cannabisnews.com: Activists Plant Pot Seeds at City Hall
Activists Plant Pot Seeds at City Hall
Posted by CN Staff on February 16, 2004 at 08:01:18 PT
By Glenn Chapman, Staff Writer
Source: Oakland Tribune
Oakland -- Medical marijuana advocates dipped into burlap sacks filled with cannabis seeds and planted a pot crop on the City Hall lawn Sunday to protest a proposal to tighten restrictions on "Oaksterdam" dispensaries. Two dozen self-described medical marijuana patients dressed in wide-brimmed hats, bib overalls and other gardening garb hefted hoes and shovels as they prepared for an unauthorized planting in Frank Ogawa Plaza. An estimated 1 million marijuana seeds weighing a total of 25 pounds were in two sacks on the ground.
The sacks were decorated in the spirit of their contents, and one bore the words "Red Hair Sinsemilla ... Superior Quality Seed." A straw-stuffed scarecrow on a pole bore a picture-face of City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente, who wants to cap the number of dispensaries at four and ban marijuana from being consumed on the premises. The proposal set for consideration at Tuesday's city council meeting would also reduce the number of plants a patient could grow for personal medicinal use to 18 from the current 72. "It is absolutely crazy," said Angel McClary Raich, one of the speakers at the protest event organized by Americans for Safe Access. "The city is taking a step backwards. I am ashamed the city of Oakland is taking away our medicine." The proposed restrictions would force medical marijuana users to use their doses in the streets instead of in supportive and controlled settings at dispensaries, those at the subdued, hour-long protest maintained. Making the prescribed drug harder to get and use could also cost patients their lives, warned A.S.A. Executive Director Steph Sherer. Hillary McQuie led those gathered in a brief petition to Mother Earth and the sky to nurture the seeds into healthy plants. "We see this as a safe zone for patients," McQuie said before the sowingbegan. "They can harvest medicine in Frank Ogawa Plaza and then go in City Hall and medicate." As they tossed seeds, planters sang "Inch by inch, row by row, De La Fuente let us grow." A while later, the chant was given a playful twist, finishing with "make De La Fuente grow." The event garnered little attention from passersby. Police officers working on nearby downtown streets paid no heed to the gathering. State law makes it illegal to cultivate marijuana, but those with medical marijuana cards are afforded latitude. Some protesters wore cannabis leis and others handed out homemade treats designated only for medical marijuana patients. Members of the group scooped handfuls of seeds from the sacks and strewed them about the plaza lawn. Sherer made a special point of piling a mound of seeds at the base of the De La Fuente effigy. Among those at the protest was Jeff Jones, director of the Oakland Cannabis Buyers Club, which was shut down by federal officials. Sherer said opponents of the medicinal marijuana restrictions will be out in force at the coming City Council meeting. "If it doesn't go well, we have a backup plan," Sherer said as those around her sowed more than seeds of protest. "We harvest." The seed sacks remained about half-full by the time the activists held hands in a circle and closed the protest by singing "We shall overcome." "I hope to come back a couple of weeks from now and see young plants everywhere," said Aundre Speciale, a 37-year-old mother and Montclair homeowner who uses marijuana to curb panic attacks. "That would be a beautiful thing." Note: Medical marijuana users protest city's proposed limits.Source: Oakland Tribune (CA)Author: Glenn Chapman, Staff WriterPublished: Monday, February 16, 2004 Copyright: 2004 MediaNews Group, Inc. Contact: triblet angnewspapers.com Website: http://www.oaklandtribune.com/Related Articles & Web Sites:OCBChttp://www.rxcbc.org/Americans For Safe Accesshttp://www.safeaccessnow.org/Medical Pot Backers Picket Federal Drug Czarhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18333.shtmlNew Limits in Oakland for Medical Pot Clubs http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18301.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help
Comment #26 posted by FoM on February 22, 2004 at 13:58:23 PT
Easier Link for The NPR Report
http://www.npr.org/rundowns/segment.php?wfId=1691608
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #25 posted by FoM on February 22, 2004 at 13:51:10 PT
NPR Radio: Oakland Wary of Drug Laws' Impact
California legalized marijuana for medical use almost a decade ago, but under federal law, distributing or selling the drug remains illegal. Some Oakland residents fear an increase in non-medical drug traffic. Judy Campbell of member station KQED You will need to scroll down to find the audio link.To Listen Click This Link: http://www.npr.org/rundowns/rundown.php?prgDate=22-Feb-2004&prgId=10
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #24 posted by Cannabis Enthusiast on February 17, 2004 at 11:30:48 PT
I wish I lived in the SF Bay Area
