A Fresh Beginning

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WestCoastLeaf.com ISSN 1945-221X • Volume 2 No. 1 Spring 2009 ENDING MEDI-MARIJUANA RAIDS “NOW AMERICAN POLICY”

AG Holder: Obama will end The federal Drug Enforcement Admin- istration (DEA) forced the issue onto the Bush policy of prosecutions agenda early when it raided a California By Bill Piper Drug Policy Alliance dispensary on the day President Obama AA freshfresh beginningbeginning In response to a reporter’s Feb. 25 ques- took office, then raided several dispen- tion, Attorney General Eric Holder said the saries on the day Eric Holder took office. US Justice Department will no longer raid Asked if such raids were going to con- medical marijuana dispensaries in states tinue, Holder said, “No.” “What the presi- where they are legal. His statement was the dent said during the campaign, you’ll be second time in a month that the Obama surprised to know, will be consistent with Administration indicated it would end the what we’ll be doing in law enforcement. unpopular Bush-era policy of arresting He was my boss during the campaign. He cannabis patients and providers. Candi- is formally and technically and by law my date Obama had said on the campaign trail boss now. What he said during the last year that he would end the raids. Please turn to page 6 CA ‘tax and regulate’ bill introduced Ammiano’s AB 390 would ment efforts to more serious crimes.” raise over $1 billion for State Ammiano’s bill would provide for licensed producers and distributors, who By Dale Gieringer California NORML director could sell to adults over 21. Producers California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano would pay an excise tax of $50 per ounce, (D-SF) Feb. 23 announced the introduction just under $1 per half-gram cigarette. Sales of AB 390, a landmark bill to tax and regu- taxes would generate additional revenues, late cannabis like alcohol and tobacco. bringing total tax revenues to $1 billion. TRANSPLANT SEASON — With a new President, a new growing season, new calls for reform “With the state in the midst of an his- Additional economic benefits would be and two TV specials promoting the West Coast’s cannabis ‘gold rush,’ 2009 is shaping up to be toric economic crisis, the move towards generated in the form of employment, an exciting year. For garden tips, see our story inside. West Coast Leaf photo regulating and taxing marijuana is simply business and payroll taxes and spin-off common sense,” said Ammiano at a San industries, like the wine industry, amount- Francisco press conference. “This legisla- ing to some $12 - $18 billion. Poll shows growing support for reform tion would generate much-needed revenue Last but not least, the bill would save More than half in West now Another Zogby poll question spon- for the state, restrict access to only those hundreds of millions of dollars in costs for sored by NORML asked voters whether over 21, end environmental damage to our arrest, prosecution and imprisonment of support ‘tax and regulate’ Obama should fulfill his election pledge to public lands from illicit crops, and improve cannabis offenders. By Dale Gieringer Cal NORML end DEA raids on medical marijuana public safety by redirecting law enforce- Please turn to page 8 A growing number of Americans — and a Please turn to page 7 majority in the West — support legalizing marijuana, according to a January 29-31 poll of 1,053 likely voters by Zogby Showdown looms in International, commissioned by California NORML and Oaksterdam University. US High Court appeal When asked: “Should marijuana be San Diego’s last ditch effort taxed and legally regulated like alcohol and cigarettes to help raise money for pub- to overturn medical access lic services and to reduce law enforcement By Chris Conrad West Coast Leaf costs?” voters responded: 44 percent yes, San Diego and San Bernardino stand on 52 percent no, and 4 percent undecided. shaky legal ground in their appeal to the Surprisingly high support was report- US Supreme Court to overturn repeated ed in the West, where voters favored legal- rulings they lost in both state and federal ization 58 to 36 percent. However, the sig- courts. The Court has not yet stated nificance of this margin is questionable due whether it will grant review. WINDS OF CHANGE — (Left to right) Aaron Smith of Marijuana Policy Project, Dale Gieringer of to the relatively small number of respon- The Court on Dec. 1, 2008, however, California NORML, and Steve Gutwillig of the Drug Policy Alliance stand by as Assemblyman dents (232). Easterners were nearly divid- refused to consider a similar argument in Tom Ammiano announced his bill to regulate cannabis sales. West Coast Leaf photo by Mikki Norris ed– 48 to 49 percent no — while other the People v Kha wherein City of Garden regions were strongly opposed. Grove police said federal law prevented Czar Struck: Seattle PD Chief may be stellar pick A similar Zogby/NORML poll in 2006 them from returning a patient’s lawful can- found only 36 percent of Americans sup- nabis. This means the State Court rulings By Dominic Holden thestranger.com one of the nation’s first and largest needle- port legalization, with 55 percent opposed. stand — local governments must obey exchange programs. Seattle IV drug users President Obama’s choice of Seattle WA Nationally, voters under 30 were particu- state law, despite federal law. That move have some of the lowest HIV-infection Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske as the next larly supportive, by a margin of 55 to 45 further weakened the San Diego v California rates in the country, but met with initial ‘drug czar’ to head the Office of National percent, suggesting that a majority could claim that federal marijuana law prevents antagonism. “Police would hang around Drug Control Policy looks at first like the emerge in coming years. Of older groups, counties from having to comply with the the exchange site and watch who came and same old beltway bull: Cops and prison Baby Boomers aged 50-64 showed the voter initiative or issue state-mandated went,” said Kris Nyrop, former director of time are the snake-oil cure for drugs. Like strongest support, 48-48 percent. medical cannabis ID cards. many Americans, the chief agrees that Street Outreach Services, a pioneering nee- drugs should be illegal. Some change. dle exchange group. However, since Kerlikowske became “Harassment like that happened rou- Hempseed foods becoming staple of diet SPD chief in 2000, he has been at the tinely up until the mid ‘90s,” but under Kerlikowske, “It has been a laissez-faire department’s helm while Seattle made By Adam Eidinger VoteHemp The poll found that people are reassured some of the most aggressive reforms to thing and the police basically leave needle A first-of-its-kind poll of people who eat that eating hemp nut or hemp oil products drug enforcement in the country allowed exchanges alone,” says Nyrop. hemp food shows that it is “a permanent bearing the TestPledge seal will not cause under federal law. He never stood in the The cannabis test: Arrests have plum- part of people’s diets — more than half of confirmed positive workplace drug tests. It way. And now Kerlikowske is poised to meted under Kerlikowske. When he took respondents said they have been eating also dispels any concerns regarding body become the most influential person in fed- office in 2000, Seattle police arrested 332 hemp foods for more than three years. and skin care products. eral government to set new drug laws. people for misdemeanor cannabis posses- Thirty-two percent said they eat hemp one The results were collected over a two- sion; by 2006, it had dropped to 148. Some What’s Kerlikowske’s record? to three times a week or more,” according week period and can be viewed online at of that decline is due to Seattle voters, who The needle-exchange test: The Obama to Hemp Industries Association (HIA) thehia.org/hempfoodsurvey. Not consid- passed Initiative 75 in 2003, which made administration has already identified this Executive Director Eric Steenstra. ered a scientific sampling, the poll sheds cannabis the city’s lowest law-enforcement as its most pressing drug issue. Last week, light on the quantities of hemp food people priority. Kerlikowske didn’t try to block it, The HIA released the results of an Obama gave US negotiators to the UN Internet survey of more than 1,550 people. eat on a regular basis. orders to reverse Bush’s block on needle and SPD told a City Marijuana Policy Review Panel that “officers [had] been ver- “This is important data because 10 years Authors of a report in the July/August exchange. He wants to allow clean needles ago there was not a single major hemp 2008 Journal of Analytical Toxicology found — in Europe and the US. bally advised during their roll calls that investigation and arrest of adults food brand and today there are at least a that eating hemp foods “should not Seattle King County Public Health runs Please turn to page 3 half a dozen multi-million dollar brands.” Please turn to page 3 Spring 2009 Page 2 West Coast Leaf New 40g decrim bill advances in WA By Alison Holcomb Drug Policy Director, ACLU of Washington Foundation West Coasterdam Report The Washington State Senate Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 5615, which reclassi- fies adult possession of no more than 40 grams of cannabis from a misdemeanor crime with mandatory jail time to a civil infraction with a $100 penalty that can be paid by mail. Canadian judge rules in favor of medi-marijuana collectives A video of the Feb. 18 hearing is posted at at TVW.org. To hear elected representatives engage in an open, historic, public discussion and debate of state cannabis laws and the A British Columbia, Canada, Supreme Court judge Feb. 2 struck down provisions of a fed- broader Drug War, scroll to the discussion of SB 5615 by clicking on the progress bar at the eral law to restrict the supply of cannabis to authorized patients. The decision held as bottom of the window. The bill next goes before the Senate Rules Committee, to put the unconstitutional a rule that a designated grower for an authorized person can grow only bill on the floor of the Senate for full vote. A companion bill, House Bill 1177, was referred for that single person, not for a collective. Justice Marvyn Koenigsberg also found the to the House Committee on Public Safety, where it has yet to be scheduled for hearing. defendant, Mathew Beren, who worked for Vancouver Island Compassion Society, guilty February 25 was the deadline for bills to be passed out of committee. of producing and possessing cannabis for purposes of drug trafficking, but gave him an absolute discharge for a ‘research’ facility. The court gave the national Parliament in Ottawa one year to fix the law before it will be officially struck down. Voter Power backing OR dispensary ballot proposal for 2010 Oregon medical cannabis activist group Voter Power and Students for Truth, a Southern OR University club, held a public meeting in Ashland Feb. 2 to discuss a proposed 2010 ballot initiative to allow dispensaries. Speakers included SOU professor William Hughes, medical cannabis farm owner Don Coon, founder of the Berkeley Patients Group Debby Goldsberry, activist and author Ed Rosenthal, retired nurse practitioner Claudia Little of Americans for Safe Access, US Supreme Court medical marijuana litigant Angel Raich of Gonzales v. Raich, and Voter Power executive director John Sajo, who also serves on the state Advisory Committee on Medical Marijuana. New patient union organizing to provide support and services The Cannabis Protection Union was launched by a group of Eureka CA patients with the theme ‘to form a more perfect union’ among various reform groups as a network of busi- WINNING SMILES — (Left to right) National NORML director Allen St. Pierre stands with winners ness interests, non-profit organizations, community and personal needs. The CPU, which of the Dec. 13 OMCA awards Paul Stanford, Andrew Hangerud, Madeline Martinez of Oregon issues member ID cards with benefits, has spread to ten towns and states, according to NORML, and Joe Jontig. Photo courtesy of Anna Diaz, Oregon NORML. spokesman Carl Stanley. An attorney first offered to give members free advice and court- High drama at 7th annual Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards room representation at half his normal fee; then a glassblower, doctor and local dispensa- By Anna Diaz Oregon NORML Richard Bayer Award for support of medical ry offered membership benefits and services. More lawyers joined, then three church con- The seventh annual Oregon Medical cannabis issues went to State Repre- gregations. The goal, said Stanley, is to have a chapter in each of the 13 states that have Cannabis Awards (OMCA), the ultimate sentative Peter Buckley, who was instru- favorable laws by the end of 2009. Info 877-420-0999 or online at cpu420.com cannabis event in the state, was held Dec. mental in presenting legislation to protect Palm Springs ordinance to regulate cannabis disrupts access 13 to evaluate 28 strains at the Ambridge working medical cannabis patients from workplace discrimination. Palm Springs became the first city in Riverside County to allow medical cannabis outlets Event Center in Portland, featuring a legal with a Feb. 18 City Council vote. The vote allows only two dispensing collectives within panel that included the OR Medical For the first time ever, the top three the city, and actually means less access for patients, since an estimated seven dispensaries Marijuana Program manager and provided winners all came from the same entrant, now operate there. City Attorney Doug Holland said his office is close to filing lawsuits CLE credits. The event now includes a fes- Paul Stanford, founder and CEO of the against two dispensaries and is gathering evidence against all five others. tival of vendors and demonstrations on the THCF Medical Clinics and winner of the subjects of medical cannabis, industrial 2007 OMCA Freedom Fighter of the Year Sheriff who trained his officers to disregard law steps down hemp and consumer cannabis. Nonprofits award. The strain Lemon Pledge took top After 14 years as top cop for San Bernardino County CA, Sheriff Gary Penrod stepped represented were THCF Medical Clinics honor, second place went to Train Wreck down as of Feb. 1. Advocates for cannabis reform are happy to see him go. In 2006, he and the Green Party as well as Oregon and third was Dynamite, to the credit of urged county supervisors to join San Diego’s lawsuit to repeal state compassionate use NORML. One of this year’s highlights was the staff and growers using Andrew laws. He boasted that he trained his deputies to ignore ID cards and arrest anyone with the sustainable fashion show. Hangerud’s grow tips. David Verstoppen cannabis. He frequently lobbied legislators and the governor to bloat state Drug War Allen St. Pierre, Executive Director of received honorable mention for aroma. budgets, supporting a bill last year to drug test state welfare recipients. Assistant Sheriff national NORML, gave the keynote speech A complete list of winners and data Rod Hoops replaced him Feb. 1. at the awards banquet. This year’s Dr. from this competition is at ornorml.org. West Coast Leaf Page 3 Spring 2009 WA bill would enable more health care professionals to recommend cannabis

