Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
1. DEA Raids 4 L.A. Dispensing Collectives, Spark Community Uproar; White House Response
DEA carried out four simultaneous "smash and grab"
raids on medical cannabis dispensing collectives in Los Angeles this week (Beach Center Collective, Venice Alternative Healing, Marina Caregivers, and Alternative Caregivers Discount Collective). It was the second time that the agency - still staffed with holdovers from the Bush Administration - had defied President Obama’s campaign pledges not to undermine state medical cannabis laws since he took office.
The aggression by DEA spun the community into an uproar as
protests were immediately scheduled and ASA membership called on the White House in droves to implore President Obama to fulfill his pre-election promises to end the raids. Since the first raid under Obama on Jan. 22nd, thousands of phone calls have been placed to the White House asking the President to take action. And on Wednesday the President
responded . White House Spokesman Nick Shapiro issued a statement to the
Washington Times , saying, "The president believes that federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind."
The following morning, over 130 protesters organized a response to the raid in front of the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles. Though still angry over the DEA's "smash and grabs", the tone of the protest was much lighter given the statements made by the White House the previous evening. Participants chanted "DEA go away" and blew up a banner which indicated that perhaps DEA hadn't "gotten the memo" that the raids were against the stated policy position of President Obama. However, its likely that a new DEA administrator won't be seated until April or May, and the community is greatly concerned about the actions of a rogue DEA in that time. ASA activists should be ready to continue to act in case DEA again undermines the will of the President and continues to raid.
2. Congress to DEA: Lift Restrictions on Cannabis Research
In another action directed against what is shaping up to be a "rogue agency", 16 Members of Congress sent a
letter this week to the Department of Justice and DEA in response to the "11th hour" Bush Administration denial of a long-standing request to lift restrictions on medical cannabis research. For over eight years, DEA (now under Acting Administrator Michelle Leonhart) had delayed a decision to grant a license to one of the nation's top botanists, Prof. Lyle Craker, to grow medical cannabis at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst strictly for government-approved research. Then, less than a week before Bush was to leave office, against the 2007 ruling of the DEA's own Administrative Law Judge, and after eight years of no response, Leonhart
denied the petition, upholding the restrictions on researching cannabis.
The Congressional letter addressed to new Attorney General Eric Holder and authored by Rep. John Olver (D-MA) urged the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to act "swiftly to amend or withdraw" Leonhart's decision. For more than forty years, the federal government has allowed no other source to produce cannabis for medical research, as they do other drugs, impeding both research and the ability to bring it to market. Then in February 2007, DEA Administrative Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittner ruled to end that monopoly, stating that it was not in the public interest.
The letter also states that forty-five members of the House of Representatives, Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry, as well as a broad range of scientific, medical and public health organizations including the Lymphoma Foundation of America, the National Association for Public Health Policy, and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation have all written to DEA in support of Professor Craker's efforts.
"Given President Obama's commitment to end federal enforcement in medical marijuana states, it stands to reason that he would be in favor of expanded research into this important medication," said Caren Woodson, Director of Government Affairs with Americans for Safe Access. "His Department of Justice has the opportunity to place science above politics and to facilitate unfettered research into medical marijuana." The DEA took nearly two years to respond to Judge Bittner's ruling and with less than one week before a change in Administration, acting-DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart rejected the ruling and denied Professor Craker's application.
The ACLU, which represents Professor Craker in this matter, is requesting reconsideration and an opportunity to respond to new evidence used by the DEA in its rejection.
3. San Bernardino County to Continue Lawsuit Against Medical Cannabis Patients
Despite being rejected by 2 courts and denied even review by the CA Supreme Court, San Bernardino County supervisors voted in a closed session on Tuesday to rejoin San Diego County in an increasingly frivolous challenge to California's medical cannabis law, attempting to bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The two counties have been engaged in a 3-year losing battle after refusing to issue identification cards to patients legally qualified to use medical-cannabis. The cards are intended to avoid false arrests of law abiding, seriously ill people, and to make complying with California law easier on law enforcement.
As all courts have so far ruled against the counties, and legal experts consider it highly unlikely the U.S. Supreme Court will grant review, continuing this action has been increasingly seen by members of the community as a waste of critical resources during a time of economic crisis.
San Bernardino Undersheriff Richard Beemer said at the Tuesday meeting that his deputies are trying to enforce federal law, even though
Guidelines issued by the Attorney General, the top law enforcement official in the state, explicitly direct California police to follow California, not federal law.
Americans for Safe Access is currently engaged in litigation against Solano County for defying California law and not issuing the ID cards.