SF Bay seems to be an extremely liberal metropolitan area of the United States. Im currently living in Hennepin County, Minnesota (Minneapolis is in this county), and it is somewhat liberal. I've seen a story a couple months ago about Minneapolis possibly getting legalized Medical Marijuana in the near future. And an ounce or less of cannabis is decriminalized in this state.But the San Francisco Bay Area, my God what a liberal community. I hope to live there someday...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #23 posted by FoM on February 17, 2004 at 11:19:15 PT
Remaining Bay Area Medical Marijuana Week Events
DPFCA: Remaining Bay Area Medical Marijuana Week Events February 17, 2004
Americans for Safe Access has a lot more great events planned for this week - please come join us!!Tuesday, February 17th Rally/Press conference, 5 pm, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Rally before Oakland City Council hearing on ordinance that would limit dispensaries, patient use of medicine, and plant numbers! Sign up for hearing begins at 6pm. (Please sign up even if you can't stay, you can cede your time to others)1st Annual Medical Marijuana FilmFest (Oakland) Short films on the fight for medical marijuana rights! Parkway Speakeasy Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland (510) 814-2400. 9:15 pm-11:15. Admission: $7. Over 21 only, beer & pizza, etc available for purchase.Wednesday, Febraury 18 "Festival of Lighting Up" (rescheduled from Monday)Shine the light on the gov't war on patients! Remember our POWs with a festival of lighting up ourselves, the communtiy, and the Feds. Fiery and Light costumes encouraged. Meet 18th and Castro at 6pm to "light up" the CASTRO and end up at the Smoke Bush out Celebration! To help or volunteer talent contact hilary riseup.net“Smoke Out Bush” Dance Party Come spank Bush for his attack on medical marijuana patients! Watch as our lovely MC Stacey spanks Bush on stage, then performs a dance for the medical marijuana supporters in appreciation. DJs IRIE DOLE, Pam-Pam & more. 1751 Dolores. Doors open: 8pm. Tickets: $4-$20. For more info, call Tony (415)585-9228,Thursday, February 19th Medical Marijuana for Veterans Action Support Veterans who are denied access to medical marijuana by their VA doctors! Speakers, testimonials, street theater and more. VA 13th & Mission Outpatient Clinic, 205 13th St., 12 Noon For more info, contact aaafranco yahoo.com or call (5100 486-8083Medical Marijuana School at UC Berkeley A day of accredited teaching and learning about medical marijuana. Four 1-hour sessions on horticulture, legality, politics and medical issues. UC Berkeley, 213 Wheeler Hall, 5-9pm. To find out more about getting credit at YOUR school, contact stopdrugwarnow cs.com. FREE! --Cannabis Horticulture 5-6pm An overview of the complexities of growing the world's most versatile medical herb. Presented by Mike Foley, formerly of Cannabis Healing Californians Health & Education Center. --The Legality of Marijuana 6-7pm A look at the local, state and federal marijuana laws followed by a Q&A session. Presented by attorney Omar Figueroa. --Medical Properties of Marijuana 7-8pm Why and how does medical marijuana work? Come find out at this seminar presented by Dr. Michael Alcalay. --Medical Marijuana Politics 8-9pm From grassroots to drug policy reform. Presented by Steph Sherer (Executive Director, Americans for Safe Access) and Hilary McQuie (Campaign Coordinator, Americans for Safe Access)Hilary McQuieCampaign DirectorAmericans for Safe Access1678 Shattuck Ave. #317Berkeley, CA 94709510-486-8083http://www.safeaccessnow.orgJoin the fight for medical marijuana rights!
Medical Marijuana Action Week
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #22 posted by FoM on February 17, 2004 at 07:59:08 PT
gloovins
No problem at all. I removed the exta post.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #21 posted by gloovins on February 17, 2004 at 00:52:48 PT
oops sorry for 2 posts if u can ax 1 FOM, will u?
thanks--Gloovins
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #19 posted by gloovins on February 17, 2004 at 00:49:27 PT
VERY IMPORTANT ACTIVISM
IMHO, planting seeds and risking a felony conviction is pretty bold -- esp on CITY HALL grass. All i think these protesters were trying to point out is our creator gave us this plant to utilize so we do not clog, or even destroy, our "Mother Earth" with nuclear waste, smog and CFHC's.Northern Califoria is the most progressive part of the US now I think in the cannabis law reform movement and this protest shows, the SF Police could care less and the people have not only spokin (Prop 215) but they are also growin! (& at city hall's yard too!). That shows the countless innocent lives lost in botched DEAth raids over a PLANT that our forefathers HAD to grow, as the 1st laws on hemp was one HAD to grow it (see Herer's book TEWNC), these innocent lives couldve been saved had it not been for CP. In closing, there couldn't have been a more impressive act of civil disobedience. Would you critics out there of this, would you do the same thing w/o fear in your town?Yeah, that's what I thought.Now - OVERGROW THE GOVERNMENT IN 2004!
Let's start with MICHIGAN in 2004 !
