Vigil Lights Up US Court of Appeals

freeman HempEvolution.org

San Francisco, CA June 8, 2005 -- Seventy-five patients gathered at the 9th US Court of Appeals Tuesday night to protest the 6-3 Supreme Court decision against Angel Raich and in remembrance of those who have passed on without safe access to medical cannabis.

Organized by Americans for Safe Access-San Francisco & Patients' Health Defense, the rally began with a statement by Alex Franco, ASA-SF coordinator, that highlighted the absurdity of US drug policy, warning patients to stay off federal property and on the sidewalk in order to be legally protected by Californai law.

Speakers such as Bruce Mirken, Marijuana Policy Project, Mikki Norris, Equal Rights for All, Robyn Few, Ed Rosenthal, and Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi told the crowd that while the Supreme Court decision was a setback, it didn't change California law regarding medical cannabis.  Ed Rosenthal stated that "We have three justices from a conservative court...Now we only need two more..."

Green candles were lit to commemorate all those who have fallen or will in the future due to being denied safe access to medical cannabis as Leslie from Patients' Health Defense  brought the patients together for a moment of silent commeration

Supervisor Mirkarimi assured patients he was doing everything he could to protect patients, but know, had to have the City Attorney re-examine his proposed legislation concerning medical cannabis dispensaries in light of the Supreme Court decison and it would be some weeks before the City would be able to move ahead with legislation.