Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
California Senate Urges New Federal Policy on Medical Marijuana
Last week, the California Senate voted 23-15 on a resolution that urges the federal government to end medical marijuana raids. Senate Joint Resolution 14 (SJR 14) also urges the federal government to "create a comprehensive federal medical marijuana policy that ensures safe and legal access to any patient that would benefit from it."
Recent federal enforcement activity underscores the need for SJR 14, introduced in June by State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). Although President Obama has signaled a willingness to change federal policy on medical marijuana, his administration has yet to come forward with an actual implementation plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEA Conducts Raids in Lake County
On Tuesday, August 18, Drug Enforcement Agency officers conducted marijuana raids and made five arrests in Lake County.
The Lake County News (Lake County News | California - DEA conducts Upper Lake raids, make arrests) repeated a description by Jamie Ceridono, the wife of arrestee James Carter, that "dozens of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents armed with assault rifles and driving more than two dozen black Cadillac Escalades" were involved in the raid. The article also reported that Carter used medical marijuana to manage pain resulting from a previously fractured back.
From California city councils to Iowa's Board of Pharmacy, more and more government officials are exploring reasonable approaches to facilite access to medical marijuana. Instead of sending in law enforcement agents, the federal government must end federal raids in medical marijuana states. It's time for a sensible and comprehensive national policy on medical marijuana.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harborside Health Center Explores Patients' Credit Union
Harborside Health Center's Holistic Services Director David Weddingdress is pursuing an effort to launch a credit union in California with membership granted to medical marijuana patients. As a first step, the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has required a survey to demonstrate the need for such a credit union.
The survey has been launched by HHC at Compassionate Patients? Credit Union Survey
According to David Weddingdress
(dress@HarborsideHealthCenter.com): "We will keep all answers confidential, though they will be used in our forming a business plan, as required. The DFI may request contact info to inquire of respondents in their process of deciding whether or not to grant us a charter. We will contact you first to ask permission before passing on this info. And once we receive a charter, we will contact you if you indicate you are interested becoming a member."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cities and Counties Continue Passing Moratoriums
Cities and counties in California continue passing moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries as they grapple with questions of local regulation, taxation, and zoning.
On Monday, August 17, the Barstow City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on the establishment of dispensaries within city limits
(City Council enacts moratorium on marijuana dispensaries | marijuana, barstow, moratorium - News - Desert Dispatch).
On Tuesday, August 18, the City of Laguna Niguel unanimously extended its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries for the next 10 months and 15 days. (Laguna Niguel extends pot dispensary ban | city, moratorium, officials, medical, review - News - OCRegister.com). The Orinda City Council extended its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries by nearly 11 months
(News from Lamorinda -- Aug. 21 - ContraCostaTimes.com). The Walnut Creek City Council passed a 45-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries
(https://bit.ly/5D41p).
On Wednesday, August 19, the Imperial Beach City Council imposed a
45-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries
(Council OKs moratorium on pot dispensaries). Less than a week later, the Sacramento City Council voted unanimously to extend its moratorium to a full year
(Sacramento Press / Dispensary moratorium extended). The towns of Colfax and Loomis in Placer County also recently put moratoriums in place prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries from opening (Pot shop debate hits home - Auburn Journal).
Meanwhile, the Napa City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday, August
19, to begin the process of approving regulations to allow medical marijuana dispensaries (Napa council green lights medical marijuana dispensaries | Napa Valley Register). In Santa Barbara, planning commission officials approved a new medical marijuana dispensary on a 4-to-1 vote (Daily Sound ? Medical pot shop gets OK despite neighborhood concern).
