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Medical Marijuana

Media Advisory -- DOJ: Policy Statements on Medical Marijuana Don't Affect Federal Sentencing 4/23

MEDIA ADVISORY Americans for Safe Access For Immediate Release: April 21, 2009 DOJ: Policy Statements on Medical Marijuana Don't Affect Federal Sentencing Advocacy group to argue at 4/23 sentencing hearing that Lynch did not violate state law Los Angeles, CA -- Legal counsel for the advocacy organization Americans for Safe Access (ASA) will appear on behalf of Charles C. Lynch at his federal sentencing hearing on Thursday, April 23rd to challenge the federal government's claim of state law violations. Even though defendants are prevented from using a medical marijuana defense in federal court, they can argue state law compliance at sentencing. ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford will argue that Lynch in no way violated state law, something that U.S. Attorney Thomas O'Brien has alleged in his sentencing recommendations. At Lynch's previously scheduled sentencing hearing on March 23rd, federal district court Judge George H. Wu asked for written clarification from the U.S. Attorney General as to whether recent statements by that office would impact Lynch's sentencing. In a brief filed Friday, U.S. Attorney O'Brien stated that "the Deputy Attorney General has reviewed the facts of this case and determined that the investigation, prosecution, and conviction of defendant are entirely consistent with the policies of DOJ and with public statements made by the Attorney General with respect to marijuana prosecutions." Lynch's sentencing, which was originally postponed until April 30th, was changed by Judge Wu to April 23rd. What: Sentencing hearing for Charles C. Lynch at which state law compliance will be argued by Chief Counsel for medical marijuana advocates Americans for Safe Access When: Thursday, April 23rd at 10:30 a.m. Where: Los Angeles Federal Court, 312 N. Spring Street, Courtroom 10 "It's bad enough that the Justice Department is accusing Lynch of violating state law in order to sentence him in federal court," said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford. "But, there is not even any evidence that state law was violated." Despite a March 2008 public statement by then-Senator Obama that he was "not going to be using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws" on medical marijuana, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has since stated that the DOJ would still "go after those people who violate both federal and state law." Advocates contend that the federal government should not even be prosecuting violations of state medical marijuana law. "It's disingenuous to accuse people of state law violations and then prosecute them under federal law, thereby denying them an adequate defense in federal court," continued Elford. Because of the June 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gonzales v. Raich, federal medical marijuana defendants are prohibited from entering evidence related to medical marijuana or their compliance with local and state laws. With more than two dozen pending federal medical marijuana cases, advocates are demanding that the government cease prosecutions or remove them to state court where evidence can properly be heard. Defense attorneys are seeking time served for Lynch, but he faces a mandatory minimum of 6 years and the possibility of up to 20 years in federal prison. Before his medical marijuana dispensary was raided by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents in March of 2007, Lynch had operated for 11 months without incident, and with the blessing of the Morro Bay City Council, the local Chamber of Commerce, and other community members. Two months after Lynch closed his dispensary, Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers, he was indicted and charged with conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and concentrated cannabis, manufacturing more than 100 plants, knowingly maintaining a drug premises, and sales of marijuana to a person under the age of 21. None of the federal charges constitute violations of local or state law. Further information: DOJ Response to Judge Wu's request for clarification: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/downloads/DOJ_Lynch_Response.pdf Charles C. Lynch Interview with John Stossel: http://www.friendsofccl.com/johnstossel.htm Friends of Charles C. Lynch website: http://www.friendsofccl.com # # #

TV Ad Campaign Boosts Medical Marijuana Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
APRIL 21, 2009

TV Ad Campaign Boosts Medical Marijuana Bill
With Senate Vote Nearing, Spots With Real Patients to Air in Chicago, Peoria, and Decatur/Springfield/Champaign

CONTACT: Bruce Mirken, MPP director of communications ............... 415-585-6404 or 202-215-4205

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS -- With a Senate floor vote on medical marijuana legislation expected by the end of the month, supporters are taking to the airwaves with a pair of TV spots in which real Illinois medical marijuana patients tell their stories. The spots, introduced at a Statehouse press conference today, have begun airing in the Chicago, Peoria, and Decatur/Springfield/Champaign media markets.

