cannabisnews.com: California Medical Marijuana Initiative Brewing California Medical Marijuana Initiative Brewing Posted by FoM on November 25, 2001 at 07:30:12 PT By The Associated Press Source: Associated Press The group that promoted California's medical marijuana initiative in 1996 wants to set up a showdown with the federal government with a ballot measure that would set up a state-controlled network to distribute the drug to patients. Santa Monica-based Americans for Medical Rights wants the initiative on the November 2002 ballot in Arizona, Oregon or Washington, three states that also have medical marijuana laws. California has been ruled out because it would be too expensive to conduct a campaign there, said Bill Zimmerman, leader of the group. The measure, which would formalize a state government-controlled network to distribute medical marijuana, would set up an almost certain U.S. Supreme Court battle over states' rights. Eight states including California have legalized marijuana for medical use, but the narcotic remains illegal for cultivation, sales and use of any sort under federal law. In California, home of the nation's first medical marijuana law, an uneasy detente had reigned between federal officials and cannabis clubs until a Supreme Court ruling in May rolled back provisions of Proposition 215 that addressed the distribution of the marijuana that patients use. Recently federal agents have shut down a West Hollywood cannabis club endorsed by city officials, raided a Ventura County garden operated by patients and seized medical records from a prominent medical marijuana doctor in Northern California. Sue North, chief of staff for state Sen. John Vasconcellos, D-Santa Clara, said the actions of federal officials are hurting patients who use marijuana to ease pain or to help with nausea caused by chemotherapy or AIDS. "The target here isn't dope dealers on the school grounds," North said. "This is about stopping people with serious medical conditions from getting access to something that helps them." U.S. Justice Department officials did not respond to requests for comment, but DEA spokesman Richard Meyer said agents are required to enforce drug laws. Americans for Medical Rights has pushed medical marijuana initiatives in several states over the last decade. It is financed largely by George Soros, a billionaire New York financier, and several other wealthy benefactors. Complete Title: Another California Medical Marijuana Initiative Brewing Source: Associated PressPublished: Sunday, November 25, 2001 Copyright: 2001 Associated Press Soros Foundation Networkhttp://www.soros.org/Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #7 posted by null on November 25, 2001 at 11:11:30 PT an "Amen" for E_Johnson But it hasn't been just the marijuana that has contributed to my healing -- it's been the marijuana movement as well.As long as we continue to make each other stronger and continue to build on a movement based on compassion, ethics, knowledge and self-determination, we are going to win.Just wanted to say that I really liked that post. :) We are really fortunate to be able to come together and support each other. There is solace in knowing that no matter how long it takes, there are lots of other people walking the long hard road with you. Sites like cannabis news have made it easier to see just how many people are walking that road! [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by null on November 25, 2001 at 10:57:27 PT elevating the issue Santa Monica-based Americans for Medical Rights wants the initiative on the November 2002 ballot in Arizona, Oregon or Washington, three states that also have medical marijuana laws.This move is really strategically smart on the part of the Americans for Medical Rights. The DEA made a huge mistake in shutting down the LARC. They stepped on California and now are running the risks of having Oregon, Arizona and Washington step in to defend the cause. What cause? STATES RIGHTS.Medical marijuana is an important and valid issue on its own merits. However, States Rights is a huge issue that effects everyone. Whereas MM may have directly affected several thousand in California, the issue of states rights will directly affect 12.6 million residents of AZ, OR, and WA. If they could get an initiative in CA that would add another 25.5 million.I believe that a number of the southern states would ideologically side with AZ, OR and WA on the issue of states rights. Once upon a time they succeeded from the Union over the issue. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by goneposthole on November 25, 2001 at 10:20:41 PT Feds are sticking their noses into state's business The states are trying to shake hands, but you can't shake hands with a fist."If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.""What works is what matters." [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by E_Johnson on November 25, 2001 at 10:20:07 PT This movement is medicine in itself I came to use marijuana under a doctor's supervision in the course of addressing damage done to my body and mind from a violently abusive childhood and the dysfunctional power relationships endemic to graduate instruction in my field.But it hasn't been just the marijuana that has contributed to my healing -- it's been the marijuana movement as well.As long as we continue to make each other stronger and continue to build on a movement based on compassion, ethics, knowledge and self-determination, we are going to win. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by E_Johnson on November 25, 2001 at 10:09:10 PT They're clearly on the defensive now U.S. Justice Department officials did not respond to requests for comment, but DEA spokesman Richard Meyer said agents are required to enforce drug laws.Oh so they MADE you do it, you had no CHOICE?This waffling in its own weird way is a victory. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by The GCW on November 25, 2001 at 09:22:54 PT Another wall crumbler. Your right to swing your fist... ...ends where my nose begins. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by JSM on November 25, 2001 at 09:09:41 PT State rights Why not just legalize, tax, and regulate for all purposes on the state level and from there challenge the fed's jurisdiction? Then if the feds want to enforce "their" laws, let them do so. It just might work. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment