NEWS: Couple cited for smoking medical pot in plaza

A San Francisco couple was cited last weekend for smoking medical marijuana in the Castro neighborhood's Jane Warner Plaza.

The citations point to something many may not have realized about rules governing the plaza that were approved by the Board of Supervisors and signed by Mayor Ed Lee earlier this year: Smoking marijuana (or tobacco) in the public space is prohibited.

The rules, introduced by gay District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener, who represents the Castro and other neighborhoods, also cover Harvey Milk Plaza. Both plazas are at the intersection of Market and Castro streets.

Robert Blitzer, 66, said that he and his husband, Xenry, 63, were in the parklet sharing a joint Sunday afternoon, March 11. Xenry goes only by one name.

Blitzer said they have a home nearby on States Street and consider the plaza "our living room in the Castro." He said they had been smoking medical marijuana in the plaza since it began as a temporary installment in 2009.

He said that Sunday, San Francisco Police Officer Matt Loya asked them if what they were smoking was tobacco, and Blitzer responded that it was marijuana. He said that Loya checked their medical marijuana ID cards and their drivers' licenses and spent half an hour with them.

"People around us were horrified," Blitzer said. "... They couldn't believe a senior citizen couple was being harassed for smoking medical marijuana."

Blitzer and Xenry have been together for 42 years. They were married in Marin County in 2008, before California voters passed the Proposition 8 same-sex marriage ban. The state recognizes their marriage as legal.

Blitzer said that he uses marijuana because he has severe glaucoma and is losing his sight. Xenry has had an abdominal bypass and is frequently in pain.

The citation that each man received refers to state health and safety code that says, "except as authorized by law, every person who possesses not more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, other than concentrated cannabis, is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than ... $100."

Their citations instruct them to appear in front of a judge by April 11.

Asked about the couple's situation, Wiener said that the intent of his legislation "was to prohibit smoking in the plaza. We didn't distinguish between tobacco and cannabis."

Referring to older rules for "public spaces such as parks and certain sidewalk areas," he said, "We never distinguished between tobacco and cannabis, so this legislation is consistent with the previous ways we've addressed bans on public smoking."

However, Wiener said, "The police in San Francisco should follow our city's policy of making marijuana enforcement the lowest priority."

He added, "I don't think we should be prosecuting people for personal consumption of marijuana ... absent extraordinary circumstances."

Blitzer said there was another officer with Loya, but he didn't know that officer's name. Loya didn't respond to an interview request. San Francisco Police Department spokespeople didn't reply to emailed questions about the incident.

Responding to emailed questions about how the district attorney's office would handle the citations, DA spokeswoman Stephanie Ong Stillman said that "generally speaking," people receiving infractions similar to Blitzer and Xenry's should be able to take their case to a neighborhood court. Blitzer and Xenry's citation would be in the jurisdiction of the Mission Station court.

"A neighborhood prosecutor will review their citation and determine if they are a good candidate for neighborhood court," Ong Stillman said.

Through that program, local residents are trained in restorative justice to adjudicate matters, instead of having cases charged and heard in criminal courts.

Ong Stillman noted that, "a medical marijuana card allows an individual to possess, but not smoke, in public."

Source: The Bay Area Reporter

NEWS: Cannabis Science, Inc. Begins Pre-Production of Groundbreaking Cannabis Television Documentary

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Cannabis Science, Inc., a pioneering U.S. biotech company developing pharmaceutical cannabis (marijuana) products, is excited to be embarking on a medical marijuana documentary project. Pre-production of this groundbreaking educational film is currently underway.

Many documentaries about marijuana have been made, typically focusing on getting high or the medicinal effects and benefits. Cannabis Science will be first documentary to focus on the science behind medicinal cannabis, including untangling the history of marijuana's reputation, the improvement it can bring to people's daily lives, and what breakthroughs could be on the horizon for this emerging industry.

