California Weekly Roundup: January 4, 2016 Medical cannabis news, events, and more from all over the state

The California Weekly Roundup, a project of the California Campaign for Safe Access (CCSA), is your way to stay connected to on the latest events and news on medical cannabis in California. CCSA is Americans for Safe Access’ oldest state campaign. There are more legal patients, providers, and recommending physicians in California than any other state. More than 1.4 million patients have safe, reliable, and dignified access to medicine in the state, but significant challenges remain. Click on the links on below or scroll through the entire email to learn more about what is happening in California and how you can participate.

• News 
• Events 
• Court Support 
• Chapter & Affiliate Meetings 
• ASA Website Spotlight  
• Take Action Now 

NEWS 

Follow @ASAdonduncan on Twitter for medical cannabis news and more.

Like https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaCampaignForSafeAccess on FaceBook.

Join the ASA-CCSA Email Discussion List at http://www.safeaccessnow.org/asa_ccsa_email_discussion_list

National

A year after Congress voted to end war on medical pot, raids continue in California

Justice Department Shuts Down Major Property Seizure Program

Congress Did Not Legalize Medical Marijuana

California

Advocacy group asking cities and counties to rethink bans

California’s New Medical Marijuana Rules: Q&A With Assemblyman Rob Bonta

Understanding California’s new marijuana licensing laws

Growers Face Being Shut Out of MMRSA Priority Status as Deadline Looms

California Will Pass Laws For Medical Marijuana Regulation; Is the Government Ready?

HIGH TIMES Ultimate Legislative Review 2015

Local

Chino acts to prohibit marijuana business (Chino)

Pot ordinance clears first hurdle (Barstow)

County primed for medical pot regulations (Yolo County)

New pot regulations have minor effect on county (Butte County)

City closer to banning pot (San Juan Capistrano)

Gustine City Council to review marijuana codes (Gustine)

Judge Dismisses 40 Acres RICO Suit vs Berkeley Dispensaries (Berkeley)

“Nuns” Fight to Keep Their Marijuana-Based Business in California (Merced)

San Diego may explore legalized pot growing (San Diego)

Orinda eyes temporary pot grow ban (Orinda)

Planning Commission recommends approval of ban on Marijuana (Red Bluff)

PUBLIC MEETINGS & EVENTS 

January 5, 2016 – Alameda County Board of Supervisors Meeting (Oakland)
11:00 AM at the County Administration Building, Supervisors Chambers, 1221, Room 512, Oakland, CA 94612. The Board will vote on two matters that affect medical cannabis patients. Items #25 and #26 would classify vaporizers as tobacco products, making them harder to obtain and use. Speakers should ask for an exception for medical cannabis vaporizers /vape pens. Contact bswanson7@sbcglobal.net for more information.

January 5, 2016 – Riverside City Council Meeting (Riverside)
7:00 PM in the Art Pick Council Chambers, 3900 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92522. Members of the City Council will be deciding between two different proposed ordinances. The ordinance proposed by the Planning Commission is the more generous and reasonable proposal, as it will allow for outdoor cultivation and 12 plants per parcel. The other more restrictive and more expensive proposal, by city staff, limits cultivation to indoors only and maximum of 6 plants per parcel. Arrive early to complete a public speakers card for agenda item #36. Email craigscottsf@yahoo.com for more information.

January 7, 2016 - Medical Cannabis Discussion Panel (Sacramento)
7:00 PM at Perko’s, 915 3rd Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Experts discuss how medical cannabis treats serious conditions. Speakers include Dr. Molly Fry, Dr. Lakisha Jenkins, Kim Cargile, and Richard Miller. Sponsored by the Brownie Mary Democratic Club of Sacramento and Safe Access Sacramento. Email marcialayne@gmail.com for more information.
 

January 12, 2016 – Nevada County Board of Supervisors Meeting (Nevada City)
9:00 AM in the Eric Rood Administrative Center, 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City, CA 95959. Sheriff Royal is to announce his new medical cannabis regulations. Check the agenda for details and the time. Email asa.nevco@gmail.com for more information.

