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Medical Marijuana

ASA Fighting for Patients in Washington, DC

 

Dear friends,

Help us improve the new DC regulations to protect patients' rights.

The District Council approved a landmark ordinance regulating medical cannabis dispensaries this week, but there is still important work to be done to ensure the new regulations work for patients in Washington, DC. There is only a short time to influence Mayor Fenty and the Department of Health to improve this ordinance. Can you make a contribution today, so that ASA can keep fighting for safe access in Washington, DC?

Voters approved Initiative 59 legalizing medical cannabis in 1998, but Congress blocked its implementation until December of last year. Since then, ASA has been talking with District Council members about regulations to protect safe access and patients' rights. We succeeded in improving early drafts of the ordinance. However, we must still persuade the Mayor to increase the amount of cannabis patients can acquire from the five authorized dispensaries. We must also keep working to authorize personal cultivation by individual patients and protect them from discrimination in employment, housing, and other areas.

ASA has the only office in Washington, DC, dedicated exclusively to medical cannabis patients, and our staff in DC has been hard at work making sure that there is real access in our Nation's Capitol. The final regulations must be approved by the US Congress, and we will use this ordinance as a chance to talk to federal lawmakers about a national strategy to provide medical cannabis to every American who needs it.

ASA is committed to championing regulations that serve the interests of patients first. That is why we are determined to keep pushing for improvements in the new ordinance in Washington, DC - just like we are doing in cities nationwide. We need your help to bring the patients' voices to the table in these debates… and we need it now!

Thank you for helping!

Steph Sherer
Executive Director

Donate now at:safeaccessnow.org/donate

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Americans for Safe Access: Activist Newsletter - May 2010

 

In This Issue:

ASA Launches National Strategy for Access

D.C. Close to Protections for Cannabis Patients

LA Passes Final Dispensary Ordinance

News from ASA Chapters and Affiliates

ACTION ALERT: Be Part of ASA's National Strategy

Become an ASA Member!

Please support the work of Americans for Safe Access

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ASA's Mission

What We Do

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Legal Info

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Condition-Based Booklets

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"Gear up" for medical cannabis activism with ASA's new T-shirts, hats, stickers, bags and more! All proceeds go to ASA advocacy

Americans for Safe Access

1322 Webster St., Ste. 402
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-251-1856
Fax: 510-251-2036

Email us!

Americans for Safe Access
Monthly Activist Newsletter

May 2010

Volume 5, Issue 5

ASA Launches National Strategy for Access

Activist Workshop Follows Clinical Conference

Medical cannabis activists from across the country participated last month in the launch of ASA's new National Strategy to secure safe access for all Americans by 2013. The two-day workshop in Warwick, Rhode Island followed the Sixth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, sponsored by Patients Out of Time.

ASA's core strategy recognizes that the changing of Federal law will likely not happen without a much stronger national grassroots base demanding safe access for all Americans. With this in mind, ASA national staff led activists through a series of trainings and discussions on everything from strategic planning to lobbying and media training.

Small groups with representatives from states both with and without medical cannabis laws facilitated dialog on anticipating and resolving issues with implementing safe access. Activists from New Jersey, Maryland, Michigan, California and Maine were able to discuss what is working and what's not with each other, as well as representatives from states without patient protections, such as Tennessee and Florida.

"Having patients and activists from so many parts of the country helped everyone gain a better sense of what's possible and what's difficult," said Caren Woodson, ASA's Government Affairs Director. "ASA's national strategy to mobilize the grassroots is providing them with key support. They know they're not alone in the process."

ASA's strategy focuses on the specific needs and constraints of individual states within a framework of national impact. Workshop participants learned how their work toward passing meaningful medical cannabis legislation in more states and successfully implementing local medical cannabis laws links to the passage of Federal initiatives that will grant access to all Americans who need it. ASA staff explained how increasing the nationwide grassroots base helps put constant local pressure to pass comprehensive federal legislation, as does effectively implementing the current medical cannabis laws in 15 states and the District of Columbia.