The City of Beaumont has begun fining two medical marijuana dispensaries $100 a day for continuing to operate in violation of the city's moratorium (Record Gazette > Archives > News > City fines marijuana dispensaries in Beaumont).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take Action Icon Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 1st -- Sacramento: ASA Meeting
7pm @ Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H, Sacramento For more info, contact: cannacare@earthlink.net <mailto: cannacare@earthlink.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 2nd -- Riverside: Riverside/Western Inland Empire MAPP Meeting
7:30 p.m. @ THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main St., Riverside For more info, contact: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net <mailto: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net or 760-799-2055.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 3rd -- Santa Rosa: Sonoma County ASA Meeting
5:00 p.m. @ Dept. of Public Health, South City View Room, 625 Fifth Street (Between Mendocino Ave & Humboldt St.), Santa Rosa. Note that the DPH closes at 5 pm; please knock loudly or enter glass door directly into classroom. For more info, contact: sarah@safeaccessnow.org <mailto: Nathan@compassionatecoalition.org or
415-756-4587
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 5th -- Palm Springs: Palm Springs/Coachella Valley MAPP Meeting
3:00 p.m. @ Crystal Fantasy, 266 N. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs For more info, contact: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net <mailto: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net or 760-799-2055.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 8th -- San Francisco: ASA Meeting
7:30 p.m. @ Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco For more info, contact: dcgoldman@yahoo.com <mailto: Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 8th -- San Diego: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ 6070 Mt. Alifan Suite 202 in San Diego For more info, contact: 4cccp@cox.net <mailto: 4cccp@cox.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 9th -- Marin: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Law Office of Scot Candell, 4040 Civic Center Drive, Ste.
200, San Rafael For more info, contact: Scot Candell, (415) 606-4357
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 11th -- San Diego: North County ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Academy Of World Martial Arts, 1050 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista For more info, contact: movementinaction@gmail.com <mailto: Nathan@compassionatecoalition.org or (760)
500-8868
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 14th -- Fresno: ASA Meeting
6:00 p.m. @ Full Circle Brewing Co., 620 "F" Street, Fresno For more info, contact: fresnocagal@sbcglobal.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 15th -- Sacramento: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H, Sacramento For more info, contact: cannacare@earthlink.net <mailto: cannacare@earthlink.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 16th -- Landers: High Desert MAPP meeting
6:30 p.m. @ Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper Lane, Landers For more info, contact: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net <mailto: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net
<mailto: Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 17th -- Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting
6:00 p.m. @ Community Rec Room of Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex, 550 Union Street, Arcata For more info, contact: asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net <mailto: asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net or (707) 407-8522
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 18th -- Orange County: ASA Meeting
8:00 p.m. @ 922 Williamson Ave, Fullerton For more info, contact: _president@asa-oc.org_ <mailto: steele@steelescase.orgor (714) 248-9310
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 18th -- Del Norte: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Pizza King, 1348 Front Street, Crescent City. For more info, contact: (707) 465-8300
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patients Rights Icon Court Support
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 2nd -- Bail Hearing for Scott Feil
Scott Feil will have his bail hearing on Wednesday, September 2nd at
10:00 a. m. before Federal Magistrate Judge Bernard Zimmerman: Courtroom G, 15th floor, 450 Golden Gate Avenue (between Polk and Larkin Streets), San Francisco.
Reminder: This is a Federal Court case. Do not bring medicine into the courtroom, and bring your California ID to enter the building.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 3rd -- Court Support for Thomas Kikuchi
Veteran cultivator and activist Thomas Kikuchi will begin his state case on September 3rd in Van Nuys, California. This is a classic medical marijuana case, but Tom must prove to the court's satisfaction that his garden was for medical purposes.
Please come out and support Tom as his case begins:
8:30 a. m., September 3rd, Van Nuys Courthouse West, 14400 Erwin St. Mall Room 122
9th Floor, Van Nuys, CA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 3rd -- Status Hearing for Troy Conte
On May 21, 2009, the Sonoma County Narcotics Task Force raided the residence of Troy Conte and arrested him for having 31 marijuana plants. Troy was charged with conspiracy, cultivation, transportation and possession with intent to sell.