     The ads, featuring Lucie Macfarlane of Joliet and Lisa Lange Van Camp of Lindenhurst, can be viewed at www.mpp.org/ads.

     "I used to be on so many narcotics that I had lost my desire to live," said Macfarlane, who suffers from neurofibromatosis, a painful disease that causes tumors to grow on nerve tissue. "Marijuana literally helped save my life by allowing me to cut back on the highly addictive painkillers that I had been prescribed for over a decade. I'm now totally off Oxycontin and am only taking Norco and marijuana for my pain. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my story with other Illinoisans, some of whom may be in need of this law more than I am."

     "Nobody should ever have to live in fear of arrest for treating their illness," said Lisa Lange Van Camp, a Lindenhurst resident who lives with severe osteoarthritis, complicated by a rare condition, Dercum's disease. To date, Lisa has had both knees replaced, had one spinal fusion and currently needs five more spinal levels fused. "I should have the right to make my own treatment decisions regarding medical cannabis, based on my physician's recommendation, and to do so with dignity.  I hope our lawmakers hear this message loud and clear and pass the medical marijuana bill without delay."

     "Seriously ill patients like Lisa and Lucie should not have to fear being arrested for using a medicine that can, and has, helped them," said Sen. William Haine (D-Alton), a four-term former state's attorney and sponsor of the medical marijuana bill. "It is our hope that my colleagues in the Senate will recognize that there are many patients out there who could benefit from this legislation and pass this sensible, compassionate bill now. We have changed the bill significantly to meet the concerns of law enforcement. It's time for the state of Illinois to meet the concerns of her citizens who are suffering and might be helped by the restricted use of marijuana."

     Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), sponsor of the House version of the medical marijuana bill, said he hopes the new ads remind people how important the legislation is for real, suffering Illinois citizens.

     "These ads are a forceful reminder about what this bill is really about -- providing for the health and comfort of seriously ill patients who seek relief from a proven safe, effective treatment," Lang said.

     With more than 27,000 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 http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.

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Medical Marijuana Advocates to Announce TV Ad Campaign at Statehouse Press Conference Tuesday

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
APRIL 20, 2009

Medical Marijuana Advocates to Announce TV Ad Campaign at Statehouse Press Conference Tuesday
Spots to Feature Patients Benefiting from Medical Marijuana

CONTACT: Bruce Mirken, MPP director of communications ............... 415-585-6404 or 202-215-4205

SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS -- Supporters of the medical marijuana bill that will soon be voted on by the Illinois Senate will unveil a new TV ad campaign in support of the bill at a Statehouse press conference Tuesday. The new spots, featuring two patients who have benefited from medical marijuana, will be shown at the news conference, and DVD copies will be made available to the media.

     WHAT: Press conference to announce new TV ad campaign in support of medical marijuana legislation.

     WHO: Sen. William Haine (D-Alton), sponsor of the Senate medical marijuana bill; Lucie Mcfarlane, Joliet resident whose use of medical marijuana for the pain caused by neurofibromatosis has allowed her to greatly reduce her reliance on highly addictive narcotic painkillers; Lisa Lange Van Camp of Lindenhurst, who uses medical marijuana to treat severe osteoarthritis complicated by Dercum's disease.

     WHEN: Tuesday, April 21, 2009, 10:15 a.m.

     WHERE: Illinois State Capitol, Press Room, West Second Mezzanine, Springfield.

     With more than 27,000 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 http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.

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Media Advisory: Federal Position on Medical Marijuana Put Before Ninth Circuit Today

