Big Win for Cannabis at Cal Supreme Court

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www.WestCoastLeaf.com ISSN 1945-221X • Volume 3 No. 1 Spring 2010 Big Win for Cannabis at Cal Supreme Court Kelly decision maintains safe harbor, patient collectives; Clinical studies confirm strikes down quantity limits medi-cannabis efficacy By Chris Conrad By Paul Armentano NORML Deputy Director The California State Supreme Court gave Peer-reviewed clinical studies released Feb. patients a unanimous victory Jan. 21 in its 18 repudiated the basis for the federal ban long-awaited People v Kelly decision. on cannabis as being a Schedule 1 drug The Court handed patients a four-way with “no currently accepted medical use.” win. It affirmed the constitutionality of the The results of a series of randomized, Medical Marijuana Program (MMP), com- placebo-controlled clinical trials assessing monly known as the SB 420 patient ID sys- the efficacy of inhaled cannabis consistent- tem. It affirmed state and local guidelines ly show that cannabis holds therapeutic as a safe harbor from arrest for patients in value comparable to conventional medica- the state ID-card program. It struck down tions, according to the findings of a 24- the nominal quantity limits on a patient’s page report issued to the state legislature legal defense. It affirmed the consitutional- by the California Center for Medicinal ity of state patient collectives. Cannabis Research (CMCR). In other words, while preserving all The studies come in the wake of last existing patient and collective protections, year’s American Medical Assn. (AMA) the ruling means that every patient is enti- policy shift to support cannabis research. tled to cultivate and possess a reasonable INSURING QUALITY — As cannabis businesses emerge into the mainstream, they face the same Placebo-controlled clinical crossover trials — but not unlimited — supply of cannabis, insurance needs as other companies. Max Del Real and Michael Aberle are seen inspecting the are considered to be the ‘gold standard’ budding crop of a potential client for Statewide Insurance. Story inside. regardless of state or local policy. method for assessing the efficacy of drugs The Court held that the MMP volun- under the US FDA-approval process. tary statewide program with its ID cards, California voter initiative collects, hands Four of the five trials demonstrated safe harbor, local guidelines and doctor’s in sigs in less than half the time allowed that cannabis significantly alleviated neu- exception can spare patients from arrest ropathy, a difficult to treat type of pain and does not violate Prop 215. It held that By Chris Conrad Proponents of the Tax Cannabis 2010 resulting from nerve damage. Two addi- the default HS 11362.77(a) quantity limit of For the first time since 1972, California vot- initiative, TC2010, collected and turned in tional clinical trials are ongoing. eight ounces plus six mature or 12 ers will have an opportunity to cast ballots nearly 700,000 signatures Jan. 28, much “There is good evidence now that Please turn to page 10 for legal adult cannabis this November. more than the required 433,971, using only cannabinoids (the active compounds in the 40 percent of the time allotted by law. cannabis plant) may be either an adjunct or The initiative takes a restrained Please turn to page 15 Legalization still active in Cal legislature approach to control cannabis by legalizing Ammiano’s AB 2254 bill is prohibition has been a tragic failure,” said adult personal possession of one ounce Ammiano. “Our prisons are overflowing plus a very small garden. It gives localities LA passes ordinance, identical to earlier language the option of allowing taxed and regulated and it’s easier now for teenagers to get launches crackdown on By Dale Gieringer California NORML marijuana than alcohol. But yet we contin- cannabis sales, and forbids sales to minors. California Assemblyman Tom Ammiano ue to spend our limited resources on a Please turn to page 10 a score of dispensaries (D-S.F.) has re-submitted his bill to legalize, failed war on drugs instead of education, By Kris Hermes Americans for Safe Access tax and regulate cannabis. The new bill, AB health care or job training. With this bill, 2254, is identical to its predecessor, AB 390, California can finally have a policy With Mayor Villaraigosa’s signature, the which was approved by the Public Safety towards marijuana that reflects reality.” second largest city in the country adopted an ordinance Feb. 3 to regulate the sale of Committee in January but ran out of time In a separate move, Sen. Ronald medical marijuana and establish rules for to be heard on this year’s calendar because Calderon (D-Montebello) announced a bill operating dispensing collectives and coop- it had been introduced last year. to tax sales of medical cannabis. Calderon’s eratives, otherwise known as dispensaries. AB 2254 would establish a statewide bill would require vendors to pay a state The Los Angeles City Attorney’s office system of licensed production and sale of license fee to sell medical cannabis, and tax soon began filing lawsuits and sending cannabis like that for alcohol. Cannabis it at a rate “equivalent” to tobacco products eviction letters to 21 locations on Feb. 18. would be legal for adults 21 and over, and – an amount not clearly specified in the bill. personal-use cultivation of up to six plants Calderon’s proposals would do nothing to Although patient advocates were able would be allowed. Existing medical mari- advance the legal status of cannabis, med- to improve parts of an ordinance that took juana laws would not be affected. Non- ical or otherwise. Calderon’s office has more than two years to develop, provisions medical cannabis would be assessed a declined to discuss plans for the proposals, in the final version will effectively shut $50/ounce excise tax. which have met a cool reception in TURN-IN — TaxCannabis 2010 proponent down nearly all the existing facilities and Richard Lee (l) and petition consultant Ken make it almost impossible to locate any- Unlike the proposed Tax Cannabis 2010 Sacramento and seem likely to die without Masterton turned in thousands of signatures initiative on this year’s ballot, which receiving legislative hearings. to the Alameda County Registrar Jan. 28. where in the city. Specifically, advocates Once the signatures are validated the initia- point to a ‘poison pill’ provision that would establish a local option system with Please turn to page 11 tive will get its number. WCL photo by Mikki Norris continued felony penalties for sales, manu- would prevent dispensaries from operat- facture and transport except in localities ing anywhere near residential property or that decide otherwise, Ammiano’s AB 2254 New Jersey becomes 14th medical marijuana state within 1,000 feet of a laundry list of so- would legalize sales and production on a called ‘sensitive uses,’ including schools, statewide basis. By Ken Wolski, RN, MPA take responsibility for the patient’s on- libraries, parks and churches. Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana going condition. Qualified resident Advocates hope that it will move for- “This is a bittersweet victory for med- Outgoing Governor Jon Corzine signed the patients will be issued ID cards in a pro- ward for hearings by the Assembly Health ical marijuana patients in LA,” said Don Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act gram run by the state Dept. of Health and Committee. The legislature has yet to hold Duncan, state director with Americans for into law on Jan. 18, 2010 making New Senior Services (DHSS). Safe Access (ASA), the nationwide advoca- hearings on the health aspects of legal Jersey the 14th medical cannabis state. cannabis. Recent years have seen mounting Patients will obtain cannabis from cy organization that played a pivotal role The new law removes statewide penal- evidence that cannabis is safer than previ- alternative treatment centers that operate in convincing the City Council to reject a ties for the possession and use of up to two ously imagined – for example, that it does- under permits from the DHSS. These cen- proposal banning medical marijuana sales. ounces of cannabis a month when a n’t cause lung cancer and is a minor high- ters will be authorized to grow, harvest and “Although historic, the passage of medical licensed physician recommends it for qual- way safety hazard. sell cannabis and related supplies to marijuana dispensary regulations in LA ifying medical conditions, including can- patients or their caregivers who possess has been undermined by restrictions that Meanwhile, the state’s budget crisis cer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, muscular dys- valid ID cards. These centers will be tightly threaten to wipe out nearly all of the dis- remains a potent force for legalization. The trophy, seizures, ALS, Crohn’s disease, regulated by the state. The DHSS will mon- pensaries in the city.” Legislative Analyst’s Office has estimated glaucoma, intractable muscle spasticity, or itor, oversee and investigate all activities that the bill would net the state $1.4 billion. Although the city adopted a moratori- a diagnosis of less than 12 months to live. performed by these centers. um, or Interim Control Ordinance, in 2007 “It’s obvious that the existing model of The recommending physician must Please turn to page 25 Please turn to page 29 Spring 2010 Page 2 West Coast Leaf

West Coasterdam Report

Seattle Hempfest expanding mid-August event to a third day The World’s largest cannabis reform rally will be even bigger in 2010 by adding a third day in Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle WA, Aug. 20-21 from noon to 8 p.m. More than 90 bands, hundreds of vendors and many of the foremost reformers will be on hand. Last year’s political/ cultural event drew an estimated crowd of more than 300,000 attendees. Dana Point collectives keep their patient records confidential Garrison Williams from Dana Point's Holistic Health Collective reports that the HHC and four other Dana Point dispensaries won a stay at the end of November so they did not have to turn over any patient records. After some patients came into the collective concerned about an article in the last West Coast Leaf, Williams contacted the newspaper to reassure people that their records are safe. WAMM Collective settles long-running case with Feds The Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM) has reached a settlement with the federal government in its case, County of Santa Cruz, et.al. v Eric H. Holder, Jr., et al. Aundre Speciale prepares to cut the red ribbon for the Jan. 9 grand opening of the newly permitted Cannabis Buyers Club of Berkeley. West Coast Leaf photo by Mikki Norris The case stems from a 2002 Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) raid on WAMM’s collective garden, where armed agents used chainsaws to destroy the medicine for 200 sick and dying patients. The new administration has agreed to relax such aggressive actions. Patient gets back drivers license, attorney fees “We hope that over time the federal government will recognize its senseless position on medical marijuana and will formally codify protections for sick, dying and marginal- Policy cost DMV nearly $70K After several patients reported problems with the DMV, including unjustified ized patients,” said Valerie Corral in a Jan. 22 statement read before US District Court By Kris Hermes, ASA Judge Jeremy Fogel. “We are heartened by the federal government's newly declared posi- license suspensions and revocations, ASA The California Dept of Motor Vehicles tion suggesting deference to state medical marijuana laws and we are extraordinarily filed suit against the DMV in November (DMV) was ordered to pay Americans for proud of our Collective's role in effecting this change in policy.” 2008. As a result, Ms. Johnson not only got Safe Access (ASA) $69,400 in December “Though the new federal policy is far from ironclad, it is a marked improvement, and, her license back, she also forced the DMV 2009, after the advocate group forced a pol- to change its policy. Since March 2, 2009, we hope, a sign of even better things to come,” said Allen Hopper, of the ACLU. “Should icy change to prevent unjust revocations of the federal government once again move to improperly target patients or those who care DMV policy states that “use of medicinal the drivers’ licenses of qualified patients. marijuana approved by a physician should for them, we will immediately be back in court.” — Joe Paquin WAMM, wamm.org Merced Superior Court Judge Brian be handled in the same manner as any Marvin’s Gardens stays open in downtown Guerneville McCabe found that, “As a result of the other prescription medication which may Sonoma Countys longest-operating cannabis dispensary, Marvin’s Gardens, is open at its Plaintiff’s efforts, there was a substantial affect safe driving,” and the presence of new downtown Guerneville location, despite pressure from the City to close. “We were change in the DMV regarding its policy medical cannabis use “does not, in itself, closed for two months,” said Sean Riley, “but since we reopened employees have volun- and behavior in the treatment of medical constitute grounds for a license withdraw- teered their time to stay open.” Within two days of its move, the group was hit with a stop marijuana,” and that, “Administrative al action.” order and forced to fight for survival. Officers were operating under the inaccu- ASA claimed that the DMV policy of rate and mistaken belief that medical mari- suspending and revoking the licenses of Seal Beach settles medical marijuana suit for $32,500 juana use was illegal.” The court concluded cannabis patients was widespread, occur- The city of Seal Beach CA paid $32,500 to settle a lawsuit with cannabis patient Bruce that, “Plaintiff [appeared] to be the catalyst ring in at least eight counties, including Benedict, resulting from his claim that the police illegally confiscated 40 to 50 of his plants in effectuating change in both the DMV’s Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, and wrongfully arrested him. Benedict sued Seal Beach police for $1 million, for false formal, public policy on the subject and the Merced, Placer, Sacramento, and Sonoma. agency’s adherence to the policy.” imprisonment, trespassing, battery and civil and safety code infractions after a 2008 raid. Like other reports received by ASA, Benedict provided proper documentation as a patient and caregiver to police officers Mike “We’re very pleased with this result,” Johnson’s license was revoked “because Henderson and David Barr, who photographed evidence that was eventually turned over said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, who of...[an] addiction to, or habitual use of, [a] to the federal DEA. Benedict said he was arrested, locked in a cell and handcuffed to a represented the plaintiff, Rose Johnson, a drug,” thereby rendering her unable to chair for nearly 10 hours without being charged. He was coerced into becoming an inform- 53-year old patient from Atwater whose safely operate a motor vehicle, even ant to avoid federal charges. “They wronged me something fierce,” Benedict said. His license had been revoked. “The new DMV though no evidence existed to substantiate attorney Jeff Schwartz stated, “These are officers sworn to uphold the law in the state of policy and the fees award will hopefully this claim. In fact, Johnson’s driving record California and I don’t think it’s appropriate…to go out and intentionally interfere with deter any further unwarranted license sus- is impeccable. In 37 years of driving, she people’s rights under the medical marijuana program.” pensions and revocations by the DMV.” has never caused an accident. Marvins Gardens Herbal Cooperative P.O. Box 1042, Guerneville, CA 95446 New Patients Welcome 14016 Armstrong Woods Rd. # B Medical Cannabis Same Day Delivery Guerneville, CA – Serving Napa Valley & Surrounding Areas – Open Monday thru Sunday from 12:00 to 7 pm • Top Quality, Organic • 6:00 am to 10:00 pm • All Credit Cards Accepted 707-869-9687 Oldest Operating Dispensary in Sonoma County www.theHLA.org • 707-363-9496 Current Doctors Recommendation and CA ID Required How To Open a Medical Marijuana Dispensary, Delivery Service or Commercial Grow: A Step by Step Guide to Starting a Legal Cannabusiness in Any State By Scott Rosenfeld The full package: Includes a book, videos, audio interviews, a business plan, budgets, proforma financial statements, architectural floor plans and designs. Materials cover CA, CO, HI, MD, DC, WA, NJ, OR, RI, MI, NV, NM, MA, AL, MO, VT Prices range from $29.99 for the ebook to $199.99 + S&H for hard copy of entire set.

Order your set online today at: HowToStartaDispensary.com West Coast Leaf Page 3 Spring 2010

William Gunn enjoys speaking about the cultivation techniques he uses to grow the various strains he makes available to collective members. Photo by Lanny Swerdlow

