Vol 1 # 3 October – December 2005
DELLUMS BRINGS ‘HOPE’Poll finds San Francisco voters ready to legalize, regulate cannabis sales
TO CITY MAYORAL RACE By Susan Stephenson City voters overwhelmingly favor An August survey of likely voters in San medical marijuana, with 91 percent saying Former national NORML Francisco found that, despite a wave of they support it when a doctor recommends boardmember is front runner negative publicity around medical mari- it. Fully 75 percent believe patients should juana dispensaries and busts by the DEA, be able to smoke on-site at cannabis clubs, By Chris Conrad most San Francisco voters do not see and 62 percent believe that clubs could be “If Ron Dellums running for mayor gives cannabis dispensaries as a problem. In clustered in certain neighborhoods. you hope, then let’s get on with it,” former fact, 63 percent say they favor legalizing, Eighty percent oppose the War on US Representative Ron Dellums told a taxing and regulating marijuana like alco- Drugs, with 75 percent saying the City bevy of supporters who roared their warm hol for general adult use. should deal with its marijuana policies appreciation on Oct. 7. In a satisfying bit The poll, commissioned by California locally, not hand them over to the DEA. of symmetry, Dellums got his political NORML, was conducted by Evans- A l a rge majority of voters support start by running for office at the municipal McDonough, and its results echo the sen- decriminalization or legalization of mari- level, serving on Berkeley City Council timent shown by Oakland voters, more juana for adult use. Eighty percent oppose from 1967 to 1970. than 65 percent of whom voted for prison for pot offenses, and seventy per- Dellums, 69, represented Berkeley and Measure Z by last year. cent agree that cannabis consumers should Oakland in Congress for 27 years before The San Francisco poll came on the be treated the same as alcohol users. retiring in 1998. He said he is coming out heels of political calls to reduce the num- “The overwhelming message of this of retirement to run for mayor of Oakland ber of dispensaries serving patients in the poll is that, contrary to the hype, San to succeed Mayor Jerry Brown. The news FACE OF HOPE — Oakland’s long-time Congressman Ron Dellums comes back. City. It shows that voters oppose cutting Francisco voters would rather see legal- media promptly declared the local hero to back on the availability of medical mari- ization of marijuana than a crackdown,” be the new front runner. Dellums decision is seen as beneficial juana, with 84 percent agreeing that the said Dale Gieringer, director of California The former boardmember of NORML, for cannabis-friendly Oaksterdam. While number of dispensaries should be deter- NORML. The poll covered 400 likely vot- the National Organization for the Reform Please turn to page 11 mined by patient needs, not politicians. ers and has a 4.9 percent margin of error. of Marijuana Laws, had supported various cannabis reforms during his term in Congress, and his his successor, popular Rep. Barbara Lee, endorsed Oakland’s Bay Area cities and counties license, Measure Z which called for regulation and taxation of adult cannabis sales here. It was passed with 65 percent of the vote. regulate marijuana dispensaries The mayoral election is June 6. Candi- San Francisco debates, Oakland shuffles, dates such as Alameda County Treasurer Don White and Oakland School Board Alameda shifts and patients sue for safe access members Dan Siegel and Greg Hodge said they would withdraw from the race but their campaigns were still active in late October. City Council members Ignacio De La Fuente and Nancy Nadel vowed to stay in the campaign. Supporters had circulated a petition for months asking Dellums to run because they say he can unite Oakland, a diverse city that is 36 percent black, 24 percent white, 22 percent Hispanic and 15 percent Asian. More than 8,000 people signed the petition urging him to run.
Nine years later, CHP implements state MMJ laws By Martin Williams The California Highway Patrol (CHP) unveiled its new procedures for handling medical cannabis, thanks to legal action FROM ART DECO TO OCPD NEIGHBOR — Operators of the CARE medical marijuana dispensary had to trade in their Art Deco by a patient advocacy organization. location on 19th Street, with its mural-painted windows, for a new location near the police department after Mayor Brown’s pet charter Americans for Safe Access (ASA) school moved in across the street from the site. Dispensaries are not allowed within 1000 feet of a school, and the fact that the dis- found that one-quarter of all California pensary was there first was not given any weight. Photo by Chris Conrad. medical cannabis arrests and seizures had been by CHP officers. Now a suit filed By Justin Baker Meanwhile CARE moved downtown of this delay remains to be seen. against them by ASA for failure to uphold Since Oakland established the first ordi- to 701 Broadway, by police headquarters, Thousands of cards have been distributed state law has resulted in a fundamental nance condoning and regulating dispen- leaving the SR71 Coffeeshop, at 377 17th throughout the county, from the Oakland change in how officers are ordered to treat saries in early 2004, at least 21 other cities St., as the city’s only open dispensary for Cannabis Buyers Club and elsewhere that patients and caregivers. and counties have followed suit. The road a brief period in October. authorize holders to buy marijuana from The CHP agreed to stop taking has not always been smooth. In Alameda County, as officials pre- dispensaries. “There is a massive number cannabis from qualified patients and pri- R e c e n t l y, with the closure of the pared to shut down several county dispen- to deal with,” said Pam Willow, an analyst mary caregivers in routine traffic stops. Oakland Compassionate Healing Center saries they hesitated, dragged their feet with the county’s Public Health On Aug. 22, CHP instructed its offi- on Grand Avenue and Compassionate and missed their own deadline for Department. There are only a few dispen- cers not to cite motorists with a valid state Caregivers on Broadway, the process of announcing which three dispensaries will saries in unincorporated areas, Berkeley, or local government medical marijuana ID selecting two new dispensary sites and receive permits to operate in the unincor- Oakland and Hayward to supply patrons card or a physician-signed recommenda- permit operators has begun anew for the porated areas. who also come from throughout the Bay tion, nor to seize their cannabis if they city. Compassionate Caregivers cried foul, At the Alameda board meeting, sher- Area and Central Valley. carry up to eight ounces of marijuana and and the minor nature of zoning violations iff’s deputies said they hoped to disclose Across the Bay, San Francisco’s dis- six mature or 12 immature plants. Those involved did make it look suspiciously which clinics will be in within 30 to 70 pensary permit ordinance by Supervisor are the minimum amounts set in state law. like a vendetta by a City Administrator days. As this issue goes to press, the Ross Mirkarimi worked its way through a Please turn to page 3 determined to reduce patient access. process is on hold and the length or effect Please turn to page 6 Page 2. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 Shifting relationships evolve between Law enforcement is taking up the themes police and medical cannabis community of anti-prohibition, cannabis tolerance By Martin Williams they were easily cleaned up. Most of the By Chris Conrad A complex relationship has evolved in the dispensaries acted as good neighbors that Norm Stamper, former chief of the Seattle state as police have slowly come to terms fit in with the community. However, when Police Department, is the author of with the roles of medical marijuana dis- regulatory ordinances were proposed, law Breaking Rank: A Top Cop’s Exposé of the pensaries in the community. enforcement routinely opposed clubs with Dark Side of American Policing and an After decades of anti-marijuana bias, an unfounded mantra of “crime magnets.” opinion piece in the Oct. 16, 2005 Los law enforcement is coming to grips with Apparently, some social predators got Angeles Times. Stamper said he wants to the fact that a growing number of people the message, and came looking. After a set the record straight. in this state have a legal right to cultivate rash of robberies in the East Bay, police and consume cannabis, and even to buy it. are beginning to take a serious look at how to protect the dispensaries. That relationship has been tested by the “No, I don’t favor development of dispensary ordinances and Police attitude was the problem a recent rash of criminals preying upon the decriminalization. I favor medical marijuana community. When banks, jewelers, gas stations, or even wig stores get robbed, police come to legalization, and not just of Limited immunity for MMJ sales their aid and denounce the perpetrators. pot but of all drugs” Until 2003, medical marijuana dispen- When crooks hit programs that relieve the saries operated in the gray area of legal suffering of the sick and the weak, police Former Police Chief Norm Stamper tolerance. This led to the founding of voice their outrage and firm resolve to scores of cannabis dispensaries around the bring the perpetrators to justice. state, largely unregulated until the City of However, when local medical marijua- “Yes, I was a cop for 34 years, the last SAYING KNOW — Jack Cole, director of LEAP. Photo by Chris Conrad Oakland decided to quash its na outlets began being six of which I spent as chief of Seattle’s Oaksterdam zone by issuing victimized by police department. But no, I don’t favor heavily restricted permits to thieves and rob- organization Jack Cole hales from across decriminalization. I favor legalization, and the country in Massachusetts but came to four disbursed dispensaries. bers, Sheriff not just of pot but of all drugs”. Plummer and the same conclusions as Stamper. After The end effect was to These days it’s not renegade cops who O a k l a n d serving in the United States Marine Corps, spread the combination favor legalization but a swelling tide of Police proved Cole became a policeman in 1964 and of dispensaries and mainstream police and retired off i c e r s to be singular- began the long odyssey to being a drug ordinances around the who disavow the Drug War. In fact, at ly incompetent policy reformer. Like many, he waited state. Health and least two political organizations com- at protecting until after retirement to voice his opposi- Safety code 11362.7 prised of current and retired law enforce- patients access tion