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #18 posted by VitaminT on February 16, 2004 at 21:20:16 PT
C E
I actually can relate to the feeling you describe.Here's my dilema: I become so frustrated w/ the media and the things they choose to report. There's always some poor child kidnapped and/or brutally murderer - a heart wrenching story - That I don't care about! Don't get me wrong, it's a grevious horror to me but it's NOT more important than the little girl abducted in my own city on the same day. The stories are usually not unique yet all networks in unison begin to report that and that alone and it continues day after day! SEX APPEAL! sad but true.I don't see the value, to me, in seeing this at the expense many truly significant stories that the media never reports at all. The media are sitting on their butts and letting the news come to them, what really matters is their bottom line. As long as they can grow rich on our empathy and compassion for some Model Victim why should they bother with actual news?I find the whole experience dehumanizing - usually I just try to keep my mouth shut and avoid running from the room screaming "I DON'T CARE about Laci Peterson!"Now, There was, a few years ago a story from Ohio where a pack of Jack-Booted-Narco-Thugs with badges, 12 in all, smashed through the door of a quiet farm house and shot DEAd a young man who had maybe 1/2 Oz. of pot.What did FOX report about this State-Sponsored home invasion.What did the CNN talking heads have to say when an 11 y.o. Modesto boy took a point blank round of buckshot to the back in a similar instance.This sort of dehumanization serves the corporate media whores very well.Who's gonna make it stop?WE ARE!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 16, 2004 at 20:24:53 PT
Cannabis Enthusiast
I'd like to keep your comment as it is unless you really want me to delete it. The reason I'd like to leave it posted it shows our frustration and our anger with what is happening to us and how we feel from time to time. Does that make sense?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by Cannabis Enthusiast on February 16, 2004 at 20:11:45 PT
FoM, u can delete my last comment
Sorry... I just get kind of frustrated sometimes with the fact that the U.S. government and city police have all the power and use that power to throw Cannabists in prison to be tortured for years or even killed.Basically sometimes I think in a type of mindset like this: if you can't beat 'em, JOIN THEM. So I try to force myself to think like a Republican power-hungry asshole who abuses Cannabists.Anyone else here know what I'm talking about? ("If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.")
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by FoM on February 16, 2004 at 16:09:03 PT
mamawillie
I never heard of Father Sky. I do believe in caring for the environment. That was an interesting link. I learned something new today.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #14 posted by mamawillie on February 16, 2004 at 15:56:16 PT
FOM
Mother Earth is a Pagan term. Now, they may not have intended it to be associated with Pagan dogma, but Mother Earth and Father Sky are the Goddess and God central to Paganism.Here's an example: ***When I celebrate the God and the Goddess, I am also celebrating everything that they represent and protect. That would include nature, like it or not. Ever heard of the terms Mother Earth and Father Sky? Well, they mean what they sound like. Mother Earth, being the earth and all her components, and Father Sky being the sky and all of his. Therefore, when one pollutes the earth, one is polluting the Goddess, or Mother Earth, and when one pollute the Air, they are polluting the GOd, or Father Sky. Get my point? Now, do we want to worship dirty gods? NO! I think not!***
http://www.witchvox.com/teen/teen_1997/emothernature.htmlEven though they may or may not have meant it in the sense of Pagan terms, that *IS* the message it conveys to the rest of America who does not know these people. I don't know nor care what their religious convictions stand, but trust me... when this feed gets sent to the nightly news, that is the message the MAN sends to America. Legalize marijuana, get a bunch of kooky Pagans on your front lawn spreading the devil weed on your front lawn (I know Pagans arent' satanists, but I'm making the point of how the rest of America will view this). They'll probably have great sex on your lawn when they are done planting.Not all activism is responsible, and this is one example of irresponsible activism.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #13 posted by JustGetnBy on February 16, 2004 at 15:09:44 PT
Reality Check!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Amen!! V.T... You took the words right out of my m.......Ya.Da.........Ta-Da.......Ya-Da.......... C.E. My man.. back up a bit, take a wider view...Peace to you.............
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #12 posted by FoM on February 16, 2004 at 15:00:20 PT
mamawillie
I call the earth Mother Earth sometimes. I didn't know there was a religious type meaning to it.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #11 posted by mamawillie on February 16, 2004 at 14:49:38 PT
This sounded just plain silly to me
Sitting here watching this from 2,000 miles away, I can't help but this this was a silly, wasteful exercise in activism. Invoking "mother earth" is a clear pagan reference... is that what the activists want? They want to scare the rest of the country into thinking this is what they will get if medical cannabis is legalized-- a bunch of kooky, pot-toking pagans? What about the waste of the seeds?Granted, this was about Oakland, but they have got to see the bigger picture. When this kind of stuff gets on the national news, the rest of America gets very nervous. Just looking at this from a different point of view. IMO, this is like the "better sex" ads in D.C. In the end, this will make it harder for the cause.....