Inland Empire uses a farmer’s approach Farmers’ market style local In the large back area, the Collective provides table space for up to 16 individual collective opens in Riverside members who have medicine available for By Lanny Swerdlow, RN distribution. Patient members browse com- BIG MAN ON CAMPUS — Richard Lee, sponsor of the TaxCannabis 2010 Initiative campaign and peting tables at their leisure, speaking with founder of Oaksterdam University, beams outside of the new Oakland campus at 1600 Broadway. As patients walk up and down the aisles The grand opening and ribbon cutting for the building was held Jan. 7. The new location is over and among rows of tables staffed by growers about the different strains they 30,000 square feet including classrooms, lab space, administrative areas and even a theater. medicinal cannabis cultivators, they decide cultivate and gaining information on fertil- Oaksterdam University has trained thousands of people in the legal, horticultural, political and “good neighbor” aspects of the growing cannabis industry. West Coast Leaf photo by Mikki Norris which has just the right medicinal cannabis izers, chemicals and other cultivation at the best price. Providers display the methods used. strains they grow in apothecary and other Payment for the selected medicine is ornate jars. not made to the cultivating member, but is Rapid expansion of collectives comes to San Jose made to the Collective. The Collective By Mickey Martin care first and foremost. We serve over 3000 The collective is uniquely situated deducts state sales taxes and a 16 percent For years San Jose had no safe access and patients who will be denied access if we are among California’s collectives as service fee to pay for rent, utilities, labor patients there were forced to travel long forced to close,” says Montgomery. being modeled on the farmers’ market and other business expenses. The balance distances for medicine. Some 20-30 collec- While San Jose is the third-largest is returned to the cultivator to cover their tives are now reported operating in the city. California city and the eighth-largest in the Welcome to the Inland Empire Patients growing expenses. It is hoped that compe- City Councilperson Pierluigi Oliverio last nation, with over one million residents, Health and Wellness Center at 647 Main tition between cultivators and a commit- fall suggested legalizing and taxing them, advocates cannot be sure what is the right St., Riverside. This collective is unlike any ment to providing members with afford- as do other municipalities. His remarks did number of collectives for the area. They other large-scale in that it does not operate able medicine will result in prices for med- not go unnoticed, as many operators began don’t want to see proliferation cause a on a storefront dispensary model, but icine that are significantly lower than opening their doors shortly thereafter, merely furnishes space for members of the afforded by the traditional dispensary prompting code enforcement officials to “We have to take a stand against this collective who grow to provide cannabis to model. begin sending cease-and-desist orders to biased treatment of medical cannabis members who cannot grow. It is, literally, a Sump believes that the farmers’ market try to gain control of the situation. The let- organizations.” — James Sooner farmers’ market for medical marijuana. model of administration used by the ters threaten a fine of $2500 dollars a day Collective is one of the most legally com- and target the landlords of the properties William Sump, manager of the backlash from the local government and pliant. He points to the AG Guidelines, as well. It is unknown how many letters Collective states, “We are a private patient the community, and most agree that it is which specifically state that a collective have been sent out. based membership collective. We ensure time for the city to develop and implement should only provide a means for facilitat- our patient members’ gather the informa- The first to open was San Jose Cannabis regulations. While no officials have vocally ing or coordinating transactions between tion they need in order to make an Buyers Club in October 2009. Erika Taylor opposed collectives, there has been con- members. “That’s all we are doing – facili- informed and wise selection when treating Montgomery reports that they were open cern over the sheer number that have tating and coordinating the allocation of their ailments.” about seven weeks before other organiza- sprung up in recent months. “We’ve gone medicine between patient members so that tions began operating in the area. Her from a couple of places that have opened to all legal requirements are fulfilled,” Sump organization was visited by the San Jose several,” Councilperson Oliverio said. ACCOUNTING said. “We collect and pay all taxes, as well Police about two weeks after opening; offi- “The council needs to have a discussion.” BUSINESS FORMATION • TAX as make sure the collective meets all the cers were reasonable, said Montgomery, That discussion is slated to take place at requirements under state law.” checked the business license and left with- ESTATE PLANNING • PROBATE a March 30 City Council meeting. In addition to providing patients with a out incident. Code enforcement officials According to real estate developer and San safe, reliable, local and more affordable also visited them recently. Jose Patients Group staffer James Sooner, a source for their medicine, the Collective “We spent a lot of time educating them coalition of 20 or more collectives has will provide health information and about SJCBC and medical cannabis in gen- formed to fight the efforts to close them screenings along with social programs and eral,” said Montgomery “They did not down. He believes that the city’s assertion LAW OFFICE OF other membership activities. All monies know very much about the industry and that collectives are illegal due to zoning JEROME D. HANDLEY above and beyond the expenses of operat- asked a lot of questions, which was a good restrictions is ludicrous. 1-800-517-5166 ing the Collective will be used for public thing.” SJCBC did receive a cease and educational programs as well as a fund to “We have to take a stand against this www.jeromehandley.com desist letter, but said they do not fear the biased treatment of medical cannabis provide cannabis recommendations and process. “We are concerned about patient [email protected] medicine to qualified low-income patients. organizations.” The Lentz Law Firm Don't burn down your home! Expert Legal Representation • Criminal Defense Eric D. Shevin, Esq. Have us inspect and install the Counsel For Medical Marijuana Collectives Attorney at Law proper electrical system for you 1055 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 1996 City permits included Los Angeles, CA 90017 Criminal Defense * State and Federal Your privacy is a priority Jacek W. Lentz 15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1050 Sherman Oaks, California 91403 CONSTANT POWER ELECTRIC Tel. (213) 250 - 9200 State-licensed contractor, #835043 Fax (213) 250 - 9161 • Medical Marijuana Expertise 707-426-5199 lentzlawfirm.com • Norml Legal Committee Serving the Greater SF Bay & Sacramento Areas • Southern California Superlawyer • Winner of ASA’s MCD Lawyer Steve H. Spiegelman Defender of Justice Award Attorney & Counselor at Law • Illegal search and seizure specialist James Anthony Criminal Defense Collectives • Consultations Medical Cannabis Dispensary (MCD) Permit Law Offices in Oakland and Los Angeles [email protected] [email protected] 707-575-1103 Tel 818-784-2700 • Fax 818-784-2411 MCDLawyer.com • 510-842-3553 1825 Fourth St., Santa Rosa CA 95404 shevinlaw.com Spring 2010 Page 4 West Coast Leaf Confidential mediation can prevent legal problems Insurance company finds its cannabis niche By Daniel M. Bornstein* than just money. Each party has the oppor- Underwriter offers coverage tunity to present its side of the dispute to a For years, Robert’s medicinal cannabis dis- for cannabis businesses pensary ran smoothly and had great work- neutral person. Working together toward a ing relationships with its vendors. common solution prompts cooperation By Dan Downey Last fall, however, a dispute broke out and mends relationships. Where can a grower go to purchase fire, when Jamie, a vendor/member, provided Failing to prepare for dispute resolu- theft or liability insurance? When Michael product that contained mold. Robert’s dis- tion is risky or downright dangerous to McCauley of the Redwood Coast Col- pensary refused to pay for the product. any business. Mediation helps preserve lective in Crescent City, California needed Jamie disputed the claim, and argued that relationships and unity in the cannabis coverage, he called Statewide Insurance the dispensary had an opportunity to movement. Therefore, when businesses Services. inspect the product before accepting it. use private mediation to resolve conflicts Michael Aberle, Director of the Robert and Jamie exchanged harsh words amicably, it benefits both individual busi- Statewide Insurance Services National and could not come to an agreement. Jamie ness owners and the movement as a whole. Medical Marijuana Insurance Division, stormed out of the dispensary and claimed How does mediation work? sees security, safety and staffing as primary concerns of any successful business. he would “make sure this place gets shut Courts have generally found that mediation down.” Robert was upset at the loss of a clauses are enforceable. A good mediation “We work hand in hand with dispen- vendor and also worried about his busi- clause will state that parties will use mediation saries and insurance carriers to address ness, given Jamie’s threats. to settle all disputes before resorting to the concerns of theft and operations, just as we As the medical marijuana industry con- courts. The clause will also address how the would with any business,” said Aberle, Mike Aberle specializes in helping cannabis mediator will be selected. The following is a businesses get appropriate insurance that is tinues to flourish, such unfortunate scenar- who will speak on ‘Medical Marijuana sample mediation clause that business owners needed to protect any business. ios are bound to occur. Over time, more Business Insurance’ at the THC Expo in may insert into contracts whether the contract is Los Angeles April 23-25, 2010. Aberle complex and severe business disputes are simple or complex. works directly with insurance companies inevitable. Unlike traditional industries, “MEDIATION OF DISPUTES: Mediation is industry recognize legitimate quality and and growers to develop insurance pro- disputes within the cannabis community a voluntary, informal attempt to resolve a dis- safety concerns, and are increasing out- create not only stress and financial worry pute with the help of a neutral individual who grams and coverage for the burgeoning reach efforts to include farmers and urban but also anxiety over potential criminal has no decision-making authority. In the event a cannabis industry. growers. Redwood Coast Collective is sanctions. Because the industry is still dispute related to this Contract shall arise, the Even as these operations continue to developing its best-practices guidelines for evolving from its past underground status, parties hereby agree to attempt in good faith to increase their legitimacy and presence in dispensary operations by enlisting the disputes between business partners can resolve the dispute through private confidential cities and neighborhoods, the supply chain skills and knowledge of its members. lead to false accusations, extortion, threats mediation. The parties agree to participate in at remains in what M. Max Del Real of least four hours of mediation, and to share Aberle and his specialty insurance divi- to one’s safety, and/or other financial/per- California Capitol Solutions and others still equally the costs of the mediation. sion continue to work with growers nation- sonal danger. One effective way for indus- call a gray area. “Too many cultivators,” “The parties shall select a mediator who is awide to develop appropriate insurance try professionals to protect themselves said Del Real, “are still growing in the dark knowledgeable in the medical marijuana indus- products for their cultivation efforts. With against these risks is mediation. try to administer the mediation proceedings. ages without the legitimacy they deserve.” continued interest and support from the Mediation is a process wherein the par- “Any party may petition a court of compe- Del Real works with the cannabis industry insurance industry and growers, Statewide ties meet with a mutually selected, impar- tent jurisdiction for an order compelling and local and state agencies to “bring Insurance Services offers innovative cover- tial person to help negotiate their differ- appearance at mediation, and the court shall increased legitimacy” to the trade. age to cultivators in the cannabis industry. ences. In many cases, business partners award all expenses, including attorney fees, With cannabis cultivation occurring in These new insurance programs insure incorporate a mediation clause in their con- incurred by the petitioning party.” apartments, basements, and other margin- growers against crop loss, equipment tracts that obligates the parties to attempt * Bornstein, attorney, mediator, and law professor, is founder al locations that may have faulty wiring or breakdown, fire and other eventualities. of Confidential Mediation Services, 415-0409-7611, confiden- resolution confidentially through a mediat- tial-mediation.com, [email protected]. irrigation systems, people in the cannabis More info on this coverage is available at mmdinsurance.com. ed agreement rather than litigation. Discreet, confidential mediation is National Grange wants only GMO hemp — with strong-arm enforcement especially important for those who operate within a gray area of law. Legal in many By Adam Eidinger VoteHemp.com urging of advocacy groups such as Vote industrial hemp as a viable agricultural states, medical marijuana remains illegal One of the nation’s leading farming organ- Hemp that GMO hemp is offensive and activity. We do not in any way support or under federal law. While the Obama izations passed a bizarre new policy state- unnecessary because varieties of the condone the growth or use of marijuana as administration has a more accommodating ment in support of industrial hemp farm- cannabis with low THC are widely avail- a hallucinogen. policy, it is vulnerable to shifting political ing, but only if it is genetically modified able in Canada and elsewhere. “We support strict enforcement of all priorities. So, there always remains a risk (GMO) and retains cannabis prohibition The Grange policy statement states: laws that currently ban the production and that a disenchanted business partner may with very heavy law enforcement. “The National Grange supports research, sale of marijuana or that classify all species report another to federal agencies for pros- The National Grange of the Order of production, processing and marketing of Please turn to page 28 ecution. Likewise, it is less than ideal to Patron of pursue public litigation, as it might lead to Husbandry, criminal investigation. known sim- Lawsuits and binding arbitration are ply as “The polarizing and can destroy business rela- Grange,” tionships. Mediation helps preserve exist- made the ing relationships by bringing both parties statement in to a voluntary agreement. The parties talk November about all the issues that are generating fric- at its annual tion and come to a solution that takes into meeting, account problems that are more complex against the

Cool Madness by Vanessa Nelson • 350 pages West Coast Leaf Page 5 Spring 2010 passionate statements from Kaplan and communities. The City of Berkeley has Worthington about the need for safe access even designated the Berkeley Patients and an end to the injustices that are caused Group with its own honorary day. to communities by present policies. Kaplan Collective operators gave rousing said she was “proud and honored” that speeches at City Hall. Oakland has created a system for legal per- They told of their experiences provid- mits allowing dispensing of cannabis med- ing medicine to open-minded communities icines. Worthington stated, “Mickey Martin with sound policies that benefit patients is not a criminal. Incarcerating Mickey and the public. Rosenthal accused the fed- Martin is a crime.” Both councilpersons eral agencies of being terrorists in their shared their experiences of positive contri- actions against patients. butions by dispensing collectives in their Voter initiative filed for Washington ballot With Berkeley City Council member Kris Worthington (blue shirt, no jacket) and former cannabis By Vivian McPeak Sensible Washington. failed to get out of committee. “My motiva- confectioner Mickey Martin (blue shirt and maroon tie with jacket) standing by, Oakland Council member Rebecca Kaplan spoke out in support of licensed and regulated cannabis businesses Frustrated by a Washington state legislation was to get the criminals out of the and against the Drug War attacks on medical access. West Coast Leaf photo by Mikki Norris. tive impasse, activists have filed a citizens’ business and stop the harm that the current initiative with the Secretary of State to prohibition is doing,” said Rep. Roger Activists rally in Oakland to end raids repeal all existing civil and criminal penal- Goodman (Kirkland), cosponsor with Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson (Seattle). By James Patrick extoll the benefits patients and collectives ties for adults 18 or older who cultivate, possess, transport, sell or use cannabis. A lively and colorful crowd gathered on have had in their communities. Americans Driving under the influence and selling to Jan. 4 at noon in Oakland with signs, spirit, for Safe Access and Students for Sensible Proponents have until July to minors would remain illegal under the and a host of bells to ‘Ring in The New Drug Policy promoted the event and pro- collect 241,000 valid signatures proposed legislation. Initiative 1068 would Year’ as cannabis activists, public officials, vided speakers. also remove the Washington paraphernalia and supporters gathered for the first annu- After first gathering at the Federal The other bill, HB 1177, would have and civil forfeiture statutes as they pertain al ‘Ring in the New Year Rally and Protest.’ Building, participants marched to the State decriminalized cannabis and reduced pos- to cannabis. The event was put together by cannabis Building, and finally to City Hall. A large session from a criminal offense to a civil activist and political prisoner Mickey line-up of speakers from the cannabis com- Buoyed by recent national polls show- offense with a $100 penalty. Rep. Sherry Martin to raise awareness of the need for munity included Dr. Frank Lucido, Mikki ing legalization finally having majority Appleton, D-Poulsbo, who voted for both federal, state, and local governments to Norris, Chris Conrad, Jeff Jones, and Ed support, the initiative’s sponsor, Sensible measures, said, “The amount of money work together and end the war on cannabis Rosenthal. The group demanded that the Washington, cites the lack of progress that we could realize over legalizing it and patients and providers. Feds respect states’ rights and that the state made by state legislators as the impetus for regulating it is close to $300 million a year.” do more to support patients and providers, its grass-roots effort. Initiative proponents Initiative proponent Doug Hiatt said, have until July to submit 241,000 valid sig- Worthington stated, “Mickey while commending local governments that “This initiative can be a very powerful first have taken the initiative to ensure commu- natures for the November 2010 ballot. step in drug policy reform. It can help med- Martin is not a criminal. Incarcerating nity access. National attitudes about cannabis are ical marijuana patients; it can help anyone Mickey Martin is a crime.” The action was also to protest the com- changing, but the state legislature recently that wants to farm hemp. It’s something mencement of Martin’s one year federal fumbled two chances at reforming the that the people of Washington state can City Councilpersons Kriss Worthington incarceration for providing food-based state’s pot laws in the House Public Safety send a very clear signal to the federal gov- (Berkeley) and Rebecca Kaplan (Oakland) medicine. and Emergency Preparedness Committees. ernment and the state government that were on hand to show support, call for an yeah, we want this done.” A press conference was highlighted by House Bill 2401 to legalize cannabis to end to the assault on patients’ rights, and be dispensed in state-run liquor stores More info at sensiblewashington.org.

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Michigan Office: 877-787-6900 message phone Spring 2010 Page 6 West Coast Leaf Police field test mistakes herbal smudge for cannabis San Francisco engages community to By Martin Williams Absent this awareness, the government form its medical cannabis task force Robin Brown was arrested and facing continues to use the flawed D-L test to pur- By David Goldman San Francisco ASA David Campos' office since April 2009. prison in Florida in April 2009 after her sue unsubstantiated prosecutions and con- Campos' former aide Lynette Haynes facil- herbal ‘smudge’ tested positive for mari- victions, and all too often, to win them. A wide variety of activists representing the broad spectrum of the medical cannabis itated the group that was designated the SF juana. Charges were filed after the officer Kelly, [email protected], provides consultations and main- Medical Cannabis Working Group. The in her case relied on the most widely used tains the website beatfalsemarijuanacharges.blogspot.com community have been meeting under the and is looking for a publisher. purpose of this group was to help formu- presumptive field test, Duquenois-Levine. auspices of San Francisco Supervisor late legislation to form a 13-member SF Fortunately for Brown, however, her Medical Cannabis Task Force. The Task attorney found expert witness John Kelly, a Vibrationally-infused cannabis medications Force will advise the Board of Supervisors Pulitzer Prize nominee and author of False (BOS) and the city government's various By Rev. Violet Kashewa, Metainterface changes, human autonomous spiritually Positives Equal False Justice and Tainting departments on how best to ensure that Endogenous anandamides (cannabinoid innate intelligence and non-local con- Evidence. Using excerpts from his book SF’s laws regarding medical cannabis are neurotransmitters) unlock the human bio- sciousness. With cannabis, endogenous manuscript, How to Obtain a Pretrial functioning smoothly and effectively. Dismissal or Acquittal of Marijuana Charges, energy field and non-local consciousness, and supraluminal interactions trigger The SF BOS passed this legislation on describing a scientific basis for challenging catalyzing therapeutic use. This creates the simultaneously, stimulating an orchestrat- Feb. 2, by a vote of 8 to 2, with Sups. the test, they got the police lab to do a opportunity for co-creative healing out- ed response from the brain (located at the Elsbernd and Carmen Chu voting against GC/MS analysis which turned out nega- comes for cannabis patients. third-eye/crown level of the body) it, and Sup. Alioto-Pier absent. The work- tive, and all charges were dropped. through the electrical gateways and verti- cal axis — moving through the human bio- ing group selected a slate of 13 people, rep- Back in 1975, Dr. Marc Kurzman and 12 Energy medicine and cannabis field consciousness and activating energy resenting a wide variety of interests within other scientists had made this startling dis- conjoined represent a new frontier in centers, located along the spine, which cor- the medical cannabis community. The covery: “The microscopic and chemical therapeutic applications. relate respectively to the internal organs. board will ultimately decide on who will screening tests presently used in marijuana serve on the task force. analysis are not specific,” (i.e., they give When people use cannabis, they radiate Recommended candidates for the vari- false positives). Hence, the tests used to The current re-evaluation of both vibrational qualities through the human ous designated seats on the task force are: prove the presence of cannabis in a seized endogenous and entheogenic source, activ- bio-field and out into the world as sacred For community organizer, Stephanie substance are not scientifically reliable. ity and use may help civilization take its geometries, causing non-local healing in Tucker; two patient advocates, Shona “DeFaubert Maunder has reported finding next leap in planetary stewardship and self and others, and, potentially, social Gochenaur (Axis of Love) and David . . . 25 plant species besides Cannabis consciousness evolution. healing across the globe. This is a dynamic Goldman (SF Americans for Safe Access); which will give a positive Duquenois- The impact of cannabinoid activity on three- or four-dimensional level of engaged hospice representative, Mary Schroeder Levine test. Smith has also found that 12 of the human bio-field consciousness, subtle human consciousness in the natural world (Maitri); two cannabis dispensary owners, 40 common plant oils and extracts will give energy bodies and chakra energy system that the cannabinoid intelligence triggers. Raymond Gamley (The Divinity Tree) and a positive Duquenois-Levine test,” wrote has yet to be fully researched. Still, these A line of quantum cannabinoid formu- Martin Olive (The Vapor Room); delivery Kurzman, who succeeded in challenging aspects are fully demonstrated in therapeu- lations and products, True Potency service owner, Kevin Reed (The Green the test results in court. tic ‘energy medicine,’ a fast-growing Cannabis Medicinals, is the first energy Cross); drug policy organization rep, Sarah branch of integrative healthcare. Energy medicine-infused pure delivery system The Supreme Court subsequently Shrader (ASA national office); Attorney medicine and cannabis conjoined represent cannabis product line with therapeutic agreed that the D-L test could not be the with MCD experience, Patrick Goggin; cul- a new frontier in therapeutic applications. energy waves. Select sound healing waves sole basis for prosecution or conviction. tivator to low income patients, Albert Blais; When one prepares to ingest cannabis derived from the Solfegio Hz scale, such as Unfortunately, defense attorneys across the cultivator for dispensaries, Stewart or any other substance known to alter con- 396Hz, 'liberating guilt and fear' could be country have not picked up on Kurzman’s Rhoads; long-term activist, Michelle sciousness, one engages in a personal inten- applied for a patient experiencing post- work or the Supreme Court decision, for Aldridge (CANORML); and neighborhood tion. This serves as a natural catalytic con- traumatic stress. In the case of a patient at which Kelly largely blames a media black- rep from a district with an MCD, Maureen sciousness trigger, activating brainwave end-of-life care, the 741Hz, 'awakening out of the subject. Burns. intuition', could enhance a sense of peace and transcendence while dying. The @west_coast_leaf 417Hz, undoing situations and facilitating change, could be useful for the depressed West Coast Leaf patient, or the drug addict in harm reduc- Don’t miss a single issue! tion therapy. Rev. Violet Kashewa, MscD.,MchD., doctoral candidate, Subscribe today: Ask 'Doctor META', offers free compassionate medical intu- itive services nationwide at 888-207-6826. Medicinals will be westcoastleaf.com available in summer 2010. Patient service groups, rehab-residential, and hospices interested in being a member in TPCM or 510-215-8326 patient-supplier coop, contact her via truepotency.com.