to drug prohibition. is the statute passed ment officers have been working quietly or apprehend- Boardmember Peter Christ is a retired that year that includes behind the scene to educate and recruit a limited defense ing the crooks. New York police captain. During his 20- others to publicly join the call for reform year career enforcing drug laws, he said he against some charges of A string of if not outright repeal of drug laws. HS 11359–11360 intent break-ins and sev- became convinced that “the drug war can It should be no surprise to learn that and sales involving med- eral strong arm rob- never be won, and is doing more harm Stamper is affiliated with one such group. ical marijuana to a qualified beries largely met bizarre than good.” After retiring from the force in patient or their caregiver. reactions from law enforcement Law Enforcement Against Prohibition 1989, Christ began speaking out publicly Now more than 100 dispen- spokespersons. After a June robbery, OPD (LEAP) takes the position espoused by against the Drug War and has not stopped saries serve tens of thou- spokespersons Lt. Amaral told the Stamper, namely legalizing all drugs to talking about it ever since. sands of patients and care- Oakland Tr i b u n e that dispensaries are lower the incidents of death, disease, and Such was not the case for advisory givers. “drug dens” that “attract predators.” In a addiction in the United States by ending board member of LEAP Judge Robert W. drug prohibition. Founding member and Meanwhile, police sat out- classic example of the ‘blame the victim’ Please turn to page 12 executive director of the international side of some dispensaries and bitterly technique, another spokesperson, Sgt. complained that the patients “don’t look Kelly told the media that “clubs attract sick enough” to deserve to receive med- this kind of activity.” Shortly after ical relief. S h e r i ff Plummer declared that “clubs For almost a decade, the dispensaries commonly take in 60 grand a day,” anoth- kept a relatively low profile and clean er dispensary was robbed. One dispensary record in terms of problems. In some cases operator took matters into his own hands there were public nuisance complaints, but to shoot and kill a robbery suspect. “ You might almost think that they were advertising for robbers,” another licensed dispensary operator confided to the Oaksterdam News, on condition of Summary of anonymity to protect their permit. “This is a problem we’ve been noticing with Alameda law enforcement — they call all California the clubs ‘drug dens’ or ‘money-making v e n t u r e s ’ or ‘loaded with hundreds of Marijuana Laws pounds and tons of money;’ and then they As a public service, Oaksterdam News wonder why anyone tries to rob us. provides the following brief summary of Surprise, surprise.” California’s current marijuana laws. Turn of the tide? • Health and Safety code 11357 -- Having less than 28.5g (an ounce) of Ironically, the crime wave itself seems marijuana is a $100 fine; hashish or to be bringing law enforcement and the larger amounts are $500 fines, plus pos- medical marijuana community closer. sible jail time. When they have a permit, dispensary • 11358 -- Prison for cultivation or pro- operators are more comfortable calling cessing cannabis, or diversion for first 911 and reporting problems. Instead of time personal garden going after the cannabis retailers, police find themselves pursuing people who vic- • 11359 -- Prison for intent to distribute timize licensed vendors and their clients. • 11360 -- Prison for sales, furnishing or Oakland police are stepping up patrols transportation, $100 fine for furnishing around dispensaries and keeping an eye less than 28.5g out. Sheriff Plummer spoke favorably of • 11361 -- Prison for involving a minor issuing permits before the A l a m e d a • 11362.5 -- Exemption to 11357 and County Supervisors passed an ordinance. 11358 for qualified people with a physi- It is also significant that the CARE cian’s approval dispensary operators, forced to relocate • 11362.7 -- Voluntary medical ID cards, after a school intruded against its 19th limited immunity from 11357, 11358 for Street location, felt comfortable enough to up to eight ounces of bud and six mature relocate its services onto Broadway by the plants, limited immunity from HS downtown Oakland police station. 11570, 11359, 11360, and 11366 As the years go by, this relationship is • 11362.8 -- Prison for violating ID card bound to become more comfortable as program patients and proprietors demand equal • 11366 -- Maintaining a place where protection under the law. “After all,” con- marijuana is sold or cultivated (also cluded another dispensary operator, “it’s 11366a, 11570) these guys job to protect and serve us. Let • Vehicle Code 23222 -- Transportation them do it.” of less than 28.5g. Getting that type of cooperation will For more information, please go also require that dispensaries do a better online to www.chrisconrad.com. job of keeping their clientele in line and avoiding nuisance complaints. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 • Page 3 Two tickets to Oaksterdam Paradise Eddie Money band rocks O’dam at the Uptown Club’s grand opening
By Tristin Coffman licks behind his textured vocals. An online The Uptown Club, Oaksterdam’s hottest petition was recently started to get Eddie new live music venue, kicked off its grand Money considered as an inductee into The opening Oct. 14 with rock legend Eddie Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. M o n e y. Money’s passionate style and The Uptown Club, located at 1928 solid performances have led him through a Telegraph Ave (510-415-8100), features career spanning decades of touring and a an ornate, mirrored, 30-foot long, antique collection of 12 mahogany-wooden bar. albums and music Its full-service license CDs. His self-titled offers spirits, wine, beer 1977 album, Eddie on tap, plus great live Money included two music with an affordable of his biggest hits, cover charge. “ Two Tickets to The bar is open from 4 Paradise” and “Hold PM to 1:30 AM Monday on.” His 1999 release through Saturday, and in Ready Eddie features the evening its large per- “Ready To Rock” and formance space adjoin- MAHOGANY GRANDEUR — The 30-foot antique wooden bar makes the Uptown Club memorable, and the adjacent music stage keeps it hopping. “Can’t Go On,” anoth- ing the bar uses an ele- er great anthem that vated full-size stage with opens with a soft, bal- state of the art sound and kick off with Eddie Money shows their or just visit the bar for happy hour with no lad-like guitar feel and smooth vocals, but lighting systems to celebrate music. Enjoy commitment to that goal. Upcoming cover charge. builds to a up-tempo, pure power ballad the friendly atmosphere of the Uptown’s shows include Zoo Station, a cover band So if you find yourself with a night on anthem. own private outdoor deck. for the complete U2 Experience (Nov. 8-9, the town in Oaksterdam, it’s worth spend- Money gave the crowd — well, at $15 Proprietors Kevin Burns and Bob $5.00, door 9:30 PM) and The Passion ing time at the Uptown Club. A friendly per ticket, they got more than their Frantti plan to make the Uptown into a Pirates / Metro Vox (Nov. 25, $10.00, door ambiance, stylish decor and live music. money’s worth! — a solid, no holds barred permanent venue for the best of both 9 PM), just to name two. The show calendar is constantly expand- rock performance that kept people on their regional talent and internationally cele- Prices are affordable enough for cus- ing, so a visit to uptownnightclub.com is feet throughout night to the searing guitar brated touring acts, and the decision to tomers to attend regular weeknight shows, worth exploring.
New CHP policy is to allow qualified patients to travel with eight ounces, six plants
Continued from page 1 tinued to act as if all cannabis were illegal. allowing medical marijuana possession by legal victory particularly welcomed by It took CHP almost two years to act on On February 15, 2005, ASA filed a qualified patients and caregivers. California advocates since the US a state law that was enacted in 2003. group lawsuit against the CHP on behalf The August memo “CHP HPM 100.69, Supreme Court ruled in June that state- legal medical marijuana patients can still Long-simmering conflict of six medical marijuana patients and Chapter 1, Controlled Substances Arrests, caregivers who had their legitimately pos- Revised 8/22/05” changed its policy to be arrested and prosecuted by federal offi- After Proposition 215 was passed by sessed marijuana seized by the CHP under officially recognize the rights of lawful cials. To see more details on ASA’s law- state voters, the CHP and various other a policy of mandatory confiscation. The patients under state law. This is one of the suit, copies of the old and new CHP poli- law enforcement agencies refused to rec- lawsuit argued that the policy was illegal biggest victories for patients and care- cies, and plaintiff biographies, see ognize the HS 11362.5 medical exception under California’s constitution, under givers in California since voters approved www.safeaccessnow.org. to California’s marijuana laws. They con- which state law enforcement is compelled the Compassionate Use Act in 1996, and a The right to remain silent to uphold state law, including the state law Marijuana attorney Omar Figueroa urged patients nonetheless to be cautious when Tell our City officials to implement Measure Z CHP agreed to stop taking Oakland City Hall and Council cannabis from qualified 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza (between 14th and 15th at Clay St.) patients and primary care- Jane Brunner, District 1, 510-238-7001 givers in routine traffic stops. [email protected] Pat Kernighan, Dist 2, 238-7002 [email protected] they interact with the CHP and to give Nancy Nadel, Dist 3, 238-7003 them the minimum of information. [email protected] “Police officers are skeptical by train- Jean Quan, Dist 4, 238-7004 ing and always looking to advance their [email protected] careers by maximizing their arrests and Ignacio De la Fuente, Dist 5, 238-7005 convictions. Remember: don’t waive your [email protected] Fifth Amendment right to remain silent, or Desley Brooks, Dist 6, 238-7006 your Sixth Amendment right to an attor- [email protected] ney during questioning,” Figueroa sug- Larry Reid, Dist 7, 238-7007 gested. “Don’t say anything more than [email protected] you’re a medical cannabis patient and/or Henry Chang, At-Large 238-7008 caregiver, and let your document (whether [email protected] a card, recommendation or approval) Jerry Brown, Mayor 238-3141 speak for itself. [email protected] “Stand up for your rights!”
© 2005. All rights reserved. The Oaksterdam News is a free speech publication owned and operated by The Oaksterdam News. This news quarterly promotes the community by providing news, photos, features, directories, local information and service guides for locals and tourists alike. We support tolerance and believe that cannabis sales and cultivation should be legal for adult consumption. We provide a free listing for California cannabis outlets and patient support groups that are on the public record. Any service provider who is not inter- ested in this feature needs to advise our office by calling our office: 510-836-NEWS (6397) Richard Lee, publisher Chris Conrad, executive editor Jaime Galindo, managing editor 405 15th St., Oakland CA 94612 http://www.OaksterdamNews.com Page 4. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 A roof with a view...
Autumn days — perfect time to lunch atop O’dam By Tristin Coffman Summer is over but it’s not too late to bask atop Oaksterdam in privacy in the autumn sun amid climbing vines to eat lunch and enjoy the skyline view, from the classic Fox Theatre to the downtown towers. Birds rustle and sing in the bushes and hanging vines while the traffic lies far below your feet. On a warm day you can enjoy a quiet conversation and balmy air. It’s not wheelchair accessible and you have to bring your own lunch, but with all the restaurants nearby, the problem is choosing from among the variety of lunchtime options available. So where, you may ask, is this Uptown oasis and lunchtime outdoor getaway? Atop the Kaiser Permanente parking structure, at 19th and Franklin Streets. With winter approaching, there will be fewer days to take the elevator up as far as it goes and make the extra climb to find a friendly, secluded and restful area to visit and cap off your Oaksterdam experience. And please, always remember to drive responsibly when you head out of town.
Marijuana
It’s Not for Kids.
Join the Oaksterdam News in encouraging young people not to use cannabis until adulthood, and in reminding adults to consume it responsibly. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 • Page 5
MR. SMITH COMES TO OAKSTERDAM — Film star Will Smith visited Oaksterdam to shoot his upcoming film, The Pursuit of Happiness. An exciting chase scene through traffic was shot on Broadway at 19th Street, with the Bulldog Coffeeshop in the background. Photo by Jaime Galindo
band linings (low gear, reverse, brakes) have been replaced with Kevlar.
This refurbished Tin Lizzie roosts in Oaksterdam, with the Bulldog Coffeeshop in the background. Photo by Jaime Galindo What distinguishes a Model T Historic 1927 Ford Model T Depot Hack from a Model A Ford? The Model T car was built on the prin- ciple of a machine that would serve the Beatrice the buggy boogies around bustling uptown multitudes. Not meant to be fancy, it’s design is stark in appearance and has By Carl Lasagna that were built. Henry Ford’s “car for the While Henry Ford was famously quot- absolutely no frills. Not even a gas gauge multitudes” was built from September ed as saying his customers could get a Beatrice is back. Many readers may not or speedometer. Mechanically, its compo- 1908 to May 1927. Model T in “any color you want — as long have noticed that she was even gone, but nents are just sufficient. But, the common as it’s black,” Beatrice was originally ask yourself — when was the last time you Affectionately dubbed “Beatrice,” this man’s car, designed in 1908, is still well painted bright yellow and beige, with saw a hack whiz uptown? And we don’t car originally served as a taxi for the suited for the bumpy “modern” roads of black fenders, and likely had izing glass mean a hacker or a political crony. Southern Pacific railroad in the Klamath Alameda County. Falls to Merrill region in Southern curtains for inclement weather. Well, now you can see it again. This Model T cars have wooden wheels, no Oregon. Though remarkably complete, the custom-bodied hack (station taxi) proba- A customized queen of the road front wheel brakes, no bumpers, and a car is not restored to its original condition, bly cost $600-$700 new and is among the crank handle. Ford didn’t produce a facto- but maintained in a state of arrested decay. It runs with the original 20 horsepow- last of the fifteen million “Tin Lizzies” er four-cylinder engine, and two-speed ry wooden bodied station wagon until the planetary transmission. The Ruckstell Model A was introduced in 1928. two-speed differential, made right here in Beatrice, a working Model T Oakland, is an original dealer installed accessory. The Ford chassis was manufac- Beatrice is more than just a beauty, tured in Dearborn, Michigan and the orig- however, she’s a hard working lady who inal western Oak hack body was built, pre- serves weekly deliveries for A l a m e d a sumably in Oregon, by a commercial Meals On Wheels. She turns heads and coach builder. turns frowns upside down wherever she goes. She is 78 years old, and made of rel- Beatrice features the standard wooden atively soft metals plus, naturally, solid artillery style wheels, demountable rims hardwood. She is of an archaic design and with “balloon” tires, and 6V e l e c t r i c requires a lot of maintenance, love and starter (factory installed option). plenty of fresh, clean oil. She’s been modernized with breaker- Public love and private donations to point ignition and alternator, shock help pay for petrol, upkeep, and this his- absorbers (you’ll really appreciate them if toric experience are what keep Beatrice on you get to take a spin in Beatrice), an the road. For inquiries, contact optional brake light, and all the cotton [email protected]. Page 6. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 Medical marijuana growing fast
Continued from page 1 as to permanently ban dispensing, despite Patient Services & Support state law that underscores patients’ right to painful process designed to make no one happy. The ordinance grew into more than medical access and legitimizes collective Thanks to California Norml. Online updates at consultations avail.) M-Sa 11-9; Su 12-8 60 pages of compromises that create an activities. As of Oct. 6, at least 56 locali- ties had moratoriums while 13 had adopt- canorml.org. Oaksterdam News makes no represen- • The Hemp Center, 4811 Geary Blvd, 415- uncertain effect. At least 50 people spoke tation as to the service, quality, reliability or com- at an Oct. 11 public hearing on the meas- ed permanent bans. passion of any of these groups. For a discussion of 221-HEMP the legalities of cannabis clubs, see CA NORML’s • Love Shack. 502 14th St. x Guerrero. 415- ure, mostly favoring regulation but not in T h a t ’s when a group of patients Tips for Would-be Cannabis Providers. 552-5121. lssf.com the form offered. Political fireworks erupt- launched a series of lawsuits against some ed at the Oct. 18 Board meeting where the of the municipalities that set bans on zon- Oakland • SF Medical Cannabis Clinic #2, 194 Church St. 11-7 M-F, 11-5 Sa-Su. 415-626-4781 policy was supposed to be finalized. This, ing local medical marijuana dispensaries. • Official city patient IDs, info: along with several other delays held up the • Ketama, 14 Valencia St. 11-8 M-Sa, 12-6 The legal team of Americans for Safe The Co-op Store. 510-832-5346. process and the unregulated status quo 1733 Broadway. www.rxcbc.org. Su. 415-706-2679. Access is handling the lawsuits, and the held sway, at least temporarily. patients it represents hope that, through City Licensed Clubs • Holistic Solutions, 11-6 daily 722 Columbus St. 415-296-7614. Caught in a pinch between federal law, litigation or threat thereof, local govern- • SR-71, 377 - 17th St. NIMBY neighbors, and angry patients and ments will decide to establish reasonable Open M-F 9-8; Sa 10-8; Su 10-6 • Mission St. Caregivers. 1760 Mission x Duboce. 415-553-7780 (open 365 days) caregivers, both citizens and Board mem- and sensible regulations. • CARE. 701 Broadway bers privately expressed that the process • Green Door, 843 Howard St. 11-8 daily 415- The patient organization filed its initial • Two city permits under review 541-9590 www.GreenDoorInfo.com should return to committee, yet it plugged suit against Fresno, followed by lawsuits Berkeley / East Bay • Alternative Patient Caregivers, 953 Mission along as the Supervisors’ staff scheduled against Concord, Pasadena, and St. #40 415-618-0680. 12-6 M-F, 11-5 Sa. meetings with concerned constituents. Susanville. The group maintains that • Berkeley Cannabis Coop. localities can regulate dispensaries under Shattuck Ave, 510-486-1025 Clones available. While some California cities put mora- • Alternative Relief Co-Op. toriums on licensing dispensaries as they state law but cannot ban them. It advo- • Berkeley Patients’ Group. 