The guided process -- facilitated by ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer, Legal Coordinator Lauren Payne, and Elizabeth Mewhiney and Caren Woodson from ASA's Government Affairs office - helped activists identify specific goals and create local action plans appropriate for their area.

"Criticizing what happens in a particular state as either too permissive or too restrictive is easy from the outside," said Woodson. "But after hearing the local truth from activists on the ground, people were able to keep a more open mind about the big picture -- achieving national access."

ASA's legal and government affairs staff also unveiled how they will apply direct pressure for change on the national level. ASA's government affairs office is building on momentum with the Obama Administration and Congress to fix harmful federal policies on asset forfeiture, drug classification, and cannabis research. Meanwhile, the ASA legal team is pursuing pivotal medical cannabis litigation that can guarantee safe access nationwide, including ASA's Data Quality Act petition and another to "reschedule" cannabis to a classification that would remove barriers to research and medical use.

"What's most exciting about this is seeing the grassroots take ownership of the process," said Woodson. "Medical cannabis patients are realizing how to move forward together as a community to accomplish safe access for everyone. ASA is building a strong grassroots now to prepare for the coming victory."

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D.C. Close to Protections for Cannabis Patients

Council Passes Measure, Congress Has 30-Day Review

After a wait of more than a decade, residents of Washington, D.C. who use medical cannabis should soon enjoy some legal protections. The District Council early this month passed a bill that will regulate and enact Initiative 59, the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative, which voters approved in 1998 but was blocked by an act of Congress. That Congressional ban was lifted earlier this year.

In the final vote on amendments to the bill, the Council relented on a restrictive provision that would limit personal possession to no more than two ounces per month. Lobbying by patients and ASA staff -- including Executive Director Steph Sherer, who is a D.C. resident - convinced them to give the District Mayor discretion to increase that limit to four ounces. Other amendments to prevent the denial of employment or housing, to allow personal cultivation, and to ensure distribution centers are operated on a nonprofit basis were each rejected.

"We are certainly excited to help implement a bill that has taken 11 years to see the light of day," said Sherer. "But the Council's failure to listen to patients' needs will have serious unintended effects that may take years to correct."

The implementation bill's ban on personal cultivation while allowing for-profit distribution centers has been a particularly cause for concern among activists.
"This policy will set a precedent that placed the needs of shareholders over those of patients," said Sherer.

Since Congress lifted the ban on implementing Initiative 59 in December, the District Council has moved swiftly to implement the law. The "Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Treatment Initiative Amendment Act of 2010," was co-introduced earlier this year by District Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray (D) and Councilmembers David A. Catania (I-At Large) and Phil Mendelson (D-At Large).
A final vote on the measure has not yet been scheduled, but passage and signing by the Mayor is expected soon. Under the Home Rule Act, the bill then goes before Congress for a mandatory 30-day review period, as with all local laws in Washington D.C.



Further Information:
Proposed D.C. legislation to implement I-59
ASA's suggested amendments
Text of I-59, passed in 1998

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Flash Report: Statewide Dispensary bill likely to become Law

Dispensary Regulation Bill Likely to Become Law

 

On Wednesday, May 5, the full Senate passed HB 1284 which is now likely to become statewide law.  Sensible Colorado opposed this bill and spent considerable time and resources fighting for important changes-- many of which were ultimately adopted.  

To help prepare patients for the ultimate impact of this legislation, Sensible Colorado will be hosting a series of free trainings explaining the new law (along with SB 109, the "Doctor/Patient Bill) starting the week of May 17.  Please watch for future alerts with event details.

Important Elements of HB 1284 (**again, this is not yet law, but will likely pass its final legislative hurdle on Thurs., 5/6.)

1.  Dispensaries and edible producers will have to apply for state licenses.  After July 2011, these providers must follow new state regulations in order to continue operating.  Note there are also a number of other crucial deadlines starting in August 2010 which these providers must meet.

2. Local governments can ban dispensaries.  This damaging provision will effect innumerable patients across the state.  However, Sensible's legal team is already planning local campaigns and lawsuits to overturn bans.  Click here to support our work. 

