Pubdate: Tue, 20 Jan 2004
Source: Marin Independent Journal (CA)
Copyright: 2004 Marin Independent Journal
Contact:  http://www.marinij.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/673
Author:  Tad Whitaker
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)

POT CLUB HOSTS OPEN HOUSE FOR POLITICIANS

With several important elections coming up, Lynnette Shaw opened the doors 
of the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Fairfax yesterday so 
politicians running for local and national offices could get a first-hand 
look at her operation.

Jack Gibson, candidate for Superior Court judge, Louis Nuyens, running for 
the Board of Supervisors in District Four, and Libertarian U.S. Senate 
candidate Jim Gray met with patients, saw the distribution of medication 
and got a rundown on how the clinic has continued to operate with the 
town's permission since 1996.

"It was satisfying to see that they want to keep it within the law," Gibson 
said afterward.

Shaw, who led an unsuccessful recall drive against District Attorney Paula 
Kamena in 2000 and ran for Marin Healthcare District Director in 2002, said 
she invited a few other candidates - including Marin Superior Court Judge 
Michael Dufficy - who didn't show up. But Shaw said yesterday's turnout was 
a success because the candidates walked away with positive things to say 
about the clinic and a new perspective on medical marijuana.

"It's clean and well-organized," said Nuyens, who helped draft the original 
medical marijuana identification card and other forms used at Marin 
Alliance. "It's amazing she's still open."

Shaw said Gray - an Orange County Superior Court judge on a one-year leave 
of absence who advocates full legalization of marijuana for adults - 
initiated the walkthrough back in November because his only experience with 
marijuana was evidence in court. She said he asked patients how long 
marijuana lasts, what they have to do to buy it and even got to hold a bag 
of it.

"He was fascinated by it," she said.

During a public question and answer session afterward, Gray said he plans 
to use Shaw and Marin Alliance on the campaign trail as proof that 
marijuana can be managed effectively to provide comfort to people.

"I view her as the Mother Theresa of Marin," he said.

Shaw said she wasn't worried about inviting the candidates because the 
clinic sticks to the rules - including regular audits required by the town 
and strict enforcement about who can and can't buy.

In fact, she said she was excited to show off the clinic's expanded 
offerings, including 15 different types of smokeable marijuana, an express 
line and an extended selection of foods such as peanut butter and jelly.

"It's called Smoker's instead of Smucker's," she said of the jelly. "It's 
definitely got a punch to it."

Shaw said the patients and staff are extremely concerned about their 
privacy so, after consulting with them, she decided to do a private tour 
for the candidates rather than invite the public. Everyone understood the 
importance of showing the clinic in a positive light, but not everyone 
wanted to participate, she said.

"This is the first time we opened the door and said 'C'mon in,'" she said. 
"Most patients don't like to talk about their problems."

As for big-name politicians, Shaw said she has invited Democratic U.S. Sen. 
Barbara Boxer of Greenbrae and U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, but 
neither has come for a visit. Woolsey never fails to send a handwritten 
note saying why she can't make it, but Boxer always sends a form letter, 
she said.

"I'm sure it's due to her (Woolsey's) insane schedule," Shaw said. "But I 
wish Boxer would pay attention to us."

Shaw said she would consider tours for nearly any politician because she 
wants them to understand that Marin Alliance is a legitimate operation that 
provides a legitimate function. So who is her most sought-after guest?

"Arnold Schwarzenegger," Shaw said. "I really want the governor to come by 
and see our system."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom