Support MMJ Patients in Sacramento, Fairfield and Stockton this week

Today: Louis Fowler Court Support!

Louis Fowler will appear in Federal court today facing
charges from the raid on his dispensary, Alternative
Specialties. Friends and family of Louis appreciate
your support!

When: Tuesday, August 2, at 2:00 PM.
Where: Sacramento Federal Courthouse, at 5th and I St.

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Wednesday, August 3: Compassionate Coalition Meeting
in Sacramento

Please join us on Wednesday evening for news updates
and information sharing! Agenda items include: Ending
the federal ban on mmj, court support, dispensary
ordinances, new chapters, and more.

When: Wednesday August 3rd at 7:00PM.
Where: River City Patient Center, 1512 C El Camino
Ave, Sacramento, CA. (Business 80 to El Camino, head
West for about 1 block, turn left on Van Ness, look
for building "C" on the left.)

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Wednesday, August 3rd: Fairfield City Council
Discussing Dispensaries

The Fairfield City Council will discuss issues
relating to medical marijuana dispensaries on
Wednesday, and has indicated that they prefer a
regulatory ordinance rather than a permanent ban.
Fairfield resident Galen Lawton
(galen [at] CompassionateCoalition.org) has been working
with the city to get this issue heard, and to help
pass a fair ordinance to regulate dispensaries.

Please Join Galen, and Compassionate Coalition
representatives on Wedensday evening to show support
for a fair and reasonable ordinance!

When: Wednesday, August 3rd at 7:00 PM.
Where: Fairfield Council Chambers, Civic Center; 1000
Webster Street, Fairfield CA.

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Tuesday, August 9: Aaron Paradiso Court Support in
Stockton, CA

Aaron Paradiso, a quadriplegic medical marijuana
patient from Stockton and his mother Debra, who acts
as his caregiver, were arrested in August 2003 and
charged with felony cultivation and possession for
sales. Charges were dropped against Debra, and Aaron's
case was later dismissed on a technicality in December
2004. The DA immediately reinstated the case against
Aaron AND his mother and is due to go to trial soon.

At Aaron's recent court appearances, medical marijuana
patients packed the courtroom in an incredible showing
of solidarity! Aaron was surprised at the huge
turnout, and asked that we thank everyone for their
support!

Aaron next court appearance is on Tuesday - Please
show up to support Aaron and Debra!!

When: Tuesday, August 9, at 8:30 AM.
Where: San Joaquin County Courthouse, 222 East Weber
Ave, Stockton, CA.
Courtroom: Judge Hammerstone.

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Letter Campaign: Support Bryan Epis!!!

Bryan Epis is a medical marijuana patient who in 2002
was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for
growing medical marijuana. At his trial, Bryan was
unable to mention that he was growing for medical
purposes, or even to mention the term "medical
marijuana." He was released from federal prison on
August 9, 2004, pending the result of the Raich v.
Ashcroft Supreme Court decision.

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled against Raich,
Epis is being re-sentenced. United States Prosecutor
Samuel Wong has filed his sentencing memorandum, in
which he is asking the judge to impose the same
10-year sentence. However, Judge Frank Damrell has the
opportunity to impose a lesser sentence, including one
of time served where Bryan would not have to return to
federal prison. Since his release, Bryan has started a
successful business in the hotel industry, is a
taxpaying and contributing member of society. Bryan is
also the primary caretaker of his young daughter who
needs her father at home, not sitting in a federal
prison cell. Clearly, Bryan Epis is no threat to
society and we should not be wasting taxpayer money
keeping him incarcerated.

Bryan has requested that marijuana law reform
supporters write the judge letters on his behalf.

If people don't come out in support of Bryan the judge
will probably cite that fact as evidence that Bryan
was just a typical commercial pot grower. Those who
have conditions for which medical cannabis is an
effective treatment (or their caregivers) should talk
about their conditions and explain how medical
cannabis helps. Bryan and his attorneys feel that this
judge does not believe that there is a legitimate
medical use for cannabis, and we need to convince him.
First hand stories from people whose relatives have
died a painful death from cancer, etc., and who found
relief from cannabis would be especially valuable.

Would you please help Bryan Epis by writing a letter
to Judge Damrell asking him to impose the minimum
sentence in this case so that Bryan can continue to
support his family? Letters should be addressed to:

The Honorable Frank C. Damrell, Jr.
U.S. District Court
501 I Street, Suite 4-200
Sacramento, CA 95814

Please write on the envelope and at the top of the
letter: "Re: Sentencing of Bryan Epis, #97-381."

Please remember to be respectful and courteous in your
letters, as any letters that come across as hostile or
mean spirited will hurt Bryan rather than help.

Note: Bryan Epis' court hearing, originally scheduled
for August 1, has been postponed until November 28th.

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Connect to the medical marijuana community!

Check out our discussion board for
information-sharing, Q&A, and current news!
Click here:
http://www.compassionatecoalition.org/phpBB2


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The E-Dispensary - August 2nd, 2005

The Compassionate Coalition - Defending the rights of
medical marijuana patients and care providers.
http://www.CompassionateCoalition.org