AMA Now Recognizes Medical Marijuana

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www.WestCoastLeaf.com ISSN 1945-221X • Volume 2 No. 4 Winter 2010 AMA now recognizes medical marijuana New position calls on DEA to ment of cannabinoid-based medicines, and look at rescheduling cannabis alternate delivery methods.” The change of position followed a 2008 Kris Hermes, Americans for Safe Access resolution by the Medical Student Section The largest physician-based group in the of the AMA (SSAMA) in support of reclas- country, the American Medical Association sifying cannabis out of Schedule I. The past (AMA), voted Nov. 10 to reverse its long- year, the AMA considered three other reso- held position that cannabis has no medical lutions on cannabis. value. The AMA adopted a report drafted by its Council on Science and Public Health The November vote took place during (CSAPH) entitled Use of Cannabis for the organization’s annual Interim Meeting A Higher Medicinal Purposes which affirmed the of the House of Delegates in Houston, and plant’s therapeutic benefits and called for is a turnaround from the last AMA posi- further research. tion, adopted eight years ago, to keep cannabis in Schedule I. Chris Van Hook inspectsStandard an outdoor California medical garden. The report concluded that “short-term Crop certification programs and rising industry standards are helping controlled trials indicate that smoked “It’s been 72 years since the AMA has to ensure cannabis integrity. Story inside. cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, officially recognized that marijuana has improves appetite and caloric intake espe- both already-demonstrated and future- cially in patients with reduced muscle promising medical utility,” said Sunil mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain Aggarwal, Ph.D., the medical student who Cal legislative hearings look at legal cannabis in patients with multiple sclerosis.” The spearheaded passage of the 2008 resolution By Dale Gieringer, California NORML bition has failed, while law enforcement report urges that “the Schedule I status of and one of the CSAPH report’s designated The California Assembly’s Public Safety responded with claims that the problems marijuana be reviewed with the goal of expert reviewers. Committee held historic hearings on caused by prohibition would be made all facilitating clinical research and develop- “The AMA has written an extensive, cannabis legalization Oct. 28 for the first the worse by legal regulations. Sara well documented, evidence-based report time since cannabis was prohibited in 1913. Simpson, assistant chief of the Bureau of that they are seeking to publish in a peer- Narcotics Enforcement, at one point reviewed journal that will help to educate Sponsor Tom Ammiano (D-SF) chaired bewailed the evils of outlaw growers and Advocates plant the medical community about the scien- the first Committee hearings on AB390, violent Mexican drug gangs, then voiced tific basis of botanical cannabis-based which will be heard again in early 2010. concerns that legalization would somehow Please turn to page 17 Reformers argued that cannabis prohi- tighten their grip on California. hemp on DEA’s Retired Judge James Gray responded that a legal supply will undercut the criminal market and protect children from expo- own front lawn Obama policy memo discourages Feds sure to crime. Judge Gray spoke against By Ryan Fletcher, VoteHemp.com allowing promotion and advertising. In a bid to get the Obama administration’s from going after state-legal cannabis Former San Francisco DA Terence attention and halt DEA obstruction, a By Allen Bartleman, Attorney at Law* possession of other illegal drugs or ties to Hallinan testified that pot arrests had taken North Dakota farmer, Vermont farmer and United States Attorney General Eric organized crime. Feds will still trace rev- up a lot of time in his office, despite the other American entrepreneurs dedicated to Holder outlined a new federal policy** enue to foreign operators and protect fed- city’s cannabis-friendly reputation. developing and marketing healthy, envi- about medical cannabis use and distribu- eral land from damage by illegal growers. Dan MacAllair of the Center on ronmentally friendly hemp products plant- tion last March. Deputy US Attorney Money laundering and organized crime Juvenile and Criminal Justice testified that ed industrial hemp seed Oct. 13 at the DEA General David Ogden clarified this Oct. 19, remain high federal prosecution priorities. possession arrests have soared while other headquarters and museum. directing US Attorneys in medical cannabis Any cannabis possession or use on fed- Please turn to page 9 This was one of the first times industri- states not to focus on individuals whose eral lands, even medical use, may be pros- al hemp advocates have used public civil actions are in clear and unambiguous com- ecuted. Yes, that nice ranger with the disobedience to protest the ban on hemp pliance with state medical cannabis laws. Smokey Bear hat is a federal agent charged Colorado ski resort farming in the United States. While the US That directive seems simple enough. It with enforcing federal anti-cannabis laws. is the largest market for hemp products in is good news for legitimate California med- Collectives may better protect them- the world, and industrial hemp is farmed ical patients and cannabis collectives. selves from federal prosecution by dealing legalizes adult use throughout Europe, Asia and Canada, not Under the new policy, federal agents, only with collective members, by comply- By Brian Vicente, Sensible CO Executive Director a single American farmer can legally grow including the DEA, FBI, IRS and other fed- ing with all state laws, organized as the In a decisive victory for equality, a high- the versatile crop, which is used for food, eral agencies would not act against California Attorney General-suggested: profile Colorado ski tourist destination clothing, body care, paper, building materi- patients, caregivers, and collectives that “non-profit, mutual benefit” corporations. voted to legalize adult possession of als, auto paneling and more. follow state laws, unless there is evidence California cannabis collectives should cannabis. Breckenridge voters on Nov. 3 North Dakota farmer Wayne Hauge, of a commercial, profit-making enterprise, closely follow Health & Safety Code passed Measure 2F by a 73 percent vote to Vermont’s Cedar Circle Organic Farm or to enforce other federal laws. 11362.5 (Proposition 215), HS 11362.7 (SB remove from the Town Code criminal founder Will Allen, Hemp Industries Assn. However, US Attorneys are directed to 420, esp. 11362.775), Court rulings and the penalties for private possession of up to (HIA) President Steve Levine, Dr. continue to act in state cases involving state Attorney General’s guidelines. When one ounce by adults 21 and older. Bronner’s Magic Soaps President David unlawful possession, unlawful use of in doubt, consult an experienced attorney. In a cutting-edge move, the ordinance Bronner, Vote Hemp Communications Dir - firearms, violence, sales to minors, finan- * Bartleman a criminal defense attorney since 1980, advises also removes criminal penalties for the pos- patient collectives. ector Adam Eidinger, and Livity Outer- cial activities inconsistent with legal use session of drug paraphernalia. This is the ** Posted online at blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/192 national Hemp Clothing founder Issac (money laundering or financial gains), first ordinance change in Colorado — and Please turn to page 14 larger than permitted quantities, sales or likely national — history to remove penalties for both cannabis and associated para- Maine voters choose phernalia. “This vote demonstrates that our state-run dispensaries Breckenridge citizens overwhelmingly By Phil Smith, DRCNet believe that adults should not be punished Voters approved the Maine Medical for making the safer choice to use marijua- Marijuana Act (MMMA), an initiative na instead of alcohol,” said Sean instructing the state government to set up a McAllister, Breckenridge attorney and system of state-licensed cannabis dispen- chair of Sensible Breckenridge. saries, with 59 percent of the vote. It was “As state and national focus grows on sponsored by Maine Citizens for Patient this important issue, the popular ski town Rights (MCPR) and the Maine Medical of Breckenridge has taken center stage on Marijuana Policy Initiative, and primarily marijuana reform — and not just for med- funded by the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). ical purposes,” said Brian Vicente of Maine is the first state to approve state- Sensible Colorado, the statewide nonprofit licensed dispensaries through a popular which assisted the local effort. “With this vote rather than legislative or initiative historic vote, Breckenridge has emerged as processes. Such long-time Maine activists a national leader in sensible drug policy.” SEEDS OF DISSENT — (left to right) Levine, Allen, Eidinger, Hague and Bronner planted hemp seeds on the DEAʼs front lawn Oct. 13 using engraved ceremonial shovels. Photo by Ryan Fletcher Please turn to page 21 Please turn to page 19 Winter 2010 Page 2 West Coast Leaf Washington patients seek collective rights By Martin Martinez, CannabisMD.net patient basis, not per location. West Coasterdam Report Thanks to the efforts of ACLU Attorney At that point, representatives of SPD Alison Holcomb, ranking members of the and the prosecutor’s office verbally agreed Office of the King County Prosecutor, that when a garden involves more than one Feds ordered to return $186,000 to Los Angeles dispensary along with a narcotics division captain and patient, they shall revise their limitation to other officers from the Seattle Police reflect the number of valid patients. They A Federal Appeals Court ordered the US government to return $186,000 that had been ille- Department (SPD) and East Side Task indicated that they would consider the gally seized from a Los Angeles cannabis dispensary. In March 2005, a local police sergeant Force, sat down with representatives from total number of patients at a garden before visited United Medical Caregivers and observed qualified patients purchase cannabis. yanking all but 15 plants. However, that Police requested a search warrant, yet concealed from the judge that the facility was a dis- cannabis patient groups Green Cross, voiced policy is not yet reflected in current pensary. Using the “fruit of the poison tree” principle, the Court held that the seizure was Green Buddha, and The Lifevine Collective documents, so an officer in the field may due to police who “misled a state judge,” and that the government cannot “profit from ille- to discuss the development of general have no guidance in that regard. gal activity by law enforcement.” Defense attorney Paul Gabbert characterized police as guidelines for group cultivation of medical “being paid to lie to a Superior Court judge,” since their department received a percent- cannabis in The Emerald City. Patients and providers in King County age of the seized money. The unanimous Ninth Circuit court ruling came Oct. 20, one day During this landmark meeting, SPD who grow in collective garden sites should after the Obama administration issued guidelines advising federal prosecutors not to tar- introduced two documents that outline be aware that while the Prosecutor has a get patients and providers who comply with state medical marijuana laws, and five current policy governing cannabis gardens policy of not prosecuting such individuals, months after its formal memorandum on the limits of federal preemption. operated by patients and designated he does review each situation on a case-by- providers. Both documents rely on the WA case basis. Furthermore, law enforcement Another record CAMP eradication props up cannabis prices Department of Health (DOH) interpreta- agencies have yet to adopt formal policies The 27-year long Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) destroyed a record 4.5 tion of the lawful “60 day supply,” up to 24 on collective gardens, so the officer in the million California plants by November 2009, up from 2.9 million during the 2007 and 2008 ounces of dried medical cannabis and 15 field may act on current SPD policies that outdoor seasons. At 340,187 plants, Los Angeles County ranked fifth in 41 counties. This plants of any size — per patient. only address single-patient gardens. increase of more than 400 percent pushed LA’s eradicated plant count close to those of The DOH limits are defined by law as Unfortunately for patients, the educa- Mendocino, Trinity and Humboldt Counties. Officials set the state-inflicted financial loss “presumptive” limits that may be over- tion of our judicial system mainly occurs in to the cannabis market at $17.8 billion, pushing up already inflated prices. The proportion turned by patients who prove they need a a courtroom. Eventually, local policies will of plants found on public lands jumped from 70 percent in 2008 to 76 percent in 2009, greater amount; yet the SPD holds those be forced to conform with precedents after according to the state Division of Law Enforcement. Bruce Mirken of the Marijuana Policy figures as binding and enforceable limita- they are set in a criminal proceeding. Project said the campaign has caused growers to move from backyards into wilderness tions. Hence, current SPD policy directs areas. “This is an annual exercise in futility. Not only does it fail to do anything meaning- officers to seize and destroy any number Lake Forest files civil ful, it actually makes the problem worse,” he said. The program diverts state Bureau of above 15 live plants. Narcotic Enforcement, local sheriff’s departments, DEA, inter-agency drug task force units One patient in attendance noted that complaints on MCDs and other law enforcement resources, spending huge amounts of tax dollars in the process. the current SPD policy limits possession to By Kandice Hawes, Orange County NORML Although the mission of the California Highway Patrol is to protect the state’s roads and “15 plants” period, whereas the written motorists, it instead participated in 665 raids in 2009, up from 542 in 2008. The city of Lake Forest seemed to be a med- policy should be revised to define the limit ical marijuana safe haven in Orange OrganiCann’s World First: Compostable cannabis packaging as “15 plants per patient.” County until just recently. Lake Forest has Marijuana just got greener. Most cannabis comes packaged in petro-plastic. The Organic The purpose of these meetings has been a business-friendly policy not requiring Cannabis Foundation, LLC (OrganiCann) a dispensing collective in Santa Rosa, CA, rolled to initiate a change in current enforcement businesses to get a license from the city, out its new home-compostable packaging Nov. 9, made of certified-compostable film and policy to include collective cultivation, by which is one reason many collectives printed with water-based inks. The film, made from sustainably produced wood, biode- combining resources among patients for decided to open in its limits. Now five grades safely in home or commercial compost, or even in a wastewater environment. “We uniform access and affordability of medical years later there are approximately 14 col- are committed to sustainability in everything we do,” said OrganiCann Managing grade cannabis. Patient support groups lectives and the city is filing civil lawsuits Member Dona Ruth Frank. “Whether it is how our medicine is cultivated, or how it is asserted that DOH guidelines allow two to force every single one to close. packaged, we are continuously developing more environmentally friendly solutions.” The patients who grow together in one location The city overlooked these collectives patient collective offers compostable packaging for a full range of products, from dry 30 plants collectively, and three patients 45, until two were robbed in a single night. cannabis and joints to concentrates and cannabis-infused teas. More at OrganiCann.com. because the 15 plant limit applies on a per One collective was especially cooperative and handed over surveillance footage to Law Office of Wolfgang Kovach the sheriff’s department and the local OMAR Form Your Own Collective • • • papers. The footage was made available online and the story hit the front pages. IGUEROA Two or more patients may associate within the F State of California to collectively cultivate marijuana Shortly after, the city filed the civil com- ATTORNEY for medical purposes. (H&S 11362.775). plaints against all collectives, alleging they AT LAW Professional - Discrete - Confidential - Exclusive are a public nuisance and are not included Complete Formation Services Offered in the types of businesses allowed in com- COMPLIMENTARY Flat Fee includes 1 year corporate compliance review mercial zones. CASE 949-735-5273 At the City Council meeting following CONSULTATION. Email: [email protected] news of the law suits, more than 100 people Years of experience For more info go to kovachlaw.com showed up asking the city for regulations defending growers, patients, caregivers and members not litigation. The city refused to address of collectives/ cooperatives the item on the agenda. Two weeks later, in CA and Fed courts. more than 300 people showed up, includ- Graduate of Yale University, BOB BOYD, ATTORNEY AT LAW Stanford Law School and Trial ing local TV news and newspapers. Still Lawyers College. Serving Mendocino the Council decided to pursue litigation against 35 people associated with the col- 415-986-5591 & Lake Counties OR lectives, in spite of the residents’ pleas. 510-649-0420 Local collectives have to file an answer [email protected] • 707-468-0500 [email protected] to the complaints and court dates will be www.omarfigueroa.com — Lifetime Member, NORML Legal Panel — set. Activists have phone and letter writing mendocinolaw.com campaigns going, and plan to attend every Council meeting until this is resolved. CRIMINAL DEFENSE All Felonies & Misdemeanors All Federal & State Cases • All Drug-related Cases * Identity Theft / Fraud • Burglary / Robbery • Weapons Charges • Homicide • Parole / Probation • Juvenile Cases • Prostitution • D.U.Is TIMES MAY BE TOUGH RIGHT NOW, BUT FELONIES ARE FOR LIFE. www.LAsDopestAttorney.com CALL NOW PRACTICE YOUR RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT! TOLL FREE Allison B. Margolin Se habla español Attorney at Law Wir sprechen Deutsch Toll Free • 24 hrs • 7 days ԿԸ ԽՕՍԻՆՔ ՀԱՅԵՐԷՆ 1-888-DOPE-LAW • 323-653-1850 We speak Farsi West Coast Leaf Page 3 Winter 2010 Portland activists open patient smoking lounge By Anna Diaz, Oregon NORML Since the cafe opened at Rump- Oregon NORML’s Cannabis Café opened in spankers, 700 NE Dekum St, Portland, sto- Portland at 4:20 PM on Nov. 13, the first of ries have appeared in most major Oregon its kind in Oregon. newspapers and TV stations. Martinez was “The response has been overwhelm- on OPB’s Think Out Loud talk show and ing,” says Madeline Martinez, Executive attended a neighborhood association meet- Director of Oregon NORML. “We are excit- ing to reassure them that the lounge will be ed to be able to provide a safe place for a positive addition to the community. patients to medicate that is out of public Members must be registrants of the view within the guidelines of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) and members of Oregon NORML to gain HEMPSTALK Medical Marijuana Act (OMMA). FASHION — “There needed to be a place where peo- entrance. The entry fee is $25 to cover the The Portland ple can socialize and network, much like first month of membership and an all-day Hempstalk entry pass. Basic membership to Oregon Festival boasted our meetings,” said Martinez. Many its first hemp patients travel to Portland for medical care NORML is $35.00 per year and is available fashion and live and treatment and otherwise they have no at the door. art show at * Contact Oregon NORML for more information on the mes- Kelley Point Park place to use their medicine during their sage line 503-239-6110. Details and information will be online in Portland, long and exhausting trips. at ornorml.org as they become available. Oregon. The show was a colorful success and is now Oregon ballot petition drive passes half-way mark scheduled to By John Sajo, Executive Director of Voter Power could still grow their own medicine. become an annual part of Backers of Oregon Initiative 28 announced The proposed law is among the first to Hempstalk. Nov. 10 that they had collected over 70,000 recognize growers as a key part of the sup- Titled Hemp SIlk at Hempstalk, it was co-emceed by Pony Boy of Los Marijuanos and Angela of signatures, passing the halfway mark for ply chain. In New Mexico and Rhode Sea of Green Art and featured hemp clothing by a number of designers including UrbAge the 2010 ballot. “We calculate we will need Island, dispensaries hire the producers. Designs by Scott Gordon, the Hempstalk Vending Coordinator. Photos courtesy of Angela Fairless 120,000 signatures to qualify,” said Kyle Allowing Oregon farmers to compete as Locasio, petition coordinator for Voter independent producers could bring prices Power, the group managing the campaign. down and quality up. While California LA patients hold line against prosecutors, narcs Oregon voters legalized medical mari- producers operate in a legal ‘gray area,’ By Don Duncan, Americans for Safe Access was “irrelevant” and renewed his pledge juana with Measure 67 in 1998, with over Oregon farmers would be licensed and reg- An ordinance regulating patient collectives to prosecute collectives that provide medi- 28,000 patients now qualified. The new ini- ulated, with clear rules to follow. in Los Angeles may get a City Council vote cine in exchange for money. Cooley largely tiative would create a system of licensed The initiative has two innovative provi- before January, but the controversy sur- ignored medical cannabis collectives producers and regulated dispensaries. sions, providing for research and for assis- rounding medical cannabis in the state’s between his election in 2000 and an Oct. 8, “Many qualified patients are still strug- tance to indigent patients. “Existing gov- largest city is far from over. Advocates are 2009 luncheon hosted by the California gling to obtain their medicine,” said a cam- ernment programs like Medicare won’t threatening litigation if the final ordinance Narcotics Officers Assn., a prison lobby paign spokesperson. “We offer a regulated cover marijuana,” said Lindsey Bradshaw, does not meet their needs, and neighbor- group that stridently opposes safe access. supply system that we believe will be the a cancer patient who receives her medical hood groups want severe limits on the Cooley told reporters after that luncheon best in the nation.” care under the Oregon Health Plan. “I get number and location of facilities. that “about 100 percent” of collectives are Under the measure, dispensaries help with my prescription drugs, and my Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the illegal and that he intends to close them all. would be nonprofits and pay a $2000 intravenous food supply is completely nation’s largest medical cannabis advocacy City Councilmembers seem poised to license fee plus 10 percent tax on gross paid for, but I am on my own coming up group, claimed success on Nov. 16, when a reject the advice of City Attorney Carmen sales. Producers would pay a $1000 license with my medical marijuana.” joint City Council committee rejected an Trutanich, who agrees with Cooley that fee plus 10 percent tax. Any registered Under I 28, the Dept. of Human outright ban on sales of cannabis in collec- storefront collectives and cooperatives are patient could shop at any dispensary; dis- Services would set regulations on record tives following ASA’s threat of litigation. illegal. The City Attorney presented no pensaries could purchase from any keeping, security, and zoning, and admin- District Attorney Steve Cooley responded fewer than five draft ordinances in the last licensed producer. The system would cre- ister a program for needy patients. Backers by telling reporters that the City Council Please turn to page 5 ate a regulated free market, and patients Please turn to page 6 Winter 2010 Page 4 West Coast Leaf Riverside collective wins dismissal, sues County Protestors rebuke CNOA By Victor Michel, Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project Riverside County District Attorney Rod awards for San Diego Pacheco sent one of his finest prosecuting attorneys to get a conviction in the court- police fraud and abuse room, but his efforts came to naught when Superior Court Judge Mark Mandio ruled on Nov. 4 that there was insufficient evidence to bind Marty Victor over to trial for the litany of charges that had been filed against him for operating a small 12-mem- VICTOR -Y — Marty and Lavonne Victor, right, collective members and supporters celebrate ber collective out of the backyard of his the dismissal at dinner. Photo by Victor Michel family home in Temecula. The collective could have been used as SHAMEFUL AWARD — The California a model for the State Attorney General’s falsely accused by Paul Chabot, the Narcotics Officers Assn. (CNOA) guidelines. Recommendations and ID founder of an Inland Empire drug prohibi- handed out awards in Mission Valley the night of Nov. 12 to celebrate its cards were kept on the premises, books tion group that specifically targeted medical marijuana, of pushing him at a meet- success against qualified patients, were kept showing all financial transac- caregivers and collectives. ing, and was undergoing a trial for battery. tions and medical marijuana distribution A “CNOA Team of the Year” award was given to the San Diego drug agents who got fake and every member of the collective partici- Marty Victor was scheduled to testify that IDs to obtain legal physician-approvals, then in February executed a series of collective pated in the growing and harvesting oper- he was at the meeting and saw that raids known as Operation Endless Summer. Concerned citizens and patients turned out to express public outrage at the targeting of lawful patients. The rally was organized by ations. That wasn’t enough to keep the Swerdlow never even touched Chabot, let alone push him. members of Americans for Safe Access San Diego. The CNOA is a shadowy Drug War Riverside County Sheriff’s office and lobby group that uses its political-insider status to wield undue influence, and that trains Temecula Police from invading Victor’s Victor’s testimony was scheduled for police to testify in marijuana prosecutions. Photos by Eugene Davidovich home on Sept. 18, 2008 seizing all the Sept. 22. Many people believe that the tim- plants, growing equipment and security ing of Victor’s arrest and subsequent systems and arresting Victor and holding imprisonment and high bail were the result San Diego DA wages dirty war against state law him in jail on $50,000 bail. of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept. Police literally terrorized Victor’s wife asking Riverside sheriffs to keep Victor By Eugene Davidovich, Stop Operation Green Rx September, signaling a refusal to obey state Lavonne and his mother, who is also a indisposed, so he would not be able to tes- San Diego County finds itself on the front law. member of the collective and uses cannabis tify on Swerdlow’s behalf. line in the war against medical cannabis. City leadership, however, has taken a to treat her arthritis and other infirmities Charging Victor with illegally cultivat- Seeking to repeal state law, the SD Board of different approach. After years of pleas that afflict the elderly. During the raid, ing and possessing with the intent to sell, Supervisors had appealed all the way to from patients, the San Diego City Council which lasted from 5:30 PM to 2:30 AM, the Sheriff’s investigator Kenneth Thurm stat- the US Supreme Court. After defeat there, established a Medical Marijuana Task police refused to allow his 81-year-old ed that the collective was a sham and the the County has taken its fight to the streets. Force Sept. 8 in hopes of providing clarity mother to have her dinner, even as they paperwork seized showed it was an Since 2003, SD District Attorney Bonnie to patients and law enforcement. ordered meals to be delivered for their own attempt to “give the illusion of being a Dumanis has been targeting doctors who The task force will develop guidelines consumption. When asked if they would legitimate co-op.” recommend the plant, dispensing collec- for cannabis patients and caregivers, struc- order food for the elderly woman at the After the dismissal of the charges, tives and cooperatives, as well as patients ture and operations of medical cannabis same time, they refused. Finally at around Victor hugged his wife, mother and attor- themselves. Criminal charges have includ- cooperatives and collectives, and police 9 PM, they allowed her to eat some bread. ney Zenia Gilg and joined his supporters in ed cultivation, possession, distribution, enforcement. The DA opposes the actions The timing of the arrest was suspicious. an impromptu victory celebration in front and others from which legitimate patients and direction of the task force; she has stat- One of the members of their collective is of the council chambers. Eight of the collec- have qualified immunity under California ed that there is no need for a task force and Lanny Swerdlow, director of the Marijuana tive’s members have filed a lawsuit against law. As part of her self-proclaimed “fierce continues to insist that the laws are clear. Anti-Prohibition Project, an Inland Empire Riverside County and the city of Temecula fight” against patients in San Diego, In response to continued harassment, cannabis patients’ support group and law- for the illegal seizure of the crop each seek- Dumanis brazenly dubbed the ongoing the community has united to draw atten- reform organization. Swerdlow had been ing one million dollars in damages. investigation “Operation Green Rx.” tion to the issue, end illegal prosecutions, Police detectives visit local doctors and and prevent more raids. Constituents have lie about their identity, symptoms and written letters to the State Bar of California When it comes to California medical medical conditions to obtain recommenda- complaining about the DA’s unethical marijuana defense you need an attorney tions for cannabis. They join dispensing practices and violations of rules of profes- experienced with handling these cases, collectives and cooperatives in San Diego sional conduct. with the intent of shutting them down. Calls, emails and letters are pouring in knowledgeable about the rapidly evolv- Two rounds of raids have been executed, to the Citizens Review Board of Police ing law; someone who likes to win and and more are planned. Practices, complaining about the conduct doesn’t mind taking the time to do it. Patients were arrested in raids on about of detectives. a dozen houses in February. Dumanis per- The Grand Jury is daily being asked to sonally authorized more than 12 raids in investigate this waste, fraud, and abuse. EUGENE DENSON, ATTORNEY AT LAW Many San Diegans hope PO Box 158, Alderpoint, CA 95511 that a livable patient-orient- • Free initial consultations. Barry Eton D.D.S., FICOI ed solution will be reached collaboratively through the • I have lived in Humboldt County for 28 years, and was a leader in the fight General Dentistry Medical Marijuana Task against the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting abuses. Reasonable Fees Force, and that abusive pros- • I’m willing to travel to Northern California counties to defend you. (I’ve been ecutions and litigation under Credit Plans in Del Norte, Siskiyou, Plumas, Shasta, Trinity, Humboldt, Mendocino, Operation Green Rx will Sonoma, Marin, Colusa, Contra Costa, Lake, Glenn, Nevada; even Los Angeles). 435 N. Bedford Drive end, with those responsible Phone 707-923-4764 for an appointment Suite 111 being held accountable for violating the public trust. email: [email protected] • http://marijuanadefenselawyer.com/ 310-276-6151 Beverley Hills CA 90210

The Lentz Law Firm Steve H. Spiegelman Expert Legal Representation • Criminal Defense Eric D. Shevin, Esq. Attorney & Counselor at Law Counsel For Medical Marijuana Collectives Attorney at Law Criminal Defense 1055 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1996 Criminal Defense * State and Federal Collectives • Consultations Los Angeles, CA 90017 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1050 [email protected] Jacek W. Lentz Sherman Oaks, California 91403 707-575-1103 Tel. (310) 273 - 1361 • Medical Marijuana Expertise 1825 Fourth St., Santa Rosa CA 95404 lentzlawfirm.com • Norml Legal Committee • Southern California Superlawyer • Winner of ASA’s Defender of Justice Award • Illegal search and seizure specialist

Tel 818-784-2700 • Fax 818-784-2411 shevinlaw.com West Coast Leaf Page 5 Winter 2010 BPG collective honored by City of Berkeley By Becky DeKeuster, BPG • Involvement in the successful Measure The City of Berkeley took the unusual step R/JJ campaign in 2004-2008, resulting in of declaring Oct. 31, 2009 Berkeley Patients improved medical cannabis regulations in Group Day in the city, to honor the dispen- Berkeley and helping to support the sary’s tenth anniversary. decommissioning of Diebold electronic The two-page formal Proclamation voting machines in California. reviewed highlights from BPG’s first • Forming the Medical Cannabis Safety decade, including: Council to bring sensible self-regulation to the medical cannabis field • Pioneering a best-practices, service- BPG HONORED — Berkeley based approach to providing cannabis • Earning certification as a socially re - Patients Group marked its sponsible ‘B-corporation.’ tenth anniversary with a • Supporting its community through proclamation from the City service, community partnerships, and The Council action came within days of to honor its work. charitable donations the formal Justice Department announce- Photo by Etienne Fontan • Surviving a 2007 DEA asset seizure that ment that it would no longer persecute dis- forfeited state sales tax collections to the pensaries who comply with state laws. The “We are still in a legal gray area, and we tors. “Cities have made it legal for medical federal government BPG staff and patients celebrated its 10- can’t exist there forever,” said Debby uses, states have, and now the federal gov- • BPG’s history of partnership with and year mark, at the same time eagerly look- Goldsberry, one of the group’s three direc- ernment needs to do it.” support from its City Council and Mayor ing ahead to its next ten years. Los Angeles officials and patients in stand-off Marijuana arrests rise in California, despite Prop 215 Continued from page 3 erful voice in local politics. ASA and By Dale Gieringer, California NORML per year to arrest, prosecute and imprison two years. Under pressure from an increas- GLACA have been joined by an alphabet Marijuana arrests in California increased in cannabis offenders. Over 2.5 million such ingly galvanized base of patient-advocates, soup of other patient advocacy groups rep- 2008 to their highest level since possession arrests have been recorded since the state the Council rejected the first four drafts. In resenting tens of thousands of Angelinos. was decriminalized in 1976, according to first prohibited “Indian hemp” in 1913. response to the fifth version, published Advocates hope the City Council will data from the Cal DOJ Bureau of Criminal only one business day before the joint com- move quickly to adopt and implement a Statistics. The state reported 17,126 felony mittee hearing on Nov. 16, Councilmember sound regulatory ordinance. Many blame arrests in 2008, up from 16,124 in 2007, Ed Reyes said the posture and timing of the the long delay on entrenched staff in while misdemeanor marijuana possession City Attorney’s office was “disconcerting.” Trutanich’s office. Former City Attorney arrests jumped from 57,995 to 61,366. The two-year campaign to develop and and medical cannabis opponent Rocky Possession arrests have soared 127 per- adopt sensible regulations has energized a Delgadillo protected tenure for much of his cent since 1990, a time period when arrests new grassroots base of support for medical senior staff before leaving office earlier this for other crimes plummeted by an average cannabis in LA. More than 400 patients and year. Advocates worry that these holdovers of 40 percent, according to the Center on advocates packed the Nov. 16 meeting, have led Trutanich down the same path as Juvenile and Criminal Justice in San despite the fact that the hearing started at his predecessor. This is a particularly bitter Francisco. African Americans are three 8:30 AM on a Monday. ASA has worked pill for the medical cannabis community, times more likely to be arrested, and five hard to train hundreds of patients to speak which rallied around Trutanich in a runoff times more likely to be imprisoned, for a The state medical marijuana laws have effectively to elected officials and media. election earlier this year. marijuana offense. brought no perceptible decline in arrests. The Greater LA Collective Alliance With battle lines drawn between advo- California (GLACA), one of several autonomous self- cates and the DA, the period following NORML regulatory bodies seeded by ASA, has adoption of an ordinance in LA may be tur- estimates organized collective operators into a pow- bulent. Cooley is likely to use his position that the state to make an example of some collectives currently and cooperatives, but LA’s new medical spends over Dana Point dispensaries cannabis coalition is ready to respond. $200 million told to hand over records Corona / Norco / Riversideʼs Only By Kandice Hawes Private Cannabis Physician The City of Dana Point served subpoenas Available for Medical to the five collectives operating in city lim- Marijuana Evaluations its in July seeking business records and the names of its members, purportedly to Discreet and Confidential determine if the collectives are operating By appointment : Wednesday legally under California law. After the col- evening, Saturday mornings 951.751.1450 lectives refused to comply the city went to SERENITY MEDICAL EVALUATIONS court asking for assistance in enforcing the www.inland-empire-medical-marijuana.com subpoenas. Lawyers representing the collectives D.K. Brock Law argued that the request for records was in — David K Brock, Esq — violation of medical and financial privacy Corporate and Health Law Attorney rights and the First and Fifth Amendment Specializing in Medical Marijuana rights of the collectives. A judge ruled in Collectives, Cooperatives and Dispensaries November that the collectives must deliver the records. However, the court narrowed Do It Do It down who would have access to the names Safely Legally of the collective members. Those records will need to be submitted by Dec. 7, subject to an appeal. 209-405-1135 • [email protected] “NO ONE BELONGS IN JAIL FOR MARIJUANA!” The Inland Empire’s The Law Offices of No. 1 “420 Lawyer” BRUCE M. MARGOLIN, ESQ. Criminal Defense • Felony and Misdemeanor THE NATION’S FOREMOST AUTHORITY All State Courts • Collective Incorporation ON DRUG AND MARIJUANA LAW SB 420 Legal Advice Available to represent clients throughout California.

35-year NORML Director Superior Criminal Defense Allen Bartleman, Attorney at Law All State and Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year Federal Charges. 29 Years in Practice • Defending Your Rights Since 1980 BUSTED? QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Cal NORML-listed Lawyer • Member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice 8749 Holloway Drive West Hollywood CA 90069 Call 1-800-420-LAWS (5297) 505 N. Arrowhead Ave. Suite #509, San Bernardino, CA — At the SUNSET STRIP — www.1800420laws.com (310) 652-0991 (909)-885-8388 Watch for the opening of The Margolin Guide to Marijuana Laws our Northern California is free to California residents. Call for a “IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE LAW, KNOW YOUR LAWYER” office in Berkeley free copy of the Margolin Guide. Download a PDF of the Margolin Guide, available at the above website. Call for Consultation Appointment Winter 2010 Page 6 West Coast Leaf WAMM gardengarden hashas brushbrush withwith SantaSanta CruzCruz firefire Airport TSAs allow local law to rule the skies By Mickey Martin and airport to airport. Patients look for- Cannabis patients can travel with their ward to having a statewide or federal poli- medicine if they are within the bounds of cy in place with clear protections for state and local laws of the airport in which patients choosing to travel with cannabis. they are traveling, according to the Trans- As patients, activists, and concerned portation Security Admin. (TSA). citizens continue to demand clarification, it With the help of attorney Rob Raich, is possible that state boundaries for med- Oakland International Airport crafted a ical cannabis will become the standard by written policy in 2008 stating that they which federal agencies, such as TSA, abide. would not arrest patients or confiscate It is possible this policy could evolve to CURTAIN OF FLAMES — their medicines if they were within the other agencies such as US Postal Inspectors Left: A fast moving sheet of or National Park Service agencies. fire descended toward the legal bounds of the state’s medical marijua- WAMM medical marijuana na laws. The West Coast Leaf first reported While patients can feel a bit safer in collective garden near Santa this story in September, which was then their travels, it is important to understand Cruz. Members joined in to picked up by local and national media out- that they must still be discreet and not hold back the blaze. lets. Upon further questioning, TSA flaunt their cannabis in the face of what Above: After the garden was saved, Valerie Corral took spokeswoman Suzanne Trevino confirmed could be less tolerant authorities. Attorney photos of the fire fighters that the federal agency would allow Rob Raich suggests not declaring one’s who came to the rescue. patients to travel with cannabis if the local medicine unless asked. Individual officers Photos courtesy of WAMM. authorities deemed it appropriate. and their agencies may still choose to Airport officials in Los Angeles, San ignore state laws and hassle qualified the flames unexpectedly Francisco, San Jose, and Sacramento con- patients who possess their cannabis while jump over a hill where cere- firmed that they had no interest in confis- traveling. It is best to inquire about the pol- monies are performed and cating legitimate cannabis medicines or icy of the airport in which one hopes to some WAMM members are arresting legitimate users. Patients can now travel before showing up and meeting buried in a small graveyard. travel from these airports without fear of unexpected resistance. Also spared were Ram losing their medicine or facing arrest. By Mikki Norris West Coast Leaf Dass’ collection of books on death and This landmark realization comes on the dying, and paintings and indigenous art- Oregon initiative moving Valerie Corral of the Wo/Men’s Alliance heels of the new federal policy curbing fed- work in the Corral home. Continued from page 3 for Medical Marijuana (WAMM) watched eral interference into state medical awestruck by the majesty of nature in mid- With friends, Valerie and Mike Corral cannabis affairs. It is a major victory for are drafting proposed rules, including a August, as 300-foot flames from the Santa walked the land, filled water tanks and did patients who in the past have been forced program similar to food stamps that needy Cruz fires surrounded her home and what they could, as firefighters worked to travel without their medicine or forced patients could use at any dispensary. acreage. Fortunately, eight firefighters from along with volunteer prisoners earning $1 to purchase cannabis at their destination The initiative also allows DHS to con- the Encino and Oceanside Fire per hour to ‘coerce’ the fire away from the from often-illicit sources. duct research that could result in quality Departments were granted permission to property, cutting trees and brush and creat- “It’s clearly a good thing that airports control standards for commercial medical work on their own time to defend the prop- ing fire breaks. such as Oakland and SFO allow patients to cannabis. These could be used to regulate erty, which had been designated as an The Corrals and WAMM watched the be able to travel with their medicine. That’s product uniformity, prohibit dangerous ‘indefensible’ area. Working after a 24-hour fire jump over the road without touching a a positive policy,” Americans for Safe contaminants, and provide content labels shift, they saved the property’s three hous- blade of grass or leaf of tree, while 188 Access spokesperson Kris Hermes said. for THC, CBD and other ingredients. es and its garden. acres next to their land were burned. They “Some patients cannot be without their If Voter Power prevails, Oregon voters Although the meditation cabin was are extremely grateful to the firefighters medicine for more than a few hours.” will decide the initiative’s fate in the destroyed and some of the land burned, and prisoners for saving much of the prop- While tolerance at some California air- November general election. Polls show 59 firefighters were amazed as they watched erty from devastation. ports is a welcome relief to many patients, percent of Oregonians support the meas- it is still a far cry from complete tolerance. ure, with just 32 percent opposed. Patients can still be subject For more info, see voterpower.org. TaxCannabis 2010 initiative gets signatures to qualify to prosecution at their final By Richard Lee, Oaksterdam University The campaign is now in its education destination or at airports in Law Offices of Timothy E. Warriner The TaxCannabis2010 campaign, one of and fundraising phase. It plans to air radio jurisdictions where local four adult cannabis reform initiatives filed commercials this Spring and generate con- law enforcement chooses in California, reports that it is near comple- tinued media coverage of this historic vote. to ignore state law, such as Timothy E. Warriner tion of its signature gathering drive. TaxCannabis2010 allows adults to pos- Burbank and San Diego. It expects to submit the signatures to sess and cultivate small amounts of Even with enforcement Attorney at Law • Northern Cal voter registrars’ offices across the state in cannabis for personal consumption and policies left to local author- mid-January, timed for the November 2010 lets cities and counties decide how to tax ities as stated by the TSA, Hall of Justice Building 916-443-7141 ballot. Overwhelming support enabled sig- and regulate sales and commercial cultiva- this can still create confu- 813 Sixth St. Suite 450 916-441-0970 f nature gathering to be completed in 40 per- tion. To make a donation online or get sion for patients, as policies Sacramento CA 95814 warrinerlaw.com cent of the time allowed by state law. more info, see TaxCannabis.org. will differ from city to city

Special bonus for 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center patient-members Bring in this ad to receive 50% off all glass hand pipes plus VIP access to the Vapor Lounge on Vapor Mondays. West Coast Leaf Page 7 Winter 2010 Winter 2010 Page 8 West Coast Leaf News analysis: Ammiano hearing marks an historic shift

By Stephen Gutwillig, Drug Policy Alliance* favor treating pot possession as an infrac- Many Americans are following the escalat- tion without arrest, support for ending ing rhetoric over proliferating medical cannabis prohibition outright is quickly marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles. The gaining speed. A Gallup poll in the Fall Obama administration’s Oct. 19 announce- reported that a historic 44 percent of ment that the federal government will con- Americans favor legalization, a 10-point sider state laws got even more attention. jump since 2001. Respondents across the Around the same time, another kind of Western states registered that opinion in cannabis news was made in Sacramento. sizable majorities. The Assembly Public Safety Committee Even with reform moving forward, convened an unprecedented public hear- arrests have tripled nationwide since 1991. CAPITOL IDEA — Proposed AB 390, sponsored by California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (at ing Oct. 28, the most prominent considera- In California, which decriminalized low- podium) to establish legal and regulated adult use of cannabis, was kicked off at a Oct. 28 press tion of legalization in American history. level possession in 1975, arrests have conference and committee hearing in Sacramento. From left to right: Rev. Mary Moreno Formally titled “Examining the Fiscal jumped 127 percent. Police made nearly Richardson, Allen Hopper of ACLU, Drug Policy Alliance staff attorney Tamar Todd, Cal NORML Director Dale Gieringer, Tom Ammiano, Aaron Smith of Marijuana Policy Project, and Steve and Legal Implication of the Legalization 850,000 marijuana arrests across the coun- Gutwillig, California State Director of DPA. West Coast Leaf photo by Mikki Norris and Regulation of Marijuana,” the hearing try last year, which represents half of all featured testimony from a range of regula- drug arrests and more than all violent tion advocates and opponents. The meet- crime arrests combined. No law in the US Soaring marijuana arrest rates show no effect on use ing chaired by Assembly Member Tom is enforced so widely, yet deemed so Ammiano, author of California’s landmark unnecessary by so many. By F. Aaron Smith, Marijuana Policy Project ization regime saved California $857 mil- cannabis legalization bill (AB 390), pro- These laws are enforced selectively and lion in 2007, but advocates say the state The most comprehensive collection of posed the same regulation for adult use of racially. African Americans are three times should do even better at prioritizing police national data on marijuana arrests, penal- cannabis as for alcohol. more likely than whites to be arrested for resources by taxing and regulating it. ties, and usage was released this week by It was a remarkable moment in the marijuana in California. Jon Gettman, Adjunct Assistant Professor “These figures paint a devastating por- struggle to change decades-old policies. in Criminal Justice at Shenandoah A recent expose by the Pasadena Weekly trait of a failed policy that burns through A recent avalanche of high-profile University in Winchester, VA. The detailed found that blacks, 14 percent of that city’s tax dollars while doing nothing but harm,” media has declared that although illegal, report shows that harsh penalties and population, account for more than half the said Marijuana Policy Project Executive cannabis has gone mainstream. Its use is aggressive law enforcement have essential- marijuana arrests of the last five years. Director Rob Kampia, in Washington, DC. second only to alcohol and cigarettes, is ly no effect on cannabis use rates. It’s hard to overstate the significance of “Most Americans agree that marijuana objectively far less harmful than either, is According to data Gettman collected prohibition doesn’t work, even if most that Sacramento hearing, the first legisla- dramatically less addictive and cannot tive discussion in the US about taking legal from government sources, marijuana politicians aren’t yet ready to publicly cause an overdose. Every major independ- control of the massive cannabis market arrests have almost doubled since 1991 but agree with their constituents.” ent study has debunked the gateway myth. through state regulation. The Public Safety use rates have remained more or less Those of us concerned about youth access The report also revealed a dramatic Committee has its hands full considering unchanged. Despite the serious budget note that children across the country con- racial disparity in marijuana enforcement. prohibition’s failures and the new main- crises many states faced last year, the sistently report that pot is easy for them to The cannabis use rate for African stream movement for reform. report concluded that marijuana arrests Americans is only about 25 percent higher get from their peers and the black market were often the 5th, 6th, or 7th largest cate- Regulation will end the criminalization of than for whites but blacks are three times while there are significant barriers to stop gory of state-level arrests. millions of responsible adult users, redirect more likely than whites to be arrested for them from buying alcohol and cigarettes. scarce police resources, generate new tax In California, where cannabis was marijuana possession. As a result, Americans are increasingly revenue, and reduce youth access. This is a ‘decriminalized’ in 1976, marijuana arrests Gettman’s report, “Marijuana Arrests in the US (2007),” is turning against a prohibition that fails to are rising faster than the national rate. online at drugscience.org/Archive/bcr7/bcr7_index.html. protect kids and guarantees a market share conversation that’s long overdue. However, California had more users in The full Marijuana Policy Almanac, including state rankings * Gutwillig is the California State Director of the Drug Policy and individual reports for all 50 states plus the District of to brutal criminal syndicates. While polls Alliance, the nation’s leading organization working to pro- 2007 than in 2003. The state’s decriminal- Columbia, is at drugscience.org/States/US/US_home.htm. have long confirmed that large majorities mote alternatives to the failed Drug War. West Coast Leaf Page 9 Winter 2010 DISMISSED — Addison and Jessica DeMoura New evidence shows marijuana is safe, have decided to sue local agencies that raided effective – and maybe legal drugs aren’t the Oakdale Natural Choice By Bruce Mirken, Marijuana Policy Project Meanwhile, results of a much-awaited collective in July clinical trial came from the University of 2007 since a The International Association for Cannabis Superior Court as Medicine held its Fifth Conference on California, San Francisco, where Donald Judge Nancy Cannabinoids in Medicine in Cologne, Abrams and colleagues tested the effects of Ashley threw out Germany in October. adding cannabis to the therapeutic regi- the search war- men of chronic pain patients on long-term rant Oct. 16 after The conference included significant morphine or oxycodone therapy. police failed to new evidence that marijuana is a safe, mention that they effective medicine for certain conditions, Unfortunately, because the researchers provided only to were crunching numbers right up until the qualified patients. some of which can be found in the conference abstract, online at cannabis-med.org. conference, the abstract available online Photo by Vanessa doesn’t include a lot of details. Canadian researcher Mark Ware pre- Nelson, Medical But the study showed that cannabis did Marijuana of America sented results of a yearlong safety study indeed add significant pain relief on top of known as the COMPASS study, which that provided by the narcotic painkillers. Oakdale’s Natural Choice gets charges dismissed compared 215 patients who used cannabis The scientists conclude, “Cannabinoids to manage chronic pain with comparable By Vanessa Nelson, slowed in recent times. may augment the analgesic effects of opi- MedicalMarijuanaofAmerica.com control patients who did not use cannabis. As it turns out, the DeMouras are plan- oids, allowing longer treatment at lower Six defendants in a central California dis- ning a trip to federal court in Fresno, any- Ware and colleagues report “no differ- doses with fewer side effects.” pensary case finally got a break Oct. 16. way; this time playing offense. Last sum- ence in serious adverse events” between That is a strong indication that, for Superior Court Judge Nancy Ashley threw mer, they filed a civil case against the local the two groups, concluding, “Cannabis use chronic pain patients, medical marijuana out the search warrant used to raid the governments whose law enforcement for chronic pain over one year is not associ- can act as a sort of “reverse gateway,” Oakdale Natural Choice collective in July agencies were responsible for the raid. The ated with major changes in lung, enabling them to reduce their use of 2007. The ruling elicited an outburst of suit alleges a variety of damages, including endocrine, cognitive function or serious addictive and risky narcotics. applause in the courtroom, causing the lost property and lost wages, as well as adverse events.” Please turn to page 11 bailiff to eject observers. emotional trauma suffered by their son After hearing testimony from a trio of when police officers held the toddler at investigating officers, the judge’s decision gunpoint while searching the family home. Cal Assembly committee considers legalization was based on glaring omissions in the affi- DeMoura is eager to see the outcome of Continued from page 1 of the POA over whether California can davit officers presented to get the warrant. the civil case, which is expected to be heard arrests declined, indicating increased legalize cannabis without there first being In particular, it left out information that this January. emphasis on marijuana enforcement. changes in federal law. indicated Oakdale Natural Choice was “I’m looking forward to Fresno,” he The Legislative Analyst’s Office esti- serving qualified patients in compliance California NORML director Dale said with his signature wry grin. mated that legalization would save the with state law. Gieringer said, “California’s millions of marijuana users are tired of being criminals state “tens of millions” of dollars in Defense attorney Ean Vizzi argued that and would like to be taxpaying, law-abid- enforcement costs, while the Board of officers made the omissions in an attempt ing citizens.” He pointed to successful Equalization estimated that a $50 per to portray the dispensary to the magistrate models of legal controls in the Netherlands ounce excise tax could generate $1.4 billion who issued the warrant as a “clandestine and India before 1986 (testimony online at in tax revenues. marijuana distribution ring.” Vizzi canorml.org/APStestimony.pdf). Economist Rosalie Pacula of the RAND declared, “Nothing could have been fur- Corporation cautioned that all projections ther from the truth.” The Rev. Mary Moreno Richardson testified about her experience working with about revenues, supply and demand draw The officers’ testimony revealed that battered wives, who were frequently beat- from highly uncertain assumptions, mak- they arranged an undercover buy opera- en by drunken husbands but never by ing it impossible to predict the impact. tion during their investigation. However, those using cannabis. Dozens of witnesses from both sides the affidavit did not mention that the Artist-patient seeks reciprocity spoke up in public comment. Phil Smith of undercover operative used a valid medical In contrast, law enforcement exposed By Lindianne Sarno DRCNet wound up the hearing by saying marijuana card to access the facility. “It left its bigotry. “Marijuana radically diminish- he wants only to be left alone, and will out facts that were important,” Judge Award-winning artist, civil rights viola- es our society,” testified John Standish, gladly pay taxes in return. Ashley concluded. tions investigator, and California patient president of the California Peace Officers ‘Alaskan Mike’ Glasgow is fighting a med- Assn. (POA), who refused to distinguish After the hearings, reformers visited This forced the deputy DA to promptly ical marijuana case in . . . Arizona. between pot and methamphetamine. legislative offices to lobby for AB 390. dismiss the charges against former dispensary operator Addison DeMoura, his wife While doing business at a February Scott Kirkland, the grim Police Chief of They were well received by legislative Jessica, and former dispensary workers 2009 mineral show, Glasgow was peaceful- El Cerrito who chairs the Cal Police Chief staff members, but it was clear that impor- Michael Cadiz, Angel Herrera and Russell ly self-medicating on private property Assn. Task Force on Medical Marijuana, tant questions remain to be settled before Green. A sixth defendant, Joseph Young, when a Tucson Police officer accosted him. spewed half-baked distortions and factoids the “L-word” enters political reality. had some confusion over scheduling and “I have a prescription for this,” said about cannabis, while Sally had to wait two months for the formal dis- Glasgow. Arizona does not give reciprocity Fairchild, of the AG’s High missal of his charges. to CA patients. He had 7.5 ounces of good Intensity Drug Trafficking MARIN ALLIANCE FOR cannabis bud; the officer ignored his med- office, led off with a This victory was unambiguous, but MEDICAL MARIJUANA ical approval, and Glasgow was arrested. moment of silence for DEA that’s not to say the case is definitely over. — Licensed since 1997 — Imprisoned for 34 days, he was charged agents who were shot The district attorney could re-file charges, and offered a plea bargain of a lengthy pro- down in Afghanistan “pro- “Money Back Guarantee” or federal prosecutors could take over the bation plus a $250,000 fine. His travelling tecting us” from drugs. case, strip away their defense under state Open 7 Days, 9:30 - 5:00 lifestyle has caused more complications, laws, and leave them facing a near-certain Attorneys Allen Evenings Thurs, Fri. 7:00 - 8:30 PM including a bench warrant. conviction. Still, it’s not a likely scenario; Hopper of the ACLU and the handover of medical marijuana cases He plans to bring a federal civil rights Tara Todd of the DPA 6 School Street Plaza, Ste. 215, Fairfax CA from local DAs to federal prosecutors has class action suit. Contact az4norml.org. debated with Martin Mayer www.CBCmarin.com • 415-256-9328