2747 San Pablo cates for fair local regulations. Av. 510-540-6013. berkeleypatientsgroup.com 1944 Ocean Ave, noon-7, M-Sa. Natural study the issue, a handful have gone so far herbs, tea. 415-239-4766. Deliver to SF hospi- • Berkeley Patients’ Care Collective. 2590 tal in-patients Telegraph. 510-540-7878. medicalmarijua- M-Th 9-7 [email protected] • Resource Green Caregivers & Patients nainfo.com • San Francisco ACT-UP. Group. 532-D Sonoma Ave, Santa Rosa. 1884 Market St. 415-864-6686 actupsf.com South Bay Contra Costa (deliveries too) 866-420-5020. 11-9 daily • Sweetleaf Collective 415-273-4663, For • Cal Medical Mj Patients Association. • Sonoma Alliance for Medical Marijuana. • ME Delivery 510-758-3269 low-income AIDS, cancer patients Belmont (delivery to San Mateo, SF, East SAMM. 707-522-0292. patient support group Bay. 650-492-1487, 24 hrs. 650-595-0113, 4- • Maricare - 2155 Colfax St, Concord (also • SF Patients’ Cooperative. • Marvin’s Gardens. Guerneville. deliveries) 925-459-2929. 11am - 7 pm 350 Divisadero St. 415-552-8653. 6. [email protected] / cammjpa.50megs.com 707-869-1291 • Holistic Solutions 925-609-9655 www.sfprc.org • Mobile Herbal Therapy (San Mateo, San • Sonoma Co. Compassionate Services 1120 Contra Costa Bl, Concord Delivery. 707-972-7818 Livermore Hayward, • Holistic Solutions, 14240 Lakeshore Dr, San Leandro Area HS11362.5: “seriously ill Californians have the right to obtain and Clearlake. Lake co. 707-995-9000. M-Sa 11- 7. • Hayward Patients Resource Center. 22550 use marijuana for medical purposes where that medical use is deemed Foothill Bl. daily 11-9; also delivery, MD appropriate and has been recommended by a physician...” • D & M Compassion Center, 9990 E Hwy clinics. 510-581-8640. 888-389-6360. 20, Clearlake Oaks. Lake Co. 707-998-9781. [email protected] • Local Patients’ Cooperative (22630 Foothill Bl. 2nd Floor). Daily 10-10 (wheelchair • Lake Co Alternative Caregiver Clinic, • Golden Triangle Sanctuary, 1334 Haight St. Jose deliveries). 866-240-9121 access to 9:30, call first) 510-537-2405. Clearlake Oaks. 707-998-0358. 415-431-6764. M-Sa 10:30-9; Sun. 12-8. • Area 420. Santa Clara Co patients, political [email protected] • Garden of Eden, 21227 Foothill Blvd Castro • Hopenet Coop, 223 Ninth St. 415-863-4399. and info only. 408-246-0052. area420.com Valley. 9-9 daily, 510-881-2160. • Ukiah CBC. 707-462-0691 • San Jose area deliveries: Growth Unlimited. M-F 12-7, Sa 12-5 • Hemp Plus Ministeries. 892 N. State St, • The Health Center, 15998 E. 14th St, San 1-888-MED-CANN • The Green Cross. 3420 - 22nd St x Ukiah. 707-468-1478. Open M-Sa 10-6. Leandro 510-278-4251. 11-7 Daily • My Green Heaven Ministry. Millbrae. Guerrero. 415-648-4420. Daily 10-8. the- • Medical Cannabis Co-Op, 812 N. State St., • Alameda Co. Resource Center 16250 B E. greencross.org www.mygreenheaven.org 14th St, San Leandro 510-317-2150. Open M- Ukiah. 707-462-0373 Open M, W, F 10-4. • Bernal Heights Co-op Disp. 33 - 29th St. SA 11-8 (high grade organic). Santa Cruz 415-642-4702. 10-9 M-Sa, 12-7 Su Central Valley to Redding • A Natural Source 5 1 0 - 2 7 6 - 7 2 2 4. 16360 • Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Mj, WAMM • Divinity Tree. 958 Geary St. 415-292-6052. • Amador Co. Sierra Foothills CC (delivery Foothill Blvd, San Leandro. M-F 11-7. Sa-Su 831-425-0580. www.wamm.org Open 11-7 except Tu service) 209-274-6727. 12-6. • Greenway Compassionate Relief 140 Dubois • Mason St. Dispensary. 124 Mason St. • Butte Compassionate Care, Chico area deliv- • Compassionate Collective of Alameda Co, St #D. 831-420-1640. M-F 11-6, Sa 10-6 (downstairs) 415-433-4420, 7-9 daily ery, 12-8; low-income okay. 530-680-0857; 21222 Mission Bl, Hayward. M-F 9-7, Sa-Su • Med Ex. Info service. 831-425-3444 masondispensary.com • Calaveras CC. 866-401-2228. delivery 7 11-7. • Hemporium, LLC Delivery Service. 831- • Emmalyn’s. 1597 Howard St. #A. days, 8-8; low-income patients welcome. • Compassionate Caregivers, 16045 E. 14th 295-3511 800-588-4218 / 415-345-8248. Daily 10-9 St, San Leandro. 510-481-5757. 8-8 daily. • Merced Patients’ Group (patient support) • Patients Helping Patients Home Bike North Coast 209-726-5216 [email protected] • We Are Hemp 913 E Lewelling Blvd, San Delivery. 415-240-7190 Lorenzo. 510-276-2628. M-Sa 11-8 • MMPU, Medical Marijuana Patients Union • Merced County Patient Coalition (patient • Good Fellowes Smoke Shop. POB 2059, Fort Bragg 95437. support). [email protected] San Francisco 473 Haight St 415-346-4338 707-964-YESS. [email protected] • California Healthcare Collective 1009 Patient ID Cards, • Grass Roots. 1077 Post St. 415-346-4338 • Mendo Healing. Ft Bragg. 707-964-3677 McHenry Ave. Modesto City Dept of Health. 101 Grove St. #105. 415- • Sanctuary. 669 O’Farrell. 415-885-4420 • Herban Legend, 18300 Old Coast Hway#3, • MMJ Caregivers Association of El Dorado 554-2890 Co. Placerville. 530-642-8258 • Re-Leaf Herbal Center. Fort Bragg. 707-961-0113; M-Sa 11am-6pm. • SF Medical Cannabis Clinic #1, 122 Tenth 2980 - 21st St. 415-235-3307 • Mendo Remedies. 44975 Hwy 101, • Golden State Patient Care Collective. 233 St (at Mission) 415-626-4781 Open M-W 11- Laytonville: 707-984-7101; low-income Hwy 174, Colfax. 530-346-2514. M-Sat 10-6 7; Th - Sa 10-7; Su 11-6. • Mr. Nice Guy, 174 Valencia St. 415-865-0990. Open 11-9 Su -Th; 11-11 F-Sa patients welcome. • Plumas Co., Feather River Coop. 530-283- • CannaMed Care Center, • Redwood Herbal Options, Evergreen Center 4517 (info) 1211 Sutter St (lower). M-Sa 1-9, Su 1-6. Marin, North Bay #7, Redway. 707-923-9147. Open 9-5. red- • Jim’z Deliveries. Roseville area 916-519- 415-885-8007. cannamedcare.com • Marin Alliance for Medical Mj: [email protected] 5328, 10-6. • Alternative Herbal Health, 442 Haight St. 415-256-9328. cbcmarin.com • Caregiver Compassion Center. • San Joaquin, Medi-Caregivers delivery. 209- 415-864-1300. (MD consultations by appt) • Here2Help-707, Solano Co. delivery to 4349 Montgomery #D, Santa Rosa. 456-0680 • The Vapor Room, 609A Haight St. (MD 707-537-7303 M-F 1-6; Su 3-6. homebound patients only 707-208-9023. Continued on next page Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 • Page 7 • Pharmakeia (LA/Orange/River- Resource Directory side/S.D./S.Barbara) 323-462-1516. M-Sa Continued from previous page 10am - 5 pm. pharmakeia.org, info@phar- • Shasta Patient Alliance. makeia.org [email protected], info only • Inland Empire Herbal Caregivers, San • Green Care, Shasta delivery 530-524-9251. Bernardino Co. delivery 951-537-0235. 8am-6pm. • CAPS. Palm Springs. 760-325-1112 • Siskiyou County Medical Cannabis Co-op • Hempie’s. Palm Desert. 760-449-3373 Open Research & Registration Ctr. Weed. 530-938- 10-10. 1768. [email protected] • OCMC Cooperative, Orange County 949- • Stanislaus/Central Valley Co-op: Primary 855-0310. Caregivers & Consultants. 209-818-2932. • Yorba Linda Alt. Herb Coop 714-692-0072, [email protected] 714-276-4238. M-F 11-8, Sa-Su 11-7 • Tuolumne CC delivery 866-882-1129. 7 • Humble House Orange Co 949-395-9588 days, 8-8. low-income patients welcome. delivery to Orange and Riverside counties • Valley Patients’ Alliance, Stockton CA • KGB Meds delivery to San Bernardino, 209-933-6282, patient info & aid High Desert. 760-246-7047. • Yuba County CBC 530-749-7497 [email protected] Sacramento • Dank Meds, San Bernardino delivery, 760- 247-3275 Daily 9 - 6 [email protected]. RIP — Vigils were held on • Capitol City Patient’s Center. Sacramento, Cannabis activist Steve • Freeway Farmacy, delivery to Beach cities, July 19 in Oaksterdam 916-649-0114. and around the world for Huntington Bch - El Segundo. 310-349-9135 • Capitol Alternatives. 2020 - 16th St. McWilliams memorial McWilliams (inset). • Northern Lights Church, statewide support. Sacramento, 916-497-0277 / 916-728-1967. Long-time medical marijuana activist Photo by Jaime Galindo Open 9-7 M-Fri; 9-5 Sa. 949-222-4209. Laguna Beach. northernlights- church.org / thehealingexchange.org Steve McWilliams passed away on July • Advanced Medicinal Health Center: call for 12, 2005, dead by his own hand under appt. 916-482-1971. M-Sa 11-6. Los Angeles area pressure of a federal indictment and loss handout of medicine to patients at San • Doctor’s Orders, 4011 Winters St. #A, • Inglewood Wellness Center. 310-674-4444. of his access to cannabis, just six days Diego City Hall. The US Attorney warned Sacramento. M-F 9-6, Sa 9-4, Sun 9-1. 916- InglewoodWC.org after the U S Supreme Court issued its Steve to destroy his garden or face prose- 564-2112. • Cal Medical Caregivers Assoc., 15838 Gonzalez v Raich decision allowing feder- cution. That same week, the DEA raided • Canna Care, 320 Harris Ave #G 916-925- Halliburton Rd. Hacienda Heights 626-336- al agents to prosecute patients who are not Steve’s small garden that served a few 1199. M-F 9-6; Sa-Su 10-3. 