By Martin Martinez*, Lifevine Doctors who specialize in cannabis rec- Senator Jeanne Kohl-Wells (D) of Seattle ommendations serve an important role for veterans and others who will never get WA introduced Senate Bill 5798 Feb. 2 to MONTANA CAPITOL — better implement the Medical Use of their primary physician’s authorization, Above: Heather and Marijuana Act of 1998. She and co-sponsors but experts believe that convincing one’s John Masterson and McCaslin, Keiser, and Pflug propose personal physician that the benefits of Angela Goodhope. expanding the field of lawful recom- cannabis outweigh the health risks is a Left: Tom Doebare with duty of responsible patients. Specialists a Patients and Families menders. If passed, the bill would add United presentation, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners, don’t have the same legal impact as pri- the first time live osteopathic physicians, and osteopathic mary MDs. The further away from a cen- cannabis plants were PAs to the category of state health care pro- tral urban area and the greater the amount shown at the state capitol in Helena. fessionals, along with MDs, who may rec- of cannabis involved, the more likely a Photos courtesy PFU. ommend cannabis as medicine. patient is to face legal problems. Joanna McKee has been helping Local authorities often blame federal Market for hemp is growing New head of ONDCP named laws for their resistance to medical can- patients since 1992. The most common Continued from page 1 Continued from page 1 complaint she hears is, “My doctor won’t nabis. However, a doctor’s free speech be considered as a realistic cause for a pos- for cannabis intended for personal use is to sign my recommendation. Do you know of rights are guaranteed under the federal itive urine analysis result.” be their lowest priority.” At Hempfest — any doctors that recommend marijuana?” Conant case, so physicians have nothing to where tens of thousands of people smoke McKee does know of hundreds of state fear. In time, most health care professionals The HIA estimated in November that the pot in unison — SPD sergeant Lou Eagle MDs who recommend cannabis for their will come to understand that the only prac- total retail value of hemp foods sold over told a reporter, “We are not out there to patients, but she is ethically obliged to tical difference between cannabis and the prior 12 months in North America grew enforce the marijuana laws.” respect their professional privacy. Physi- every other herbal product on the market is from $20 million last year to approximate- cians often face pressure from all sides and that thousands of studies and millions of ly $33 million this year. Hemp oil offers Cannabis patients who could still be tend to be very sensitive about this contro- patients all attest to its profound effects. two essential fatty acids in a perfect ratio, arrested, despite the state’s medical-pot versial subject, which is why McKee lob- * Martinez has been a medical cannabis advocate since his which doctors recommend as part of a law, have found Kerlikowske fair. Had he first arrest in 1996. More info at CannabisMD.org, healthy, balanced diet. Learn more about chosen, SPD could have maintained or bied for Senate Bill 5798 to open the “doors CannabisMD.net, and CascadiaNORML.org. of prescription” for thousands of sick peo- the TestPledge program at TestPledge.com. increased pot arrests. He didn’t. For ple who have difficulty getting that all- Kerlikowske, pot was his lowest priority. important medical authorization. Oregon bills aim to take patients’ jobs away The replacing enforcement with public services test: On that issue, Kerlikowske has By Anthony Johnson Voter Power Political Director Voter Power commissioned polling incubated a revolution. Seattle implement- Rosenthal appeal heard The Oregon legislature is again consider- firm Grove Insight in December to gauge ed two programs to get drug users off the the public support for a change to the By Jane Klein ing bills that will allow employers to fire or street before they get arrested. City Council not hire medical cannabis patients, no mat- OMMA that allows employers to fire or not Member Nick Licata passed legislation to “No one should be made a felon for doing ter where the cannabis use occurs. Three hire medical cannabis patients. The poll fund the project. “Gil could have stopped it humanitarian work on behalf of their com- bills (House Bill 2497 and Senate Bills 426 & found that only 32 percent of votes sup- from [getting funding], but he allowed it munity,” said marijuana advocate and 427) have been assigned to legislative com- ported the law, with 49 percent opposed. go forward,” he says. “He’s not saying we author Ed Rosenthal, who wants his feder- mittees despite evidence that cannabis Despite these facts, Associated Oregon should do away with the Drug War, but I al conviction on cultivation charges tossed patients have not been a danger to the Industries (AOI), a powerful business think he recognizes that it has not been a out. Oral arguments were heard Jan. 14 in workplace and that voters do not support lobby, is diligently working the legislature success and is open to other strategies.” US v Rosenthal by the Ninth Circuit Court such laws. for the right to fire or not hire a particular of Appeals over whether he was denied his He could be the drug czar to lift the fed- class of patients. Dan Harmon, vice chair- rights in his May 2007 retrial. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act eral ban on funding needle exchange, end (OMMA) was approved by voters in 1998, men of AOI, has toured the state among the medical pot raids in California, over- The case epitomizes the clash between but state workplaces have not become business and political leaders, touting the haul the nonsensical anti-drug commer- state and federal laws. Rosenthal was con- more dangerous. In fact, the most recent need to pass such bills, claiming OMMA cials, and seek funding for drug-treatment. victed in 2003 of growing and distributing statistics available, 2007, show private sec- endangers the workplace and signals a per- cannabis after being deputized to do so by The brilliance of Obama’s pick is not tor workplace injury and illness at the low- missiveness around substance abuse. His Oakland officials, as part of a city effort to just finding someone who is open to new est recorded rate in state history. The organization donated $16,000 to the re- promote safe, well-regulated access under strategies, but one who holds undeniable Occupational Injury and Illness Survey by the election campaign of Dave Hunt, the new California law. After the Ninth Circuit credibility as a cop. Nobody can claim Oregon Department of Consumer and Speaker of the House. overturned his conviction in 2006 for juror Kerlikowske doesn’t know the impact of Business Services reports that in both 1996 Voter Power and other reform groups misconduct, Rosenthal was retried and drugs on the streets. But he understands and 1997 — before OMMA passed — are countering this with grass-roots lobby- convicted in a second trial described in his the place for low priorities and public workers suffered work-related injuries and ing to ensure that the patients and citizens appellate brief as “little more than a long, health — and he’s willing to step back illnesses at a rate of 7.8 per 100 full-time urge their legislators and policy makers to drawn out, directed verdict.” where enforcement alone has failed. employees. By 2007, the rate fell to the all- follow the law and simply treat medical slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/02/11/czar_struc Please turn to page 6 time low of 5.1 cases per 100. cannabis the same as other medicines. k_obama_s_brillia Nova Medical Center Crop and Collective / Medical Cannabis Evaluations $ Co-op Certifications 80 First time Evaluations Grower and Collective $60 Re- Evaluations Compliance consultations Free-B-12 or Complex Injections Info@ mccdirectory.org / 7230 Medical Center Dr, Suite 607 [email protected] / West Hills, CA 91307 707-218-6979 San Fernando Valley • 866-580-3872 Chris Van Hook, California Attorney

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Spruce, Exeter CA 93221 ALL MEDICATED, ALL ORGANIC, ALL FRESHLY MADE, SPECIAL ORDERS, A.D.A. & LOW INCOME DISCOUNTS In accordance w/ CA Health & Safety Code 11362.5 559-592-0420 / 559-756-4246 *Must have a valid Dr.’s Recommendation Open: Monday–Sunday 9:30am-8:30pm Spring 2009 Page 4 West Coast Leaf ASA sues Solano County to issue ID cards Student conferences set to further drug reform By Kris Hermes Americans for Safe Access the obligations of counties to follow the By Jon Perri SSDP and successful campaigns, plan events, Patient advocates filed a lawsuit against state’s medical cannabis law. It’s a good time to be a student involved in and work with the media. One benefit of Solano County, CA in January for failing to “This lawsuit is aimed at forcing coun- drug policy reform. holding the conference in the Bay Area is implement the state-mandated medical ties like Solano to fully implement state Young people are optimistic that our the large number of reform groups and marijuana patient identification card pro- law and to stop denying patients their legal new President and administration will activists located here. Students can net- gram. State law in 2003 mandated that all rights and protections.” The suit follows bring some sensibility to US drug policy. work other SSDP members, as well as counties implement an ID card program to letters sent in August and October to warn With the White House stating that it plans groups like DPA, HRC, ASA and more. assist law enforcement and provide greater officials from Solano and 15 other other to end DEA raids on cannabis patients and “We’re so excited to be hosting SSDP’s protection for patients and their caregivers. counties of a lawsuit if they failed to imple- providers, young drug policy activists are first West Coast Regional conference” said However, despite a July 2008 decision ment the ID card program. seeing the change they helped create. The Rishi Malhotra, UCB chapter’s president. from the Fourth District Court of Appeal Forty of California’s 58 counties have administration supports needle exchange “We’re eager to bring members of the Bay affirming that requirement, Solano and programs. As a result of the letters and the programs, and VP Joe Biden introduced a Area reform community together for this several other counties still fail to comply. new court mandate, 11 additional counties bill to remove the crack / powder cocaine conference to help further the cause.” The lawsuit was set for hearings in March. (Alpine, Fresno, Kings, Mariposa, Modoc, sentencing disparity issues, on which stu- The conference also plans to kick off “Solano County cannot simply flaunt Nevada, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Siski- dent activists have lobbied for years. SSDP’s newest project, AMPLIFY: Artists its obligation under the law,” said Joe you, Stanislaus, and Ventura) have come Students for Sensible Drug Policy chap- Making Political Leadership Inspirational For Elford, Chief Counsel for Americans for into compliance or have pledged to do so. ters are mobilizing regionally this spring at Youth! It aims to connect musicians and Safe Access, the organization that filed the California law directs every county to conferences in major cities like Berkeley, artists with activists at our chapters to suit. ASA also helped litigate the landmark provide qualified patients and caregivers Boston, Tallahassee and Ann Arbor. develop a mutually beneficial relationship San Diego County v State of California. On ID cards that help law enforcement identi- The first SSDP West Coast conference that will further SSDP’s mission and pro- Oct. 16, 2008, the state Supreme Court fy lawful patients and caregivers to protect will be held April 24-26, hosted by the UC mote AMPLIFY artists at more than 150 refused to review the case, making clear them from arrest and prosecution. Berkeley chapter. Other chapters from CA SSDP chapters across the country. will attend, along with those from AZ, NV, Artists such as hip-hop’s Immortal SFPSP patrol officer supports San Fran dispensaries’ role OR, UT and WA. The conference will begin Technique, East Coast reggae stars Roots of By Chris Conrad West Coast Leaf during that time, none of his clients has with panels on topics such as “The Future Creation, and John Brown’s Body have of Medical Marijuana” and “What is Harm The San Francisco Patrol Special Police filed any complaints against him. “There agreed to work with the AMPLIFY project. Reduction?” agency provides a unique service to people were initially four cannabis clubs on my Rachel Antony Levine, a local musician and businesses that require a degree of law beat, but that number has been reduced to The following day will be more hands- and employee at the Berkeley Patients enforcement talent, expertise and training two due to public misunderstandings and on, with interactive workshops teaching Group, spearheads the project. that most private security companies do Please turn to page 9 young activists the skills to run effective Info about the Conference, ssdp.org or 415.875.9463. not offer, without calling on City police. The SFPSP has been included in the City Charter since 1847. Its primary role is that of public safety and law enforcement. “We provide police patrol services to individual businesses, private homeown- ers and associations,” said Officer Hanley Chan. SFPSP officers are not paid from the Police Dept. budget. They are retained by neighborhood merchants and residents, who contract the service and share the cost for greater security. “In all my years patrolling the cannabis clubs, no major problems have occurred, he told the West Coast Leaf Jan. 15. Similarly, West Coast Leaf Page 5 Spring 2009 LA dispensary draft ordinance is a shocker Patients oppose draft version 200 storefront collectives and cooperatives, focusing instead on tight regulations for By Don Duncan Americans for Safe Access collective gardens. The City Attorney Medical cannabis patients and advocates in maintains that sales of cannabis and store- Los Angeles joined City Councilmember front facilities are both illegal, and there- and LA Police Department veteran Dennis fore cannot be regulated. Guidelines pub- Zine in opposing a draft ordinance pre- lished by Attorney General Jerry Brown in pared by City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo. August 2008, however, clearly allow That plan seeks to regulate medical cul- patient associations to maintain storefronts tivation, but in the process would outlaw to serve members. Dozens of cities and hundreds of storefront dispensing collec- counties, including LA County, already tives now serving patients. The first draft have regulations for storefront facilities of the controversial proposal surfaced in that sell medicine to registered members. April 2007, but has been stalled in the city’s City staff attending the February meet- Planning and Land Use Management ing seemed reluctant to accept any role in Committee (PLUM) until recently. regulating medical cannabis collectives. The proposal regards all cannabis sales Police Commission Executive Director as illegal, even within a legitimate collec- Richard Tefank said he did not believe the tive or cooperative of patients. It seeks to police department could regulate collec- ban storefront facilities that provide medi- tives. Deputy City Clerk Konrad Carter East Bay NORML — A large turnout came to Oaksterdam University Student Union in Oakland cine, and sets onerous restrictions on law- Feb. 19 for the opening meeting of East Bay National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana said his department lacked the manpower Laws, a spin-off of California NORML, whose director, Dale Gieringer addressed the group as it ful cultivation. Advocates are calling on to oversee providers. Frustrated by the lack set about making plans for local reforms. Oakland City Council member Rebecca Kaplan was on PLUM to reject the ordinance and ask for a of city staff participation, Reyes reminded hand to express her support for the community’s wishes to increase the number of dispen- new version based on ordinances in other them that, “We are public servants and we saries, allow smoking on-site and edibles at the existing dispensaries, and encourage ‘Measure Z Clubs’ for non-medical adult sales or consumption. West Coast Leaf photo by Chris Conrad. cities and counties, and incorporating the have to do our jobs.” input of the ad hoc working group con- Reyes promised to talk more with city vened by the Planning Dept. in 2007. staff before the draft ordinance comes back Drug War centennial aptly falls on April 1, 2009 Councilmember Ed Reyes, who chairs to the PLUM Committee after a 30-day By Dale Gieringer California NORML the major consumers of ‘smoking opium.’ the committee, convened an unprecedent- continuance. Advocates hope the commit- The medicinal-grade opium used by most ed meeting of advocates, city staff, and law tee will reject the draft, so a new version Congratulations; this is the 100th anniver- Americans wasn’t yet affected. enforcement on Feb. 12 to discuss revisions can be created before City Attorney sary of the Opium Exclusion Act of 1909, the to the ordinance. Five advocates and more Delgadillo is replaced by his likely succes- first US law to prohibit a drug — namely Agents descended on the nation’s than 20 city staff members met for over an sor, City Councilmember Jack Weiss, in an ‘smoking opium.’ The Theodore Roosevelt Chinatowns, where addicts were initially hour to give him more detailed informa- election in March. administration enacted it to curry favor reported to suffer agonies from an opium with China, which had begun its push for famine. Before long, however, the black tion than he could gather from the short Weiss is considered even less sympa- opium prohibition by convening the first market set in and hop-heads turned testimony provided during the Jan. 27 thetic to cannabis, although his departure international anti-drug conference on Feb. increasingly to morphine and heroin. The PLUM hearing. Advocates from the city’s from the Council may clear the way for 1, 1909 in Shanghai. As a gesture of Ameri- OEA set the stage for stronger measures, former working group submitted an eight- long-time medical cannabis supporter Paul can good faith, Congress enacted the OEA and Congress went on to enact stringent page report and copious attachments Koretz to be elected in his place. Feb. 9, making it illegal to import opium control of all narcotics in the Harrison Act of detailing shortcomings in the proposal. For more information about the draft ordinance in Los The draft ordinance ignores more than Angeles, visit AmericansForSafeAccess.org/LAordinance for non-medicinal purposes as of April 1, 1914, that led to our modern quagmire. 1909. Following the OEA, stories of drug Thus April Fools’ Day marks the real crime and violence became an increasing Suit filed to compel San Bernardino County to issue ID cards anniversary of the start of the US Drug staple of the news. A century later we take By Lanny Swerdlow, R.N. Bledsoe War; when US Customs began to enforce the propaganda campaigns for granted, Medical marijuana patient Scott Bledsoe of said that his the first prohibition of an ‘illicit’ drug. not remembering that there was a time lawsuit seek- Crestline does not want to live in fear of The law mainly impacted the Chinese, when they were virtually unknown. being arrested for legally using cannabis as ing a court recommended by his doctor. He’s decided order to com- to do something about it. pel the coun- Snags hit state ID card processing in Orange Co. Accompanied by attorney J. David ty to issue the Nick and Blesdoe By Kandice Hawes and OC Norml OCHD staff with this issue they insisted Nick and local cannabis patients and advo- state cards is a last resort. Photo courtesy of The Orange County Health Department they may issue cards before receiving back cates, Bledsoe filed a lawsuit Jan. 5 to com- Lanny Swerdlow (OCHD) has been issuing state identifica- the paperwork, and they have the right to pel San Bernardino County to start issuing Patients and tion cards to cannabis patients since cancel a card at any time if the physician’s the state-mandated medical cannabis ID advocates have spoken to the Supervisors January 2008. Patients who supported this paperwork was not received later. cards and to stop arresting, prosecuting numerous times asking them to drop their ID card program hoped it would provide Another issue is that OCHD staff take a and imprisoning lawful patients. legal challenges and issue the ID cards. “Those attempts have fallen on deaf more protection and be able to clearly iden- patient’s fee and start processing paper- In conjunction with their thrice-failed tify legitimate patients to law enforcement. work with no regard to when the approval lawsuit to overturn California’s pioneering ears. A sick person should not have to fear arrest from a lawless and rogue sheriff who Recently problems in the processing of expires on its face. In a few cases, patients medical cannabis law, the San Bernardino patients’ paperwork have been exposed. have renewed their recommendation based Board of Supervisors ordered the County has decided that his personal bias should Working at a physician’s office and on the date of their ID card, not their physi- Health Dept. to not issue state-mandated be above the law that the citizens put in with OCHD regularly, there have been sev- cian’s paperwork, which later may create ID cards. State law allowing medical use place 12 years ago,” says Bledsoe. eral incidents where the Department office problems for the medical staff. requires patients to have this card in their Nick points out that the filing of this in Orange County and Riverside have The Medical Marijuana Program ID possession to not be subject to arrest for lawsuit is ‘a shot across the bow’ as “public issued state ID cards to patients before the Card should be operated with the same certain cannabis related activities. officials need to understand that the move- ment is well-organized and well-represent- physicians’ verification paperwork had standards as any other government pro- Without the card program in place, been returned. gram. Patients should try to apply for their Sheriff Deputies can and do arrest legal ed. These lawsuits will continue to be filed The OCHD had released the ID card to MMIP Card as close to the date of their rec- patients. “San Bernardino has denied pro- until we have obedience to the rule of law.” the patient whom they had not yet verified ommendation as possible to try to avoid tection to sick people,” said Bledsoe, who For information on Inland Empire meetings, events and action go to marijuananews.org or call 760-799-2055. as a current patient. Upon confronting any confusion or problems. uses cannabis for a variety of symptoms. Patient ID Center “NO ONE BELONGS IN JAIL FOR MARIJUANA!” Now two convenient locations: The Law Offices of Oakland and Los Angeles BRUCE M. MARGOLIN, ESQ. We issue secure Photo-ID cards THE NATION’S FOREMOST AUTHORITY to cannabis patients and caregivers ON DRUG AND MARIJUANA LAW with a physician’s recommendation. Available to represent clients throughout California.

