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other ailments, such as epilepsy and glaucoma, the study found NO evidence of medical value and did not endorse further research. [ 4 ] Also, note the number of and Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 33 significance of “ailments” that were added onto each state’s qualification to use marijuana. They also explained that “smoked marijuana … is a THC crude delivery system that also delivers harmful substances.” Also, that “plants contain a variable mixture of biologically active compounds and cannot be expected to provide a precisely defined drug effect.” The principal investigators explicitly stated that using smoked marijuana in clinical trials “should not be designed to develop it as a licensed drug, but should be a stepping stone to the development of new, safe delivery systems of cannabinoids. [ 5 ] Thus, even those scientists and researchers who believe that certain active ingredients in marijuana may have potential medicinal value openly discount the notion that smoked marijuana is or can become “medicine.” Also, note that as of May 8th, 2006, DEA had registered every one of the 163 researchers who requested to use marijuana in studies and who met Department of Health and Human Services standards. [ 6 ]…..The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) conducts studies "to ascertain the general medical safety and efficacy of cannabis and cannabis products and examine alternative forms of cannabis administration. [ 7 ] They Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR) has 11 ongoing studies involving marijuana and the efficacy of cannabis and related compounds as they relate to medical conditions such as HIV, cancer pain, MS, and nausea. [ 8 ] Still, however, the clear weight of the evidence is that smoked marijuana is harmful and other drugs already FDA-approved (Marinol, for example – a synthetic THC) has been proven to be safer and more effective than smoked marijuana. As stated previously: In the states where legalization has been proposed and then passed as a ballot measure /referendum, drug users presented the need for this medicine on the basis that it was needed for the terminally and seriously ill. Then, after the fact, legalization proponents added nearly every malady imaginable. Another fact that gives real insight into this situation is that a survey in California revealed that the medical marijuana cardholders had been smoking for an average of 17 years before they applied for their cards. Legalization of marijuana, no matter how it begins, will come at the expense of our children and public safety. It will create dependency and treatment issues, and open the door to use of other drugs, impaired health, delinquent behavior, and drugged drivers. Footnotes: 1) Institute of Medicine."Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base." (1999). Summary. (12 April 2005). 2) Id. 3) Institute of Medicine. "Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base." (1999). Executive Summary. (11 January 2006). 4) Institute of Medicine. "Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base." (1999). Summary. (11 January 2006). 5) Institute of Medicine. "Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base." (1999). Summary. (11 January 2006). 6) Benson, John A., Jr. and Watson, Stanley J., Jr. "Strike a Balance in the Marijuana Debate." The Standard-Times. 13 April 1999. 7) DEA, Office of Diversion Control. 8 May 2006. 8) "CMCR Mission Statement." Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research. (3 February 2005). 9) DEA, Office of Diversion Control. 6 January 2006. (Information quoted here is from: The DEA Position on Marijuana) http://www.examiner.com/x-11932-Portland-Drug-Policy-Examiner~y2009m9d9-Official-andscientific-facts-on-medical-marijuana?cid=examiner-email Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 34 CDC: L.A. teachers ill from pot brownies Associated Press /09/03/2009 LOS ANGELES (AP) — Federal health officials say five preschool teachers in Los Angeles were sickened earlier this year after eating marijuana-laced brownies bought from a street vendor. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday that police investigated the April incident, which occurred at an unidentified school. A preschool teacher, who did not eat the snack but gave it her adult son, bought the brownies from a sidewalk vendor and shared them with her colleagues. Five teachers ate one brownie each. The CDC says a sixth teacher took a bite and spit it out after complaining of an "unusual taste." The teachers recovered within hours. A brownie sample tested by Los Angeles police found traces of marijuana. The teacher who bought the brownies was not charged. Police have not found the street street vendor. http://www.mercurynews.com/breaking-news/ci_13263358?nclick_check=1 Several enforcement actions against dispensaries occurred during this quarter. However, that they still occur affirms the belief that these business are still operating outside the confines of the medical marijuana statutes. Communities also continue to take steps to remove or ban these store front enterprises. South Tahoe plans crack down on marijuana providers By Adam Jensen /Sun News Service /07/05/2010 SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — South Lake Tahoe city attorneys Jacqueline Mittelstadt and Patrick Enright have signaled police will begin enforcement against three medical marijuana providers who have opened in South Lake Tahoe over the past year. “Possession of amounts of marijuana in excess of the allowable state law amounts is a violation of both state and federal law,” the attorneys wrote in a memorandum to the City Council dated July 7. “(South Lake Tahoe police) will soon commence pursuit of such illegal conduct.”