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We enforce HIPPA confi- keep you out of prison. and tax) dentiality practices and have some evening appointments available. • Low Recovery Cost Michael Gitter, MD Order your copy today at safeaccessnow.net 22691 Lambert # 504, Lake Forest CA 92631 Caregiver Compassion Group Or mail your name, address and check or money 1522 Charles Dr, Redding 96003 • 530-242-6784. 495 Gate 5 Rd (at St. Harbor Dr.) Sausalito order for $12 per copy to: In person, 24-hour Law 415-289-1111 • Fax 415-289-1115 CX, PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530. 949-855-8845 Email [email protected] for bulk discount info Enforcement verification — Don’t Forget Your Doctor’s Note to Apply — Winter 2010 Page 10 West Coast Leaf Bill would allow medical defense in federal trials By William Dolphin, Americans for Safe Access he had obtained a city business license, Patients who use medical cannabis under complied with local zoning rules, and even state law would no longer fear federal been welcomed into the Chamber of prosecution, if Congress passes a new bill. Commerce. The bipartisan “Truth in Trials” act, “I was denied an affirmative defense introduced by U.S. Representative Sam despite my strict adherence to local and Farr (D-CA) with more than twenty origi- state medical marijuana laws,” said Lynch, nal co-sponsors, would allow defendants who is currently free on bail pending his in federal marijuana cases to present evi- appeal. “Passage of this bill will allow dence that they were in compliance with jurors to hear the entire story.” their state’s medical marijuana law. Rep. Farr’s bill is similar to ones offered Federal rules of evidence currently without success in previous sessions of exclude any type of medical defense to Congress. But supporters hope that the marijuana charges, even when a patient is change in federal policy indicates President GROWERʼS CUP — An SF Bay Area Cannabis Cup was held on Nov. 7 at the new Oaksterdam using cannabis under the direction of a Obama would sign the bill, something that University (OU) campus at 1600 Broadway Street in Downtown Oakland. The event was spon- may help push the measure forward. sored by the OU Alumni Assn with 7Stars Holistic Healing Center and others. Assorted samples physician and is in compliance with a were judged by luminaries of the industry such as Richard Lee, Dennis Peron, Ed Rosenthal, state’s medical cannabis program. Thirteen ASA has set up an online tool at OU Horticulture Instructors Joey Ereneta and Chris McCatherine, along with other local judges. states have laws that allow authorized AmericansForSafeAccess.org/house so One of several local cups, it was a well attended and elegant event. There were tables for guests patients to use and possess cannabis, but patients and supporters can contact their to relax and enjoy a DJ while socializing, and a 7Stars ʻVapor Roomʼ with purple floor lighting federal law classifies cannabis as a drug representatives to urge them to cosponsor and Volcanoes for people to use, along with various edibles. The Judgeʼs Choice Award went to Ann Green for her outdoor grown ʻMichaelʼs Mysteryʼ strain. Peopleʼs Choice Award winner with no accepted medical use. the “Truth in Trials” bill. Members of the for indoor grown Sour Diesel was 7Stars Holistic Healing Center. Its staff posed with ʻGuru of Farr’s press release quoted the House can also be reached through the Ganjaʼ Ed Rosenthal (wearing leaf hat). Left to right Bryant Garces, Kevin Lee, Zee Handoush, Oakland-based national medical cannabis House switchboard at 202-224-3121. Rosenthal, Jawad “J J” Dayem and Adrian Moore. Photo courtesy of SF Bay Area Cannabis Cup advocacy group Americans for Safe Access Nearly 40 health organizations and to explain the importance of the bill: advocacy groups are endorsing the bill, Nevada MPP challenges prohibitionists: ‘Marijuana is “The Truth in Trials bill seeks to restore including patient advocacy groups such as the balance of justice and bring fundamen- Americans for Safe Access, National safer than alcohol; prove us wrong, we’ll pay $10,000’ tal fairness to federal medical marijuana Association of People with AIDS, National trials,” said Caren Woodson, ASA’s Minority AIDS Council, AIDS Action By Dave Schwartz, MPP-NV Manager 2. The health effects from long-term alcohol Council, and reform groups such as the consumption annually cause tens of thou- Government Affairs Director. “This legisla- The Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada tion complements the recent Justice Drug Policy Alliance, NORML, MPP, and sands more deaths in the US than does put its money where its mouth is at a Las Department guidelines for federal prosecu- the American Civil Liberties Union. long-term consumption of cannabis. Vegas news conference Sept. 23 with tors and is now more necessary than ever.” details of its $10,000 challenge to prohibi- 3. Violent crime committed by individuals While the newly released guidelines tionists. MPP-NV manager Dave Schwartz Kit makes hash at home intoxicated by alcohol is far more prevalent from the Justice Department caution feder- held up a large mock check to show that in the US than by individuals high on mar- al prosecutors against bringing cases After the seasonal harvest, many people the group will pay $10,000 to anyone who ijuana only. against individuals operating under state have leftover leaf and trash bud. The X- can disprove three statements demonstrat- tractor Kit, from Mendocino County, CA, To receive the $10,000 award, Nevada medical marijuana law, those individuals ing that cannabis is objectively and still lack legal protection. includes all special tools needed for imme- unquestionably safer than alcohol. residents must provide peer-reviewed diate home conversion. The comprehen- “This is a common sense bill that will studies or government statistics that con- sive instructional video details a simple To win the prize, MPP-NV is challeng- help stop the waste of law enforcement and tradict all three of these statements. process while delving into the history and ing Nevada prohibitionists to disprove all judicial resources that have been spent trend towards natural alternatives. The three of the following statements of fact: “We are confident that we won’t need prosecuting individuals who are following only necessary ingredients are resinous 1. Alcohol is significantly more toxic than to pay out this $10,000,” said Schwartz. state laws,” Rep. Farr said in a statement herbs and ice water. cannabis, making death by overdose far “Marijuana is objectively and unques- introducing the bill. “This legislation is For info on the kit and process, see icecold.org. more likely with alcohol. tionably less harmful than alcohol.” about the fair treatment of defendants in medical marijuana trials, plain and simple.” Crop and Collective / More than two dozen federal cases involving Co-op Certifications medical cannabis are cur- Grower and Collective rently pending. Because cannabis patients and their Compliance consultations providers are allowed no Info@ mccdirectory.org / medical defense at trial or [email protected] / mention of state law, con- 707-218-6979 victions are nearly assured, Chris Van Hook, California Attorney and many defendants take plea bargains in an effort to reduce mandatory sen- Nature’s Greatest tences of up to 20 years in prison. Medicine in the Charles Lynch is a case Evergreen State in point. Lynch, a locally licensed medical marijuana www.medmj-wa.com provider in Morro Bay, CASCADIA LIFEVINE California, was prosecuted, See the Cannabis Medical Patients helping patients Dictionary at: convicted and sentenced to in Washington since 2000 federal prison, even though CannabisMD.net West Coast Leaf Page 11 Winter 2010 Bay cities set out to regulate cannabis production Third-party certifications promote safer cannabis By Mickey Martin October to discuss concerns over unattend- By Chris Van Hook* San Francisco, Oakland and Berkeley are ed houses being used only to grow, unreg- Recently the USDA established an Organic all working on regulations for cannabis ulated weapons, code violations, undocu- Program to begin certification of agricul- production to help ensure public safety mented growers, and plant numbers tural products claiming to be “organic.” Its and legitimize the efforts of providers. exceeding those allowed by local policy. goal is to monitor and verify growing San Francisco is looking to clarify who Repre sentatives from the Medical methods, ‘inputs’ used during production, is a legal medical grower and who is not Cannabis Task Force sponsored by and safe handling of agricultural products. after a number of cultivation sites were dis- Supervisor David Campos’s office agreed Many in the medical cannabis industry covered in the Sunset District. Officials that regulations be placed on land use, see the importance of a third-party certi- raised concerns over public safety issues building and electrical codes, security and fied-organic system for medical marijuana. created by illegal wiring and unprofession- protocol regarding the operation of pro- Unfortunately, the USDA has found that al practices by some of the over 40 garden duction facilities. medical cannabis is not eligible for USDA facilities raided over the last few months. The MCSC also discussed how to best organic certification. Some in the medical regulate and control production sites with cannabis community have requested that Oakland Councilmember Rebecca HANDS-ON APPROACH — Chris Van Hook Kaplan is exploring measures to properly input from local collectives. There was con- such a system be created. Liz McDuffie takes a close look at cannabis to assure that regulate and control production facilities, fusion over defining the differences (mccdirectory.org) has been a leading itʼs medical grade. citing concerns over safety and proximity between patient gardens, collective cultiva- advocate for a “Clean Green Certified” to residential areas. tion sites and cultivation sites for dispens- program, which is now available to both ing collectives. Cities are finding legislation growers and handlers. Berkeley has begun discussions of reg- For handlers, the program includes an a complex process, with many aspects to be ulating producers at the Medical Cannabis The Clean Green Certified program is application explaining the handling and clarified, thus slowing the process. Safety Commission (MCSC) meetings, a city- based on many of the same cornerstones as tracking of product through the facility; on- appointed commission that was put in Beyond cultivation issues, cities are the USDA Organic program. For growers, site inspection verifying proper location, place by Measure JJ in 2008. All these cities looking for ways to properly regulate these include a review of inputs such as methods for tracking product handling, seek the same thing — regulated facilities kitchens that produce food-based medi- fertilizers and sprays; an environmental cleanliness, and safe handling procedures; in which cannabis medicines can be pro- cines and facilities that produce extracts. component, requiring environmentally and review of policies and procedures for duced safely and in a professional manner. Left to chance, prosecution by law enforce- sustainable growing methods; and annual screening of membership applications and ment officials will continue. Providers of on-site inspections, including the taking of Oakland may be first to put workable verifying physician recommendations. cannabis medicines should have the same labels for off-site product review where guidelines in place. Kaplan believes the After the on-site inspection and off-site protections as the collectives that dispense necessary; and verification of handling and city has industrial areas that are currently review, a compliance report and certificate their products. processing methods. dormant but have the proper access and is sent to the grower or handler, and all commercial electricity needed for cannabis documentation is returned. cultivation. She was a major force behind Research shows that legal meds are more problem than herb The certification process is a valuable Measure F, an initiative passed in July Continued from page 9 than tripled from 1999 to 2006, from 4,000 tool for growers and handlers to ensure increasing the tax rate on cannabis sales in Meanwhile, British researchers added to 13,800 in one year, according to a report compliance with state and local laws. The Oakland. She sees the Obama administra- to the body of evidence indicating that from the CDC released in late September. inspector for the Clean Green Certified tion’s memo asking prosecutors not to cannabis can aid the treatment of multiple These drugs – Vicodin, OxyContin, fen- program is a licensed California attorney, waste resources on legitimate providers as sclerosis with a study of 279 patients tanyl, and their relatives – now account for familiar with the industry and applicable a good reason to further legitimize all 37 percent of poisoning deaths, up from 21 laws. The on-site inspection provides a safe receiving either a standardized cannabis facets of providing medicines, not just the percent in 1999. And the Associated Press setting for a grower or handler to ask ques- extract, given orally, or a placebo. Patients four city-licensed collectives. reported that drug deaths now exceed auto tions and discuss compliance issues. receiving the extract were twice as likely to San Francisco is also seeking to legit- accident fatalities in Massachusetts, New In today’s climate of rapidly changing experience relief of muscle stiffness, and imize legal growing facilities by defining Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, laws and regulations, a third-party certifi- also reported relief of body pain, spasms, guidelines for law enforcement to follow. New York, New Jersey, Maryland, cation program can provide help and reas- Some gardens have caught fire in populat- and sleep problems. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, surance to growers and dispensaries. ed neighborhoods. Meanwhile, the number of fatal poison- Colorado, Utah, Nevada, Oregon and * Van Hook can be reached at (707) 218-6979, or at cvan- The Public Safety Commission met in ings involving opioid painkillers more Washington. [email protected] Winter 2010 Page 12 West Coast Leaf West Coast Leaf Page 13 Winter 2010 Winter 2010 Page 14 West Coast Leaf An insiderʼs view of the new AMA resolution Farmers, hemp industry leaders arrested at DEA office Left: Wayne Hague shows the hemp seeds he Ask Dr. MedicalCannabis.MD Joe provided an extensive list of doc- is about to plant into the lawn of the DEA on By David Ostrow, MD, PhD tors who had signed various petitions in Oct. 13. Photos by Ryan Fletcher favor of cannabis medicines. The regular “Ask Dr. MedicalCannabis.MD” column is replaced by the following background As I worked my way through the list, it Below: Adam Eidinger being taken to the ground for planting hemp on federal soil. story on events leading up to the AMA House was obvious that support came in a variety of Delegates’ decision to support the reschedul- of forms and flavors, including some who ing of cannabis and acknowledge its proven and saw the MC movement as part of a larger potential therapeutic properties. effort to legalize or regulate cannabis in general and some who saw any efforts Getting the American Medical towards broad legalization as a trap that Association (AMA), the principle US could de-legitimize the medical advocacy organized medicine society, to recognize movement. To address that concern, we the proven and potential therapeutic use- decided to initiate the “Medical Marijuana fulness of cannabis, despite its labeling by Policy Advocacy Project” (or MMPAP) and the federal government as “highly addic- deliberately distanced the group from the tive and of no potential therapeutic value,” broader objectives of MPP. was a multi-year process that involved many courageous and dedicated individu- My major contribution to the eventual als and coordinated efforts by drug policy outcome of both the American College of Continued from page 1 Hill to lobby lawmakers in support of the reform organizations who do not always Physicians (in early 2008) and now the Nichelson were arrested while digging on hemp legislation introduced by Represen - agree on goals or strategies. AMA HOD supporting rescheduling and the DEA’s lawn with ceremonial chrome tatives Ron Paul (R-TX) and Barney Frank expanded research on MC was to assemble (D-MA), which would permit the cultiva- I received a phone call in Fall, 2006 shovels to plant industrial hemp seed from a very credible Scientific Advisory Board tion of industrial hemp in state programs. from Joe Haptas of the Marijuana Policy Canada. They were taken to Arlington (SAB) as well as a “shadow” group of per- Bush-era DEA bureaucrats have blocked Project (MPP), asking if I would be willing County jail and released later that day. sons in support of our goals but who felt implementation in the nine states with to spearhead an effort to get organized Hauge is licensed by North Dakota to they would jeopardize their scientific such programs. medicine to recognize the growing body of cultivate and process non-drug industrial impartiality or public persona if listed as scientific evidence that MC was not just a hemp, just as Canadian farmers across the In a May 20 directive on federal pre- members. Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry “front” for the legalization of pot, but a border have done profitably for over ten emption, President Obama instructed fed- Dr. Abraham Halpern knew the inner legitimate medicine. I thought it should be years, supplying the booming US market. eral agencies to respect state laws: workings of organized medicine and was relatively easy to educate physicians, But the DEA refuses to recognize non-drug “Executive departments and agencies able to accomplish much within the ACP, including the leadership of the AMA and industrial hemp cultivars that have been should be mindful that in our federal sys- AMA and APA. its component state and specialty medical grown for millennia for seed and fiber, and tem, the citizens of the several States have societies, about the recent explosion of sci- I worked with the leaders of MAPS has unconstitutionally blocked all state distinctive circumstances and values, and entific and clinical research. Please turn to page 17 hemp programs such as North Dakota’s. that in many instances it is appropriate for Hauge, along with ND State Rep. David them to apply to themselves rules and Internet radio shows & podcasts focussing on cannabis Monson, sued the DEA in US District Court principles that reflect these circumstances in 2007, and the case is before the Eighth and values.” Cannabis TV, cannabistv.org/watch some great movies and videos on hemp/marijuana. Circuit Court of Appeals. Vote Hemp and the HIA are dedicated Cannabis Planet TV, cannabisplanet.tv/weekly, 30 minute television show, includes collective pro- “In recent years there has been strong to a free market for low-THC industrial files, grow tips with Ed Rosenthal, cooking, news and information on all things cannabis. Fri. and Sat. growth in demand for hemp in the US, but hemp and changes in the current policy at 10:30 PM, KJLA TV, Ch. 57, So. CA. the American farmer is left out while against this agricultural crop. Drug Truth Network (DTN), drugtruth.net/cms/ 4:20 Drug War News, Cultural Baggage (inter- Canadian, European and Chinese farmers Vote Hemp Director David Bronner views), live shows, archives, Sundays 4:30-5:30 PT, kpft.org or call 877-9-420-420. Exposes the fill the void created by outdated federal fraud, misdirection, and wastefulness of the war on drugs. stated, “Dr. Bronner’s has grown into the policy,” said Hauge. “When hemp is legal- Marijuana Radio, marijuanaradio.com/ live shows, Tuesdays 6 PM PST, podcasts that cover entertain- leading natural soap brand in the U.S. since ized, land grant universities across the ment, politics, comedy, music and celebrity guests. incorporating hemp oil in 1999, due in sig- nation will develop cultivars suitable to NORML Daily Audio Stash with host ‘Radical’ Russ Belville, stash.norml.org/ nificant part to the unsurpassed smooth- different growing regions to enhance yield current podcasts, news, interviews, etc. See RadicalRuss.com for archives of his shows. California ness it gives our soaps. As an American Marijuana Report with Eric Brenner is a weekly segment that features interviews with elected officials and explore innovative uses, such as cellu- business, we want to give our money to and marijuana law experts as well as profiles of California residents currently incarcerated or being losic ethanol.” American farmers and save on import and prosecuted for marijuana offenses. Pictures and video of the action, with freight costs. In this difficult economy, we NORML SHOW LIVE: Marijuana Nation, live.norml.org /live talk radio hosted by ‘Radical’ Russ hemp farming footage and background can no longer indulge the DEA’s self-serv- Belville, recap of week’s top cannabis stories, interviews with top activists, politicians, celebrities, etc. information, are available online. HIA-pro- ing hemp hysteria.” Call in 347-994-1810, Saturdays 6 to 8 PM PST. duced video of the action is posted at vote- Tax Cannabis 2010 Initiative video interview with Dale Clare and Jeff Jones is posted online at hemp.com/DEAhempplanting.html. Your ad could be here in the blip.tv/file/2810667 . With the backdrop of the DEA head- West Coast Leaf. Time 4 Hemp Radio Show with Casper Leitch/ Time4HempRadio.com, live shows Tues., Thurs. 3-5 quarters gardening action, dozens of hemp PM PT, (sponsored by americanfreedomradio.com). Call in at 512-879-3805. Time4hemp.com hosts business owners attending the weekend’s Call 510-215-8326 or visit podcasts, hemp music, video, interviews, archives. HIA convention fanned out across Capitol westcoastleaf.com to find out how.