35-year NORML Director Superior Criminal Defense FREE growing classes for all members PLUS discounts in our Hemp store! All State and Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year Federal Charges. BUSTED? QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? Call 1-800-420-LAWS (5297) 8749 Holloway Drive West Hollywood CA 90069 1800420laws.com — At the SUNSET STRIP — The Margolin Guide to Marijuana Laws is free to California residents. Call for a free copy of the (310) 652-0991 Margolin Guide. Download a PDF of the Margolin Guide, available at the above website. Spring 2009 Page 6 West Coast Leaf DEA raid on Estes sent protests to White House Years after Will Foster was released and left state, OK still wants him By Dale Gieringer California NORML Director paid over $51,000 in sales taxes to the state Oklahoma is not OK for cannabis patients In the first DEA medical marijuana raid of in the past three months,” he says. By Mikki Norris Human Rights and the Drug War “I am disturbed that a federal warrant the Obama administration, just two days Last May, DEA agents raided Estes and Oklahoma is one of the worst states to get had been obtained to circumvent after the inauguration, agents raided Ken forced him to close two other dispensaries caught with marijuana. Just ask Will Foster. California law, and am outraged that the Estes’ collective in North Lake Tahoe. in San Mateo and Clearlake, leaving a path He was the prisoner featured in the book, officers staged photos to manipulate the The raid set off a firestorm of protest of destruction in their wake. Shattered Lives: Portraits from America’s Drug evidence to use against Susie and her child from medical cannabis advocates, who Estes, 44, credits medical cannabis with War, who received a 93-year sentence in and to weaken Will’s resolve,” said Mary bombarded the White House hotline with giving him gainful employment. that state for growing a small, Pat Jacobs, a local resident and caregiver. phone calls asking the President to respect “I was proud of myself to get off wel- indoor garden to treat his his pledge to end the raids. Complaints fare, off disability, and to start paying rheumatoid arthritis. Due to Fortunately for Mueller, about the raid were reportedly the number taxes,” he says. Estes blames the San public outcry he was able to get her case has been dismissed one topic on the White House Hotline. Francisco DEA office for targeting him, his sentence reduced to 20 years and she got her daughter Estes, a quadriple- saying that local police have given him no on appeal and was released in back, but Foster’s woes con- gic and single parent trouble. 2001 after serving 4.5 years of tinue. Realizing that the his sentence in prison. marijuana charges are weak, who has been the tar- DEA raids have cost the state millions the state has offered him a get of repeated raids, in sales tax revenues, according to records However, Oklahoma isn’t misdemeanor for pleading said the DEA “is collected by California NORML. In addi- done with Foster yet. Even Will Foster guilty to the possession of depriving our econo- tion, they have deprived the state of hun- though he successfully complet- the small amount of the other drugs found. my of jobs and taxes.” dreds of taxpaying jobs, contributed to ed and was released from California super- For anyone else facing these charges and Estes said that criminality, and discouraged development vision two and a half years after moving to who had already been imprisoned for 11 DEA not only closed of a legally regulated market. the Bay Area, the parole board issued a warrant to get him back to serve more time months, this would be the end, and they his business, it took his On Feb. 3, the DEA raided four more Ken Estes for a supposed mistake they made calculat- would be free to go home. car and money and dispensaries in the LA area, setting off ing the length of his parole. Claiming his innocence, Foster is not threatened to take his more protests. Meanwhile, Foster has been sitting in willing to take the deal. He’d rather take home and children. “I’m a contributing The next day, White House spokesman Sonoma County jail since March 2008, fol- his chances at trial, starting with a chal- member of society, creating jobs and pay- Nick Shapiro announced that the adminis- lowing a raid of his garden in his garage at lenge to the search warrant, which was ing taxes,” says Estes, “but the DEA keeps tration would end the raids, explaining his Santa Rosa home by a joint task force of issued by a federal judge with a standard taking my stuff.” that time would be needed to phase in new DEA and local county law enforcement, that does not recognize medical cannabis, Last December, the DEA forced Estes to personnel. The DEA and many DOJ offices despite knowing he was a medical canna- unlike California’s, which does. close what had been the only operating dis- remain in the hands of Bush-administra- bis patient. By all measures, Foster was in To make matters worse, the DEA agent pensary in Contra Costa county, Holistic tion holdovers pending new appoint- compliance with local guidelines for a rela- along with Task Force agents Chris Bertolli Solutions. “I had nine employees and had ments, which can take months to fill. tively small garden with recommendations and Andy Cash volunteered to escort him for six patients. However, the task force back to OK and to testify that he was culti- Rosenthal continues crusade to clear his name in Fed court had it out for him. They not only arrested vating. Since there is no medical cannabis Continued from page 3 unlawful conspiracy. his girlfriend, Susie Mueller, but also took defense in OK, Foster would be at the In Rosenthal’s recent second appeal, his • Whether trial judge Charles Breyer away her five-year-old daughter, placing mercy of the same parole board that issued attorneys argued that defendants have a denied Rosenthal’s constitutional right to her in child protective custody for a time. the false warrant to make him return. fundamental right to present a complete testify in his own defense when he ruled “Andy Cash, one of the narcotics offi- Foster could be sent back to prison until and effective defense in cases where there that Rosenthal could testify, but without cers, seemed mad that the DEA did not 2025. It’s time for more public outcry. is a conflict between state and federal law. witnesses to corroborate his claims. want the case,” Mueller said. “We heard Trial is expected to begin on April 17, and Foster could use community support. Please call Jacobs at 707-847-3744 or check out Lead attorney Michael Clough will ask the Rosenthal was originally arrested in him say he was not leaving until he found medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com for updates on his case and to con- appellate panel to decide: 2002 with several others in federal raids something. Then a few minutes later he firm court dates. Donations to his legal defense are greatly appreci- ated. Make out checks to “Chris Andrian, Attorney” and send to • Whether the jury should have been timed to coincide with a San Francisco came out laughing saying he found meth Jacobs, PO Box 196, Jenner, CA 95450. allowed to hear evidence that Rosenthal speech by DEA Director Asa Hutchinson. and ‘ecstasy’ (MDMA). But he wouldn’t acted on a good faith belief that he had He was convicted a year later. The majority show it to any of us, and he refused to take DEA tested Obama’s resolve been deputized by the City of Oakland. of jurors, however, recanted the next day, any hair samples, blood test or any kind of Continued from page 1 • Whether he should have been allowed setting off another flurry of press coverage. drug test at all from us that would prove a defense based on mistake of law. The Rosenthal trial and its aftermath gen- we don’t use those drugs.” campaign is now American policy.” In a statement a few weeks ago, a White • Whether he should have been allowed erated major news House spokesperson said, “The President to offer testimony by Oakland officials to media coverage. believes that federal resources should not refute allegation that he was involved in an Info at GreenAid.com be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to OMAR fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies FIGUEROA with that in mind.” ATTORNEY AT LAW Medical cannabis raids intensified under former-President George W. Bush, COMPLIMENTARY with more than 100 paramilitary-style CASE raids, new indictments, and letters threat- CONSULTATION. ening property owners who rent to medical Years of experience cannabis facilities with prosecution and defending growers, patients, caregivers and members of civil asset forfeiture. collectives/ cooperatives in CA and Fed courts. Americans for Safe Access members Graduate of Yale University, and other cannabis advocates responded Stanford Law School and Trial Lawyers College. with thousands of phone calls to the White House, asking the President to fulfill his 415-986-5591 or repeated campaign pledges not to use fed- 510-649-0420 eral resources to interfere with state med- [email protected] ical cannabis laws. ASA, the nation’s • [email protected] • omarfigueroa.com largest medical cannabis advocacy organi- zation, sent policy recommendations aimed at harmonizing federal and state law and encouraging research to President Obama and Congress earlier this year. “Within 24 hours of taking office, Obama signaled his administration would eliminate the crack/powder cocaine sen- tencing disparity and support federal funding for syringe exchange programs,” said Ethan Nadelmann executive director of the Drug Policy Alliance. “Now his attorney general is saying the Admin- istration will let states set their own cannabis policies. While certainly not a high priority, it seems clear that the President wants to treat drug use as a health issue, not a criminal justice issue.”

Remember the next deadline for West Coast Leaf is May 18, 2009. West Coast Leaf Page 7 Spring 2009 Cop can’t count, judge won’t release patient Advantages of outdoor organic bear a good look By Vanessa Nelson medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com quotes Bearden’s wife as saying that her By Bud King husband shared his yield with other For John Bearden, the fight over imple- With the proliferation of hydroponics patients. Deputy DA Julie Underwood menting California’s medical marijuana shops urging people to set up their own insisted this was evidence of distribution law is a treacherous one. The mild-man- indoor grow rooms, and local authorities activity not covered by the marijuana laws. nered grandpa is being prosecuted by implementing regulations banning out- “I would argue that the Solano County for nine plants door cannabis gardens due to odor, it is Compassionate Use Act does confiscated from his garden time to take a closer look at the benefits of not even apply here,” back in August 2007. organic outdoor-grown cannabis. Underwood said. A doctor’s recommenda- The key driver of photosynthesis is Prosecuting a nine-plant tion for cannabis didn’t pre- light, so no matter how perfect the fertiliz- medical garden may seem vent Bearden from being er mix, grow medium, and environment, like waste of resources, but arrested, nor did it prevent growth is still limited to the amount of that argument falls on deaf him from being hit with light available. One kilogram of coal makes sun handles all that power and more in ears in Solano County. In fact, felony charges in state court. about 2 kwh of electricity, so a single 1000 wireless mode. February’s ruling in the This Feb. 2, Judge E. watt lamp will require 500 kilos of coal — Exotic hydro solutions that are urea- Bearden case came just weeks Bradley Nelson ruled that a about a half-ton (or 400 pounds of natural based go to great lengths trying to provide after the advocacy group trio of possession and cultiva- gas) to power it for one cycle. thousands of minerals and nutrients that John Bearden Americans for Safe Access tion counts against Bearden High wattage lights, ventilation, occur naturally in healthy soil. Urea is would stick. filed a lawsuit against the derived from petroleum and natural gas. county for refusing to issue state-mandated pumps, fans and other electrical devices all The decision relied on the opinion of Healthy soil has the full package of nutri- medical cannabis identification cards. need adequate electrical wiring beyond sheriff’s detectives, who testified that that normally found in homes. Most 110- ents and trace minerals required for The Board of Supervisors voted against Bearden possessed nine plants, a half-gram volt residential circuits are rated at 15 healthy plant growth. implementing the ID card program in 2006, of processed bud and a quarter-gram of Amps and are quickly overloaded with Pests are a fact of garden life, and syn- despite public pleas from Bearden and hashish, for the purpose of sales. On the more than one grow light per circuit, creat- thetic insecticides have been linked to toxic other medical cannabis advocates. stand, the sheriff’s detectives said their ing potential fire hazards. Outdoors, the Please turn to page 10 search of Bearden’s home yielded indicia of “I remain very skeptical of any sales, such as plastic baggies, scales, a type- progress with the authorities in Solano Pioneering dispensary-chain operator sentenced to 5 years writer, blank labels and empty plastic con- County,” Bearden told a local newspaper. tainers labeled “For Medical Use Only.” He has grounds for skepticism, if not out- By Vanessa Nelson Medical Marijuana of America The West Hollywood location, called Defense attorney Bill McPike, however, right suspicion. While initial police reports During a hearing in early February, former the “Yellow House,” was raided by the Los presented evidence that the plastic contain- of his bust state that fifteen plants were dispensary operator Larry Kristich was Angeles Police Department in 2005, lead- ers were leftover packaging that Bearden seized from his garden, that count was fined $500,000 and sentenced to five years ing to the seizure of the chain’s bank obtained at an Oakland dispensary. amended to nine plants a week later. in federal prison. account and the closure of its facilities. McPike maintains that the inflated Defense expert witness Chris Conrad Kristich, 66, was the president of the Kristich was in Costa Rica when he was numbers were fabricated to justify arrest- testified that the plants were immature and Compassionate Caregivers chain of med- federally indicted in July 2007, but he ing Bearden. At the time of the raid, the many aspects of Bearden’s case point to ical cannabis dispensaries, which had loca- returned shortly afterward to surrender to default garden limits in Solano County personal intent rather than commercial. tions in West Hollywood, San Diego, US authorities. In early 2008, he pled guilty were six mature plants and 12 immature These factors include the small plant count, Bakersfield, Oakland, San Francisco, to a count of maintaining a drug-involved the trivial amount of processed cannabis, plants. That argument will likely be fleshed out as the case proceeds towards trial. Ukiah, and Alameda counties. Federal premises and a count of promotional the lack of luxury items and the absence of investigators claimed that Compassionate Or, perhaps, if plants continue to van- money laundering. Kristich has been sales records. He shrugged off the scales, Caregivers employed two hundred people, ish from the Sheriff’s storage rooms, the placed in a detention center in Los Angeles baggies and labels as “not unusual for grossed a total of $95 million and distrib- evidence against Bearden just might disap- to await assignment to a federal prison. medical patients.” uted over 15,000 pounds of cannabis dur- pear altogether. Send mail to: Larry Roger Kristich 33309-112, Metropolitan However, the police report of the raid ing its three years of operation. Detention Center, PO Box 1500, Los Angeles, Ca 90053

