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Medical Marijuana Patients Arrested Today at DC Protest

by Americans for Safe Access
Civil Disobedience on Steps of Health and Human Services
Results in 14 in Custody

NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE

Medical Marijuana Patients Arrested Today at D.C. Protest

Civil Disobedience on Steps of Health and Human Services
Results in 14 in Custody

(Washington, D.C.) Tuesday, October 5, 2004 – Capitol Police this morning
arrested 14 medical marijuana patients and their supporters, including
the executive director of a national advocacy group, for civil
disobedience on the steps of the Department of Health and Human Services.
They were part of scores of protestors who had turned out to demand the
federal government acknowledge that marijuana has medical use and change
its policies.


Yesterday the advocacy group organizing the protest, Americans for Safe
Access, filed a legal petition with HHS under the Data Quality Act,
alleging that the department is violating the Data Quality Act, which
says that federal agencies must use sound science in developing policies
and disseminating information.


“This agency can fix this problem today,” said Americans for Safe Access
executive director Steph Sherer, who was among those arrested this
morning. “The sick and suffering should not have to choose between their
health and the law.”


The arrested protestors include patients with Multiple Sclerosis,
HIV/AIDS and spinal injuries. They are currently being held by Capitol
Police at First District Headquarters, 415 4th St. SW, Washington D.C.
(202-727-4655). They are expected to be released later today.


###



Americans for Safe Access is a national coalition of 10,000 patients,
doctors and advocates. For interviews or more information, contact Kris
Hermes at (650) 228-4964 or Hilary McQuie at (510) 333-8554.

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