ASA California Roundup: January 13, 2014

Posted by 21pc on January 13, 2014

Contents:

Message from the CA Director - Will I see you in DC?

California News

  • L.A. Cracks Down on Marijuana Shops (Los Angeles)
  • Fresno County supervisors ban growing of medical marijuana (Fresno)
  • West Sacramento City Council votes on new medical marijuana ordinance (West Sacramento)
  • Medical marijuana backers say they're closer to goal (Napa County)
  • Increased Drug-DUI Enforcement Hits Another California Area (Riverside County)
  • Doctor Offers Free Cannabis Consultations To Breast Cancer Patients (Hopland)
  • Capitola votes to ban commercial medical marijuana operations (Capitola)
  • Radio journalist sentenced for assaulting U.S. officer during dispensary raid (Oakland)

Events

  • Monday, January 13, 2014 – Marijuana Compassion and Common Sense Radio (Riverside and Online)
  • Tuesday, January 21, 2014 – Medical Board Hearing for Dr. David Allen (Sacramento)
  • April 5-7, 2014 - The 2nd Annual National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference (Washington, DC)

Take Action

  • Take the National Survey on Medical Cannabis Policy
  • Join Americans for Safe Access (ASA)

ASA Website Spotlight

  • Are You Facing State or Federal Charges?
  • Free Online Services

ASA Merchandise

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

ASA Chapter & Affiliate Meetings

  • Tuesday, January 14, 2014 – Grass Valley ASA
  • Tuesday, January 14, 2014 – San Diego ASA
  • Wednesday, January 15, 2014 – East Bay ASA
  • Wednesday, January 15, 2014 – Lake County ASA

Message from the CA Director

We need to see some Californians in Washington, DC! Will you be at 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.? This is our chance to show the Obama Administration and Congress our strength in unity – and to make sure that voices from California are a part of the conversation 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. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of history in 2014.

Check out the web page to find out how to get registered for free, win an ASA Cloud vaporizer Pen, and take advantage of Early Bird Discounts. See you in Washing, to, DC!

California News

L.A. Cracks Down on Marijuana Shops
By Matt Reynolds in the Courthouse News

Los Angeles' city attorney obtained an injunction against a real estate business that brokered a deal for a medical marijuana dispensary, and said he would step up enforcement against people and businesses that violate the city's Proposition D. City Attorney Mike Feuer on Thursday said the injunction applies to the real estate broker of a proposed Mar Vista pot shop, a real estate salesperson, operator and property owner of the west Los Angeles site…
Read the full story here.

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Fresno County supervisors ban growing of medical marijuana
By Marc Benjamin in the Fresno Bee

Over objections of medical marijuana users, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday banned all marijuana cultivation in the county's unincorporated areas starting in February. The ban includes fines of $1,000 per plant. The 5-0 vote by supervisors also adds a fine of $100 per plant for each day plants remain after the initial discovery. Violations of the public nuisance ordinance would spark misdemeanor financial penalties. Appeals of the ordinance citations will be heard by the Board of Supervisors. The ordinance takes effect in 30 days…
Read the full story here.

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West Sacramento City Council votes on new medical marijuana ordinance
By Daniel Brown in The California Aggie

West Sacramento’s police department has been receiving a large volume of complaints in regard to medical marijuana license holders. As a result, a new ordinance about medical marijuana cultivation is set to be reviewed by the West Sacramento City Council on Jan. 15. Since West Sacramento does not have dispensaries, license holders have to grow marijuana in their homes. “The current ordinance prohibits cultivation associated with a dispensary (three or more persons) but does not regulate cultivation for personal use. Over the last two years, staff has experienced a considerable rise in the number of complaints and incidents associated with the cultivation of medical marijuana,” the new ordinance states…
Read the full story here.

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Medical marijuana backers say they're closer to goal
By Kerana Todorov in the Napa Valley Register

Volunteers are collecting signatures in front of the Napa County Library and other public venues this week in the hope of overturning the City Council’s December decision to scrap its medical marijuana ordinance. So far, the grassroots effort reports having collected about 3,000 signatures of registered city voters since late December, with 3,850 signatures — 10 percent of the city’s registered voters — needed by the Jan. 16 deadline. If the group meets its goal and the signatures are verified, the City Council may either reverse its decision on medical marijuana or pass a resolution calling for an election no later than November…
Read the full story here.

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Increased Drug-DUI Enforcement Hits Another California Area
By Raul Duke in the Huffington Post

The city of Los Angeles is not the only place where cops and prosecutors are gunning for drivers allegedly under the influence of drugs. L.A.'s new-year program to take mouth swabs of DUI suspects during traffic stops is aimed squarely at medical marijuana users, and other jurisdictions want on that bandwagon. This week, Riverside County revealed that nearly a half million dollars in state funding will provide two new prosecutors who will dedicate all their time to busting medicinal users and others who allegedly get behind the wheel in altered states. The office says the cash will last through late summer. The D.A.'s people say in a press release that it's part of an effort to "combat recent increases in drug-impaired driving." Those increases have largely involved marijuana, although prescription abusers are also a burgeoning problem, authorities claim…
Read the full blog here.

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Doctor Offers Free Cannabis Consultations To Breast Cancer Patients
By Johnny Green in the Weed Blog

Breast cancer is a horrible thing. I’ve had friends and family members that have had breast cancer, and it is a difficult thing to watch. I can’t imagine what it’s like to go through. Cannabis can help those suffering from breast cancer. I just read an encouraging story about a doctor in Hopland, California that is giving free cannabis consultations to breast cancer patients.
Read the full blog and watch a video here.

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Capitola votes to ban commercial medical marijuana operations
By Jondi Gunz in the Santa Cruz Sentinel

An urgency ordinance to ban commercial marijuana operations was approved unanimously by the City Council on Thursday night even as council members voiced support for medical marijuana. The ban was the city's response to an application for a permit to renovate a vacant industrial warehouse at 100 Kennedy Drive owned by John McCoy for a commercial marijuana operation.  Residents of two mobile home parks adjacent to the property emailed the council to object. "I do not want a commercial marijuana 'farm' in my backyard," wrote Jean Graham, who lives in Turner Estates, recalling that when the property owner got permits to build, he promised low-impact industries. Frederick Coquelin, who lives at Cabrillo Estates, wrote, "No one living in Cabrillo Estates wants to see marijuana cultivation at 100 Kennedy." Manuel Vieira, owner of Cabrillo Estates mobile home park, spoke in favor of the ban as did Ron Kirkish of Gilroy, representing the Coalition for a Drugfree California. Council members sided with the neighbors…
Read the full story here.

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Radio journalist sentenced for assaulting U.S. officer during dispensary raid
By Staff at KTVU

A radio journalist and medical marijuana activist was sentenced in federal court in Oakland Friday to five years of probation for assaulting a deputy U.S. marshal during a raid on a dispensary in 2012. Jose Gutierrez, 51, of Sonoma County, a contributor to Berkeley-based radio station KPFA, was sentenced by visiting U.S. District Judge William Shubb…
Read the full story here.

Events

Monday, January 13, 2014 – Marijuana Compassion and Common Sense Radio
Tune in to hear former ASA attorney Joe Elford discuss his CA Supreme Court appeal of the Maral v. Live Oak decision, which allows cities and counties to ban medical cannabis cultivation. Medical cannabis advocate Bud Green will also talk about efforts to overturn the ban on cultivation and distribution in Fresno County. Listeners in the Riverside area can tune into KCAA 1050 AM at 6:00 PM. Others can listen online at www.kcaaradio.com.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014 – Medical Board Hearing for Dr. David Allen
Medical cannabis doctor and advocate Dr. David Allen will have a hearing before the CA Medical Board on Tuesday, January 21. The Board will decide whether or not to penalize Dr. Allen, including the loss of his medical license. Thousands of patients count on Dr. Allen. Show you support by attending the hearing at 9:00 AM in the Office of Administrative Hearings, 2349 Gateway Oaks Drive, Suite 200 Sacramento, CA 95833. Dress and behave in a professional manner to help Dr. Allen.

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

Take the National Survey on Medical Cannabis Policy

We know that the best outcomes for our constituents come when they have a seat at the table when laws affecting their welfare are debated. Help ASA better represent your voice in the local, state, and federal conversation about medical cannabis regulations. Take this short survey to help us better understand your priorities when it comes to medical cannabis guidelines.

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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

Are You Facing State or Federal Charges? – Free, online, interactive help

Unfortunately, patients, caregivers, and providers are still vulnerable to federal and state arrests, prosecutions, and incarceration.  They also suffer pervasive discrimination in employment, child custody, housing, public accommodation, education and medical care. If you are arrested for a marijuana offense and the prosecutor files charges, you will first face an arraignment, where you will plead guilty or not guilty. If you plead not guilty, you will have various motions hearings and eventually you may go to trial before a jury or judge, and the process may take a significant amount of time.  

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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, January 14, 2014 – Grass Valley ASA
The meeting starts at 6:00 PM at Nevada County Contractors Association, 147 Crown Point CT Grass Valley, CA 95945. Email [email protected] of visit http://asa-nc.com/ for more information. Like ASA Nevada County on Facebook.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014 – San Diego ASA
The meeting starts at 6:30pm at Giovanni's Restaurant - 9353 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. San Diego, CA 92123. Email [email protected] or visit www.safeaccesssd.org for more information. Like San Diego ASA on Facebook.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014 – East Bay ASA
The meeting starts at 6:30 PM at Oaksterdam Student Union, 1915 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612. Email [email protected] for more information. Like East Bay ASA on Facebook.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014 – Lake County ASA
The meeting starts at 6:30 PM at the Moose Lodge 15900 E Highway 20, Clearlake Oaks 95423. Email [email protected] for more information.

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.