2652 daily 11-7 engaged in any commercial or interstate seriously ill patients. Steve was arrested • Botanical Collective. 10-10 everyday; holi- • Compassionate Care of Studio City, 11314 activity. and charged in federal court with growing days 10-4. call 916-366-0420 / 916-519-7670 Ventura Bl 818-506-7207 M-F 11-7, SA 12-6. M c Williams was active in the 20 plants. He pled guilty, knowing he for verification, directions. botanicalcollec- • United Medical Caregivers Clinic, 1248 S. Colorado hemp movement in the early would not be able to present a medical [email protected] Fairfax, LA 310-358-0212 Open 10-7 M-F. 1990s, publishing a newspaper and work- marijuana defense. • MedSac916: 916-806-2314 www.med- • Quality of Life Activities (QOLA) ing with the Pike’s Peak Hemp Coalition. Steve was sentenced to six months and sac916.com Silverlake - Los Angeles Call for info: 323- After Prop 215 was passed, he moved to released pending appeal but denied access • Growth Unlimited deliveries Sacto/Solano/ 644-1209 Hours: 10-7 M-Sa. California. He was a member of the San to medical marijuana. Central Valley/San Jose. 1-888-MED-CANN • LA Compasionate Care Silverlake 13th - Diego task force that pressed for medical McWilliams had staked his hopes on a • Today’s Holistic Caregivers Sacto area 2227 Sunset Blvd 213-272-9488; en español marijuana guidelines, and ran a patient positive ruling in Raich. “I cannot allow delivery, 661-946-6600 213-272-9489 collective, Shelter from the Storm, that [email protected] the government to decide what drugs I • Medicinal Delivery Caregivers, 310-415- had been officially recognized by the city must take. It’s my life,” he wrote in a • Healing Hands of Nature delivery. Rancho 6759. LA area 10-8. medicinaldeliverycare- of San Diego as legal and in compliance Cordova/Sac/Citrus Hts area. 916-256-5277 [email protected] farewell note. “I’ve given everything to with state law. the cause ... No retreat. No surrender. • Freeway Farmacy delivery Beach cities El Kern Co., Bakersfield In September 2002, Steve led a public Love, Steve.” Segundo to Huntington Beach 310-349-9135 • Nature’s Medicinal, 323 Roberts Ln, Bakersfield. 661-392-9353. 11-9 daily. • South Bay 420 Collective Delivery Service, South Bay beach cities only. 310-561-3515 • Medical Marijuana Farmacy 323-848-7981. • California Medical Center, 4010 Morena Santa Barbara, Ventura • Crescent Alliance for Sickle-Cell Self-Help 7825 Santa Monica Bl. LA area delivery. 10-9 Blvd #103, SD 858-405-9496. Everyday 11-8. • Santa Barbara Patients’ Group, 3114 State Group (Sister Somayah) LA • West Hollywood Caregivers. 7901 Santa • Triple Holistic Chronic. 2109 El Cajon Blvd. St. 805-687-8988. M-SA 11-5. Fax MD docu- • Today’s Holistic Caregivers, Lancaster. 661- Monica Bl #206. 323-656-2033. 10-7 daily. SD 619-497-1105. Open 11-9. mentation to 805-456-0710. 946-6600 [email protected] • CA Cannabis Pharmaceuticals, 8464 Santa • Triple Holistic Chronic. 4972-1/2 Cass St. • Helping Hands Wellness Center, 4141 State San Fernando Valley Monica Blvd, W. Hollywood 323-656-1600 SD. 858-272-2700. Open 11 -9. St. #F-4 Santa Barbara (805) 692-1419. Open • West Hollywood Center for Compassionate • Ocean Beach Dispensary, 4230 Voltaire Ave. 10:30-8:30 daily. • Trichome Healing Caregivers. 7100 Van Healing, 8921 Sunset Bl. 310-626-3333. #2. 619-549-2014 obdispensary.com. 11-8. • Santa Barbara Patient Doctor Coalition. 805- Nuys Blvd #204, Van Nuys. 818-373-5000. 10-7 daily except Wed. - disabled access • The Health Center. 8961 W. Sunset Blvd W. • First Choice Caregivers. San Diego area 687-2380 [email protected] Hollywood. 310-275-0446. call for appt delivery 858-472-1225 everyday 10-7. • Hezekiah Inc, 92 - 2nd St. #H, Buellton • So-Cal. Caregivers, 12135 Riverside Dr, [email protected] Hours. Sherman Oaks. 818-760-6434. daily 10-8. • West LA Collective Caregivers. West side (805) 264-1774 - open M-F 9-5. delivery. 310-953-2475. daily 9:30-10. • Native Sun Dispensary, 3806 Rosecrans, San • Cal Alliance for Medical Mj Patients • Valley Independent Pharmacy, 10-7 daily. wlacc.net. Diego 619-299-2837. Open M-Sa 9-7. 19459 Ventura Bvd, Tarzana. 818-345-5477. (Ventura Co) 805-890-1365. ID cards, med- Long Beach • Co-Op SD, 7875 Convoy Ct #6, San Diego. ical referrals [email protected] • Cannamed of Northridge, 9349 Melvin Ave. 858-610-1674. Hours 11-7 everyday. #9. 818-882-4849 - 10 am -8 pm daily. • Compassionate Caregivers LB (not affiliated OC, San Bernardino, Riverside with other “Compassionate Caregivers”). 562- • Mother Earth Co-op, 4017 Brant St. San • Total Holistic Care, 21938 Costanso St, Diego. 619-955-5611 Open 9:30 - 8 everyday • 215 Patient Bakery (edibles only) / 420 Woodland Hills 818-710-0490. 621-9777 call for details. Primary Caregivers. 421 N. Brookhurst #130, • Compassionate Couriers San Diego deliver- • West Valley Caregivers, 23067 Ventura • Cancer Help Center Herbal Collective. 3381 Anaheim, delivery. 714-758-3500. Bakery LB Blvd x Wardlow, Long Beach. 562-424- ies compassionate-couriers.org 619-861-3157 open M-Sa 11-7. 420primarycaregivers.com Blvd. # 102, Woodland Hills, CA 91364. Hours 10am-8pm. (818) 222-9212. Call for hours HERB. M-F 11-8, Sa-Su 11-7 • Legal Ease 1077 E. Main St., Tustin 714- • Med-a-Cab delivery service, Long Beach • American Caregivers Co-op, North SD 508-3633, M-F 10-8, 11-7 Sa-Su West Hollywood and mid-cities 562-256-5066 everyday 11-7. County deliveries (760) 420-0478. • LA Patients and Caregivers Group, 7213 • Purple Coconut, 3643 El Cajon Blvd, San Santa Monica Blvd, W Hollywood x Formosa. San Diego Diego (619) 285-9292 Visit our website 323-882-6033. lamedicalmarijuana.com • San Diego Legal Ease, Inc. 3024 Meade Ave • Utopia Dispensary, 4843 Voltaire St. #A, • AHHS (Alternative Herbal Health Services) #D (North Park) 619-398-3467. 10-7 daily. San Diego (619) 222-6900 oaksterdamnews.com 7828 Santa Monica x Fairfax. W. Hollywood. • San Diego Caregivers. (delivery serving SD utopiadispensary.com 10 -8 M-Sa, 12-6 Su. for valuable information 323-654-8792 call for hours. / south Riverside Co.) 760-580-0745 See canorml.org for updated information Page 8. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 • Page 9
To San Fran
Oaksterdam
A walking tour of Oaksterdam The map on this page shows highlights and historic landmarks of Oaksterdam, the cannabis friendly district of Oakland California. We invite you to take a self- guided walk along its streets. Start at City Hall, on Frank Ogawa Plaza, head East on 14th to Broadway and turn North. Before you is Latham Square, with a fountain and the towering neo- gothic Cathedral Building at the Telegraph and Broadway split. Turn left onto Telegraph and you soon pass the now closed Fat Cat Cafe on the right-hand side. So dense were the G Medicann, cannabis clubs along the Te l e g r a p h - The Oaksterdam 1814 Franklin # 901 Broadway triangle that at one time the Map Key H Fox Theater, cafe had to post a sign telling patrons that A Bulldog Coffeeshop, 1850 Telegraph it was not a dispensary. Across the street is 1739 Broadway I CARE, the small three story building where the Four Seasons Hydro, 800 Broadway 420 Cafe operated. If you peer into the 1735 Bdwy J Paramount Theater, window you’ll see murals and a skunk The Co-op Stop, 2025 Bdwy 1733 Bdwy doll perched on a room divider. K Kaiser rooftop garden B SR-71, 377 - 17th St. Next you will pass a BART entrance center to the Co-op Stop that offers vapor- h o u s e where sail- L Lake Merritt Park and a few doors later is a yellow sign: izers, gear and ID cards for qualified indi- boats, paddleboats C Norcal MMJ boat rentals Recommendations, Lemondrop Coffeeshop. The Lemondrop viduals with valid documentation. canoes and kayaks M Green Medicine Group can be rented for a 1504 Franklin once had a candy store front and a dispen- Keep strolling south to 15th street, N Van Kleef Cafe D Oaksterdam Gifts, sary in the basement. A few doors later then turn East once again. On the South few dollars. You can 1621 Telegraph Ave. walk the trail around 405 - 15th St. another dispensary site wears paper signs side of the street is Oaksterdam Gift O Americans for E Post office, announcing its closure and a new location Shop, home of the Oaksterdam News. the lake and catch Safe Access (ASA), 1446 Franklin St for people to visit. Continue up 15th to Webster, and turn scenic vistas or rent a 1322 Webster # 208 gondola for a roman- F Frank Ogawa Plaza Continuing North you can’t miss the north past the YWCA to see the Green P Paid parking tic sunset cruise. massive, ornate Fox Theater on the left, Door dispensary sign in a tall-windowed in the middle of a costly restoration proj- building at 1521 Webster, covered with for ect. At the end of the block and across lease signs. 