Baby Boomers, young people help grow Law Offices of Timothy E. Warriner Eric D. Shevin, Esq. support for future cannabis reforms Continued from page 1 Attorney at Law providers in states where medical marijuana is legal. Timothy E. Warriner Criminal Defense * State and Federal Voters overwhelmingly said yes by 72 to 21 percent, Attorney at Law • Northern Cal 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1050 with voters in all demographic groups agreeing. Sherman Oaks, California 91403 The day after the poll results were released, White Hall of Justice Building 916-443-7141 813 Sixth St. Suite 450 916-441-0970 f • Medical Marijuana Expertise House spokesman Nick Shapiro announced the adminis- tration’s intentions to end the Federal DEA raids on Sacramento CA 95814 warrinerlaw.com • Norml Legal Committee cannabis patients and medical providers. • Southern California Superlawyer • Winner of ASA’s Defender of Justice Award • Illegal search and seizure specialist

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When it comes to California medical marijuana defense you need an attorney “LA’s Dopest Attorney” experienced with handling these cases, Drugs, Cannabis, Medical Marijuana • Identity Theft • Vandalism • Fraud knowledgeable about the rapidly evolv- DUI • Prostitution • Warrants • Weapons Charges • Burglary • Gang cases ing law; someone who likes to win and doesn’t mind taking the time to do it. Exercise your right to remain silent, and call a good attorney: Allison Margolin, Attorney at Law EUGENE DENSON, ATTORNEY AT LAW • Profiled in The Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Daily Journal in 2006 PO Box 158, Alderpoint, CA 95511 • Studied implementation of Proposition 36 as part of Berkeley-Harvard Exchange Program • Free initial consultations. • Columbia University ‘99 • Harvard Law Graduate ‘02 • I have lived in Humboldt County for 28 years, and was a leader in the fight • Editor of Columbia newspaper: The Spectator against the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting abuses. • Attorney / Counselor member for the • I’m willing to travel to Northern California counties to defend you. (I’ve been Supreme Court of The United States of America in Del Norte, Siskiyou, Plumas, Shasta, Trinity, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Marin, Colusa, Contra Costa, Lake, Glenn, Nevada; even Los Angeles). LAsDopestAttorney.com Phone 707-923-4764 for an appointment 24-Hours On-Call Answering Service email: [email protected] • http://marijuanadefenselawyer.com/ 323-653-1850 • 1-888-DopeLaw Spring 2009 Page 8 West Coast Leaf Ammiano introduces cannabis regulatory bill Botanist battles Federal marijuana monopoly

Continued from page 1 that it flies in the face of current federal By Fred Gardener O’Shaughnessey’s Journal sensing a shift in the political winds, then State Board of Equalization member law. Supporters hope this can be overcome. The “final” DEA decision issued Jan 12 in gave Craker’s lawyers additional time to Betty Yee spoke in support of AB 390, say- “The final architecture of the bill has yet to the case of Craker v. DEA might not be final file a response to the “final” ruling. ing that it would save the state’s taxpayers be defined,” said Ammiano in a Feb. 25 after all. Lyle Craker is the UMass-Amherst The best-case scenario, according to some $1.3 billion. California NORML sup- interview on CBC’s As It Happens. “Accom- botany professor who applied in 2001 for a Craker’s longtime backer Rick Doblin of plied economic analysis for the bill, provid- modation is possible. It’s possible that laws DEA application to grow cannabis for use Multidisciplinary Association for Psyche- ed the bill’s text from a draft donated by may not be the same in a year or two.” by FDA-approved medical researchers. delic Studies, would be that “DEA decides former State Senator John Vasconcellos, Californians should contact their legis- After a three-and-a-half-year run- to reverse its final ruling and give Craker and also provides information about the lators to support AB 390; for info, see around he was turned down on the the license, before April 1 when the current bill at canorml.org. canorml.org. grounds that the nation’s one licensed Final Ruling becomes effective.” Also endorsing the Ammiano bill are grower, Mahmoud ElSohly, U Mississippi, Worst case? “We fail to gather sufficient Oakland City Council member Rebecca was meeting all the researchers’ needs. political pressure and end up having to sue Kaplan, Judge James Gray, San Francisco Fighting for their lives Craker appealed and after a few more DEA in the DC Court of Appeals, which Sheriff Mike Hennessey, the Drug Policy By Chris Conrad years won — in the opinion of the could take years, cost lots of money, and Alliance and Marijuana Policy Project. Dying to Get High: Administrative Law Judge who heard the give the Obama Administration a reason to Assembly Bill 390 would not alter state Marijuana as Medicine. case — but after another year-plus of do nothing until the litigation is complet- By Wendy Chapkis and medical marijuana laws. Patients and col- Richard J. Webb, NYU ‘review,’ as the Bush gang was exiting ed.... Unless there is a political decision to lectives could grow for their own supply Press, 272 pages. $22. stage right, acting DEA Administrator let research take place, we could bounce without paying any excise tax. Non-med- Michele Leonhart, issued a ‘final’ rejection back and forth between DEA and the Court ical growers would be allowed to grow up Sociologist Wendy of Craker’s application. of Appeals for Obama’s entire first term.” Chapkis and coauthor to ten plants for personal use. Craker, with legal help from ACLU and Doblin adds, “I’d say the worst case is Richard Webb examine Despite the increased taxes, the bill’s Julie Carpenter of Jenner & Block (working more likely, but that our odds for the best the hot medical, social and political issues sponsors expect the price of cannabis pro bono), filed a “motion to reconsider” case are improving. ... DEA is on the defen- surrounding medical marijuana through would decline sharply due to decreased that could extend the case until Obama sive and needs a new strategy.” the lens of the Santa Cruz CA patient col- pressure from law enforcement. appointees are running DEA. Caren lective, WAMM. The Wo/Men’s Alliance The federal monopoly on growing Woodson of Americans for Safe Access This is the first legalization bill to be for Medical Marijuana specializes in assist- cannabis for approved research has held convinced Rep. John Oliver (D-MA, whose introduced since state outlawed cannabis ing seriously and terminally ill patients. In back work in the US, but not in other parts district includes Amherst) and 15 co-sign- or “Indian hemp” in 1913. Since then, mil- addition to their personal struggles for of the world. For the most current informa- ers to send a letter urging AG Eric Holder lions of Californians have come to enjoy health and a reliable supply of medicine, tion, subscribe to O’Shaughnessy’s Journal to grant the motion. Leonhart, perhaps cannabis, despite some 2.4 million arrests. collective members must also contend with online at oshaughnessys.com. Although support for legalization is the federal Drug War and Reefer Madness- growing, there is little expectation that style punditry. Send the right message to children: The facts Ammiano’s bill will be signed this year. Dying to Get High captures events in a By Norman Lepoff, M.D. retired approved medical marijuana it would send Gov. Schwarzenegger has blindly vetoed meaningful context. Chapkis and Webb I have been doing research on cannabis for a bad message to our children.” It turns out bills opposed by law enforcement, which have written an important book that paints over 40 years. To earn my M.D. degree, I that our children are not as stupid as the strongly supports the status quo. “The last a probing portrait of cannabis as well as its was required to become an expert in phar- pundits and politicians think. thing our society needs is yet more legal prohibition. It does so without losing touch macology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, In 1996 when California was in the intoxicants,” whined John Lovell, chief lob- with the deeply human and personal expe- pathology and physiology. process of passing Prop 215, the governor, byist for the Narcotics Officers’ Assn. riences of people who live a nightmare but Recently, I read a newspaper diatribe in Senators Feinstein and Boxer, and the A major political obstacle to the bill is are comforted by an amazing plant. which the author wrote, “if New Jersey Attorney General all ranted that voters were being duped by ‘drug legalizers.’ DON’T BE They predicted an epidemic of abuse A VICTIM OF among children and young people. Adoles- cent cannabis use instead declined steadily. DRUG TESTING! The truth did and does not send a bad message to anyone. It is a scientific fact that cannabis is non-toxic, and has numerous medical indications but minimal psycho- logical dependence. Nobody ever died of cannabis usage, yet thousands become Protect your human rights! addicted and die every year from alcohol and tobacco. Those legal drugs are toxic — Clear Test — and highly addictive. Delirium Tremens 1.800.248.5655 (alcohol withdrawal) can be fatal. cleartest.com If we really care about our children, we will speak the truth, and act with reason. MCD Lawyer James Anthony