Take Action
4. Thank President Obama for the White House Statement!
This week's action is a reward for all of the pressure we've been putting on elected officials, both in California and Federal Congress. We're asking you to thank President Obama. Just as our elected officials need to know when they're doing something wrong, they also need to hear from us when they do something right. This week, in response to community uproar about the DEA raids, the White House issued an official statement promising to end them. This story was picked up by newspapers across the country, and may indicate one of the biggest victories since ASA has been around. Take a minute today to call your President and thank him. Be warm, be sincere, thank him for his leadership and courage and let him know he did the right thing.
Call the White House Comment line: (202) 456-1111 and say:
"Hi, my name is ___________. I'm calling to thank President Obama for his statement on ending DEA raids in states with medical cannabis laws. He's shown great leadership and courage, and he will continue to have my vote. Thank you for bringing change on this issue of great concern to my community."
Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
5. Monday, February 9th - Fresno: Fresno ASA
When: Monday, February 9th 6-7:30pm
Where: 620 F Street - Full Circle Brewing Company
Fresno, CA
Fresno ASA is coming off of their success in getting Fresno County Supervisors to vote to implement the medical cannabis state ID cards. Now they've got their sights set on implementation of the AG guidelines with regard to allowing nonprofit collectives and cooperatives. Come be a part of this exciting and growing movement in Central California. Contact Diana -
fresnocagal@sbcglobal.net
6. Tuesday, February 10th - San Diego: SD ASA Meeting
At the San Diego ASA meeting, join dozens of community members in standing up for your rights.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors continues its wasteful attempt to violate state law and refuse to implement the state mandated ID card program that would allow patients to be easily identified by law enforcement.
When: Tuesday, February 10th @ 7pm
Where: International Cannabis University
6070 Mt. Alifan Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92111, Claremont
For more info, contact Dion,
4cccp@cox.net
7. Tuesday, February 10th - San Francisco: SF ASA Meeting
When: Tuesday February 10th starting at 7:30 pm
Where: Bowzers Pizza: 371 11th Street (between Folsom & Harrison) in San Francisco.
There's a lot happening this year and we want you to be a part of it. Please come enjoy dinner, updates from ASA, and get involved in your medical cannabis community. Feel free to bring a friend or family member. We look forward to seeing you there.
For more information, contact: David at
dcgoldman@yahoo.com or
Sarah@SafeAccessNow.org
8. Wednesday, February 11th - San Rafael: Marin ASA Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, February 11th @ 7pm
WHERE: the Law Office of Scott Candell
4040 Civic Center Dr. San Rafael 94903
Come be active in the North Bay! Much work to be done and lots of potential to do it! Contact Scott -
candell@sflegalhelp.com
9. Thursday, February 12th - Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, February 12th @ 6pm
WHERE: The community recreation room of the Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex
550 Union Street, Arcata.
Helping support and protect patient rights, Humboldt ASA has been a critical force in lobbying for dispensaries, plant limits, and other access concerns. For more info, contact:
asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net
10. Tuesday, February 17th – Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition
WHEN: Tuesday, February 17th – 7pm
WHERE:: 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento ASA chapters and affiliates played an instrumental role in getting the County to implement the state ID card program. Join the efforts to make an impact. For more info, contact:
Nathan@compassionatecoalition.org
11. Wednesday, February 18th – Fullerton: Orange County ASA Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, February 18th – 7:00pm
WHERE: 922 Williamson Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832
Activity in Orange County is always exciting, and there is much need for patient support and protections. For more info contact Cha Hanna:
Channa.ocasa@yahoo.com
12. Saturday, February 21st – Los Angeles: L.A. ASA Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, February 21st – 1pm
WHERE: @ Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (at Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)
LA ASA is one of the most respected chapters in the state, and sees success regularly at any number of actions. They've organized major protests and succeeded in lobbying for patient support from major elected officials. For more info, contact:
Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org
Court Support
13. Monday, February 23, 2009 - Los Angeles: Charles C. Lynch Sentencing
WHEN: Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:30am
WHERE: U.S. District Courthouse, Courtroom 10
312 NORTH Spring street (at Temple St)
In downtown LA
San Luis Obispo County dispensing collective operator Charles C. Lynch was raided by the DEA and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs on March 29, 2007 at Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers (CCCC) in Morro Bay, CA. Lynch's dispensing collective stringently followed state, county and city medical cannabis regulations since it opened in April 2006.
