Feature Archives

After almost six years of persecution, Dr. Mollie Fry and her husband, Attorney Dale Schafer finally had a chance to defend themselves in court, On August 16th, a federal jury found them guilty of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute over 100 plants. While they awaited trial, Fry and Schafer were forbidden from using cannabis, although it has been recommended by their physicians.

On July 25th, the Los Angeles City Council voted to move forward with the regulation of medical cannabis dispensaries. On the same day, federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents conducted raids on at least six dispensaries in the LA area. After patients and advocates blockaded the California Patients' Group, the DEA and LAPD released those who were being detained inside. Five protesters were arrested on various charges. Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is calling for statewide protests to be held on Friday, July 27th.

California NORML reports that State Senator Carole Migden (D-SF) has introduced State Bill 529, which would relieve medical cannabis dispensaries from obligations for back sales taxes, as long as they comply and register with the Board of Equalization. CA NORML supports SB 529, because it would encourage marijuana to be treated like other legal products. Axis of Love is calling for people around the state to contact state senators, to urge them to support this bill.

On Wednesday May 30th, a jury split its verdict for author and medical marijuana advocate Ed Rosenthal on federal marijuana charges. Rosenthal was found guilty of three federal felonies related to the cultivation and distribution of marijuana, not guilty of cultivation and distribution and deadlocked on a conspiracy count. Rosenthal faces no punishment for the felony convictions, aside from one day in jail that he has already served.

Every year on April 20, folks gather around North America to celebrate and smoke. UC Santa Cruz has historically had one of the largest gatherings around, a self-fulfilling prophesy of sorts, spurred on by UCSC's unique cultural history and the occassional spotlights from outside (like Rolling Stone Magazine a few years ago). Its a big community event - a place where thousands of people can bring a bunch of friends, musical instruments, frisbees, you name it, and just have fun. This year, cops and administrators attempted to intimidate students, but the party went on.

Mike K. writes: "I am the assistant manager of the Morro Bay Co-op and was present right as the raid was conducted yesterday (March 29, 2007). The federal agents included FBI, DEA, INTERPOL and Sheriffs all of about 25-30 officers. They broke into the building guns drawn forcing everyone at gunpoint to the ground. Treatment from the government of this sorts should not be tolerated especially when California voted for prop 215 for medical marijuana."

On Wednesday, March 14th, it was announced that two charges against Ed Rosenthal were dismissed. Federal District Court Judge Charles Breyer ruled that Rosenthal, who is an author and medical marijuana activist, was vindictively prosecuted, and dismissed charges of tax evasion and money laundering. The remaining marijuana charges against Rosenthal are virtually identical to those pursued against him in his 2003 trial. Rosenthal's trial has been continued, and a status conference will be held on April 13th at 11:00am.