Blog

Contents:

Message from the CA Director - Fremont and Santa Monica

California News

• Medical marijuana providers raided (Mohave)
• California Police Now Want To Regulate Medical Pot — Right Out of Existence (California)
• Fresno County supervisors close loophole on marijuana ban (Fresno County)
• Obama resists using his power to ease marijuana laws (National)
• Cigarettes are out; marijuana's in (California)
• UCSF to study marijuana-based drug for children (San Francisco)
• Dr. David Allen Becomes Medical Board Target (Sacramento)
• Medical marijuana dispensary in San Bernardino Mountains robbed (San Bernardino)
• Cannabis and Yoga as Complementary Medicines (Atwater Crossing)
• Corona man behind bars in illegal Long Beach marijuana dispensary case (Long Beach)

Events

• Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – Fremont City Council Hearing (Fremont)
• Wednesday, February 12 – Santa Monica Planning Commission Hearing (Santa Monica)
• Saturday, February 15, 2014 – San Diego 215 Party (San Diego)
• Saturday, February 15, 2014 – Sonoma ASA 215 Party (Santa Rosa)
• Sunday, February 23, 2014 – State of the Medical Cannabis Union 2014: A Panel of Cannabis Experts (Berkeley)
• April 5-7, 2014 - The 2nd Annual National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference (Washington, DC)

Take Action

• Support the Medical Marijuana Organ Transplant Act
• Join Americans for Safe Access (ASA)

ASA Website Spotlight

• Resources for Patients
• Free Online Services

ASA Merchandise

• ASA Cloud Vaporizer Pen
• ASA Condition-Specific Booklets for Kindle

ASA Chapter & Affiliate Meetings

• Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – Nevada County ASA (Grass valley)
• Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – San Diego ASA (San Diego)
• Thursday, February 13, 2014 – San Diego ASA (Imperial Beach)
• Thursday, February 13, 2014 – Yuba County ASA (Foothills)

Message from the CA Director

There are two very important public meetings coming up this week. Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is calling on members and friends who live or work in and around Fremont and Santa Monica to make a special effort to attend these meetings. In Fremont, the City Council wants to ban outdoor medical cannabis cultivation. That proposal will adversely affect all legal patients and sets a terrible precedent in the region. And in Santa Monica, the Planning Commission will hear opposition to a proposed ordinance that would finally allow patients' cooperatives and collectives in the city. This new opposition could derail years of efforts to secure local safe access in Santa Monica.

The meeting details are in the "Events" section below. please plan to attend and speak up for safe and dignified access to medicine in every California community.

Some of you have seen these meeting announcements for years, but never responded. Please do so. Elected officials need to know that local voters and stakeholders care about the issue of medical cannabis. Otherwise, patients' needs will be buried in the controversy and disinformation that often surrounds these debates. ASA can help you get ready to talk to your City Council, commissions, and other officials. Take a look at the booklets and videos on ASA's unique online Medical Cannabis Advocates Training Center. You will find hundreds of pages of information there about talking to elected officials, speaking at public meetings, organizing your community, and more. Don;t wait any longer... get educated and get active!

California News

Medical marijuana providers raided
By Cat Smith in The Daily News

A multi-agency investigation conducted over the past several weeks resulted in a two-day raid of four medical marijuana dispensaries in Needles, along with search warrants served at individual residences in Bullhead City and Lake Havasu City. According to Jodi Miller, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, authorities with that department’s Marijuana Enforcement Team, sheriff’s deputies, and Mojave Area General Narcotics Enforcement Team members began their investigation into reported illegal sales of the medical marijuana on Jan. 30 when detectives served eight search warrants at three dispensaries and four residences in Needles. A search was also conducted at a residence in Lake Havasu City...
Read more here.

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California Police Now Want To Regulate Medical Pot — Right Out of Existence
By David Downs in the East Bay Express

California’s police chiefs have spent eighteen years trying to undo medical marijuana legalization, first by ignoring it , then by trying to find loopholes in it, and then by actively fighting efforts to regulate it. Now, these same drug warriors say they are ready to regulate medical marijuana. This ought to be a hoot...
Read more here.

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Fresno County supervisors close loophole on marijuana ban
By Mark Benjamin in the Fresno Bee

Fresno County supervisors on Tuesday closed a potential loophole that could have allowed medical marijuana farming in some county areas despite a month-old ban on pot cultivation. County zoning codes allowed marijuana cultivation in manufacturing zones, but the board's action eliminated that provision. No business licenses had been issued for cultivation in manufacturing zones. Medical marijuana advocates said Tuesday they will continue fighting the bans. They are gathering signatures for a referendum to overturn the county ban and are considering legal action. Fresno became California's first county to ban all cultivation...
Read more here.