The City of Morro Bay was supportive, issued a business license for a "'Medical Marijuana Dispensary" and a Cannabis Nursery Permit after a lengthy conditional use permit process. CCCC operated for nearly a year without incident until the the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff called the DEA to raid the dispensary on March 29, 2007, leaving behind a note for Lynch which read "All Hippies Die". Lynch was not arrested at the time and reopened with the blessing of his landlord and Morro Bay city officials. However, DEA then threatened to seize the property and prosecute Lynch's landlord if he refused to evict CCCC from his building. CCCC closed its doors on May 16, 2007.
On July 17, 2007, the DEA and local sheriffs arrested Lynch in his home and locked him up for 4 days in federal detention before his family poseted $400,000 bail. Lynch was indicted for conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and concentrated cannabis, manufacturing (cultivating) more than 100 plants, knowingly maintaining a drug premises, and sales of marijuana to a person under the age of 21. Additionally, criminal forfeiture proceedings have begun on all of Lynch’s assets.
On August 5, 2008, after an emotional trial in which the defense was not allowed to give any evidence whatsoever about medical cannabis, Lynch's business license, or California state law, Lynch was convicted on all counts. Drew Carey’s account of Lynch’s struggle with the federal government on Reason.tv helped the case to recieve national media attention.
For more information and to give money, assistance, and support, visit Friends of Charles C. Lynch - Home or write to Judge Wu directly to plead for Charlie's freedom. Letters of support helped Tainted operator Mickey Martin receive a relatively light sentence, so we need to show the same support for Charles Lynch.
Special Events
14. Sunday, February 8th - San Diego: 'Waiting to Inhale' Film Screening
This Sunday, MPP is hosting San Diego's premier of Waiting to Inhale, the first feature-length documentary to explore America's medical marijuana movement. The screening will take place at the central library in San Diego and will be followed by a lively panel discussion and Q&A session.
Panelists will include the award-winning documentary filmmaker Jed Riffe; Rudy Reyes, local patient-advocate and 2008 candidate for county supervisor; Robert Sterner, M.D.; and myself, MPP California policy director.
San Diego is the epicenter of the battle to keep access to medical marijuana safe and legal in California. You won't want to pass up this rare opportunity to meet local and statewide leaders in the medical cannabis movement.
WHAT: Waiting to Inhale screening and discussion
WHEN: Sunday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE San Diego central library820 E Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-5870
Entrance into the event is free of charge but we will be encouraging attendees to donate what they can so that we can continue working towards a saner cannabis policy. Please bring your friends, family, and coworkers to this award-winning documentary screening and ensuing discussion. You won't be disappointed!
15. February 14th - 23rd: ASA 7th Annual Medical Marijuana Week!
ASA's Annual Medical Marijuana Week is a week-long series of actions and events has been an ASA February landmark. Meant to promote awareness and educate about medical cannabis, the focus is, for one week, to get everyone involved in taking part in celebrating the fight and activism that has brought medical cannabis laws to where it is today, with 72 million people living 13 states with laws that protect them - and to where it will go in the future: nothing short of federal protections for the patients who use cannabis! If you're in the area, come out to participate!
Saturday February 14th, 2009
Spread the Love Valentine Seed Planting
Meet in Golden Gate Park at Hippie Hill in San Francisco at High Noon, 2:15 Potluck Picnic. Please join us for this annual event, we will be providing hemp seeds and snacks to share. Feel free to bring a friend, or a plant to leave in the park.
Valentine’s Day Heart Party! Noon – 4 pm . Come on in for an afternoon of special treats, and drinks provided by Guayaki! Get ideas for a healthier heart and learn some fun heart wise ideas. FREE Blood Pressure clinic. Valentine art projects and more! Hosted at Peace in Medicine 6771 Sebastopol Avenue, Sebastopol.
Gardening, Work day & BBQ at the Freedom House in Sacramento
12-5pm, 3650 6th Avenue. Join us at a gathering to rehabilitate the Freedom house, a safe friendly atmosphere for patients to live in at no cost. We could use your time, energy, donations of materials, and your love. BBQ provided by Capital Wellness Collective
Natural Remedies Health Services Presents: Tosh Meets Marley Celebration Tour with Fully Fullwood Band hosted by DJ Irie Dole
Celebrate Valentines Day Reggae style! Come enjoy a live band and DJ’s.
Gaia Arts Center 2120 Allston Way in Berkeley, 8pm & 10pm shows $25, $22 in advance through pay pall 510-444-5771. Free gift to first 200 guests.
A portion of the proceeds are going to ASA.
Sunday February 15th
Celebrating the History of 215: with Denis Peron featuring an unreleased documentary & local mmj films. Come join us at the Castro Cozy Cottage for an afternoon learning about the medical cannabis movement here in SF. Hear Denis Peron speak, watch an unreleased documentary on Dr. Tod Mirkuriya, and short films on local SF dispensaries. Bring your bathing suit for a jump in the garden hot tub!
3745 17th Street in San Francisco 4:20pm
Monday February 16th
Medical Marijuana Art show & Informational Nights. Daily through 2/20, open from 4-6pm at 2100 29th Street in Sacramento, Come check out the art work done by patients at Capital Wellness Collective on themes of love, compassion, and medical cannabis.
Tuesday February 17th
Book signing and talk with Doug McVay author of Drug War Facts at BPG at 4:20pm. Verifiable patients & Caregivers only, please bring valid ID. At Berkeley Patients Group 2747 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley. Come learn; History of the drug war, where we currently stand, how we got medical cannabis and what direction our cannabis industry is headed. Activist and writer Doug McVay has spent more than two decades championing the truth about marijuana and other drug policies in the U.S. and beyond. Author of the invaluable manual "Drug War Facts," Doug has an encyclopedic knowledge of the facts and figures involved in the War on Drugs, and a wealth of first-hand experiences working to change our nation's unjust policies. Join us as Doug shares his experiences and offers his predictions for what's in store for the nation under the new administration!
CCA is hosting a party at Il Pirata! Starting at 4:20pm, FREE everyone’s welcome. Music, food, booths, medical cannabis info and speakers. After 9pm must be 21 with valid ID. DJ Allier will be spinning and hosting karaoke! 2007 16th Street in San Francisco.
Wednesday February 18th
Medical Marijuana University 6pm-9pm
An evening of free education, come learn how to deal with law enforcement encounters with ASA's Know Your Rights Team, Horticulture with Ed Rosenthal, and an hour on the law.
Hosted at Oaksterdam University 1776 Broadway in Oakland
Thursday February 19th
ASA Organizers Training and Open House
Organizers Training 4pm Learn the basics of how to facilitate a meeting, plan an emergency response, and how to get active with ASA.
Open House: 5-7pm Check out the ASA office, meet the staff, and learn more about how you can support the campaigns we are currently working on.
1322 Webster Street #402, Oakland.
Friday February 20th
Movie Night at Oaksterdam Student Union
7pm, at 1915 Broadway in Oakland, FREE
The films shown are TBA & currently under consideration are: Marijuana Nation, Marijuana Inc., ASA film festival, and waiting to inhale.
Saturday February 21st
LA-ASA Meeting & Activist Training
Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 PM
Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd., LA
Get the skills you need to be effective in the grassroots campaign for safe access in LA
Sunday February 22nd
East Bay Medical Cannabis Activists Mixer
Patient Movie Night & Vapor Lounge
Sponsored by Harborside Health Center
At Maxwell's, 341 13th St in Downtown Oakland
An evening featuring a marijuana documentary, Full length film, Music,
Refreshments and Vaporizers!
7-10pm
$15 at the door. This event is for medical cannabis patients only. It is required to bring a verifiable Recommendation.
Full Bar and house menu also available.
Proceeds of this event are going to be donated to Americans for Safe Access.
Monday February 23rd
Charles C. Lynch Sentencing and Protest
8:30am 312 NORTH Spring St. in Downtown Los Angeles
U.S. District Courthouse, Courtroom 10
Join this day of protest for a man who defines the hypocrisy and injustice of the federal government on medical cannabis. The peaceful rally will be held on the opposite side of the building on MAIN STREET not Spring street. This case made national news and we're hoping to bring attention to President Obama of the events which led to Charles Lynch's arrest, prosecution, and sentencing.
16. Monday, February 23, 2009 - Los Angeles: Charles C. Lynch Protest
Join this day of protest for a man who defines the hypocrisy and injustice of the federal government on medical cannabis. The man who prosecuted Lynch (who acted the worst through the trial) accused the defense of planning to bring a "circus" to sentencing. So, we're hoping to give him just that.
The peaceful rally will be held on the opposite side of the building on MAIN STREET not Spring street. This case made national news and we're hoping to bring attention to President Obama of the events which led to Charles Lynch's arrest, prosecution, and sentencing.
WHEN: Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:30am
WHERE: U.S. District Courthouse, Courtroom 10
312 NORTH Spring street (at Temple St)
In downtown LA
DEA carried out four simultaneous "smash and grab"
raids on medical cannabis dispensing collectives in Los Angeles this week (Beach Center Collective, Venice Alternative Healing, Marina Caregivers, and Alternative Caregivers Discount Collective). It was the second time that the agency - still staffed with holdovers from the Bush Administration - had defied President Obama’s campaign pledges not to undermine state medical cannabis laws since he took office.
