit, for which conditions patients can qualify, and rules for cultivation. Catania has said he anticipates five to 10 nonprofit dispensaries in the city, restricted to locations at least 1,000 feet from schools, parks and other dispensaries.
A council spokesperson predicted the council will pass the bill by late spring, and may be approved in Congress by the end of summer.

California Supreme Court Nixes Quantity Limits on Medical Marijuana

Protection from arrest upheld for state-issued ID cardholders
In a unanimous ruling, the California Supreme Court said lawmakers cannot impose limits on how much cannabis qualified patients may possess or cultivate. The published decision in People v. Kelly struck down plant and possession guidelines established by the state legislature in 2003, declaring the limits to be an unconstitutional change to the Compassionate Use Act approved by voters in 1996. Under the ruling, California patients are entitled to quantities consistent with their reasonable personal use.

The court left intact the legislature's voluntary ID card program, which provides protection from arrest and prosecution for card-carrying patients who are within state or local guidelines for personal-use quantities. Californians who exceed those guidelines may still have to go to court to prove their compliance with state law.

"The California Supreme Court did the right thing by abolishing arbitrary limits on medical marijuana possession and cultivation," said Joe Elford, ASA Chief Counsel. "At the same time, the court may have left too much discretion to law enforcement. Qualified patients should not fear arrest and prosecution."

The ruling affirms the decision of an appellate court to overturn the conviction of a southern California man, Patrick Kelly, who uses cannabis to treat a number of serious medical conditions, including hepatitis C, chronic back pain, and cirrhosis. A jury had concluded that the 12 ounces of dried cannabis and 7 plants Kelly had at his home exceeded the limits of 8 ounces and six mature plants established by the legislature's 2003 Medical Marijuana Program Act.

In an unusual twist, attorneys for both Kelly and the State of California told the court that the legislative limits on medical marijuana should be abolished as unconstitutional. Both parties also opposed the appellate court's invalidation of the entire statute, Health & Safety Code Section 11362.77, which protects ID cardholders from arrest and prosecution if they are in compliance with local or state guidelines. The state high court agreed, and reversed the appellate decision on the ID card program.

The California Supreme Court decision can be downloaded here.

Appeals Court Requests More Briefs on Dispensary Bans

In a critical case that addresses the right of medical cannabis dispensaries to operate, a California appeals court has asked for additional briefs. The case of Qualified Patients Association v. City of Anaheim, brought by attorney Anthony Curiale and argued at appeal by ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, raises the question of whether the legislature's 2003 Medical Marijuana Program Act preempts municipalities from banning dispensaries. ASA argues that it does, but the Court of Appeal for the Fourth Appellate District has asked for additional arguments on the legislature's intent, as the law specifies exemptions from statutes that could be the basis for such bans. A favorable ruling would mean legal challenges to any local ordinances that ban collectives and cooperatives from dispensing cannabis to qualified patients.

LA to Regulate Medical Cannabis Dispensaries

Restrictions on Locations May Be "Poison Pill"

The second largest city in the U.S. has adopted regulations for the operation of medical cannabis dispensaries. After more than two years of lobbying by ASA and other patient advocates, the Los Angeles City Council passed an ordinance establishing rules for the operation of patient collectives and cooperatives that dispense medical cannabis.

"This is a bittersweet victory for medical marijuana patients in Los Angeles," said Don Duncan, who led the lobbying effort as ASA's California director. "We've fought hard for sound regulations, but this ordinance includes "poison-pill" restrictions that threaten to wipe out nearly all of the dispensaries in the city."

More than 500 medical cannabis dispensaries currently serve Los Angelenos. The new regulations limit the number of dispensaries that may operate in the city to 70, though the 137 dispensaries that were registered with the city two years ago, when the city council established an Interim Control Ordinance, can apply to remain open.

Among the new rules with which dispensaries must comply are restrictions on location. The ordinance establishes buffer zones of 1,000 feet around schools, parks, and other "sensitive use" locations, and prevents any dispensaries from being located adjacent to residential or mixed-use buildings.

"Dispensaries will be unable to locate in virtually any of the commercial zones in the city," said ASA spokesperson Kris Hermes. "They will be relegated to remote industrial zones, making access unnecessarily onerous for many patients."

The vast majority of registered dispensaries cannot comply with the ordinance's proximity restrictions and may be forced to move, but a concession won by ASA creates an exception for operators who can demonstrate they have been "good neighbors" in their current location.