Serving Tulare County J & J Compassionate Care Information Center Convenient & Safe Access to Medication

960 S. Spruce, Exeter CA 93221 559-592-0420 / 559-756-4246 Open: Monday–Sunday 9:30am-8:30pm West Coast Leaf Page 15 Winter 2010 Smoking cannabis is a link to ancient history A time for reflection . . . and indoor gardening The Lab Bench thousands of years of humans exploring By Samuel Janovici too complacent about what they know. new and better methods for the use of By Jahan Marcu Whether growing indoors or out, winter is Exploring new strains is another sea- cannabis. a time for reflection and review. It’s a time sonal suggestion that may expand your The practice of smoking cannabis has prob- Since the advent of vaporizers the inad- to take stock of successes and correct past horizon. Thanks to a dedicated corps of ably been around since pre-historic times. equacies of smoking have become more mistakes. Also, it’s the perfect time to learn cannabis gnomes, evolution and science There is strong evidence that the plant was apparent. Vaporizers basically pass ‘hot and investigate new technologies. One have created a never-ending supply of new extensively cultivated about 6,000 years air’ over the plant material to make a mist should look hard at whether the process breeds that can produce some of the most ago in North Eastern Asia, primarily used or steam. In addition to reducing the expo- has maximized plant potential or squan- effective natural medicines available today. for its fiber. Records of medicinal use and sure to smoke, vaporizers are a more effi- dered opportunities to perfect the craft. physiological effects are found in the earli- No review can be complete without a cient delivery system for cannabinoids. est pharmacopoeia in existence, attributed Since there is no hard look at the to Emperor Shen Nung (2,000 BC). Take the example of a cannabis ciga- single-way to grow, last year’s secu- Cannabis most likely diffused from Asia to rette or joint which contains 1 gram gardeners must seek rity measures. Persia, India, and other parts of the Middle (1,000mg) of cannabis with 5 percent CBD to understand all the Understanding East before entering Africa and Western (cannabidiol) by weight, or about 50mg of modalities available the ever-chang- Europe. Muslim and Persian trade routes CBD. Upon lighting the cigarette, cannabi- to form a perfect ing laws and probably introduced cannabis or dagga to noids begin to be destroyed by burning union. Some believe statutes is the Africa during the first few centuries AD. and lost through side stream smoke. in organics only. Still best way to start. Interestingly, cannabis smoking wasn’t Vaporizers can reduce much of this flame- others think the right Knowledge is documented in Jamaica until about 1807, related cannabinoid loss. From that 50mg, chemicals can pro- our best protec- after the British empire brought in slaves some 11.5mg will be delivered to the body duce any desired tion. If you are from India and Africa. through smoking. Research has shown that effect. Many have an outside grow- vaporizers can recover up to 99.5 percent of blended those tech- er, check your Researchers recently found the 2,700 cannabinoids. However, some loss cannot niques and have come perimeter fenc- year-old grave of a shaman that contained be prevented, as only some of the CBD is up with ways to mini- ing and enhance about 789 grams of cannabis flower tops. absorbed by the lungs and the rest is mize the downside of your landscap- They speculate that the cannabis was used exhaled. It is unlikely that cigarettes, chemical nutrition by ing to reduce for ritual or medicinal properties. This was vaporizers, or hookahs can change the supplementing with organic soils and nat- your visual profile and minimize those tell- a rare find, but archaeologists also have amount absorbed through the lungs. ural fertilizers. tale smells that accompany the flowering found other evidence of ancient cannabis Scientists aren’t sure how much is exhaled season. Make sure that your space is pro- smoking. Ornate “smoking bowls” have A few adherents practice on the cutting but some estimate it at 30 to 80 percent. tected from wandering eyes and the explo- been found at other sites. These vary great- edge. One such grower was at this year’s rations of neighborhood children. ly in design, intricacy, and often contain As cannabis re-enters mainstream med- NORML Conference, Kyle Kushman, the ancient cannabis resin. Such bowls have icine, vaporizers are beginning to be author of Veganics: Beyond Organics for Indoor growers need to look at the fire been found throughout Africa. It is also accepted in hospitals and have been used Medical Marijuana. He explained indoor potential they have created. Make sure thought that tobacco smoking spread in recent clinical trials exploring the med- techniques that do not use animal products your wiring is up to or beyond the required quickly in Europe because humans were ical benefits of cannabis. Finding efficient or damaging chemicals, so a practitioner safety codes, that you have installed already familiar with smoking cannabis. non-smoking alternatives to deliver can create a living growth medium that enough ventilation and air-filtration to cannabinoids may be key to gaining wide- sustains perfect conditions for maximum handle the smell of a successful crop. Make Methods for smoking cannabis have spread acceptance in modern medicine. results. He claims a pH balance that is so sure your entrance and egress are covered been developed over thousands of years. Sources: Li, Hui-Lin. The Origin and use of cannabis in steady a grower can put away their meters from wandering eyes, too. Insulate your Early implements worked similarly to the Eastern Asia: Their linguistic-cultural implications. Cannabis and just grow. Kushman said that his prac- walls to minimize noises and make sure so called Persian “hubble bubble” or and Culture, 1975, pgs 51-62. tice minimizes mold and disease too. your power supply is yours and not one hookah. Ancient societies made waterpipes Jones, Lovinger. The Marijuana Question. 1985, Supplement A pg 463. you have tapped into illegally. Most impor- from gourds, animal horns, earthernwares, Kushman and Danny Danko took the Pomahacova et al. Cannabis Smoke Condensate III: The panel on a high-paced ride through organ- tantly — be a good neighbor. and even straight out of the ground using a cannabinoid content of vaporised Cannabis Sativa. Inhalation “smoking bowl” and a tube or reed. The Toxicology 2009, 1-5, iFirst. ic practices, reviewing and expanding on For those who adhere to good garden- modern age offers something new: vapor- Russo et al. Phytochemical and genetic analysis of ancient ideas many have tried, and few have per- ing practices money can grow on trees. Be cannabis from central Asia. Journal of Experimental Botany, izer technology. Vaporizers are the result of Vol. 59, No. 15, pp. 4171–4182, 2008 fected. Both agreed that growers cannot be safer out there . . . Safe and Appropriate Recommendations For a Safe and Effective Medicine • AIMLegal.org • Expert Witness / Physician Referrals • Courtroom Testimony Frank H. Lucido, M.D. • General and Family Practice since 1979 • Medical Cannabis Consultant since 1996 Any patient with good documentation of ongoing care of their illness or symptom should obtain their recommendation from an experienced physician, with a solid reputation for giving the best medical-legal consultation available.

Consultation for qualifying illness is 45 minutes for first appointment (30 minutes for yearly re-evaluation). Dr. Lucidoʼs credibility, and that of his patients, is assured by his highly regarded standards, designed to be the most protective of patientʼs physical health and the MOST defensible medical approval to law enforcement. 2300 Durant Avenue Berkeley, CA, 94704 510-848-0958 [email protected] • www.DrFrankLucido.com www.MedicalBoardWatch.com www.DrFrankLucido.blogspot.com East Lansing, Michigan Office: 877-787-6900 Winter 2010 Page 16 West Coast Leaf Californiaʼs use of statesʼ rights changed the world By Tamar Todd, Drug Policy Alliance Staff Attorney the area of drug law, only when there is a Editorials and Commentary With the passage of Prop 215, California direct conflict — i.e., a state cannot require became the first state to legalize marijuana a person to break federal law — does fed- for medical use. Many believed it would be eral preemption come into play. Otherwise, a symbolic gesture; that in the face of feder- states can do as they please. A new year brings high hopes al government efforts to criminalize all use, One goal of federalism is to foster inno- Along with a much-needed policy change presented Oct. 19 by a more receptive White state-based efforts to relax the law would vation of public policy. Dispersing power House, the year 2009 also saw an upswing in positive media, record high poll numbers on never work. Now 12 states have followed to the states encourages the evolution of support for legalization — and record numbers of marijuana arrests around the country. this lead and have proved it to be a sensi- ideas that can help advance an issue Now is the time to look ahead. We thank President Obama for his steps towards jus- ble approach that worked. nationally. Supreme Court Justice Louis tice, but urge him to go further by issuing clemencies for cannabis POWs, backing Rep. California once again appears poised to Brandeis once explained, “It is one of the Barney Frank’s decrim and hemp bills, and ordering the DEA to reschedule cannabis. lead a serious move toward ending prohi- happy incidents of the federal system that NIDA should recognize that cannabis is safer than alcohol or tobacco and act on the bition with a regulatory system. Some leg- a single courageous state may, if its citizens AMA’s call for research. An election year, 2010 promises to be a pivotal time with vast islators and law enforcement officials still choose, serve as a laboratory; and try novel potential for change. California voters may pass the TaxCananabis2010 initiative to allow question whether it is possible for the state social and economic experiments without adults to legally possess an ounce and grow a small, personal garden, and to allow cities to legalize adult use in the face of federal risk to the rest of the country.” and counties to tax and regulate non-medical adult sales as a local option. This approach, law. The answer is the same one as 13 years Medical use is a perfect example of while too conservative for some, may strike the right balance for the general voting pop- ago when California led the way with states acting as laboratories. Several cur- ulace and advance the cause as it lays a framework for future reforms. If advocates collect prop. 215 — a simple, unqualified yes. rently legalize and regulate it, and these enough signatures, Arizona may vote to become another medical state, and Oregon may Opponents of reform typically raise a laws differ in their details, but all legalize approve a dispensary system to increase access for patients there. Californians will choose laundry list of constitutional provisions in conduct that is illegal under federal law. a new governor and all American voters will elect Congressional representatives and other an effort to deter policymakers from con- The reality is that the federal govern- officials, giving everyone the opportunity to press candidates about their positions on sidering creative and progressive reforms. ment has neither the resources nor the Frank’s bills, the Truth in Trials Act, and California’s AB 390 legalization bill, etc. But it is clear that nothing in the US political will to enforce state drug crimes. Los Angeles needs to come up with fair and reasonable regulations for an adequate Constitution requires any state to criminal- Over 95 percent of all arrests in this coun- number of patient dispensaries and reject the ongoing attempt to put medical cannabis ize cannabis use. One could scrap its entire try are made by state and local law enforce- back on the streets for the profit of gangs and criminal markets. People setting up collec- penal code at anytime. Under our federal ment. Even when the federal government tives need to insist on their right to do so, but also to act as models of responsible commu- system, the states get to decide. was actively hostile to state medical nity business and avoid becoming ‘nuisances’ that draw negative attention and neighbor- Our Founding Fathers built a frame- cannabis laws, the state programs thrived. hood opposition. San Diego needs to recall and replace its DA. work for state sovereignty. If California The vast majority of patients faced no The worsening economic crisis will force more budget cuts. Will students continue to decides to legalize marijuana, nothing in significant threat or interference from the pay for prison expansions with a rise in their tuitions — or will legislators wake up to the the Constitution forbids it. Under the federal government. The federal govern- fact that the best way to ease prison crowding is not only to support education but also to Supremacy Clause, federal law trumps ment did not seek to strike down a single release non-violent marijuana prisoners and stop violating parolees caught in the revolv- state law only in certain circumstances. In Please turn to page 17 ing prison door for failing flawed and discriminatory drug tests? Too many serious and violent crimes need the attention of law enforcement’s limited resources for politicians to continue to be whores to the prohibition lobby. Consider the savings decriminalization ‘Legalize’ inches its way into national dialogue will bring to the budget combined with new revenues that a regulated market will bring — estimated at $1.4 billion for California alone by the State Board of Equalization. By Charmie Gholson, LEAP Staff Writer spokes person Jessica Smith reports that 21 The cannabis movement has gained much momentum over the past year. We need Law Enforcement Against Prohibition amendments have been filed regarding the everyone to keep it going, to get involved, and to show up in court to support those fac- staffer Tom Angell asked US Drug Czar Gil bill. “I imagine a large amount of them are ing unjust prosecutions. Hopefully this time next year will bring hemp farming and equal Kerlikowske his thoughts last June on the going to be about drug policy. … They rights for cannabis consumers back to America. The wind is at our backs. recent discussion on drug legalization. He don’t want to go home and say ‘I’m legal- replied, “As regards to legalization, it’s not izing drugs.’” Sen. Charles Grassley, R- in the president’s vocabulary and it’s not in Iowa, offered an amendment forbidding Jim Crow in the medical marijuana era mine.” Four months later, a Washington the commission from even discussing drug Los Angeles DA Steve Cooley, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich, San Diego DA Bonnie Post op-ed by two prominent LEAP speak- decriminalization or legalization. Dumanis, Mendocino DA Meredith Lintott and other law enforcement officials stand fig- ers, both Baltimore police veterans, gar- “For a long time prohibitionists have uratively on the courthouse steps blocking justice to the lawful cannabis community, with nered a response from Kerlikowske. refused to debate us,” Angell says of the the secretive California Narcotics Officers Assn. pushing them. They remind us of Gov. “Recently … members of a group called Grassley amendment. George Wallace on the Birmingham, AL school house steps in 1963, wielding an axe in a Law Enforcement Against Prohibition pub- “It’s no wonder — because reformers futile effort to deny basic rights to Black children, backed by Sheriff “Bull” Connor and the lished an op-ed in the Washington Post know when we have that debate, we will secretive Ku Klux Klan. Bigotry is as ugly calling for the legalization of drugs. They win. The facts are on our side.” and offensive today as it was 47 years ago, claimed that legalization would increase and violating people’s rights under color of officer safety,” he wrote. Kerlikowske then law is now a crime. It’s time for corrupt quoted a letter by the International Assn. of PayPal is no pal of reform The West Coast Leaf™ is a free speech publication officials to follow laws that voters and leg- Chiefs of Police, which the Post did not By Dale Gieringer, California NORML owned and operated by Creative Xpressions. ISSN islators pass — or face grand jury prosecu- 1945-211X. Business license EC08-0002765. WCL publish. “It’s increasingly difficult for the The online payment company PayPal has tions and Title 52 civil lawsuits . . . and be fosters a socio-political community by providing ‘drug czar’ to keep legalization out of his shown that it is no pal of medical marijua- tossed into the trash bin of history. photos, news, directories, features, and regional vocabulary when so many prominent peo- na. It cut off service to California NORML information for our readers. We invite your sub- ple — especially police officers who have missions and advertising. The Leaf supports toler- for accepting listing fees at canorml.org ance and maintains that cannabis sales and cultiva- risked their lives enforcing prohibition — from cannabis-recommending physicians. Setting the record straight tion should and will be legal for adult consump- are calling for legalization,” said Angell. PayPal first froze the NORML account Regarding the Autumn 2009 issue of West tion. Special thanks to John Thomas Ellis and Mexican Ambassador to the US Arturo Jackie G. Wilson for their editorial assistance. in June, when it complained that on-line Coast Leaf, Keith Stephenson was shown in Sarukhan said, “[T]hose that would sug- payments were being collected for listing the front page photo. Also, Steele Smith is Chris Conrad, executive editor gest that some of these [legalization] meas- fees by patient collectives. Paypal cited its not allowed to argue a “medical defense” Mikki Norris, managing editor ures be looked at understand the dynamics Acceptable Use Policy: “You may not use per se in federal court, he simply will be PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530 of the drug trade. … This is a debate that PayPal in the purchase or sale of narcotics.” allowed to explain in his own testimony on WestCoastLeaf.com • 510-215-TEAM (8326) needs to be taken seriously.” Although narcotics were not being sold the stand that he grew for collective med- Vol 2 No 4. Print run: 127,000 copies. The Economist magazine wrote “[F]ar through the NORML Web site, it reluctant- Winter Issue. © 2009-2010. All rights reserved. ical purposes. from reducing crime, prohibition has fos- ly agreed to stop accepting payments from tered gangsterism on a scale that the world dispensaries, since they are against federal has never seen before. ... Legalization law. However, it continued to accept pay- would not only drive away the gangsters; ments from doctors, attorneys and mem- Upcoming Quarterly Schedule and Submission Deadlines it would transform drugs from a law-and- bers, plus merchandise orders. order problem into a public-health prob- Afterwards, PayPal told Cal NORML Your ad in this newspaper helps build our community in California lem, which is how they ought to be treat- that it was terminating the account because and the West, and it will be seen around the world ed.” Republican California Gov. Arnold NORML continued to accept listing fees Spring 2010 • Deadline Feb. 5 Schwarzenegger said America should from cannabis physicians. Covering March — May 2010 study the effects of drug legalization in Under a federal court ruling upheld by other countries, and noted the probability the Supreme Court (Conant v. Walters, Summer 2010 • Deadline May 7 that legalization “could very well go on an 2003), physicians have the legal right to Covering June — August 2010 initiative and ask voters directly. If voters recommend or approve medical marijuana ADVERTISERS AND SUBSCRIBERS HELP GROW THE LEAF make that decision, that’s fine.” for their patients. PayPal told Cal NORML, In March, Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA) intro- “We are not arguing the legality of this West Coast Leaf provides free copies of our newspapers at locations duced bipartisan legislation to create a issue; we are simply stating that we have and events throughout California and the West Coast. commission to conduct a thorough review made the business decision to not be We are an advertiser, subscriber and donor supported community newspaper. of the nation’s entire criminal justice sys- involved with this type of business.” To subscribe, you can use the handy coupon in this issue or visit us online. tem and offer concrete recommendations California NORML believes that mari- for reform. Webb called the situation a Place your Ad at www.WestCoastLeaf.com or call: juana supporters should make the decision “national disgrace,” and highlighted sky- not to do business with Paypal or other West Coast Leaf • 510-215-Team (8326) high incarceration rates for drug users due such businesses. Located in San Jose, For bulk distribution, contact us at [email protected] to the US’s 40-year-old Drug War. Webb PayPal was acquired by eBay in 2002. West Coast Leaf Page 17 Winter 2010 SHINE THE LIGHT OF JUSTICE — Dorsey NY drops ‘the Rock’– Rockefeller penalties Nunn, Co-founder of By Anthony Papa, Drug Policy Alliance* been reformed, we have to make sure the All of Us or None, was among the speakers at October 7, 2009 was an historic date for changes are done right. Advocates and a candle light vigil in New York; Rockefeller Drug Law reforms service providers have been working dili- Albuquerque NM Nov kicked in, setting in motion the release of gently to prepare for implementation. 12 at the International Drug Policy Reform 1,500 low-level, nonviolent drug offenders. Legal aid and public defender agencies are Conference hosted by The new law restores judicial discretion to providing legal counsel. Hundreds of Drug Policy Alliance. judges, who can again decide if people social service agencies around the state The participants came have volunteered to provide a broad range out in solidarity with should get treatment for addiction instead those affected by the of a jail cell. I went to Brooklyn’s Supreme of services to individuals who will be Drug War, particularly Court and attended a public event to mark released from prison as a result of drug law those incarcerated and the milestone. The courtroom was full of reform. their families. activists, politicians and service providers In NY City alone, more than 100 social who have been working for years to make service groups have agreed to work with this reform happen. legal aid and public defender agencies to As an activist who has felt the sting of provide services like housing, job training Photo © by Lisa Law the Rockefeller laws firsthand — serving 12 and drug treatment to people returning years under a 15-years-to-life sentence for a from prison in the course of reform. For 35 AMA position shift may change cannabis status first-time, nonviolent offense — I under- years, New York was known as the state stand the full meaning of these changes. with the worst drug laws. It’s time to make Continued from page 1 substance to determine whether it should For years the Rockefeller Drug Laws it known for having the best practices, medicines.” Aggarwal is also on the be reclassified to a different schedule. “ became a political hot potato that was thor- based on public health and safety. Medical and Scientific Advisory Board of “The two largest physician groups in oughly debated, but nothing was ever * Anthony Papa is the author of “15 To Life” and a communications specialist for the Drug Policy Alliance. Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the the US have established medical marijuana done. Bills were submitted, arguments largest US medical marijuana advocacy as a health care issue that must be were made and each political party blamed organization. addressed,” said ASA Government Affairs the other for the impasse. In the meantime, Behind the AMA shift Director Caren Woodson. “Both organiza- those imprisoned were rotting away in the In February 2008, a resolution was Continued from page 14 adopted by the American College of tions have underscored the need for gulags of New York State. No better off (Rick Doblin) and Americans for Safe Physicians (ACP), the country’s second change by placing patients above politics.” were the family members of the incarcerat- Access (Stephanie Sherer and Caren largest physician group and largest organi- The CSAPH report has not officially ed, whose hopes and aspirations slowly Woodsen) to help refine the objectives of zation of doctors of internal medicine, call- been released to the public, but AMA doc- died as nothing was done. MMPAP. Ethan Nadelmann, charismatic ing for an “evidence-based review of mari- uments indicate that it: “(1) provides a brief Gov. David Paterson deserves thanks director of the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), juana’s status as a Schedule I controlled historical perspective on the use of and praise for getting the job done. He has provided advice and material support for a cannabis as medicine; (2) examines the cur- worked tirelessly, first as a state senator symposium at the 2008 meeting of the rent federal and state-based legal envelope from Harlem and then as governor, to AMA HOD on “Current Aspects of relevant to the medical use of cannabis; (3) make these reforms happen. He said that Constitutional issues Cannabinoid Medicine.” provides a brief overview of our current “today was a day for second chances.” For Continued from page 16 understanding of the pharmacology and me, the governor’s statement summed up An MD-PhD student from the state law in court and there is no legal basis physiology of the endocannabin oid sys- the purpose of the new reforms. For years University of Washington (Seattle), Sunil for it to do so. tem; (4) reviews clinical trials on the rela- the Rockefeller Drug Laws were a symbol Aggrawal worked tirelessly within The federal government may criminal- tive safety and efficacy of smoked cannabis of a purely punitive approach to the prob- SSAMA, along with several other AMA ize use but it cannot force states to do so and botanical-based products; and (5) lems of the drug war in New York State, component organizations, to gain support and it cannot require states to enforce fed- places this information in perspective with one based on the archaic and outdated for passing a resolution that was essential- eral law. States are free to enact new and respect to the current drug regulatory criminal justice mentality of “lock ‘em up ly the same one passed by the AMA. innovative marijuana laws, and to explore framework.” * Ostrow is co-founder of the first gay community health facil- and throw away the key.” Under ity in the US, the Howard Brown Health Center (HBHC) of whether there is a better way. AMA Summary: AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/ Paterson’s guidance, New York has aban- Chicago, and Founding Principle Investigator of the Chicago AMA_Report_Executive_Summary.pdf Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) Recommendations of AMA Report: doned that failed strategy and committed HUGS ALTERNATIVE CARE, LLC AmericansForSafeAccess.org/ itself to a new approach that downloads/AMA_Report_ emphasizes addiction treat- Medicinal Marijuana & Recommendations.pdf American College of Physicians resolution: ment not incarceration. Medicinal Marijuana Products acponline.org/advocacy/where_we_ stand/other_issues/medmarijuana.pdf Now that the laws have 2035 Stockton Blvd. Sacramento CA 95817 East Bay T: (916) 452-3699 F: (916) 452-3620 Patients “We CARE about YOU!” Association 3223 Pierce St., Richmond CA (510) 527-0420 Rewards Cards • Vapor Lounge All Major Debit and Credit Cards Check us out on Weedtracker Wide selection starters/extracts/edibles. Open Mon. thru Sat. 11-7• ebpatients.org Winter 2010 Page 18 West Coast Leaf