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Obama resists using his power to ease marijuana laws
By Bob Egelko in SF Gate

When it comes to the regulation of marijuana, President Obama has had a hard time squaring his words with his actions - most notably, his campaign promise to defer to state medical marijuana laws, followed by a flurry of federal raids on state-licensed dispensaries and the closures of hundreds in California...
Read more here.

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Cigarettes are out; marijuana's in
By Derek Moore in the Press Democrat

For everyone who lived through the era of Reefer Madness and the Marlboro Man, these are strange days indeed. Cigarettes used to be cool. Now, they prompt unfiltered scorn. But the devil's weed? It's high times for that, man. Who could have predicted that CVS, the nation's largest drug-store chain, will stop selling tobacco products at its stores, including three in Santa Rosa, later this year? Or that thousands would gather at the Sonoma County Fairgounds in December to smoke weed in full view of the cops for the Emerald Cup cannabis competition...
Read more here.

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UCSF to study marijuana-based drug for children
By Chris Roberts in the San Francisco Examiner

Children as young as a year old are receiving a marijuana-derived drug at UC San Francisco, where over the next year researchers will conduct the world’s first study of the banned plant’s ability to treat severe forms of epilepsy. The children enrolled in the study all suffer from epilepsy so severe that traditional drugs have little or no effect. Some suffer up to 90 seizures a day, which if left uncontrolled can lead to brain damage...
Read more here.

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Dr. David Allen Becomes Medical Board Target
By Eric Salerno on Salem-News.com

The medical board hearing for Dr. David Allen continued these past two weeks. The State Medical Board of California put on its case. Representing the State was Deputy Attorney General Jannsen Tan. Dr. David Allen represented himself, only after Attorney Lance Stenhouse was denied a motion by Judge Dian Vorters for a continuance...
Read more here.

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Medical marijuana dispensary in San Bernardino Mountains robbed
By Greg Cappis in SBSun.com

A medical marijuana dispensary in the San Bernardino Mountains was robbed Wednesday night, authorities said. The robbery was reported to the Sheriff’s Department at 8:56 p.m., according to sheriff’s spokeswoman Cindy Bachman. The report said three armed men entered the Woodland Healing Center and robbed the place, Bachman said. “The call doesn’t say what kind of business it is, nor does it state what kind of property was taken,” Bachman said in an email...
Read more here.

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Cannabis and Yoga as Complementary Medicines
By Kimberly Rubel in the Liberty Voice

Two practices which are rapidly gaining traction for their medical benefits; cannabis use and yoga, have stirred up controversy recently for what some believe are their synergistic effects as complimentary medicine. Called Ganja Yoga, 420 Remedy Yoga, or Cannabis-enhanced, a growing number of yoga instructors are more than accepting of medical marijuana patients; they are encouraging their students to partake in cannabis before and sometimes during class...
Read more here.

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Corona man behind bars in illegal Long Beach marijuana dispensary case
By Beatriz Valenzuela, Press-Telegram

Nearly two years after investigators seized marijuana, firearms and cash from his home, a Corona man is behind bars for reportedly illegally operating a marijuana dispensary in Long Beach. Christopher Keane Woodard, 40, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of drug sales, possession of assault weapons, child endangerment, and revenue tax violations...
Read more here.

Events

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – Fremont City Council Hearing (Fremont)
The City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ban on outdoor and visible medical cannabis cultivation. The hearing starts at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 3300 Capitol Ave., Fremont, CA 94538. Arrive early to complete a public speaker’s card to oppose the ban.

Wednesday, February 12 – Santa Monica Planning Commission Hearing (Santa Monica)
The Santa Monica Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss new concerns and opposition to the city’s proposed medical cannabis ordinance. The hearing represents increased opposition to medical cannabis in the city. The hearing starts at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401. Arrive early to sign up to speak in favor of safe access in response to agenda item 6-A.

Saturday, February 15, 2014 – San Diego 215 Party (San Diego)
Join San Diego ASA from 2:15 to 10:00 PM to celebrate 18 years of safe access in California with music, food, and fun! Tickets are $20. You must be at least 21 years old and have a valid medical cannabis recommendation to attend. The party is at the Seedless Compound at 2229 Bacon St., Ocean Beach, CA 92107.

Saturday, February 15, 2014 – Sonoma ASA 215 Party (Santa Rosa)
Join Sonoma ASA from 2:00 to 10:00 PM at Arlene Francis Center, 99 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Tickets are $10. Guests under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent. Music starts at 6:00 PM. Email [email protected] for more information.

Sunday, February 23, 2014 – State of the Medical Cannabis Union 2014: A Panel of Cannabis Experts (Berkeley)
Join Dr. Frank Lucido and his guests Attorney Omar Figueroa and Attorney James Clark. The panel discussion starts at 2:00 PM at 2300 Durant Ave., Berkeley, CA 94703. Call (510) 848-0958 or (877) 787-6900 for more information.

April 5-7, 2014- The 2nd Annual National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference (Washington, DC)
We are pleased to announce the 2nd Annual National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference, Navigating Medical Cannabis in the Mainstream, taking place April 5 – 7th at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. Americans for Safe Access and our allies will fight even harder for safe access in 2014. This is our chance to show the Obama Administration and Congress our strength in unity – and to make our voice heard like never before in the nation’s capitol! The conference is your chance to network with other activists from around the country, attend panels and workshops to improve your skills and increase your knowledge, and to engage in direct citizen-lobbying efforts in the halls of Congress. Last year we had over 300 patients, providers, activist, medical and legal professional march on Washington on our lobby day. This was the largest march on Washington for safe access. Dont miss your chance to be apart of history.
Read more, register for the conference, and book your room at the Mayflower Inn today.

Do you have a medical cannabis event to share? Send items for the California Weekly Roundup to [email protected] before 12:00 PM on Friday to be included in Monday's distribution.

Take Action

Support the Medical Marijuana Organ Transplant Act

Patients in California can be denied a life-saving organ transplant based solely on their legal medical cannabis use. Some patients have already died after being denied equal access to health care, and others are in jeopardy. Sign the petition calling on California lawmakers to pass a bill protecting legal medical cannabis patients this year – and then share the link with your friends and loved ones.

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Join Americans for Safe Access (ASA)

ASA is the nation’s leading medical cannabis patients’ advocacy organization. The patients, medical professionals, scientists, concerned citizens, and other who comprise ASA are committed to promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. ASA works in partnership with state, local and national legislators to overcome barriers and create policies that improve access to cannabis for patients and researchers. ASA provides legal training for and medical information to patients, attorneys, health and medical professionals and policymakers throughout the United States. We also organize media support for court cases, rapid response to law enforcement raids, and capacity-building for advocates. Your support makes it all possible. Join ASA or renew your membership today.

ASA Website Spotlight

Medical Cannabis Advocates Training Center

ASA believes that good policy is created when those who are most affected are at the table. Just because you are medical cannabis patient, it doesn't mean that you automatically have a degree in public policy. ASA has always been committed to demystifying political systems and providing advocates the tools they need to participate in the processes in a meaningful way. Learn all about grassroots organizing, citizen lobbying, media spokesperson training, and much more.

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Free Online Services:

• Legal Support - Legal information for patients, lawyers, and other about medical cannabis laws the legal system.
• Publications - Education literature and training for patients, activists, and others.
• Raid Center - Be prepared for a law enforcement encounter, let ASA help you in case of a federal raid, and get text alerts regarding local law enforcement activity.
• Medical Cannabis Advocate's Training Center - Learn how to be a more effective advocate for medical cannabis and how to build the movement in your community.

ASA Merchandise

ASA Cloud Vaporizer Pen

Medicate and advocate! The ASA Cloud Vaporizer Pen is perfect for patients who want to show their support for the medical cannabis movement. The pen has an ASA logo, comes in our signature color, and has a lifetime guarantee. 30% of every sale goes to support ASA.

ASA Condition-Specific Booklets for Kindle
 
ASA’s condition-specific booklets are the go-to reference for doctors and researchers when it comes to medical cannabis and cancer, HIV/AIDS, chronic pain, and other common conditions. These science-based booklets are also a great tool for patients who want to talk to their health care provider, family members, or others about medical cannabis. Download your now.

ASA Chapter & Affiliate Meetings

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – Nevada County ASA (Grass valley)
The meeting starts at 6:00 PM at 147 Crown Point Ct., Grass Valley, CA 95945. Email [email protected] for more information.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014 – San Diego ASA (San Diego)
From 6:30-7:30 PM we hold a networking / social hour with the meeting formally starting at 7:30 PM at Giovanni's Restaurant - 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92123. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Thursday, February 13, 2014 – San Diego ASA (Imperial Beach)
The meeting starts at 6:00 PM at 1233 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. Contact [email protected] for more information.

Thursday, February 13, 2014 – Yuba County ASA (Foothills)
The meeting starts at 7:00 PM at Willow Glenn Restaurant. Contact Kathie for more details: [email protected].

Have something to share?

The “California Weekly Roundup” is a once-a-week email for ASA Members and Friends that focuses on relevant news and important updates, action alerts, meetings and special events. Send items for the California Weekly Roundup to [email protected] before 12:00 PM on Friday to be included in Monday's distribution.