19th Street is a beautiful Art Deco build- Further north, you’ll turn left on 17th ing with gold trim and sylvan murals and walk west along the tree-lined street. painted in the windows. This is the Under a red canopy is SR-71, another licensed dispensary C A R E . It’s worth licensed and operating dispensary. walking along the building’s Telegraph Two other active dispensaries are fur- facade before you continue east on 19th ther out, one on Broadway and the Street to Broadway. Oakland Compassionate Healing Turn south on Broadway and on your Center at 578 W. Grand Ave. right you will see 1755 Broadway. This is Turn back east on 17th one block and the original site of the Oakland Cannabis turn left on Harrison, to the north. At 19th Buyers Cooperative where Jeff Jones you will see beautiful Snow Park to the first opened his dispensary on the fifth right and cut across diagonal to Lakeside floor on July 4, 1996. Drive and on the other side is L a k e Next door is the Bulldog Coffeeshop, Merritt. which once housed a cannabis dispensary. There is a walking path that leads into It’s a good place to take a break before the park surrounding the lake. going south past the Four Seasons garden In the park you can find the boat Page 10. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005
SUNNY SEATTLE — Clockwise from left: The “Seattle fog” rolls in over the 4:20 crowd gathered in front of the main stage. Above: The hemp education display was situated close to the Hemposium stage. Below: The Seattle skyline winked down on the annual cannabis reform event. Photos by Chris Conrad.
Fishbone, Keaton Simons, Shiftman Shift, Scott Law Band, and dozens more. The McWilliams Memorial Stage, dedicated to the late LA activist Peter McWilliams, was rededicated to include Two days of music, politics and cannabis, zero arrests San Diego patient and activist Steve McWilliams, who took his own life in the Seattle Hempfest draws 150,000 wake of the Supreme Court’s Raich ruling. The decidedly political aspect of the event was energizing, and on both days Initiative 75’s effect evident as Year of Education, and educational panel of music ranging from the reggae-rock the famous Seattle fog rolled over the police smile on the crowd discussions ran non-stop in the Herbivores and Jah Levi to thrash bands Hempfest at 4:20, as the crowd chanted, Hemposium tent near the hemp resources and the psychedelic licks of Leon “What do we want? Equal rights. When do By Tristin Coffman display. Hendrix. Zaphara’s Belly Dancers, we want them? Now.” Seattle police took City voters seriously Speakers included Mikki Norris, Chris and showed the cannabis friendly face of Conrad, Jack Herer, Debby Goldsbury, the northwestern port city this summer. Allen St. Pierre, Rob Kampia, Roger The annual HempFest gathering at Myrtle Goodman, Valerie and Mike Corral, Edwards Park on the third weekend in Dominic Holden, Bryan Epis, Jack Cole, August is both educational and political in Philippe Lucas, Steph Sherer, Jeff r e y scope, and has a healthy dose of entertain- Steinborn, Keith Stroup, Don Wirtshafter, ment thrown in for good measure. Sanho Tree, Scarlett Swerdlow and other “ D o n ’t just burn it, learn it!” luminaries of cannabis reform. HempFest organizers declared this the Four stages carried a continuous range Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 • Page 11 Dellums history shows long opposition to Drug War, support for cannabis reform
Continued from page 1 might recommend cannabis to patients. he was Congressman, reformers who were The others were Tom Campbell (R), active in the 1970s and 1980s, such as Nancy Pelosi (D), Pete Stark (D) and Gordon Brownell and cannabis historian Henry Waxman (D). He also signed on as Michael Aldrich, remember Dellums as a friendly backer and a reliable vote for reform. He sat on the NORML board from 1977 to 1986, and in 1979 was on it with “Dellums was definitely a Hugh Hefner, Peter Lawford, Geraldo co-sponsor of our bill to Rivera, Hunter S. Thompson, Ramsey Clark and Dr. Benjamin Spock. decriminalize marijuana.” Solid Congressional record — Former NORML director Keith Stroup Keith Stroup, NORML’s director at the time, said that Dellums “was definitely a co-sponsor of our bill to decriminalize a co-sponsor on Barney Frank’s “States marijuana, an effort led in the House by Rights to Medical Marijuana” bill, which Rep. Ed Koch, later the somewhat famous has been repeatedly introduced into mayor of New York.” Congress with growing support but has For more than two decades, Dellums not yet passed. voted against federal bills that encroached Ironically, the Oakland federal build- on civil rights and expanded Drug War ing that houses the DEA, where patients DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVANT — Secretary of Defense William Cohen (left) pre- excesses, such as property forfeiture and protesters repeatedly rally for mari- sented the Department of Defense Medal for Distinguished Public Service to Rep. against innocent owners; sometimes as the juana reform, is named the Ronald Ronald Dellums, D-Calif., on Jan. 28, 1998, in the Pentagon. Dellums was recognized sole voice of protest. H.R. 956, creating a Dellums Federal Building in honor of his for his outstanding service as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and $143 million pork barrel for prohibitionist decades of political service. his long standing advocacy of America's men and women in uniform. groups, was passed by the full House on Candidate Nadel and others back US DoD photo by R. D. Ward. May 22, 1998 by a 420-1 vote: Dellums. cannabis reform policies, as well After Prop 215 passed, the congress- race. Nancy Nadel has proved to be a good integrating these constituencies will figure man was one of the first five to sign Rep. Dellums fight for safe access is a stark friend to the medical marijuana communi- prominently in the discussion. contrast to the role of his opponent, George Brown’s (D-CA) letter to his fel- t y. Both she and Dellum’s successor, What is clear is that the peripheral Ignacio De La Fuente, the current Oakland low 51 California House members urging Barbara Lee, endorsed Measure Z during issues that led to the passage of Measure Z City Council President who in 2004 took them to join in a letter asking President the campaign, while De La Fuente kept — unsolved violent crimes, misdirected aim at Oaksterdam’s dispensaries and Clinton to refrain from imposing federal silent on the initiative that passed in a law enforcement resources, low-level tried to have them all shut down but one. penalties on California physicians who voter landslide. Candidate Dan Siegel also street dealing on corners, unemployment, Fortunately, his fellow Council mem- endorsed Measure Z, and other candidates lack of tax revenues for vital city services, ber, and also a mayoral candidate, Nancy for mayor have made it known that they and unequal treatment of subpopulations Nadel was able to cobble together a com- support reform but have not made it into a like cannabis consumers and ethnic Americans for Safe Access promise that left only four dispensaries key platform plank or actively courted the minorities — these issues will all be on the standing and helped spur on the Measure cannabis constituency. voters’ minds in June. A patient support network. Z campaign to regulate the city’s adult At a minimum, Dellums plunge into A candidate who can tie them together cannabis market. Phone: 510-251-1856 the campaign waters stirs things up and and show how cannabis tolerance can help www.safeaccessnow.org Dellums is by no means the only adds needed excitement to the mayoral solve these problems will likely find a cannabis friendly candidate in the mayoral race; but a city campaign will typically sympathetic ear from a solid majority of hinge on local bread and butter issues. voters who are ready for change. The situation in Oakland is somewhat Dellums brings experience, integrity, unusual, in that voters have overwhelm- and high hopes and aspirations to the cam- ingly called for a change of policy while paign in a city that is poised to break away outgoing Mayor Jerry Brown, the City from the status quo of business-as-usual Questions Council’s “old guard” and entrenched city interests and some hope that will in turn bureaucrats have stonewalled and blocked usher in a new era of progressive, populist the will of the voters. As Oaksterdam and leadership. Such a community appears to about the Uptown Arts and Entertainment dis- be ready to hear Dellums voice of hope. cannabis and trict emerge together, the importance of your legal rights?
