cannabisnews.com: Compassionate and Sensible Compassionate and Sensible Posted by CN Staff on July 07, 2004 at 09:00:51 PT Editorial Source: Press-Telegram Medical marijuana arrests will finally cease in Long Beach. At last, the menacing threat of arrest has been lifted from medical marijuana patients in Long Beach. Police Chief Anthony Batts last week directed officers to stop arresting patients who possess marijuana for medical use under doctor's orders. Finally, Long Beach's medical marijuana policies are beginning to resemble what state voters had in mind when they approved Proposition 215, back in 1996: compassionate and sensible. Batts' move is a good temporary solution while the city crafts a more permanent approach to medical marijuana enforcement under Proposition 215, the voter-approved initiative that legalized marijuana for medical use. Until last week, Long Beach's local policies had not conformed to the state law. Under Batts' directive, Long Beach officers will no longer arrest patients for possession or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes. The previous policy to simply arrest anyone caught with marijuana, regardless of medical defense was costly, cruel and a waste of court time. The change is welcome, but shouldn't be seen as a long- term fix. Ultimately, officers should not have to conduct intrusive and time-consuming interviews in the field to determine the legitimacy of a medical marijuana claim. Under Batts' order, officers will now ask patients a series of questions, including inquiries into their medical condition and the other medications they may be taking. A carefully regulated ID card system would be a much better long-term approach. Since a proposed statewide program is on hold, Long Beach could begin its own. An ID card would offer patients the chance to register with the city, supply a doctor's note, and perhaps answer questions similar to the ones officers would ask case-by- case. If a question of legitimacy arises, patients would only have to present the ID card. Police officers would call in to the department to verify the card and the patient on an official registry. Under the direction and oversight of the City Council, Long Beach should move forward with an ID card program or a similar system that would offer more security for patients and less hassle for officers in the field. Whatever form Long Beach's medical marijuana approach eventually takes, Batts' immediate policy shift is welcome. Removing the threat of arrest brings an immense sense of relief to Long Beach's medical marijuana patients. Now, with just a few more steps, Long Beach can have a compassionate, workable, common-sense approach to medical marijuana. It's almost there. Source: Long Beach Press-Telegram (CA)Published: Tuesday, July 06, 2004 Copyright: 2004 Los Angeles Newspaper GroupContact: speakout presstelegram.comWebsite: http://www.presstelegram.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Medical Marijuana Information Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/medical.htmNo More Medical Pot Arrestshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19126.shtmlMedical Pot Smokers Sway City Councilhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19014.shtmlL.B. Tangled in Murky Marijuana Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread15499.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #4 posted by diana lejins on July 19, 2004 at 15:32:28 PT: THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT - LONG BEACH Advocates for Disability Rights and Association of Patient Advocates spearheaded the movement in Long Beach, CA, to mandate the PD to comply with California State law. It's been a long and tedious road, but we are making headway. I sincerely thank everyone who has given their support to this most noble cause.Diana Lejins, Director Advocates for Disability Rights [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Truth on July 07, 2004 at 09:44:24 PT cops or docs "Under Batts' order, officers will now ask patients a series of questions, including inquiries into their medical condition and the other medications they may be taking."The medical condition of the patiant is none of their business, what they should be concerned about is if the person has a note from the doc or not. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Max Flowers on July 07, 2004 at 09:27:26 PT That's right Sam - Under Batts' directive, Long Beach officers will no longer arrest patients for possession or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes. The previous policy to simply arrest anyone caught with marijuana, regardless of medical defense was costly, cruel and a waste of court time. -This second sentence needs the adjective "illegal" added to be fully true. The previous "policy" was a deliberate violation of state law. Why does every frickin' last reporter fail to mention that these acts by cops are ILLEGAL? This country cannot heal until cops, prosecutors and politicians are busted just the same as the people are when they commit illegal acts. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on July 07, 2004 at 09:17:26 PT Almost there? "Now, with just a few more steps, Long Beach can have a compassionate, workable, common-sense approach to medical marijuana. It's almost there."Absolutely right - the final step will be to arrest and prosecute the cops & DA's who defied the law and justice will be completely served. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment