ASA's Action of the Week

I. Action of the Week - Turn up the Heat on HHS!

II. Legal Tip

III. Activist Spotlight

*I. Action of the Week:*

Collect signed postcards to send to HHS.

The Department of Health and Human Services is expected to respond to
our DQA petition on February 4^th , 2005. Let's blast them with
postcards to demand that they recognize the scientific research that
proves cannabis is an effective medicine.

How many postcards can you get signed this week? We will send you
postcards that your friends, family and/or colleagues can sign. Send
them back to us by January 25th so we can prepare them for a
mass-delivery at the HHS.

Our goal is to get 10,000 postcards signed by January 25^th ! Email or
call Stacey at 888-929-4367 x 306 to order as many postcards as you can
get signed over the next 13 days!

If you'd like to sign a postcard, but you are not able to circulate
more, we will send you a postcard that you can send directly to the HHS!

*II. Legal Tip of the Week:*

Being a patient does not make it legal or acceptable to be under the
influence while driving and you will be issued a DUI offense if you tell
the officer that you medicated before getting behind the wheel.

If you are stopped by a police officer while driving and the officer
discovers that you are a patient or are in possession of medicine, you
will likely be asked "When was the last time you smoked?"

You do NOT have to answer any of the officer's questions! Even if it's
been more than 5 hours since you last consumed your medicine- don't tell
the officer anything! Provide the officer with your driver's license,
registration/insurance and remain silent. You never have to answer any
questions without the presence of your lawyer.

*III. Activist Spotlight:*

We wanted to take the opportunity this week to highlight the great
activism and organizing being done in Southern California by the San
Diego Americans for Safe Access chapter!

They've done an amazing job informing their community about medical
marijuana, advocating for safe access for patients in their area and
creating space for people to educate themselves about issues related to
medical marijuana. Check out their website for more details about their
work: http://www.sdasa.4mg.com <http://www.sdasa.4mg.com/>

If you live in the San Diego area and would like to know more about SD
ASA meetings and activities, please call 619-992-8082 or Email
sdasa420 [at] yahoo.com <mailto:sdasa420 [at] yahoo.com>

--
Stacey Swimme
Field Manager
Americans for Safe Access
1700 Shattuck Ave. #317
Berkeley, CA 94709
510-486-8083
888-929-4367
http://www.SafeAccessNow.org