3.  Caregivers will be limited to helping five or less patients.  Anyone helping six or more patients will have to register as a dispensary with the state-- in a process yet to be determined.  Again, we plan to take prompt action to fight this restriction.

There many other aspects of this bill which effect the rights of both patients and caregivers, and we will be sending additional updates on these changes.  A near-final draft of this bill should be available soon here.  (Search "HB 1284" and look for the May 5 version).   

Standing in Our Way

You Can Make a Difference

 

Dear friends,

Tell the Senate not to confirm Bush holdover Michele Leonhart as DEA administrator. 

Take Action
Email the Senate

We’re making amazing progress toward ending the war on marijuana, but a major obstacle stands in our way — Michele Leonhart.  The DEA’s acting administrator is a Bush holdover who’s blocked scientific research and overseen dozens of medical marijuana raids.

Now sick and disabled veterans are suffering because of her hardline stance against medical marijuana patients.  We can’t tolerate a DEA administrator with such backwards ideas. 

Under Michele Leonhart’s direction, the DEA is advising the Veterans Administration (VA) to prohibit its doctors from recommending medical marijuana to their patients, even in states where it’s legal.

A Bush holdover is standing in the way of reform, and we need to stop her.  The Senate will soon consider whether to confirm her as the permanent administrator of the DEA.  Urge the Senate to block her nomination.

VA doctors are barred from recommending medical marijuana even though many veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain and other ailments have found that it’s the best medicine for their symptoms.

Veterans who survived the wars abroad have returned home only to become victims of the war on drugs.  Urge the Senate to demand a new DEA administrator.

Sincerely,

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

 

FINALLY: District Council unanimously approves medical marijuana legislation

Marijuana Policy Project

Marijuana Policy Project Alert

May 5, 2010

 

FINALLY: District Council unanimously approves medical marijuana legislation

Passage of bill implements medical marijuana program 11 years in the making.

Dear friends:

In yet another sign of the growing acceptance and support of medical marijuana, the Council of the District of Columbia yesterday gave unanimous, final approval to legislation that would place our nation’s capital alongside 14 other states in allowing doctors to recommend medical marijuana for seriously ill residents suffering from cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and other debilitating illnesses. The measure would also create a government-regulated distribution system to provide marijuana to qualifying patients though 5-8 dispensaries located throughout the District. The bill now goes to the mayor’s office for approval and, once signed, will be transmitted to Congress for a mandatory 30-legislative-day review period. If approved as expected, the effective date for the legislation would be mid-July.

Not only did the Council give its approval to the bill, but the amount of marijuana patients can purchase could also be raised. Previously, the maximum potential amount was 2.5 ounces. Under an amendment offered by Councilmember Phil Mendelson, the mayor will now be able to raise that limit to 4 ounces. Unfortunately, several other amendments offered by Councilmember Jim Graham that would have improved upon the bill by allowing Virginia and Maryland physicians to make recommendations and providing for civil discrimination protections for patients were defeated with Councilmember Mendelson and Councilmember David Catania leading the opposition.

Nonetheless, yesterday’s vote represents a victory 11 years in the making. District voters approved Initiative 59 with nearly 70% support in 1998, but Congress quickly put the measure on hold by including a rider preventing the initiative from taking effect in the appropriations bill that provides funding to the District. MPP succeeded in removing the "Barr amendment" (after then-Rep. Bob Barr) late last year, and immediately went to work lobbying the Council to implement the initiative.

Now that members of Congress from around the country will have an opportunity to see a properly regulated medical marijuana program in person, perhaps we’re closer than ever to seeing federal legislation to protect medical marijuana patients. MPP would like to express appreciation to Teresa Skipper, the D.C. Patients Advocacy Coalition, and countless other patients and activists who help make this day possible. Congratulations to D.C. voters and patients who’ve been waiting 11 years for this victory, and, as always, thank you for your continued support of the Marijuana Policy Project.