March 18-22, 2016 – National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference (Washington, DC)
All day at the Loews Madison Hotel, 1177 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005, and the US Capitol Building. The theme this year’s conference is “Our Medicine, Our Safety, Our Rights.” Our goal is to connect advocates, industry workers and leaders, researchers, doctors and others to effect real change for medical cannabis. Get signed up today so that you can be a part of it all. Here is the link to book your hotel: https://www.loewshotels.com/madison/Americans-for-Safe-Access?corpcode=NUC316 or call 1-855-325-6397 and use Reservation ID NUC316 to make your reservations. Be sure to mention the ASA Unity Conference to get the best rate. Make your reservation ASAP!

COURT SUPPORT 

What is Court Support and how do I get involved? 

January 7, 2016 – Court Support for Justin Curran (San Bernardino)
8:30 AM at Superior Court, 247 W Third St, San Bernardino, CA 92415. First appearance. Dress in an appropriate manner and obey all courtroom rules to best help the defendant.

January 8, 2016 – Court Support for Shelby Lucero (Sacramento)
9:00 AM in Superior Court, 720 9th St, Sacramento, CA 95814. Hearing. Dress in an appropriate manner and obey all courtroom rules to best help the defendant.

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Find more information and additional listings on The Human Solution Calendar: http://www.thsintl.org/calendar

ASA CHAPTER & AFFLIATE MEETINGS 

January 5, 2016 – San Francisco ASA (San Francisco)
The meeting starts at 7:30 PM at Lounge 847, 847 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103. Email tony@safeaccessnow.org for more information.

January 6, 2016 - Brownie Mary Democratic Club of Riverside County (Riverside)
6:00 PM at THCF Patient Center, 647 Main St., Unit 4D, Riverside CA 92501. Email lannyswerdlow@earthlink.net for more information.

January 7, 2016 - Sonoma ASA (Santa Rosa)
The meeting starts at 5:00 PM at Arlene Francis Center, 99 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Email sarah@safeaccessnow.org for more information.

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See all California ASA Chapter Meetings here:
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/california_advocacy 

ASA WEBSITE SPOTLIGHT 

2015 Accomplishments
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/2015_accomplishments

There was a lot to celebrate in 2015. Forty states have passed laws that allow the medical use of cannabis in some form, and more individuals have access than ever before.  Congressional support for medical cannabis has never been stronger. We are closer than ever to finally reaching our goal of safe and legal access to medical cannabis for everyone who needs it. ASA’s work is at the heart of this historic progress, and as an ASA Member, you helped make it happen! Look at some of the highlights of what you helped accomplish this year.

Find an Attorney
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/find_an_attorney

Sometimes legal patients and providers need an attorney. Check this page if you or a loved one are looking for a lawyer who supports the medical cannabis movement. Some of the professionals listed here offer discounts to ASA members.

ACTION ALERTS 

Contact Your Local Representatives About Medical Cannabis Licensing (California)
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/contact_your_local_representatives_in_california

Some California cities have moved forward with licensing for commercial medical cannabis activity since Governor Brown signed the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) earlier this year. Unfortunately, others have reacted by banning some or all medical cannabis businesses and organizations. Most cities and counties have yet to act. Your local representatives need to hear from you whether they have licensed medical cannabis, banned it, or have done nothing at all. 

Vote for ASA: National CannAwards (National)
http://www.canneconomy.com/cannawards/finals

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) recently won the regional award for “Best Effort on Affecting Policy, Regulations & Industry Standards” from CannAwards. Hosted by Cannabis Economy, the CannAwards honor and celebrate leadership and innovation in Cannabis. Use this link to vote for ASA in the national finals. Be sure to share the link with your friends who believe in the work we do! 

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 CARoundup@SafeAccessNow.org before 12:00 PM on Friday to be included in Monday's distribution.