Modern science supports a long list of illnesses that cannabis can treat: Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer, Arthritis, HIV/Aids, Asthma, Alzheimer's Disease, Anti-aging, Auto Immune Disease, brain trauma (closed head injury), Crohn's Disease, chronic pain management, Diabetes, digestive illnesses, Gastro Intestinal Reflux Disease (GERD), high blood pressure, Glaucoma, Influenza, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Tourette Syndrome, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), etc. The science gives a foundation for understanding the broad spectrum of benefits that can be achieved by increasing the cannabinoid activity in people suffering from so many illnesses.

Part of the science that will be explored are the various forms marijuana can take as a medication, including edibles, pills, liquids, and strips that dissolve on the tongue. The documentary will investigate how these forms are processed in the body and can reverse or minimized the effects of disease. Cannabis Science is first and foremost a "patient orientated company." Therefore, patients will be interviewed, giving the audience a glimpse at the real, positive benefits the medicine provides for those with chronic illness, as opposed to the prevailing and false belief that marijuana is addictive and even harmful.

Other documentaries showcase marijuana culture, likening it to the popular view of the 1960s and marijuana use running rampant among the hippie population. Cannabis Science's documentary, however, will show cannabis in a positive light and demonstrate that what has been, and is, taught by prohibitionists is false, and ignores modern science, history, and the voice of patients. The documentary will also focus on the co-founders of Cannabis Science, how the company is working to target critical illnesses, conducting much needed research, and is developing cannabis-based medications. The audience will hear the views of doctors who have discovered for themselves through treating patients the amazing benefits that cannabis based medicines can provide for their patients.

While the main focus of the documentary is not political, learning the truth about the science of cannabinoids will educate the public on the damage caused by prohibition. Patients whose circumstances could have drastically improved and who could have reduced the severity of their illnesses much earlier from medical marijuana will be interviewed. The film will explore the reasons behind the delay in world governments opening up to the idea that medical marijuana is a beneficial reality.

Source: Market Watch

VIDEO: Mike Oliveri Gets the Final Word at a LA City Council Meeting

Due to transportation difficulties, Mike Oliveri (patient activist) arrives at the Los Angeles Council Meeting right at the tail end of Public Comment. Nevertheless he still manages to get in and on record, the case for medical marijuana collectives.

NEWS: Ocean Beach Woman Re-United With Her Son After Going Through Government Wringer

Last year, when a fire consumed the Ocean Beach apartment building where Larissa Danielli and her son, Silas resided, another fire of injustice and persecution started up that very day.

There were terrible consequences suffered by single mom Larissa and her sweet little boy who were doubly victimized by the tragedy that ensued.

I consider myself fortunate to be a friend of brave mom Larissa and I want to make sure her story gets heard and that she also has a chance to clear her name. It was sullied by smears, insults, and bare-faced lies that seem to have surrounded her as she has battled back to reunite herself with Silas and fight the bogus charges heaped on her by CPS, the San Diego Police Dept., and to a certain extent, our local San Diego media.

Pictures of Larissa being arrested the day the fire struck her residence were splashed all over the newspapers and local TV stations. I can say with absolute certainty that Larissa is an excellent person, wonderful mom, loyal friend and a pleasure to know. She and Silas did not deserve the treatment they were accorded.

I spoke with Larissa recently and I am happy to report she is now back with Silas. But it has not been an easy path and it was strewn with landmines all the way along. This is what she told me:

I’d like to expose how the government is wasting money; how my court appointed juvenile attorney ‘volunteered’ me for rehab; 5 days/week, 3-5 hours/day. After 1 month, the rehab said they would then ‘assess’ me (no assessment given before or even a drug test). This is the standard and all paid for by the taxpayers.

For 3 months, I was only LEGALLY allowed to see my son for 3 hours per day, and that continued up until the very day I was told the case against me was being completely dismissed. My own caseworker sat there and told me she thought I was a great mother and my home was safe.

It took them 3 months to give me one drug test (even though the whole time I was telling them to drug test me) and then everything was completely thrown out because it was negative. The dismissal paper states exactly that.