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CRIMINAL DEFENSE All Felonies & Misdemeanors All Federal & State Cases • All Drug-related Cases * Identity Theft / Fraud • Burglary / Robbery • Weapons Charges • Homicide • Parole / Probation • Juvenile Cases • Prostitution • D.U.Is TIMES MAY BE TOUGH RIGHT NOW, BUT FELONIES ARE FOR LIFE. www.LAsDopestAttorney.com CALL NOW PRACTICE YOUR RIGHT TO REMAIN SILENT! TOLL FREE Allison B. Margolin Se habla español Attorney at Law Wir sprechen Deutsch Toll Free • 24 hrs • 7 days ԿԸ ԽՕՍԻՆՔ ՀԱՅԵՐԷՆ 1-888-DOPE-LAW • 323-653-1850 We speak Farsi West Coast Leaf Page 7 Spring 2010 Mendo ordinance would label collectives and Court ruling puts WA patients at greater risk patients a ‘public nuisance’ to reduce their rights By Martin Martinez medmj-wa.com immediately arrested and handcuffed, The Washington State Supreme Court then forced to endure lengthy questioning By Pebbles Trippet MMMAB Boardmember process is centered in the sheriff’s office, upheld the rights of police to arrest from hostile narcotics officers. One officer Mendocino County Supervisors propose to which can initiate an action against a patients who use cannabis with their doc- told the prisoners that there was no med- further regulate collectives and coopera- patient at will. This increases law enforce- tors’ recommendation in a ruling Jan. 21, ical marijuana law in Pierce County. Kristie tives as “public nuisances” under an ment’s role in regulating medical marijua- 2010 in Clayton v. Wilson. The affirmative repeatedly tried to explain her condition administrative law (MCC9.31) that already na rather than shifting it away as voters defense intended to protect patients seems and her need to urinate frequently, but her limits patients to 25 plants per parcel, intended — as a health issue, not a crime. to have made them even more vulnerable. plea was ignored. She was not allowed to rather than on objective land use impacts The ordinance is being challenged in Patients must be aware that there are juris- use the bathroom, which caused her under zoning laws that balance environ- Hill v Mendocino County by patient taxpay- dictional interpretations of state law. Until intense agony. She was berated and mental and neighborhood concerns with ers on constitutional grounds. A hearing is the legislature addresses this issue, patients mocked by the narcotics officer, who yelled patients’ rights. The nuisance framework is scheduled for May 14 in Superior Court, will face persecution and police abuse. at her without cause. Officers confiscated punitive and gives patients second-class detailing 9.31’s multiple violations of Kristie Choate was a registered nurse 50 cannabis plants and many personal status for purposes of regulation. patients’ rights and state law. for over 17 years before being diagnosed belongings, including a computer. Jim and Trelanie Hill and Andrea and with a severe case of interstitial cystitis, a Police refused Kristie any assistance Patients have fewer constitutional Marta Nagy are co-plaintiffs; Edie Lerman disease involving blisters inside the blad- whatsoever. Citing severe disabilities, she protections under administrative law and J. David Nick are their attorneys. der. That very painful and potentially dan- asked for mercy and received none. Unable than under criminal law. An Appeals Court is expected to rule in gerous condition required her to take up to to walk to the shower or the bathroom, a similar case April 20, Qualified Patients 22 medications, including narcotics. She Kristie was ridiculed and harassed by The proposed changes are vehemently Assn. v City of Anaheim, challenging a ban was unable to work. Her husband intro- other inmates. She was beaten and opposed by the Mendocino Medical on dispensing collectives that was issued duced her to cannabis, and she was dragged through the hall. The situation Marijuana Advisory Board (MMMAB). under a city nuisance ordinance. Whatever amazed to find the herb quelled her severe worsened until guards took her to solitary The question remains, how to regulate that outcome, it will likely be appealed to nausea, while also providing superior pain confinement for her own protection, where cannabis collectives and cooperatives with- the State Supreme Court. relief. Well-intended, Brad and Kristie set she spent eight days in a tiny concrete room, with none of her regular medica- out discriminating against patients or put- It is hoped that the Anaheim decision out to help others. Unpre pared for the tions — withdrawing from prescription ting them at a disadvantage in court. will stop the neo-prohibition nuisance heavy-handed response of the Tacoma narcotics. By the time she was finally Patients have fewer constitutional protec- strategy of labeling patient-growers ‘public police, they hung a sign on their house allowed to make bail, she was sent directly tions under administrative law than under nuisances,’ a special category of people identifying it as a “Marijuana Ministry.” to a hospital for intravenous nutrition. criminal law. with reduced rights, who are assessed fines The couple opened themselves up to a Patients can lose their right to a jury and fees. Anaheim will serve as a precedent police investigation by reporting that they Nearly two years passed while Kristie trial, the protection of warrants required in Hill, since the rights of collectives are at had been robbed at gunpoint. Officers awaited trial. She had lost nearly every- for law enforcement to enter property, the the heart of the patient challenge to county appeared, demanding entry to their gar- thing during that time. Her gas, electricity, need for corroborating evidence beyond a ordinance 9.31. den, then returned in force. The couple was and water were all turned off. She had no single deputy’s say-so, and the right to dis- phone, no computer, no friends and no pute accusations before being found guilty support from Brad, who had left her. of a violation such as aroma, ‘excess’ quan- College students want campus to be SAFER Thanks to persistent negotiations by her tity, broken gate lock or fence-hole. In the By Eva Enns SAFER Outreach Director pro bono attorney, Kristie was finally let off proposed revisions anyone who wishes to National Alcohol Awareness Month will have a different theme this year: Marijuana is with a misdemeanor. challenge an abatement order must pay a Safer. The group SAFER is channeling the growing momentum message toward a nation- This type of drug war tragedy will only non-refundable fee of $1140 within ten wide day of action on April 1. It is working with students at more than 50 schools, includ- end when authorities accept cannabis as a days to gain the right to appeal. ing dozens of campus chapters of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana life-saving medicine and the legislature Under this law the nuisance abatement Please turn to page 14 acts to protect its citizens. Spring 2010 Page 8 West Coast Leaf Documents show WA State AG’s office complicit Dr. Eidelman prevails in Medical Board case By Martin Williams consultants, the Board exaggerated the in depriving patients of access to legal medicines William S. Eidelman, MD, one of the first standard of medical care. That is difficult By Lee Rosenberg Cannabis Defense Coalition federal government has a policy of block- California doctors to issue cannabis recom- for the accused to overcome. However, the Following the release of nearly 1800 pages ing research. The doctor assigned to mendations, triumphed over state Medical standard for migraine patients was clear — of documents from the Washington State approve or deny the requests, Dr. Steven Board efforts to take away his license. He they should not be re-evaluated once the Dept. of Corrections (DOC), the history of Hammond, even went so far as to suggest was among the Board’s first targets. diagnosis is made, unless a significant that department’s efforts to undermine the in an email that DOC could deny pre- Dr. Eidelman’s problems began with change occurs. This information is widely state medical marijuana law for individu- scribed Marinol to an individual with ter- visits to his office by four undercover available and known by every doctor, so als in their custody has been revealed. minal cancer. police officers and board investigators. The when confronted with information from Defense Coalition’s Public Disclosure What DOC’s actions effectively did was officers misrepresented key details of the authoritative web sites for patients and Request turned up documents showing to allow law enforcement to arrest and bru- case in their initial affidavits. Based on doctors who agree with Eidelman, the that, on advice from Attorney General Rob talize legal patients and bully them into those, plus testimony from the Board’s Board’s expert did not have a reply. McKenna’s office, DOC crafted a policy plea deals that left them on probation. hired ‘expert,’ Dr. Eidelman’s license was that made it impossible for nearly any Then, while on probation, agencies impose suspended at a hearing where he was Eidelman was vindicated when authorized patient to be able to use drug testing to keep them from using med- unable to confront his accusers. the Medical Board lost its cannabis while on probation. ical marijuana. At a later hearing, something closer to efforts to take his license at a All correspondence between the AG’s This scenario played out for Pamela the truth came out, and Judge Waxman office and DOC has been redacted, citing Olson of Kitsap County. Her husband ruled, “Dr. Eidelman provides a valued 2009 probation hearing. attorney-client privilege. The rationale Bruce refused to accept his plea deal and and valuable service,” and should be likely stems from language that requires was able to come out victorious at trial allowed to continue with cannabis recom- Part of the original complaint stated individuals on probation to obey all laws. once their story began to grab the attention mendations if he does it according to “stan- that since the patient/parolee had commit- The DOC likely believed they could force of local activists and the media. Despite the dard of care.” He got five years of proba- ted a related crime, cannabis could not be probationers to follow federal law instead victory, the Olsons lost their home trying to tion, supervised by a physician from UC recommended to him. The Deputy of state law. No court in Washington has defend their perfectly legal cannabis. San Diego, who went over seven random, Attorney General, the complaining parole yet ruled on this argument. There are a number of similar cases of anonymous patient charts per month. officer, and the Board’s expert all suggested cannabis patients being denied medicine. One parole officer objected to a recom- that a letter to the migraine sufferer from DOC’s actions allowed law In one particularly nasty case, Washington mendation for a migraine sufferer and years before Eidelman’s legal problems enforcement to arrest and resident Kathy Parkins was arrested for complained to the Board. By the time it was began had violated some vague standard possession in Arizona and allowed to of care. The UC doctor, however, a distin- brutalize legal patients. investigated by the Board, Eidelman was return to Washington to serve out her pro- already getting the UC doctor’s quarterly guished professor and for many years bation. Then she was improperly arrested involved with doctors being ‘rehabilitated,’ Even within DOC, there was some hes- reports, which were all positive, showing in West Seattle and thrown in jail for a disagreed. itation about the harshness of the policy, that he was doing a good job. week. The documents show that the correc- with one administrator asking his col- In spite of this excellent record, the Based on the positive testimony from tions officer who made the arrest falsified leagues in an email, “Do we want to die on Board ignored those reports and asked for the UC doctor, the judge denied the an Interstate Compact report in an attempt this hill?” revocation of his medical license. Board’s petition for revocation. Dr. to have her sent back to Arizona. Eidelman’s administrative probation is When the policy was finalized, it As in all their cases against cannabis Lee Rosenberg writes a blog at horsesass.org now over and he told West Coast Leaf that amounted to little more than a formal way he is looking forward to continuing to help to deny any and all cannabis patients the sick people in the community and advance use of their medicine. It even required doc- West Coast Leaf the science and practice of good medicine tors to provide peer-reviewed studies on Contact us at [email protected] • 510-215-8326 using natural substances. the effectiveness of cannabis for the See drEidelman.com and beAddictionFree.com. patient’s condition, despite the fact that the The Cannabis Newspaper of Record. West Coast Leaf Page 9 Spring 2010 Judge won’t let jury decide case against drug cops make a judgment “when a party has been fully heard…and there is no legally sufficient evidentiary basis for a reasonable jury to find for that party,” or in this case, to vote in favor of Schafer. Specifically, the judge pointed to evidence that officers had kept their guns in the ‘low ready’ position while detaining Schafer, rather than pointed directly at the adolescent’s head. Handcuffs were a necessary precaution, ruled England, because an Mollie Fry (l) and her son Geoffrey Schafer, who sued police for excessive force during adolescent can be more impulsive and the 2001 raid on his parentsʼ property. energetic than an adult. The judge also Photo by Vanessa Nelson ruled that the three hours Schafer was detained were reasonable given the search Schafer civil suit tossed aside of a rural property that spanned 26 acres By Vanessa Nelson medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com and contained multiple out-buildings. It took more than eight years for Geoffrey Although officers found only 34 plants, Schafer’s civil case to get to court, but only Schafer’s parents were charged with culti- three days for it to come to a crashing halt. vating over 100 plants — subject to a five- FREE AT LAST — Drug War POW and medical marijuana patient Will Foster celebrated his return In front of a federal jury this January, year mandatory minimum prison sentence. to California from Oklahoma, with friends and supporters at Ed Rosenthalʼs Festivus party on Schafer accused officers of using excessive Prosecutors used records from sheriffs who Dec. 23 in San Francisco. Foster spent more than a year in Sonoma CA county jail over charges had conducted friendly ‘medical marijuana related to a medical grow at his home, that were later dismissed. He was then extradited back to force against him when they raided the Oklahoma in August 2009 where he was facing serious time over an alleged parole violation, home of his parents, attorney Dale Schafer compliance checks’ at the residence over stemming from his 1996 bust for a small grow, for which he was originally sentenced to 93 and medical marijuana doctor Marion the course of five years. years. After being held in jail for a few more months, the Oklahoma parole board finally decided to release Foster and allow him to return home. Photo by Mikki Norris ‘Mollie’ Fry. Midway through the trial, Since federal courts don’t follow state however, the judge dismissed the jury and cannabis laws, Schafer’s parents weren’t rendered a verdict in favor of the cops. permitted to defend themselves by proving “They took every step to make sure compliance with Prop 215. As a result, they there wasn’t excessive force,” US District were ultimately convicted and sentenced Judge Morrison England Jr. concluded to the mandatory five years in federal about the accused officers. prison, but have been permitted to remain Geoffrey Schafer, 22, was barely into his free while their case is on appeal. teens when local and federal drug agents Fry, who testified for her son during his raided his home in September 2001. Before civil trial, broke into tears in the gallery his trial was cut short, Schafer testified when Judge England decided in favor of about the severe and lasting psychological the police. As for Schafer himself, he called damage he suffered as a result of being the ruling in his case predictable, but said handcuffed and guarded at gunpoint dur- that it signaled the need for citizens to ing the lengthy search of the home. become more politically involved. “This is The basis for halting the trial was why everyone needs to vote,” he declared. Federal Rule 50, which allows the court to “The masses can change this.”

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Continued from page 1 “[T]he MMP’s identification card system is a discrete tional amendment of the CUA].)” immature plants cannot burden a patient’s legal defense of set of laws designed to confer distinct protections the CUA The ruling appears to include patients who do not reg- any specific quantity of cannabis or plants, per its earlier does not provide” wrote Justice C. J. George, ”without lim- ister in the state program as being immune from arrest Mower decision. After medical immunity is raised, a pros- iting the protections the CUA does provide. For example, while staying within the appropriate threshold amounts. ecutor’s burden is proof beyond reasonable doubt that the unlike the CUA, which did not immunize medical marijua- “The MMP’s safe harbor provision, subdivision (f) of quantity was not reasonably related to the patient’s current na users from arrest but instead provided a limited ‘immu- section 11362.77, authorizes possession of certain amounts medical need, or it was intented for non-medical use. nity’ defense to prosecution under state law for cultivation of medical marijuana. It provides that a ‘qualified patient or possession of marijuana [citation], the MMP’s identifica- or a person holding a valid identification card, or the des- tion card system is designed to protect ignated primary caregiver of that qualified patient or per- against unnecessary arrest”. son, may possess amounts of marijuana consistent with It added, “Because the MMP’s identifi- this article [that is, as provided in subds. (a)-(c) of § cation card program has no impact on the 11362.77];’ By its terms, this safe harbor provision, which is protections provided by the CUA, we reject not directly implicated on the facts of this case, would Counties’ claim that those provisions are apply not only to those who hold MMP identification invalidated by...the California Constitu - cards, but also to qualified patients or their primary care- tion.” (San Diego NORML; accord, People v. givers — those persons who are entitled to the protections Hochanadel (2009) [holding that § 11362.775 of the CUA but who do not obtain a program identification of the MMP, concerning collectives or coop- card that may provide protection against arrest.” eratives, does not constitute an unconstitu- This is one of the biggest wins to date for patients. The Kelly ruling was handed down after three separate Appeals court rulings struck down the quantity limits as unconstitutional. The Kelly case went far- ther and struck out a key section of the statute. The High Court has now made a more nuanced ruling that kept the language intact and articu- lated how the safe harbor could be implemented by law enforcement in a constitutional manner.

The Inland Empire’s No. 1 “420 Lawyer” Criminal Defense • Felony and Misdemeanor All State Courts • Collective Incorporation SB 420 Legal Advice Allen Bartleman, Attorney at Law

29 Years in Practice • Defending Your Rights Since 1980 Cal NORML-listed Lawyer • Member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

505 N. Arrowhead Ave. Suite #509, San Bernardino, CA (909)-885-8388 “IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE LAW, KNOW YOUR LAWYER” Call for Consultation Appointment West Coast Leaf Page 11 Spring 2010 Ammiano bill’s ‘yes’ vote makes history Washington State poised for big legislative gains New effort already in works Hill and Skinner both expressed con- By Alison Holcomb expands access to naloxone, an opiate cern with provisions of the draft bill but By Mike Meno Marijuana Policy Project Drug law reform is making significant antagonist commonly known by its trade indicated that they cast their ‘aye’ vote to strides in the Washington state legislature. name Narcan. Naloxone reverses opiate The California Assembly Committee on continue the discussion of an important As this article goes to press, two bills have overdose within moments of administra- Public Safety voted 4-3 to pass AB 390, a issue. Although AB 390 did not progress been passed out of the Senate and are mak- tion. Prescription opiate overdoses are the bill that would remove criminal penalties any further than the Public Safety ing their way through the House, and a largest segment of the increase in drug for adult marijuana possession and cultiva- Committee due to legislative calendar con- third – the first marijuana decriminaliza- overdose deaths in recent years. tion, and institute a statewide regulatory straints, advocates nevertheless hailed the tion measure to be debated in a state legis- The Senate also passed SB 5798, spon- system for cannabis sales. The Jan. 12, 2010 vote as an historic victory. vote marked the first time in American his- lature in more than three decades – sored by Senator Jeanne Kohl-Welles, “A legislative committee has (finally) tory that a government committee voted to received committee hearings in both cham- which will make it easier for persons suf- taken a vote on taxing and regulating mar- overturn marijuana prohibition. bers and was voted out of the Senate fering terminal and debilitating medical ijuana,” said Aaron Smith. “It’s certainly an Judiciary Committee with a bipartisan ‘do conditions to become qualifying patients Aaron Smith, California policy director encouraging sign that they decided to send pass’ recommendation. under Washington’s medical marijuana for the Marijuana Policy Project, told the prohibition to the ash heap of history.” law. SB 5798 expands the list of health care committee that the bill would “finally put The Senate voted nearly unanimously Ammiano vowed to re-introduce reform professionals who may authorize the med- California on track toward having a mari- Feb. 5 (with only one ‘nay’) to pass SB 5516, legislation in 2010. ical use of marijuana to include, in addition juana policy that’s sensible, results-based sponsored by Senator Rosa Franklin. This to medical and osteopathic physicians, and in line with the views of most bill would make Washington the second physician assistants, osteopathic physi- California voters who overwhelmingly California legislative update state, after New Mexico in 2007, to adopt a cians' assistants, naturopaths, and know that prohibition has failed.” Continued from page 1 ‘911 Good Samaritan’ measure that extends immunity from drug possession charges to advanced registered nurse practitioners. Stephen Gutwillig, California director In other legislative action, State Senator people who summon medical care in over- Senate Bill 5615, also sponsored by Sen. for the Drug Policy Alliance, closed the Mark Leno (S.F.) is sponsoring a resolution, dose situations. Drug overdose is now the Kohl-Welles, would have reduced the supportive testimony, saying, “It’s time to SJR 14, calling on the federal government leading cause of accidental injury death in penalty for adult possession of marijuana bring marijuana out of underground econ- to stop interfering in state laws and imple- Washington, ahead of motor vehicles, falls, from a misdemeanor carrying mandatory omy, regulate it appropriately, and redirect ment a policy to ensure legal access to and firearms. Drug overdose deaths in the jail time to a civil infraction imposing a criminal justice resources to matters of real medical marijuana. The bill passed the state have more than doubled over the past $100 ticket that could be paid by mail. Last public safety.” State Senate 23-15 and is awaiting action in decade, from 360 in 2001 to 794 in 2008. session, SB 5615 was voted out of the Testimony in opposition to the bill was the Assembly. Research consistently identifies fear of Senate Judiciary Committee with a biparti- permitted to run significantly longer than A bill to legalize paraphernalia when police involvement as the primary reason san “do pass” recommendation. This ses- committee decorum normally permits by used for medical marijuana, AB 1811, has people hesitate to call 911 in overdose situ- sion, its companion HB 1177 received a the committee’s vice-chair, Curt Hagman been introduced by Assemblyman ations. Providing immunity from drug Please turn to page 23 (R- Chino Hills). Opponents included for- Ammiano. Currently, sales of any cannabis possession charges, and mer deputy drug czar Andrea Barthwell, paraphernalia remain technically illegal in treating drug use as a public San Mateo Police Chief and acting California despite passage of Prop. 215 health concern rather than a California Police Chiefs’ Association presi- Economic analysis of the bill posted at canorml.org/background/CA_legalization2.html. For up-to-date information crime, will save lives. dent Susan Manheimer, regional director of on the status of legislation in California, see canorml.org Senate Bill 5516 also the National Narcotics Officers Assn. Coalition Claude Cook, former crack addict Pastor Ron Allen, and a long line of local police chiefs. After hearing the opposition testimony, the bill’s author, Rep. Tom Ammiano (D- San Francisco), urged the committee to “discount the alarmist, ad hominem remarks made.” He added, “There was a movie once called Reefer Madness. Some of the arguments today reminded me of that.” Assemblymembers Jerry Hill (D-South San Francisco), Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and Ammiano voted in support of the bill. ‘No’ votes were cast by Warren Furutani (D-Long Beach), Danny Gilmore (R-Hanford), and Hagman.

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Science and Horticulture Preview of cannabis research for 2010 The Lab Bench digestion and host defense. The collective research on this subject was reviewed and By Jahan Marcu [email protected] the authors suggest that academia and Each year thousands of articles are pub- industry should fully develop cannabi- lished about cannabis and cannabinoids. noids as a treatment for diseases of the gas- Because of this promising research, scien- tro-intestinal tract (2). tists and doctors around the world are tak- Nearly every week positive research on ing interest in cannabinoids. Part of the cannabis and cannabinoids is published by excitement comes from established data labs around the world. Despite the promis- showing that cannabinoid receptors may ing implications, the work of these pioneer- be the most abundant protein in the human ing scientists often goes unnoticed in brain, and humans also produce a natural, media and the ‘science sections’ of national THC-like compound, anandamide . In the newspapers. Furthermore, medical schools first few months of 2010 a wide range of do not provide any classes on cannabi- relevant research articles have already been noids, which forces patients to stay up-to- published. Among the highlights: date with the research on their own, in Researchers at the University of Leiden The resin from a mature female flower contains a wide spectrum of cannabinoids. order to better inform their doctors of Photo by Chris Conrad analyzed cannabis smoke and vapor by potential benefits of cannabis. comparing their effects at the cannabinoid These examples offer a glimpse of a type 1 receptor (CB1R) (1). Both smoke and Public support continues its march toward reform blossoming research field. By discussing vapor activate the cannabinoid receptor cannabis research with doctors, other up from 22 percent in 1997. In November, equally, but vaporization is more efficient National poll shows dramatic patients, friends and family you can pre- California voters will likely be the first because fewer compounds are destroyed increase in support for change vent more studies from remaining unno- state to attempt to end cannabis prohibi- or degraded. However, what was shown ticed, underreported, or misunderstood. By Kurt A. Gardinier Marijuana Policy Project tion entirely. The Tax Cannabis 2010 for the first time was that terpenoids, the Send your science questions to [email protected] A new ABC News/Washington Post poll Campaign submitted nearly 700,000 signa- fragrant molecules such as myrcene, are a 1) Fischedick et al. Cannabinoid Receptor 1 Binding reveals that more than eight in 10 tures (only 433,971 required) to qualify its major component of the smoke and vapor. Activity and Quantitative Analysis of Cannabis sativa L. Americans support efforts to make initiative for the 2010 ballot. The initiative Smoke and Vapor. Chem. Pharm. Bull. 58(2) 201—207 (2010) The authors believe compounds such as cannabis legal for medical use. That figure seeks to make personal possession (up to 1 myrcene may contribute to therapeutic 2) Izzo et al. Cannabinoids and the gut: New developments and emerging concepts. Pharmacol Ther (2010). is up from 69 percent in 1997. Fifty-six per- oz.) and cultivation (up to 25 square feet) benefits of medical cannabis. 3) Fukuda et al. The Cann. Receptor Agonist WIN 55,212-2 cent say that if it’s allowed, “doctors legal for adults 21 and up. Guinea pig studies suggest that the Inhibits Antigen-Induced Plasma Extravasation in Guinea Pig Airways. Int Arch Allergy Immunol 12;152(3):295-300 (2010) should be able to prescribe medical mari- MPP now has an office in Las Vegas, cannabinoid type 2 receptor (CB2R) may be 4) Raborn et al. Cann. Inhibtion of Macrophage Migration juana to anyone they think it can help.” Nevada for building a statewide coalition helpful in preventing asthma (3). The To the TAT protein of HIV-1 is linked to the CB2 canabinoid In January the New Jersey state legisla- to pass a ballot initiative in November 2012 receptor. JPET (2010). development of asthma is linked to the ture passed a medical cannabis bill that to tax and regulate cannabis like alcohol. activation of C-fibers, and researchers did Synthetic cannabinoids found was signed into law days later by outgoing Basically the law would make the posses- find that CB2R activation, but not CB1R, in streets of Europe and Japan Governor Jon Corzine. Maryland is likely sion of cannabis paraphernalia and up to could prevent the activation of C-fibers. to introduce a similar bill by the time this one ounce of cannabis legal for individuals A team in Japan analyzed 46 herbal prepa- Activating CB2R could be important in article is printed. 21 years of age and older. rations sold on the black market and found attenuating HIV-associated inflammation, In Arizona, the Marijuana Policy 2009 was by far the best year for which ultimately leads to destruction of that 44 of them contained synthetic cannabinoids (2). Project has nearly collected the 250,000 sig- cannabis policy reform in US history and parts of the body such as neurons, result- natures required to place an initiative on 2010 is shaping up to be even more suc- Previously, “Spice” and other herbal ing in changes in cognitive and motor func- the November 2010 ballot, which will cessful. tions. When HIV infects a cell, it releases preparations were found to contain syn- legalize medical marijuana, including Gardinier is director of communications at the Marijuana thetic cannabinoids in the UK and some viral proteins that create inflammation and authorizing 120 dispensaries throughout Policy Project, at mpp.org. parts of Europe. Surprisingly high attract healthy immune cells. One such the state. Current polling in Arizona puts amounts of alpha-tocopherol, or vitamin E, viral protein called tat causes immune cells voter support of this initiative around 65 EFFICIENT GROW ROOMS were also found in many of the samples. to arrive at the site of infection and usually percent. MPP has also made significant Consultation • Design • Construction The three main synthetic cannabinoids become infected by HIV. Tat appears to be progress on medical marijuana bills in Maximize your yield with the right setup found varied greatly in their concentra- inhibited by cannabinods that activate the Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Massachusetts, • Electrical wiring Sonoma County tions: cannabicyclohexanol (1.1 to 16.9 mil- CB2R. THC and CP55,940 were both able Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New • Conversion 110/220 Homeowners: ligram/gram), JWH-018 (2.0 to 35.9 mil- • Solar power to inhibit tat-mediated attraction and thus York; if initiatives can succeed in those Ask me how to ligram/gram), and oleamide (7.6 to 210.9 • Lighting get solar panels suppress this aspect of HIV/AIDS (4). seven states between now and the summer • Insulation mg/g). The authors call for more research and save on bills The cannabinoid receptors are also of 2011 the number of medical marijuana • Soundproofing into these synthetic cannabinoids, as well • Ventilation before you pay! abundant in the gut. A lot of work has states will jump from 14 to 21, plus the as continued analysis of herbal products. • Air conditioning studied the therapeutic role of cannabi- District of Columbia. • Faux walls PEDRINAZZICONSTRUCTION.COM noids to treat diseases of the intestines such They conclude, “Monitoring and surveil- Additionally, the ABC News/ Wash - Green Power! 415-260-2313 as infections, irritable bowel syndrome, lance analyses are a first-step in the regulation of abused compounds.” ington Post poll finds 46 percent support Serving the San Francisco Bay Area Since 1982 abdominal pain, etc. Cannabinoids help for making the possession of small Bonded and Insured control the two main functions of the gut: N. Uchiyama, et al., Chem analysis of synthetic cannabinoids CA Gen. Building / Solar Contractor Lic # 802738 as designer drugs in herbal products, Forensic Sci. Int. (2010) amounts of cannabis legal for personal use,

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A GOOD START — THC, CBD pack double punch against tumors Whether starting with seedlings By Bruce Mirken in which researchers operate, but it’s frus- (below) or scions, trating to cannabis activists. They note that cuttings or clones, For three and a half decades, lab and ani- (right), the cannabis mal studies have reported that cannabi- test-tube data on the antitumor action of cultivator needs to noids have relatively potent anti-cancer THC goes back to 1975, and argue that the select the most desirable plant properties. While politics and bureaucracy safety of cannabinoids is clearly estab- characteristics of continue to thwart human clinical trials — lished. The politicization of science regard- vigor, shape, aroma ing cannabis, they argue, is the reason that and other qualities which, in a rational world, would have in order to decide happened decades ago — interesting new only one human study of cannabinoids for results continue to come from laboratories cancer treatment has been published so far around the world. The latest suggest that — a tiny pilot study which found THC the combination of THC and cannabidiol infusions into terminal brain tumors to be (CBD) may be more potent against brain safe. The study was not designed to con- tumors than either drug alone. firm whether the treatment worked. * Mirken is a writer and media consultant in San Francisco. The journal Molecular Cancer He served as director of communications for the Marijuana which starts Therapeutics published a new study in Policy Project from 2001 to 2009. Mol. Cancer Ther. abstract to keep and available at mct.aacrjournals.org/content/9/1/180.abstract). grow to January providing the first evidence that fruition, and combination cannabinoid therapy is more which to cull potent against cancer than using THC or from the garden and other cannabinoids as single agents. Safer campuses discard. Sean McAllister and colleagues from Continued from page 7 the California Pacific Medical Center Laws (NORML) and Students for Sensible Research Institute in San Francisco tested Drug Policy (SSDP). SAFER, a national THC and CBD, and the two combined, on West Coast cannabis reform organization based in Leaf photos by human glioblastoma brain cancer cells. In Chris Conrad Denver, will help the students to generate all three cell lines tested, both drugs media coverage highlighting the relative showed antitumor activity, with CBD the safety of cannabis compared to alcohol, more potent. In two of the three cell lines, Spring greening: Working with nature’s sundial and inspire public debate on the potential the THC/CBD combination proved more danger of current laws and policies about By Samuel Janovici Seed growers face an uphill battle with the potent, presumably adding the anti-cancer both drugs. Spring has always been a time for renewal elements. It’a time for outdoor growers to effects of the two drugs together and sug- — time to start anew and put into action ready their land, get their garden starts gesting a synergistic action. Public support for ending cannabis going, and keep them protected from the prohibition has reached an all-time high, those dreams and plans for the immediate “Combinations, compared to individ- elements until they can be put into the and with more Americans than ever believ- future. Most growers are forward thinking, ual drug treatments with specific cannabi- earth’s nurturing bosom. ing cannabis should be treated like alcohol, ecologically-minded folks who’d rather noid-based compounds, may represent an a new debate is emerging on college and use organic solutions than chemical short- The challenge is to time the transition improvement for the treatment of patients university campuses nationwide. cuts. The best of these seek holistic answers with nature’s sundial. Some may chose to with glioblastoma and perhaps additional to mildew, molds, fungus and insect infes- start their plants indoors, but timing is cancers,” McAllister says. “It is also possi- SAFER began helping students raise tations. Some have found alternatives to everything. Remember, this crop is trig- ble that other constituents of cannabis sati- this question at two Colorado universities the commonly accepted practice of using gered to bloom by its photo-period: the va which are not structurally related to in 2005. In just five years, the refrain has chemicals to protect their garden and sup- closer it gets to the 12-hour cycle, the more cannabinoids could improve antitumor spread to more than a dozen schools, and is ply its vital nutrient values. likely a plant is to bloom. Transplanting a activity when combined.” now beginning to echo around the country. healthy vegging plant from indoors to out- There are pioneers out there, such as One obvious way to combine multiple Pointing to the relative harms of the doors is a balancing act that requires Kyle Kushman’s Veganics: Beyond Organics cannabinoids with other components of two popular substances, students are applied knowledge and considerable expe- for Medicinal Quality Cannabis, Danny the cannabis plant is to simply use the speaking out against disproportionately rience, but it’s well worth the effort. Seed Danko’s Organics for Beginners, and my plant itself -- whether smoked, vaporized, punitive policies that steer students toward growers should heed their local climatic perennial favorite Jorge Cervantes’ or in some sort of extract. McAllister isn’t using alcohol instead of cannabis, con- and weather conditions, remembering to Marijuana Horticulture: The Indoor/Outdoor quite ready to jump on that bandwagon tributing to increased incidence of vio- start their efforts under glass or in plastic Medical Grower's Bible. He has done as yet. “In regard to brain cancer, it is highly lence, injuries, overdose death, and other containers that protect their seedlings from much to promote good gardening practices unlikely that effective concentrations of serious alcohol-related problems. the ravages of nature. as any other horticulturalist in the industry. either Δ9-THC or CBD could be reached by “We’re looking at it from the angle of Read their books and blogs, and apply Security is the watchword. Apply the smoking cannabis,” he says. “In regard to marijuana being safer than alcohol,” said their proven technologies. rules of being good neighbors and good additional cancers, I feel defined formula- Sarah Wislocki, spokesperson for a success- There are traditional remedies learned stewards of the land. It’s important to pro- tions and dosing will be needed in order to ful SAFER campaign at Purdue University from decades of farming experience to tect crops from prying eyes and wayward effectively treat patients.” last spring. “As a woman, I’d rather be noses. When outdoors, fence the land, add remedy issues that may overwhelm even McAllister says his team is moving around men smoking [cannabis] than those hedges to the property, landscape the crops those who are up-to-date or supposed toward “clinical trials in both breast and who are drinking — they have less aggres- and plant scented species to cover that experts. The book 10,000 Garden Questions brain cancer, but it is a slow process.” His sive behavior,” Wislocki told a local news- marvelous and most obvious skunky Answered by 20 Experts should be on every next step will be to try to replicate test-tube paper following her group’s successful aroma cannabis produces. Indoor growers grower’s reference shelf. results in animals. “No agency in the US campus campaign. “Yet the university’s need to minimize noise by sound proofing Every strain has its own personality, so would allow me to move forward to clini- policy is more lenient toward alcohol.” their grow-rooms. Stop telltale odor by a gardener needs to know their plants. cal trials without some form of proof of In particular, students face far more using industrial charcoal filters. Don’t steal Understand the variety you have chosen concept data in a relevant preclinical in vivo severe penalties for cannabis, including the power by chopping into power-lines, that’s and set in motion those practices that best model.” That may well be an accurate loss of student financial aid, campus one of the fastest ways to get caught. suit your goals and your plant’s needs. assessment of the regulatory environment Please turn to page 31

