cannabisnews.com: Sebastopol OKs Pot Resolution Sebastopol OKs Pot Resolution Posted by CN Staff on November 20, 2002 at 09:28:51 PT By Paul Payne, Staff Writer Source: Press Democrat Stepping into a conflict over medical marijuana, the Sebastopol City Council on Tuesday discouraged their police force from cooperating with federal drug agents. By a 3-1 vote, the council passed a resolution in support of the 1996 ballot initiative that allowed people to grow and use marijuana with a doctor's recommendation.The medical exception to state laws against growing or using marijuana isn't recognized by the federal government, which prohibits any use of the drug. Backed by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling, federal agents in recent months have raided many marijuana buyers clubs and pot gardens, one of them near Sebastopol.In response, medical marijuana advocates asked Sebastopol and Santa Rosa council members to adopt resolutions urging police to withhold assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration."What the resolution is doing is affirming our support for California law," said Councilman Larry Robinson, who voted yes. "There is ample documentation for why that is important."Councilman Bob Anderson voted no, and Councilman Bill Roventini was absent.Sebastopol Police Chief Gordon Pitter said it's rare for his officers to work with DEA agents, adding he was comfortable with the resolution.After stripping out the language about noncooperation with the DEA, Santa Rosa council members indicated they would approve the resolution, which is expected to come up for a vote in two weeks.The resolution struck a chord with Santa Rosa Councilwoman Sharon Wright, who told of her late husband's battle with cancer. She said "we took advantage of the use of marijuana" when other medications failed to ease his pain."I was totally amazed at the benefits," Wright said.But residents of a quiet neighborhood outside Sebastopol complained bitterly about the resolution, telling the Sebastopol council about a neighbor who grew more than 3,000 marijuana plants, employing armed security guards and attack dogs to watch the garden.They said as more residents grow marijuana for medical uses, the need for assistance from federal agents increases."We pleaded with the county to do something and wound up calling the feds," said Mary Roth, a neighbor to Robert Schmidt's huge marijuana garden, which was raided in September. "We were so grateful they came."Note: Police force encouraged to withhold aid to DEA in medical marijuana cases.Staff Writer Mike McCoy contributed to this report. Source: Press Democrat, The (CA)Author: Paul Payne, Staff WriterPublished: November 20, 2002Copyright: 2002 The Press DemocratContact: letters pressdemo.comWebsite: http://www.pressdemo.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Medicinal Cannabis Research Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/research.htmCouncil Passes Proposal Supporting Med Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14792.shtmlMarijuana Club Owner Charged in Federal Court http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14110.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #8 posted by FoM on November 20, 2002 at 16:31:09 PT Cartoon About Walters From Daniel Forbes Article Hi everyone,I was able to put the one cartoon on my page. Here it is if you want to see it. http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/whatsnew.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by darwin on November 20, 2002 at 14:13:18 PT Asa on the way out. A lot of interesting talk on the DEAwatch recently about Asa getting moved to the new homeland security department. All the gossipy agents are discussing his replacement.http://members.aol.com/deawatch/daily.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by DdC on November 20, 2002 at 12:02:30 PT Sebastopol... Was Mary Kane's stomping grounds. Maybe now the Ganjawar is backing off pot they'll consider permitting hemp food, fuel and fiber? Reality is a terrible thing to waste.Peace, Love and Liberty or D.E.A.th DdCHemp World portol http://hempworld.com/pstindex.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Whirrlin on November 20, 2002 at 11:50:38 PT: Just Heard Something I just heard on the radio, in my car. In the entertainment news Justin Timberlake, said in an interview, that he is in support of the legalization of marijuana. Now, I know, some are rolling their eyes, like him his music or not, he is a well trusted and respected firgue among young people and their parents. He is someone who will bring this issue into the mainsream and make alot more people comfortable in talking about it. I see this as a positive step. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 20, 2002 at 11:30:27 PT Thanks Dr. Russo I'll go check Florida papers! [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Ethan Russo MD on November 20, 2002 at 11:24:40 PT: More than 20 Years The Compassionate Use Investigational New Drug program for cannabis actually began in 1976 with Bob Randall.Today is the 20th anniversary of Irvin Rosenfeld receiving his cannabis from the government. He had a press conference in Florida this AM. I was then interviewed by the Associated Press. Let's hope that there is some coverage of this milestone. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on November 20, 2002 at 11:09:00 PT Just a Note All this morning CNN News scrolled that it is the 20th Anniversary of the Government supplying Medical Marijuana. I can't find one article though. I'm glad they keep scrolling it thru. It will show people how insane laws are against Medical Marijuana. I hope I find an article today about it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 20, 2002 at 10:24:32 PT Peter Schrag Article Hi everyone,Here is an article that I put on my personal page so you can read it. The news is really slow but it always is after elections. It will pick up soon. A Message From The Judge -- Is Ashcroft Listening?: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/psmg.htm [ Post Comment ] Post Comment