MEDIA ADVISORY Americans for Safe Access For Immediate Release: April 14, 2009 Contact: 510-251-1856 x307 Federal Position on Medical Marijuana Put Before Ninth Circuit Tuesday Federal hearing is latest battle on whether policy is based on science or politics San Francisco, CA -- Medical marijuana advocates will get to argue before the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday, April 14th, the right to challenge an outdated position held by the federal government: "marijuana has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States." The national advocacy group Americans for Safe Access (ASA) filed a lawsuit in February 2007 demanding that the federal government cease issuing misinformation and correct its statements on medical marijuana. "We welcome the Obama Administration's recently stated commitment to making policy decisions based on science, not politics," said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel with ASA. "This case is designed to ensure that the federal government's policy on medical marijuana is not politically motivated." What: Oral arguments in a case before the Ninth Circuit that challenges the government's position on medical marijuana When: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at 9:30 a.m. Where: Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Courtroom 4 at 95 Seventh Street, San Francisco, CA In order to challenge the government's position, advocates are using a little-known law called the Data Quality Act (DQA). The DQA requires federal agencies such as Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to rely on sound science when disseminating information to the public. One of the main issues in the case is whether citizens have a right to challenge government information believed to be inaccurate or based on faulty, unreliable data. "The science to support medical marijuana is overwhelming," said ASA Executive Director Steph Sherer. "It's time for the federal government to acknowledge the efficacy of medical marijuana and stop holding science hostage to politics." On March 9, 2009, President Obama issued a memorandum to the heads of executive departments and agencies stating that, "The public must be able to trust the science and scientific process informing public policy decisions," and calling for "transparency in the preparation, identification, and use of scientific and technological information in policymaking." The original DQA petition was filed in October of 2004, aimed at forcing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) -- the FDA's parent agency -- to correct statements about the medical value of marijuana. After more than two years of delay by the federal government and a refusal to act on the petition, a lawsuit was filed in February of 2007. Despite a rejection by the federal district court in late 2007, Science Magazine published an editorial that year claiming that HHS had "violated its own DQA guidelines." Preeminent legal scholar Alan Morrison, who founded Public Citizen's Litigation Group and who currently teaches at American University's Washington College of Law, is co-counsel in the case and will be arguing before the court on behalf ASA and patients across the country. "Citizens have a right to expect the government to be transparent and to use the best available information for policy decisions," said Morrison. "Unfortunately, so far, the government has been anything but transparent and has failed to produce any evidence for its policy statements on medical marijuana." In April 2006, while ASA was awaiting a response to the petition from HHS, the FDA issued a statement claiming that it conducted an "inter-agency review" and had "concluded that no sound scientific studies supported medical use of marijuana..." However, none of the alleged scientific evidence used to reach that conclusion was ever provided to ASA or the public. Further information: DQA Opening Appeal Brief: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/DQA_Appeal_Brief.pdf President Obama's memorandum on scientific integrity: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Memorandum-for-the-Heads-of-Executive-Departments-and-Agencies-3-9-09/ DQA Background info: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/DQA

Press Release: Report: Federal Monopoly Obstructs Medical Marijuana Research, Conflict of Interest by University of Mississippi Professor Exposed

PRESS RELEASE Americans for Safe Access For Immediate Release: April 7, 2009 Report: Federal Monopoly Obstructs Medical Marijuana Research, Conflict of Interest by University of Mississippi Professor Exposed Washington, D.C. -- Medical marijuana advocates issued a report today aimed at drawing attention to the federal government's monopoly on the production of marijuana for medical research. The 14-page report, entitled "Obstruction of Medical Cannabis Research in the U.S.," highlights the federal effort to impede therapeutic research on marijuana and exposes a conflict of interest for University of Mississippi professor Mahmoud ElSohly, who holds an exclusive cultivation license issued by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the national medical marijuana advocacy group that issued the report, draws attention to the ways in which the federal monopoly impedes meaningful research and points to the need for a new policy that can be implemented under the Obama Administration. "In the United States, research is stalled," said Caren Woodson, ASA's Government Affairs Director. "And, in some cases, research is blocked by a complicated federal approval process, which restricts access to research-grade marijuana." Specifically, the report emphasizes the way in which government agencies -- namely the DEA and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) -- selectively delay the process by which researchers obtain marijuana for FDA-approved studies. The report also highlights a federal "double standard" on medical marijuana illustrated by testimony from public officials who concede to marijuana's therapeutic efficacy as long as it is produced in pill. The report also emphasizes a 2007 ruling by the DEA's own Administrative Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittner that "the existing supply of marijuana [for research] is not adequate" and that an expansion of such research is "in the public interest." Judge Bittner's recommendations were in response to an application by University of Massachusetts at Amherst professor Lyle Craker to be another cultivator of marijuana for FDA-approved studies. The application was denied by the DEA in the final weeks of the Bush Administration and is currently being appealed. In March 2009, the Los Angeles Times editorialized that, "The attorney general (Holder) should heed calls to end the DEA's obstruction of serious research into the medicinal value of marijuana." Perhaps most alarming is the report's exposure of the federal license that enables professor ElSohly to exclusively produce marijuana for the pharmaceutical company Mallinckrodt, a subsidiary of Tyco International. This arrangement appears to be for the purpose of bringing to market a generic form of Marinol (a pill of THC, the active compound in marijuana, suspended in oil) due to go off-patent in 2011, thereby directly enriching ElSohly at a price that he and/or the federal government sets. To enable this scheme, the U.S. government has requested the United Nations increase a quota (from past years) for marijuana production by 900 percent. The request to increase federal marijuana production is a requirement of the U.N. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Recommendations outlined in the report include, implementation of Judge Bittner's 2007 recommendations, streamlining the approval process for obtaining research-grade marijuana, and ultimately a removal of marijuana from the list of Schedule I substances, so that it can be made available to all who would benefit from its therapeutic properties. "The current research challenge is to conduct large-scale human clinical trials that evaluate the remarkable range of potential applications for cannabis-based treatments to specific medical conditions," continued Woodson. Further information: ASA report on the obstruction of medical cannabis research in the US: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/Research_Obstruction_Report.pdf DEA Administrative Law Judge Bittner 2007 ruling: http://www.maps.org/ALJfindings.pdf # # #

MPP moves medical marijuana bills forward in Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York

Dear Friends:

MPP is moving medical marijuana bills forward in Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York, with very real chances of each passing this year. This would be the most progress we've ever made in state legislatures in a single year … and if all four bills pass, a full 38% of Americans would live in states with medical marijuana laws (up from 25% currently).

This spring, MPP needs to keep pushing hard to propel these bills to passage. Would you please consider automatically donating $5 or more on your credit card each month to support our long-term state legislative efforts?

  • In Minnesota, MPP's medical marijuana bill has made significant progress: The bill was recently passed by the toughest committee it had to face in the Minnesota House, despite local law enforcement's efforts to stop it. The bill is now on the brink of being sent to the full House for consideration — and on the Senate side, it's heading for a vote from the full Senate, where its chances of passing are strong.
  • In Illinois, for the first time ever, a medical marijuana bill passed out of the House committee, and we expect the full Senate to vote on the bill within weeks. We have legislative leadership on our side: Last year's Senate sponsor is now the Senate president, the current Senate sponsor is a former prosecutor, and the primary House sponsor is the deputy majority leader.

    We have a real shot of enacting the law this year, but we don't yet have all the votes we need. We've generated more than 1,500 calls from supporters, put up hundreds of yard signs, and generated more than 1,300 e-mails to legislators. We need to ramp up the pressure with TV ads and even more grassroots support, but we need to raise the funds to do it. You can watch a video of some of the patients who are counting on our help here.
  • In New Hampshire, for the first time ever, a medical marijuana bill has passed the House. The bill, sponsored by a legislator who is a former medical marijuana patient herself, passed with 63% of the vote. MPP has retained a top lobbying firm and funded a skilled grassroots organizer who has debated the attorney general's office, generated compelling patient testimony, and mobilized hundreds of supporters. Now, the bill will make its way through the Senate.
  • In New York, in both 2007 and 2008, the state Assembly overwhelmingly passed MPP's medical marijuana bill, but the Senate's then-Republican leadership refused to bring it to a vote. However, control of the Senate has shifted to the Democrats, who overwhelmingly support the bill, so we're pushing hard to get it passed. Additionally, virtually the entire state medical community, including the state medical society, nurses' association, and the deans of the state's medical schools, support medical marijuana access. And 76% of New Yorkers also support the bill, including 55% of Conservative Party members (the state party to the right of Republicans).

As you can see, MPP has been extremely busy — and making progress — this legislative session. Our lobbying efforts in Minnesota, Illinois, New Hampshire, and New York are costing quite a bit of money, but it's all paying off. Would you please donate today so we can continue pushing hard in these states?

Make a one-time donation to our work

Become a monthly pledger to provide us with ongoing funding for our work

Together, we're on the path to victory, but we need your help to keep going.

Thank you,

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

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2009. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

Americans for Safe Access: Monthly Newsletter

Medical Marijuana Advocates Get Calif. DMV Change

Qualified Patients No Longer Subject to Arbitrary License Revocation

The ASA legal team saw the fruits of another big victory for patients in March, when the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issued a new policy on driver's licenses that ends discrimination against state medical marijuana patients.

ASA Chief Counsel Joe ElfordASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford

As of March 2, the DMV Driver Safety Procedure Manual now says that "use of medicinal marijuana approved by a physician should be handled in the same manner as any other prescription medication which may affect safe driving." The change means that medical marijuana use now "does not, in itself, constitute grounds for a license withdrawal action," as it had in the past.

The change in DMV policy stems from a lawsuit filed by ASA on behalf of Rose Johnson, 53, whose driving license was revoked because she uses medical marijuana on the advice of her doctor. Despite having driven for 37 years without an accident or a ticket, the DMV revoked Johnson's license last July. According to the DMV, Johnson was no longer able to safely operate a motor vehicle "because of...[an] addiction to, or habitual use of, [a] drug." Their evidence? Her doctor's recommendation for medical marijuana.

ASA filed suit on Johnson's behalf in November, and DMV announced their new policy in January, before her case was heard. Johnson was given a driving test, which she passed, and DMV reinstated her license.

"The new DMV policy is a significant change," said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, who handled the action. "Drivers will no longer have their licenses suspended or revoked simply because of their status as medical marijuana patients."

ASA had reports that the DMV had targeted medical marijuana patients in at least eight California counties, including Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, and Sonoma. License suspensions and revocations by the DMV were done under cover of calling the drivers "drug abusers," though they were based on nothing more than the person's status as a state-qualified medical marijuana patient.

"This DMV policy change represents a victory for patients, which puts us closer to full implementation of California's medical marijuana law," said Elford.

Sentencing Delayed for Dispensary Owner

Lynch Seeks Leniency Based on New Federal Policy

New comments on medical marijuana from the U.S. Attorney General have prompted a federal judge to grant a reprieve to a California man awaiting sentencing.

Charles LynchCharles Lynch cuts the ribbon

The judge wants to hear if there are policy changes at the Department of Justice that would affect whether Charles Lynch, 46, should serve the mandatory minimum six years in federal prison for operating a medical cannabis dispensary. Defense attorneys have asked that he be sentenced to time already served, the four days he was held before posting bond.

Lynch was scheduled to be sentenced March 23, but his attorneys now have until April 30 to find and present evidence of new federal policy. The Morro Bay man, who was convicted in August 2008, has become a symbol of the Bush Administration's attempts to thwart state medical marijuana programs. Many patients and advocates have been pushing the public debate on this high-profile case and talking to the media, but among the most effective has been a member of LA ASA, Cheryl Aichele.

"Cheryl has become more and more active during this case," said ASA Field Director George Pappas. "She may be new to advocacy, but she's shown what determination and energy can accomplish."

Lynch has appeared recently on 20/20, on MSNBC, and is the focus of a Reason TV documentary with Drew Carey. Lynch is scheduled for Larry King Live the week of April 6.

"Mr. Lynch is a victim of an outdated federal approach to medical marijuana, which has changed under the Obama Administration," said Joe Elford, ASA Chief Counsel. "If President Obama recognizes the injustice of federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries, then Lynch should serve no more time than he already has."

President Obama said on the campaign trail that he would change federal policy on medical marijuana, but his administration has been slow to announce what that will mean. Under questioning from the press, Attorney General Eric Holder has now said that the Department of Justice will no longer prosecute medical marijuana patients and providers unless they are violating both federal and state law.

By all accounts, Lynch was scrupulous in his adherence to both state law and local ordinance, obtaining business licenses and permits, and even joining the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce. Though Lynch was prevented from presenting a defense based on compliance with state law or serving a medical need, his trial established that he even asked the DEA how to provide medicine to patients legally.

Lynch's medical marijuana dispensary, Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers, was raided by DEA agents in March 2007. He reopened, but closed after being threatened with forfeiture of his property. Two months later, Lynch was charged in federal court with multiple felonies related to possessing and distributing marijuana.

Since the 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gonzales v. Raich, which re-established the ability of federal agents to arrest and prosecute medical marijuana patients and providers, more than a half-dozen federal defendants have been found guilty at trial and sentenced up to 20 years in prison, despite being in compliance with local and state laws. More than two dozen federal medical marijuana cases are currently being prosecuted.