Troy Conte's next court date is scheduled for September 3rd, 2009, at
2:30 p. m. for a Status Conference at 450 Golden Gate, San Francisco, in Courtroom 11 on the 19th floor, before Judge Jeffrey White.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 9th -- Ken Hayes Sentencing
Ken Hayes was arrested in 2002 after the DEA raided the Harm Reduction Center in San Francisco. Hayes faced the charge of conspiring to grow more than 1,000 marijuana plants, but was in Canada at the time of his indictment and remained out of the country until late
2008. On April
29, 2009, Hayes pled guilty to maintaining a building where marijuana was distributed and filing a false tax return.
Hayes' sentencing will take place at 2:15 pm on Wednesday, September
9th, in Judge Breyer's Court: San Francisco Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Avenue (between Polk and Larkin Sts.), San Francisco.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 11th -- Probation Revocation Hearing for Bryn Anderson and Paul Shaw
Bryn Anderson and Paul Shaw were placed on probation after a trial court refused to consider any evidence that that their growing of cannabis was for medical purposes. The case, which resulted in probation, has now been submitted to the California Supreme Court. Bryn and Paul were swept up in a dawn raid and are now in jail awaiting a probation violation hearing.
Please come out and support Bryn Anderson and Paul Shaw: Friday, September 11, 2009, 8:30 AM, Pomona Courthouse South, Judge Horan, Department M, Room 502, Fifth Floor, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 11th -- Pre-trial Conference for Winslow & Abraham Norton
On October 30, 2007, the DEA raided Compassionate Collective of Alameda County (CCAC) in Hayward, CA, as well as the homes of operators Winslow and Abraham Norton. Officers arrested both men and charged them with conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilos of marijuana, as well as several related money-laundering offenses. CCAC had a permit from Alameda County and authorized to operate by the Board of Supervisors. In February of 2009, both the Nortons' father and the manager of the dispensary, Brian Everett, were indicted in this case.
The pre-trial conference will take place on Friday, September 11th, at
11 am, in the Oakland Federal Building at 1301 Clay Street in Oakland, CA, with Judge Jensen. All defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15-20 years.
Last week, the California Senate voted 23-15 on a resolution that urges the federal government to end medical marijuana raids. Senate Joint Resolution 14 (SJR 14) also urges the federal government to "create a comprehensive federal medical marijuana policy that ensures safe and legal access to any patient that would benefit from it."
Recent federal enforcement activity underscores the need for SJR 14, introduced in June by State Senator Mark Leno (D-San Francisco). Although President Obama has signaled a willingness to change federal policy on medical marijuana, his administration has yet to come forward with an actual implementation plan.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEA Conducts Raids in Lake County
On Tuesday, August 18, Drug Enforcement Agency officers conducted marijuana raids and made five arrests in Lake County.
The Lake County News (Lake County News | California - DEA conducts Upper Lake raids, make arrests) repeated a description by Jamie Ceridono, the wife of arrestee James Carter, that "dozens of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents armed with assault rifles and driving more than two dozen black Cadillac Escalades" were involved in the raid. The article also reported that Carter used medical marijuana to manage pain resulting from a previously fractured back.
From California city councils to Iowa's Board of Pharmacy, more and more government officials are exploring reasonable approaches to facilite access to medical marijuana. Instead of sending in law enforcement agents, the federal government must end federal raids in medical marijuana states. It's time for a sensible and comprehensive national policy on medical marijuana.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Harborside Health Center Explores Patients' Credit Union
Harborside Health Center's Holistic Services Director David Weddingdress is pursuing an effort to launch a credit union in California with membership granted to medical marijuana patients. As a first step, the California Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) has required a survey to demonstrate the need for such a credit union.
The survey has been launched by HHC at Compassionate Patients? Credit Union Survey
According to David Weddingdress
(dress@HarborsideHealthCenter.com): "We will keep all answers confidential, though they will be used in our forming a business plan, as required. The DFI may request contact info to inquire of respondents in their process of deciding whether or not to grant us a charter. We will contact you first to ask permission before passing on this info. And once we receive a charter, we will contact you if you indicate you are interested becoming a member."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cities and Counties Continue Passing Moratoriums
Cities and counties in California continue passing moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries as they grapple with questions of local regulation, taxation, and zoning.
