Pubdate: Wed,  7 Nov 2001
Source: Associated Press (Wire)
Copyright: 2001 Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

PROSECUTOR: RETHINK MARIJUANA SEUZURES

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A prosecutor has asked the Drug Enforcement 
Administration to rethink its campaign against medical marijuana providers 
after agents searched a resource center and seized pot plans and patients' 
records.

"I urge Administrator (Asa) Hutchinson to respect our city's approach to 
medical marijuana, which has reduced crime, saved money and contributed to 
public well-being," District Attorney Terence Hallinan said Monday. "Any 
move to close the dispensaries will result in sick people trying to get 
marijuana from street vendors, whose product may or may not be safe."

Federal agents searched the Los Angeles Cannabis Resource Center on Oct. 22 
and seized computers, financial documents, 400 marijuana plants and medical 
records of some 3,000 current and former patients, said Scott Imler, a 
resident.

The DEA also seized thousands of records on Sept. 28 from the California 
Medical Research Center in El Dorado County in what was portrayed as an 
investigation into alleged marijuana distribution. The clinic owners deny 
selling marijuana or certificates to buy it.

The medical marijuana movement began in earnest in 1996, when California 
passed a statewide referendum intended to make it legal. The federal 
government continues to outlaw the drug.
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MAP posted-by: Beth