[Shadow_Group] MEDICAL MARIJUANA in the NEWS

[shadowgroup-l at lists.resist.ca]

UPCOMING: 11/29 - U.S. Supreme Court to Hear Raich Case
The long-awaited Constitutional test case of California patients Angel Raich and Diane Monson (and Raich's two anonymous caregivers) will be heard by the US Supreme Court on November 29th. While some legal experts believe the conservative-leaning court will find a way to overturn the Ninth Circuit appellate ruling, that decision was an essentially conservative one, in keeping with several recent opinions limiting the power of Congress. And with public polling and voter initiatives consistently pulling 70-85% support, it is clear that legal access is not a partisan issue. The Court should not pass up this opportunity to harmonize the federal prohibition with state laws allowing it.

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MASSACHUSETTS: The Public is Convinced; Only Politicians Resist
The recent votes in local elections in Massachusetts that overwhelmingly asked the state government to legalize medical marijuana has failed to convince some elected officials that they have a duty to act. This editorial points out their obligations to reflect the will of the people. Not to mention sound science. Politicians everywhere resist this issue at their peril.

Ignoring the voters' will is a bad idea 
EDITORIAL, Dover-Sherborn Herald 
Unless you're the governor, a member of the Democratic leadership in the House or Senate, or the chairman of an important committee, it's hard to put an issue on the Legislature's agenda. In recent elections, activists have tried another way: They put an advisory question on the ballot in the district represented by the committee chairman. 
http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=1547

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VERMONT: Patients Applying for State Marijuana Program
The program is restrictive and the qualifying ailments are few -- a compromise with a reluctant governor -- but Granite Staters are nonetheless applying by the dozens to the state medical marijuana program. Legislative leaders have said they will revisit broadening the program to more like it was originally proposed, once they establish a process and see how it goes.

About 30 request applications for use of medical marijuana 
by Associated Press, WCAX-TV 
About 30 Vermonters have shown interest in using marijuana for medical conditions since the state starting taking applications late last month. 
http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=1545

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CALIFORNIA: Amador and Calaveras Work on Regulations
One of the real stories in California has been the marked change in local government involvement with medical marijuana distribution. Prior to this year, only a few localities had really grappled with implementing Prop 215, the 1996 initiative that established a right of access to medical marijuana. But since the state legislature spelled out obligations for city and county governments and expressly legalized dispensary operations, local lawmakers have had to make decisions about issuing business licenses and establishing zoning.

Council stands to adopt marijuana ordinance 
by Sean Rabé, Amador Ledger Dispatch 
Following the lead of several other Amador County municipalities, the Sutter Creek City Council recently took the first step in adopting an ordinance restricting the location of medical marijuana facilities in town. 
http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=1546

Planners want to snuff pot clubs 
by Vanessa Turner, Calveras Enterprise 
An ordinance to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries in Calaveras County was denied by the Planning Commission Thursday. 
http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=1548

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MICHIGAN: Voter Action Invalidated, Lawsuit Ensues
Democracy is not all it could be, or the will of the people on matters like medical marijuana would be respected everywhere, and no patients would ever have to worry. But even in a city like Ann Arbor, where 74% of voters approved a broadly written ordinance legalizing medical use, some officials will try to block implementation on legal technicalities. Fortunately, more patients are realizing they have recourse in the courts and are finding the wherewithal to pursue change there.

City could face suit over pot proposal 
by Adrian Chen, Michigan Daily 
Ann Arbor resident and medicinal marijuana user Mark Rowland wants the Ann Arbor Police Department to follow the will of the city’s voters. 
http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=1549

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AMERICANS FOR SAFE ACCESS
A coalition of doctors, patients and advocates, ASA is the largest coalition working solely on medical marijuana. To find out more, visit SafeAccessNow.org. Previous weeks' news summaries can be seen at: http://safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=122 
 
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/stateyourcause/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/StopNightmareDogIndustries/








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