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How to Help Protect MMJ Dispensing Collectives -- Impt Dates

by Americans for Safe Access
Currently, ASA is aware of at least 24 city-wide moratoriums and three county
moratoriums that have been established by public officials to assess the
situation and decide how to proceed. While moratoriums do often prohibit the
establishment of new dispensing collectives, they also represent a commitment by
government to develop policies around this type of conduct.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON PROTECTING MEDICAL CANNABIS DISPENSING COLLECTIVES*

Dear Patients and Supporters,

Over the past year there has been a steady increase in the number of medical
cannabis dispensing collectives in urban, suburban, and rural areas across
California. While this has benefited many patients by establishing safer access
to their medicine, it has also compelled public officials to scrutinize
collective dispensing operations.

Currently, ASA is aware of at least 24 city-wide moratoriums and three county
moratoriums that have been established by public officials to assess the
situation and decide how to proceed. While moratoriums do often prohibit the
establishment of new dispensing collectives, they also represent a commitment by
government to develop policies around this type of conduct.

Regardless of the U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Aschroft v. Raich, at least
nine cities and five counties have embraced their responsibility in condoning
and allowing dispensing collectives by adopting legal ordinances.

It is important to take this opportunity, in cities and counties that have
established moratoriums, to educate public officials, thereby avoiding overly
restrictive ordinances or worse, permanent bans.

ASA has created a packet of materials to help those that wish to advocate on
behalf of dispensing collectives, ensuring safe access to medical marijuana.
Please click on the following link to review the literature:
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=154

If your city has established a moratorium or is considering imposing one, please
take the time to look over this info and use as needed. Also, feel free to call
our office to determine how you might be most effective.

Here is a list of locations and dates for moratorium expirations as well as
upcoming city/county hearings on the regulation of dispensing collectives.
Please attend meetings in your area if possible.

3/21 -- Pasadena (L.A. County)
3/23 -- Alameda County (unincorporated areas)
3/24 -- Clovis (Fresno County)
3/24 -- Huntington Beach (Orange County)
3/29 -- Sutter County (unincorporated areas)
4/14 -- Simi Valley (Ventura County)
4/22 -- Modesto (Stanislaus County)

We do not have locations for all of these meetings, but can help with obtaining
that information if you call our office.

Thanks so much for work in ensuring safe access to medical marijuana!

Kris


* NOTE: Due to the passage of SB 420 and its affirmation of collectives and
cooperatives, we are hereafter referring to medical marijuana dispensaries as
dispensing collectives and cooperatives.


--
Kris Hermes
Legal Director
Americans for Safe Access
http://www.SafeAccessNow.org
1322 Webster Street, Suite 208
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510-251-1856 x307
Fax: 510-251-2036
Email: kris [at] SafeAccessNow.org

Join the fight for medical marijuana rights!
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