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At the time of planting, check your photoperiod to see how many Changing to a hemp-based economy could help Spring Fever hours of daylight your area pro- solve financial, manufacturing and water crises vides and use a light meter to By Samuel Janovici see how much light is avail- By Richard Davis USA Hemp Museum mists work to breed drought-resistant cul- tivars rather than low-THC strains. Spring gives us all a able. Indoor starts are an It is within the Constitutional power of chance to reflect and adventure in science and Californians to kick the hemp revolution California voters broke the 60-year discover something cleanliness. Wash down into high gear and free the plant to do its hemp prohibition with Prop 215 and freed new. Research is key. all surfaces with a bleach economic magic on the State. medical cannabis. The people must next Peruse a book, talk solution, clean or The regional capacity is enormous. free the whole hemp plant. with others, read replace containers and Hemp can be grown as a second crop on The voters could again do it directly by magazine articles review growing proto- 700 square miles of rice fields in California the initiative process, like Prop 215. The cols. Starts can be veg- about advances in equaling 448,000 acres, producing 5,000 legislature or governor could pass a bill or ged in 18 hour peri- indoor horticul- pounds or two and one half tons per acre. put a referendum on the ballot. The grand ods or less to be ture, check Internet That’s 1,120,000 tons of hemp that can be juries or courts could also initiate a due moved into natural resources. Don’t burned for electricity in existing or new, process hearing in the public interest. conditions, as low as fixate on dogma, regional biomass plants, or made into The state and global economic crisis 14 hours without paper, textile, plastics, building materials, there’s always a will not be fully solved until hemp is problems. You can auto alcohol fuels or any of 50,000 viable surprise waiting restored to its natural place in society. for you. Science force-flower an out- products that keep the money in our State However, the ‘big banks’ are part of the moves forward and door crop by drop- – the eighth largest economy in the world. ping a light cover over problem. North Dakota already has a state you should too. And that is just the rice crop; hemp it for 12 hours a day, bank that loans money to farmers at one When to plant or could entirely replace the state’s cotton but it’s a lot of work and percent interest. Proponents of cannabis to transplant? Timing crop — 451,000 acres in 2007 for another can easily damage a crop plant should consider the need for a Cali- is everything. Out- 1,120,000 tons of hemp. (In 2008, 9.5 million if it goes wrong. fornia State Bank, where we put our taxes doors, that means after acres of cotton were planted in the US.) and fees, and print our own debt-free state the last killer frost of Cannabis is very light- Half the state alfalfa crop planted as hemp Greenbucks* to finance our own recovery. winter. Sunlight is a huge sensitive throughout its life equals at least another 1,120,000 tons of consideration; location is cycle. Seed growers need to hemp. Hemp can help in a big way with * Ellen Hodgson Brown. The Web Of Debt: The shocking truth watch out for the development about our money system and how we can break free. 2008. everything. It’s never too early water savings, as well, especially if agrono- webofdebt.com. to plan your endeavor by plant- of males and pull them out quick- ing the area with ground-covering ly. Cloned plants may all be females, San Fran patrol officer sees dispensaries help the community plants and scented herbs that may serve but they have delicate roots, are touchy to Continued from page 4 delaying applications over trivial matters, you throughout the year. Consider color transplant and may morph into hermaph- while the Commission has demanded a contrasts and plant heights, too. rodites. Keep a close eye under leaves for encounters with law enforcement.” hidden pests. As the vegetative plants client list from the patrol special. Their stat- Look at your garden area carefully, Chan said the relationship is beneficial grow, consider your pruning and support to all. Dispensaries who contract with ed reason was ‘to make sure no one was walk around it more than just a few times, options. Spreading the branches early will being overcharged.’ Never has a complaint and study all angles like prying eyes or aer- SFPSP increase their security, add another give a bigger plant further down the road, been filed regarding our prices.” ial surveillance. Backyard gardeners in par- uniform officer to patrol the neighborhood, and a few larger plants fits the state prose- reduce the burden on city police, and cut Patrol Officers are trained at SF Police ticular must consider their landscaping cution threshold of six mature plants har- needs. Check to be sure your location is the risk that a minor issue at a dispensary Academy, or its equivalent, and have ful- vested per patient. For small gardens, con- will escalate into a major legal problem. filled Peace Officers Standards and Train- ideal — that no one can glimpse or ‘scents’ tainer gardening is a good option. Security Recently, SFPSP came under fire from ing (POST) requirements. During hours of your efforts. Flowering shrubs such as ole- concerns may demand mobility that open the SFPD and Police Commission. “What patrol, officers make passing calls to check ander and tall distractions like bamboo can ground just cannot afford. Terracotta, plas- they are doing,” said Chan, “is trying to the interior and exterior of a property and be useful, if not vital to success. tic or grow-bags all work fine. It boils put us out of business. The SFPD is deny- surrounding city streets to see that all is Whether you are a seed-and-go kind of down to personal choice, garden design, ing qualified applicants the opportunity to well. For more information, please contact person, an indoor gardener or an indoor- conditions, resources and politics. Moving serve as patrol specials by needlessly Officer Jane Warner at 415-559-9955. to-outdoors startup; take the photoperiod Please turn to page 19 Spring 2009 Page 10 West Coast Leaf Mendo proposal to tax medi-cannabis production By Pebbles Trippet MMMAB secretary apply the same standard to medical Marijuana is the unrivaled economic cannabis so as to benefit the county eco- engine of Mendocino County. It is now nomically? Gardens that are collectively or estimated that 2/3 of the county’s economy cooperatively organized should pay a land is derived from cannabis production — use fee for a growing annual income unregulated, untaxed and underground. stream, without any change to state law. The industries that once supported This would normalize relations with Mendo — fishing and timber — are hang- the medical cannabis community and ing by threads with severe unemployment. establish a needed income flow from small The recent collapse of Hargrove Lumber farmers to county coffers. It would rein in leaves 200 employees looking for work the law enforcement drive to arrest, prose- where there is none. What remains is a cute, fine, forfeit property, incarcerate and tightly regulated tourist economy, depend- criminalize lawful patients and caregivers. ent on outsiders, and the unregulated Under the de Vall-MMMAB (Mendo cannabis economy, dependent on local res- Medical Marijuana Advisory Board) idents. Since prohibition effectively organ- General Plan Update proposal, “Supervisors izes crime, increasing numbers of outside would begin regulating the legal produc- criminal elements are taking insidious tion of medical cannabis under specific advantage of illicit profits. land use designations with either a ‘use by Collectives and cooperatives, protected right’ (no permit required for individuals ) by SB 420 (HS11362.7), are the wave of the or by approval of a Minor or Major Use Permit for ‘collective cooperative cultiva- HIGH GRADE MEDICINE — Harborside is the first dispensing collective to test and post the THC future as an alternative to profit. The bill’s content of its material. Other details are available on request. The Medical Cannabis Safety goal is “to enhance access of patients and tion projects’ with a proposed plant limit of Commission is encouraging others to follow suit. Photo courtesy of Harborside Health Center caregivers to medical marijuana through under 99 plants to stay under the federal collective, cooperative cultivation.” radar. Harborside launches lab testing program The time has come to recognize med- Local regulation of cannabis is the citi- ical cannabis for its production rather than zens’ answer to economic collapse and Concentrates found to contain more CBD than do flowers prosecution value. The norm is to assess criminalization. Mendocino County would By Shiloh Brotherman Harborside CEO Psychiatry and the University of the City of businesses based on land use — schools, benefit economically and lead the way as a In mid-December 2008, Harborside Health London, in a partnership with the interna- chicken farms, day care centers. Why not regulatory model for the rest of the state. Center became the first dispensary in tionally renowned Beckley Foundation. California to offer laboratory testing of its The ultimate goal of the partnership is Benefits of outdoor growing have deep roots in natural world medicine. All flowers and concentrates dis- the development of a comprehensive data- tributed by the Oakland collective are now Continued from page 7 and it causes property damage that costs base to compile patient evaluations of test- laboratory tested for safety and potency. It health effects in humans; but perhaps more money to clean up and can lead to health ed medicine samples. This database could uses plate culture analysis to detect patho- importantly, they threaten the food chain problems. Even well-ventilated rooms can- one day identify the most therapeutically genic molds invisible to the human eye, Healthy plants resist pests and disease. not replicate the sanitizing value of dry air active components in the cannabis plant, which may pose a health hazard to patients While pests are present in an outdoors gar- and bright sunshine. and guide future development of cannabi- with compromised immune systems. noid medicines. Lady Amanda Neidpath, den, natural predators are abundant and Lights, fans, timers, tanks, pumps, con- Potency tests use gas chromatography/ Director of the Beckley Foundation, com- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) tech- tainers, grow media, special nutrients, mass spectrometry/flame ionization detec- mented, “It could very well be a scientific niques are more effective. property damage, and energy all cost tion to measure the percentages of three gold mine.” After a short beta phase at The powdery mildew challenge is sec- money. It can take several crops to recover major cannabinoids: THC, CBD, and CBN. Harborside, ALP will extend the testing ond only to aphids/mites for indoor the investment; one mistake or accident Harborside CEO Steve DeAngelo program to dispensaries, collectives, and cannabis crops. Fungus can attack during can result in a total loss or even worse, and greeted the program with enthusiasm “For growers state-wide. the growth cycle or when plants are drying may include costly property damage. With first time in the history of human cannabis or the harvest curing. Building mold also organic, outdoor-grown cannabis the only Results so far show that most of the medi- likes moist, warm garden conditions — cost is fertilizer, seed, water and IPM. consumption, patients have a scientific cine presented to Harborside is free of assessment of the safety and potency of pathogenic molds; but some samples have their medicine prior to ingesting it.” traces of the aspergillus mold — possibly The program is the result of a long and fatal to patients with very seriously com- painstaking development process, under- promised immune systems. Harborside taken in partnership with the Analytical returns to the grower all items found to Laboratory Project. The seeds of the pro- contain any aspergillus and any that exceed gram were planted at the 2007 NORML American Herbal Products Assn. standards conference, when ALP founders David for mold content. Harborside THC content Lampach and Addison DeMoura met life- has ranged from 5.18 to 87.60 percent long activist DeAngelo. (including care packages and concen- “Everybody we talked to said it had trates), with most flower varieties falling been tried before, but that it was impossi- between 15 and 25 percent, and most con- ble” said Lampach, “We never believed centrates between 20 and 80 percent. that; and when we met Steve, he agreed Levels of CBD, a cannabinoid of intense and encouraged us to develop the testing interest to researchers, vary markedly program. So we took the plunge and start- between flowers and concentrates. CBD ed purchasing equipment.” levels in flowers generally have been less Over the course of the next 18 months, than 1 percent, while concentrates — often ALP developed analytical methods in part- made from leaf material — have up to nership with a senior bio-chemist from one three times more. Because researchers and of the Bay Area’s most prestigious research some patients believe CBD has great thera- institutions. Additional scientific oversight peutic potential, this may be the most is provided by London’s Institute of important finding of the program so far. West Coast Leaf Page 11 Spring 2009 Spring 2009 Page 12 West Coast Leaf The Lab Bench A look at cannabis, CBD, and blood pressure Major HIV/AIDS research findings on cannabis Ask MedicalCannabisMD.com basic and clinical researchers are testing By Jahan Marcu* Germany and Spain investigated cannabis whole cannabis and its components for By David Ostrow, MD Promising research demonstrates that can- tinctures and found extracts that inhibited anti-cancer and anti-aging properties. This issue’s column responds to two relat- nabis could be used for neuropathic pain, HIV replication [3]. Denbinobin, a single ed questions sent in by readers that illus- Question 2: Is cannabis good for controlling inhibiting HIV replication, and fighting compound, was demonstrated to be most- trate the complexity of understanding how blood pressure? Since it can make your heart drug-resistant bacterial infections. ly responsible for the ability of the extract the 100+ active ingredients in whole beat faster, is there a risk of heart attack with to inhibit HIV replication. Denbinobin was cannabis use? A friend once passed out from Two clinical studies on smoked shown to directly interfere with a replica- cannabis produce different effects depend- cannabis for HIV neuropathy ing on the genetic strain, how and where it using cannabis while drunk on wine. It was tion protein called NF-KB (NF-kappa B), very scary and made me afraid to combine A study published by a research team which is considered a good target for HIV was grown and harvested, an individual’s sensitivity to these different compounds, cannabis with alcohol. at UC Davis Medical Center [1] was con- therapies because it contributes to a wide how much and by what route it was ingest- A: Any drug that can lower blood pressure ducted as a double blind, placebo-con- variety of cellular processes. trolled crossover study of 38 patients with ed and, as always, the setting in which it is in some individuals and at specific doses, HIV neuropathic pain. The Participants Cannabinoids kill antibiotic- used and what other drugs it may be com- but produce the opposite effect in others or smoked medicine with a THC content of resistant strains of bacteria bined with. To help answer these complex at different doses, is considered “biphasic.” seven percent or 3.5 percent. They were Multi-drug resistant and extremely questions, Sunil Aggrawall, PhD, has pro- Most often, this is related to dose — one scheduled for three 6-hour sessions, which drug-resistant forms of bacteria have creat- vided most of the following information phase of the drug effect predominates at were separated by at least 3 days. Their ed a strong demand for new antibacterial from his recently completed thesis on The lower doses while the other phase predom- pain was significantly alleviated and the drugs. In the US such strains are causing Medical Geography of Cannabinoid Botanicals inates at higher doses. But with whole in Washington State: Access, Delivery, and side effects were well tolerated. more deaths each year [4]. cannabis, we are dealing with over 100 Distress, available at sunilaggarwal.net. active compounds, so it is difficult to Another study was conducted and Developing a new antibacterial is very Question 1: What is Cannabidiol (CBD) and impossible to predict what dose will have published by researchers at UC San Diego challenging. Only one has been introduced do its effects on the body differ from THC? [2]. This study began with 34 patients who in the last 30 years. The antibacterial effects what effect beforehand. Your friend who were not responsive to other pain medica- of cannabinoids have been documented for A: There are over 100 compounds in whole passed out was probably reacting more to tion. Over the course of the study, partici- over 50 years, inspiring researchers in Italy cannabis — including at least 108 different the wine they consumed than to the pants received both real and placebo ciga- to re-examine the effects of cannabinoids cannabinoids (which, structurally, are 21- cannabis. When used alone, cannabis usu- rettes. The THC content ranged from one to on these new and more dangerous forms of carbon terphenophenolics), flavonoids, ally causes a mild increase in heart rate eight percent and was smoked four times bacteria. The research team found that the sesquiterpenoids, and phytosterols — all (tachycardia) and an insignificant rise in daily for five days. Treatment phases were five most common cannabinoids THC, pharmacologically active to varying blood pressure. interrupted by two weeks of no medica- CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN had potent anti- degrees. A good general rule is that indica However, persons with a variety of tion. The patients continued to use their bacterial effects. The authors conclude that strains produce more CBD, and are better heart conditions, particularly those with regular pain medication during the whole mixtures of cannabinoids could also be for chronic bodily pain and sedation; while irregular heart rhythms (dysrhythmias) or study. The team found that 46 percent of used as cheap and biodegradable antibac- sativa strains produce more THC and are uncontrolled abnormal blood pressure, can the 28 patients in the study gained pain terial agents. better for antidepressant and energizing experience more severe changes in heart effects. But, as indicated above, these are relief of more than 30 percent. These stud- * Email: [email protected] rate and blood pressure from cannabis, and ies follow previous research findings on Source notes for the above: only the two best-studied components of thus should consult with their cardiologist the same topic (Abrams et al. 2007). 1. Wilsey, B., et al., ‘A randomized, placebo-controlled, whole cannabis and the actual properties (who, hopefully, is knowledgeable about crossover trial of cannabis cigarettes in neuropathic pain.’ and effects of a particular strain or prepara- the pharmacology of cannabis) before Cannabis-extract component J Pain, 2008. 9(6): p. 506-21. tion, such as hash or kief, may depend 2. Ellis, R.J., et al., ‘Smoked medicinal cannabis for neuropath- using it. While there are no reported deaths inhibits HIV replication ic pain in HIV: a randomized, crossover clinical trial.’ more on the interplay between the total set due to cannabis use, there have undoubt- Neuropsychopharmacology, 2009. 34(3): p. 672-80. of active ingredients — what Dr. Ethan Research efforts to find new HIV treat- edly been persons whose abnormal blood 3. Sanchez-Duffhues, G., et al., ‘Denbinobin, a naturally Russo calls the “entourage effect.” ments often focus on viral particles that are occurring 1,4-phenanthrenequinone, inhibits HIV-1 replica- pressure or heart rhythm was worsened by essential for HIV replication. Plant-derived tion through an NF-kappaB-dependent pathway.’ Biochem That is why medicinal cannabis users it. This can rarely, if not recognized, lead to natural products are emerging as potent Pharmacol, 2008. 76(10): p. 1240-50. often find relief from not just depression or 4. Appendino, G., et al., ‘Antibacterial cannabinoids from a heart attack, stroke or even death. anti-HIV compounds which can interfere Cannabis sativa: a structure-activity study.’ J Nat Prod, 2008. pain, but also inflammation, nausea/vom- Please send your questions to [email protected], and we will with viral particles. Researchers from 71(8): p. 1427-30. iting, and muscle spasticity. In addition, endeavor to answer them in future columns. West Coast Leaf Page 13 Spring 2009 Phelps is another great role model for cannabis By Paul Armentano* NORML Editorials and Commentary Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps joins a growing list of successful Americans who enjoy marijuana during their down time. This tabloid news story made international Medical marijuana amnesty now headlines. Phelps is hardly alone in his There seems to have come a shift. The amazing scene of President Obama following herbal inclinations. According to national through on his campaign promises is chronicled in the pages of this issue of the West Coast and federal surveys, nearly one out of two Leaf. The end of federal medical marijuana raids here will finally allow communities to get Americans have tried weed. past the fear of a federal crackdown and regulate cannabis responsibly. However, ending Consumers include people from all the raids does not end the suffering of providers already in prison: Dustin Costa, Ricardo walks of life. America’s current President Montes, Luke Scarmazzo, Stephanie Landa, and others. Nor does it block the sentencing said he smoked cannabis regularly as a of providers, like Charles Lynch, Eddy Lepp, Brian Epis, and others. young man. Supreme Court Justice President Obama should adapt one of President Lincoln’s key moves after the Civil Clarence Thomas, former Vice President Al War: Issue a general amnesty for all intrastate medical cannabis cases and order the DEA Gore, former Republican House Speaker to end its raids in all medical marijuana states. While he’s at it, he should also tell DEA to Newt Gingrich, California Governor license ND farmers and allow the Lakota Nation to grow industrial hemp. That will enable Arnold Schwarzenegger, and astronomer states and localities to better regulate medical sales and consider other reforms. Carl Sagan all admitted cannabis use. The issue of cannabis amnesty grows all the more critical, from both the state and According to the US government, 70 The British tabloid News of the World national perspectives. The Feds might limit it to medical marijuana, but the ‘decrim’ states percent of current cannabis users are gain- published the famous bong photo of Phelps. should go farther by freeing all non-violent cannabis prisoners. fully employed. Statistically, most cannabis California’s Governor Schwarzenegger should be the first to issue an amnesty for his users are successful academically and Holmes have spoken candidly about their fellow cannabis consumers who have been arrested on adult cannabis charges or whose financially. A National Bureau of Economic off-field cannabis use. Canadian snow- parole /probation was revoked for a positive drug test. Fat chance. Failing that, there are Research study even reported that boarder and 1998 Winter Olympics gold policy changes that other state employees can take on their own. Counties and cities can cannabis use is associated with earning medal winner Ross Rebagliati tested posi- adopt the 100-square-foot garden guidelines and permit more dispensing collectives to higher wages. tive for cannabis use in the days prior to his open. DAs can stop filing charges, at least in low-level offenses. Judges can simply stop Some former and current users — like history-making performance. sending people to prison for cannabis. Probation and parole officers should never recom- Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, There will always be some who will mend a person be sent back to prison over trace metabolites in their urine. The legislature Progressive Auto Insurance founder Peter criticize Phelps because they believe the 14- should add an age limit to the cannabis laws and exempt adults from all penalties. Other Lewis, and New York State Mayor Michael time gold medalist is sending a poor mes- states can adopt a similar series of meaningful reforms. Bloomberg — are even multi-millionaires. sage to young children—that you can A Presidential general amnesty would be a great way to get the ball moving. Perhaps our fascination with this story smoke cannabis and still be successful in is because Phelps is recognized as one of life. Well, sorry that the truth hurts. Thank you, Assemblyman Ammiano the most talented and successful athletes According to a recent University of today. He holds the record for the most Alberta study, the majority of adults who We thank you, San Francisco Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, for introducing AB 390 to set gold medals won by any athlete in history. use cannabis do so as a pastime to a legal age of consent for cannabis as 21 years, then tax and regulate sales to adults. In our Phelps isn’t an anomaly in this regard “enhance relaxation.” Researchers con- opinion the tax is too high and the personal limit is too low; but the time is just right. either. Many top athletes use cannabis off cluded that their use is intended to the field — noting that it helps them to enhance leisure activities and manage the Calling cannabis-friendly candidates relax after the excitement of sports compe- challenges and demands of living in con- The obstruction to reform in America is not so much the will of the voters, the courts’ inter- tition and alleviate the pain from nagging temporary modern society. Participants pretations, or even the timidity of the legislature, but the failure of local enforcement to injuries. It won’t leave them with a hang- reported using cannabis because it implement the laws fairly. West Coast Leaf would encourage our readers to consider laying over or adversely impact their perform- enhanced relaxation and concentration, the groundwork now to run for elected office, especially qualified people seeking the ance the next day. making a broad range of leisure activities office of sheriff or district attorney. These posts determine how law enforcement prioritizes A 2007 New York Times investigation more enjoyable and pleasurable. its resources. That is where the most incorrigible prohibitionists tend to entrench them- estimated that up to 70 percent of pro-bas- No doubt Michael Phelps indulged in selves. If you could do better than our current politicians, maybe you should become one. ketball players occasionally indulge in the the use of cannabis for these very same rea- use of pot. Many high profile football play- sons. He ought not to be condemned for it ers — most notably Miami Dolphins star nor branded a criminal for his actions. For Salvaging California’s broken prison system running-back Ricky Williams, former that matter, neither should anyone else. Dallas Cowboys all-star Mark Stepnoski, * Armentano is Policy Analyst for NORML, the National By Daniel Abrahamson* Drug Policy Alliance under Prop 5, the Nonviolent Offender and even Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws Just a few short months ago, California had Rehabilitation Act. the opportunity to usher in solutions to First, divert nonviolent drug offenders prison overcrowding and add recidivism- to treatment instead of incarceration — Phelps, hypocrisy ... and the Kellogg’s boycott reduction programs. Proposition 5 would both from court and from parole — and have reduced prison spending by at least stabilize funding. California has extensive by Bruce Mirken* Marijuana Policy Project those who ever drink become dependent $2.5 billion and increased good time credit experience with diversion under Prop 36, a Cereal giant Kellogg’s announced in early on alcohol; for cannabis, it’s said to be nine opportunities, but lost at the ballot box, highly successful program passed in 2000 February that it won’t renew Olympic percent (and for tobacco, 32 percent). thanks to the prison lobby and nearly $3.5 by 61 percent of voters. In just seven years, swimming champion Michael Phelps’ Alcohol is massively more toxic. Every million that prison guards and their allies Prop 36 graduated 84,000 people, saved endorsement contract because he’s been year, people die from alcohol overdoses, spent on misleading TV spots. taxpayers nearly $2 billion and, according photographed apparently smoking mari- too often in college drinking parties and Now it’s springtime. The prison popu- to independent UCLA evaluations, has juana. While hypocrisy is hardly rare in the like. And the chronic effects of heavy lation remains perilously high, and the reduced recidivism. American life, this struck many as a partic- alcohol use, like liver damage, kill thou- state faces a likely population cap. Ac- Second, emphasize recidivism-reduc- ularly egregious example. sands upon thousands more. There has cording to a Feb. 9 tentative ruling by a tion programming and encourage partici- It’s causing thousands of Americans to never been a medically documented three-judge federal panel overseeing the pation through good time credits. The swear off Rice Krispies and other Kellogg’s cannabis overdose fatality, and the chronic state’s unconstitutionally-inadequate pris- prison system currently provides virtually products. A boycott endorsed by the effects of even heavy cannabis use are rela- ons, overcrowding is the primary culprit no meaningful rehabilitation or treatment Marijuana Policy Project, Drug Policy tively mild and decidedly non-lethal. and the state must address it. services behind bars. The Inspector Alliance, National Organization for the Unlike cannabis, alcohol tends to make Legislative inaction led to this crisis — General found that what little drug treat- Reform of Marijuana Laws and others was users reckless, aggressive and violent. As a and it’s the duty of the Legislature to pave ment is provided is so poorly administered launched in February. review in the journal Addictive Behaviors the way out. Even the federal panel said it that it may do more harm than good; he “Michael’s most recent behavior is not explained, “Alcohol is clearly the drug wants the state to identify the best way out called it a “billion dollar boondoggle.” consistent with the image of Kellogg,” a with the most evidence to support a direct of this overcrowding mess. It’s time for leg- Third, reduce the number of offenders company spokesperson told Ad Age. intoxication-violence relationship. ... islators to revisit the expert-recommended under long-term parole supervision and Bear in mind that in 2004, Phelps plead- Cannabis reduces the likelihood of vio- proposals that would have become law stop sending technical violators back to ed guilty to drunk driving. But apparently lence during intoxication...” prison (particularly where it comes to that offense — also illegal, and it actually So a boycott is on. The reaction to drug-addicted parolees). Almost all of the might have resulted in someone being hurt MPP’s initial email alert about it was huge. The West Coast Leaf™ is a free speech publication over 10,000 California offenders released or killed — was not an issue for Kellogg’s. Realistically, boycotts are hard to pull owned and operated by Creative Xpressions. ISSN from prison each month are placed on As of this writing, baseball star Alex off, and many more fizzle out than suc- 1945-211X. Business license EC08-0002765. WCL parole for three years. During that time, 70 Rodriguez had not lost any of his endorse- ceed. But cannabis consumers are a huge fosters a socio-political community by providing percent are returned to prison — twice the market: According to federal surveys, 100 photos, news, directories, features, and regional ment deals even after admitting use of information for our readers. We invite your sub- national average. Prop 5 would have banned steroids -- an overt attempt to cheat million Americans acknowledge having missions and advertising. The Leaf supports toler- required local sanctions for some nonvio- at his chosen sport. used it, and nearly 15 million admit using ance and maintains that cannabis sales and cultiva- lent parolees and allowed well-behaved it in the past month. And millions more tion should and will be legal for adult consump- That athletes drink is hardly news. If nonviolent parolees to earn their way off of Phelps had been photographed hoisting a who don’t use cannabis agree that prohibi- tion. Special thanks to John Thomas Ellis and parole supervision. Jackie G. Wilson for their editorial assistance. beer, no one would have said a word. Yet, tion is irrational and far more dangerous Chris Conrad, executive editor Despite the ballot outcome, these ideas there is simply no question that if one than cannabis itself. Mikki Norris, managing editor didn’t stop being good ones in November. wants to relax with a mood-altering sub- If that sleeping giant has been awak- PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530 They appear in every serious proposal to stance, cannabis is far safer than alcohol. ened, it could get interesting; and Phelps WestCoastLeaf.com • 510-215-TEAM (8326) reform this broken prison system, inclu- Alcohol is more addictive. According to could find new products to endorse. Vol 2 No 1. Print run: 80,000 copies. Please turn to page 14 * Mirken is director of communications for MPP , mpp.org © 2009. All rights reserved. the Institute of Medicine, 15 percent of Spring 2009 Page 14 West Coast Leaf Medi-marijuana National and International Reports bicycle tour of US By Mikki Norris West Coast Leaf To spread awareness of the UN drug summit faces shifting policies medical benefits of cannabis, The US approach to the global Drug War wears a crumbling facade as it approaches a — along with a message of United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs summit in Vienna from March 11 to 20. peace and a call for an end to Holdover delegates from the Bush era were obstructing preliminary talks and almost the war on cannabis — Ken derailed a new era cooperation with our allies in the European Union who support harm Locke and his family have a reduction measures and humane, evidence-based approaches, until they were given new leg up over prohibitionists. marching orders by the new American ambassador to the UN, Susan Rice. To reflect the They plan to pedal their new administration’s policy, she told them to at least support needle exchange programs bicycles across the USA, start- for AIDS prevention. The high level meeting will bring together representatives from ing a cross-country 2009 Tour BICYCLE PILGRIMAGE — The Locke family will journey around the world to determine the international drug strategy for the next decade. across the USA on bicycle to call for Peace, and an end to for Compassion at Peace Arch the War on Cannabis. CIA played role in shooting down 15 civilian aircraft over Peru International Park in Blaine, Washington on May 15 at a 10 AM kickoff American CIA spotters helped Peru’s air force shoot down 15 small civilian aircraft sus- rally. The 111-day tour will take them from First MI clinics open, card pected of carrying drugs, in many cases without warning and within three minutes of WA to events at points all along the way in program set for April launch being sighted, according to a CIA report on the Clinton administration’s Airbridge Denial OR, CA, NV, UT, CO, NE, IO, MO, IL, IN, By Matthew Abel Attorney at Law Program. The secret program garnered attention in 2001 when it killed innocent American OH, WV, MD, VA and wrapping up in Nearly 200 people attended a public hear- missionary Veronica Bowers and her infant daughter. The Bowers’ plane landed after it Wilmington Beach, NC. was hit. Most planes crashed in the jungle so no one knows if any narcotics were on board. ing on the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act The Locke Family hopes to inspire oth- the state Dept. of Community Health Argentina to join Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia in personal decrim ers to ride with them along the way or oth- (DCH) held Jan. 5. Everyone who spoke Argentina’s Supreme Court has concluded that criminal penalties on personal use of erwise offer support by way of sponsor- had objections to some part of the the DCH cannabis or other drugs violate fundamental rights. However, Supreme Court Justice ships, endorsements, press conferences, draft regulations to implement the voter- Carlos Fayt said on Dec. 30, 2008, “We must wait until February” to publish a decision on media, etc. to make it a successful venture. passed initiative. the matter. Reports indicate the ruling was delayed in order for the Court to reach a unan- For more information, contact Locke at [email protected] or visit his web page at Revised proposed rules were published imous decision ruling the drug law unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the US Drug Enforce- facebook.com/people/Ken-Locke/1538616927 that were much more reasonable than the ment Agency was ordered to leave Bolivia in November, and the last agents left Jan. 29. draft proposal. The new rules remove This stems from a policy dispute between the Bolivian government, which allows families requirements that the grow location be to cultivate 100 square feet of coca for traditional uses, and the US hardline approach, epit- Broken prison system specified, with DCH having the right to omized in Mexico. Bolivia charged the DEA with meddling in their internal affairs. Continued from page 13 inspect. Instead, the proposed rules pre- Three Latin American former-presidents call for decrim ding the governor’s. His proposal, passed sume compliance with the law, rather than by the Legislature in January as AB 8, Former Presidents Fernando Henrique Cardoso of Brazil, César Gaviria of Columbia and demanding inspection. Application forms would have made significant changes to Ernesto Zedillo of Mexico in February came out in a commission report to favor evaluat- should be available by April 4, and the first sentencing, good time credits and the ing the decriminalization of cannabis for personal use. Acknowledging that the war on cards issued by late April. parole system. Though he vetoed AB 8 as drugs has failed, they further condemned harsh, prohibitionist US drug policies that are At least two clinics have already part of a larger budget package, the pro- based “on prejudices and fears and not on results.” They propose strategies more in line opened in the Detroit metropolitan area posal should be part of any future budget with European models of harm reduction and prevention rather than US-style eradication, since the law took effect Dec. 4, and there is approved by the Legislature and governor. interdiction, and criminalization approaches that have proven to be ineffective in ending talk of more. The MI Medical Marijuana drug use, violence, corruption, and organized crime. California must not wait any longer. Assn already has over 500 members. See There’s no mystery about what it will take info at michiganmedicalmarijuana.org. Virginia Asst. AG caught with cannabis hidden in gift wrap to solve the state’s prison crisis. All that’s The revised DCH rules next go to the Assistant Virginia Attorney General Steven Lederman was arrested Feb. 20 on charges of lacking is the political will. state legislature’s Joint Com. on Admini- possessing cannabis with intent to distribute and carrying a concealed weapon. Norfolk * Abrahamson is the director of Legal Affairs for the Drug strative Rules (J-CAR), with five members Police allegedly found cannabis disguised as a Christmas gift in his van. Policy Alliance (DPA), and was a proponent of California’s Prop 5 (Nonviolent Offender Rehabilitation Act). each from the House and Senate.

