cannabisnews.com: The Pot Cops





The Pot Cops
Posted by CN Staff on June 08, 2004 at 18:06:39 PT
Editorial
Source: San Francisco Bay Guardian
Almost everyone in San Francisco politics supports medical marijuana. The mayor says he thinks sick people should be able to smoke pot; so does the district attorney. Assemblymember Mark Leno is one of the state's leading advocates for medical pot, the vast majority of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approves of it, and Proposition 215, which legalized marijuana for medical use in California, passed in this town by an overwhelming margin. In fact, in 2002, local voters approved a measure encouraging the city to support cannabis cultivation. There are 18 licensed pot clubs in town, dispensing this effective, natural medicine to people who are taking it on the written recommendation of a physician.
So why are the San Francisco cops busting the pot growers who supply these clubs? As Ann Harrison reports on page 18, at least two local growers who were raided by the San Francisco Police Department are serving long sentences in federal prison. Another will join them soon. Even chief assistant district attorney Russ Giuntini agrees the situation is confusing – and is diverting law-enforcement resources that could be better used elsewhere. Part of the problem, defense lawyer Tony Serra points out, is that Prop. 215 legalized medical marijuana use and cultivation – but didn't provide any guidelines for large-scale growers, who supply the relatively large-scale distribution operations in the city. Many, probably most, people who use pot for medical reasons aren't going to grow it themselves – that's a time-consuming process that requires a fair amount of skill. It's much easier, and makes much more sense, for a few farmers to grow high-quality weed under controlled conditions and sell it to the dispensaries, which can deal directly with patients who just want to buy enough pot for their needs. Yet legally those farmers are in a very gray area – as Serra puts it, Prop. 215 legalized milk but didn't legalize the cow. The federal government has never been friendly to medical marijuana, and for years San Francisco pot clubs and growers worried about the feds busting down the door. But lately it's been the local cops who've been taking the lead – and that's inexcusable. We've always supported marijuana legalization anyway, so the thought of pot farmers growing crops in the city doesn't bother us – even if not every single bud and leaf wind up in the hands of a legal dispensary. But if the cops want to make sure growers are sticking to the letter of Prop. 215 and supplying only legitimate, licensed medical marijuana facilities, it shouldn't be terribly hard. The growers seem more than happy to accept any reasonable, clear guidelines – how many plants they can cultivate, for example, and where the crop can be sold. District Attorney Kamala Harris seems to be on board with the notion of allowing growers to operate with what Giuntini calls "rules of the road." But a small number of narcotics officers seem intent on continuing with the raids. That's where Mayor Gavin Newsom and the Police Commission need to step in. The commission should direct Chief Heather Fong to order a halt to all raids on marijuana growers until the district attorney, the growers, and the SFPD can reach a written agreement on rules for local cultivation. And Newsom needs to make public his opposition to the raids – and take the lead on bringing all parties to the table to get this agreement worked out. Ultimately, there's a much better solution: the city ought to grow its own pot, under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Health, and distribute it free to the medical marijuana providers. A private collective does that in Santa Cruz, and it seems to be working fine. But the bottom line is that the San Francisco police have no business hassling the people who grow medical marijuana. That has to stop. Related Article: Cannabis Club Guide A roster of San Francisco's medical marijuana dispensaries. By Ethan GoldwaterSan Francisco has a plethora of medical marijuana dispensaries, which can only be utilized by patients with a doctor's written recommendation. We offer this guide both as a reference tool for registered users and a peek behind doors that are closed to the rest of us. Some clubs didn't want their phone number and hours of operation listed. Legend Allows patients to smoke in facility: S Wheelchair accessible: W Number of strains: n# Price (based on 1/8 ounce of high-grade): $ (low, less than $40), $$ (standard, $40-$55), $$$ (high, more than $55) Vaporizer available: V Internet access for patients: I Americans for Safe Access peer counseling: ASA Kief: K Hash: H Hash oil: HO Edibles: E Tinctures: T Cannabis plant clones for sale: P Act Up Open since 1998, this worker-owned collective also functions as a community activist center and (smoke-free) social club. The dispensary, in the front of the warm and earthy space, requires that patients become members of the club in addition to having a doctor's recommendation before they can purchase medicine (call for the next sign-up date). Decorated with old Black Panther photographs and other relics of San Francisco history, the club offers members access to its library, kitchen, free yoga at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays, and a vegan potluck on the first Monday of every month. 