The aggression by DEA spun the community into an uproar as
protests were immediately scheduled and ASA membership called on the White House in droves to implore President Obama to fulfill his pre-election promises to end the raids. Since the first raid under Obama on Jan. 22nd, thousands of phone calls have been placed to the White House asking the President to take action. And on Wednesday the President
responded . White House Spokesman Nick Shapiro issued a statement to the
Washington Times , saying, "The president believes that federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind."
The following morning, over 130 protesters organized a response to the raid in front of the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles. Though still angry over the DEA's "smash and grabs", the tone of the protest was much lighter given the statements made by the White House the previous evening. Participants chanted "DEA go away" and blew up a banner which indicated that perhaps DEA hadn't "gotten the memo" that the raids were against the stated policy position of President Obama. However, its likely that a new DEA administrator won't be seated until April or May, and the community is greatly concerned about the actions of a rogue DEA in that time. ASA activists should be ready to continue to act in case DEA again undermines the will of the President and continues to raid.
2. Congress to DEA: Lift Restrictions on Cannabis Research
In another action directed against what is shaping up to be a "rogue agency", 16 Members of Congress sent a
letter this week to the Department of Justice and DEA in response to the "11th hour" Bush Administration denial of a long-standing request to lift restrictions on medical cannabis research. For over eight years, DEA (now under Acting Administrator Michelle Leonhart) had delayed a decision to grant a license to one of the nation's top botanists, Prof. Lyle Craker, to grow medical cannabis at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst strictly for government-approved research. Then, less than a week before Bush was to leave office, against the 2007 ruling of the DEA's own Administrative Law Judge, and after eight years of no response, Leonhart
denied the petition, upholding the restrictions on researching cannabis.
The Congressional letter addressed to new Attorney General Eric Holder and authored by Rep. John Olver (D-MA) urged the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to act "swiftly to amend or withdraw" Leonhart's decision. For more than forty years, the federal government has allowed no other source to produce cannabis for medical research, as they do other drugs, impeding both research and the ability to bring it to market. Then in February 2007, DEA Administrative Law Judge Mary Ellen Bittner ruled to end that monopoly, stating that it was not in the public interest.
The letter also states that forty-five members of the House of Representatives, Senators Edward Kennedy and John Kerry, as well as a broad range of scientific, medical and public health organizations including the Lymphoma Foundation of America, the National Association for Public Health Policy, and the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation have all written to DEA in support of Professor Craker's efforts.
"Given President Obama's commitment to end federal enforcement in medical marijuana states, it stands to reason that he would be in favor of expanded research into this important medication," said Caren Woodson, Director of Government Affairs with Americans for Safe Access. "His Department of Justice has the opportunity to place science above politics and to facilitate unfettered research into medical marijuana." The DEA took nearly two years to respond to Judge Bittner's ruling and with less than one week before a change in Administration, acting-DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart rejected the ruling and denied Professor Craker's application.
The ACLU, which represents Professor Craker in this matter, is requesting reconsideration and an opportunity to respond to new evidence used by the DEA in its rejection.
3. San Bernardino County to Continue Lawsuit Against Medical Cannabis Patients
Despite being rejected by 2 courts and denied even review by the CA Supreme Court, San Bernardino County supervisors voted in a closed session on Tuesday to rejoin San Diego County in an increasingly frivolous challenge to California's medical cannabis law, attempting to bring the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The two counties have been engaged in a 3-year losing battle after refusing to issue identification cards to patients legally qualified to use medical-cannabis. The cards are intended to avoid false arrests of law abiding, seriously ill people, and to make complying with California law easier on law enforcement.
As all courts have so far ruled against the counties, and legal experts consider it highly unlikely the U.S. Supreme Court will grant review, continuing this action has been increasingly seen by members of the community as a waste of critical resources during a time of economic crisis.
San Bernardino Undersheriff Richard Beemer said at the Tuesday meeting that his deputies are trying to enforce federal law, even though
Guidelines issued by the Attorney General, the top law enforcement official in the state, explicitly direct California police to follow California, not federal law.
Americans for Safe Access is currently engaged in litigation against Solano County for defying California law and not issuing the ID cards.
Take Action
4. Thank President Obama for the White House Statement!
This week's action is a reward for all of the pressure we've been putting on elected officials, both in California and Federal Congress. We're asking you to thank President Obama. Just as our elected officials need to know when they're doing something wrong, they also need to hear from us when they do something right. This week, in response to community uproar about the DEA raids, the White House issued an official statement promising to end them. This story was picked up by newspapers across the country, and may indicate one of the biggest victories since ASA has been around. Take a minute today to call your President and thank him. Be warm, be sincere, thank him for his leadership and courage and let him know he did the right thing.