On Monday, August 17, the Barstow City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on the establishment of dispensaries within city limits
(City Council enacts moratorium on marijuana dispensaries | marijuana, barstow, moratorium - News - Desert Dispatch).
On Tuesday, August 18, the City of Laguna Niguel unanimously extended its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries for the next 10 months and 15 days. (Laguna Niguel extends pot dispensary ban | city, moratorium, officials, medical, review - News - OCRegister.com). The Orinda City Council extended its moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries by nearly 11 months
(News from Lamorinda -- Aug. 21 - ContraCostaTimes.com). The Walnut Creek City Council passed a 45-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries
(https://bit.ly/5D41p).
On Wednesday, August 19, the Imperial Beach City Council imposed a
45-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries
(Council OKs moratorium on pot dispensaries). Less than a week later, the Sacramento City Council voted unanimously to extend its moratorium to a full year
(Sacramento Press / Dispensary moratorium extended). The towns of Colfax and Loomis in Placer County also recently put moratoriums in place prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries from opening (Pot shop debate hits home - Auburn Journal).
Meanwhile, the Napa City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday, August
19, to begin the process of approving regulations to allow medical marijuana dispensaries (Napa council green lights medical marijuana dispensaries | Napa Valley Register). In Santa Barbara, planning commission officials approved a new medical marijuana dispensary on a 4-to-1 vote (Daily Sound ? Medical pot shop gets OK despite neighborhood concern).
The City of Beaumont has begun fining two medical marijuana dispensaries $100 a day for continuing to operate in violation of the city's moratorium (Record Gazette > Archives > News > City fines marijuana dispensaries in Beaumont).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Take Action Icon Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 1st -- Sacramento: ASA Meeting
7pm @ Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H, Sacramento For more info, contact: cannacare@earthlink.net <mailto: cannacare@earthlink.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 2nd -- Riverside: Riverside/Western Inland Empire MAPP Meeting
7:30 p.m. @ THCF Medical Clinic, 647 Main St., Riverside For more info, contact: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net <mailto: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net or 760-799-2055.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 3rd -- Santa Rosa: Sonoma County ASA Meeting
5:00 p.m. @ Dept. of Public Health, South City View Room, 625 Fifth Street (Between Mendocino Ave & Humboldt St.), Santa Rosa. Note that the DPH closes at 5 pm; please knock loudly or enter glass door directly into classroom. For more info, contact: sarah@safeaccessnow.org <mailto: Nathan@compassionatecoalition.org or
415-756-4587
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saturday, September 5th -- Palm Springs: Palm Springs/Coachella Valley MAPP Meeting
3:00 p.m. @ Crystal Fantasy, 266 N. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs For more info, contact: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net <mailto: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net or 760-799-2055.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 8th -- San Francisco: ASA Meeting
7:30 p.m. @ Bowzer's Pizza, 371 11th St in San Francisco For more info, contact: dcgoldman@yahoo.com <mailto: Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 8th -- San Diego: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ 6070 Mt. Alifan Suite 202 in San Diego For more info, contact: 4cccp@cox.net <mailto: 4cccp@cox.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 9th -- Marin: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Law Office of Scot Candell, 4040 Civic Center Drive, Ste.