Los Angeles joins more than 40 other cities and counties in California that have adopted regulations for the distribution of medical cannabis through patient collectives and cooperatives.

ASA Affiliate Packs Sheriff Candidates Forum

At a recent forum, candidates for sheriff in Sacramento County, California, faced questions on medical cannabis from a host of patients and advocates organized by Crusaders for Patients Rights (CPR), an ASA affiliate. The January 20 forum was sponsored by the League of Women Voters, the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs' Association and the Sacramento County Law Enforcement Managers' Association.

Prior to the forum, Lanette Davies of CPR urged members at the organization's meeting to attend, which she then followed up with an announcement of the forum on the ASA Sacramento email list. The result was that of the 50 people in attendance at the forum, a dozen were patients or advocates.

Questions for the candidates were selected by the League of women Voters from cards submitted by attendees. Thanks to the strong showing by CPR, 25-30 of the cards submitted had questions about medical cannabis, with two being presented to the candidates for sheriff.

Bret Daniels, a former sheriff's deputy, gave his full support. Jim Cooper, a captain in the department who is currently the mayor of Elk Grove, said he supports legitimate patients but feels there is too much abuse. Scott Jones, also a department captain, states he supports the law. The three men are seeking to replace Sheriff John McGinness, who is retiring after one term.

The forum has been broadcast twice on local cable channels.

All are welcome at the Hope Support Group Meeting. Responsible onsite medication is allowed for legal medical cannabis patients.

Comedian Howard Rover, The Comedy Store, NUG Magazine and San Diego Americans for Safe Access presents:

Medical Marijuana ExtravaGANJA! A night of comedy!

Real Reform Results From Your Letters!

Thanks to you, 2009 was a banner year for drug policy reform. Governor Corzine of New Jersey just signed medical marijuana legislation into law. In December, President Obama signed a bill reinstating the District of Columbia's medical marijuana initiative as well as lifting a federal ban on funding for needle exchange programs wthe District.

You made these remarkable advancements and many more like them possible via your Letters-to-the Editor (LTEs). Last year, we counted 1,900 LTEs favorable to marijuana, with 684 devoted specifically to medical marijuana. Thirty encouraged needle exchange. The Washington Post alone printed six of your letters, while activists pelted New Jersey newspapers with a remarkable 23 reform-focused LTEs.

What's more, your letters have advertising value. For example, we estimate that those 1,900 medical marijuana LTEs can be valued at approximately $1.8 million; the ones in New Jersey alone were worth over $20,000. Please see http://www.mapinc.org/lte/

Real reform resulted from your letters!

Pat yourself on the back and enjoy your success. While you're at it, please help the organization that keeps you and so many others informed and engaged in this humanitarian movement for social change.

Counting LTEs and encouraging the writers who produce them may seem easy and inexpensive, yet none of this (and the resulting change) would be possible without 15 years of hard work and a budget to support it.

Donating is simple, secure, and tax deductible. Just visit http://www.drugsense.org/donate

Let's make 2010 even better. Keep those letters coming!

Mark Greer
Executive Director

P.S. Don't forget! You can spread your donation over the course of a year by automatically repeating it every month, quarter, or half year as noted on our donate page at http://www.drugsense.org/donate

Checks can also be made payable to DrugSense and mailed to:

DrugSense
14252 Culver Dr #328
Irvine, CA 92604-0326

Or you can donate toll free by calling 1-800-266-5759.

Dear friends:

A couple of weeks ago, we told you about a district attorney in Nevada who obnoxiously said that making marijuana legal in Nevada would turn the state into Sodom and Gomorra. When we said the MPP-supported campaign in the state, Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws, wasn't going to let that attack go unanswered, we weren't kidding.

Yesterday, in the lobby of the building where district attorney Richard Gammick has his office, MPP's Dave Schwartz, who serves as NSML's campaign manager, unveiled a TV ad attacking Gammick for his irrational stance. We really love the ad and wanted to share it with you. Take a look:

 This is just an opening salvo in what will be an ongoing campaign to highlight the hypocrisy of law enforcement officials who know that alcohol causes more societal problems than marijuana, yet advocate for the continued persecution of anyone who chooses to use marijuana instead of alcohol.

We're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it any more. If you feel the same and want to see more ads like this — in Nevada or in other parts of the country — would you please make a contribution today? We're 100% dependant on contributions from people like you, and we really need your help today.