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #10 posted by VitaminT on February 16, 2004 at 14:13:23 PT
What's that supposed to mean C E?
For one thing, if participating in an act of civil disobedience is not activism, then what is activism pray tell? I think the quotation marks are improperly used in your remarks.That aside, if your comment about the 400 lb black man isn't just flat out racism then I missed your point entirely! If I was sent to prison, I'd seek out the first 400 lb black man I could find and make sure we were friends and if his name is Bubba all the better!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #9 posted by Cannabis Enthusiast on February 16, 2004 at 13:55:06 PT:
Have fun getting pounded by "Bubba"
These "activists" will learn their lesson when they're sitting in prison next to a 400 lb. black man.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #8 posted by Max Flowers on February 16, 2004 at 13:14:27 PT
SGD
I realize this probably won't help you but I will say it anyway: unless it's totally unavoidable (i.e. pursuant to probation or something), if I were you I would tell them where to stick the drug test.Failing that, my advice is to use a clean urine device if you can (again I know this may be impossible for a court-ordered drug test, but for all others they have no "right" to watch you while you pee).If it's a pre-employment urinalysis (and the job isn't airline pilot or bus driver etc), you are feeding the WOD machine if you take it. Maybe I'm an extremist, but I would wash dishes for $6 an hour and keep my interior dignity before I would submit to the unconstitutional, dehumanizing, non-for-cause, drug-war-enriching, freedom-killing "pre-employment drug test." Do you really want to work for a company that assumes you are guilty by default and makes you prove you are innocent? Do you not find the whole idea extremely offensive? Based on your past posts, I would have assumed you do.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #7 posted by BigDawg on February 16, 2004 at 13:13:18 PT
SGD
As wextnyc said, you SHOULD be ok. I've seen a "clean" person smoke on Friday nite and pass a test on Monday morning. It depends on alot of variables tho. Some tests are better than others. Some human bodies "clean up" faster than others. But I wouldn't sweat half a joint very much if I was clean for months going in.Another POSSIBLE help is to take a couple of aspirin a couple hrs before the test. There are reasons to believe that aspirin MAY have a masking effect. Also, if you drink ALOT of water before the test... you will want to take a "B" complex vitamin for color.... and a creatine tablet (health food store)in case they test for that. A clear specimin will make them assume you flushed. They test for creatine as a method of proving you flushed as well. Add the color... add the creatine.... and your good to go.Disclaimer: This info is NOT associated with Cnews. Just a helpful hint from one with experience.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #6 posted by SystemGoneDown on February 16, 2004 at 12:59:43 PT
westnyc
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I've been drinking alot of milk lately. I hear that works better than water. Not sure though.Here's a big irony: I know someone who drinks alot of alcohol before drug tests(he's a pot smoker). He says he binges for a week straight, then for the final 2 days before the drug test, he binges on just water. So he's putting something in his system thats more harmful than what he's trying to get out... Only in America I tell ya...
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #5 posted by westnyc on February 16, 2004 at 12:37:01 PT
One more thing System!
By no means am I an expert on this subject. In fact - the only thing I do know for certain is that all of our bodies are different and what may work for me may not work for you! I hope you do ok! :-)
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #4 posted by westnyc on February 16, 2004 at 12:34:59 PT
System - You should be ok!
If that is all you have "actually" smoked; and, it has been more than four-months since you last toked - you should be ok. I can't imagine too much has been built-up or stored in you lipid tissue in that amount of time. Fom is right - drink lots of water but not enough to lower you creatine or they may suspect adulteration. Is it a urine test? Yes - Drug testing sucks and abolishes the fourth amendment. Let's thank our Supremes for upholding the Bill of Rights (said in sarcasm). I know many people will feel much safer knowing the powers that be can and will destroy people's lives over activities outside our employer's environment.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 16, 2004 at 11:26:53 PT
SystemGoneDown
I wish I could help but that is an area where someone could say this or that will work but I know it doesn't always work as people say so that would be misleading of me and I won't do that to you. Drink a lot of water is my best suggestion and I wish you good luck. Flunking drug tests is a terrible thing.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #2 posted by SystemGoneDown on February 16, 2004 at 11:15:21 PT
Need Help...
FoM, I hate to bring in "small talk" here, but I need serious advice. I hadn't smoked weed in like 4 months and was completely clean. I smoked less than a full joint last week Thursday. I need ya'lls advice on when you think it'll be out of my system. And what I can do to clean it out of my system for a drug test.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #1 posted by Truth on February 16, 2004 at 08:51:35 PT
also..
they should head across the Bay Bridge and plant someSan Francisco Cronicat the Cronicle - more press : )
[ Post Comment ]
Post Comment