Sincerely,

Dan Riffle's signature

Dan Riffle
Legislative Analyst
Marijuana Policy Project

 

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D.C. Council approves medical marijuana!

Donate Header DC MMJ

 

 

Dear friends:

 

Today, in a historic win, the D.C. Council has approved medical marijuana in the District!

Nearly twelve years after 69 percent of voters passed a medical marijuana initiative, federal obstructions have been lifted and the D.C. Council has passed legislation that will protect patients in Washington, D.C.

We need your help to take this law from a win to a major success!  Please consider donating $10 or more to our campaign to convince the mayor's office and the Department of Health to improve this law!

Though a win for patients in the District, the new law leaves many critical details to the discretion of both the mayor's office and the Department of Health.  Issues such as limits on the number of grow houses, qualifying medical conditions, and patient access can still be improved before this law goes into effect!  We need to raise upwards of $7,500 to have a chance to effectively lobby for these improved provisions.

Additionally, bringing an effective medical marijuana law to our nation's capital creates an amazing opportunity to advance federal legislation in a way that's never been done before.

Please, take a moment right now and help us make sure that Washington, D.C. improves this new law while there is still time.

Together, we can end marijuana prohibition in the United States once and for all.

Sincerely,

Rob Kampia

Kampia signature (e-mail sized)

Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

Alert Image DC MMJ



Press Release: D.C. Council Approves Medical Marijuana Law

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                 

MAY 4, 2010

D.C. Council Approves Medical Marijuana Law

Measure Finally Implements 1998 Initiative Supported by 69 Percent of District Voters; Adds D.C. to List of Medical Marijuana Jurisdictions

CONTACT: Mike Meno, MPP director of communications …………… 202-905-2030 or [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, by a unanimous vote, the D.C. Council approved amendments to a medical marijuana law first passed in 1998 by 69 percent of District voters. Congress had blocked implementation of Initiative 59 for more than a decade, until it lifted its ban last year. With today’s vote, the District of Columbia joins 14 states across the country in allowing qualified patients to use medical marijuana without fear of arrest.  

         “Today marks a long overdue victory for D.C. voters and potentially thousands of chronically ill residents who will benefit from legal access to medical marijuana,” said Karen O’Keefe, director of state policies for the Marijuana Policy Project. “It has taken nearly 12 years, but the District will at last have a law that recognizes the mounting scientific consensus that, for many conditions, marijuana can be safe and effective medicine.

         “A well-working medical marijuana program in the nation’s capital will also provide members of Congress who have never seen such programs up close with a unique opportunity to do so,” O’Keefe said. “Once they see for themselves that these laws do nothing but provide compassionate care for seriously ill patients, hopefully they will understand the need to create a federal policy that no longer criminalizes patients in any state who could benefit from this legitimate treatment option.”

         Under the District’s law, physicians will be able to give medical marijuana recommendations to patients suffering from HIV/AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and other serious conditions that can be alleviated through marijuana. Qualified patients will have safe access to their medicine through a limited number of dispensaries within the District.

         Currently, 14 states have effective medical marijuana laws and more than a dozen others are considering them. In November, South Dakotans will vote on a medical marijuana ballot initiative, and Arizona is expected to have one on the ballot as well. Eighty-one percent of Americans support medical marijuana laws, according to a January ABC News/Washington Post poll.    

         With more than 124,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.

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How to bring ASA to your State

 

The last few weeks I've been unveiling a new section from our strategic plan, ASAs National Strategy, focusing on our federal goals. I told you that we we're working towards a 2013 federal victory and we began to outline the actions that will get us there. An equally meaningful piece to our strategic plan is our State Campaigns and today I want to highlight our vision for securing safe access in the states. 

 

ASAs commitment to safe access for every American is unwavering. I'd like you take a moment to imagine what it would be like for ASA to be on the ground in your home state. Imagine us creating the field necessary to pass legislation-expanding our grassroots base to be a potent force in local and national politics. Picture us fighting your local legislators and courts until every patient had safe and legal access to medical cannabis, and empowering activists and organizers across the state to build a movement that will win. Envision your state becoming part of ASAs localized planning and policy advising, benefiting from ASAs winning record of impact legislation and participating in ASAs strategic education campaigns. Imagine ASA with you in every fight until we win; and we will win. 