Sincerely,

Steve Fox
Director of State Campaigns
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda
Lawrence Twp. Library (Mercer County) Room #2
Tuesday, February 9, 2010; 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

7:00 PM: Call meeting to order. Approve January 2010 minutes. Discuss:

- The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was signed into law on January 18, 2010. Thank you to all the patients, activists and volunteers who made this possible. The law is scheduled to take effect in six months (July 2010). Emergency regulations are expected to be put out by the NJ Departments of Health (DHSS), and Law & Public Safety (LPS) in three months. No info will be available about how to apply for ID cards or how to become an Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) before that.

- CMMNJ is committed to working for safe and legal access to marijuana for all qualified NJ patients. CMMNJ meetings will continue in 2010, same time, same place.

- Public support at MS patient John Wilson's sentencing by Judge Reed on 2/5/10 at 9:00 AM at the Somerset County Court House in Somerville, NJ. Write to the judge asking for leniency. Write to the governor and ask him to pardon John altogether. Even State Senators urge Gov. Corzine to pardon him.

- Recent events: Medical Marijuana Breakfast at the New Jersey State Nurses Association on 2/5/10 (8:30 AM -- 10:30 AM) with speakers Reed Gusciora (D-Prnceton), and Ken Wolski, RN ($30 members, $50 non-members). PhillyNORML Fundraiser at The Rotunda on Walnut St., Philadelphia on 1/29/10 at 7 PM ($5 cover).

- Treasury report: Checking: $3,138.60; PayPal: $838.51. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, to fund education about medical marijuana. Donations may be made securely through Paypal or checks made out to "CMMNJ" and sent to the address below. Get a free t-shirt for a donation above $15—specify size. Thank you for your support.

CMMNJ's scheduled meetings are Feb. 9, & March 9, 2010 (the second Tuesday of each month) at the Lawrence Twp. Library from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM. All are welcome. Snacks are served. The library is at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., Tel. #609.882.9246. (Meeting at the library does not imply their endorsement of our issue.)

For more info, contact:

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
(609) 394-2137
ohamkrw@aol.com

You Can Make a Difference

Dear friends,

Thank the visionary legislators who have introduced bills to tax and regulate marijuana. 

Send an Email

This is the beginning of the end of marijuana prohibition.

Measures to tax and regulate marijuana have emerged in California, Washington, and New Hampshire, and we can build support for these and other reform efforts by thanking the forward-thinking legislators who are working for better marijuana policies.

New polling shows that nearly half the nation believes marijuana should be legal.  Yet many legislators still shrink from opposing prohibition for fear of losing popular support. 

You and I need to show legislators that backing marijuana reform is no longer a political risk.  If enough of us speak out, we can show lawmakers that there is a groundswell of support for reform throughout the country. 

Right now, we can prove just how big our movement is by thanking legislators who are sponsoring tax and regulate legislation.

Our movement has new champions working to fix our backwards marijuana policies and open up the discourse.  Join me in sending a note of thanks to the California, Washington, and New Hampshire lawmakers who are promoting smarter marijuana policy.

Let's send the message that voters all across the country want marijuana reform.

Sincerely,

Bill Piper
Director, Office of National Affairs
Drug Policy Alliance Network

Marijuana reform has reached a tipping point in America and PhillyNORML is actively working on reform locally.

SAFER and supporters of marijuana policy reform have won Round 1 in the fight against the Arrest and Prosecution Industry and the companies that sponsor their efforts to keep marijuana illegal.

After being subjected to an action that resulted in thousands of e-mail messages and several unflattering news accounts, the Colorado Drug Investigators Association (CDIA) shut down its Web site entirely and many of its "sponsors" distanced themselves from the extremist anti-marijuana organization. Apparently this law enforcement group has far less support in the community than it had led people to believe on its Web site. Needless to say, we're not surprised. We are, however, shocked that this group would list any company as a sponsor without receiving permission.

Starbucks, the largest "sponsor" listed and a primary target of SAFER's call to action, released a public statement to ensure everyone knows it does NOT support the anti-marijuana group at the national level. Rather, the company said, "It is up to the discretion of our local teams to support those groups that are relevant in their neighborhoods."

Although we feel Starbucks should develop a policy prohibiting its stores from lending support to these types of groups, and that it should be looking into groups like the CDIA who have used their logo without permission, SAFER is no longer calling for a nationwide boycott of Starbucks or these other companies.

Rather, we urge you and all supporters of marijuana reform to use YOUR "discretion" and decide for yourself whether you wish to give them your business. After all, no local store or company should be lending its support to such these extremist organizations lobbying to maintain Marijuana Prohibition so they can continue to arrest and prosecute people for marijuana. SAFER will continue to keep an eye out for stores or other companies that lend support to the Arrest and Prosecution Industry and shady groups like the CDIA, and we will be sure to keep everyone posted on how you can take action if the need should arise.

As the Seattle Weekly's blog put it:

"[This Starbucks boycott is] nothing but a minor brew-ha-ha. But more evidence that we've now entered an (amazing) alternate dimension, where speaking out against pot actually gets you more bad PR than speaking out for it."

If you support SAFER's efforts to expose these types of shady partnerships and take on these anti-marijuana groups, please help us continue to do so by visiting http://www.SAFERchoice.org/donate and making a donation today. If you contribute $25 or more you can receive any one of SAFER's T-shirts or a copy of Marijuana Is Safer: So why are we driving people to drink? signed by coauthor and SAFER Executive Director Mason Tvert.

As always, we greatly appreciate your ongoing support, and we thank you again if you were among those who took action or helped us spread the word about it.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 25, 2010

Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws to Unveil New Ad Criticizing D.A. Gammick

Ad Questions whether Gammick is Making Washoe County Safer by Punishing Adults Who Use Marijuana Instead of Alcohol

CONTACT: Dave Schwartz, NSML ………. 702-727-1081 or dave@sensiblemarijuanalaws.org

RENO, NEVADA — Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws will unveil a new ad Tuesday that asks Washoe County District Attorney Richard Gammick why he is against ending Nevada’s prohibition on marijuana. The ad will air Wednesday, January 27 on KRNV in Reno.

         “The ad we are unveiling Tuesday addresses a serious subject—public safety,” said Dave Schwartz, campaign manager for Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws. “It does so by contrasting the fact that 25 to 30 percent of all violent crimes in the U.S. are alcohol-related with District Attorney Gammick's desire to focus law enforcement resources on adults who use marijuana, which is less harmful than alcohol and less likely to lead to acts of violence. In the end, we ask whether Mr. Gammick wants Washoe County to be safer.  This is not a rhetorical question.  We want Mr. Gammick to explain how punishing adults for using marijuana and steering them toward alcohol instead makes us safer as a society.

            “As a man with a long history in law enforcement—as well as many interesting life experiences—Mr. Gammick should appreciate the wide range of societal harms produced by alcohol,” Schwartz continued.  “From domestic abuse to assaults outside of bars to irresponsible and reckless drivers on our streets, alcohol use poses a serious threat to the health and safety of members of our communities.  In every way, marijuana is less of a threat to our communities.  Yet for some reason, Mr. Gammick feels that marijuana users are less responsible than alcohol users.”

         You can view the ad at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvwJuCeO-uA

         An episode of the television show “Nevada Newsmakers” featuring Dave Schwartz and D.A. Gammick is scheduled to air February 4.

         WHO: Dave Schwartz, campaign manager, Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws

         WHAT: Press Conference Unveiling TV Ad Against D.A. Gammick

         WHERE: Reno Justice Court, Mills Lane Building, One South Sierra Street -- Reno, NV

         WHEN: Tuesday, January 26, at 11:00 a.m.

Nevadans for Sensible Marijuana Laws is a ballot advocacy group formed in Nevada to support a 2012 ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol in the state.

###

Take part in something historic...

Don't wait! Register for SSDP's conference before January 16th to receive the  early-bird discount!

Dear friends,

It's here. And you won't want to miss it.

This March, we invite you to join hundreds of students, alumni, and drug policy reform advocates from around the world in creating a society that embraces sensible drug policy.  We invite you to bridge political divides, reconnect with lost friends and alumni, and magnify the diversity of our advocacy network.

We invite you to join us for...

This Is Your Brain On Drug Policy:
SSDP'S 11th Annual International Conference
March 12-14, 2010
The Fort Mason Center, San Francisco, CA

Joining us in San Francisco this March 12-14 will help to continue the incredible momentum that the drug policy reform movement has gained in 2009 and send the strong message that young people will not sit back as this war is waged in our names. We hope this will be the largest gathering of SSDP members in the history of the organization.