1884 Market, S.F. (415) 864-6686, www.actupsf.com. Tues.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. W, n10, $$, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T. Alternative Herbal Health Services "It's not just AHHS; it's ahhhhhhhhsss," owner Jason Beck told the Bay Guardian with a chuckle, widening his grin as he leaned on his display case full of medicine. The aura here is thick and gritty: smoke fills the room, hip-hop blasts from behind the counter, and the walls are covered with a recently painted graffiti mural that features a wall-spanning Buddha holding a cannabis leaf in a cannabis pasture with trippy red mountains in the distance. In addition to its wide (albeit pricey) selection of cannabis, the club carries a selection of THC-infused candy bars sure to spark and cure the munchies at the same time: Smokers (Snickers), Reefers Peanut Butter Cups, Nu(t)g Rageous, Buddhafinger (Butterfinger), and many more. 442 Haight, S.F. (415) 864-1300. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m. S, W, n35-45, $$$, K, E, T. Alternative Patient Caregivers APC founder Roy Grimes knows the medicinal power of marijuana. In 1983 he suffered from third-degree burns, which left him with extreme nerve damage and impaired mobility. "I got caught in a vicious cycle after that," he told us. "Painkiller addictions and detox centers, doctors, counselors, drugs – nothing could really help me until I started using medicinal marijuana three-and-a-half years ago," Grimes (who recently resigned from APC) explained as he munched on a medicated cookie. APC has been offering a wide variety of resources for patients (food, Internet access, a schedule of support groups, etc.) for about two years. 953 Mission, Ste. 40 (in the Mint Mall), S.F. (415) 618-0680. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n8-12, $$, I, E, T. Alternative Relief Co-op Warm vibraphones, sea wave drums, Buddhist prayer flags, and a wide variety of herbs and teas fill up this two-year-old storefront club by the beach. "Marijuana isn't for everyone, so we offer other herbs for patients too," owner Noah Lundling told us. At the back of the store is a neat, small, and sanitary room with a case full of pharmaceutical bottles. "We offer people who aren't interested in the social aspect of cannabis a quiet, discreet, confidential spot to get their medicine," Lundling said. The club doesn't refer to its medicine by the strain. Instead, it has developed a three-tier rating system. The club specializes in deliveries to inpatients at S.F. hospitals and to homebound patients. 1944 Ocean, S.F. (415) 239-4766. Mon.-Sat., noon-7 p.m. W, $$, K, H, HO, E, T. CannaMed Care Don't be deceived by the abandoned storefront. Down the steps and through the hallway, you'll find one of the largest, most well-established dispensaries in the city. Two large cases house an incredibly large selection of cannabis products, pipes, and bongs. Adjacent to the dispensary, a roomy lounge provides the space for events: group massages, musical jam sessions, and Americans for Safe Access peer counseling, plus groups for men, women, and chronically ill patients meet here. If you're into the caffeine-THC blend, ask about CannaMed's hash-oil espresso specialty, a patient favorite. 1211 Sutter, S.F. (415) 885-8007 www.cannamedcare.com. Mon.-Sat., 2-9 p.m.; Sun., 2-7 p.m. S, W, n60, $$$, V, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T. Golden Triangle This place seems to conjure up the ghosts of Haight-Asbury's past. In front there's a head shop where those 18 and over can peruse the paraphernalia, but it takes a doctor's recommendation to get into the dispensary in back. Get down with the booming hip-hop while you enjoy some all-natural baked goods, or just get your medicine and go roam the Upper Haight. 1334 Haight, S.F. S, W, n5, $$$, K, H, HO, E. Hemp Center As the big red, yellow, and green striped "HEMP CENTER" sign on the front might suggest, this four-year-old Richmond District establishment offers more than hemp products. Through a door in the corner of the storefront (which features a variety of hemp garments) is a packed dispensary, a spacious lounge, and a healthy smattering of Bob Marley memorabilia. In one corner, there's a drum set and some guitar amps, and in the opposite corner, a recently built nursery houses a decent variety of cannabis plant clones. The staff are eager, helpful, and willing to accommodate anyone (except maybe the feds). 4811 Geary, S.F. (415) 221-4367. Mon.-Wed., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thurs.-Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n25-30, $$, V, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T, P. Love Shack This little nook off 14th Street may not have much space, but in its year-and-a-half existence, the club has had a big presence in the community. First off, it's family-owned and -operated, so at all times one of the Montana siblings – Ryan, Ericka, or Chris – is there to offer medical advice and personal, friendly service. Secondly, it's offering the best prices in the city for high-quality medicine. The club is primarily to-go, but patients are allowed to smoke and relax inside, where the atmosphere remains well lit and aired out. And to give back to the community, two Wednesdays a month its "Love-Lunch" program distributes bagged lunches to the needy and homeless in the area. 502 14th St., S.F. (415) 552-5121. Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n25, $, ASA, K, H, HO, E. Mason Street Dispensary This recently opened, freshly decorated dispensary occupies the basement of an Internet café in the Tenderloin. Although it offers digital cable television, you can't smoke on-site. As the club becomes established, it could easily find a niche with those who are craving a healthy sandwich or a smoothie after they pick up their medicine. 124 Mason, S.F. (415) 433-4420. n10, $$, H, E. Medical Cannabis Center For security reasons, we weren't allowed on the premises. 722 Columbus, S.F. (415) 296-7614. Mon.-Sat., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. S, W, n8, $$$, K, H, E. MendoHealing Importing medicine directly from its farm in Mendocino County, this to-go club guarantees what it grows is pure and organic. "We offer a consultation to every patient ... to try to match each patient with the strain of medicine that is going to give them their desired effect," club manager Scott Lewis told us. While the club doesn't offer a social atmosphere, it does have vaporizers (which release the active ingredients without burning the plants and producing harmful smoke) available for use and for sale. 96 Lafayette, S.F. (415) 864-4600. Daily, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. W, n8-12, $, V, I, K, H, E. Mission Street Caregivers This place is big and green. Housing the largest selection of plant clones in the city, as well as a well-stocked case of edibles and extracts, the club maintains a rather laid-back atmosphere, offering a big-screen TV, complimentary sodas, and bongs spread out across the spacious, sterile environment. Socially, the place doesn't seem too happening, but if you're looking for quick service and early hours, it's one of the best. 1760 Mission, S.F. (415) 553-7780. Daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. S, W, n32, $$, V, K, H, HO, E, T, P. San Francisco Patients Cooperative "Welcome to our sanctuary," volunteer social coordinator Clarence greeted us as we entered the dimly lit facility. One wall has a life-size mural of Adam and Eve smoking joints in Golden Gate Park, while a quilt hangs from the ceiling. "That was made for patients who have deceased, probably without proper medication," he said of the quilt. Pretty soon it was bingo time, just one of the many group activities scheduled at the cooperative, giving the club a social feel. 350 Divisadero, S.F. (415) 552-8653. Mon., noon-5:30 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs., noon-7:30 p.m.; Fri., noon-9 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., noon-5:30 p.m. S, W, n12-15, $$, V, I, K, H, HO, E, T. Vapor Room Hands down, this is the most diverse club in the city. The lively atmosphere – middle-aged men gathering around a chess game, a young mother breast-feeding, a staff member teaching a patient how to roll a joint, people reading on the plush orange couches – is truly unparalleled. Club operators pride themselves on offering generous portions and personal service. "We are here for the community, the Lower Haight," said Nicole, who started the club six months ago with co-owner Martin. Between the Australian tree frogs, the eclectic decor of the lounge, and the diverse group of patients (and their dogs), it's one of the most unique clubs in the city. 609A Haight, S.F. S, W, n10, $$, V, I, ASA, K, H, HO, E, T. Source: San Francisco Bay Guardian, The (CA)Published: June 2, 2004Copyright: 2004 San Francisco Bay GuardianContact: letters sfbg.comWebsite: http://www.sfbg.com/Waiting To Inhale - Ann Harrisonhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18971.shtmlCannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on June 09, 2004 at 20:40:17 PT
An Exciting Victory for the Drug Policy Alliance
June 09, 2004 
 
 
 Dear Fellow Reformer,We won big.Beating the federal government in court is something the Drug Policy Alliance does regularly - probably because the White House and the Congress seem to have no shame when it comes to violating the Constitution in the name of the drug war.Last week we beat them again, winning our lawsuit to strike down a recent federal law banning marijuana reform ads in public transit systems.You may remember that we filed suit in February to have the law declared unconstitutional. The measure, pushed by Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Okla.), prohibited federal support for any transit system that permits pro-reform advertising. A federal judge in Washington last week concluded that the so-called "Istook Amendment" does indeed violate the First Amendment.Now that our right to