……The city attorneys refer to the Police Officer's Association White Paper in contending that most storefront dispensaries fail to meet the requirements of California law. But Cody Bass, a spokesman for Tahoe Wellness Collective, said the medical marijuana provider is operating in accordance with California law. He questioned whether the city could legally bust the collective. “South Lake Tahoe Police Department has to follow the state constitution,” Bass said. “I'm personally not too worried about it.” Tahoe Wellness Collective became the second medical marijuana provider in South Lake Tahoe when it opened in January in the Bijou Shopping Center, and has more than 700 patients, Bass says. If police did raid the collective, Tahoe Wellness Collective would reopen “within 20 minutes,” Bass said Friday……. http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20090705/NEWS/907059997/1066&ParentProfile=1051 Task force raids pot dispensaries, arrests owner The Associated Press /08/13/2009 LOS ANGELES—A task force of federal and local authorities raided two medical marijuana dispensaries and arrested the owner but gave no immediate explanation of how state law may have been violated. Jeffrey Joseph, 40, was arrested Wednesday for investigation of possessing more than 50 pounds of marijuana for sale, authorities said. Searches of his Topanga Canyon home and dispensaries in Marina del Rey and Culver City produced 452 live marijuana plants, more than 100 pounds of Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 35 hashish and $103,000 in cash, said Jose Martinez, a spokesman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration……The raids were conducted under a state search warrant issued for the Los Angeles Police Department, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the county district attorney's office…… http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_13054717?nclick_check=1 One subject arrested for sales of marijuana Source: SBPD SANTA BARBARA, CA -8/20/2009 -For the last year the Santa Barbara Police Department narcotic detectives have been receiving numerous complaints about marijuana being sold from a trailer at the Flamingo Trailer Park, 1210 Cacique Street. The citizens who complained were concerned that the occupants of the trailer, space 49, were using the trailer as a marijuana dispensary. The occupants advertised their business on the internet. After several weeks of surveillance and numerous complaints, the Santa Barbara Police Department Narcotic Detectives conducted undercover operations in the area……The inside of the trailer was set up like a store, which sold marijuana, marijuana edibles, and other marijuana paraphernalia. Approximately 2-3 ounces of marijuana, 40 marijuana plants, one thousand dollars and other evidence were seized. While on scene, two individuals arrived at the location wanting to purchase marijuana. Detectives spoke to both individuals and determined that neither of them had a medical marijuana recommendation. The investigation led detectives to believe that a majority of the individuals who purchased marijuana at this location did not have or present a medical marijuana card or recommendation…… http://www.edhat.com/site/tidbit.cfm?id=1400&nid=21759 3 arrested in medical marijuana raid Thursday, August 20, 2009 ECHO PARK, Calif. (KABC) --For the third time in a week, the Los Angeles Police Department has raided a medical marijuana facility. Police arrested three people during during the raid Thursday night at the Royal Temple of Zion in Echo Park. Authorities say the facility has not applied for a hardship permit like all the other medical marijuana dispensaries, so selling the marijuana is illegal. About two pounds of marijuana were seized. The raid came after nearby residents told police illegal drugs were being sold at the location. Those associated with the temple say it is a Rastafarian ministry, and it has the legal right to sell marijuana to the sick. "This is a church run medical marijuana club providing medical marijuana for sick people, but we do it as a church," said Pastor Craig Rubin. "We don't just provide marijuana, we provide for their safety, their security……. http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?secti on=news/local/los_angeles&id=6975964 DA says raid targeted illegal marijuana sales By Angelica Martinez /Union-Tribune Staff Writer /September 10, 2009 ……More than two dozen people operating marijuana dispensaries were arrested in countywide raids that also shut down 14 storefronts, authorities announced Thursday morning. District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said the search warrants served at dispensaries and some homes Wednesday “has nothing to do with legitimate medical marijuana patients or their caregivers.” She said the 14 storefronts targeted were “so-called medical marijuana businesses that appear to be run by drug dealers.” Officials declined to give details about the backgrounds of those arrested, but San Diego Police Chief William Lansdowne said some of those in custody have prior drug arrests. Authorities said they are still tallying the amount Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 36 of marijuana and money seized in the operation. At least $70,000 of cash was seized and six guns were taken into custody, officials said. Lansdowne said Wednesday's search and seizures culminated a fivemonth investigation that started with residents' complaints of the dispensaries. Neighbors cited noise, vandalism and other crimes associated with storefronts, Dumanis said. “There are now 60 storefronts operating and doing this under the guise of helping people who are sick,” she said. In an area of Pacific Beach, for instance, Dumanis said five such dispensaries are within blocks of each other……. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/sep/10/bn10pot124442/Narcotics agents link two to sale of marijuana By From staff reports /Saturday, September 12, 2009 Undercover narcotics agents with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department arrested two people on Thursday in connection with the sale of marijuana. Agents said the two, Kim Lurie, 44, of Perris, and Hilton Gurfinkiel, 33, of Woodland Hills, had advertised their marijuana delivery business in county newspapers and on the Internet. Agents said the 805 Delivery service claimed to comply with Proposition 215, which allows for the sale of medical marijuana in California. Agents allege Gurfinkiel and Perris sold marijuana to an undercover operative in violation of Proposition 215……. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/sep/12/narcotics-agents-link-two-to-sale-of-marijuana/City puts brake on medical pot clubs Legal options eyed during 45-day ban By Angela Lau /Union-Tribune Staff Writer /July 10, 2009 Purpose: To give city officials time to research whether Escondido should ban medical marijuana dispensaries or allow them to open and regulate them. Why: The city has received an application from a resident to operate a medical marijuana delivery center, but Escondido laws do not specify how to deal with medical marijuana requests. The medical marijuana controversy that has affected many communities has arrived in Escondido……This month, the county began issuing identification cards. At the same time, it started drafting legislation to ban dispensaries. San Marcos, Vista and Temecula already have banned medical marijuana dispensaries. In Oceanside, the City Council imposed a moratorium on dispensaries in May after a doctor expressed interest in opening one. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/10/1mc10pot214018-city-puts-brake-medical-potclubs/?northcounty&zIndex=129644 West Sac puts moratorium on opening of medical pot outlets By Gina Kim /Tuesday, July 14, 2009 West Sacramento joined dozens of other cities in California late Wednesday, temporarily halting the opening of medicinal pot distributors until it can decide whether to inhale. The City Council voted in favor of a 45-day moratorium at its meeting, giving administrators time to research the public safety, zoning and legal issues surrounding medical marijuana businesses, said city planner Steve Rikala. Although there aren't any dispensaries operating in West Sacramento, city leaders decided to look at the issue after receiving several inquiries in the past month about how to open them. "There are a lot of issues around dispensaries that require us to do some learning about the implications, consequence, rapidly evolving state of the law and also, what sort of approaches to regulation make the most sense," said Mayor Christopher Cabaldon. "Since it's an area we haven't been engaged in before, there are questions we need time to examine and assess." Dispensaries have been proliferating since U.S. Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 37 Attorney General Eric Holder said in March that the Justice Department would not prosecute those operating under laws in California and the dozen other states that allow the drug for medical use.…….The Sacramento City Council is considering a similar moratorium while it decides how to handle the estimated 30 dispensaries operating within city limits. About half of those opened in the past six months. http://www.sacbee.com/273/story/2014 915.html Medical Marijuana Store Closes Contributor: Kelli Saam /7/10 Yuba County's first medical marijuana store closed just days after it opened. The store was located on North Beale Road in Linda. Yuba County officials say the owner apparently was not following state laws regarding medical marijuana dispensaries. State law requires the operators of medical marijuana stores be part of a cooperative and involved in the cultivation of the marijuana. After talking with Yuba County officials last week, the owner of the store in Linda decided to close. http://www.khsltv.com/content/topstories/story/Medical-Marijuana-Store-Closes/A4dS10fToECbV1zwTVfzXA.cspx Rosemead says no to marijuana and adult stores By Rebecca Kimitch, Staff Writer Posted: 07/03/2009 07:07:58 AM PDT ROSEMEAD -Rosemead doesn't have any marijuana dispensaries, strip clubs or sex shops, and city officials want to keep it that way. The city council unanimously adopted this week temporary bans on new medical marijuana dispensaries and adult stores in the city. Purveyors of both types of businesses have lately shown a lot of interest in the city, according to Brian Saeki, community development director for the city. And because Rosemead doesn't have any ordinance to regulate marijuana dispensaries, and its rules for adult businesses are outdated, officials determined moratoriums were necessary while laws are updated, Saeki said. Though the bans are not permanent, Councilmember’s Sandra Sandra Armenta and Steven Ly both said they would prefer neither type of business open in Rosemead……Approximately 100 cities and counties in California have adopted outright bans of medical marijuana dispensaries, while some three dozen have adopted laws allowing them to operate, according to Kris Hermes, spokesman for Americans for Safe Access, a medical marijuana advocacy group….. http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_12748335 Anderson OKs moratorium on medical marijuana outlets By George L. Winship, Anderson Valley Post /July 22, 2009 ANDERSON -City Council members here Tuesday night approved a 90-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries, saying they needed more time to study the issue. The council's 5-0 vote on the urgency ordinance came two days after Anderson resident Gina Munday opened The Green Heart, a medical marijuana collective and dispensary. It's the city's first such business, which Munday opened sooner than planned to beat the proposed moratorium. "I know the Mundays have opened their business and I don't know what we can do about that," Mayor Butch Schaefer said. City Attorney Michael Fitzpatrick said the moratorium will give the city time to research medical marijuana dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives…… http://www.redding.com/news/2009/jul/22/anderson-oks-moratorium-on-m edical-marijuana/ Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 38 Medical marijuana hits roadblock Council wary of allowing dispensaries in the area By Michele Clock /Union-Tribune Staff Writer /July 25, 2009 SANTEE — Medical marijuana dispensaries won't be coming to Santee – at least not in the near future. The Santee City Council voted this week to place a 45-day ban on business licenses and permits for medical marijuana dispensaries in the city, in response to what officials described as an emerging interest in opening the facilities. “If it helps somebody then so be it, but I don't want to be played for the fool that somebody's opening up a drugstore,” Santee Councilman Jack Dale said at a meeting Wednesday night, before casting one of four council votes in favor of a moratorium……The city recently denied an application from a potential operator, and has received additional inquiries. A temporary moratorium will give the city time to “properly evaluate any potential impacts of the use” and consider whether regulations are appropriate, according to a city staff report.…… http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/25/1ez25santpot193553-medical-marijuana-hitsroadbloc/Chula Vista Adopts Moratorium for Medical Marijuana Reported by: Courtney Dwyer 25-year-old Daniel Green and 26-year-old Dustin Vogel are both medical marijuana patients. Their plan is to open CV Cooperative, which would distribute medical marijuana……At Tuesday's city council meeting, the council voted in favor of a moratorium that allows officials to decide whether or not a dispensary is appropriate in certain areas of the city; a decision supported by those concerned with marijuana falling into the wrong hands. But the city council stresses that the moratorium does not put a ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, which for Green and Vogel, keeps their business hopes alive. "Hopefully they can make the same decision the voters of California have and the patients of Chula Vista can have safe local access." http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Chula-Vista-Adopts-Moratorium-for-Medical/QU2SJwT2NU-yZjzdvN1qJg.cspx City approves moratorium on marijuana dispensaries By Janine Zúñiga /Union-Tribune Staff Writer /July 24, 2009 NATIONAL CITY — National City has placed a 45-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries while it studies the potential effect on the community. The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance Tuesday that prohibits any new business that sells or provides medical marijuana from opening in National City. The city's Planning Commission will begin looking into measures to prohibit or regulate the dispensaries…….. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/jul/24/city-app roves-moratorium-marijuanadispensaries/?metro&zIndex=137598 Santa Cruz passes 6 month medical marijuana moratorium July 28, 9:16 PM /(AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Sometime around 6 pm today the Santa Cruz City Council passed a 6-month moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and production production houses. The city currently has 2 dispensaries, WAMM and no licensed grow houses. In order to open a production house one must first have a dispensary operating in the city. … Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 39 http://www.examiner.com/x-14883-Santa-Cruz-County-Drug-Policy-Ex aminer~y2009m7d28-Santa-Cruz-passes-6-month-medical-marijuana-moratorium Loma Linda halts pot dispensaries By DARRELL R. SANTSCHI /The Press-Enterprise /Thursday, July 30, 2009 The Loma Linda City Council has banned medical marijuana dispensaries for at least 45 days while the city looks at potential zoning regulations and the outcome of a court case challenging Anaheim's potdispensary ban. Mayor Stan Brauer, who proposed the ban, told fellow council members this week that he is not taking a stand for or against medical marijuana use or the dispensaries. He said he wants the city to have time to consider where in Loma Linda such facilities should be allowed. http://www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_N_npot31.492f859.html County puts the clamp on pot shops By Dave Moller /Senior Staff Writer Don't look for a medical marijuana dispensary to open in Nevada County outside of its cities soon. The Nevada County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an emergency, 45-day moratorium on medical pot shops Tuesday. Supervisors then gave the job of crafting an ordinance regulating dispensaries to three county departments that already strongly oppose them. “I don't oppose medical marijuana, but I vehemently oppose outright retail sales of marijuana,” said District Attorney Cliff Newell, who also suggested a “long-term moratorium” be considered. Newell led the charge along with Sheriff Keith Royal and Planning Director Jody Stewart. The move means legal pot shops can't be opened in the county areas outside the cities of Truckee, Grass Valley and Nevada City at least until Sept. 26. Grass Valley is under a one-year moratorium for dispensaries. Nevada City council members will deal with their 45-day moratorium when it lapses tonight..…. http://www.theunion.com/article/20090812/NEWS/908119982/1001/NONE&parentprofile=1053 Controversy Over Medical Marijuana Dispensary In Corning Reported by: Cindy Nixon /8/11 Since last Friday, Ken Prather has been running this medical marijuana dispensary called Tehama Herbal Collective or THC in Corning. Prather had been operating without a business license, but once he was told he needed to get one, the city denied that license. Corning Planning Director John Stoufer says even though California allows it, such dispensaries violate federal law. That's why Tuesday night the Corning City Council unanimously adopted an interim ordinance that would prohibit the dispensary from serving residents for up to 45 days. But Prather says he knows he's not breaking any laws and under the direction of his attorney he plans to continue to operate, business license or no business license. http://www.khsltv.com/content/topstories/story/Controversy-Over-Medical-Marijuana-Dispensary-In/QTWQ_fjtq0KjZ__r6zpnfA.cspx San Diego bans medicinal marijuana San Diego City Hall Examiner /Logan Broyles /August 12, 12, 2010 The fight over the use of medicinal marijuana in San Diego has taken another turn. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors has voted to temporarily shut down every establishment that distributes the product. A 45-day moratorium has been placed on these businesses while the county creates new laws Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 40 regarding dispensaries. The measure passed with all five votes, making San Diego county part of a regional trend. Two other cities in North County, Oceanside and Escondido, have passed similar measures. The primary concern of lawmakers is that they aren’t allowed to regulate these businesses and their methods. http://www.examiner.com/x-18691-San-Diego-City-Hall-Examiner~y2009m8d12-San-Diego-bansmedicinal-marijuana Council OKs moratorium on pot dispensaries Regulations requested before 45-day ban lifted By Janine Zúñiga /Union-Tribune Staff Writer /August 22, 2009 Imperial Beach has imposed a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries and upheld a decision that prevents one from setting up shop on Palm Avenue. However, City Council members made it clear at a meeting Wednesday that if they decide to or are required by law to allow dispensaries, they want to be prepared with regulations. “This is an incredibly complex issue,” said Councilwoman Diane Rose. “It could be a regulatory nightmare………Councilwoman Patricia McCoy said she had many questions if the city permits marijuana dispensaries, including who are caregivers, how patients are screened and how much marijuana patients can receive. She said she feels sorry for law enforcement officials and is troubled that even those with “minor injuries” may buy medical marijuana legally. http://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/aug/22/1sz22ibpot221257-council-oks-moratorium-potdispen/?metro&zIndex=153607 City Council enacts moratorium on marijuana dispensaries By JESSICA CEJNAR, staff writer /August 18, 2009 BARSTOW o The medical marijuana issue came before the Barstow City Council on Monday in the form of a 45-day moratorium on the establishment of dispensaries within city limits. Councilmembers voted unanimously in favor of the moratorium, which would be used as a fact-finding mission to analyze the impacts a dispensary would have have on the adjacent community. This information would be used to help the Council decide whether or not they support dispensaries operating within the city…….After the meeting, Gomez said he agreed to meet with the people who spoke in support of dispensaries, but also said he´d be willing to listen to those who oppose it. Gomez said he´ll be talking with cities that have dispensaries in their neighborhoods as well as businesses that are adjacent to them. http://www.desertdispatch.com/news/marijuana-6723-barstow-moratorium.html Walnut Creek passes emergency moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries By Elisabeth Nardi /Contra Costa Times /08/19/2009 Walnut Creek leaders voted in emergency session Tuesday to ban pot clubs in an effort to delay a proposal for a medical marijuana dispensary. The 45-day moratorium will put on hold efforts to put a "boutique-style" pot club at 1291 Oakland Blvd., just a few blocks from the BART station and downtown. Lafayette and Orinda have imposed moratoriums, while the county's unincorporated areas and Pleasant Hill and Concord prohibit dispensaries…….Supporters of the drug's medical use have been buoyed recently by comments from U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder that those abiding by state law will not be raided. http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_13151195 Medical Marijuana and Associated Issues California Chiefs of Police Association Medical Marijuana Task Force July to September 2009 41 Walnut Creek trying to shut down medical marijuana collective By Elisabeth Nardi /Contra Costa Times /08/31/2009 As a medical marijuana debate swirls in Walnut Creek, leaders of the city's first dispensary — apparently operating for the past few months — refuse to shut down even as the city fines it hundreds of dollars. The C3 Collective, a nonprofit private medical marijuana collective based in Walnut Creek, can be fined $500 per day for violating the city's zoning code, according to city officials. The violation: The