"It's time for the Obama Administration to act on its commitment to change federal medical marijuana policy," continued Elford. "Pending federal cases should be moved to state court, where juries can hear the whole truth."

The April 30 sentencing hearing for Charles Lynch will be at U.S. District Court, Courtroom 10, 312 North Spring Street, Los Angeles.

DEA Hits Licensed SF Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Patients and Officials Protest Raid

Within days of Attorney General Eric Holder saying there is "a new American policy" on medical marijuana, DEA agents were again storming a California dispensary.

Though the indictment and evidence remain under seal, an unidentified official leaked word that the raid was justified because of unpaid state sales taxes. Holder had said that his department would go after only those who violate both federal and state law.

Within minutes of the raid starting, protestors alerted by ASA's emergency text message system had surrounded the dispensary. ASA and other advocates immediately called on local officials to take action, and within hours Assemblymember Tom Ammiano had issued a statement denouncing the raid. A statement from California's chief tax officer, Betty Yee, followed, saying that Emmalyn's was current on its tax payments. Other officials also denounced the raid, including Supervisor Chris Daly, in whose district Emmalyn's is located.

"I support safe and adequate access for all patients in the city," Daly said. "I condemn any force which is used to disrupt or prevent patients from accessing their medicine."

Emmalyn's was operating prior to San Francisco's 2006 development of a dispensary ordinance, and has been providing medical marijuana to thousands of patients in the city without incident. The dispensary’s attorney is Terence Hallinan, the former San Francisco District Attorney.

"There is no evidence that I'm aware of that my client is in violation of state or local law, or is errant in paying sales tax to the state," said Hallinan. "This is a slap to President Obama's face by DEA."

Medical marijuana advocates say that state law should be left to state officials.

"Medical marijuana patients and providers deserve a chance to defend themselves under state and local law," said ASA spokesperson Kris Hermes. "That's not possible once the federal government gets involved."

In recent years, the DEA has conducted more than 150 medical marijuana raids, the vast majority of which have been in California.

ASA Affiliate Profile: Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project

Lanny Swerdlow, a dedicated activist, licensed registered nurse, and talk-radio host, runs multiple monthly meetings of Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project (MAPP), an ASA Affiliate in Southern California's Inland Empire. And he and MAPP are achieving real success.

Tony BowlesLanny Swerdlow

Working jointly with the Riverside County Dept. of Public Health, MAPP was the driving force behind making Riverside County the first county in southern California to issue the state mandated medical marijuana—a remarkable achievement in an area known as a hotbed of anti-medical cannabis sentiment.

MAPP also recently succeeded in bringing a medical cannabis panel discussion to the Riverside County HIV/AIDS Conference, funded by the County itself. It was a milestone in the County's recognition of medical cannabis. Swerdlow had also hoped to screen the acclaimed medical-cannabis documentary "Waiting to Inhale" at the conference, but was blocked be the Drug Free Community Coalition, a federally funded local group with friends on the County Board. The film was shown at a separate location.

Since then, MAPP has continued to fight harder than ever. The group is engaged in negotiations with the Riverside County Sheriff's Depart-ment that could lead to a model police policy. They have succeeded in pushing medical cannabis dispensing collective regulations in an area that has long been known as staunchly opposed. And they're party to a lawsuit against San Bernardino County, similar to suits filed by ASA against counties that are noncompliant with the medical cannabis state ID card program.

The work of Swerdlow and MAPP shows that, no matter what the opposition, a vocal community can create progress with relentless pressure on public officials based on reasoned debate and scientific facts. For more information on MAPP, contact Lanny Swerdlow by email at [email protected].