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For more details and information contact [email protected] West Coast Leaf Page 15 Spring 2010 Federal agency in charge of research admits to stifling studies on cannabis’ medical benefits By Paul Armentano, NORML medical marijuana advocates and patients The National Institute on Drug Abuse all these years,” responded a NORML (NIDA) presently oversees an estimated 85 spokesperson. “Lawmakers demand clini- percent of the world’s research on con- cal research regarding the safety and effica- trolled substances. cy of medical cannabis, and the agency in A spokesperson for (NIDA) told the charge of such research blocks these studies from ever taking place. It’s sickening New York Times in January that the agency Dr. Igor Grant does “not fund research focused on the that these public officials have let political (above) presented ideology, not science, determine his clinical potential medical benefits of marijuana.” research data on American’s health decisions.” Under federal law, the agency must medical cannabis. Last November the American Medical Senator Mark approve all clinical and preclinical research Association’s (AMA) Council on Science Leno and Dr involving cannabis. NIDA strictly controls Barath Wisley, and Public Health declared, “Results of which investigators are allowed access to M.D., Clinical short term controlled trials indicate that Prof. at UC Davis (right) also spoke at the press conference. Photo by Dale Gieringer the federal government’s lone research smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic supply of pot—which is produced and pain, improves appetite and caloric intake New studies show marijuana listed incorrectly stored at the University of Mississippi. especially in patients with reduced muscle NIDA spokeswoman Shirley Simson Continued from page 1 The CMCR program was founded in mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain was quoted in a Jan 19, 2010 article, a first-line treatment for…neuropathy,” 2000, following an $8.7 million appropria- in patients with multiple sclerosis.” “Researchers Find Medical Study of said Dr. Igor Grant, Director of the CMCR, tion from the California state legislature. However, the Council lamented that Marijuana Discouraged,” stating, “As the at a news conference at the state Capitol. The studies are some of the first placebo- despite these encouraging results, “there is National Institute on Drug Abuse, our He added that the efficacy of smoked controlled clinical trials to assess the safety a contrast between the relatively small focus is primarily on the negative conse- cannabis was “very consistent,” and that and efficacy of inhaled cannabis as a medi- number of patients who have been studied quences of marijuana use. We generally do its pain-relieving effects were “comparable cine to take place in over two decades. over the past 30 years in controlled clinical not fund research focused on the potential to the better existing treatments” presently “These scientists created an unparal- trials involving smoked cannabis and sur- beneficial medical effects of marijuana.” available by prescription. leled program of systematic research, vey data from patients with chronic pain, focused on science-based answers rather Drug Enforcement Administration multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral “A first-line treatment for than political or social beliefs,” said former (DEA) Administrative Law Judge Mary sclerosis that indicates a significant use of California Senator John Vasconcellos, who Ellen Bittner ruled in 2007 that NIDA’s cannabis for self management.” neuropathy” — Dr. Igor Grant sponsored the legislation in 1999 to launch monopolization of cannabis research is not As a result, the AMA’s House of A fifth study showed that smoked the CMCR. “in the public interest,” and ordered the Delegates resolved “[The] AMA urges that cannabis reduced the spasticity associated He called the studies’ designs “state of federal government to allow private manu- marijuana’s status as a federal Schedule I with multiple sclerosis. A separate study art,” and suggested the findings “ought to facturers to produce the drug for research controlled substance be reviewed with the conducted by the CMCR established that settle the issue” that cannabis is a safe and purposes. In January 2009, DEA Deputy goal of facilitating the conduct of clinical the vaporization of cannabis — a process effective medical treatment for patients. Administrator Michele Leonhart set aside research and development of cannabinoid- that heats the substance to a temperature “This [report] confirms all of the anec- Judge Bittner’s ruling. based medicines.” where active cannabinoid vapors form, but dotal evidence — how lives have been President Barack Obama selected Since any future clinical trials would below the point of combustion — is a “safe saved and pain has been eased,” said Leonhart on Jan. 26, to be the DEA’s require NIDA approval, it remains unclear and effective” delivery mode for patients Senator Mark Leno at the press conference. Executive Director. what effect, if any, the AMA’s declaration who desire the rapid onset of action associ- “Now we have the science to prove it.” So, “NIDA has finally admitted to the will have on facilitating cannabis research. ated with inhalation while avoiding the The text of CMCR report is posted at world the Catch-22 that has been facing Paul Armentano is Deputy Director of National Organization cmcr.ucsd.edu/CMCR_REPORT_FEB17.pdf. for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, NORML. respiratory risks of smoking. Spring 2010 Page 16 West Coast Leaf West Coast Leaf Page 17 Spring 2010 Spring 2010 Page 18 West Coast Leaf West Coast Leaf Page 19 Spring 2010 BEWARE: Wine plus weed can wipe people out Drinking alcohol this week’s question. and smoking Ask the Cannabis Doctor strong cannabis By David G. Ostrow, MD, PhD Q. Reader CC asks: Over the past year or so, I really can cause have seen a few rare instances of persons who What’s in a name — especially when it is people to pass drink a glass of wine before smoking strong cannabis v. marihuana? out. cannabis, then begin to hypoventilate, get pale Dr. David Bearman tells an interesting and drowsy; their eyes roll back, and they may anecdote in his new book about the politics pass out and twitch slightly. Hot weather, lack of drug policy in the US. Apparently, when of sleep, hypoglycemia, hypotension, and eating the government first decided that smoked excessive sweets were common factors; but West Coast Leaf photo cannabis was a dangerous drug, it had to none as consistent as the emptied wine glass, so convince people that the stuff the Mexican I call it the ‘grape effect.’ Is this due to the wine, migrant workers, jazz musicians, homosex- strong cannabis or what? Report finds cannabis use replacing more harmful drugs uals and such used was different from the A. If someone already has low blood sugar By Amanda Reiman ing-days per week, with an average of 2.9 cannabis in dozens of popular over-the- (hypoglycemia) and drinks alcohol, their Whether choosing Tylenol over ibuprofen drinks per occasion. A quarter use tobacco counter tonics sold by prominent US drug blood sugar will fall, potentially to serious- or Zoloft over Prozac, people are making at 9.5 cigarettes average per day. Eleven companies as ‘patent’ medicines to relieve ly low levels. That, combined with smok- decisions about their health based on percent used a non-prescribed, non-OTC pain, depression, etc. They made up a new ing strong cannabis turns up their metabo- which substances give the best results with drug in the past 30 days, with cocaine, name, ‘marihuana,’ and outlawed its use, lism and can cause such a severe drop in the fewest unwanted consequences. “Drug MDMA and Vicodin reported most fre- never refering to the sale of cannabis in blood sugar that they may get dizzy, pass substitution” exists in the world of non- quently. Twenty-five percent reported patent medicines. Which brings the Dr. to out or even go into convulsions. Similar medical drugs as well. When considering growing up in an abusive or addictive anecdotal accounts came out of England alcohol, it is common to hear a person household, 16 percent had previous alco- Iowa Board shifts stance and the resulting ‘hospital emergency choose beer because ‘hard alcohol does not hol and/or drug treatment, and two per- By Phil Smith DRC Net room visit’ statistics were cited to roll back agree with me.’ cent were then in a 12-step or other recovery program. Forty percent used cannabis The Iowa Board of Pharmacy voted unani- cannabis reform in the UK. Mexican brick Substances such as cocaine, ecstasy and as a substitute for alcohol, 26 percent for mously Feb. 17 to recommend that state weed seems not to have this effect. heroin have been found to be psychoactive illicit drugs, and 66 percent for prescription lawmakers reclassify marijuana as a and economic substitutes among those drugs. The most common reasons for sub- Schedule II controlled substance and set up They might just need a little sugar, who use them [1-3]. The decision to substi- stituting cannabis were fewer adverse side a task force to study how to create a med- tute one drug for another can be driven by but if your friend starts looking pale, effects, 65 percent; better symptom man- ical marijuana program. Medical marijua- issues of effectiveness, cost, accessibility, don’t let him take a spill. agement, 57 percent; and less withdrawal na bills have previously failed to move in legal sanctions and unwanted consequences [4]. Not surprisingly, many potential, 34 percent. the state legislature, but the board's action So do we call this ‘the grape effect,’ a cannabis patients report that they use Substituting one psychoactive sub- could help spur forward momentum. ‘marijuana side effect,’ or just acute hypo- cannabis as a substitute for alcohol, pre- stance for another to reduce negative out- Similarly to the federal Controlled glycemia resulting from poly-drug use scription, and illicit drugs. A 2008 study at comes can be helpful within the frame- Substances Act, Iowa law classifies when running on empty? Whatever you Berkeley Patient’s Group in California work of harm reduction cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no call it, the point is that people who drink looked at this practice. This raises two important points. The proven medical use and a high potential and smoke need to keep an eye out for it, first is self-determination, the right of an for abuse. By recommending that it be particularly in hot or humid weather, to A sampling of 350 patients was sur- individual to choose a treatment or sub- rescheduled to Schedule II — potential for make sure their friends don’t take a spill. veyed anonymously and asked about their demographic characteristics, health status, stance that is found most effective and least abuse, but with accepted medical use — If this happens, before you reach for the cannabis-use patterns, history of alcohol harmful. Secondly, substitution may be a the board acknowledged the herb's med- phone to call 911, see if the person is awake and drug treatment, current alcohol and viable alternative to abstinence for those ical efficacy. enough to drink a small glass of orange drug use, if they practiced substitution and who are not able, or who do not wish to, Given the board's initial reluctance to juice or other sugary drink, which, if they why. The sample was 68 percent male, 54 stop using psychoactive substances. take up the issue, the unanimous vote are having an acute hypoglycemic reaction, percent single, 66 percent white. The mean 1. Pacula R: Does increasing the beer tax reduce marijuana comes as something as a pleasant surprise will bring them back from a stupor. Hypo- consumption? Journal of Health Economics 1998, 17:557-585. age was 39, and 74 percent had health to advocates. In May 2008, Iowans for glycemic persons will react to sugar by 2. Sumnall H, Tyler E, Wagstaff G, Cole J: A behavioural eco- insurance, including MediCal. Forty-one Medical Marijuana founder Carl Olsen waking up or otherwise indicating that nomic analysis of alcohol, amphetamine, cocaine, and ecstasy percent work full time, 81 percent have purchases by polysubstance misusers. Drug and Alcohol petitioned the board to reschedule marijua- they are okay. Lay anyone who suffers Dependence 2004, 76:93-99. completed at least some college, and 51 na, arguing that the evidence did not sup- dizziness or fainting in this situation on the 3. Petry N: A behavioral economic analysis of polydrug abuse percent make under $40,000 a year. in alcoholics: asymmetrical substitution of alcohol and port its classification as Schedule I. ground and raise their feet to get the blood Seventy-one percent report having a cocaine. Drug and Alcohol Dependence 2001, 62:31-39. The board rejected that request, and flowing. Make them rest a few minutes 4. Reiman A: Patient Profiles: Medical cannabis patients and Olsen, three plaintiffs, and the ACLU of after giving them juice and before getting chronic medical condition, 52 percent use health care utilization patterns. Complementary Health Practice Iowa sued to force it to reconsider. Last up. If they don’t improve quickly, you cannabis for a pain-related condition, and Review 2000, 12:31-50. year, a Polk County judge ordered the might call 911, but be sure to tell the para- 75 percent use it for a men- board to take another look at the matter. medics what happened and that you think tal health condition. Fifty- What?! A New Dispensary?! three percent drink alcohol The board again declined to reclassify mar- the person just needs an IV of sugar solu- in North Bay?! Yes!! in Sausalito!! ijuana, but this time it did agree to a series tion to get better. at an average of 2.6 drink- of four public hearings. • BEST Selection • Low Recovery Cost It was after those hearings, packed with medical marijuana supporters, and after a Caregiver Compassion Group scientific review of the literature, that the 495 Gate 5 Rd (at St. Harbor Dr.) Sausalito board took action. In doing so, it becomes 415-289-1111 • Fax 415-289-1115 the first state pharmacy board in the nation — Don’t Forget Your Doctor’s Note to Apply — to take such a step before voters or lawmakers have legalized medical marijuana. The board's action also puts it squarely PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL in line with popular sentiment in the CANNABIS EVALUATIONS Hawkeye State. According to an Iowa Poll We are a friendly, knowledgeable, professional medical staff who released Tuesday, 64 percent of Iowans pride ourselves in protecting our patients. We enforce HIPPA confidentiality practices and have some evening appointments available. want medical marijuana to be legal. Michael Gitter, MD Smith writes for Drug War Chronicles, stopthedrugwar.org 22691 Lambert # 504, Lake Forest CA 92631 DON’T BE 1522 Charles Dr, Redding 96003 • 530-242-6784. In person, 24-hour Law A VICTIM OF 949-855-8845 Enforcement verification DRUG TESTING! CANNABIS YIELDS AND DOSAGE By Chris Conrad $12 per Court-qualified Cannabis Expert Witness copy (includes This book could help shipping and tax) Protect your human rights! keep you out of prison. Order your copy today at safeaccessnow.net — Clear Test — Or mail your name, address and check or money 1.800.248.5655 order for $12 per copy to: cleartest.com CX, PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530. Email [email protected] for bulk discount info Spring 2010 Page 20 West Coast Leaf We were glad to see Students for Sensible Drug Policy at Editorials and Commentary the California State Capitol to show support for legalization and the Tom Ammiano bill Get ready for an onslaught of lies on Jan. 12. Now that an adult cannabis reform initiative has gathered enough signatures — once ver- From left to right: Suzy Sim, ified — to go before the voters in November, the die is cast and the election inevitable. Alex Woon, Seemingly just as inevitable is a flow of lies and disinformation that will soon come Kraig Negrete, Jonathan Perri, streaming from prohibitionists and opponents of equal rights once this campaign is under- and Alan way. Fortunately, the American Medical Assn. and the California Center for Medicinal Kumar. Cannabis Research completed important work before the initiative was presented. Otherwise they might have come under tremendous political pressure to suppress their Photo by Mikki Norris reports showing health benefits from cannabis, just as the Institute of Medicine was forced to delay its report on medical marijuana until 1999 in order to conceal its findings from voters preparing to vote on compassionate use initiatives in six states. Had the report not Taxation + regulation + representation = liberation been delayed, the voting public would have learned that the National Academy of Science By Rebecca D. Kaplan is less costly both in dollars and human knew about cannabis’ medical benefits well before the 1998 elections. Oakland City Councilmember At-large. suffering than the war approach, we can do Basically, any claim of negative reactions to cannabis we see published in the news As it turns out, the best way to promote much better. When cannabis businesses are media from now to November should be taken for what it probably is — drug warriors cannabis liberation is to support taxation. regulated, get permits, obey local laws, spreading lies to deceive voters just as they did during the Reefer Madness era and in the By showing that dispensaries can be provide benefits for employees, and pay 1960s. When the 1972 Shafer Commission came out for decriminalizing use and advancing responsible employers, respectful neigh- tax revenue to support their communities, science, federal ‘scientists’ made careers out of staging sham studies claiming negative bors and contributing members of the com- a new option becomes available. Then, effects from cannabis that later proved to be overblown or downright false. Under the munity, we make possible a new dialog. even people who don’t care about cannabis Bush administration, science was seen as a joke and Obama, unfortunately, still relies on For many years, almost all responsible have a reason to be supportive – for sound Bush holdovers. So, expect the same playbook: sensational claims of previously unheard- people have agreed that the decades-long economic and community reasons. Profits of dangers will pop up in widely publicized news reports; only after the election will they war on marijuana has been a miserable fail- removed from criminal enterprises can be be exposed as wild exageration. Lots of out-of-state cash will pour in to buy advertising ure. It has cost us billions of taxpayer dol- directed instead to provide economic time, the Drug War lobby will churn out lies, the media will spout pious hypocrisy, and lars while vital public services face devas- opportunity in our local communities. our taxes will be spent to undermine democracy. Same old, same old. tating cuts. It has caused deep human suf- Responsible regulations can be used to We already know the relative risks, and while cannabis is not for everyone, it is by fering to individuals and families, has make sure that cannabis facilities are safe every standard a safer choice than alcohol — unless you get arrested, and end up behind pushed marijuana profits into the hands of and responsibly run – just like restaurants bars then stigmatized as a drug offender. Those are the consequences of prohibition, not criminal cartels and it has failed to accom- and every other business that has to under- cannabis. We also know that Californians want to keep it away from kids, and the initia- plish any of its goals, while consuming an go certain rules and inspections. tive is written to do that. People who care about children support this approach, yet those ever-larger share of the budget. The policy This new approach can supplant the who oppose equal rights will again hide their real agenda by invoking ‘the children.’ The has remained, because although everyone ‘war’ on cannabis and the record-breaking prison lobby wears many disguises, and sometimes dons a minister’s collar. Don’t be can see it isn’t working, they are not sure imprisonment records of our state and our fooled. If these crusaders care so much about children, they will want the blood money what will work. nation. While it seems incongruous, having that is now wasted on the Drug War to be invested in our schools. Instead, they use at-risk Some tried a ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ poli- more rules and paying taxes can actually youth as a cynical prop in their campaign against personal adult liberty. cy, by simply ignoring cannabis. While this bring more freedom. This will be California’s first ballot measure on cannabis since Prop 215 in 1996. While Prop 215 was written to maintain the general ban on cannabis but allow patients medical access, Tax Cannabis 2010 will preserve medical marijuana but also allow personal adult Time to legalize marijuana – but don’t stop there use. It is written to clear up confusion, stop most marijuana arrests, and let local commu- remaining criminal market for other drugs; nities decide how to assimilate cannabis consumers, both socially and economically. We Police chief blames prohibition • Stop dealers from killing cops charged hope that voters will ignore those desperate lies and vote for common-sense change, and for problems, not drug users with fighting the war on other drugs; we urge our readers to help convince everyone to do so. By Norm Stamper* Law Enforcement Against Prohibition • Stop dealers from killing kids caught in crossfire and drive-by shootings; Pollution is not part of West Coast Leaf It seems like everyone is now talking about marijuana legalization. Indeed, a national • Stop overdose deaths of drug users who cannabis core values The West Coast Leaf™ is a free speech publication can’t call 911 for fear of legal repercussions; owned and operated by Creative Xpressions. ISSN poll in December found that 53 percent of There is some common ground between 1945-211X. Business license EC08-0002765. The Leaf Americans support ending its prohibition. • Reduce the spread of infectious diseases prohibitionists and cannabis proponents: supports tolerance and maintains that cannabis Bolstered by increasing public support like AIDS and hepatitis, since cannabis None of us like growers who poison the sales and cultivation should and will be legal for users don’t inject their drug like heroin adult consumption. We invite your submissions for something once considered a political environment with diesel spills, trash and and advertising. WCL fosters a socio-political com- third rail, lawmakers across the country users (who sometimes share dirty syringes pesticides. We all want that to end, which is munity by providing photos, news, directories, have put the issue up for consideration, because prohibition makes it hard to secure why so many of us want the commercial features, and regional information for our readers. and citizen initiatives are cropping up clean ones); market controlled. Something consumers Special thanks to John Thomas Ellis and Jackie G. Wilson for their editorial assistance. faster than ditch weed. • Stop the bloody cartel battles in Mexico can do right now to reduce pollution is to Chris Conrad, executive editor These are welcome developments to a that are creeping over the border to the US; cut back on the disposable lighters that Mikki Norris, managing editor retired police chief like me who oversaw • Stop the Taliban profits from illegal choke landfills and oceans. Half of them the arrests of countless people for cannabis opium cultivation in Afghanistan. sputter out with unused butane inside, PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530 and other drugs, but saw no positive Of course, cannabis should be legal. anyway, adding to the pollution. May we WestCoastLeaf.com • 510-215-TEAM (8326) impact from all the effort and resources Most Americans understand that legaliz- suggest that people simply pick up some Vol 3 No 1. Print run: 145,000 copies. Spring Issue. © 2010. All rights reserved. expended. Soon, it seems, cops may no ing cannabis will produce many benefits. matches and get a refillable lighter to use. longer have to waste time and risk lives No longer will 800,000 people a year be enforcing laws that don’t actually prevent arrested on pot charges; governments will anyone from using cannabis. be able to tax sales; regulation and rev- Yet, I’m alarmed that the poll showing enues will finance effective drug abuse pre- Upcoming Quarterly Schedule and Submission Deadlines support for cannabis also found that fewer vention and treatment programs; and traf- Your ad in this newspaper helps build our community in California than one in 10 people agree it’s time to end fickers will lose as much as half their illicit and the West, and it will be seen around the world the prohibition of other drugs. profits when they can no longer sell weed. Summer 2010 • Deadline May 7 At first glance this might make sense to Once people get used to the idea of some readers, since more are familiar with legal sales for one previously banned drug, Circulated June — August 2010 marijuana than other drugs like cocaine or we can to point to successful regulation as Autumn 2010 • Deadline August 11 heroin. However, a cursory study of drug a model for similar treatment of other cur- Circulated September — November 2010 war policies reveals that legalizing pot but rently illicit substances. ADVERTISERS AND SUBSCRIBERS HELP GROW THE LEAF not other drugs will leave huge social Legal cannabis is a step in the direction harms unresolved, largely because West Coast Leaf provides free copies of our newspapers at locations of sensible drug policy. Reformers must cannabis is not a major problem. and events throughout California and the West Coast. remember that some police are working for It will take more than legalizing just legalization not because drugs are safe, but We are an advertiser, subscriber and donor supported community newspaper. marijuana for society to: because prohibition is far more dangerous To subscribe, you can use the handy coupon in this issue or visit us online. • Stop gangs from selling other drugs to to users and nonusers alike. Place your Ad at www.WestCoastLeaf.com or call: kids (since illegal dealers rarely check IDs); * Stamper, a LEAP member (CopsSayLegalizeDrugs.com), is a 34-year police veteran and served as Seattle’s chief of police West Coast Leaf • 510-215-Team (8326) • Stop dealers from murdering rival traf- from 1994-2000. He is the author of Breaking Rank: A Top Cop’s For bulk distribution, contact us at [email protected] fickers for the purpose of controlling the Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing. West Coast Leaf Page 21 Spring 2010 Change.org: Listen to your core supporters Legitimizing cannabis’ economic role is key Open letter from a voter egories. At his March 26, 2009 press confer- to putting California’s budget back on track ence, Obama quipped, “I don’t know what Dear Change.org, this says about the online audience,” and By Stephen Gutwillig cisely the way to address concerns about You recently announced the launch of your dismissed the idea. and Mary Moreno Richardson youth access, potency and consumer safety ‘Ideas for Change in America 2010’ that whitehouse.gov/openforquestions — as well as take the financial incentive seeks to “empower citizens to identify California’s budget turmoil is the worst in Do you see a pattern? away from the violent black market. and build momentum behind the country’s the nation. Sacramento closed a $42 billion As a Change.org member, I’m dis- best ideas for addressing the major chal- deficit this summer only to face tens of bil- Despite the enormous death and suffer- mayed that “marijuana” (medical, recre- lenges we face.” This noble effort uses lions more in red ink already. Most expect ing wrought by alcohol and cigarettes, who ational, or hemp) garners only a fraction of direct democracy to encourage the online another round of tortured budget balanc- thinks we should abandon regulation and your coverage. Few stories concerning it audience to submit and vote on ing that further slashes aid to the most vul- cede control to violent cartels by making have appeared in your Criminal Justice nerable, raises taxes and fees on everyone, them illegal? And who wants the profound ‘Ideas.’ change.org/ideas news or as Featured Ideas. “Legalize mari- and kicks the can down the road by bor- societal costs of criminalizing tens of thou- On Feb. 4, 2010, the second most popu- juana” is your third most popular petition rowing billions more. sands of otherwise law-abiding citizens lar Idea within the most popular catego- with 16,000 signers. Isn’t that home-page Meanwhile, California’s largest cash each year simply for smoking cannabis? ry, Criminal Justice, was “legalize recre- material? ational use of marijuana.” In fact, seventy crop is being largely ignored in the fren- The US ended alcohol prohibition just Change.org appears to endorse fair vot- percent of the Ideas submitted in that cate- zied search for politically-viable revenue. over 75 years ago, when its failure — in the ing. It rightly decries bias against people of gory pertained to cannabis, accounting for form of unchecked violence, official cor- color, gays, and the homeless. It embraces 80 percent of the category’s vote total. While law enforcement focuses ruption and routine violation of the law by human rights. Yet, these noble ideals Overall, no other idea captured more votes millions of Americans — could no longer become diminished by brushing aside the ever-increasing resources on or consumed more of a category than be ignored. But what finally hastened its most popular idea. arresting cannabis users, there were ‘Marijuana.’ demise was the Depression itself, as public The corporations, non-profits, and gov- 185,173 reported violent crimes opinion and a progressive new president On Jan. 27, CitizenTube allowed view- ernments, which are leveraging the power insisted the waste of resources and poten- ers of the State of the Union address to sub- in California in 2008 of the Internet’s online audience to engage tial revenue had to stop. mit and vote on questions to ask President in direct democracy, should understand The state’s cannabis yield is conserva- Obama. Questions on the issue of “mari- The sheer scale of our current fiscal that in a democracy, the will of the people tively valued at $14 billion annually — juana legalization” outdistanced all other misery demands a similar reality check: is made real by the most votes. When vot- nearly double the combined value of our issues by more than two-to-one. Obama Marijuana already plays a huge role in the ing is not fairly reported and implemented, vegetable and grape crops. The state Board never answered this top question, because California economy. It’s time to end the these campaigns do little to foster public of Equalization estimates that taxing adult YouTube never asked it. unjust charade of marijuana prohibition, participation in the democratic process and youtube.com/CitizenTube#p/c/EB843ABAF59735FD cannabis consumption like alcohol would tax this flourishing multibillion dollar mar- In December 2009, Chase Bank held a much to further cynicism of it. generate $1.4 billion in new revenue for the ket and redirect criminal justice resources competition to award grants to 100 charita- Speaking on behalf of the “online audi- state. While that’s only a modest contribu- to matters of real public safety. ble organizations that received the most ence,” I want my voice to be heard. I’m tion toward our fiscal woes, it’s one more Gutwillig is the California director of the Drug Policy votes on its Facebook fan page. Students tired of being ignored, as if I’ll just disap- incentive to end decades of failed marijua- Alliance. The Rev. Canon Richardson is coordinator for na prohibition. In fact, the financial and Hispanic Ministries at San Diego’s St. Paul’s (Episcopal) for Sensible Drug Policy and the Marijuana pear. Cathedral and the creator of the Guadalupe Art Program, Policy Project were among the top vote get- Here’s an idea: please accurately report human price that we currently pay for devoted to stopping violence against women and children. ters, but Chase disqualified them from and implement the results of the 2010 Ideas criminalizing cannabis is far too high. the final tally, with no explanation. for Change in America. Treat all submitted California, which decriminalized low- Laws ban schools from mapinc.org/drugnews/v09/n1131/a07.html ideas with the respect they deserve, even level cannabis possession in 1975, arrested After the 2008 presidential election, the the one that wins the competition hands more than 78,000 people for marijuana teaching responsibility Obama Administration established “Open down. Please note that this is Idea #154 in offenses last year alone, a nearly 30 percent It is widely known that DARE does not for Questions.”. Three rounds of voting by the Government Reform and Transpar - increase since 2005. Of those arrested, four work, but state and federal laws forbid over 200,000 people placed “Legalizing ency Category. drugsense.org/url/NgppFWQ4 out of five were for simple possession, and schools from teaching students to learn marijuana” first in each of the top five cat- Sincerely, Mary Jane Borden DrugSense one in five was a child under the age of 18. about responsible behavior in schools. Police disproportionately arrest young Health and Safety code 11999.2 and 11999.3 people of color, many of whom permanent- no state agency may allocate funds for a ly enter the criminal justice system and suf- drug or alcohol related program without fer severe limitations to their educational written assurance that no aspect of the pro- and employment opportunities. gram may include a message on ‘responsi- California spends hundreds of millions ble use,’ if such use is unlawful. of dollars to enforce pot prohibition. While Progressive Drug Educators (PDE) law enforcement focuses ever-increasing plans to shift the party line paradigm by resources on arresting cannabis users, there offering its programs directly to parents via were 185,173 reported violent crimes in the Internet. Find out more about their ‘Just California in 2008, but only 125,235 violent Say Know’ program at ProDrEd.org, or crime arrests. Where are our priorities? search FaceBook for Progressive Drug Opponents of cannabis reform have Educator. Another option for parents is the mostly abandoned ‘reefer madness’ rheto- "Safety First" program with info online at ric and allude instead to ‘societal costs’ drugpolicy.org/safetyfirst/. associated with cannabis consumption. They assert that revenues generated from @west_coast_leaf taxing alcohol and cigarettes don’t approach the damage those substances cause. It’s a fair issue. However, cannabis is objectively far safer for adults to use. Regulation has dramatically decreased cig- arette use among all age groups, and is pre- Spring 2010 Page 22 West Coast Leaf West Coast Leaf Page 23 Spring 2010 Patient / veteran fights for his right to bear arms By Chuck McIntosh issue. Under the Brown Act, the Council National and International Reports Shasta County Collective Members Assn cannot take action or have an extended dis- Retired Army Specialist Sean Merritt cussion of non-agendized items, but it is thought he understood the Second Amend- permissible for a councilman to answer a Israeli hospital offers its patients medical marijuana ment to the US Constitution pretty well. So question or make a brief comment. Twenty patients have received cannabis as a treatment for various illnesses in a pilot proj- the vet was shocked to discover that he The US Attorney’s office refused to ect at an Israeli hospital, it was announced Nov. 24, 2009. Sheba Medical Center in Tel was not permitted to buy a gun at a shop in comment, saying the incident is still under Hashomer, Israel began administering cannabis to patients in Spring 2009, and has final- Redding, California where the owner knew investigation. California law prohibits any- ized protocols for providing medical marijuana to patients. The Sheba protocol allows Merritt was a qualified patient. By coinci- one who is “addicted to the use of a narcot- patients to use their medication either in the hospital’s smoking areas or in private rooms dence, the shopowner is also the town ic drug” from possessing firearms, but with an open window. mayor and has seen Merritt speak as a cannabis is not considered a narcotic under The Israel Association for the Advancement of Medical Cannabis, which has been patient advocate at City Council meetings. HS 11019. Nothing in state law prohibits a involved in the project from the start, is raising money to buy more vaporizers so patients Merritt contends that state law protects qualified patient from owning a firearm. can inhale their medication without the need to light a joint. Israel is among the few coun- his right to confidentiality in section HS Merritt mused, “I fought for my coun- tries to allow medical cannabis, along with the Netherlands, Germany, and Canada. 11362.71(d)(1). He can’t sign a pre-pur- try and now I am fighting for its people. I chase FBI background check form because Four states have reciprocal medical marijuana laws believe that we — as vets, patients and the sales staff said he had to answer ‘yes’ to believers of the Constitution — are owed Qualified patients’ use of cannabis is not generally recognized outside their home state. a question about cannabis. This “breaks the an explanation on why our elected officials However, four of the 13 effective state medical laws include reciprocity: Montana, Rhode confidentiality of SB420,” said Merritt, can’t live up to the oaths of office to uphold Island, Michigan and Maine. Montana was the first state with reciprocity in 2004. Then adding that it “sets me up to perjure myself and defend the Constitution.” Rhode Island copied it into their law in 2006. Next, Michigan incorporated it into their law if I mark no, or I can mark yes, in which case Specialist Merritt has dug in for the in 2008. Most recently, Maine added it in November 2009. I still won’t get a weapon because federal fight. He has attended all City Council and law treats marijuana as illegal.” Giants’ Lyncecum gets small fine for cannabis, big raise in pay committee meetings concerning cannabis Merritt confronted Mayor Jones at the Two-time Cy Young Award winner and San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lyncecum spent regulations. He is deputy director of the Feb. 2 Council meeting during public com- newly formed Shasta County Collective 10 minutes in a Clark County WA court Jan. 19 to pay a $513 fine for his Oct. 30 arrest for ments. The mayor responded that he could 3.3 grams of cannabis. “I’ll try not to let this happen again,” he told the court. On Feb. 17, Members Assn., and is helping organize a not comment on non-agenda items but regional chapter of Cal NORML. the Giants and Lyncecum signed a two-year, $23 million contract. The cannabis consumer wished he could, thereby ducking the is now among the highest-paid athletes, set to receive $8 million this season and $13 mil- Contact the SCCMA at www.sccma.us. lion in 2011, with a $1 million bonus payable each year. He also will get $100,000 each time he’s an All-Star, $100,000 for being the National League’s Most Valuable Player, $75,000 as Washington legislature looks at reform options World Series MVP and $50,000 as league championship-series MVP. Continued from page 11 In latest CBS controversy, network nixes NORML ad in NYC standing-room-only hearing before the House Committee on Public Safety & Emergency While standing by its decision to air an anti-abortion commercial during the Super Bowl, Preparedness. People testifying in favor of the measure included the presidents of the CBS refused to let NORML run an anti-prohibition ad on its billboard in Times Square. The Washington State and King County Bar Associations, the executive director of the County 15-second ad would have read, “Taxing and regulating the adult use and sale of marijuana Medical Society, and former Republican state legislators. HB 1177 missed making it out of would raise billions of dollars in national revenue.” In refusing the ad, CBS told NORML, committee by two votes (5-3), and SB 5615 was not brought to the Senate floor for a vote “If CBS changes their morals we will let you know.” before the deadline for passing it out. Viewers can deduce CBS’s morals from the wholesale blood and gore on ‘NCIS,’ ‘CSI,’ Representative Mary Lou Dickerson also introduced a marijuana legalization measure ‘Criminal Minds,’ etc., nestled between ads for cars, Viagra and beer. Once a respected net- this session. HB 2401 would have put the Washington State Liquor Control Board in work, CBS is turning off viewers who, in turn, are turning off CBS. charge of regulating the marijuana trade. It did not make it out of committee (6-2). Bali Adventure 2010 Your Dream Vacation of a Lifetime! Spend 10 glorious, fun-filled days shopping and sightseeing on beautiful, tropical Bali island. June 2-12, 2010 Only $1,495 + airfare Log on now: www.Bali2you.com Contact Suzi Osborn • 808-283-0888 or [email protected]