I was put thru the wringer, threatened, scared, bullied and abused all for nothing. They put a restraining order on me for a whole week where I wasn’t even allowed to SPEAK to my baby. I did 5 days in jail for Felony Child Endangerment with Intent to Kill for being a legitimate, card-carrying medical marijuana patient.

As you can see, Larissa has suffered greatly and her family was shattered by the lies and the bogus claims that she was put through. The system let this lady down big time and caused undue grief and suffering that still continues to this day.

Larissa confided in me that she is still trying to recover.

“Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially,” she told me that “some days are better than others.” However the trauma and stress make her feel unsafe.

“I feel at any time, I will be attacked in my home again. My son used to have no fear and was so secure and active. Now he’s quiet and just wants to stay home. He gets very upset when I have to leave and he clings to me when he sleeps.”

Larissa is having financial issues from all the expenses she has incurred fighting to clear her name and reclaim her son.

“I was getting by and even had a couple months paid ahead on rent and on my car. Due to this incident, I’m so far behind now, I can barely make rent and my car is 2 months behind and being threatened to be repossessed.”

Larissa is a fighter and said she has “no option but to keep fighting and try to pull myself out of the hole I am in.” Let’s all say a prayer on behalf of our Ocean Beach sister and know that things are tending to looking up for Ms. Danielli and Silas. But also know that there but for the Grace of God go you. Fight the scourge of corrupt government swooping in and trying to ruin a good person for no good reason. God Bless Larissa and Silas Danielli.

Source: OB Rag

NEWS: Two more arrested in former Chico man's killing in Long Beach

LONG BEACH — Two more suspects have been arrested in the killing of a former Chico man in 2011 in what's believed to be a medical marijuana robbery.

Phillip Victor Williamson, 29, of Los Angeles, died March 25 of that year, after being found in an alley the previous night, suffering from a gunshot wound.

Investigators discovered Williamson was involved in the distribution of marijuana from Chico to medical marijuana collectives in Los Angeles.

Williamson was thought to be carrying about $500,000 in cash and seven pounds of processed marijuana when he was killed. None of the money or pot was recovered.

Marcel Maurice Mackabee, 29, was taken into custody by Long Beach police in Chico last July 31 followed a lengthy investigation.

Mackabee's wife, Rosemary Sayegh, 32, was charged as an accessory on July 29 in the slaying of Williamson, but the case against her was later dismissed without prejudice.

Prosecutors said it could be refiled at a later date.

On Thursday detectives on the Long Beach Police Department's Career Criminal Apprehension Team arrested two more suspects. Kenneth Ray Johnson, 36, and Charles Anthony Mackbee, 42, both of Long Beach, were arrested at approximately 10 a.m. at their homes without incident. Charles

Anthony Mackabee and Marcel Mackabee are cousins.

Today the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office charged both new suspects with one count of murder.

Anyone who may have information on this case is asked to contact homicide detectives Scott Lasch and Donald Goodman at 1-562-570-7244. Anonymous tips may also be submitted via text or web by visiting www.tipsoft.com.

Source: Chico Enterprise-Record

Cookin' WIth Cake: Medicated Gummies Demo Video.

I’ve been asked to please demonstrate on video how to make some of my tasty recipes. So, since I’ve got no video or editing skillz, bear with me while I pick some up. Meantime, here’s a demo of the gummies to show how super simple they are to whip up! ~YellowJuanaCake



See also Cake’s Gummy Blog with pictures.

NEWS: FRENCH VALLEY - Commercial park was hub for marijuana

According to growers, 18 separate pot growing operations were crammed into 3 small, nondescript buildings. Arrests were made though no charges have been filed

Over the past year, an out-of-the-way commercial park on the outskirts of Murrieta became a hub of do-it-yourself medical marijuana growers.

According to the growers, 18 separate operations were crammed into suites in three small, nondescript buildings in French Valley. They grew plants under bright lights and sold the marijuana elsewhere to small numbers of patients. They worked quietly for at least a year, until federal drug agents and sheriff’s deputies shutting down a well-known dispensary stumbled onto their secret gardens.