ALERT: #399 Medicinal Marijuana Is Legal in Michigan

DrugSense FOCUS Alert #399 - Monday, 6 April 2009 Today over a million folks living in Michigan became eligible to apply for permission to use medicinal marijuana. It is the first day that the state Bureau of Health Professions at the Michigan Department of Community Health will accept applications. Michigan becomes the second largest state and the first in the heartland to have a medicinal marijuana program. Called the Michigan Medical Marihuana Program (MMMP) by the state, application forms and details are on line at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_51869---,00.html In a vote last November, 63 percent of the state's voters said yes to medical marijuana. The initiative won in every single county in the state. Many police in the state are not happy. George Basar, president of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police http://www.michiganpolicechiefs.org/ , predicts the law will ignite widespread marijuana abuse as stated in this article http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n353/a02.html Others are accepting the new reality. For example, the Genesee County Prosecutor David Leyton met Friday with advocates as shown in this article http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n388/a04.html We are starting to see calls for improvements in the law like this editorial calling for better ways for patients to obtain their medicine http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n385/a02.html The Constitution of Michigan states that "no law adopted by the people at the polls under the initiative provisions of this section shall be amended or repealed, except by a vote of the electors unless otherwise provided in the initiative measure or by three-fourths of the members elected to and serving in each house of the legislature." The law does not provide for change by the state legislature. Perhaps in the future the three-fourths needed will vote to improved the law as the above editorial asks. Any change which would undermine the law is not likely. Michigan's law sends a strong message to elected and appointed officials at all levels of government that marijuana is medicine - a message you may help send, also. Most news clippings about the law and the various issues involved may be accessed at http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Michigan+Medical+Marijuana In Michigan the people have spoken. It will be interesting to see how the press covers the issue in Michigan in the months ahead just as it is in the other states with medicinal marijuana laws. ********************************************************************** Prepared by: Richard Lake, Senior Editor www.mapinc.org === . DrugSense provides many services at no charge, but they are not free to produce. Your contributions make DrugSense and its Media Awareness Project (MAP) happen. Please donate today. Our secure Web server at http://www.drugsense.org/donate.htm accepts credit cards and Paypal. Or, mail your check or money order to: . DrugSense 14252 Culver Drive #328 Irvine, CA 92604-0326. (800) 266 5759 . DrugSense is a 501c(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the expensive, ineffective, and destructive "War on Drugs." Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

MPP testifies before Congress

Dear Friends:

Yesterday, MPP's Aaron Houston testified before Congress, urging lawmakers to rein in the DEA. You can read his testimony (posted on the House Appropriations Committee's Web site) here, or watch him discuss it below.

Each year, Congress passes a spending bill that funds the Justice Department, including the DEA. At yesterday's hearing about next year's budget, MPP asked Congress to tell the DEA to:

  • Stop interfering with state and local law enforcement in California and other medical marijuana states;
  • Immediately stop the practice of sending letters to landlords of state-legal medical marijuana dispensaries, threatening to seize their assets; and
  • Stop blocking medical marijuana research and approve the application for a medical marijuana research facility at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

MPP was the only reform organization to provide expert testimony at the hearing yesterday. In fact, MPP is the only marijuana policy reform organization with a full-time lobbyist on Capitol Hill. Would you please support this important work by making a contribution today? We appreciate anything you can give.

Thank you,

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

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2009. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

Press Release: Senate Finance Committee Passes Medical Marijuana Bill, 9-3

Minnesota Cares logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
APRIL 2, 2009

Senate Finance Committee Passes Medical Marijuana Bill, 9-3

 

CONTACT: Former Rep. Chris DeLaForest (R-Andover)........................................................(763) 439-1178

ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA -- The Senate Finance Committee passed the Senate version of Minnesota's medical marijuana bill, S.F. 97, today by a vote of 9 to 3. Having passed this final Senate committee, the bill now moves to the Senate floor.

     "I am delighted that this compassionate, sensible bill is now on its way to the Senate floor," said bill sponsor Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing). "With Michigan's medical marijuana law taking full effect this weekend, I am increasingly optimistic that Minnesota will soon become the 14th state to get politics out of the doctor-patient relationship and protect medical marijuana patients from arrest."

     Laws removing criminal penalties for patients using medical marijuana with their doctor's recommendation are in effect in Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. Michigan's law, which takes full effect on April 4, is the most recently enacted, passing with a record-setting 63 percent "yes" vote last November.

     Numerous other states, including Illinois, New Hampshire and New Jersey, are presently considering similar legislation. The Obama administration recently announced a policy of non-interference with state medical marijuana laws, pledging to conduct raids or arrests only when individuals have violated both state and federal law.

     Organizations that have recognized marijuana's medical uses include the American College of Physicians, American Nurses Association, American Public Health Association, American Academy of HIV Medicine and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, among others.

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