Don't miss the early bird registration discount! Register before Saturday, January 16 and save $10 off your registration cost!

We have 3 types of early bird registration: 

Students: $90

SSDP Chapter members can receive a $40 discount by filling out this survey.

Alumni: $140

Non-Students: $190

We are so excited to have you join us at San Francisco's historic Fort Mason Center for this event. This is the first drug policy reform conference where you will be learning about activism and policy in classrooms with views of Alcatraz Prison, a place that once housed one of the most notorious criminals ever created by prohibition, Al Capone.

This event promises to unite SSDP chapter members, alumni, and others and help us move forward with our progress. You will leave this event with hundreds of new friends and allies and the inspiration to bring change back to your community.

So why wait? Secure your seat at the conference now, and get those plane tickets while they're still inexpensive. Visit http://www.ssdp.org/conference

We can't wait to see you there!

Jon, Micah, Amber, Stacia, Morgan, and Matt
SSDP's National Staff

P.S. If you are a student who is committed to drug policy reform but you are unable to afford the trip, there are scholarships available to help pay for travel and lodging. Apply now. http://www.ssdp.org/conference

The event will celebrate past achievements and announce the organization’s new national strategy, including a congressional bill to end marijuana prohibition on the federal level.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                 

JANUARY 5, 2010

Comedy Icons Cheech & Chong to Highlight Marijuana Policy Project’s 15th Anniversary Gala

Celebrity guests and politicians will help celebrate MPP’s remarkable passage of improved marijuana laws in ‘15 states in 15 years’

CONTACT: Mike Meno, MPP assistant director of communications …… 202-905-2030 or mmeno@mpp.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Marijuana Policy Project’s 15th anniversary gala will be held Wednesday, January 13th in Washington, D.C.  The event will celebrate past achievements and announce the organization’s new national strategy, including a congressional bill to end marijuana prohibition on the federal level.  This year’s gala features guest speakers such as former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN), actor Hal Sparks, and legendary comedians Cheech & Chong.

         “2009 was the best year for marijuana policy reform in U.S. history, and the future has never looked brighter,” said Rob Kampia, MPP’s executive director and co-founder. “Perhaps 2010 will be the year our politicians finally get on board with the rest of America and once and for all end our country’s failed marijuana policies.” 

         When MPP was founded in 1995, medical marijuana was illegal in all 50 states.  Since then, 13 states have passed medical marijuana laws, with Michigan becoming the 13th state in November 2008.  By the end of 2010, MPP is hopeful that medical marijuana will be legal in 15 states (with passage in New York and New Jersey) and the District of Columbia. MPP also remains hopeful that the number of states with decriminalization laws will jump from 13 to 15 in 2010 (with Rhode Island and Vermont becoming the 14th and 15th states).  

         WHAT: The Marijuana Policy Project’s 15th Anniversary Gala

         WHEN: January 13, 2010. Reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

         WHERE: Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill, 400 New Jersey Avenue, NW, 20001

         Tickets cost $250 each, or $2,000 for a table. 

         With more than 29,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.

####

Dear friends:

By any measure, 2009 was the best year for marijuana policy reform in U.S. history. Check out these 10 signs of progress, most of which have been spearheaded by MPP:

1.     The governments of Massachusetts and Michigan implemented the ballot initiatives we passed in these two states on November 4, 2008. As a result, marijuana possession is now a $100 ticketable offense in Massachusetts, and the possession and cultivation of medical marijuana is now legal in Michigan.

2.     On October 19, the Obama administration announced that the DEA and the Justice Department would de-prioritize any new raids of medical marijuana establishments in California and elsewhere that are abiding by state law. This is the most significant, positive change in federal marijuana policy in 31 years!

3.     On November 10, the American Medical Association rescinded its previous support of classifying marijuana alongside LSD, PCP, and heroin under federal law.

4.     MPP has made significant progress on medical marijuana bills in Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York. If we succeed in seven states between now and the summer of 2011 — which is actually looking likely at this point — the number of medical marijuana states will jump from 13 to 20.

5.     We've already collected 200,000 of the 250,000 signatures that are needed in Arizona to place on the November 2010 ballot an initiative to legalize medical marijuana, including authorizing 120 dispensaries statewide, which would give Arizona the best medical marijuana law in the country. Fully 65% of Arizona voters support this initiative.