CANNABIS YIELDS AND DOSAGE By Chris Conrad $12 per Court-qualified Cannabis Expert Witness copy (includes New edition for 2010 shipping Updated and revised and tax) Order your copy today at safeaccessnow.net Or mail your name, address and check or money order for $12 per copy to: CX, PO Box 1716, El Cerrito CA 94530. Email [email protected] for bulk discount info

Sponsoring Oregon’s Dispensary Initiative • Medical Marijuana Clinics Six convenient locations throughout Oregon Portland: 503-224-3051• Medford: 541-245-6634 voterpower.org Voter Power advocates for reasonable, fair and effective cannabis laws and policies, and educates, registers and empowers voters to implement these policies. Spring 2010 Page 24 West Coast Leaf Medical cannabis comes under attack in CO Starbucks, North Face respond to boycott threat

By Laura Kriho, Cannabis Therapy Institute Dept. of Revenue, not the Dept. of Health. By Eva Enns SAFER Outreach Director Colorado’s medical marijuana growth is It would require all dispensaries to be Not long ago, businesses seemed to think it being challenged by state and local govern- run as non-profits. Ninety-percent of all the necessary to keep up an appearance of ments who want the rapid expansion of cannabis used by the dispensary would opposing cannabis use and legalization. A dispensaries and patients to end. Where have to be grown onsite. HB1284 would recent brouhaha with Starbucks Coffee Colorado had about six dispensaries in Jan. require dispensary owners to pass back- demonstrated that the times are changing. 2009, estimates are that there are now close ground checks and submit fingerprints to Safer Alternative For Enjoyable to 400 statewide, just a year later. the FBI. They could not own a dispensary if Recreation (SAFER) called for a nationwide Mason Tvert. “Yet these major companies The legislative backlash hit in the Fall, they had ever had a felony drug conviction boycott of Starbucks Coffee in December did not stay silent; instead, they took action when local governments all over the state — but any other felony is okay. It would after it and other companies were listed on to ensure the public knows they are not began enacting temporary moratoriums. require caregivers to give up their Fifth the ‘sponsor’ page of the Colorado Drug opposed. Investigators Assn. (CDIA), a shady group On Jan. 11, Denver adopted tough new reg- Amendment right against self-incrimina- “They’re coming to realize they must of law enforcement officials lobbying to ulations that include a $5,000 license and tion and even prohibit the cannabis leaf respect the fact that cannabis consumers wipe out the state’s voter-approved application fee and the right for the city to icon from being used in advertising. and supporters of reform are everywhere,” cannabis dispensaries. The call to action enter and search all dispensaries without Colorado lawmakers clearly want to he said. “If they expect to keep their busi- notice, warrant or probable cause. spread quickly across the Web. With a restrict the industry to the point where ness, maintain market-shares, and ensure boost from traditional media coverage, it The government attacks on cannabis there are only a few mega-Walmart dispen- healthy bottom lines, they must end their resulted in thousands of people contacting patients, caregivers and physicians went saries. They don’t understand the variety support of the anti-marijuana madness.” Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz to tell him into high gear when the state legislature of medicines or the strains and special they would not be giving any business to convened. On Jan. 20, the first of the law services that the smaller care-giving busi- his company until it switched positions. enforcement-supported bills was intro- nesses provide to patients. 1,700 pounds missing duced by state Sen. Chris Romer (D- Soon after, Starbucks issued a formal An Interstate Drug Interdiction Unit Meanwhile, patients keep getting Denver). SB019 would redefine the term statement to distance itself from the CDIA allegedly pulled over a tractor-trailer in arrested and prosecuted, and still lose their ‘bona-fide physician-patient relationship’ and assure the faithful that Starbucks does Tennessee Feb. 10 with 1,700 pounds of jobs, homes, and children due to a choice of so that patients must receive a full physical not support anti-marijuana crusaders. marijuana on board, according to Memphis medicine. While patients’ real problems are examination yearly by the recommending Another ‘sponsor’ listed on the site was Police records. When DEA agents asked ignored, legislators scramble to appease physician, increasing the cost to patients. The North Face, a leading producer of hik- that the load continue to its destination for law enforcement and put the cannabis SB109 also would allow the government to ing and mountain sports equipment and a controlled drug delivery, officers agreed genie back into its bottle. use information in the confidential Medical apparel. After receiving messages from and trailed the shipment to Louisville, KY. people swearing off their products, TNF Marijuana Registry to fish for evidence of Patients have adopted the slogan Officers followed the tractor-trailer to took action to ensure everyone knows they ‘fraudulent’ physicians. The bill allocates “Nothing about us without us” and are its destination and watched, hoping to do not sponsor the CDIA and do not sup- over $1 million in patient application fees encouraging lawmakers to work with them interrupt a big transfer and make arrests. port the group’s mission. to investigate and prosecute physicians. to form a commission to study the real Several people came and went in cars, but SB109 sailed through two committees by problems, instead of railroading through Following the bad publicity about ties when agents went inside to investigate, unanimous votes, and passed the full un-Constitutional laws that violate basic to the CDIA, the group deleted its site they discovered the truck was still there Senate by a vote of 34 to one. It is now on human rights without any patient input. entirely, prompting SAFER to call off the but the cannabis was gone. An agent told a to the full House for final consideration. The Cannabis Therapy Institute is boycott. Memphis Commercial Appeal reporter that in The second law enforcement bill, HB intensifying its educational and its grass- “In the past, businesses faced with anti- Shelby County a pound of bulk marijuana 1284, was introduced Feb. 5 as a 45-page roots lobbying campaigns, in the hopes of marijuana publicity either remained silent could cost between $300 and more than monstrosity that would further restrict slowing down or stopping the mad rush to or spoke out to assure the public of the $1,000, depending on the type. DEA offi- patients and caregivers. It would set up a end the Colorado Green Rush. opposition to cannabis use and its legaliza- cials have not made any comments on state cannabis licensing board run by the ww.cannabistherapyinstitute.com tion,” said SAFER Executive Director what may have happened to the weed.

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Purchase Online and SAVE 20% with Promo Code WCL505T10 WWW.HUMATESUPREME.COM Or Send Order and Payment to HUMATE SUPREME® Dept WCL-5 918-786-6800 PO Box 450669, Grove OK 74345-0669 West Coast Leaf Page 25 Spring 2010 New Jersey passes restrictive new cannabis law Europe: Czech government Medical marijuana in decrims five plants, 15 grams Continued from page 1 inadequate for many qualified patients. Washington DC, at last New Jersey will be unique among medical • The ban on home cultivation eliminates By Phillip Smith marijuana states in that home cultivation of Editor, Drug War Chronicle, www.stopthedrugwar.org Patients in Washington DC inched closer to a low-cost option for patients. Possession of up to 15 grams of marijuana cannabis will be prohibited. having legal access to cannabis, more than The DHSS will establish procedures to or up to five plants (and up to 40 10 years after voters there passed Initiative The DHSS is charged with adopting add other debilitating medical conditions entheogenic mushrooms) is no longer a 59 to legalize medical marijuana. regulations to implement this law within to those included in this law. DHSS will punishable offense in the Czech Republic 90 days. Specific information about how to later reevaluate the adequacy of the two- since the beginning of the year. The limits City Council member David Catania apply to the DHSS for an ID card, or to ounce limit. Advocates hope that the feder- were announced in December after the cab- introduced a bill to implement the decade- apply to open a treatment center will not be al government will soon protect patients inet decided to change policy. old measure, with the sponsorship of nine available before April 2010. The entire pro- who need to cross state lines. Possession of amounts greater than out of 13 Council members. Once the bill gram is expected to be running by July. New Jersey patients who believe that ‘small amounts,’ but less than those goes into effect, the city will consider how Patient advocates note that the new law cannabis can help them should now begin assumed to indicate trafficking, will result many dispensaries to allow, what regula- is too restrictive in a number of ways: a dialogue with their physicians and spe- in prison sentences of up to one year for tions to enact, and which patients’ condi- • The largest group of patients, those suf- cialists that might be involved in their care. cannabis and to two years for other drugs. tions will receive treatment. Cantania fering from chronic pain, was arbitrarily Patients should discuss why they think According to the European Monitoring anticipates that there will be five to 10 dis- disqualified from program eligibility, cannabis can benefit them, and ask that Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction‘s lat- pensaries allowed and that they will be • Out-of-state ID cards are not recognized. these discussions be documented in their est annual report, Czechs are among required to be formed as non-profits. • Physicians who specialize in cannabis permanent medical records. If a physician Europe’s leading cannabis smokers. The DC voters passed I-59 by a large therapeutics will not be eligible to certify is not familiar with cannabis therapy, there Among young Czechs (age 16 to 34), 22 margin, but because DC is a federal territo- patients in the state. are many online resources available. It is a percent toke up at least once a year. The ry, implementation will require an act of • The two-ounce a month limit will be patient’s right to ask for a second opinion. European average was 16 percent. Congress, which may come this summer. Spring 2010 Page 26 West Coast Leaf The iGrow garden storeʼs Grand Opening made news Hawai’i reformers face a busy legislative year Jan 28 as being the first superstore of medical By Andrea Tischler On the cannabis-friendly Big Island, marijuana, although the Americans for Save Access, Big Island Chapter where 53 percent of county citizens voted shop near Oakland airport Hawaii’s state lawmakers are considering a does not provide cannabis. for the Lowest Law Enforcement Priority Rather, it caters to the cornucopia of more that 18 cannabis-relat- of Cannabis initiative in 2008, the new law patient gardener by required bills this session. A bill decriminalizing makes 24 or fewer plants, or the equivalent ing a doctorʼs approval to get advice specific to the an ounce or less and one calling for in dried cannabis, to be LLEP, the most lib- medical cannabis grower. statewide ‘lowest law enforcement priori- eral provision in the country. ty’ are already in play. It also prohibits the county from Photo by Mikki Norris Other bills include new provisions to accepting federal and state grants or using the state medical cannabis law. Pam Lichty local public funds for the purpose of eradi- Obama dissappoints with Bush-era DEA pick of the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii, who cating plants. Big Island police and a hos- co-chairs the Medical Cannabis Working tile prosecutor have been defiant, and the By Dale Gieringer California NORML been marked by other misjudgments. Last Group, hopes to see some changes to a law council weak in its support for the law. To the disappointment of drug reformers year, she spent $123,000 to charter a private which has not been amended since its pas- The Peaceful Sky Alliance (PSA) watch- looking for change in Washington, plane to Colombia, rather than use a DEA sage in 2000. She said, “The MCWG has dog group, formed following the passage President Obama announced the re- plane. She also vigorously defended her brought together patients, physicians, care- of the initiative, has written numerous let- appointment of Bush appointee Michele use of ‘supersnitch’ Andrew Chambers, givers and advocates and has energized ters to officials protesting county noncom- Leonhart to head the DEA. who made a record $2.2 million as an them to work for some much-needed pliance with the law. Most recently the informant from 1984 to 2000 before being changes to the program.” Their most Leonhart, who was named deputy council voted 5–2 not to ask the State legis- caught as a perjurer. important recommendations are establish- administrator in 2003 and acting adminis- lature to pass the statewide decriminaliza- “I hope that the Judiciary Committee ment of a legal distribution system, raising trator in 2007, is notorious for having tion bill and voted to accept a federal grant looks aggressively at her career, and what the quantities for plants and dried presided over the DEA’s raids on cannabis for a narcotics task force. President of the role she may have played in promoting the cannabis, permitting caregivers to care for dispensaries in California and other states. PSA Wolf Daniel Braun asserted, “Our call career of this informant who seems to be a more than one patient, and transferring the “We’re obviously very disappointed to action is to ensure that we have peaceful career perjurer,” said Eric Sterling, a former program from the Dept. of Public Safety to about this,” MPP lobbyist Aaron Houston skies, not ‘policeful skies.’ We will continue Congressional staffer now with the the Dept. of Health. told the Drug War Chronicle. “She presided to work toward that goal.” over the worst abuses of the Bush adminis- Criminal Justice Policy Foundation. “If her Big Island voters wanted peaceful Attorneys from the ACLU of Honolulu tration raids against patients and practice was to knowingly tolerate perjury and encourage the use of an informant skies, not ‘policeful skies.’ recently visited the Big Island for a meeting providers, she presided over some of the with residents at the University of Hawaii worst periods of activity in Los Angeles as who is a perjurer, she is not qualified to be This being an election year, legislators at Hilo. Most of the attendees expressed Special Agent in Charge, she doesn’t have head of DEA by any stretch.” tend to position themselves as being tough outrage that the helicopters still fly low a clue about the fact that the Mexicans are Drug reform lobbyists agree that the on drugs. Even if bills are passed, lame- overhead, small gardens are being ripped begging us to change our drug laws.” Senate is unlikely to reject Leonhart’s duck Governor Lingle has stated that she up and personal-use grower arrests contin- Leonhart is also responsible for block- appointment, but her confirmation hear- will veto any cannabis bill that lands on her ue. Advocates are hopeful that the ACLU ing Prof. Lyle Craker’s application to estab- ings will offer a good opportunity for sen- desk. It remains to be seen if the legislature will join in a lawsuit against the county for lish a cannabis research garden at U. of ators to probe her performance. will override a veto. The new governor in violating citizens’ right to privacy. Mass., Amherst. This effectively continued Special thanks to Phil Smith and Drug War Chronicle, online at stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle. 2011 may be more receptive to reform. Andrea Tischler, Big Island ASA, [email protected] the DEA’s roadblock on FDA development of medical marijuana, since the only legally available supplies are controlled by the OMAR National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), FIGUEROA which has refused to support medical mar- TTORNEY ijuana research. Leonhart explicitly over- A rode the decision of administrative law AT LAW judge Mary Ellen Bittner, who ruled that COMPLIMENTARY NIDA’s continued monopolization of med- CASE ical marijuana supplies was “not in the CONSULTATION. public interest” and recommended that Years of experience Craker’s application be approved. defending growers, patients, caregivers and “This nomination is disconcerting, to members of collectives/ coops in CA & Fed courts. say the least,” said Tom Angell, media rela- Graduate of Yale University, tions director for Law Enforcement Against Stanford Law School and Trial Lawyers College. Prohibition (LEAP). “It’s hard to see how giving the DEA directorship to someone 415-986-5591 who went out of her way to block medical 510-649-0420 [email protected] marijuana research aligns with President • [email protected] Obama’s pledge to set policies based on www.omarfigueroa.com science and facts.” It is typical for new administrations to appoint new agency heads when they want to change an agency’s policy. President Bush appointed Asa Hutchinson to head the DEA just months after taking office. Drug reformers waited more than a year to hear the disappointing news that Obama was re-appointing Leonhart. Obama has also left Bush holdovers in key US attorney offices, including the northern district of California, the site of several pending medical marijuana cases. Leonhart’s performance in office has West Coast Leaf Page 27 Spring 2010 On the green carpet at the Ganja Grammys Calendar and Community Directory By Ellen Komp, veryimportantpotheads.com wanna set a bad example for the kids.” Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin, who Leonard Cohen and Bobby Darin were smoke pot with Meryl Streep in the new given Lifetime Achievement Awards. March 12-14, SSDP 11th Annual Int’l movie It’s Complicated, will also host this According to Various Positions: A Life of Conference , San Francisco, CA. Largest year’s Academy Awards ceremonies on Leonard Cohen, Cohen began experimenting gathering of students and youth who are March 7 in Los Angeles. They’re not the with cannabis, peyote and LSD in the mid- working to end the failed War on Drugs. only pot smokers who will be represented. fifties. Darin underwent a hippie awaken- Fort Mason. For info see ssdp.org Leading the pack in nominations, and ing later in his career, when he sported a April 3, 39th Annual Hash Bash, Ann breaking box office records, is James Arbor, MI, Noon. U of Michigan Diag., Cameron’s 3D masterpiece, Avatar. “Never give up on the ganja. For info, contact Adam at 313-999-0329 Cameron has admitted to smoking pot in It’s God’s own weed.” his youth, and recently told Rolling Stone April 15-17, 2010, Sixth National Clinical he “absolutely” enjoyed LSD. Accepting mustache and penned “Me and Mr. Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, the Best Picture Golden Globe, Cameron Hohner,” which talks about cops asking Warwick, RI. CME accredited, Patients told the audience that the aim of Avatar is him, “That’s a cute mustache/Have ya got Out of Time sponsored. See to remind us that “everything is connected, any hash?” medicalcannabis.com Tommy Chong and Cheech Marin were hon- all human beings and the Earth.” Pot-loving band Green Day’s 21st ored with the Trailblazer Award at the April 15-18, MAPS 2010: Psychedelic Competing for Best Actor at the Oscars Century Breakdown took the Best Rock Science in the 21st Century, San Jose, CA. Marijuana Policy Project's 15th Anniversary Gala in Washington DC on Jan. 13, 2010. The will be Jeff Bridges, known to many as the Album prize, and Californian Jason Mraz A Continuing Medical Education (CME) comedy duo are currently on tour. See pot-puffing “Dude” from The Big walked off with a pair of Grammys. conference open to physicians, medical cheechandchongtour.com. Chong wears a tee shirt supporting Canadian entrepreneur Marc Lebowski, along with George Clooney and “Everybody I know smokes pot for every professionals and the public. Holiday Inn Emery in his struggle against deportation to Morgan Freeman. Freeman famously quit possible kind of purpose,” Mraz told San Jose, at 1740 North First Street, San the US on charges of selling cannabis seeds. cocaine but told UK’s The Guardian in Photo by The Grasshopper. CelebStoner. “I think pot laws are ridicu- Jose. See maps.org/conference/ 2003, “Never give up on the ganja. It’s lous.” God’s own weed.” Clooney was quoted in April 17-18, International Cannabis and program for attorneys and advocates, Stephen Colbert took the comedy 1997 saying, “I loved acid when I was at Hemp Expo, San Francisco, CA. Cow with benefit party. For info, see norml.org album award. In a January 2006 City Arts Palace in Daly City. Exhibitors, speakers, college. It was an escape. I liked mush- and Lectures interview in San Francisco, June 19-20, High Times Medical Cannabis vendors, medicating area. 1 day - $15, rooms. They were like easy acid.” Colbert said he smoked “a lot” of pot for a Cup, San Francisco, CA. Terra Gallery and 2-Day - $24. For info, intche.org or call Nominated in the Supporting Actor period of time in high school. Events, 511 Harrison St. Medical marijua- 408-314-6297 category are pot activist Woody Harrelson na and hemp expo, with cultivation semi- Beyonce, the evening’s biggest award and Matt Damon. Damon has said, “The April 17-18, First Annual Western Slope nars, VIP party, award ceremony for best winner, said in a 60 Minutes interview that first time I smoked was at home with my Cannabis Crown, Aspen, CO. Featuring strains and more. For details, see aired just before the Grammys that she was mother and stepfather. They were like, ‘If live music, speakers, information booths, medcancup.com careful to avoid alcohol and drugs. Then and a competition of the best strains. you are going to do this, we’d rather you she sang Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta For info, see cannabiscrown.com or call July 16-18, Medical Marijuana and Hemp did this with us.’” Know.” In December, Morissette told High 866-956-6317 Expo, Toronto, Canada. Metro Toronto The multi-talented Martin returned to Times that cannabis is part of her creative Convention Centre "Hall A". Sponsored by his banjo-pickin’ days and won Best Blue - April 23-25, THC Expose - Hemp Products process. Treating Yourself magazine. Featuring ven- grass Album Grammy for The Crow Jan 31, and Art Show, LA, CA. Los Angeles It’s high time we recognize that dors, workshops, films, seminars, and when Neil Young finally won his first Convention Center. Vendors, speakers, cannabis consumers contribute mightily to vapor lounge. For info, see Grammy. In his biography Shakey, Young seminars. $10 / day. our culture. medicalmarijuana-hempexpo.com says homegrown is still all right with him, See thcexpose.com Activist/author Ellen Komp manages the website Aug. 20-22, Seattle Hempfest, WA. Myrtle but, “I try not to smoke too much. I don’t VeryImportantPotheads.com May 1 or 8, World Wide Marijuana March Edwards Park, on the downtown water- For cities, see front. The largest annual gathering of worldwidemarijuanamarch.com cannabis supporters. Over 90 bands, June 4-5, NORML Aspen Legal Seminar, speakers, education, arts, crafts, food ven- CO. The Gant Hotel, Aspen. 2-day CLE dors. See hempfest.org Spring 2010 Page 28 West Coast Leaf Local and regional meetings