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J Subscriber $20 J 20 copies / $50 J 50 / $75 J 100 / $100 J J Name: ______Begin issue: current next Address: ______City, State, Zip Code ______Make check or MO payable to ‘Creative Xpressions’ and mail it with this form to: Creative Xpressions Subscriptions, PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530 West Coast Leaf Page 15 Spring 2009 Argentinian reform movement gains momentum By Mike Bifari and Alejandro Aldama ernment has set its direction very clearly Argentina’s homegrown cannabis activists towards a pro-human rights perspective in got a big boost when well-respected author many conferences, like the one held last and activist Chris Conrad and his wife December, and also in many interviews of Mikki Norris, of the Cannabis Consumers the apparent spokesman of the govern- Campaign, visited from the US during ment on this issue, Inner State Minister December and January. Anibal Fernandez. The timing was perfect. Headlines in “We appreciate that they don’t consider the most important newspapers heralded a us criminals anymore but we´re still going Supreme Court decision giving a green to proclaim in the Million Marijuana March light to depenalization, as the current law in Cordoba that we must continue to fight goes directly against constitutional rights. for recognition of medical marijuana and The Court is expected to give its final rul- safe cannabis access ing by early March, shaping a new policy. for medical purposes,” After weeks of activities, including con- said Edith Moreno, of ferences in three major cities on topics Agrupacion Cogollos including medical cannabis, industrial in Cordoba. “The government hemp, adult markets, etc., and after receiv- ARGENTINA RISING — Chris Conrad ing a great amount of media exposure, a does not recognize and Mikki Norris were hosted by Mike conference in downtown Buenos Aires was cannabis for medical Bifari, shaved head, and visited the the closing event of a successful tour. purposes yet and did- activist group Cogollos in Cordoba n’t say anything about (left) and THC magazine (above). For the relatively young Argentine West Coast Leaf photos. movement, this visit was something to cel- the issue.” ebrate. We became friends, had a nice time As the government shifts to a harm- and made a lot of media noise, speaking reduction policy, this will make a differ- Hawai’ian patients hopeful for legislative relief very proudly about this beloved plant. ence on an international level, as this new “We got great coverage by the different human-rights and harm-reduction By Andrea Tischler* Americans for Safe Access Bush-era federal policies — has vowed to media around the three major cities, approach begins to clash with the “War on Patients and activists from the Drug Policy veto any legislation that would make med- because we are going trough a very special Drugs” ideology. Forum of Hawaii, Maui-based Patients ical cannabis more accessible to patients, moment of debate around depenalization We feel very optimistic about the next Without Time and Big Island Americans even though the signals coming from in this country,” said Sebastian Basalo, meeting in Austria, Vienna 2009. We for Safe Access held early hopes for two Washington have changed. director of THC magazine, the first publi- believe that many countries can follow proposed medical cannabis bills that had The decrim bill, HB 1192, would make cation of its kind in Argentina. Argentina’s and Uruguay’s lead in promot- been passed by House committees, but the possession of less than one ounce of Various groups and advocates from dif- ing this new direction in drug policies for were not scheduled by the House Judicial cannabis a civil offense and impose a fine, ferent cities were working hard to organize Latin American communities. Committee; and no action has yet been but it missed the vote deadline after pass- these conferences and achieve their suc- The success of hosting the first two well taken by the Senate. ing other House committees. cessful outcomes. known international activists to tour The two medical bills would create a On the Big Island citizens in November There is a suspenseful silence as every- Argentina is more proof that the move- distribution system and increase the care- easily approved an initiative to make one waits for the next step. So far the gov- ment is global and grows bigger everyday. giver to patient ratio, which is now only cannabis the county’s lowest law enforce- one-to-one. HB 1191 would allow certified ment priority for up to a total of 25 or fewer facilitators at a secure growing facility to plants for personal use. The ordinance was Denver marijuana prosecutions take plunge grow seven mature plants with one ounce spearheaded by Project Peaceful Sky. of usable cannabis per plant for no more Additionally, it prohibits the county coun- By Anne Catto SAFER police to refrain from citing adults during than 14 qualifying patients and possess no cil from accepting federal funds for Prosecutions dropped 21 percent in 2008, the Democratic National Convention. more than 98 plants. The bill calls for a Operation Green Harvest, which uses the the year following voters’ adoption of The new trend in cannabis prosecu- tightly controlled production and distribu- grant money to seek out and destroy “lowest law enforcement priority” law and tions is not the result of fewer arrests for tion system. Maui Rep. Joe Bertram, a cannabis plants. The new law is a break- establishment of city review panel, reach- other offenses. DiCroce speculated that the strong supporter of establishing a mecha- through for the state in softening strictly ing the lowest rate since 2005, according to number of charges filed for all offenses nism that allows people with physician- enforced cannabis laws. Although there are the Denver City Attorney’s Office. likely increased or held steady in 2008. approved medical needs for the drug to challenges by the local police and prosecu- Director of Prosecution Vince DiCroce “Our city punished far fewer adults for obtain it introduced the legislation. tors, organizers have confidence that the presented statistics to the Feb. 4 Denver marijuana possession this year, yet the sky House Bill 226 would increase the care- law will work. They are now meeting with Marijuana Policy Review Panel meeting. did not fall,” said Mason Tvert, a member giver-to-patient ratio to 1:5 and the number officials to see that an oversight committee The City Attorney’s Office is required to of the Panel and the executive director of of mature plants to 12 with seven ounces of is appointed. provide the Panel with cannabis posses- Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation. usable cannabis at any given time. It also There is hope that both medical and sion statistics every six months. SAFER was behind the successful ballot restricts confidential patient information to decriminalization legislation advances and Prosecutions fell from 2,105 in 2007, to measure. “Hopefully this is just the begin- appear on the registry card. That bill has that citizens will continue to fight to ensure 1,658 in 2008, the year Mayor John ning of Denver’s shift toward a more limited governmental involvement but has that registered patients have safe access to Hickenlooper appointed the City panel to rational approach to marijuana. not been scheduled yet. their medicine. implement, monitor and report on the new “It’s time to stop these prosecutions Another bill, HB 1635, would have lim- * Tischler is chair of the Big Island Chapter of Americans for Safe Access. Contact her at [email protected] ordinance. Last May, it recommended the altogether and allow adults to make the ited qualifying conditions to cancer, glau- city halt prosecutions for adult cannabis safer choice to use marijuana instead of coma and HIV/AIDS but was defeated. A LEGAL EAGLE possession, and in August it called on city alcohol, if that’s what they prefer.” Republican Gov. Linda Lingle — citing SPEAK-EASY FORUM “Are You for R.E.A.L?”