6.     In California, a bill to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol is pending in the state Assembly, the introduction of which generated a huge wave of positive news coverage nationwide, which we followed up with a TV ad that generated an even bigger wave of news coverage. We're working to build support for this landmark piece of legislation, which has a chance to pass out of committee in January.

7.     MPP opened an office in Las Vegas, for the purpose of building a statewide coalition to pass a ballot initiative to tax and regulate marijuana like alcohol. We plan to pass this initiative in November 2012, which would give Nevada the best marijuana law in the world.

8.     Other than California and Nevada, there are at least four other states that are now in play for being the first to end marijuana prohibition entirely: (1) Colorado, which has seen an explosion of medical marijuana dispensaries since January and is now polling at 48% in favor of regulating marijuana like alcohol; (2) Rhode Island, which recently overrode its governor's veto in order to legalize medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, and which has since launched a study commission to draft a bill to regulate marijuana like alcohol; (3) New Hampshire, where a bill to regulate and tax marijuana has been introduced for the 2010 session; and (4) Washington state, where six representatives have prefiled a bill to tax and regulate marijuana.

9.     After 11 years of MPP's congressional lobbying efforts, the U.S. Congress finally removed the federal ban on implementing Washington, D.C.'s medical marijuana law. Medical marijuana could be available in our nation's capital starting this spring.

10.   And it looks like, finally, we'll soon have a bill introduced in Congress that would wipe out marijuana prohibition entirely on the federal level, which is our ultimate goal in Washington, D.C. This will take years to pass, so we might as well get started now.

Our accomplishments in 2009 were made possible by the generous support of our 29,000 members. Please help us kick off 2010 with a bang by making a donation today. 

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

December 29, 2009
 

Dear friends:

You can help The Sentencing Project work to make criminal justice reform a reality in 2010.

There's still time to make a year-end gift to help The Sentencing Project advocate for more rational, effective and compassionate criminal justice policies in 2010.

Today, criminal justice reform is far more possible than it was just one year ago.  

Please make a gift to The Sentencing Project today to help us work for eliminating the disparity in sentences for crack vs. powder cocaine offenses, ending juvenile life without parole, reducing racial disparities, and promoting effective re-entry programs, voting rights for people with felony convictions, and alternatives to incarceration.

Thank you.

Happy New Year from all of us at The Sentencing Project.

Marc Mauer
Executive Director

P.S.  If you're a member of CREDO/Working Assets, please vote for The Sentencing Project as your charity of choice at www.workingassets.com/voting before the end of the year deadline!

Send an email to The Sentencing Project. » CONTACT

The Sentencing Project
514 Tenth Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004, 202.628.0871

The Sentencing Project is a national organization working for a fair and effective criminal justice system by promoting reforms in sentencing law and practice, and alternatives to incarceration.

VCL Brief

Winter 2010

 Winter has arrived, and as we conclude another decade, we are optimistic about the future.  This last year saw many advances in drug policy reform, including an official statement by the federal government to stop raids on medical marijuana patients and providers in compliance with state law, reforms to New York's Rockefeller drug laws, and the repeal of the federal ban on needle exchange.  With such great momentum, 2010 promises to generate even more positive reforms.

Legislators Participate at International Drug Policy Reform Conference 

The VCL arranged for key state legislators from around the U.S. to attend and participate in the 2009 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Albuquerque, which attracted more than 1,500 reformers from around the world.  Legislators from California, Wisconsin, Maryland, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Washington gave their “insider’s view” of legislative efforts to reform drug laws in their respective states.  The VCL also convened a special luncheon at the conference for the legislators to discuss their efforts with one other and to strategize for the future.  (Pictured: Maryland Delegate Curt Anderson, VCL Executive Director and Washington Representative Roger Goodman, Wisconsin Senator Lena Taylor.)

Gathering of International Reformers 

The 2009 International Drug Policy Reform Conference also provided an opportunity for the VCL to bring together two dozen of the world’s leading drug policy reformers for a working dinner full of lively discussion of international drug policy trends, “messaging” strategies and plans for future collaboration.  Much of the discussion centered around the release of a seminal report by the British organization, Transform, entitled, After the War on Drugs: Blueprint for Regulation.