Call the White House Comment line: (202) 456-1111 and say:
"Hi, my name is ___________. I'm calling to thank President Obama for his statement on ending DEA raids in states with medical cannabis laws. He's shown great leadership and courage, and he will continue to have my vote. Thank you for bringing change on this issue of great concern to my community."
Chapter and Affiliate Meetings
5. Monday, February 9th - Fresno: Fresno ASA
When: Monday, February 9th 6-7:30pm
Where: 620 F Street - Full Circle Brewing Company
Fresno, CA
Fresno ASA is coming off of their success in getting Fresno County Supervisors to vote to implement the medical cannabis state ID cards. Now they've got their sights set on implementation of the AG guidelines with regard to allowing nonprofit collectives and cooperatives. Come be a part of this exciting and growing movement in Central California. Contact Diana -
fresnocagal@sbcglobal.net
6. Tuesday, February 10th - San Diego: SD ASA Meeting
At the San Diego ASA meeting, join dozens of community members in standing up for your rights.
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors continues its wasteful attempt to violate state law and refuse to implement the state mandated ID card program that would allow patients to be easily identified by law enforcement.
When: Tuesday, February 10th @ 7pm
Where: International Cannabis University
6070 Mt. Alifan Suite 202
San Diego, CA 92111, Claremont
For more info, contact Dion,
4cccp@cox.net
7. Tuesday, February 10th - San Francisco: SF ASA Meeting
When: Tuesday February 10th starting at 7:30 pm
Where: Bowzers Pizza: 371 11th Street (between Folsom & Harrison) in San Francisco.
There's a lot happening this year and we want you to be a part of it. Please come enjoy dinner, updates from ASA, and get involved in your medical cannabis community. Feel free to bring a friend or family member. We look forward to seeing you there.
For more information, contact: David at
dcgoldman@yahoo.com or
Sarah@SafeAccessNow.org
8. Wednesday, February 11th - San Rafael: Marin ASA Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, February 11th @ 7pm
WHERE: the Law Office of Scott Candell
4040 Civic Center Dr. San Rafael 94903
Come be active in the North Bay! Much work to be done and lots of potential to do it! Contact Scott -
candell@sflegalhelp.com
9. Thursday, February 12th - Arcata: Humboldt County ASA Meeting
WHEN: Thursday, February 12th @ 6pm
WHERE: The community recreation room of the Bayview Courtyard Senior Housing Complex
550 Union Street, Arcata.
Helping support and protect patient rights, Humboldt ASA has been a critical force in lobbying for dispensaries, plant limits, and other access concerns. For more info, contact:
asa-humboldt@sbcglobal.net
10. Tuesday, February 17th – Sacramento: ASA Affiliate Compassionate Coalition
WHEN: Tuesday, February 17th – 7pm
WHERE:: 320 Harris Avenue, Suite H
Sacramento, CA
Sacramento ASA chapters and affiliates played an instrumental role in getting the County to implement the state ID card program. Join the efforts to make an impact. For more info, contact:
Nathan@compassionatecoalition.org
11. Wednesday, February 18th – Fullerton: Orange County ASA Meeting
WHEN: Wednesday, February 18th – 7:00pm
WHERE: 922 Williamson Ave,
Fullerton, CA 92832
Activity in Orange County is always exciting, and there is much need for patient support and protections. For more info contact Cha Hanna:
Channa.ocasa@yahoo.com
12. Saturday, February 21st – Los Angeles: L.A. ASA Meeting
WHEN: Saturday, February 21st – 1pm
WHERE: @ Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048 (at Drexel, between Wilshire & 3rd St.)
LA ASA is one of the most respected chapters in the state, and sees success regularly at any number of actions. They've organized major protests and succeeded in lobbying for patient support from major elected officials. For more info, contact:
Don@AmericansforSafeAccess.org
Court Support
13. Monday, February 23, 2009 - Los Angeles: Charles C. Lynch Sentencing
WHEN: Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:30am
WHERE: U.S. District Courthouse, Courtroom 10
312 NORTH Spring street (at Temple St)
In downtown LA
San Luis Obispo County dispensing collective operator Charles C. Lynch was raided by the DEA and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs on March 29, 2007 at Central Coast Compassionate Caregivers (CCCC) in Morro Bay, CA. Lynch's dispensing collective stringently followed state, county and city medical cannabis regulations since it opened in April 2006.
The City of Morro Bay was supportive, issued a business license for a "'Medical Marijuana Dispensary" and a Cannabis Nursery Permit after a lengthy conditional use permit process. CCCC operated for nearly a year without incident until the the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff called the DEA to raid the dispensary on March 29, 2007, leaving behind a note for Lynch which read "All Hippies Die". Lynch was not arrested at the time and reopened with the blessing of his landlord and Morro Bay city officials. However, DEA then threatened to seize the property and prosecute Lynch's landlord if he refused to evict CCCC from his building. CCCC closed its doors on May 16, 2007.
On July 17, 2007, the DEA and local sheriffs arrested Lynch in his home and locked him up for 4 days in federal detention before his family poseted $400,000 bail. Lynch was indicted for conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute marijuana and concentrated cannabis, manufacturing (cultivating) more than 100 plants, knowingly maintaining a drug premises, and sales of marijuana to a person under the age of 21. Additionally, criminal forfeiture proceedings have begun on all of Lynch’s assets.
On August 5, 2008, after an emotional trial in which the defense was not allowed to give any evidence whatsoever about medical cannabis, Lynch's business license, or California state law, Lynch was convicted on all counts. Drew Carey’s account of Lynch’s struggle with the federal government on Reason.tv helped the case to recieve national media attention.
For more information and to give money, assistance, and support, visit Friends of Charles C. Lynch - Home or write to Judge Wu directly to plead for Charlie's freedom. Letters of support helped Tainted operator Mickey Martin receive a relatively light sentence, so we need to show the same support for Charles Lynch.
Special Events
14. Sunday, February 8th - San Diego: 'Waiting to Inhale' Film Screening
This Sunday, MPP is hosting San Diego's premier of Waiting to Inhale, the first feature-length documentary to explore America's medical marijuana movement. The screening will take place at the central library in San Diego and will be followed by a lively panel discussion and Q&A session.
Panelists will include the award-winning documentary filmmaker Jed Riffe; Rudy Reyes, local patient-advocate and 2008 candidate for county supervisor; Robert Sterner, M.D.; and myself, MPP California policy director.
San Diego is the epicenter of the battle to keep access to medical marijuana safe and legal in California. You won't want to pass up this rare opportunity to meet local and statewide leaders in the medical cannabis movement.
WHAT: Waiting to Inhale screening and discussion
WHEN: Sunday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m.
WHERE San Diego central library820 E Street, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-5870
Entrance into the event is free of charge but we will be encouraging attendees to donate what they can so that we can continue working towards a saner cannabis policy. Please bring your friends, family, and coworkers to this award-winning documentary screening and ensuing discussion. You won't be disappointed!
15. February 14th - 23rd: ASA 7th Annual Medical Marijuana Week!
ASA's Annual Medical Marijuana Week is a week-long series of actions and events has been an ASA February landmark. Meant to promote awareness and educate about medical cannabis, the focus is, for one week, to get everyone involved in taking part in celebrating the fight and activism that has brought medical cannabis laws to where it is today, with 72 million people living 13 states with laws that protect them - and to where it will go in the future: nothing short of federal protections for the patients who use cannabis! If you're in the area, come out to participate!
Saturday February 14th, 2009
Spread the Love Valentine Seed Planting
Meet in Golden Gate Park at Hippie Hill in San Francisco at High Noon, 2:15 Potluck Picnic. Please join us for this annual event, we will be providing hemp seeds and snacks to share. Feel free to bring a friend, or a plant to leave in the park.
Valentine’s Day Heart Party! Noon – 4 pm . Come on in for an afternoon of special treats, and drinks provided by Guayaki! Get ideas for a healthier heart and learn some fun heart wise ideas. FREE Blood Pressure clinic. Valentine art projects and more! Hosted at Peace in Medicine 6771 Sebastopol Avenue, Sebastopol.
Gardening, Work day & BBQ at the Freedom House in Sacramento
12-5pm, 3650 6th Avenue. Join us at a gathering to rehabilitate the Freedom house, a safe friendly atmosphere for patients to live in at no cost. We could use your time, energy, donations of materials, and your love. BBQ provided by Capital Wellness Collective
Natural Remedies Health Services Presents: Tosh Meets Marley Celebration Tour with Fully Fullwood Band hosted by DJ Irie Dole
Celebrate Valentines Day Reggae style! Come enjoy a live band and DJ’s.
Gaia Arts Center 2120 Allston Way in Berkeley, 8pm & 10pm shows $25, $22 in advance through pay pall 510-444-5771. Free gift to first 200 guests.
A portion of the proceeds are going to ASA.