ESPONSIBLE: Know the differ- Rence between rights & privileges? DUCATED: Still using Ethe same ol’ cliches? CTIVE: Tired of laying Alow or hiding out? EGAL: Soaring with eagles Lor hanging with turkeys? Sponsored by: ☺ The Churches for Individual Life & Liberty potheads, dopes & weeds, C.H.I.L.L. out! LEGALSPEAKEASY.COM

“Mountain Lawyer” William McPike Attorney at Law Medical Marijuana Defense Auberry & Mendocino CA 1-888-420-BUDS 1-888-420-2837 [email protected] Spring 2009 Page 16 West Coast Leaf

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Can’tCan’tCan’t affordaffordafford tototo buybuybuy aaa ticket? ticket? ticket? By volunteering for MPP, you can earn a free ticket to the party. Visit www.mpp.org/recruitment for more information. West Coast Leaf Page 17 Spring 2009

West Coasterdam Calendar & Directory

Upcoming events March 17, Medical Cannabis Safety Com. DOUBLY HONORED — Jahan Marcu received Public meeting, Oaksterdam Univ. Student two awards Jan. 21 from a graduate research Union, 1915 Broadway, Oakland. competition at Temple University. Left to Right: Steven Popoff Ph.D (Chairperson), HEMP FOR VICTORY — Host Richard Marcella March 21, Cannabis Unity Conference II Marcu, Mary Abood Ph.D, Lynn Kirby Ph.D. (center) wrapped up the last program of his Buddy Dozey’s Place, 2242 Ralston Ave. , Simi Read about his research in the upcoming long-lived cable TV series by interviewing his Valley, Sat, 2 pm. For info: 805-583-8414 issue of O’Shaughnessy’s Journal of Medical guests Lisa Snaduole and George Clayton Cannabis. Photo courtesy of Jahan Marcu. Johnson. Photo courtesy of Hemp for Victory. March 21-22, OU Advance 102 Course, LA Stephanie Benseman Oaksterdam Univ, Los Angeles campus. delivers the Leaf in LA Patient ID Center. OaksterdamUniversity.com for class schedules and location. 510-251-1544 ornorml.org, 503-239-6110. Locate an event A tragic saga of justice and democracy betrayed near you: marijuanamarch.org. March 26, Spliff Magazine Launch Party By Dustin Costa Drug War POW a stunning, blow by blow portrayal of how May 2, Global Marijuana March, San Fran Party 8 PM - 2 am , Lot 613, 613 Imperial St, Cool Madness a ruthless and vicious prosecution trans- San Francisco Cannabis Day at Joseph Alioto LA RSVP at SpliffMagazine.com, $20. By Vanessa formed Fry and Schafer from compassion- March 30, Medical Cannabis Assn (MCA) Plaza (Civic Center Plaza) across from SF City Nelson Hall) SF. Live music from 1 pm to 6:30 pm ate caregivers into convicted felons. Meet and greet, 6 pm. OU Student Union, 1915 mmpub.com Broadway, Oakland. June 4, MPP Party at the Playboy Mansion $19.95 Fry and Schafer were raided in late MedicalCannabisAssociation.org MPP’s 4th Annual Party at the Playboy 350 pages 2001 by the DEA, but were not indicted until June 2005, after an adverse Supreme April 4, Hash Bash, Ann Arbor Mansion. See mpp.org for details. Court decision (Gonzales v Raich) cleared “38th Annual Hash Bash,” Ann Arbor, MI June 13 - 14, THC Expo, the way for their prosecution. April 5, Joint Rolling Contest, Isla Vista Los Angeles Convention Center with Aaron Anisq’Oyo Park, Isla Vista, CA 93117, 1-6 PM, McGruder, Joe Rogan, DJ Pooh, Bill Maher, Nelson breaks down the trial into neat, sponsored by NORML@UCSB, Live music, raf- [email protected], thcexpo.com discrete elements. At jury selection the fles, free. For more info, [email protected]. June 24, Medical Cannabis Association Public deck was hopelessly stacked against them. April 18-19, OU Basic 101 course, LA Meet and Greet, Patient ID Center, Los Angeles Cancer survivor Dr. Mollie Fry and her In a state favoring medical use by a four to Oaksterdam Univ. see above. 510-251-1544. Office 470 S San Vicente Blvd. 1st floor, LA hemophiliac husband, attorney Dale one ratio, no prospective juror who ex- April 24-26, SSDP West Coast conference UC 90048 323-852-1039, 8 PM. Schafer, became medical cannabis care- pressed support was impaneled. Nelson Berkeley chapter hosts. ssdp.org, 415-875-9463. Aug. 15-16, Seattle Hempfest, WA givers in the town of Cool, CA, after they presents a complete chronicle of courtroom discovered the benefit of cannabis for their April 25-26, Expert Witness Training with Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle. See antics from opening arguments to the testi- Chris Conrad, Oaksterdam University campus, hempfest.org for details. own medical conditions. They sought out mony of prosecution and defense witness- and obtained the apparent approval to pro- Oakland. For details, see chrisconrad.com Sept. 23-26, NORML National Conference es. You feel like you were there. vide services from local law enforcement, April 20, Fabulous 4/20 events San Francisco, CA Details TBA, norml.org, ven- Despite the many valiant efforts by who turned around and supplied informa- TBA. Stay tuned, check with local groups. dors and sponsors invited. 888-67-NORML. defense attorneys Tony Serra and Laurence tion to federal investigators. May 1, Oregon MMJ Festival, Salem Oct 2-3, Fifth IACM Conference, Germany Lichter to work the issue of “medical” Oregon NORML and Medical Marijuana Conference on Cannabinoids in Medicine; Int. Writer and activist Vanessa Nelson con- cannabis into a defense, it was not to be. Program cardholders celebrate at the State Assn for Cannabis as Medicine’s 2009 meeting, tinues her tradition of accurate and com- Schafer said in his sentencing statement: Capitol Gallery in Salem. 503-239-6110. Holiday Inn, Cologne. cannabis-med.org pelling court reporting of medical cannabis “Neither my wife nor I had the specific May 1-3, CannaTrade, Basel, Switzerland Nov. 11 - 14, DPA Reform Conference, NM trials in her second book, Cool Madness. For intent to commit a crime.” Unfortunately Int. Cannabis Hemp Fair. Messe Basel, Hall 5. The International Drug Policy Reform Conference. four years Nelson has kept people for Schafer and Fry, the lack of specific cannatrade.C.H [email protected] hosted by Drug Policy Alliance. Convention informed with lively accounts of the legal intent are not defenses in a drug case. May 2, Global Cannabis March, Portland Center, Albuquerque NM. drugpolicy.org, ordeals of providers such as Ed Rosenthal, At their sentencing, renowned attorney Portland Pioneer Courthouse Square, drugpolicyevent.com, [email protected] Eddy Lepp and others. Cool Madness gives Please turn to page 19 Spring 2009 Page 18 West Coast Leaf Local and regional meetings Reform organizations of interest