State Highlight 

Reform in Colorado

The Colorado Commission on Criminal & Juvenile Justice issued recommendations in November 2009 to reduce penalties for possession of cannabis and other illegal drugs.  Key recommendations include reducing possession of up to 4 ounces of cannabis from a misdemeanor to a petty offense, and possession of 8 to 16 ounces from a felony to a misdemeanor.  The Colorado Legislature w ill likely enact many of the Commission’s recommendations in the upcoming legislative session.  The Commission’s work was the result of years of effort by the Colorado Bar Association’s Criminal Sentencing Project, an initiative formed and pursued with the guidance of the VCL.  The VCL continues to consult very closely with leading legislators in Colorado to bring about further reforms.

Donate Now for 2009 Tax Deductible Contribution 

The VCL heartily appreciates your support to continue our important work organizing lawyers, judges, legislators and other opinion leaders from across the country and around the world.   Without your generous support and participation the VCL could not carry on its timely reform efforts at this critical time.  The drug policy environment is rapidly transforming and we eagerly look forward to 2010, with numerous events being planned, including by the State Bar of Wisconsin, the New York City Bar Association, the Massachusetts Bar Association and other legal and professional groups in other states.  Please help further our efforts with a year-end donation, which will be deductible from your 2009 tax return.

Upcoming Events 

• Jan. 20: Open Forum on Heroin Assisted Treatment, presented by the Drug Policy Alliance, Washington, DC
• Feb. 3-9: ABA Midyear Meeting, Orlando, FL
• Feb. 24-27: NACDL Midwinter Meeting, Austin, TX

In This Newsletter

First Thursday Open Houses

Legislators Participate at Conference

Gathering of International Reformers

Reform in Colorado

Donate Now for 2009 Tax Deduction

Upcoming Events

Quick Links

Our Website

Donate Now

Open Letter

Email Us

First Thursday Open Houses 

Thursday, January 7th, 2010
3:00pm to 6:00pm

The VCL is committed to a vigorous public dialogue about our drug policies and workable alternatives.  We encourage you to stop by and chat with us, borrow from our extensive drug policy library or come to our monthly open house gatherings.  Each First Thursday of the month, in conjunction with Seattle’s First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square, the VCL welcomes you to stop by the office to share intelligence with other lawyers and reformers and brainstorm on strategies for positive change. 

Please visit our website at www.VCL.org.

The Voluntary Committee of Lawyers is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Help Change the World While Helping Yourself

You know that the "War on Drugs" is wrong, counterproductive, immoral, stupid, expensive, and cruel. Perhaps you realize that changing the policies toward this one issue has the potential to: change the world; heal the sick; stop ruining lives and families; balance budgets; and so much more...

YOU hold the power of change in your hand. It involves just few clicks of your mouse. Please donate to DrugSense right now. http://www.drugsense.org/donate. By donating, you are taking a stand in support compassionate, common sense, and cost effective policies.

And while you're supporting polices that help change the world, you are also helping yourself. As a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit, your donation to DrugSense is tax-deductible, something you'll appreciate at tax time.

Donating is also simple and secure. Just visit http://www.drugsense.org/donate

You can also donate by check made payable to:

14252 Culver Dr #328
Irvine, CA 92604-0326

Or you can donate toll free by calling 1-800-266-5759.

REMEMBER: You can select a monthly plan to provide us with automatic, recurring support. Please sign up for whatever you can afford. http://www.drugsense.org/donate

LOW INCOME? You don't need cash to change the world. Volunteer! Please visit our volunteer signup form, http://www.mapinc.org/volunteers/ and we'll help you find something to fit your schedule and interests.

Fund the change you want to see in the world - donate to DrugSense today!

Mark Greer
Executive Director

Dear friends:

Our 15th Anniversary Gala, on January 13 in Washington, D.C., will honor the dedicated legislators, celebrities, and patients who have fought for an end to marijuana prohibition. Have you reserved your ticket yet?

Here are just a few highlights from our program for the night:

• Comedy icons Cheech and Chong will be honored with the Trailblazer Award for drawing attention to the movement.
• Former Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico — a fierce advocate for medical marijuana access — will speak about his vision for ending marijuana prohibition.
• We'll present awards to legislators, a patient, and a physician for outstanding advocacy and leadership in marijuana policy reform.

Please join us in toasting 15 years of remarkable progress. Reserve your ticket to our 15th Anniversary Gala today.

I look forward to seeing you on January 13.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. There are only eight days left in our matching campaign! A major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise in 2009. Make twice the impact and donate today.