West Coast Leaf photo by Mikki Norris National and International Reports

Dutch Cannabis College celebrates 10 years in Amsterdam The world-famous Cannabis College in the Netherlands marked its Tenth Anniversary in 2009. Together with the Hash, Marijuana, and Hemp Museum, the College sponsored fes- PRO ATHLETES FOR POT — A panel of sports figures backed cannabis reform spoke at the tivities in Amsterdam Nov. 23 to Dec. 2, with street musicians, open-air displays and NORML conference in San Francisco Sept 26. (L-R) Mark Stepnoski, who won two Super Bowl events about environmentally friendly uses of industrial hemp. People dressed as 17th- rings as a Dallas Cowboy; Former World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) Heavyweight Champ Rob Van Dam; former ESPN producer Sean Neumann; and MMA fighter Toby Grear. century farmers demonstrated traditional hemp trades and handicrafts as a boat plied the famous canals, handing out bags of hempseed. The program featured the First Annual War on Drugs Film Festival. Portugal – a living laboratory for drug reform Minnesota court ruling can’t distinguish bud from bong water By Mike Bifari grams has risen from 6,000 in 1999 to over The Minnesota Supreme Court made the incognizant holding Oct. 22 that dirty water from Portugal’s decision to decriminalize drug 24,000 in 2008, reflecting a rise in treatment a pipe is just as illegal as an illegal drug, gram-for-gram by weight. The court ruled 4-3 that possession for personal use in 2001 has over prosecution. it is a felony to have 25 grams or more of water that tests positive for residue. Drug agents proved to be a wise one. So far, the data Portugal has one of the lowest usage raided Sara Peck’s home in 2007 and found a glass pipe with 2-1/2 tablespoons (37 grams) show a decrease in consumption and no rates for cannabis. Most notably, heroin of liquid that tested chemically for methamphetamine residue. The divided Court ruled adverse effects on drug usage rates, and in and other abused substances have that such water is unambiguously a drug “mixture,” but dissenting Justice Paul Anderson some cases rates in Portugal remain among decreased among vulnerable younger age said the majority’s decision “does not make sense, and borders on the absurd.” Lower the lowest in Europe. groups, reports Cardozo. courts held that pipes and bong water are mere paraphernalia used to consume drugs, and Figures revealed little evidence of drug Since Portugal adopted these measures, possession a misdemeanor offense. Unless the state legislature changes its law, college stu- tourism, with 95 percent of those cited for opposition voices in Europe and the US dents could land long terms in state prison for forgetting to pour water out of their bongs. drug misdemeanors since 2001 being have predicted a social nightmare of drug Portuguese residents. The level of traffick- abuse linked to violence and increased SF Giants’ pitcher catches ganja citation in Washington State ing based on the convictions has also crime. That has not proven to be true. San Francisco Giants All-Star starter pitcher Tim Lincecum, 2008 Cy Young Award winner declined. Drug-related statistics, such as Liberal policies are still new, but the fig- and local-hero U of Washington baseball star, was pulled over for speeding Oct. 30 and those for sexually transmitted diseases, ures show that Portugal’s policies respect- cited for possession in Washington, his home state. A State Patrol officer stopped the 25- have decreased dramatically. ing human rights and harm reduction are a year-old Lincecum for driving 74 in a 60 MPH zone on Interstate 5 some four miles north Social and sanitary problems usually better approach than money wasted on the of the Oregon border, when he allegedly smelled the odor of cannabis. Lincecum immedi- related to heavy drug addictions and the corrupt Drug War. Proving the efficacy of ately complied with a request to hand over his 3.3-gram stash and a pipe from the car’s fast spread of HIV have waned, said medical marijuana through scientific center console. Possession of up to 40 grams for personal use is a minor misdemeanor in Manual Cardozo of the government’s research and human testing remains a WA, but Lincecum pled down to an infraction: possession of the pipe. San Francisco Institute of Drugs and Drug Addiction, major obstacle. Even with decriminaliza- Chronicle columnist Scott Ostler noted that far from being a negative for Lincecum, the Portugal’s main drug-prevention policy tion, there is still no guaranteed safe access incident “might even enhance his stature” among Giants fans in the Bay Area. He made agency. He added that drug users now for patients, who constantly wonder where history Nov. 19 when he became the first to win the Cy Young for two consecutive seasons. know that they will be treated like patients they can purchase their medicine safely. Blunts charge dismissed for Super Bowl MVP Steelers receiver and not as criminals. Moreover, acquiring seeds and clones Acting on an anonymous tip, Pennsylvania police pulled over Pittsburgh Steelers wide “Now police have clear instructions to for medicinal use is still not assured. Full receiver and Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes driving a black Range Rover Oct. 23 with take anyone suffering from addiction syn- and safe access will be achieved when all Florida license plates. Although it was not the vehicle police were seeking, they allegedly drome to a hospital, not to a police station.” sectors of society and government smelled cannabis as they approached it. Holmes admitted to having a small amount of According to Cardozo, the number of acknowledge the benefits of cannabis as a marijuana, pointing out three blunts to officers. He was issued a summons for possession addicts registered in drug-substitution pro- viable medicine and as a safe intoxicant. of marijuana. An Allegheny County DA told the judge she agreed with the defense that police didn’t have sufficient cause to pull Holmes over, given that police were unable to Montana issues first hemp license, farmer vows to grow identify who called in the tip, and dismissed the charge. By Chris Conrad The State asked the DEA to recognize its US Army accidentally sows wild hemp where the buffalo roam A receptionist at a medical cannabis facility hemp law in 2002, but was summarily received the State of Montana Dept. of denied. Due to the federal prohibition, Hemp has been grown in Eastern Europe to remove contaminants from the soil and clean Agriculture’s first industrial hemp license farmers and the Dept. of Agriculture have arable land to be used for food crops. But it was not very well received when US Army Oct. 14. Montana is one of nine states that been hesitant to sow seeds or issue permits. officials discovered in June that some “weed-free” mulch used in its clean up effort to allow industrial hemp production or In the last legislative session, the Montana plant ground cover in an area outside of Denver, CO was rich in cannabis seeds. The Rocky research. Laura Murphy said she plans to Hemp Council helped pass Senate Joint Mountain Arsenal was a chemical weapons manufacturing facility during World War II use her new license to defy the federal ban Resolution 20, asking the state’s Congress - and the Cold War. Feral hemp, or “ditch weed,” still grows in Kansas, where the mulch on farming the cash crop. A DEA ional delegation to “introduce and pro- supplier is located. When the Army learned that it had inadvertently been growing spokesman said federal drug agents will be mote federal legislation to eliminate the cannabis on the property, it pulled up about 100 wild hemp plants. “It was a little surpris- watching to see if she moves ahead with- federal prohibition on domestic hemp pro- ing,” Charlie Scharmin, who heads up the project, told CBS News, but added that they out a federal permit — a formality that duction in order to allow full implementa- plan to mow, burn or simply let the bison who roam the plains eat the rest of the plants. Murphy said she plans to skip. The DEA tion of Montana law.” ‘Prince of Pot’ in and out, but still fighting extradition to US has not issued any commercial licenses Armed with SJR 20, and signatures since the WWII-era War Hemp Industries gathered at the Missoula Hempfest, the Marc Emery, founder of the Marijuana Party and the entrepreneur behind Marc Emery program was terminated in the 1950s. Council sent delegates to Washington DC Seed Company and Cannabis Culture magazine, was taken into custody on Sept. 28 after to seek more sponsorship of HR 1866: the he took a plea deal for a five-year sentence in the US federal system. He was then released Montana passed Senate Bill 261 in Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009. Nov. 18, and his case continues its way through the legal 2001, creating a hemp licensing process. process. He is waiting to see if the Justice Minister will sign the extradition order that could put him in US prison. His Medical Cannabis Collective co-defendants, Michelle Rainey and Greg Williams, were Consultations each given two years probation for their role in the business that shipped cannabis seeds from Canada. William McPike Attorney at Law

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Corning CA 96021 Fax: 530-824-4827 To learn more visit us online today! www.tehamaherbalcollective.vpweb.com www.cannassist.com West Coast Leaf Page 19 Winter 2010 SAN FRANCISCO — TV host, best-selling travel Campaign seeks to end death penalty for cannabis author and NORML Advisory Board member By Alun Buffry, Legalise Cannabis Alliance* A spokesperson for the UK-based Rick Steves (left) told Even in the 21st Century, people around Legalise Cannabis Alliance said, “The vast conferees that cannabis majority of cannabis users benefit from the makes daily life into an the world are being sentenced to death for enjoyable adventure. trafficking in cannabis. plant and there remains no justification for West Coast Leaf photo by capital punishment for anyone that has Mikki Norris Malaysia is preparing to hang arrestees allegedly caught with as little as half a kilo- done no harm to others.” * For more information, visit lca-uk.org. COLORADO — Patient gram of cannabis — just over a pound. Jason Lauve (right) got Khairul Idzham was sentenced to death medicine back after his Aug. 27 for trafficking 4.3 kilos of cannabis acquittal. Photo courtesy of NJ may be the next Laura Kriho five years ago. Lim Kok Yong was sentenced Sept. 2 to be hanged after he was medi-cannabis state found guilty of trafficking 625.7 grams five years ago. Khalil Anuar Sukirman was sen- By Ken Wolski, RN, MPA, Executive Director Colorado on new ground CMMNJ Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey tenced to death for trafficking over a kilo By Laura Kriho, Cannabis Therapy Institute* Oct. 29, finding that caregivers had to “do New Jersey may become the 14th medical three years ago. Indonesian Nasir Ibrahim, From medical marijuana bills in the legisla- more” for their patients than simply pro- marijuana state. Sponsor of the New Jersey 31, was given the death sentence Sept. 30, ture to ballot initiatives for re-legalization vide medical cannabis. In response, more Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act after he was found guilty of trafficking 868 of all uses, cannabis continues its promi- dispensaries now incorporate alternative Assemblyman Reed Gusciora predicted a gm of cannabis more than five years ago. nence on the Colorado political scene. and holistic practitioners in their medical favorable Assembly vote in December. If Groups such as Amnesty International, Although its medical marijuana law cannabis businesses, and the Cannabis so, some version of a bill the Senate passed the world-wide cannabis legalization has been on the books since 2000, until Therapy Institute has started a patient in February 2009 will need only the gover- movement’s Legalise Cannabis Alliance recently there were little more than a dozen referral network to “do more” for patients, nor’s signature to become law. (LCA) and European Coalition for Just and dispensaries in the state. Recent events further expanding the industry. Outgoing Governor Jon Corzine said Effective Drug Policies (ENCOD) are tak- have spurred a rapid increase in this num- The state legislature plans to take up he would sign the bill if it got to his desk. ing action on these atrocities, writing to the ber, with current estimates at more than the issue in its next session, starting Jan. 13. Governor-elect Chris Christie, who takes heads of government in Malaysia to ask 200 dispensaries and collectives statewide. Colorado’s provision is not a statute, but a office in January, also supports medical that the death sentences be reversed. The state Board of Health ruled Jan. 20 constitutional amendment that can only be marijuana, with “appropriate safeguards.” Although several other countries exe- that there would be no limit on the number changed by a vote of the people, so the State Senators Nick Scutari and Ray cute people for cannabis, China is one of of patients that a caregiver could serve. power of the legislature is limited. Several Lesniak, sponsors of S-119, urged their col- the worst. It celebrates June 26, the UN bills will likely be introduced to “clarify” leagues to act quickly in response to the Cannabis patient Jason Lauve, defend- International Day Against Drug Abuse and the issue of distribution in the state. case of 37-year-old multiple sclerosis (MS) ed by attorney Rob Corry, won the first Illicit Drug Trafficking, by executing con- * For more, see cannabistherapyinstitute.com patient John Ray Wilson, who faces 20 jury acquittal of a Colorado patient Aug 6. victed traffickers. The jury correctly interpreted the medical years in prison for using cannabis to treat The Government of China does not marijuana amendment to the state consti- Breckenridge legalizes his disease. The senators urged the gover- make records public, but Amnesty tution as allowing a patient to possess any Continued from page 1 nor to pardon Wilson. (Readers can sign a International estimates that around 500 amount of medicine felt to be medically The campaign, which had no formal pardon request online at norml.org.) people are executed there each year for necessary. The jury foreman said that Jason opposition, received a chorus of local sup- Bill S-119 was first introduced in 2005 drug offenses. Those executed have typi- could have had “a ton” and the jury would port including endorsements from to remove state penalties for possession of cally been convicted of smuggling or traf- have acquitted him. This has effectively Breckenridge Colorado Town Councilman up to one ounce of cannabis and cultiva- ficking in drugs, including cannabis. eliminated the use of the jury trial as a gov- Jeffrey Bergeron, former State Represen - tion of up to six plants when a physician ernment tactic against medical marijuana. tative and Breckenridge resident Gary “The 1988 convention does provide a recommends it. Qualifying medical condi- legal framework for waging war against The Obama administration announced Lindstrom, and the Summit Daily News. tions include chronic pain, cancer, AIDS, drug trafficking. As far as I am aware the its new, more lenient medical marijuana Measure 2F was placed on the ballot MS and Crohn’s disease. convention does not provide for the appli- enforcement policy Oct. 19. when over 1400 local supporters signed a Patients would be issued ID cards in a cation of the death penalty,” UN deputy petition supporting the reform measure. program run by the Department of Health, The state Court of Appeals issued its spokesman Manoel de Almeida e Silva told The ordinance change goes into effect on and could designate a registered first case-law ruling on medical marijuana a New York press conference. Jan. 1, 2010. Please turn to page 20

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CWC 2 2100 29th St. Sacramento 916.739.1471 Winter 2010 Page 20 West Coast Leaf POT, PARENTING AND LEGALIZATION — Attorney Student activists turn up the reform volume Jessica Corry (center) made the case for reform as a By Jonathan Perri, SSDP for their Fall 2009 tour. They are joined by Republican mom at the Tapping into the historically strong bond up-and-coming groups like Passafire and NORML conference Sept. 25 acclaimed reggae/soul superstars The in San Francisco. With her between music and activism, the nation’s are her husband, Robert largest college-based reform group, Black Seeds from New Zealand. Corry, Esq., left, and George Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) The jam-band and electronica scenes Rohrbacher, NORML Board recently launched the AMPLIFY project: have also taken note of the project. The of Directors. Artists Making Political Leadership noted touring bands Pnuma Trio and Lotus Inspirational For Youth. are providing table space at their shows.