Berkeley Students for Sensible Drug Policy, first Wed / mo., 7:30 PM, THCF Medical Clinic, AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS LEGAL SERVICES FOR PRISONERS W/ Tuesdays at 8 at 79 Dwinelle Hall, UCB. Contact 647 Main St. Riverside, CA 92501 www.safeaccessnow.org / A patient sup- CHILDREN prisonerswithchildren.org/ port network. 510-251-1856 Advocates for the human rights and Rishi at [email protected] 951-543-6257. High Desert Area MAPP/ ASA, third Wed/mo. empowerment of incarcerated parents, AXIS OF LOVE SF/ Activist Resource Center Compassionate Coalition, Sac. third Tues/ 6:30 p.m. Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper children, family members and people at Patients organizing for their rights and risk for incarceration. month 7 PM at Crusaders Hall 320 Harris Ave, near Landers 92285. Lanny 760-799-2055 access 223 A 9th St, SF, 415-240-5247 # H Sacto, [email protected]. MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECT MPP Oakland Measure Z Oversight Committee BEDPC mpp.org/ national membership org. East Bay NORML, third Thurs/mo. 7:30 PM third Thurs/ mo. 6 PM, City Hall. Black and Brown Equitable Drug Policies focuses on removing criminal penalties for (after Measure Z Oversight Com.), O’dam U Coalition, Redstone Building, Suite #209, Orange County NORML meets in Fullerton call cannabis through initiatives and legisla- Student Union, 1915 Broadway, Oakland. 2940 16th Street, SF. 24 hr bilingual tion Spanish Hotline: 415-595-8251, street [email protected] 1-877-OC NORML for info., ocnorml.org actions, support groups, incident report- MENDO MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVISORY El Dorado Co. Alliance for Medical Marijuana, Claremont/ Pitzer College SSDP, Mon. 7 PM, ing, advocacy BOARD, Gold Student Ctr # 108 mmmab.net/ coalition with a Northern fourth Saturday/mo., 2:15-4:20, Garden Valley CALIFORNIA NORML [email protected] CA network,PO Box 2555 Mendocino Grange, 4940 Marshall Rd., 530-621-2874 Directories, news, alerts. canorml.org/ 95410. [email protected]. 510-540-1066 [email protected] Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project Coachella Santa Barbara UCSB NORML meets every MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS UNION Valley Area MAPP meets first Sat / mo. 3 PM, Wed 7:30 PM, North Hall 1105, UCSB CANNABIS ACTION NETWORK PO Box 2059 Ft Bragg 95437, 707-964-9377. location TBA. Call Lanny 760-799-2955. cannabisactionnetwork.org/1605 Ashby [email protected]. Patients’ SF Axis of Love Every Tues 4pm, 223a Ninth St. Ave, Berkeley. 510-486-8083 Western Inland Empire Area MAPP/ASA, at Howard, SF. [email protected] Rights Network; Highway litter pick-up CANNABIS CONSUMERS CAMPAIGN service. cannabisconsumers.org/ Come out of the Local and regional Americans for Safe Access meetings MEDIA AWARENESS PROJECT closet to stand up for equal rights. mapinc.org/ Have your voice heard; MAP East Bay ASA, fourth Wed/mo. 7 PM, at ASA Orange County ASA third Wed / mo. 7 PM, CIVIL LIBERTIES MONITORING PROJECT has helped generate millions of letters to civilliberties.org/ monitors police eradica- the editor. Help gather news for their headquarters, 1322 Webster St, #402, in 922 Williamson Ave, Fullerton. clearing house. Oakland. Contact [email protected]. [email protected] tion abuses, etc, to protect civil rights in Sacramento ASA first Tues/ mo. 7 PM, the CA northcoast, 707-923-4646 MOTHERS AGAINST MISUSE AND ABUSE Fresno ASA, second Mon/ mo. 6 PM at Full mamas.org/ honest, responsible drug Circle Brewing Co, 620 F St., Fresno. Contact Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Ave., Suite H, Sacto COMMUNITY ACTION COALITION education [email protected] Contact [email protected]. 115 North State Street #1 Ukiah 95482 707- 467-3888. MAPS Humboldt County ASA second Thurs/mo. 6 San Diego ASA second Tue. / mo., 7 PM maps.org/ Multidisciplinary Association PM, Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing, 550 International Cannabis U, 6070 Mt. Alifan Suite DRUG REFORM COORDINATION NETWORK on Psychedelic Studies, 10424 Love Creek Union St., Arcata. [email protected]. 202 San Diego. Contact [email protected] stopthedrugwar.org/ drcnet.org, global Rd., Ben Lomond, CA 95005, 831-336-4325, support network for drug policy reform- LA ASA, 3rd Sat/mo., 1 PM, Patient ID Center, San Francisco ASA second & fourth Tues 7:30- 501c3 does studies on cannabis, psyche- ers with weekly analysis delics. 470 S. San Vicente Bl, LA. Contact 9pm, Bowers Pizza on 11th St, SF. Contact: [email protected] [email protected] DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE NORML drugpolicy.org/ DPA works on drug poli- norml.org/ National Organization for the Sonoma ASA Marin ASA meets second Wed/mo. 7 PM, at first Thurs/mo. 5 PM, Dept. of cies based on science, compassion, health, Reform of Marijuana Laws. The original Scott Candell Law, 4040 Civic Center Dr., San Health-So City View Rm., 625 5th St, Sta Rosa. human rights and a just society free from membership activist group; info, legal Rafael Contact Scott: [email protected] Contact [email protected] prohibition. referrals and annual convention. 202-483- DRUG POLICY FORUM OF CA 5500 Society, Passages, Announcements Listserve for Cal cannabis / drug war NOVEMBER COALITION issues. To sign up: november.org/ National support group Sistuh Somayah; Sickle Cell ty. When she found she got relief through drugsense.org/dpfca/list.htm for Drug War POWs. Publishes The Razor patient, LA provider, organizer cannabis and hempseed oil, Kambui made DRUGSENSE Wire. it a point to tell others and was perhaps the drugsense.org/ A daily compilation of OREGON GREEN FREE Somayah drug-related news excerpts. Free OMMP info. oregongreenfree.net Kambui at her first to recognize and popularize cannabis 2002 medical for the treatment of sickle cell patients. DRUG TRUTH NETWORK OREGON NORML ornorml.org marijuanatrial. drugtruth.net/ Radio shows: Cultural Kambui was convinced of the highly PATIENT ADVOCACY NETWORK West Coast Leaf Baggage and 4:20 Drug War News, inter- photo. religious nature of the cannabis plant herb, views panorg.blogspot.com. drawing connections to Egyptian mytholo- DRUG WAR FACTS SAFER A colorful Los gy and hieroglyphic art. She founded the drugwarfacts.org/ Just the facts. saferchoice.org/ Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation. PO Box 40332, Angeles area Nigritian Kief Society and the Crescent FAMILIES AGAINST MANDATORY MINIMUMS Denver CO 80204, [email protected] activist, Sistuh Alliance Self Help For Sickle Cell. famm.org/ Advocates an end to harsh, Somayah unjust sentencing laws and SENSIBLE COLORADO,DENVER Kambui was a musician and the driv- prisoners/families affected by them sensiblecolorado.org / non-profit resource Kambui died ing force behind the LA Million Marijuana for patients and those interested in Nov. 27, 2008. FAMILY COUNCIL ON DRUG AWARENESS reforming marijuana laws. 720-890-4247 March. See geocities.com/sistersomayah fcda.org/ Accurate information on effects She was one of of drugs and drug policies. Downloadable STUDENTS FOR A SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY the few people PDFs to print and hand out. ssdp.org/ Students seeking to reduce the ever to win a LaBow - Lentz nuptuals harms caused by drug abuse and drug GREEN AID policies. medical cannabis case by California jury Sabrina LaBow married noted Los Angeles green-aid.com/ Marijuana Legal Defense nullification. After hearing of her efforts to and Education Fund, Inc. VOTEHEMP cannabis attor- votehemp.com/ Industrial, horticultural help African Americans suffering from ney Jacek Lentz HARM REDUCTION COALITION hemp. sickle cell, including her own admissions at a private cer- harmreduction.org/ works to reduce drug-related harm by programs such as VOTER POWER, OREGON of breaking the law to grow and provide emony held in clean needle exchange. voterpower.org, 503-224-3051, Portland. cannabis for poor and desperate patients, Las Vegas, NV 541-245-6634, Medford HEMP INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION an LA jury acquitted her in 2002. Police on Valentines hempindustries.org/ The HIA is a non- To get yourinformation added, please send an nonetheless continued to harass Kambui Day, Feb. 14. profit trade group representing hemp email to [email protected] and raided her garden several times in the Prior to form- companies, researchers and supporters. years following her acquittal. ing his own law HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE DRUG WAR April 25-26 • Two-Day Intensive Somayah Kambui led an eventful life, firm last year, hr95.org/ Photo display of Drug War E XPERT W ITNESS T RAINING POWs, analyzes human rights abuses both before and after her trial. A member of Lentz worked With court-qualified expert the Black Panther Party in the 1970s, she with Eric Shevin LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST PROHIBITION CHRIS CONRAD leap.cc/ Current and former members of suffered from sickle cell anemia, an as partner at law enforcement who support drug regu- Oaksterdam University, Oakland. extremely painful affliction that affects Shevin & Lentz, Attorneys At Law, in West lation rather than prohibition. For details, see www.chrisconrad.com people in the African American communi- Hollywood, California.

Delta Dove Events presents — Along with the Worldwide Marijuana March SAN FRANCISCO CANNABIS DAY Saturday, May 2, 2009 Free to the public at High Noon Civic Center Plaza (across from SF City Hall) Smoking area provided for qualified Prop 215 patients. Live music, speakers • 1 to 6:30 pm Vendor reservations and volunteer sign ups: Please contact us: Call 415.456.4313 myspace.com/sfcday2009, email [email protected] See you there! May Day is Jay Day! West Coast Leaf Page 19 Spring 2009 Two documentaries look at cannabis; mixed results California Chronicles of Medical Marijuana By John Thomas Ellis West Coast Leaf and entrepreneurs learn career skills. Filmmaker had key access to reform activists Two cable networks took a look at the Unfortunately, CNBC’s Marijuana Inc: By Scott James social issues. This film humanizes the cannabis issue recently, and they came up Inside America’s Pot Industry gave a distort- movement by focusing on real people in with decidedly mixed results. ed view of a legitimate and profitable busi- the context of Prop 215, tackling frustrating In National Geographic’s Marijuana ness in a patent cry for the return of the legal issues around cannabis dispensaries Nation viewers take the journey of a life- fairness doctrine. and exposing how enforcement differs time. After laying out the historical per- A thriving and prosperous cot- between California and federal authorities. spective to 100 years of propaganda tage industry grows in lush Based on a strong, broad interview and persecution, the narrator notes Mendocino County, where base, Chronicles is packed full of powerful that ‘weed’ is relatively benign. the report said 60 percent perspectives. Highlights include the final With music in the background, of income is cannabis Burch’s documentary features Brownie Mary interview with Dr. Tod Mikuriya, the late, she waxes poetic: “Today’s mari- related, keeping families Rathburn, Dr. Tod Mikuriya (inset), and others. highly influential cannabis physician, and juana has never been more valuable and possibly the county a speech by San Francisco DA Terrence or potent. Law enforcement fights in the black, financially. In her new film, California Chronicles of Hallinan. Leaders from groups like FAMM it. Cannabis clubs flourish and $ With the Golden Gate Medical Marijuana, Berkeley filmmaker (Families Against Mandatory Minimums), obsessed agriculturalists are perfecting Bridge as a backdrop, it Claire Burch and editor Chris Sorrenti roll NORML (National Organization for its botany. Breathe deep; this is not your spent way too much time on a up a blunt assessment of political and Reform of Marijuana Laws), and others father’s marijuana.” former smuggler who told tales of social issues surrounding the medical delve into how legal struggles planted the Every aspect of the subject is explored, those dusty days of yesteryear. Other parts, cannabis movement. Featuring a wide cast seeds for their current medical cannabis starting at being the most widely-used illic- however, were little more than disinforma- of key players weighing in on issues, from activism. West Coast Leaf’s own Chris it substance in the world, at 200 million tion and innuendo. Camera-hungry narcs horticulturalists and activists to doctors Conrad and Mikki Norris each give can- consumers. The 20-year war of prohibition described a wild crime wave, pitbulls and and lawyers, the film delivers a compelling did, passionate interviews. has transformed the US Forestry service all, pointed out a site that looked like it had socio-historical perspective. Drawing from a deep archive of video into a military effort to eradicate cannabis. been smashed up by DEA as being an eco- Beginning with a rousing speech from from hemp festivals, protests, smoke-ins In Canada, British Columbia’s ‘Prince of disaster, and blamed the farmers. San Francisco’s own ‘Brownie Mary’ and police activity, the film vividly illus- Pot’ Mark Emery introduces us to the com- Meanwhile, the only real crime depicted Rathburn, the late hospital volunteer who trates California activism. Part passionate mercial side via Sam Malachi at the largest was a tape where a grower was the victim, dedicated decades to baking cannabis declaration and part historical document, legal indoor operation in the world, and robbed at gunpoint, calling 911 for help. foods for AIDS and cancer patients, the Chronicles explores the movement’s history the education really begins. They even tried to weave activist documentary dovetails into a valuable and shows due respect to its frequently The viewer is artfully taken from genet- Richard Lee of Oaksterdam University and primer on the intricate web of medical misunderstood people and politics. ics to police raids, industrial hemp, the TV series Weeds into some absurd sub- cannabis issues. Enduringly hopeful, the In the end, this documentary does jus- American history and drug policy in min- urban garden conspiracy, giving short-shift film is packed full of inspiring words from tice by telling a story that needs to be told utes. Medical use is explored through to Lee’s many contributions to the patients doctors, providers, and patients without with courage, respect and strength. patients, doctors and researchers who and city of Oakland. avoiding the harsh realities of legal and Available for purchase at: Amazon.com or Regentpress.net struggle for acceptance and efficacy in the The premise was more like fictional middle of a senseless drug war. The focus reality TV than an accurate report on a then turns to California where the cannabis business sector that produces America’s Marijuana Medical Handbook update a must-read industry trumps wine. number one cash crop at $35 billion, out- By John Thomas Ellis the law. Medicinal uses were explained in Then on to Oaksterdam, where hon- producing wheat, corn and soybeans. If The Marijuana Medical terms that were not misleading or preachy. orary mayor Richard Lee wheels through CNBC could generate that kind of capital Handbook They debunk myths and assuage concerns. their parent corporation GE might not be dispensaries, shops and Oaksterdam Uni- By Gieringer, Rosenthal and Brevity limited the chapters on grow- hemorrhaging money. Carter (Quick American, 2008) versity, where a new generation of activists ing to a description of the plant, its life cycle, and botany. They quickly cover Cool Madness captures capricious cruelty of Fed prosecution This is a well-written, seeds, clones and whether to grow indoors well-conceived, must-read or out. Drying and curing was short and to Continued from page 17 dignity – the things America should be all book. As a patient, I was the point, but the footnotes encouraged about, but sometimes isn’t. It is an example Tony Serra declared: “1 am woefully sad quite surprised by what I didn’t know. research, as do the writers themselves. and angered by the United States of of the conflict between State and Federal Dale Gieringer Ph.D, Ed Rosenthal and I wouldn’t want to learn how to roll a America when they prosecute medical law and the nightmare that is visited upon Gregory T. Carter, M.D. start with a couple joint from a book, but they even gave that a marijuana. It reminds me of Nazi Germany. innocents caught in the middle. reassuring facts: Marijuana, in its natural go. The writers explain the process of using We are not Rome throwing Christians to I highly recommend you read this form, is one of the safest therapeutically joints, pipes, water pipes and vaporizers. the lions. We are on the side of evolution, book. Then do something to end the mad- active substances known to man. No Cooking and preparing food or drink dif- not devolution, which is on the other side ness. That would be cool. deaths from cannabis have ever been ferent products were easy to follow recipes. of the podium here. Lady Justice weeps Editor’s Note: Dr. Fry and Dale Schafer were recorded. They evoke a thorough, reassur- Everything from bud flour to tinctures, today, Your Honor.” Cool Madness is Exhibit sentenced to five years in prison on March 19, ing and accurate list of facts, history and extracts, oils and butters were explained in A of the bias, cruelty, and unfairness of 2008. They are out on bail pending their politics in the field. enough detail for a patient to begin a suc- government policy toward cannabis. appeals. Dustin Costa was not so lucky. He is currently serving a federal (medical) marijuana Patients and caregivers need to have a cessful regimen and find some relief. Cool Madness is a ripping good story, sentence with a release date of 2018. You can copy of this handbook at the ready. Every The chapter on adverse effects, real and well written and even entertaining. It write to him at: Dustin Robert Costa, #62406- aspect was covered including the liabilities imaginary, should be mandatory reading should serve as a call to action for all who 097, FCI Big Spring, 1900 Simler Avenue, Big of abuse, addiction, over use and emotion- for every doctor, judge, police-person and cherish privacy, justice, human rights and Spring TX 79720. al dependency. They look at science and legislator. It could save us all a lot of grief.

Late spring gardening tips Continued from page 9 grow-bags has hazards that pots do not. Terracotta uses more water than plastic, but plastic has chemicals most of us would want to avoid. Containers need to be anchored down for windy conditions; and watch for roots probing into the earth, especially if you have to move them fast. Yes, arbingers of spring abound, but remember that frost can linger — and so does ‘the Man.’ Caution guides the wise to cover one’s tracks. Those who heed this warning can only accomplish creating healthy blooms and great buds. As always, please be safe out there.

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