Judge's Decision Keeps Cathedral City Dispensary Open
This week, U.S. District Court Judge Stephen G. Larson ruled that the Cathedral City cannot use Federal law to shut down the Essential Herbs and Oils dispensary. Cathedral City had requested that the U.S. District Court Judge issue an injunction. Judge Larson's decision said that he found no precedent allowing him to shut the dispensary down. This decision is an important victory for safe access in the region.
Despite this important victory, the dispensary remains under attack in Cathedral City. The city is now fighting to revoke Essential Herbs and Oils' business license and they also recently received an eviction notice. ASA will keep you updated on the dispensary as news comes in.
Read more about Judge Larson's decision and the recent attacks as reported in the Mercury News and the Desert Sun.
Dispensary Operator Sues Modesto for Conspiring with the DEA
On Thursday, former California Healthcare Collective Operator Luke Scarmazzo filed a lawsuit against the city of Modesto for conspiring with the federal government to shut down his dispensary. Assisted by local police, the DEA raided California Healthcare Collective in September 2006. Scarmazzo is suing the city for emotional distress, mental anguish, and loss of employment.
The September 2006 raid occurred five days after the city had realized that they could not shut the dispensary down.
For more information on the lawsuit read the Modesto Bee article.
Sacramento ASA Leader Questions Gov. Schwarzenegger About Medical Cannabis
From Sacramento ASA's Lanette Davies
"As most of you already know I had the opportunity Wednesday to meet Governor Schwarzenegger at Mimi's cafe while he was promoting "redistricting." I was invited by the League of Women Voters to attend and was sitting with our state President of the league when the governor came to our table to shake hands, while being filmed and recorded by a score of press and TV reporters. This gave me the opportunity while on camera to ask him directly about how he feels about protecting the medical marijuana patients of California and I asked how he feels about the use of cannabis by patients. He stated, " support medical marijuana and the patients of our state."
I then informed him that we have legislation right now in the California Assembly and the Senate that will protect the patients and we need his support. He then stated he was not aware of the new legislation however, he promised to take the time to review the bills as he definitely is interested in protecting the patients. He asked for my business card so his staff can call my office to get further information. Later, when he came back by I asked for a picture as I was wearing my nice Stop Arresting Medical Marijuana Patients button and both the Governor and the Secretary of State took their picture with me. The picture was taken by the League of Women Voters and they requested use of it in their website. They also said they will email me a copy of the picture. It was a good day for us!"
DEA Raids Orange County Dispensary
On Tuesday, DEA agents raided Natures Wellness Collective in Orange, California. ASA received reports of the raid after it had occurred. According to an unconfirmed eyewitness there were no arrests made. If you have information about the Natures Wellness Collective raid please e-mail [email protected]
Sign up for ASA's Emergency Response Text Messaging System to receive instant alerts about raids in your area. Visit www.AmericansforSafeAccess.org/RaidAlerts
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