Law & Politics

San Diego District Attorney and anti-medical cannabis crusader Bonnie Dumanis wants to put a patient-provider on trial for the third time. Americans for Safe Access (ASA) needs your help to stop this unnecessary prosecution and to keep fighting for patients’ rights statewide. Can we count on you?

us-district-court-san-diego-jovan-jackson Source: http://www.casd.uscourts.gov/uploads/images/courthouse/2007_Schwartz.jpgSan Diego medical patient-provider and navy veteran Jovan Jackson was acquitted of all medical cannabis charges in his first trial in 2009, but District Attorney Dumanis opted to try him again later that year. His conviction in the second trial was overturned by a successful appeal filed by ASA. That appeal, People v. Jackson, now guarantees medical cannabis providers statewide a medical defense in court, something denied to Mr. Jackson in his second trial.

Our victory in People v. Jackson should have been the end of the story, but District Attorney Dumanis has decided to prosecute Mr. Jackson for a third time. This latest trial is unnecessary and harmful. ASA is asking medical cannabis supporters statewide to sign a petition asking District Attorney Dumanis and Superior Court Judge Louis R. Hanoian to stop the trial in the interest of justice and leave Jovan Jackson alone.

Take a minute to sign the petition right now. Do you have friends or loved ones who might want to sign, too?

ASA is committed to protecting and expanding patients’ rights in the courts. Our Patients Rights Program has helped establish important precedents, like the right to get wrongfully-confiscated medicine back and the right to a defense at trial in People v. Jackson. We also provide free legal support services to thousands of patients and others each year using our patient hotline, online resources, and direct support from ASA staff.

This work is important in California. Although voters approved medical cannabis almost seventeen years ago; but patients, caregivers, providers and others still face harassment, arrest, and prosecution. Make a special contribution of $35, $50, or whatever you can afford to help ASA keep supporting defendants like Jovan Jackson and winning victories like People v. Jackson.

If you live near San Diego, you can attend Mr. Jackson’s trial to show your support in person. You can encourage Mr. Jackson and make a good impression on the judge and jury just by sitting quietly in the courtroom. The trial starts at 8:30 AM on Monday, October 21, in Department 54 at the San Diego Courthouse located at 220 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101. Contact Terrie Best at ilegalsmile@hotmail.com for more information on court support.

Thank you for helping Jovan Jackson and supporting ASA!

Read more about Jovan Jackson’s case.

Read more about court support for medical cannabis defendants.

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