200, San Rafael For more info, contact: Scot Candell, (415) 606-4357
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 11th -- San Diego: North County ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Academy Of World Martial Arts, 1050 S. Santa Fe Ave., Vista For more info, contact: movementinaction@gmail.com <mailto: Nathan@compassionatecoalition.org or (760)
500-8868
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, September 14th -- Fresno: ASA Meeting
6:00 p.m. @ Full Circle Brewing Co., 620 "F" Street, Fresno For more info, contact: fresnocagal@sbcglobal.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tuesday, September 15th -- Sacramento: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Crusaders Hall, 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H, Sacramento For more info, contact: cannacare@earthlink.net <mailto: cannacare@earthlink.net
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 16th -- Landers: High Desert MAPP meeting
6:30 p.m. @ Castle Inn, 1388 N. Golden Slipper Lane, Landers For more info, contact: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net <mailto: lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net
<mailto: Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 17th -- Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting
6:00 p.m. @ Community Rec Room of Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex, 550 Union Street, Arcata For more info, contact: asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net <mailto: asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net or (707) 407-8522
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 18th -- Orange County: ASA Meeting
8:00 p.m. @ 922 Williamson Ave, Fullerton For more info, contact: _president@asa-oc.org_ <mailto: steele@steelescase.orgor (714) 248-9310
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 18th -- Del Norte: ASA Meeting
7:00 p.m. @ Pizza King, 1348 Front Street, Crescent City. For more info, contact: (707) 465-8300
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patients Rights Icon Court Support
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 2nd -- Bail Hearing for Scott Feil
Scott Feil will have his bail hearing on Wednesday, September 2nd at
10:00 a. m. before Federal Magistrate Judge Bernard Zimmerman: Courtroom G, 15th floor, 450 Golden Gate Avenue (between Polk and Larkin Streets), San Francisco.
Reminder: This is a Federal Court case. Do not bring medicine into the courtroom, and bring your California ID to enter the building.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 3rd -- Court Support for Thomas Kikuchi
Veteran cultivator and activist Thomas Kikuchi will begin his state case on September 3rd in Van Nuys, California. This is a classic medical marijuana case, but Tom must prove to the court's satisfaction that his garden was for medical purposes.
Please come out and support Tom as his case begins:
8:30 a. m., September 3rd, Van Nuys Courthouse West, 14400 Erwin St. Mall Room 122
9th Floor, Van Nuys, CA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, September 3rd -- Status Hearing for Troy Conte
On May 21, 2009, the Sonoma County Narcotics Task Force raided the residence of Troy Conte and arrested him for having 31 marijuana plants. Troy was charged with conspiracy, cultivation, transportation and possession with intent to sell.
Troy Conte's next court date is scheduled for September 3rd, 2009, at
2:30 p. m. for a Status Conference at 450 Golden Gate, San Francisco, in Courtroom 11 on the 19th floor, before Judge Jeffrey White.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, September 9th -- Ken Hayes Sentencing
Ken Hayes was arrested in 2002 after the DEA raided the Harm Reduction Center in San Francisco. Hayes faced the charge of conspiring to grow more than 1,000 marijuana plants, but was in Canada at the time of his indictment and remained out of the country until late
2008. On April
29, 2009, Hayes pled guilty to maintaining a building where marijuana was distributed and filing a false tax return.
Hayes' sentencing will take place at 2:15 pm on Wednesday, September
9th, in Judge Breyer's Court: San Francisco Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Avenue (between Polk and Larkin Sts.), San Francisco.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 11th -- Probation Revocation Hearing for Bryn Anderson and Paul Shaw
Bryn Anderson and Paul Shaw were placed on probation after a trial court refused to consider any evidence that that their growing of cannabis was for medical purposes. The case, which resulted in probation, has now been submitted to the California Supreme Court. Bryn and Paul were swept up in a dawn raid and are now in jail awaiting a probation violation hearing.
Please come out and support Bryn Anderson and Paul Shaw: Friday, September 11, 2009, 8:30 AM, Pomona Courthouse South, Judge Horan, Department M, Room 502, Fifth Floor, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday, September 11th -- Pre-trial Conference for Winslow & Abraham Norton
On October 30, 2007, the DEA raided Compassionate Collective of Alameda County (CCAC) in Hayward, CA, as well as the homes of operators Winslow and Abraham Norton. Officers arrested both men and charged them with conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilos of marijuana, as well as several related money-laundering offenses. CCAC had a permit from Alameda County and authorized to operate by the Board of Supervisors. In February of 2009, both the Nortons' father and the manager of the dispensary, Brian Everett, were indicted in this case.
The pre-trial conference will take place on Friday, September 11th, at
11 am, in the Oakland Federal Building at 1301 Clay Street in Oakland, CA, with Judge Jensen. All defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15-20 years.
