Medical Marijuana Week 2/15-2/23

Medical Marijuana Week 2004 starts 2-15!

On the Verge of Victory – Help Push it Over the Edge!





National Medical Marijuana Awareness Week, from February 15th-23rd, is our chance to tip the balance in the battle for patients' rights.

Thanks to your help, National Medical Marijuana Awareness Week was a tremendous success in 2003. The actions of advocates raised awareness of the issues facing patients and the injustice of prosecutions. Great events across the country produced news stories in leading newspapers, network programs on patients and providers, and the launching of major national legislation. The momentum from last year's National Medical Marijuana Awareness Week has propelled dramatic advances in protecting patients' rights, with increasingly lenient federal sentences, major Constitutional victories in federal courts and more favorable laws proposed and enacted.



The movement for safe and legal access to medical marijuana is gaining ground with a growing coalition. But we are at a critical moment. The achievements of the last year will come to nothing without further action. Medical Marijuana Awareness Week is our chance to be heard, to shine a light on the truth about a safe, effective medicine. The vast majority of Americans understand that the sick and suffering deserve legal access to marijuana if it helps them. Accelerating medical research holds enormous promise for patients suffering from many afflictions, and the medical community shows signs of a growing acceptance of cannabis therapy.

But not everyone knows about the advances in science or the ongoing injustice of federal prosecutions. We've won some battles but not the war. This is our chance to raise awareness even further.

Right in the middle of Medical Marijuana Awareness Week two caregivers in Los Angeles, Lynn and Judy Osburn, will be sentenced for helping provide medicine to the 1,000 patients who were served by the Los Angeles Cannabis Resource Center in West Hollywood, before a federal raid shut its doors in 2001. Other patients and caregivers are facing prison in courts around the country. Our actions during Medical Marijuana Awareness Week can ensure that more good people will not go to prison.

On Wednesday, February 18, we ask everyone nationwide to send a "Thank You" or "Spank You" message to your congressional representative.

For a "Thank You" Certificate, "Spank You" Certificate, or a sample Press Release for the action at Congressional offices, please go to the link at the bottom of this post for the PDF files.

Last summer we had a chance to see where each of our members stood when they voted on the Hinchey amendment to de-fund DEA attacks on patients. Those that did the right thing and voted Yes on the amendment deserve our praise. They also may need reminding that there are 2 bills they should co-sponsor that protect patients' rights. To see how your member voted, visit

http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=676

Those that voted No on the Hinchey amendment need to be held accountable to their constituents. If your member of Congress is one of these, we need YOU to help organize a press event outside their local offices on February 18! Please call or write Hilary at 510-486-8083 or hilary@safeaccessnow.org if you can help. We'll provide all the materials and press support you need to make your event a success!

Other events planned in this time will ignite the movement. In the Bay Area, we already have a Medical Marijuana Filmfest planned, a kickoff 215 party, and a "Festival of Lighting Up" evening procession to shine the light on the gov't war on patients, and remember our POW's with a festive vigil of lighting up with fiery and lighted costumes and creations. We are having a Medical Marijuana School at UC Berkeley, and are planning actions at both VA Hospitals and non-supportive medical societies. You could do any of these in your own community, or whatever would move your local priorities forward!

Our best chance for real change is now. With your help 2004 will be the year that ends the persecution of patients and their caregivers.

Sunday, 2-15, MMJ Week Kick-off with community gatherings (at BPG in the Bay Area)

Monday, 2-16, " Festival of Lighting Up" candlelight vigil to remember POW's (in the Castro in San Francisco)

Tuesday, 2-17, Educate and spotlight HMO's in MMJ states that don't give medical recommendations for marijuana.

- Osburn sentencing in Los Angeles

- Evening: Medical Marijuana Filmfest! (in Oakland)

Wednesday, 2-18, - "Spank/Thank" press conferences in front of Congressional district offices (keep tuned for visual themes!)

Thursday, 2-19, Educate and spotlight chapter offices of disease-advocacy organizations that should be pushing harder for research and legal change on medical marijuana, such as the MS Society.

Friday, 2-20, Medical Marijuana School or other kind of educational event. Reach out to your community! (at UC Berkeley)

Saturday & Sunday, 2-21, 2-22, Fundraisers for continued organizing, strategy meetings for further action, activist workshops, street outreach, and celebrating our unity!

Call us at 510.486.8083 or email hilary@safeaccessnow.org and let us know what you're planning!


http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=785