West Coast Leaf photo With over 120 campus-based chapters AMPLIFY has also gained the support of and growing rapidly, SSDP organizers act Boston based hip-hop phenom Mr. Lif, and as street teams for bands on tour, who in the San Francisco-based Sellassie, who Writing letters to the editor makes a difference turn allow SDDP members to do outreach headlined the annual San Francisco Power at their shows. to the Peaceful Festival. By Richard Lake, DrugSense.org and the designated best letter of the week Slightly Stoopid, who toured with Letters to the editor (LTEs) are always at mapinc.org/lte_awards/weekly.php Some of the hottest touring acts have joined up, starting with long-time SSDP Snoop Dogg’s “Blazed and Confused” helpful. Even if a newspaper does not pub- A website that gives people a one-stop tour, plans to use their powerful sound, lish your letter, you let them know that the approach to getting their online activism supporters Roots of Creation. John Brown’s Body, a world-leading reggae/dub band, huge fan base, and dedication to cannabis Drug War is important to its readers. done is DrugSense.org. The site has sec- reform to take help take AMPLIFY to the tions on activism including sign-up alerts, takes the project further, putting SSDP’s September 2009 ended with 1,805 let- logo on nearly 20,000 posters and handbills next level. ters published in support of drug policy media watch and newslists, archived news reports, research information, and Reaction from bands and SSDP mem- reform, many of them from the DrugSense bers has been overwhelmingly positive. and Media Awareness Project (mapinc.org) resources for organizations to do their own Will New Jersey be next state? public relations work more effectively. This Tommy Benneditt, drummer for John online activists. If the trend continues it Continued from page 19 includes media contacts as well as tips. Brown’s Body, said, “Everyone we’ve met will see the largest number of published caregiver or alternative treatment center to through SSDP has been so knowledgeable letters since 2005. Visit this link to see the DrugSense also sponsors drugpolicy- grow plants for them. and passionate about their activism, and latest counts as shown in our published let- central.com, which provides free hosting to that’s inspiring for us. It’s right in the ters archive: mapinc.org/lte/. 160 reform-themed websites. The Assembly may pass the same lan- guage, but a substitute bill, A-804, would name: ‘Sensible.’ There just seems to be no Activists today are fortunate to have All of these resources are FREE, but forbid patients to grow their own supplies, common sense in some of our current drug the best tool yet to write LTEs — internet they’re not free to produce. These are tough place severe restrictions on doctors’ recom- policies.” According to Pnuma Trio mem- access. Everyone can help sustain the economic times, and unfortunately, organi- mendations, deny access to most chronic ber Alex Botwin, “The decriminalization of activism represented by all the reform let- zations like DrugSense that speak truth to pain patients and limit patients to an ounce marijuana is long overdue. A network such ters published so far this year. power run the risk of closing their doors, of cannabis per month. as AMPLIFY has the potential to be very Tips from MAP’s most successful letter potentially allowing draconian drug poli- powerful!” cies to creep back in. The two versions of the bill must be rec- writers include How to Write a Letter to the onciled. If the Assembly approves S-119, it At ssdp.org/amplify are bios, stream- Editor mapinc.org/resource/how2lte.htm This project needs donations to survive will go straight to the governor for signa- ing tracks, and other info about the bands and Tips for Getting Letters to the Editor and continue its important work. An easy ture. If the Assembly approves the substi- involved and how SSDP chapters can start Published mapinc.org/resource/tips.htm. way to help out is to go online to tute bill, the Senate will have to vote on it amplifying their activism. One tip suggested by MAP’s top letter drugsense.org/donate. again. If it fails to pass into law by January, writers is that recent newspaper opinion It’s quick, easy, secure — and tax it could be re-introduced in items make the best targets for your letters. deductible. For more tips on writing LTEs, the next two-year legislative These may be found at mapinc.org/opin- see these online resources: session. ion.htm Other recent articles which could How To Mount An Effective Letter Writing Already the bill has had Campaign norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3464 be letter writing targets may be accessed a positive regional impact. from the MAP home page Letters to the Editors ssdp.org/resources/media.php Since the NJ Senate Readers enjoy the Published Letters How to Write Letters to the Editor druglibrary.org/schaffer/activist/howlte.htm approved the bill, similar Awards page at mapinc.org/lteaward.htm, • Medical Marijuana Clinics Letters to the Editor How-To bills have been introduced safeaccessnow.org/ in legislatures of neighbor- • Classes • Counseling article.php?id=310 ing Pennsylvania and Delaware. Six convenient locations throughout the State of Oregon Main office, Portland: 503-224-3051 Medford office: 541-245-6634 Voter Power advocates for reasonable, fair and effective cannabis laws and policies, and educates, registers and empowers voters to implement these policies. voterpower.org West Coast Leaf Page 21 Winter 2010

Calendar and Community Directory

Dec. 5, SSDP Benefit Party, San Francisco, CA Jan. 13, MPP’s 15th Anniversary Benefit, DC An evening of dining, mingling, dancing. All Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. For details, see proceeds will benefit SSDP’s conference schol- mpp.org/anniversary or call 202-467-5747 arship fund. $75, ssdp.org/seeds March 12-14, SSDP 11th Annual Int’l Dec. 19, Los Angeles NORML Party, CA Conference , San Francisco, CA. Largest gather- Annual Awards Party & Fund-Raiser, 7 PM - ing of students and youth who are working to HARVEST DANCE — Petitioners for the midnight, 8749 Holloway Dr., West end the failed War on Drugs. Fort Mason, SF. TaxCannabis2010 campaign gathered signa- RECOVERING — Angel Mclary Raich, who tures at the Harvest Dance, hosted by Peace Hollywood. 310-652-8654 ssdp.org took her medical marijuana case to the US in Medicine Nov. 7 in Sebastopol. Jan. 7, TaxCannabis2010 Initiative Fundraiser, April 15-17, 2010, Sixth National Clinical Supreme Court, is recovering from brain sur- West Coast Leaf photo by Mikki Norris Oakland, CA. Oaksterdam University Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, gery. See story on this page. Photo courtesy of Angel Mclary Raich Auditorium, 1600 Broadway. Food and enter- Warwick, RI. CME accredited, Patients Out of April 23-25, THC Expo - Hemp Products & Art tainment. 7 PM. $150. For info or to make a Time sponsored. See medicalcannabis.com in the 21st Century, San Jose, CA. A Show, LA, CA. Los Angeles Convention Center. donation, see taxcannabis.org Continuing Medical Education (CME) April 15-18, MAPS 2010: Psychedelic Science See hempiremedia.net for details. Conference open to physicians, medical profes- sionals and the general public. Holiday Inn San May 1 or 8, World Wide Marijuana March Angel Raich recovering from brain surgery Jose, at 1740 North First Street, San Jose. See For cities, see worldwidemarijuanamarch.com maps.org/conference/ By Mikki Norris, West Coast Leaf characterization from the online version of May 1, 17th Annual SF Cannabis Day and Angel McClary Raich, the California the newspaper, and let them know how April 17-18, International Cannabis and Hemp Marijuana March, San Francisco, CA. Civic patient who took a case to the US Supreme disturbing it was to read just one week Expo, San Francisco, CA. Cow Palace in Daly Center Plaza. High Noon to 6 PM. Vending: City. For info, intche.org or call 408-314-6297 415-456-4313, [email protected] Court (Raich v Ashcroft/Gonzalez) to assert prior to surgery. Raich hopes to sue Lane her right to grow and use medical marijua- and the Post for slander after she recovers. na, underwent surgery Oct. 28 to remove Following her surgery, her physician, A world record 115,000 joints . . . and counting her ‘inoperable’ brain tumor and cysts. Dr. Frank Lucido, reported that the surgery Unfortunately, the Cyber knife radia- had gone well. Unable to use her vaporizer By Al Byrne, Patients Out of Time All physiological systems were examined tion treatment Raich had in 2007 did not in the hospital, she was released early, still Florida stockbroker Irvin Rosenfeld set the by neutral investigators since the US feder- eliminate the brain tumor. Her surgeon, Dr. in much pain, only to be readmitted a few world record for documented consump- al government had never required or John Adler, told her in July that she would times, as a post-surgery blood clot devel- tion of cannabis cigarettes in November; requested such a complete overview to need to consider risky surgery to treat the oped in her brain along with other compli- then he promptly surpassed it. verify the efficacy of the plant product they tumor and cysts that were wrapping cations. Rosenfeld smoked joint number were administering under the FDA Inves- around a nerve deep inside her brain, close She will be treated with the anti-coagu- 115,000 sometime Nov. 20, one of ten he tigational New Drug (IND) Program. to the stem. She had been suffering symp- lant medication, Coumadin, for the next six smoked that day. The federal government The cigarettes, prescribed by federally toms similar to a stroke, numbness on the months to prevent future ‘brain clots.’ It has for decades supplied him and three approved medical doctors, have been har- left side of her face, droopiness of her left will take about a year to determine the other US citizens with smokable cannabis vested from cannabis plants grown at the eye, headaches and the inability to chew extent of the damage she has suffered. medicine. He’s received his medicine for 27 University of Mississippi in a test location food. Eating only blended food, she was Raich is now recovering at home, and she years, the longest known cannabis patient. and prepared for consumption in the dropping weight dangerously. needs support. One of four patients intensely tested in research triangle area of North Carolina. A week prior to her surgery, Washington For more information on Angel’s case, her health situation, 2001 by Patients Out of Time as part of the Speaking as a patient and Director of and how to support her, please see angeljustice.org. Post writer Charles Lane blindsided Raich Donations can be made to ‘Angel McClary Raich’ and sent “Missoula Study,” Rosenfeld was found to the cannabis patient advocacy organization in his mean-spirited Oct. 20 column, c/o West Coast Leaf, PO Box 1716, El Cerrito, CA 94530. be in excellent health for a man of his age. Patients Out of Time, Rosenfeld said, “I “Medical marijuana is an insult to our cannot fathom the reluctance of my federal intelligence.” He cruelly suggested that she government to allow the use of medical may be a hypochondriac or dependent on Maine voters create state-run cannabis stores cannabis for the sick and dying of the US.” Continued from page 1 Safe Access. “It’s great to see Maine marijuana. However, her records clearly leapfrog other states in adopting cutting- show that she is a medical necessity as Maine Vocals had opposed the measure, ACCOUNTING edge medical marijuana legislation,” said patient, unable to tolerate most prescrip- arguing it gave the state too much power. Jill Harris of DPA. “What’s especially nice BUSINESS FORMATION • TAX tion drugs including pain medication, and The MMMA establishes a system of is that the guidelines recently issued by the she could die without cannabis, which she state-regulated nonprofit dispensaries, ESTAT E PLANNING • PROBATE US Dept. of Justice provide reassurance to uses to treat her wasting syndrome. provides for voluntary identification cards, protects patients and caregivers from [state] officials that they can implement the Ever the fighter, Raich and others com- new law without fear of reprisal by federal plained to the Post, got it to remove the arrest, search and seizure, and creates new protections in housing, education, employ- authorities.” ment and child custody. It allows access for In Maine, that means getting the state- DON’T BE patients with Alzheimer’s and Lou licensed dispensary system up and run- LAW OFFICE OF A VICTIM OF Gehrig’s disease, requires the Dept. of ning. “The process starts when the gover- JEROME D. HANDLEY nor signs it into law,” said MCPR’s DRUG TESTING! Health and Human Services to develop 1-800-517-5166 procedures to expand the list of conditions Jonathan Leavitt. “He will then set up a for which cannabis can be used, and retains task force to pull together appropriate www.jeromehandley.com current allowable quantities. oversight for the new law. We hope to be [email protected] The Marijuana Policy Project also sup- part of that process.” ported the campaign. “We’re really tick- led,” said MPP Communications Director GREATER VALLEY Protect your human rights! Bruce Mirken. “This suggests the comfort PHYSICIANS MEDICAL GROUP level with medical marijuana is growing by — Clear Test — leaps and bounds.” Los Angeles County Orange County 1.800.248.5655 “The trend toward licensed dispen- cleartest.com saries is a good thing,” said Kris Hermes, communications director for Americans for MEDICAL MARIJUANA Subscribe to West Coast Leaf EVALUATIONS 410 E. Merced Ave Suite A 2219 S. Hacienda Blvd. Suite 101 A unique newspaper, delivered quarterly in a discreet, plain envelope. West Covina CA 91790 Hacienda Heights CA 91745 Annual subscription (1 copy per issue for a year) $20 626-917-6150 626-961-2461 $ Buddy pack (20 copies per issue for a year) 50 Pankaj Karan M.D. • www.greatervalleyphysicians.com Activist stack (50 copies per issue for a year) $75 Distributor bundle (100 copies per issue for a year) $100 For larger quantities: Call 510-215-8326 to make arrangements. Notebooks from the PayPal payments accepted at WestCoastLeaf.com ... or Call 510-215-TEAM (8326) for Visa / other Credit Card payments ... or Emerald Triangle Fill-out and mail-in this handy coupon with check or MO to Creative Xpressions Notes of a renegade gardener ❏ Subscriber $20 ❏ 20 copies / $50 ❏ 50 / $75 ❏ 100 / $100 By Bill Bradd ❏ ❏ Name: ______Begin: Winter 2010 Spring 2010 ISBN 0-933391-35-8-14 Address: ______Send $14 check or money order to City, State, Zip Code ______Ten Mile River Press Phone or Email ______PO Box 1840, Fort Bragg CA 95437 Make check or MO payable to ‘Creative Xpressions’ and mail it with this form to: Email [email protected] Creative Xpressions Subscriptions, PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530 Winter 2010 Page 22 West Coast Leaf Community Announcements Local and regional meetings SABINE WOMEN — Along with other Axis of Love SF, Every Tues, 4 PM, 223a Ninth St. @ Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper in Landers 92285. award winners at the national NORML Howard, SF. [email protected] Lanny 760-799-2055 conference, Ohio Patient Network East Bay NORML, third Thurs/mo., 7:30 PM (after Medical Cannabis Safety Council, third Tues/mo. 1 PM, medical cannabis activist Tonya Davis Measure Z Oversight Comm.), OU Student Union, 1915 OU Student Union, 1915 Broadway, Oakland. Re safety (seated) was honored as a woman of Broadway, Oakland. [email protected] and quality control issues. [email protected] exceptional leadership skills in the El Dorado Co. American Alliance for Medical Oakland Measure Z Oversight Committee third Thurs/ reform movement. Here she is shown Cannabis, fourth Sat/mo., 2:15-4:20, Garden Valley mo. 6 PM, City Hall with former Pauline Sabine Award win- Grange, 4940 Marshall Rd. Garden Valley, CA, 530-621- Orange County NORML meets in Fullerton call 1-877-OC ners Madeline Martinez of Oregon 2874 NORML for info., ocnorml.org NORML, who presented the award this Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project Palm Springs/ year and received it in 2007, and Mikki San Jose State SSDP, Mondays/6 PM, Costanoan Coachella Valley Area MAPP first Sat / mo. 3 PM, 266 N. Norris of the Cannabis Consumers Room, Student Union, top floor, Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. Lanny 760-799-2055 Campaign, winner in 2006. [email protected] Western Inland Empire Area MAPP/ASA, West Coast Leaf photo by Chris Conrad UC Santa Barbara NORML, Every Wed, 7:30 PM, North first Wed / mo., 7:30 PM, THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main Hall 1105, ucsbnorml.org St. Riverside, CA 92501. Also hosts Friday evening semi- UC Berkeley SSDP, Every Tues at 8 PM, 200 Wheeler nars on Anti-aging and medical benefits of cannabis, 8 Hall, [email protected] PM. 951-782-9898 UCLA SSDP, Thursdays at 7 PM, Haines Hall A74, High Desert Area MAPP/ ASA, third Wed/mo. 6:30 PM Jack Herer suffers major heart attack after speech [email protected] By Robert Williams West Coast Leaf has since made progress, according to peo- Local and regional Americans for Safe Access meetings World famous cannabis activist Jack Herer, ple close to him. Updated information is Fresno ASA, second Mon/ mo., 6 PM at Full Circle San Diego ASA second Tue. / mo., 7 PM, International author of the best-selling hemp classic, The available at jackherer.com. Brewing Co, 620 F St., Fresno. Contact Diana at fres- Cannabis U, 6070 Mt. Alifan Suite 202 San Diego. Emperor Wears No Clothes, suffered a major This is not the first time that the tena- [email protected] [email protected] heart attack Sept. 13, 2009 after delivering a cious hempster had fought his way back Humboldt County ASA, third Thurs/mo., 6 PM, Bayview San Diego North County ASA, first Fri./mo., 7 PM, Courtyard Senior Housing, Rec. Room550 Union St., Academy of World Martial Arts, 1050 S. Santa Fe Ave., blistering, passionate speech at the from the brink of death. In 2000, Herer had Arcata. 707-407-8522, [email protected] Vista, [email protected], 760-500-8868 Portland, OR HempStalk festival. a massive stroke under similar circum- LA ASA, 3rd Sat/mo., 1 PM, Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Francisco ASA second & fourth Tues/mo., 7:30 PM, Earlier that day, Herer had told several stances, from which he never fully recov- San Vicente Bl, LA. Bowers Pizza, 371 11th St, SF. No meeting 11/10/09. people that he hadn’t felt better in 10 years, ered. In that earlier incident, he spoke at [email protected] Contact [email protected] but he collapsed shortly after leaving the the Oregon WHEE Fest and collapsed after Sacramento ASA first and third Tues/ mo., 7 PM, Sonoma ASA first Thurs/mo. 5 PM, Dept. of Health, So. Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Ave., Suite H, Sacto. Lanette City View Rm., 625 5th St, Santa Rosa, knock loudly. stage. He suffered extensive damage, even leaving the stage. He had attributed his at 916-924-3455, [email protected] Contact [email protected] though security personnel performed CPR recent recovery in part to the use of on him, until an ambulance arrived a half cannabis oil made by Rick Simpson. hour later to take him to the hospital. Many Herer has been a favorite speaker at ral- Reform organizations of interest at the scene thought Herer had died, and lies for decades, making tours around the AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS INTERFAITH DRUG POLICY INTIATIVE his obituary was published in at least two country and the world. While some of his safeaccessnow.org / A patient advocacy and support net- idpi.us / organizing people of faith to promote reform. newspapers. claims about hemp are contested, no one work. 510-251-1856 301-270-4473 Herer was still in an induced coma could doubt his sincerity or challenge the AXIS OF LOVE SF/ Activist Resource Center LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST PROHIBITION fact that he inspired many thousands of Patients organizing for their rights and access 223 A 9th leap.cc/ Current and former members of law enforcement Sept. 25 when Chris Conrad, who edited who support drug regulation rather than prohibition. people to work for legalization. The St, SF, 415-240-5247 and designed The Emperor in 1990, led the LEGAL SERVICES FOR PRISONERS W/ CHILDREN prisonerswith- Emperor was translated into many lan- BEDPC crowd at the national NORML conference Black and Brown Equitable Drug Policies Coalition, children.org/ Advocates for the human rights and empow- in the chant, “Wake up, Jack.” Herer was guages and frequently has been called ‘the Redstone Building, Suite #209, 2940 16th Street, SF. erment of incarcerated parents, children, family members successfully revived from the coma and Bible of the marijuana movement.’ Spanish Hotline: 415-595-8251, street actions, support and people at risk for incarceration groups, incident reporting MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECT MPP mpp.org/ national membership org. Focuses on removing ing moment in his life. CALIFORNIA NORML canorml.org/ Advocacy, directories, lobbying, research, criminal penalties through initiatives and legislation. Vinkenoog was the first celebrity to news, alerts. 415-563-5858 MENDO MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVISORY BOARD publicly speak of his use and appreciation CANNABIS ACTION NETWORK mmmab.net/ [email protected] of psychedelic drugs and spent six weeks cannabisactionnetwork.org/ 1605 Ashby Ave, Berkeley. MEDICAL MARIJUANA OF AMERICA 510-486-8083 medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com/ directory, court reports, in prison in 1964 for possession of 0.16 POW stories and contacts. grams of cannabis. The trial branded him a CANNABIS CONSUMERS CAMPAIGN cannabisconsumers.org/ Come out of the closet to stand MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS UNION ‘drug author’ and started a process of mar- up for equal rights. Patients’ Rights Network. 707-964-9377. ginalization. A lifelong outsider in the liter- CIVIL LIBERTIES MONITORING PROJECT [email protected] ary establishment, Vinkenoog was an civilliberties.org/ monitors police eradication abuses, etc, MEDIA AWARENESS PROJECT insider in numerous national and interna- to protect civil rights in the CA northcoast. 707-923-4646 mapinc.org/ MAP has generated millions of letters to the editor. Help gather news for their clearing house. tional subcultures. His many friends DRUG REFORM COORDINATION NETWORK Vinkenoogʼs grave on the day of the funeral, stopthedrugwar.org/ drcnet.org, global support network for MOTHERS AGAINST MISUSE AND ABUSE his birthday July 18. Photo by Derrick Bergman included Allen Ginsberg, Norman Mailer, drug policy reformers with weekly analysis. mamas.org/ responsible drug education Alexander Trocchi, Ken Kesey and DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE MAPS Dutch cannabis pioneer, poet Timothy Leary, who once referred to him- drugpolicy.org/ DPA works on drug policies based on sci- maps.org/ Multidis ciplinary Association on Psychedelic self as ‘the American Simon Vinkenoog’. ence, compassion, health, human rights and a just society Studies, studies on cannabis, psychedelics. 831-429-6362 and author Simon Vinkenoog free from prohibition. For over 50 years, Vinkenoog fought NORML By Derrick Bergman G0NZ0 Media DRUG POLICY FORUM OF CA norml.org/ National Organization for the Reform of tirelessly against the Drug War and for the Six days before his 81st birthday, Dutch Listserve for Cal cannabis/drug war issues. Sign up at Marijuana Laws. 202-483-5500 fundamental right to alter one’s conscious- drugsense.org/dpfca/list.htm poet, writer, performing artist and can - NOVEMBER COALITION ness. With George Andrews, he compiled DRUGSENSE november.org/ National support group for Drug War nabis activist Simon Vinkenoog passed the legendary anthology ‘The book of drugsense.org/ Daily compilation of news excerpts. Web POWs. Publishes The Razor Wire. away July 12 in Amsterdam. Over 1,000 site dev. and hosting. 501(c)3 tax exempt fiscal sponsor. Grass’ (1967). His extensive Web site OREGON GREEN FREE people gathered for his funeral; the open DRUG WAR FACTS drugwarfacts.org/ Just the facts. oregongreenfree.net. Free OMMP info. simonvinkenoog.nl remains as a digital tes- casket was filled with flowers, cannabis FAMILIES AGAINST MANDATORY MINIMUMS OREGON NORML ornorml.org tament, including an English section and buds, joints and personal messages. famm.org/ Advocates an end to harsh, unjust sentencing PATIENT ADVOCACY NETWORK panorg.blogspot.com. multimedia-page ‘see me, hear me’. laws affecting prisoners and their families. Vinkenoog was introduced to cannabis SAFER FAMILY COUNCIL ON DRUG AWARENESS in 1953 by Japanese-American sculptor Last portrait: Simon saferchoice.org/ Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Vinkenoog three days fcda.org/ Accurate information on effects of drugs and Recreation. [email protected] drug policies. Down loadable PDFs to print and hand out. Shinkichi Tajiri, when they both lived in before he passed away SENSIBLE COLORADO GREEN AID Marijuana Legal Def. & Education Fund, Inc. Paris. Returning to Amsterdam in 1956, on July 12. sensiblecolorado.org / non-profit resource for patients and green-aid.com/ Vinkenoog became a central figure in the Photo by Derrick Bergman those interested in reforming laws. 720-890-4247 HARM REDUCTION COALITION small circle of psychedelic explorers who STUDENTS FOR A SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY harmreduction.org/ works to reduce drug-related harm by Simon Vinkenoog ssdp.org/ Students for reducing the harms caused by drug laid the foundation for the ‘Amsterdam programs such as clean needle exchange. (1928-2009) abuse and drug policies. Magic Center’ of the Sixties. In 1959 he was HEMP INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION VOTEHEMP votehemp.com/ Industrial, horticultural hemp. among the fifty volunteers in a scientific hempindustries.org/ The HIA is a non-profit trade group representing hemp companies, researchers, supporters. VOTER POWER, OREGON LSD experiment; his first trip was a defin- voterpower.org, Advocating for fair, cannabis laws and HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE DRUG WAR policies. OMMP registration. Portland: 503-224-3051, hr95.org/ Photo display of Drug War POWs, analyzes Medford: 541-245-6634 human rights abuses. To get listed, please email [email protected] County contact phone number 24 $116 • Napa 707-253-4506 $116.74 • Nevada 530- 265-1450 $130 • Orange 714-480-6717 $150 • Placer and filing fees for CA state 530-886-1870 $125 • Plumas 530-283-6330 $110 • cannabis ID cards Riverside 888-358-7932 $153 • Sacramento 916-875- If your county is not on this list, contact MPP at 202-462-5747 or 5345 $166 • San Benito 831-636-4011 $93 • San [email protected]. Bernardino 800-782-4264 $166 • San Diego 619-692- Alameda 510-444-6111 $103 • Alpine 530-694-2146 $116 5723 $166 • San Francisco 415-206-5555 $103 • San • Amador 209-223-6407 $113 • Butte 530-538-7700 Joaquin 209-468-3404 $141 • San Luis Obispo 808-781- $111.15 • Calaveras 209-754-6460 $45 • Contra Costa 4811 $131 • San Mateo 650-573-2371 $98 • Santa 925-313-6740 $128 • Del Norte 707-464-3191 $68/123** Barbara 805-681-5150 $161 • Santa Clara 408-423-0745 • El Dorado 530-621-6500 $114 • Fresno 559-445-3200 $113 • Santa Cruz 831-454-4000 • Shasta 530-245-6426 $107.00 • Glenn 530-934-6588 $174 • Humboldt 866- $106 • Sierra 530-993-6701 $106 • Siskiyou 530-841- 597-1574 $141 • Imperial 760-482-4438 $111 • Inyo 760- 2134 $156 • Sonoma 707-565-4442 $133 • Stanislaus 872-4245 $100 • Kern 661-868-1220 $153 • Kings 559- 209-558-7000 $184 • Tehama 530-527-8491 $125.75 • 582-3211 $225 • Lake 707-263-1090 $123 • Lassen 530- Trinity 530-623-8209 $110 • Tuolumne 209-533-7401 251-8183 $150 • Los Angeles 866-621-2204 $153 • Marin $126 • Tulare 559-733-6123 x217 $344 • Ventura 805- 415-499-3288 $113 • Mendocino 707-472-2784 $123 • 981-5301 $191 • Yolo 530-666-8645 $134 • Yuba 530- Merced 209-381-1015 $225 • Monterey 831-755-5013 x 749-6366 $126 West Coast Leaf Page 23 Winter 2010 Montel Williams honored for medi-cannabis advocacy By Tony Newman, Drug Policy Alliance Williams, who suffers from multiple The International Drug Policy Reform sclerosis, uses cannabis to relieve chronic Conference, co-hosted by the Drug Policy nerve pain. He received the biennial Alliance (DPA), brought together over 1000 Edward Brecher Award for Achievement in the leading international experts, researchers, Field of Journalism Nov. 13. The award from care providers, policymakers and key the DPA, the nation’s leading organization activists for a global forum held in promoting policy alternatives to the Drug Albuquerque, NM Nov. 12-14. War, gives the award to media figures with Montel Williams was honored for shar- the courage and leadership to question ing his own story as a cannabis patient and official drug war propaganda. advocate, thus giving voice to thousands of Since going public with his story in late other patients and caregivers whose strug- 2003, Williams has tirelessly campaigned for changes in state and federal laws to gles don’t make the news. Williams, a HONORED — DPAʼs executive director Ethan Nadelmann and Board member Pam Lichty with household name with a national TV show expand access. Climbing Higher, his 2004 Montel Williams on the night of his award. West Coast Leaf photo that was a platform for people to share autobiography, detailed his struggle with MS and the therapeutic effects of cannabis. their personal stories, now hosts the syndi- urge elected officials to pass legislation. Photo © Lisa Law cated daily radio show, Montel Across Williams has hosted TV shows on the “Montel is in a league of his own inso- America. topic, authored op-ed pieces in major GET THE far as the effort to legalize medical marijua- MESSAGE? “I utilize medical marijuana to help newspapers and used his platform as a na is concerned,” said Ethan Nadelmann, — Karen alleviate the extreme neuralgic pain I suffer public figure to press legislators across the DPA executive director (drugpolicy.org). Anderson and Howard from,” Williams said. “I am not alone. country to enact new drug policies based “No one has used his media pulpit as effec- on compassion, reason and science. He has Wooldridge There are thousands of patients like me, tively and passionately as he has in com- wore COP* and we should not be treated as criminals.” traveled to state capitals in Albany, NY and bating drug war intransigence.” tee shirts at Trenton, NJ and to Washington, D.C. to the conference Previous recipients include: ABC News Anchor Hugh Downs, Cartoonist Gary Trudeau, The Economist magazine, to start up a Rolling Stone magazine, New Yorker staff writer William conversation. Cannabis gains new respect as a financial force Finnegan and Eric Schlosser, author of Fast Food Nation and Reefer Madness, among other distinguished honorees. * For more information: citizensopposingprohibition.org By John Thomas Ellis industry is reluctant to recognize that In a recent in-depth eight-page article, cannabis commerce grosses more than the Fortune magazine recognized the cannabis film industry and threatens to out-strip TV NORML launches Marijuana Nation talk radio business as a mainstream industry. revenues. Sponsors have yet to wake up to By Paul Armentano NORML ner Adrianne Curry, musicians The Kotton- Newsweek also enthusiastically explored cannabis consumers’ purchasing power. The debut of the live NORML radio pro- mouth Kings and mixed martial arts cham- the issue. Marie Claire’s ‘Stiletto Stoners’ However, that may soon arrive, in the gram Live: Marijuana Nation was broadcast pion Toby ‘Tiger Heart” Grear. has joined a media buzz about the $100 bil- wake of Kellogg’s huge losses after firing Sept. 5. The new talk radio show will air NORML’s live Saturday-night show lion-dollar-a-year cannabis industry. CNN, spokesperson Michael Phelps for being original programming every Saturday builds on the success of its highly popular CNBC and Fox News have featured drug photographed inhaling through a bong. from 9 to 11 PM EST while streaming at podcast, the Daily Audio Stash. Launched in policy reform advocates as guests. Bill Maher remains a stalwart support- live.norml.org. June, 2006, the Stash is one of the web’s Coast-to-coast newspapers including er with weekly reminders that he’s a NORML Outreach Coordinator Russ most listened-to shows, averaging over the NY Times and LA Times have joined in responsible cannabis smoker. Jon Stewart Belville hosts the two-hour show, which 250,000 downloads per month and consis- to explore (or exploit) the issue of distin- and Stephen Colbert seldom disappoint, features cutting-edge cannabis-related tently ranking among the Top 10 ‘most sub- guishing patients who need access to med- and for that, all tokers may be grateful. news and commentary with live guests scribed’ podcasts by ‘government and icine from personal users fighting for their Series TV has produced individual and phone calls from listeners. organizations,’ according to Apple own rights. The Washington Post editorial- episodes that attempt to catch the wave, Guests on the show have included ex- Computer’s iTunes Music Store. ized against marijuana use, and demon- but seem to have wiped-out. One of the For more information, or to inquire about advertising, strated a lack of common human decency best was a “Family Guy” episode with the smuggler Robert “The Black Tuna” contact Russ Belville, NORML Outreach Coordinator, at 888- by insulting Angel Raich just before she hit tune, “Everything’s Better with a Bag of Platshorn, America’s Next Top Model win- 772-3422, [email protected]. Episodes are archived at blogtalkradio.com/norml. had a risky brain surgery. Later, it reported Weed.” Several dramatic series have plot- Delta Dove Events is proud to present on the growing support for cannabis. lines in which cancer-ridden characters 17th Annual Cannabis Day Cannabis use is coming of age, and the sneak a few puffs. Oddly, other medicinal aspects have largely been ignored. in solidarity with the financial power of the industry has drawn Global Marijuana March the attention of profit-conscious entertain- The media have largely chosen not to ment media. Television has at last expand- portray the positive aspects of marijuana Sat. May 1, 2010, ed beyond the Nancy Botwin character on use. Television programmers have lacked San Francisco CA “Weeds” to show mainstream characters the courage to venture into the territory High Noon to Six PM Alioto Plaza openly smoking without stigma or dracon- that lies between their big pharmaceutical AKA Civic Center Park ian consequences. There is still room for advertisers and the now-acculturated Recession Special: improvement. “Bored to Death,” a new, cannabis industry. They may soon realize Booths $200 before March 1 HBO series, stars Jason Schwartzman as that social pressures and changes in medi- ($350 day of show) young, Woody Allen-style character whose cine and the law will ultimately result in Contact Lynnette Shaw girlfriend breaks up with him because she the mainstream acceptance of cannabis use 415-456-4313 thinks he drinks too much white wine and — something as unremarkable as drinking [email protected] smokes too much pot. The entertainment a nice cold beer. Winter 2010 Page 24 West Coast Leaf