Axis of Love SF, Every Tues, 4 PM, 223a Ninth St. @ Lanny 760-799-2055 Howard, SF. [email protected] Medical Cannabis Safety Council /East Bay third East Bay NORML, third Thurs/mo., 7:30 PM (after Tues/mo. 12-2 PM, OU Student Union, 1915 Broadway, Measure Z Oversight Comm.), OU Student Union, 1915 Oakland. North Bay, 2nd Mon./mo. 6-7:30 PM, Peace in Broadway, Oakland. [email protected] Medicine, 6771 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol. Re safety El Dorado Co. American Alliance for Medical and quality control issues. [email protected] Cannabis, 4th Sat/mo., 2:15-4:20, Garden Valley Grange, Oakland Measure Z Oversight Committee third Thurs/ 4940 Marshall Rd. Garden Valley, CA, 530-621-2874 mo. 6 PM, City Hall Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project Palm Springs/ Orange County NORML meets in Fullerton call 1-877-OC Coachella Valley Area MAPP first Sat / mo. 3 PM, 266 NORML for info., ocnorml.org N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs. Lanny 760-799-2055 San Jose State SSDP, Mondays/6 PM, Costanoan Western Inland Empire Area MAPP/ASA, Room, Student Union, top floor, [email protected] first Wed / mo., 7:30 PM, THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main SoCal NORML, second Sat./mo. at 10AM, World Beat St. Riverside, CA 92501. Also hosts Friday evening semi- Center, 2100 Park Bl., San Diego. Contact 619-467-1235, nars on Anti-aging and medical benefits of cannabis, 8 [email protected] PM. 951-782-9898 UC Santa Barbara NORML, Every Wed, 7:30 PM, Bldg. High Desert Area MAPP/ ASA, third Wed/mo. 6:30 PM 387 Room 101, ucsbnorml.org Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper in Landers 92285. UC Berkeley SSDP, Every Tues at 8 PM, 200 Wheeler Local and regional Americans for Safe Access meetings

Fresno ASA, second Mon/ mo., 6 PM at Full Circle San Diego ASA second Tue. / mo., 7 PM, International Brewing Co, 620 F St., Fresno. Contact Diana at Cannabis U, 6070 Mt. Alifan Suite 202 San Diego. [email protected] [email protected] Industrial hemp products like these could be the key to reviving Americaʼs farming and industri- Humboldt County ASA, third Thurs/mo., 6 PM, Bayview San Diego North County ASA, first Fri./mo., 7 PM, al sectors, but the Grange wants only genetically modified hemp to be grown. Photo by Mikki Norris Courtyard Senior Housing, Rec. Room550 Union St., Academy of World Martial Arts, 1050 S. Santa Fe Ave., Arcata. 707-407-8522, [email protected] Vista, [email protected], 760-500-8868 LA ASA, 3rd Sat/mo., 1 PM, Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Francisco ASA second & fourth Tues/mo., 7:30 PM, Grange passes resolution calling for GMO hemp San Vicente Bl, LA. Bowers Pizza, 371 11th St, SF. No meeting 11/10/09. [email protected] Contact [email protected] Continued from page 4 only benefit marijuana growers who have Sacramento ASA first and third Tues/ mo., 7 PM, Sonoma ASA first Thurs/mo. 5 PM, Dept. of Health, So. of cannabis as a Class 1 controlled sub- real concerns of cross pollination between Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Ave., Suite H, Sacto. Lanette City View Rm., 625 5th St, Santa Rosa, knock loudly. stance in the US. We oppose amending high THC marijuana and low THC hemp.” at 916-924-3455, [email protected] Contact [email protected] these laws as the primary means of pro- Outdoor marijuana growers fear cross moting industrial hemp production. pollination and ultimately seeding of their Reform organizations of interest

Instead we urge further research and appli- crop. “Ironically, The Grange states it does AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS INTERFAITH DRUG POLICY INTIATIVE cation of existing biotechnology techniques not support changing marijuana laws and safeaccessnow.org / A patient advocacy and support net- idpi.us / organizing people of faith to promote reform. work. 510-251-1856 301-270-4473 to develop genetically modified industrial is arguing for a policy that ostensibly AXIS OF LOVE SF/ Activist Resource Center LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST PROHIBITION hemp that will be biologically incompati- would protect marijuana growers from Patients organizing for their rights and access 223 A 9th leap.cc/ Current and former members of law enforcement ble with all other forms of cannabis or mar- cross-pollination while alienating their cus- St, SF, 415-240-5247 who support drug regulation rather than prohibition. ijuana. We further urge that genetically tomers in the natural marketplace who BEDPC LEGAL SERVICES FOR PRISONERS W/ CHILDREN Black and Brown Equitable Drug Policies Coalition, prisonerswithchildren.org/ Advocates for the human rights modified industrial hemp contain distinct want non-GMO hemp,” says the Vote Redstone Building, Suite #209, 2940 16th Street, SF. and empowerment of incarcerated parents, children, fami- chemical markers that will quickly and eas- Hemp spokesperson. Spanish Hotline: 415-595-8251, street actions, support ly members and people at risk for incarceration groups, incident reporting MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECT MPP ily identify industrial hemp varieties using Vote Hemp has worked with members CALIFORNIA NORML mpp.org/ national membership org. Focuses on removing low cost and accurate on-site testing meth- of National Farmers Union (NFU), The canorml.org/ Advocacy, directories, lobbying, research, criminal penalties through initiatives and legislation. ods for the purpose of contract compliance, Grange, and the American Farm Bureau to news, alerts. 415-563-5858 MENDO MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVISORY BOARD law enforcement and as evidence in court.” get pro-hemp resolutions passed. NFU CANNABIS ACTION NETWORK mmmab.net/ [email protected] cannabisactionnetwork.org/ 1605 Ashby Ave, Berkeley. MEDICAL MARIJUANA OF AMERICA Since organic products must not be members will be presenting pro-hemp res- 510-486-8083 medicalmarijuanaofamerica.com/ directory, court reports, made with GMO crops, Vote Hemp is con- olutions at their annual meeting this CANNABIS CONSUMERS CAMPAIGN POW stories and contacts. cerned that GMO hemp envisioned by The March, which already passed on the state cannabisconsumers.org/ Come out of the closet to stand MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS UNION Grange would undermine the already level. New NFU president Roger Johnson up for equal rights. Patients’ Rights Network. 707-964-9377. CIVIL LIBERTIES MONITORING PROJECT [email protected] strong demand for certified organic hemp is the former Agriculture Commissioner civilliberties.org/ monitors police eradication abuses, etc, MEDIA AWARENESS PROJECT seed while alienating organic consumers from North Dakota and a strong supporter to protect civil rights in the CA northcoast. 707-923-4646 mapinc.org/ MAP has generated millions of letters to the who make up the core of demand for hemp of hemp farming. Vote Hemp worked DRUG REFORM COORDINATION NETWORK editor. Help gather news for their clearing house. stopthedrugwar.org/ drcnet.org, global support network for MOTHERS AGAINST MISUSE AND ABUSE food and body care products produced in closely with Roger Johnson and North drug policy reformers with weekly analysis. mamas.org/ responsible drug education North America. Dakota state legislators to pass bills, prom- DRUG POLICY ALLIANCE MAPS Furthermore, no GMO hemp has been ulgate farming regulations, and issue the drugpolicy.org/ DPA works on drug policies based on sci- maps.org/ Multidis ciplinary Association on Psychedelic ence, compassion, health, human rights and a just society Studies, studies on cannabis, psychedelics. 831-429-6362 developed and with the prospect of the first state hemp farming licenses in 2008. free from prohibition. NORML Dept. of Justice finally recognizing state As a result of those North Dakota state DRUG POLICY FORUM OF CA norml.org/ National Organization for the Reform of hemp farming laws as they recently did licenses being issued to state Rep. Dave Listserve for Cal cannabis/drug war issues. Sign up at Marijuana Laws. 202-483-5500 drugsense.org/dpfca/list.htm with medical marijuana laws, the GMO Monson and Wayne Hauge, Vote Hemp NOVEMBER COALITION DRUGSENSE november.org/ National support group for Drug War hemp envisioned by The Grange would be was able to assist them in filing for Drug drugsense.org/ Daily compilation of news excerpts. Web POWs. Publishes The Razor Wire. irrelevant to the current market demand Enforcement Administration (DEA) licens- site dev. and hosting. 501(c)3 tax exempt fiscal sponsor. OREGON GREEN FREE for hemp seed, oil and fiber now valued at es and then later filing suit for the right to DRUG WAR FACTS drugwarfacts.org/ Just the facts. oregongreenfree.net. Free OMMP info. $360 million in annual sales according to grow hemp under state license without FAMILIES AGAINST MANDATORY MINIMUMS OREGON NORML ornorml.org famm.org/ Advocates an end to harsh, unjust sentencing PATIENT ADVOCACY NETWORK panorg.blogspot.com. the Hemp Industries Association. permission from DEA. The decision on the laws affecting prisoners and their families. SAFER Vote Hemp representatives speaking farmers appeal in the US Court of Appeals FAMILY COUNCIL ON DRUG AWARENESS saferchoice.org/ Safer Alternative For Enjoyable for the Eighth Circuit was not in favor of fcda.org/ Accurate information on effects of drugs and Recreation. [email protected] on condition of anonymity due to the sen- drug policies. Down loadable PDFs to print and hand out. the farmers who are currently weighing SENSIBLE COLORADO sitive nature of the issue, say “If GMO GREEN AID Marijuana Legal Def. & Education Fund, Inc. sensiblecolorado.org / non-profit resource for patients and their options and plan to push for DEA green-aid.com/ hemp were developed to be ‘biologically those interested in reforming laws. 720-890-4247 approval of their license applications. HARM REDUCTION COALITION incompatible’ with marijuana it would STUDENTS FOR A SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY harmreduction.org/ works to reduce drug-related harm by ssdp.org/ Students for reducing the harms caused by drug programs such as clean needle exchange. abuse and drug policies. HEMP INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION VOTEHEMP votehemp.com/ Industrial, horticultural hemp. hempindustries.org/ The HIA is a non-profit trade group THC SF representing hemp companies, researchers, supporters. VOTER POWER, OREGON voterpower.org, Advocating for fair, cannabis laws and HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE DRUG WAR policies. OMMP registration. Portland: 503-224-3051, hr95.org/ Photo display of Drug War POWs, analyzes Medford: 541-245-6634 The Healing Center of San Francisco human rights abuses. To get listed, please email [email protected] • Cannabis Industry training and education Come, County contact phone number 24 $116 • Napa 707-253-4506 $116.74 • Nevada 530- • Edibles & concentrates Grow with us! 265-1450 $130 • Orange 714-480-6717 $150 • Placer workshop and filing fees for CA state 530-886-1870 $125 • Plumas 530-283-6330 $110 • • Live, hands-on cannabis ID cards Riverside 888-358-7932 $153 • Sacramento 916-875- 5345 $166 • San Benito 831-636-4011 $93 • San growing class If your county is not on this list, contact MPP at 202-462-5747 or [email protected]. Bernardino 800-782-4264 $166 • San Diego 619-692- • Holistic health 5723 $166 • San Francisco 415-206-5555 $103 • San Alameda 510-444-6111 $103 • Alpine 530-694-2146 Joaquin 209-468-3404 $141 • San Luis Obispo 808-781- & nutrition $116 • Amador 209-223-6407 $113 • Butte 530-538-7700 4811 $131 • San Mateo 650-573-2371 $98 • Santa • Green arts $111.15 • Calaveras 209-754-6460 $45 • Contra Costa Barbara 805-681-5150 $161 • Santa Clara 408-423-0745 & crafts class 925-313-6740 $128 • Del Norte 707-464-3191 $68/123** 415-684-0789 • El Dorado 530-621-6500 $114 • Fresno 559-445-3200 $113 • Santa Cruz 831-454-4000 • Shasta 530-245-6426 • Learn effective activism $107.00 • Glenn 530-934-6588 $174 • Humboldt 866-597- $106 • Sierra 530-993-6701 $106 • Siskiyou 530-841- Every 2nd & 4th Sunday/month 2134 $156 • Sonoma 707-565-4442 $133 • Stanislaus & patients rights and more 2:15 pm to 4:30 pm 1574 $141 • Imperial 760-482-4438 $111 • Inyo 760-872- 4245 $100 • Kern 661-868-1220 $153 • Kings 559-582- 209-558-7000 $184 • Tehama 530-527-8491 $125.75 • • $5 for lunch & classroom In San francisco's Castro district 3211 $225 • Lake 707-263-1090 $123 • Lassen 530-251- Trinity 530-623-8209 $110 • Tuolumne 209-533-7401 at Dennis Peron’s B&B. materials per meeting 8183 $150 • Los Angeles 866-621-2204 $153 • Marin $126 • Tulare 559-733-6123 x217 $344 • Ventura 805- Rolling contest at 4:15 pm, judging at 4:20 pm. 415-499-3288 $113 • Mendocino 707-472-2784 $123 • 981-5301 $191 • Yolo 530-666-8645 $134 • Yuba 530- Visit our website www.thcsanfrancisco.com Merced 209-381-1015 $225 • Monterey 831-755-5013 x 749-6366 $126 West Coast Leaf Page 29 Spring 2010 Montana offers ‘Medical Marijuana Vacations’ The truth is out there, just not in mainstream media