 

Our first step in bringing this vision to life is to implement a very ambitious plan to win safe access state by state. This plan will cost us $250,000 to implement-not an overwhelming sum when you go back and look at what that'll accomplish. If each state raised just $5,000 we'd be able to turn that vision into a reality. We'd be able to win! 

 

Our larger roadmap to victory is built on the belief that our movement is strongest when it's connected to its grassroots. Changing federal policy and winning state-by-state is going to require a lot more grassroots action. I want you to be even more active in joining us in that fight. The best way to get your state on its way to victory is by becoming a member, or increasing your membership contribution, today. 

 

As always, thank you for your support,

 

Steph Sherer

Executive Director

 

PS

The first state to raise $5,000 will get a personal visit from me where I'll host a town hall and we'll get down to the details of how we're going to win in your state.

 

 

Americans for Safe Access

Please support ASA!

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Press Release: D.C. Council Expected to Vote on Medical Marijuana Law Early Next Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                 

APRIL 30, 2010

D.C. Council Expected to Vote on Medical Marijuana Law Early Next Week

Vote Will Finally Implement 1998 Initiative Passed By Nearly 70 Percent of District Voters; Advocates Still Concerned Over Details

CONTACT: Mike Meno, MPP director of communications …………… 202-905-2030 or [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As the D.C. Council prepares to approve and enact amendments to a medical marijuana law first passed in 1998 by 69 percent of District voters, advocates for sensible, compassionate, and responsible medical marijuana programs remain concerned with several components of the current proposal.  

         “In crafting this legislation, the Council has been responsive to many concerns raised by the community, so we thank and congratulate them for their work thus far. Still, a few amendments are needed in order to create a medical marijuana program that reflects the will of District voters,” said Dan Riffle, a legislative analyst with the Marijuana Policy Project. “By adding these proposed amendments, the District would implement one of the best medical marijuana laws in the country, balancing the needs of patients with the safeguards necessary to prevent abuse.” 

         MPP believes the District’s law would be greatly improved by the following changes:

Remove the language prohibiting patients from using marijuana or paraphernalia not obtained from a licensed dispensary. The law should not criminalize use of items patients might already own, nor should it criminalize patients for using medicine not obtained at a dispensary, since it could take several months for dispensaries to begin distribution.  

Remove the limitation to home consumption in favor of a simple public smoking ban. Obviously, no one should be permitted to use marijuana in the workplace or undertake sensitive or dangerous tasks while under the influence. But those who take Oxycontin, Ambien, or any number of more dangerous drugs are allowed to do so at a friend, relative, or caregiver’s home, and there’s no legitimate reason to saddle medical marijuana patients with more onerous restrictions.

Include severe, chronic pain as a qualifying condition for patients. Thirteen out of the 14 current medical marijuana states include chronic pain among qualifying conditions. Given the strong scientific consensus in support of marijuana’s efficacy in pain relief, this legislation cannot be truly evidence-based if it criminalizes patients seeking relief from debilitating pain.

Do not limit cultivation centers to 95 plants. Such a low cap could make operating a cultivation center impracticable, drive up the cost of medical marijuana, and likely result in an inadequate supply, as has been the case in New Mexico, which has an identical restriction.

Increased possession/purchasing limits. Two ounces per month will not be enough medicine for some patients with chronic conditions, or those who choose to ingest medical marijuana through edible means such as baked goods. It is less than ¼ the amount of marijuana the federal government sends four patients each month pursuant to a program that is closed to new patients.

Include home cultivation. Nearly 70% of District voters approved Initiative 59, which included home cultivation. Allowing patients to cultivate their own medicine would not only respect the democratic process, but would help alleviate pressure on the program to produce enough supply to meet patient demand. All but one of the 14 medical marijuana states allow patient cultivation.

         With more than 124,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. For more information, please visit www.mpp.org.

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