California Action Alert

1. CALL CA Attorney General Bill Lockyer today.

Thank him for his public statement supporting medical marijuana!

Now that Gonzales v. Raich has been decided, it is more important than ever for local police in California to be clear about which law to uphold: state or federal. There is a long history in California establishing the requirement of local police to enforce state and not federal law. In fact, it is a State Constitutional violation to enforce any other law than that of the state.

Attorney General Bill Lockyer issued this statement today.

"Today's ruling does not overturn California law permitting the use of medical marijuana, but it does uphold a federal regulatory scheme that contradicts the will of California voters and limits the right of states to provide appropriate medical care for its citizens. Although I am disappointed in the outcome of today's decision, legitimate medical marijuana patients in California must know that state and federal laws are no different today than they were yesterday."

Please call to thank Lockyer for this clear statement and urge his continued support for medical marijuana!

Contact Info:
Attorney General's Office, California Department of Justice
Tel: 1-800-952-5225
Fax: 1-916-323-5341

2. Call your City Council and Board of Supervisors.

Remind them that state law still stands and medical cannabis dispensaries are still needed!

Medical cannabis dispensary legislation is pending in nearly 50 cities and counties across the state. Many local officials have been waiting for the Raich decision before they proceed with regulation medical cannabis dispensaries.

Please call your local representatives immediately.

SAMPLE SCRIPT – Advocates and encouraged to use all or part of this script.
“Good afternoon. My name is _______________.

I am a [patient, caregiver, advocate…] and I am calling regarding the Supreme Court decision on medical marijuana.

First, I want to remind you that the Supreme Court decision does not affect state law: medical marijuana is still legal in California.

Second, I urge you, pursuant to SB420, to forge ahead with the regulation of medical cannabis dispensaries in _________ [city or county]. Patients depend on dispensaries for safe and legal access to medical marijuana, and it is unreasonable to force patients to travel long distances to access their medicine.

Thanks for your consideration on these issues.”