Medical Marijuana Week 2005 a success!

Thanks to everyone who made Medical Marijuana Week 2005 a success, especially Sarah
Shrader and Tony Bowles, the life's breath of San Francisco Americans for Safe
Access.

Thanks to our sponsors, Americans for Safe Access, the Vapor Room, HopeNet, the
Loveshack, and the rest. We are looking at a budget deficit for this year's Medical
Marijuana Week. If you have not donated or would like to contribute, please send a
check to the address below and mark "Medical Marijuana Week" in the notes section or
contact SF ASA at 510.486.8083 ext 304. Take a look at what we accomplished:

"All Use Is Medical" Saturday, February 12th The first ever California Marijuana
Party benefit, "All Use Is Medical," had a great turnout of activists, patients, and
friends of the medical marijuana community. The Blarney Stone was the perfect
setting for this band-packed kick-off party. A special thanks goes out to the
California Marijuana Party president, Tony Bowles, for putting such a great event
together.

"Teach-In/ Rock Out-Women's Compassion Caucus" Sunday, February 13th The first ever
Women's Compassion Caucus discussed women in prison as victims of the drug war, the
politics of drug policy and sex work in San Francisco, harm reduction and
Proposition S. Thanks to all the speakers and guests for making such a breakthrough
happen. And thanks to all the bands who played the Rock Out at the Balazo Gallery
for the reception. Thanks, Shona, for being such an inspiration and putting these
events together. YOU rock!

"Civil Suit Against the CHP, Governor Schwartzeneger" That's right, we're suing the
CHP! News coverage of this historic event is plentiful, so I'll be brief.
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) will file a group lawsuit on behalf of eight of
these patients in state court in Oakland, California on February 15, 2005. The
lawsuit seeks to challenge the CHP?s policy and force it to amend that policy so
that it is in compliance with state law and not seize the medicine of patients. It
does not address monetary compensation (damages) that may be available to a number
of plaintiffs, but simply seeks injunctive relief (policy changes) and declaratory
relief. To wee the full article, go to
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=1805 .

"Spreading the Love-Valentine's Day Collective Planting" Hundreds of plants and
thousands of seeds were loving scattered all along the Civic Center lawn in front of
City Hall by 20 or so dedicated activists working under Prop S. As a collective, we
offered these plants and seeds in homage to Gavin Newsom and the city Council for
playing such a crucial role in the passing and implementation of Proposition S,
which calls for the city of San Francisco to 'grow its own.' We got coverage on NBC,
which included Mayor Gavin going to his window to flash us a peace sign. We then
marched to the CHP headquarters in San Francisco, where we left some plants and
seeds in their lawn to remind them of local policies. Finally, a few brave souls
went all the way to 850 Bryant where smiling police officers watched us plant in
front of the building. If you're in the city, go check out the lawn in front of
city hall. The plants are still there, alive and well. Thanks, San Francisco!

"Sanctuary-2nd Annual 215 Bash honoring Ed Rosenthal and Stephanie Landa" Tuesday,
February 15th To demonstrate the commitment of this movement, nearly 100 supporters
braved the storm to be with our heroes and friends at this great event. Bands
played all night indoors, while happy activists chilled in the outdoor patio and
chatted politics. We gave the Lifetime Achievement Award to Ed Rosenthal for his
journalistic work as well as his many years of activism. We also honored Stephanie
Landa with the Courage Award for fighting SFPD and the Feds in her court battle
which affects us all. Dedicated local activists Bob Lange and Clark Sullivan were
also honored for the many years and tears they've put into ensuring safe access in
San Francisco. Congratulations to all our honorees!

"Medical Marijuana University-Honors Courses" Wednesday, February 16th After being
in the rain all night, our speakers got the flu and we had to reschedule our classes
for the end of March, although we promise the location WILL be announced this time.
Jahan Marcu did give a brilliant cannabinoid lecture to a handful of people , one of
whom happened to be the founder of New College School of Law. Keep your eyes open
for the next Honors Courses, coming soon!

"Veterans for Medical Marijuana March at Fort Miley" Thursday, February 17th What's
that saying, oh yes, you can't keep a good activist down. After our Veterans for
Peace bus broke down, fifteen or so veterans and activists carpooled down to Fort
Miley to ask the VA to push for the rescheduling of marijuana so their doctors can
prescribe it. Six veterans, some who were denied medical marijuana by their VA
doctors, others who were denied benefits because of their medical cannabis use, all
gave testimonials of how this most helpful plant has improved their quality of life
while holding a marijuana plant. We all felt good about giving our war veterans a
space to air their grievances. Don't be surprised if you hear more about this issue
in the future!

"SonSonoma County ASA Benefit" Friday, February 18th What better place to hold an
event than the Isis Oasis in Geyserville where Dennis Peron himself once played? A
dessert bar, a hookah lounge and an awesome theater were only some of the luxuries
Sonoma ASA treated their guests with. The rain was still pouring when Los Marijuanos
and Rocker T played for our listening pleasure, while a feast of wild boar and crab
was served in the hardwood, lavender-scented dinning room. Thanks to Jose and his
crew of amazing folks who put this party together.

"Measure Z Convergence" Saturday, February 19th http://www.yesonz.org/

"San Francisco Health Fair" Saturday, February 18th





Alex Franco
Medical Marijuana Week Coordinator
San Francisco Americans for Safe Access
1678 Shattuck Ave. #317
Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: 415-794-6433
Fax: 510-486-8090
http://www.safeaccessnow.org

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