Sunday February 15th
Celebrating the History of 215: with Denis Peron featuring an unreleased documentary & local mmj films. Come join us at the Castro Cozy Cottage for an afternoon learning about the medical cannabis movement here in SF. Hear Denis Peron speak, watch an unreleased documentary on Dr. Tod Mirkuriya, and short films on local SF dispensaries. Bring your bathing suit for a jump in the garden hot tub!
3745 17th Street in San Francisco 4:20pm
Monday February 16th
Medical Marijuana Art show & Informational Nights. Daily through 2/20, open from 4-6pm at 2100 29th Street in Sacramento, Come check out the art work done by patients at Capital Wellness Collective on themes of love, compassion, and medical cannabis.
Tuesday February 17th
Book signing and talk with Doug McVay author of Drug War Facts at BPG at 4:20pm. Verifiable patients & Caregivers only, please bring valid ID. At Berkeley Patients Group 2747 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley. Come learn; History of the drug war, where we currently stand, how we got medical cannabis and what direction our cannabis industry is headed. Activist and writer Doug McVay has spent more than two decades championing the truth about marijuana and other drug policies in the U.S. and beyond. Author of the invaluable manual "Drug War Facts," Doug has an encyclopedic knowledge of the facts and figures involved in the War on Drugs, and a wealth of first-hand experiences working to change our nation's unjust policies. Join us as Doug shares his experiences and offers his predictions for what's in store for the nation under the new administration!
CCA is hosting a party at Il Pirata! Starting at 4:20pm, FREE everyone’s welcome. Music, food, booths, medical cannabis info and speakers. After 9pm must be 21 with valid ID. DJ Allier will be spinning and hosting karaoke! 2007 16th Street in San Francisco.
Wednesday February 18th
Medical Marijuana University 6pm-9pm
An evening of free education, come learn how to deal with law enforcement encounters with ASA's Know Your Rights Team, Horticulture with Ed Rosenthal, and an hour on the law.
Hosted at Oaksterdam University 1776 Broadway in Oakland
Thursday February 19th
ASA Organizers Training and Open House
Organizers Training 4pm Learn the basics of how to facilitate a meeting, plan an emergency response, and how to get active with ASA.
Open House: 5-7pm Check out the ASA office, meet the staff, and learn more about how you can support the campaigns we are currently working on.
1322 Webster Street #402, Oakland.
Friday February 20th
Movie Night at Oaksterdam Student Union
7pm, at 1915 Broadway in Oakland, FREE
The films shown are TBA & currently under consideration are: Marijuana Nation, Marijuana Inc., ASA film festival, and waiting to inhale.
Saturday February 21st
LA-ASA Meeting & Activist Training
Saturday, February 21 at 1:00 PM
Patient ID Center, 470 S. San Vicente Blvd., LA
Get the skills you need to be effective in the grassroots campaign for safe access in LA
Sunday February 22nd
East Bay Medical Cannabis Activists Mixer
Patient Movie Night & Vapor Lounge
Sponsored by Harborside Health Center
At Maxwell's, 341 13th St in Downtown Oakland
An evening featuring a marijuana documentary, Full length film, Music,
Refreshments and Vaporizers!
7-10pm
$15 at the door. This event is for medical cannabis patients only. It is required to bring a verifiable Recommendation.
Full Bar and house menu also available.
Proceeds of this event are going to be donated to Americans for Safe Access.
Monday February 23rd
Charles C. Lynch Sentencing and Protest
8:30am 312 NORTH Spring St. in Downtown Los Angeles
U.S. District Courthouse, Courtroom 10
Join this day of protest for a man who defines the hypocrisy and injustice of the federal government on medical cannabis. The peaceful rally will be held on the opposite side of the building on MAIN STREET not Spring street. This case made national news and we're hoping to bring attention to President Obama of the events which led to Charles Lynch's arrest, prosecution, and sentencing.
16. Monday, February 23, 2009 - Los Angeles: Charles C. Lynch Protest
Join this day of protest for a man who defines the hypocrisy and injustice of the federal government on medical cannabis. The man who prosecuted Lynch (who acted the worst through the trial) accused the defense of planning to bring a "circus" to sentencing. So, we're hoping to give him just that.
The peaceful rally will be held on the opposite side of the building on MAIN STREET not Spring street. This case made national news and we're hoping to bring attention to President Obama of the events which led to Charles Lynch's arrest, prosecution, and sentencing.
WHEN: Monday, February 23, 2009 at 8:30am
WHERE: U.S. District Courthouse, Courtroom 10
312 NORTH Spring street (at Temple St)
In downtown LA
