ASA California Roundup: October 14, 2013

California News

Obama Administration Drops Charges Against Landlords Renting To Cannabis Dispensaries

Earlier last week, the U.S. Attorney’s office made an uncharacteristically reasonable move, and dropped all charges against several California landlords renting to dispensaries. As property forfeiture has remained a major risk of renting to dispensaries (and other medical marijuana related establishments), landlords in medical cannabis-permitting states are no doubt breathing a collective sign of relief, hoping this will set precedent across the nation. Read More

California water officials to inspect marijuana farms

California water quality regulators will soon begin inspecting illegal marijuana growing operations in the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada, reversing an earlier ban intended to protect employees. Read More

LA Pot Shops Closing After Voters Approve A Crackdown

Thirty-eight pot shops that do not comply with a municipal ballot measure approved earlier this year are in the process of being shuttered, City Attorney Mike Feuer said. Another 42 shops have decided on their own to close since July, when the new law took effect, he said. Read More

When Does Drug Testing Violate the California Labor Law?

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), an applicant or employee who is taking medication for a disability is protected, so if an applicant’s drug test is positive and turned down, and the medication was legally prescribed for a disability, the company could be liable – unless the medication is medical marijuana. But in the state of California, the jury is still out when it comes to pot. Read More

Events

Sunday, October 20 – Ventura: Hope to Clear the Smoke

• What: Ventura’s Americans for Safe Access Action Group will host a community event “Patients, Not Criminals”
• When: Sunday, October 20th from 5pm-8pm
• Where: E.P. Foster Library’s Topping Room at Main Street in downtown Ventura.

Interested members of the community are encouraged to attend. Topics will include benefits of medical marijuana, how it can be used, and what “safe access” means. The necessity of regulated dispensaries, the current climate in Ventura, and some guidelines that could help the city to protect patients’ rights will also be discussed. Ventura’s local ASA Action Group hopes to educate the public that medical marijuana patients are not criminals. They are members of the community, choosing a safe alternative to harmful drugs for relief from a wide variety of maladies.

Email venturaasa@gmail.com or see the Facebook event for more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/232967900193356/

Saturday, November 16 – Safe Access Night with SF Bulls Pro Hockey

Americans for Safe Access and San Francisco Bulls Hockey have teamed up to offer Safe Access Night at the Cow Palace. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to ASA, so come join other advocates for a night of hard hitting hockey!

Email raudelw@sfbulls.com for more info or visit the ticket page

Take Action

Fall Membership Drive: Become an ASA Member Now!

ASA offers patients, their providers, attorneys, medical professionals and policymakers up-to-date information on the medical and legal use of cannabis nation-wide. ASA offers our members legal and legislative support including trainings, capacity-building, analysis, publications and strategic support. We organize media support for court cases, rapid response to law enforcement raids, and media responses to current events. Our successful advocacy, media, and legal campaigns have resulted in important court precedents, new sentencing standards, and more compassionate local and state guidelines.

Join between October 2nd and November 15th for a chance to win a FREE trip to DC for ASA’s Annual Conference this April!

California Patient Survey

Because California has no mandatory state registration for medical cannabis patients, there is very little known about the patient population of the state. Please fill out this completely anonymous 10 question survey for California patients so that we can use this data in our efforts to bring safe access to all parts of the state.

ASA Chapter Meetings

Tuesday, October 15 – San Francisco
7:30pm @ Lounge 847, 847 Howard St, San Francisco, CA
For more info, contact: tony@safeaccessnow.org

Wednesday, October 16 – East Bay
6:30pm @ Oaksterdam Student Union, 1915 Broadway, Oakland, CA
For more info, contact: eastbayasa@gmail.com

Wednesday, October 16 – Lake County
6:30pm @ Moose Lodge, Clear Lakes Oaks, CA
For more info, contact: action@safeaccessnow.org

Reprinted with permission from Americans for Safe Access‘ Press Room.