Pubdate:  Wed, 11 Feb 1998
Source: San Francisco Bay Guardian
Website: http://www.sfbg.com
Contact:  CALL YAMAGUCHI

We believe that the action of the U.S. government in seeking an injunction
to halt the sale of medical marijuana to approved patients is a travesty.
It blindly places strict adherence to the letter of the federal law above
the need for compassion and understanding.

U.S. Attorney Michael Yamaguchi has filed suit against six cannabis buyers'
clubs, declaring that the will of California voters in enacting the
Compassionate Use Act of 1996 is pre-empted by federal law that bars the
use of marijuana for anything other than research. It is absurd to continue
to categorize marijuana as a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, limited only
to research use (along with cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines), and to
ignore its therapeutic value.

But beyond that, Yamaguchi's actions show a callous disregard for the
plight of those who seek relief from pain and suffering through the
purchase of marijuana from supervised facilities. Before he pursues these
actions, we urge him to visit some of the cannabis buyers' clubs and talk
to their patients so that he may witness firsthand the many beneficial
effects that the medically approved use of cannabis offers to those in
distress.

Yamaguchi's pursuit of an injunction presents a clear danger to those in
need, as does California Attorney General Dan Lungren's continual
harassment of medical caregivers. These caregivers provide a service to the
sick and disabled that a majority of Californians have said that they want;
a service that is unavailable through other legal means. The mere fact that
the law defines "primary caregivers" as individuals does not, in our
opinion, preclude the use of clubs or groups from dispensing medical
marijuana.

We also are outraged that Lungren has scorned the will of Californians by
failing to work with the legislature and the clubs to pursue methods by
which cannabis can be distributed under controlled conditions to those
obtaining a doctor's approval. Rather than seeking the closure of the
clubs, Lungren would better serve the public by working with the clubs to
ensure that their aid would be limited only to those in medical need.

We urge those who are opposed to these actions to make their voices heard
by writing Michael Yamaguchi at the U.S. Attorney's Office, 450 Golden
Gate, San Francisco 94102, or telephoning his office at (415) 436-7200, or
by contacting their federal and state representatives.

KENNETH KOVITZ, JERRY GOFFE, JANET GOODMAN, PAUL WINGATE San Francisco
LESLIE CARROLL, KAREN SANDERS Mill Valley HELEN WENTZ, ED SABRACK, ED
ADELMAN, GAIL MITCHELL San Rafael