The DEA is increasing its six-month intensification campaign against medical cannabis in California. The DEA has raided over 50 medical cannabis dispensaries (MCDs) this year -- more than three times last year's figure. In early December, the San Francisco DEA office "leaked" to Mattier and Ross at the SF Chronicle that they would send forfeiture threat letters to the landlords of all the MCDs in Northern California. In Southern California, dozens of MCDs closed over the summer after the DEA threatened their landlords with the loss of their property -- and even jail time.

In San Francisco, 28 dispensaries are going through a process to receive a permit. So far, 9 dispensaries in SF have reported receiving the letter. Americans for Safe Access (ASA) says, "By the end of this week, we expect that all Bay Area MCDs will be under threat of eviction." Representative Conyers, as the House Judiciary Comm. Chair, issued a statement condemning the DEA letters. In addition to their other national and local campaigns, Americans for Safe Access, Marijuana Policy Project, California NORML, and the Drug Policy Alliance are forming a coalition to make the best impact and stop the deterioration of patients' safe access to medical cannabis across the state. In their current campaign, they are asking San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom to take a public stand supporting medical cannabis and Representative Conyers, and opposing the DEA's intimidation tactics and increase in activity. They are encouraging supporters to fax, email, or call Gavin Newsom and tell him to get involved in defending medical cannabis dispensaries in the city and statewide. Read more about how to contact Gavin Newsom

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