Three growers were arrested but no charges have been filed. Riverside County district attorney’s spokesman John Hall said his office is not reviewing the case for possible charges. The U.S. attorney’s office said no federal arrests are expected.

The growers said they thought their operations were legal. California law allows members of collectives to buy and sell medical marijuana from each other as long as they are not-for-profit. The growers said they ran such nonprofit collectives.

The incident shows how difficult it still can be to navigate the conflicting state and federal laws governing medical marijuana more than 15 years after California voters made it legal. Marijuana is still considered an illegal narcotic under federal law.

Craig Cawley, 53, of Winchester, was among three people arrested during the raids. He has not been charged with a crime.

Cawley said he talked to officials from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and district attorney’s office, whose names he did not know, who told him his setup was OK. He kept his harvest small — many growers believe they won’t be busted for fewer than 100 plants — and felt everything was legal.

“I believed that to the moment I was handcuffed,” Cawley said.

FOR RENT

The tenants said the property was empty until their Orange County-based landlord hit on a new strategy: market it to marijuana growers.

An ad for the property on Craigslist didn’t mention marijuana but encouraged prospective tenants to “GROW GROW GROW”, according to marijuana growers who responded to it.

The ad no longer appears on the website.

Jonathan Cringan, 26, who also was arrested, said the landlord, David Cox, faced two options.

“Either lose the property or … rent it to weed growers,” Cringan said. “‘Cause that’s the only business in California where anybody’s making any money.”

Cox, reached by phone, declined to comment. It is unknown if he will face criminal charges.

For at least a year, the growers said, tenants paid twice the going rate, in cash, for the opportunity to harvest marijuana in the secluded park.

Cawley said he paid $3,000 a month for two adjoining suites. Offices in neighboring buildings rented for about $.60 per square foot, while space in Cox’s buildings cost $1.20, Cawley said.

The deal was worth it because landlords willing to accept small-scale marijuana farms in their buildings were rare, the growers said. And after the U.S. Attorney’s Office last year announced it was going after building owners who rented to dispensaries, even fewer were willing to allow any kind of marijuana activity, they said.

Cox had no shortage of prospective tenants, Cawley said.

“There was a line of people right behind me.”

WELL-KNOWN GROWERS

The property is on Innovation Court, just north of Murrieta off Winchester Road, among a sea of similar-looking rectangular structures. In nearby buildings, tenants include construction and air conditioning contractors, party rental and cleaning businesses.

Craig King, owner of Kitchen Places, said it was well known the buildings next door housed a collection of small marijuana farms.

“When the wind was blowing in the right direction, you could smell it,” he said.

The marijuana operations were housed in three adjacent buildings but run independently, Cringan said. He said the growers mainly kept to themselves, and while he felt he was operating legally, he worried the other operators would one day bring legal problems to his doorstep.

“Nobody’s involved in this industry without knowing that possibility exists,” he said.

DISPENSARIES TARGETED

In October, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Sacramento announced a statewide crackdown on medical marijuana dispensaries. Storefronts that sold marijuana had to shut down, the office said, or their operators and their landlords would face penalties.

Most of the operations at the French Valley commercial park were run by small-scale growers who kept a few dozen plants and sold the marijuana off-site to members of small collectives. But the property did house two storefront dispensaries, which sold to thousands of patients on-site.

One of the dispensaries closed soon after the warning, the growers said. The other, Disabled American Veterans Collective, did not.

So in January, Drug Enforcement Authority agents and Riverside County sheriff’s deputies served a search warrant and shut down Disabled American Veterans Collective, which has no relation to the nonprofit veterans services organization.

The dispensary’s owners, Kevin O. Freeman, 38, and Shelly Lee Walker, 28, of Murrieta, were arrested. They have not been charged with any crimes.

While searching the dispensary, officers heard the telltale sounds of large industrial fans and drug-sniffing dogs detected marijuana in adjoining suites, according to a federal search warrant. The discoveries led them to the enclave of growers.

Cringan and Cawley said they would have left the park if authorities had warned them, as they had the dispensary owners.

“I’m not trying to stick a middle finger up to the Justice Department,” Cringan said. “I’ve got respect.”

Cringan, Cawley and Scott Aaron Fielder were arrested on suspicion of cultivation and possession, sale and transportation of marijuana. They were each held for 72 hours and then released without charges being filed.

DEA agents took part in the raids but Department of Justice spokesman Thom Mrozek said no federal arrests were coming.

While some growers talk about improving access to sick people and standing up for patients’ rights, Cringan just wanted a job, he said. At the end of the day, that’s why people shell out thousands for rent and utility bills and risk prison, he said.

“The reality is, nobody would do this if we weren’t making money,” Cringan said. “Nobody’s going to risk going to federal prison unless there was some money in it.”

After graduating from Chaparral High School in Temecula and San Diego State University, Cringan said he was kicked out of George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., after an argument with a professor over a failing grade on a paper about medical marijuana laws.

Cawley said he was trying to raise money to start a charity that would send kids to summer camp.

Both men spent three days in jail, spent thousands of dollars on rent, electricity and the supplies that went into confiscated plants, and could wait up to three years before learning if they will be charged with any crimes.

“I’m at a crossroads in my life,” said Cringan, who is now living at home with his father in Menifee. “There aren’t many good choices available.”

Source: The Press-Enterprise

NEWS: Medical Marijuana Lawsuit Dismissed By Federal Judge In Sacramento

SAN FRANCISCO -- Medical marijuana advocates faced another setback Tuesday, when a federal judge in Sacramento dismissed a lawsuit claiming that the Obama administration broke its promise to leave the pot industry alone when it began an aggressive crackdown against California dispensaries last fall.

Proponents of the suit cited President Obama's 2009 Ogden Memo, which told federal prosecutors to concentrate their efforts on large drug trafficking networks and "not focus federal resources" on medical marijuana operations in states that have legalized cannabis for medicinal purposes.

But in a sharp reversal of the memo, federal authorities announced a renewed effort to target pot dispensaries throughout California last October, claiming the industry had ballooned to unprecedented proportions.

In the four months since the reinstated crackdown, a number of medical cannabis clubs across the state have been forced to shut down, including five in San Francisco and the legendary Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Marin County, California's oldest. The District Attorney's office has begun investigating 12 more stores in San Francisco this year.

The U.S. attorneys going after such dispensaries have justified their actions mainly by claiming the shops operate too close to parks and schools.

Pot activists have fought back, arguing the federal government should focus its energy elsewhere and not interfere with states abiding by their own laws.

"It's a total waste of resources," Stephanie Tucker, spokeswoman for the San Francisco Medical Cannabis Task Force, told The Huffington Post. "They're attacking a peaceful, regulated community and it's wasting money. Shame on them."

The Sacramento lawsuit was one of a handful filed in November by cannabis suppliers and patients, who cited the Ogden Memo as the basis for their action. U.S. District Judge Garland Burrell, who reviewed the case in the capitol, justified his dismissal by claiming the memo was not a "binding commitment," simply a statement of priorities.

Burrell's ruling will allow for prosecutors to continue to take action against dispensaries operating throughout the state.

Matthew Kumin, a lawyer representing one of the dispensaries in the Sacramento case, told SF Weekly that the dismissal of the cases without allowing a fair trial is bogus. "The government's blocking of us is irrational at this point," Kumin said to SF Weekly. "It's clear there's medical use; circumstances have changed."

Kumin pointed to federally-backed clinical trials of cannabis-based drugs such as Sativex as proof that scientists believe marijuana has a medical benefit. Despite that, he said he expects similar lawsuits in Oakland and Los Angeles to be dismissed this week.

"The judges know we're in the right," he said. "They just don't want to admit it."

Source: The Huffington Post