campaign for marijuana reform has been restored, we need to exercise it. Together with our allies who joined us in the suit -- the ACLU, Marijuana Policy Project and Change the Climate -- we want to run ads that tell the truth about the drug war.Please help us send Ernie Istook a message by making a generous donation to our campaign. Your funds will pay not just for ads, but for our efforts to stop the government from spending your money on drug war propaganda. Donate now via our convenient and secure page.Every ad we create sends two messages. First, that the "war on drugs" is a disaster for this country that is causing far more harm than good. Second, the ads serve notice that we will never stand silent in the face of mean-spirited and misguided attacks by drug warriors like Ernest Istook or John Ashcroft. They can toss taxpayer dollars down the drain on frivolous lawsuits and dishonest anti-drug propaganda, but the truth will always win in the end.In declaring the "Istook Amendment" unconstitutional, Judge Paul L. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia stated that "there is a clear public interest in preventing the chilling of speech on the basis of viewpoint" and that "the government articulated no legitimate state interest in the suppression of this particular speech other than the fact that it disapproves of the message, an illegitimate and constitutionally impermissible reason." The Istook ruling is only the latest legal victory in our efforts to foster policies based on science and compassion. The Alliance won another one for the First Amendment last year in the Conant case, which protected the rights of doctors and patients to discuss the medicinal benefits of marijuana. We beat the feds again in the WAMM case, relying on constitutional limitations on what the federal government can tell states to do. There have been other wins as well, and there will be more.Meanwhile, Istook and other drug war zealots are fighting back, denouncing the ruling and pressing on with their crusade against free speech and compassion. John Ashcroft and Drug Czar John Walters have more than $100 million in taxpayer dollars ear-marked for drug propaganda in the coming year alone.It's amazing how far we've come with the political cards stacked against us. I think it speaks to the rightness of our cause. It is also why I call on fellow reformers like you to be as generous as possible in supporting our efforts.Help us take on Istook and other drug war zealots by donating now.Our fight for marijuana and drug reform is unfolding in every public forum - the courts, the states, the Congress, and thanks to the Constitution, buses and subways. With the continued support of folks like you, we'll go all the way.Sincerely,P.S. Also, please join us online for a free live audio chat on marijuana with renowned author Eric Schlosser on June 15th at 3 PM Eastern/Noon Pacific. Watch your inbox or check http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/schlosser_chat.cfm for more details. 
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Comment #2 posted by E_Johnson on June 08, 2004 at 21:29:02 PT
An very brave man FoM
It really is nice to hear a story that's not about degradation and sexual abuse.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on June 08, 2004 at 19:36:35 PT
Washington Post: A Different Kind of Article
A Joint Military Maneuver By Richard LeibyTuesday, June 8, 2004; Page C03 Patrolling in Iraq a couple of months ago, Army Spec. Carlos Arellano, a reservist and rapper from California, happened upon what he called "this beauty waving in the wind" -- a marijuana plant just starting to blossom. He resisted the temptation to "confiscate" and smoke the weed, he says, but was pleased to pose for a photo that's just hit the cover of High Times's spinoff magazine Grow America with the headline, "Buds Over Baghdad." This week the pro-pot publication is sending the image to all members of Congress, saying it's proud to finally provide lawmakers with an uplifting picture from Iraq. "It's a life-affirming shot as opposed to a death-affirming shot," says Rick Cusick, ad director of Grow America. "He's happy to be there with that bud. It's also in counterpoint to those photos of our soldiers holding Iraqis by dog leashes. This is a psychic relief in a lot of ways." A combat infantryman who goes by the nickname "Singe," the 27-year-old Arellano comes across in the mag's profile as a patriotic pothead. He doesn't cop to smoking dope in Iraq and offers a sobering view of the conflict in postings on his band's Web site, dankmobb.com. "I'm glad I'm here," he writes, but also warns: "It's a madhouse out here. I don't think this place will ever return to a stable condition." In April, "one of our bases was overrun the other night by over 1,000 of the enemy." Isn't Singe worried about being burned by the publicity? "It's been a dream of mine to be on a cover," he told the magazine. "You gotta love this place at times -- High Times, that is!" Copyright: 2004 The Washington Posthttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23753-2004Jun7.html
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