Cannabis Yields and Dosage is the new book on the production and use of medical marijuana, including information on the language of state law and important court rulings that impact the way it is enforced in California. The new edition includes summaries of other states’ medical marijuana laws. A must-read. Cannabis Yields and Dosage By Chris Conrad This and other fine books are available from Quick Distribution 510-527-7036
Chris Conrad is a court-qualified cannabis expert, also available for • Investigations • Consultations • Declarations • Depositions • Testimony www.chrisconrad.com / www.safeaccessnow.net 510-215-8326 Page 12. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 Bay Area medical marijuana patient, Law enforcement officers LEAP caregiver, Jane Weirick passes on into the debate to support ending
Jane Weirick, 46, died peacefully and Jane was a leading advocate for Continued from page 2 unexpectedly on Oct. 25, 2005. responsible self-regulation of dispensaries Sweet, a sitting federal court judge who Jane was a tireless and dedicated and was known for her devotion to her found himself in the center of a firestorm worker for the cause of cannabis reform, friends, patients and customers. as a result of speaking to his wife’s club on known to many by her email moniker as She was a co-founder of the San effect of the drug laws in December, 1989. “[email protected].” Francisco Patients Resource Center at 350 Divisadero, which set a model for MMJ cooperatives in the city after closure of Dennis Peron's club on Market Street. “The crime attending the current Jane went on to found the Hayward distribution of drugs would cease; Patients' Resource Center, working suc- $150 billion dollars would be cessfully with local officials to establish restored to the economy; responsi - one of the first city agreements to permit bility for drug use would be pin - dispensaries to operate. She spoke sensi- bly and with conviction at numerous city pointed and assumed by the user.” and county hearings in the bay area and — Judge Robert W. Sweet had an excellent reputation with local gov- ernment officials. Jane had been incapacitated by a mys- “In that speech I expressed my view terious nerve disorder for the past year. that the use of the criminal law to deal According to her doctor, she may have with the drug problem was expensive, suffered an allergic reaction from expo- ineffective and harmful, both in human BOOK ‘EM, STAMPER — The cover of sure to a chemical, although the cause had terms and societal values,” the now-retired never been pinpointed. Norm Stamper’s book expressing why a Sweet recalled. The speech catapulted him police chief would favor legalizing drugs. Deepest sympathies are offered to Jane's to national celebrity status. Some 15 years husband, writer and musician Ray later, his opinions remain unchanged. The bastions of resistance remain the Carlson, her daughter, Jessica, and her “All drugs should be appropriately police and prison guard unions and sheriff, many friends and comrades. A memorial labeled; the criminal proscription on drug district attorney and narcotics off i c e r s is being planned but at press time the use should be ended; and drugs should be associations. While politicians may face details had not yet been announced. sold only to adults and only through BUD FAIRY — Jane Weirick, 1959-2005 off even the pharmaceutical, alcohol and licensed pharmacies to persons properly tobacco lobbies, all our men in blue need identified. The crime attending the current do is lock arms together to stop any distribution of drugs would cease; $150 reform. Now those special interest groups billion dollars would be restored to the face defections and an outbreak of com- economy; responsibility for drug use mon sense within their ranks. Making the transition from counter would be pinpointed and assumed by the user; the beneficial effects of medical To book a LEAP speaker contact, drugs — marijuana, for example — would Mike Smithson, Coordinator of Speakers culture to over-the-counter culture be achieved, and a reliable body of statis- Bureau
Americans for Safe Access 1322 Webster St Suite 208 Oakland, CA 94612 216 Laurel St. Phone: 510-251-1856 Santa Cruz CA 95060 Toll free 1-888-929-4367 www.compassionflowerinn.com Fax: 510-251-2036 831-466-0420 www.safeaccessnow.org
YOUR BUSINESS CARD SIZE AD COULD BE HERE — Now only $250 —
Call Jaime to arrange your ad. 510-836-NEWS (6397) And get a FREE online listing at www.oaksterdamnews.com Page 14. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005
CANNABINOID RESEARCHERS — Richard Musty, Mahmoud El-Sohly and Raphael Mechoulam were three of the researchers at the Leiden conference. Musty was hon- ored for his work on cannabis. El Sohly works at NIDA and runs the federal US medical marijuana garden at the University of Mississippi. Dr. Mechoulam identified THC and other molecules, and works at Hebrew University in Israel. Photo by Chris Conrad
International Association on Cannabis Medicines Scientific conference hears of tumor reducing effect from cannabinoids By Chris Conrad his work with Canna-Biz Chocolate, A prestigious gathering of scientists and which he and his wife produce and pro- researchers met in September in Leiden, vide to a number of multiple sclerosis suf- The Netherlands, where the International ferers in the UK. They monitor their Association for Cannabis as Medicine patients and saw significant alleviation of biennial conference heard first-hand symptoms. Shortly thereafter, police came reports of tumor reducing effects and other in and arrested them, shut the service benefits of marijuana and cannabinoids. down, took away their medicine and charged the couple with trafficking. Mark faces prison for his work. A court trial is “At 35 days after cancer planned for next year. Jorg Fachner compared topographic COOL DRYING — The Dutch medical marijuana program uses cannabis dried in the cell injection, the tumors EEG brain mapping changes of cannabis dark at a cool temperature to preserve potency and minimize mold. These large indoor in the treated group were induced and sound-trance induced altered plants are much more than a small “Sea of Green” type plant that may produce less half the size of the tumors in state of consciousness than 3.5 grams, an eighth of an ounce. Photo by Chris Conrad the controls.” Tumors reduced by cannabinoid — Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, et al. Research on the tumor reducing effects of cannabinoids were one of the and also against in-vivo tumor grafts in physicians Tod Mikuriya and David most exciting pieces of new information nude mice. At 35 days after cancer cell Bearman on the “Clinical improvement brought forth. The research, backed up injection, the tumors in the treated group and reduction of immunosuppressive drug Cannabinoids are compounds found in were half the size of the tumors in the con- therapy in cannabis treated patients with the cannabis plant. Endocannabinoids are with photos and measurements, showed that rats with large, induced tumors clear- trols,” they reported. HU-331 inhibited T- Crohn’s disease.” They reported that “The naturally occuring compounds in the cell lymphoma cell growth more than C r o h n ’s patients encountered by these human body that are similar in structure ly benefited from application of cannabis known anticancer drugs, including dox- physicians have been treated with a and effect to those in cannabis. derivatives, and not merely as an adjunct to chemotherapy. Researchers from orubicin, mitoxantrone and etoposide. variety of conventional pharmacological Much of the funding for the research Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel, HU-331 proved much less toxic than dox- therapies including steroids, other projects was funded by government agen- including Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, credit- orubicin, mitoxantrone and etoposide. immunomodulators and a number of bio- cies such as NIDA and were designed to ed as the discoverer of the THC molecule, logic therapies, including anti tumor look for harmful effects rather than health Promising review of Sativex led an international team investigating the necrosis factor.” Smoked cannabis was benefits, which skewed the information use of cannabinoids to treat cancer. Researchers from GW P h a r m a- found to be more effective in relieving somewhat. Nonetheless, significant bene- Dubbed HU-331, cannabidiol-hydrox- ceuticals reported on the company’s work Dr. Donald Abrams