By Tom Doebare Patients and Families United Williams notes that the Montana By John Thomas Ellis by decades of diehard entrepreneurs. Some tourists plan to take a white-water cannabis law allows patients to possess up In a world where money talks and every- Today, small is beautiful, and those rafting trip in the shadows of the Rocky to one ounce of medicine at a time, and it thing else walks, one would hope the $100 entrepreneurs have proved it by pushing Mountains with other cannabis patients. allows legal caregivers like Montana billion dollar cannabis industry would into vast frontiers of untouched media, Others prefer to tour a frontier ghost town Cannabis™ to serve patients from other have a voice loud enough to be heard and opening newspapers, magazines, complex or enjoy some of the world’s best fly-fish- states who can document their home-state respected. One would be wrong. Internet sites, low budget feature films and ing – without forgoing their medicine. legality. Montana Cannabis™ produces a Hollywood is celebrating the first year independently produced broadcast televi- Such opportunities exist. Patients selection of high-sativa and high-indica its films grossed over $10 billion — sales sion shows. Here is but a taste: throughout the country can get a complete strains, as well as tinctures and fine edibles from weed sprinted past them with a cool Cannabis Planet is broadcast out of change of scenery, but without having to like gluten-free blueberry coconut milk cof- $113 billion and, yet, there is not a single Southern California on KDOC. Co-hosts interrupt their access to medical marijuana. fee cake, a variety of cookies, and even mainstream film catering to what seems to Ngaio Bealum, publisher of West Coast focaccia bread with sun-dried tomatoes Long known as a premier travel desti- have become one of America’s favorite pas- Cannabis magazine, and Sarah Diesel and cannabis-infused olive oil. nation, and with tourism now the state’s times — burnin’ a little bud. cover news, celebrity interviews, entertain- second biggest industry, Montana is broad- The move to market Montana as a There is only one studio produced tele- ment, profile collectives and much more. ening its appeal with the introduction of vacation destination of special value to vision series that is nominally, at least, Marc Emery’s Pot.TV is a densely customized vacation packages for cannabis cannabis patients comes as the state’s med- about cannabis, Weeds, and it’s less and less packed hybrid of good information and patients from other states. As one of only ical marijuana community is exploding about herb and more and more the story of great entertainment. The Prince of Pot four states whose medical marijuana law with activity. a crazed woman with no moral compass wastes no time and cuts no corners in this features reciprocity, Montana allows In recent months, dispensaries have who never smokes the stuff, but should. well-produced and colorful romp through patients from elsewhere to function legally opened in most of the state’s primary cities, As states continue to legalize medical the weeds, where he and his wonderful under the terms of the law whenever they and the number of registered patients has cannabis, news coverage spikes. What staff help us all see the forest through the are in ‘Big Sky Country.’ more than tripled in the past year. used to be salacious coverage of drug busts trees — when it comes to cannabis. Their That led Montana Cannabis™, one of has changed to PR spots covering stores site links that viewers to all the social net- works and uses all the tools the world of the state’s largest ‘caregivers’ (legal pro- Jack Herer benefit tour plans likes I-Grow and Richard Lee’s ever more ducers and distributors of medical successful Oaksterdam University, which modern communication can offer to keep For over 30 years, Jack Herer had been tire- cannabis), to introduce a custom vacation has begun to spread across the nation. viewers informed and entertained. Politics, lessly educating people on the uses of the package service for cannabis patients. Public popularity is not in doubt, gross news, music, pot technology and more are cannabis hemp plant through public sales has proven that. The problem is big all explored. “Montana offers a wide variety of speaking, his book, The Emperor Wears No media — owned by multi-national corpo- Pot.TV is the kind . . . attractions, something unique that speaks Clothes, and other outreach efforts. rations — they seem resistant to cannabis The Weed Report is the most fun you to nearly every kind of interest, no matter Unfortunately, this came to a halt following consumers’ ever-growing presence. can have with your clothes on. David how energetic or disabled a patient might a massive heart attack at the Portland Warden has mixed his own brand of wacky be,” says Chris Williams, one of the Hempstalk festival last September. Since Last year cable news recognized the fun with good solid information to create a founders. He ticks off examples: ‘wild then, Jack has issue like Spain did the New World; unfor- site no one should miss. He produces, nar- West’ and mining history, more varied remained in a slow tunately, they treated it like Columbus and rates and stars in his own video footage native American history and museums recovery. His care Cortez handled the Native Americans. that explores different hybrid strains, than any other state, “spectacular natural costs are mounting. They plundered it for ratings, soiled scenery,” and year-round outdoor recre- cannabis’ good name and staked a claim on exploring local dispensaries and demon- As a tribute to ation from hiking, boating, rafting and a new world that was already established strating the latest products available. Jack's military service wildlife-viewing to skiing and sledding. and to help offset the “Medical marijuana patients are no dif- expense of his care, LA places hurdles on medical access, launches crackdown ferent than anyone else,” Williams notes. supporters are hold- Continued from page 1 trary, whether limited to 70, set by two per “They like to travel and to vacation as long ing a series of ‘I Love to study the impact of regulations, it wasn’t community district, or the 137 facilities reg- as their health allows. There’s no need for Jack’ benefits at VFW until the final weeks of deliberation that istered with the city. them to choose between having their med- Halls (where possible), and are working maps were provided by the Planning Recently, the City of Denver, one-sixth icine and being able to get away.” with local food banks to incorporate a food Department. “The whole point of an envi- the population of LA, adopted a local law Montana Cannabis™ will offer “as drive in honor of Jack's commitment to ronmental impact assessment, which allowing for up to 300 cannabis dispen- much or as little” help as patients might community. Events are being planned for allegedly took place during the moratori- saries. Illustrating a more sensible need in planning and arranging for a spe- Seattle, Olympia, Portland, Eugene, Arcata, um, was to study the effects of restrictions approach to regulations, Long Beach cial vacation, Williams explains. The com- San Francisco/Oakland, Los Angeles, like these,” said Duncan. adopted a dispensary ordinance that has pany can help out-of-staters decide what Santa Cruz, San Diego and Hawaii. “Unfortunately, a sufficient assessment no cap on the number of facilities that can they want to do, and make reservations Organizers are seeking vendors, speakers, was never conducted.” Despite the situa- operate in the city and more reasonable with the best B&Bs, restaurants, outfitters performers, and volunteers. tion looking dire for being able to relocate, proximity restrictions. Regardless of the and others who provide the adventures To help, or to receive updates, email welovethehemperorjack- and the failure by Planning to produce arbitrary cap, however, almost all of the that travellers seek. mtcannabis.org [email protected] or see myspace.com/welovethehemperor. maps for the areas around residences, the registered dispensaries do not comply with City Council disregarded the obviously the ordinance’s proximity restrictions and serious consequences and passed the ordi- will be forced to move or shut down. nance anyway. To make matters worse, the A lawsuit will be brought by ASA to council stripped a ‘good neighbor’ provi- challenge the parts of the LA ordinance sion from the ordinance that would have that govern whether dispensaries must given the city discretion to allow some move from their existing location and, if so, facilities to remain at their current location. how. Los Angeles follows more than 40 Advocates also called the imposition of other cities and counties in California that a cap on the number of dispensaries arbi- have adopted such regulations. Subscribe to West Coast Leaf A unique newspaper, delivered quarterly in a discreet, plain envelope. Annual subscription (1 copy per issue for a year) $20 Buddy pack (20 copies per issue for a year) $50 Activist stack (50 copies per issue for a year) $75 Distributor bundle (100 copies per issue for a year) $100 For larger quantities: Call 510-215-8326 to make arrangements. PayPal payments accepted at WestCoastLeaf.com ... or Call 510-215-TEAM (8326) for Visa / other Credit Card payments ... or Fill-out and mail-in this handy coupon with check or MO to Creative Xpressions

❏ Subscriber $20 ❏ 20 copies / $50 ❏ 50 / $75 ❏ 100 / $100 Name: ______Begin: ❏ Spring 2010 ❏ Summer 2010 Address: ______City, State, Zip Code ______Phone or Email ______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 Spring 2010 Page 30 West Coast Leaf Community Announcements Ester Fride, Israeli cannabinoid researcher In Memoriam: Steve Lawrence Ester Fride, the Israeli scientist who Over the course of her career Fride was showed that a newborn mammal cannot lead- or co-author on more than 40 papers. Steve Lawrence, dedicated father, community activist and suckle and survive without a functional In recent years Fride did several studies advocate for patients rights in Orange County and cannabinoid messaging system, died on involving Rimonabant, the CB1-antagonist Southern California recently passed at the age of 60. He New Year’s Day at the age of 56. The cause drug that opened the first storefront collective in Anaheim, to con- was lung cancer, diagnosed in July 2008. Sanofi- Photo by Fred Gardner tinual harassment from law enforcement. His home was Aventis raided and his disabled son taken. After a long legal bat- In the 1990s Fride worked in the lab of hoped to tle his son was returned and the charges were dismissed. Raphael Mechoulam, where the focus was on cannabinoids and how they worked. market for Lawrence stuck to his conviction that cannabis must Receptors activated by plant- and synthetic weight loss be available to all who suffer. He helped develop tinctures cannabinoids had recently been identified — the same and edibles to eliminate the risks of smoking. He worked — the CB1 receptor in the brain and central drug that closely with OC NORML, ASA and other groups. Many nervous system, the CB2 receptor in the caused fail- doors were opened by Steve and many patients suffered immune system — and the search was on ure to less because of him. — William Britt Assn of Patient Advocates At the 2009 Doo Dah parade. for the body’s endogenous (“endo-“) thrive in cannabinoids to which these receptors nor- her mouse mally respond. pups. (Fride Jon Irwin, renowned criminologist and author found that Rimonabant blocked the weight John Irwin, a of ex-convicts. After his release from prison In 2000 Fride was given her own lab to direct and began studying the role of the gain commonly caused by SSRI anti- uniquely San he earned a BA in sociology from UCLA depressants.) European regulators with- Francisco racon- and a PhD from the University of endocannabinoid system in the nursing process. drew marketing approval after teur who proud- California at Berkeley. His dissertation, Rimonabant use was linked to an increased She injected newborn mouse pups with ly referred to “The Felon,” published in 1970, became a tendency to commit suicide. himself as a classic in the field of criminology. John an “antagonist” drug that binds to the CB1 Fride also took part in studies of a com- rogue, died became a professor of sociology at San receptor (preventing the endocannabinoids pound produced by the tree that is the January 3, 2010, Francisco State U. in 1967, where he taught from doing so), and compared their devel- source of Frankincense (Boswellia serrata). at the age of 80. for 27 yearsand founded Project Rebound, opment to a control group of pups. The She determined that the compound — a degree program for ex-offenders. controls gained weight normally, but the Known inter- Incensole acetate, as in “incense”— has nationally as an During his career, Dr. Irwin, known as pups with blocked CB1 receptors failed to suckle (even though the mothers encour- anti-anxiety and anti-inflammatory prop- expert on the American prison system, a ‘radical criminologist,’ was a prolific erties. John began his journey from criminal to writer who published dozens of scholarly aged them with licking behavior) and Fride is survived by two children who criminologist by dabbling in ‘the life’ as a articles and seven books, including The starved to death within a week. are now young adults, and by her mother. young adult — resulting in a five year sen- Struggle for Justice, Prisons in Turmoil, The Fride et al determined that a baby’s 2- A brother died of cystic fibrosis, a heredi- tence in Soledad prison during the 1950s. Jail, The Warehouse Prison, It’s about Time, AG production spikes as it is being pushed tary illness that claimed several other fam- and Lifers. out into the world, and falls off about 24 John was often called the Horatio Alger ily members. Combining academics with activism, hours after birth. This correlated with their “She was the best teacher and a very John founded the Prisoners’ Union, one of finding that injecting the antagonist drug democratic person,” said Hodaya Dahan, a the first organizations dedicated to prison- 24 hours after birth resulted in only 50% researcher who worked with Fride for ers’ civil rights, in 1971. He served on mortality. Injecting the antagonist on the seven years. She was also an athlete — a numerous boards of directors for organiza- fifth day of a mouse pup’s life had no effect marathon runner, said Which — like her tions dedicated to criminal justice policy (the pups having learned by then how to incredible beauty — made Ester’s death at and rehabilitation, including the control their mouth muscles). 56 seem even more unfair. Sentencing Project in Washington, DC and Fride also experimented with “knock- Walden House in San Francisco. out” mice that had been bred to lack CB1 — Fred Gardner O’Shaughnessy’s News Service John’s interests and talents were receptors and were unable to suckle at diverse. He was a Renaissance man who birth. When injected with THC promptly West Coast Leaf launches liked to think of himself as a Bohemian; a after birth, the knockout pups were able to surfer, skier, and cyclist; an avid reader, suckle and developed normally. new website, Tweets “The medical implications of these jazz fan, and furniture maker. West Coast Leaf has launched an upgraded novel developments are far-reaching,” she Most of all, John Irwin loved his family: website for our readers and added a twitter wrote in European Journal of Pharmacology in daughters Jeanette, Katy and Anne, son account, @west_coast_ leaf. “We will con- 2004, “and suggest a promising future for Johnny, and wife of 38 years — Marsha tinue to make changes to the site and add cannabinoids in pediatric medicine for Rosenbaum, who was the former director new content, naturally,” said Managing conditions including ‘non-organic failure- of the San Francisco office of the Drug Editor Mikki Norris. “So we hope our read- to-thrive’ and cystic fibrosis.” Policy Alliance. — Marsha Rosenbaum ers will check back regularly. Internet cannabis radio shows, podcasts Cannabis TV, cannabistv.org/ watch great movies and videos. Cannabis Planet TV, cannabisplanet.tv/weekly, 30 minute program includes collective profiles, grow tips with Ed Rosenthal, cooking, news and information on all things cannabis. Fri. and Sat. 10:30 PM, KJLA TV, Ch. 57, So. CA. Bay Area, Fridays at midnight, KOFY TV 20. Drug Truth Network (DTN), drugtruth.net/cms/ 4:20 Drug War News, Cultural Baggage (interviews), live shows, archives, Sundays 4:30-5:30 PT, kpft.org or call 877-9-420-420. Exposes the fraud, misdirection, and wastefulness of the war on drugs. Hemprock Radio, hemprock.com, with hostess, Lynne Wilson AKA "The HappyHempstress." Music, politics, news. 513-68-4-HEMP Marijuana Radio, marijuanaradio.com/ live shows, Tuesdays 6 PM PST, podcasts that cover entertainment, politics, comedy, music and celebrity guests. NORML Daily Audio Stash with host ‘Radical’ Russ Belville, stash.norml.org/ current podcasts, news, interviews, etc. See RadicalRuss.com for archives of his shows. California Marijuana Report with Eric Brenner is a weekly segment that features interviews with elected officials and marijuana law experts as well as profiles of California residents currently incarcerated or being prosecuted for marijuana offenses. NORML SHOW LIVE: Marijuana Nation, live.norml.org /live talk radio hosted by ‘Radical’ Russ Belville, recap of week’s top cannabis stories, interviews with top activists, politicians, celebrities, etc. Call in 347-994-1810, Saturdays 6 to 8 PM PST. Tax Cannabis 2010 Initiative video interview with Dale Clare and Jeff Jones is posted online at blip.tv/file/2810667 . Time 4 Hemp Radio Show with Casper Leitch/ Time4HempRadio.com, live shows Tues., Thurs. 3-5 PM PT, (sponsored by americanfreedomradio.com). Call in at 512-879-3805. Time4hemp.com hosts podcasts, hemp music, video, interviews, archives. West Coast Leaf Page 31 Spring 2010 Sixth National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics set for April 15-17 An accredited conference for health care and advocates to explore the science and professionals, the Sixth National Clinical clinical efficacy of medical cannabis. Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics will Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, of the be held April 15-17 at the Crowne Plaza Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel, Hotel in Warwick, Rhode Island. The pro- who isolated THC in 1964 and has been a gram, co-sponsored by the American central figure in the discovery of the Academy of Cannabinoid Medicine human endocannabinoid system, will be a (AACM), the University of California San speaker on both days. Francisco’s School of Medicine and For more conference information, on-line registration, Patients Out of Time, welcomes patients faculty and agenda, please see medicalcannabis.com.

Student conference on West Coast March 12-14

By Jonathan Perri SSDP Johnson, Ethan Nadelmann of the Drug Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) is Policy Alliance, and CA Assemblyman hosting its 11th Annual International Drug Tom Ammiano. Policy Reform Conference March 12-14 in This is the first time SSDP has hosted its HANDS ABLUR — The San Francisco at Fort Mason Center. international conference on the west coast fastest fingers took Students and non-students alike are wel- for students to learn how to end the drug part in the joint rolling contest (top). come to attend. war through discussion panels featuring experts on drug policy and hands-on Hundreds of students, alumni, and MMMBA — Pebbles drug policy reform advocates from around workshops on everything from working Trippet is a the world will be in attendance to learn with the media to running a campaign. boardmember of the Advisory Board. how they can help create a society that Registration and other info can be Photos courtesy of Carole embraces sensible drug policy. Speakers found at ssdp.org/conference Brodsky. include former New Mexico Gov. Gary

Safer campuses Ninth Oregon Medical Continued from page 14 Cannabis Awards held housing, and their jobs, as well as fines and By Anna Diaz, Oregon NORML Emerald Cup draws crowd to Laytonville other criminal penalties. Meanwhile, their Despite storm warnings and weather peers who engage in alcohol use and binge scares throughout the state, the ninth drinking – including those who are under- By Pebbles Trippet video called “Cash Crop,” which takes Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards saw a age – typically receive repeated warnings A dozen judges graded 100 entries of a journey around California, asking steady stream of attendees throughout the or face just a ‘slap on the wrist.’ outdoor bud and hash—tasting and questions and assessing the state of day of Dec. 12, 2009 and a full banquet in cannabis. The journey ends at Area “College drinking has become such a testing over the course of several the evening. 101 in Mendocino County and problem that administrators nationwide days—based on aroma, visual appeal, The highlight of the day was Danny includes interviews from Sheriff Tom are considering everything from encourag- with double points for medicinal Danko’s three hour grow seminar. He Allman offering to respect patients’ ing students to drink responsibly to lower- effects. Seven hundred people packed focused on all aspects of cannabis cultiva- rights, as well as Dr William Courtney, ing the legal drinking age as potential solu- the Sixth Annual Emerald Cup tion geared to the Oregon Medical his partner Kristen and her plain-spo- tions,” said SAFER Executive Director Celebration and Bud Competition at Marijuana Program participant. ken mother standing in support of her Mason Tvert. “They should also be dis- Area 101 in Laytonville CA, in the The banquet featured Santee Sioux daughter’s health decision. cussing whether laws and policies that heart of the Emerald Triangle. activist, artist and actor John Trudell as punish students more severely for By offering his land as a healing Delights of The Cup included all keynote speaker. He gave all pause to cannabis are partly to blame,” Tvert said. center and gathering spot for experi- organic food, a photography contest, a reflect on our individual and collective how-many-roaches-in-a-bottle con- SAFER is looking for students to work enced medical growers to come importance to the cannabis movement. test, merchandise, hours of music and with on all campuses, both for the nation- together once a year, proprietor Tim This year’s top three entrants have not Sunday morning breakfast. wide day of action, and on an ongoing Blake has resparked the tradition of been in the top three before. the original Amsterdam Cup. basis. film available on order from MMMAB POBox 2555 Information on the SAFER Campuses Initiative is available at First place went to Purple Urkel. The highlight was a new travel Mendocino CA 95460. mmmab.net [email protected] SAFERcampuses.org; contact SAFER at campuses@safer- Second place was awarded to Afgani Bull choice.org. Rider, and third place went to Limon. For a full list of how each strain placed, see Medical Cannabis Collective ornorml.org. Consultations William McPike Attorney at Law

California 1-888-420-BUDS 1-888-420-2837 [email protected]

Privacy, Protection & Convenience Medical Cannabis Patients: Do you want your verification for your recommendation available 24 hours a day? Medical Doctors: Would you like a tool that protects patients rights and improves administrative efficiency in your office? To learn more visit us online today! www.cannassist.com Spring 2010 Page 32 West Coast Leaf