reported favorably fits and relatively few harms were yquinone was produced from cannabidiol with natural, broad spectrum inhaled on smoked cannabis therapy for hiv-relat- revealed. In fact, the marijuana smokers in and used to treat tumors in vitro and in cannabis extract. The medication, already ed painful peripheral neuropathy: results general appeared pretty normal when vivo, meaning both in petri dishes and also available in Canada, utilizes patented of a randomized, placebo-controlled clini- compared to the rest of society, based on on living mice. technology to ingest and regulate the dose cal trial. Dale Gieringer, PhD, gave an the reports that were given. without smoking by using a device similar “HU-331 shows very high effectivity update on the growth of cannabis medi- Not all research presented was govern- to the asthma inhaler. against human cancer cell lines in-vitro cine in the US: practice and usage in a ment approved. Mark Gibson reported on Their research concluded that the semi-legal regime. plant-based medicinal extract Sativex produced significant improvements in a Field trip to official gardens subjective measure of spasticity which Marco van de Velde discussed “Two Cannabis shown to help repair were maintained on long-term treatment years of experience with legal production with no evidence of tolerance. and distribution of medicinal cannabis in and regrow damaged brain cells California research the Netherlands,” and participants had an opportunity to take a field trip to the offi- By Justin Baker similar results working with veterans suf- Dr. Jeffrey Hergenrather presented a cial, government licensed cannabis nurs- A team of Canadian researchers reported fering from PTSD in the 1980s and sup- paper developed with fellow California ery of Bedrocan. Oct. 13 that cannabis use appears to spur pressed the results. the development of new brain cells in rats N o w, a team at the University of and to have further beneficial anti-anxiety Saskatchewan department of psychiatry in and anti-depressant effects. Saskatoon, led by Xia Zhang, may have While it has been known for more than found evidence the drug promotes new 100 years that cannabis does no dis- brain cells to form in the hippocampus Subscribe to Oaksterdam News cernible damage to brain cells, only in the region of the brain, which reduces anxiety past ten years have reports demonstrated a and depression. Delivery to your home / office in just 3-5 business days! direct neurological benefit. Zhang and his colleagues wrote in the Deluxe subscriptions include 5 copies of Oaksterdam News every November issue of the Journal of Clinical The results support the anecdotal quarter and your choice of one of our collectible O’dam jerseys or Investigation that cannabis appears “to be claims of thousands of patients, contradict classic tee shirts — black shirt with white letters (mention your size). the only illicit drug whose capacity to pro- decades of anti-marijuana propaganda Both shirts are unisex. Subscriptoins are $50 for one year. Just mail in duce increased ... neurons is positively used to prop up the foundering Drug War your payent to the Oaksterdam News, along with your name, address, correlated with its (anti-anxiety) and anti- and suggests more social benefits to be (e-mail and telephone optional) to: had by legalizing cannabis for adults. depressant-like effects.” The paper was Because many social drugs, including posted online at the Journal’s website. 405 15th St. Oakland CA 94612. Attn Subscription Dept. opiates, alcohol, nicotine and cocaine, Rats in the study were injected twice have been shown to suppress the forma- per day for 10 days with HU210 -- a syn- We will ship your tee shirts and newspapers within three to five busi- tion of new brain cells when used chroni- thetic form of a cannabinoid found natu- ness days after we process your payment. c a l l y, cannabis had been suspected of rally in smoked cannabis. This is equiva- Oaksterdam News respects your privacy and will never share any of your information. doing so in a form of “guilt by associa- lent to “a high dose” of smoked cannabis, tion.” However, researchers in Israel Zhang said, but given the variables of Visit us online at oaksterdamnews.com potency and cigarette size, he is not cer- found that cannabinoid drugs are helpful and check out our online gift ship. in cases of nerve damage and trauma. The tain how many joints it would take for a US Department of Veteran Affairs found human to match the dosage. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005 • Page 15 GGroetjesroetjes vvanan AAmmstersterddamam!!
GARDENS GALORE — Above: Soma’s female plants were almost ripe when we rolled into Amsterdam after the Leiden conference. The golden color is from the use of warm spectrum lamps that simulate autumn sunlight. Upper right: This cola isn’t fully mature, but already the resin is glistening Right: At the Sensi Museum Coffeeshop on Damstrat by O. Achterburgwal you can’t buy cannabis but you can drink a cappuccino and have a smoke in its cannabis friendly accommodations. Plants started from seed and by clones grow in the enticing entryway. Below, from left: Caren Woodson, Mikki Norris and Chris Conrad spoke at the Cannabis College.
for the price of a few dollars. It didn’t take Greetings from long to find numerous other small patches of cannabis cropping up in people’s patios, yards and even indoors, despite an official Amsterdam! policy that disallows the use of lamps to grow cannabis. By Tristin Coffman More plants were growing around the The trip to Leiden gave some Oaksterdam doorway to the nearby Hash, Marihuana regulars a chance to visit Amsterdam and and Hemp Museum. As tourists strolled its famed coffeeshops and cannabis gar- the canals, the friendly fragrance of dens on the way home. cannabis rose to meet them. The Cannabis College, located in the Coffeeshops such as the Gray Area historic red light district of the city, hosted offer their own unique menus with a selec- a talk by Mikki Norris of the Cannabis tion of cannabis bud and hashish. The Consumers Campaign, Chris Conrad of prices are about half that of comparable Safe Access Now and Caren Woodson of material in California and purchases are Americans for Safe Access. The Dutch limited to 5 grams per visit. Due to the were interested to hear about develop- acceptance of smoking as a European ments in the US. Their own policy, while lifestyle, coffeeshops still usually allow on not as oppressive as in America remains site consumption of the material. arbitrary in its application. After 30 years, over-the-counter sales In the basement of the College is a five of cannabis have become simply another plant cannabis garden which can be seen regulated business in The Netherlands.
Safe and Appropriate Recommendations Included in my fee are: • Consultation (45 minute first appointment; 30 minute yearly follow-up For a Safe and Effective Medicine re-evaluation) • Recommendation for up to one year (if the patient’s use of medical cannabis is Any patient with good documentation of ongoing care of their serious ill- appropriate under the California law and the patient has met all my other ness or symptom should obtain their recommendation from an experienced physi- requirements, which are described at the time of scheduling the appointment). cian, with a reputation for giving the best medical-legal consultation available. • Brief telephone conferences with law enforcement, attorneys, employee health I have been performing medical-cannabis evaluations since the passage of officers, etc, as needed, to verify validity of the recommendation. the CCUA of 1996, and I have successfully defended patients in court. More often, I have been able to help patients avoid legal expenses by speaking with law • Thorough knowledge of the medical and legal aspects of cannabis so as to enforcement, attorneys, employee health officers, and even judges on the phone, be able to testify in support of my patient in a court of law, and the or by writing authoritative letters. willingness to do so.
Frank H. Lucido M.D. My requirements are General and Family Practice: Your Family Doctor since 1979 designed to be most Medical Cannabis Consultant Since 1996 protective of patient’s Expert Witness for Patients and Physicians/Courtroom Testimony P H Y S I C A L health, and Lecturer on “Medical Cannabis: Medicine, Politics, and the Law” Founder of MedicalBoardWatch.com M E D I C A L - L E G A L health, Founder of AIMLegal.org and be MOST defensible to law enforcement. Dr. Lucido's published practice standards at: http://www.medboardwatch.com/implementation-of-7-year-plan.htm Page 16. Oaksterdam News. October - December 2005