The Federal Government's Attack on Prop. 215 and Medical Marijuana in California

On November 5, 1996 the citizens of California approved Proposition 215, which gives protection to seriously ill patients and their doctors and allows them to legally use medical marijuana to help ease their pain and suffering.

Since the passage of Prop. 215 the United States Justice Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have showed total disregard for this law and trampled on the rights of voters in California. People with cancer, AIDS, and other serious ailments who use medical marijuana to help ease their pain and suffering are being aggressively pursued and prosecuted by the federal government. Federal judges overseeing many of these cases are forbidding these seriously ill patients from making any mention of Proposition 215 or medical marijuana to the jury -- effectively making them look like "kingpins".

One half of the federal marijuana cases in San Francisco now involve medical marijuana, even though patients covered under Prop. 215 account for just 1% of the state's marijuana users.

It's time to change the climate in California around medical marijuana. These seriously ill patients need to concentrate on their health and not worry about being prosecuted in federal court for taking a medicine recommended by their doctor. More importantly, the federal government needs to show respect for the will of California voters and bring an end to these senseless raids and arrests.

There are many ways you can help us "change the climate" around medical marijuana in CA and help bring an end to this senseless and costly war on sick and dying people. Follow the links below to learn how you can help.

• Make a tax deductible gift to Change the Climate to support an outdoor advertising campaign in California. We will pool all of the funds and display our ads on billboards, buses, and subways in California to show support for those who have been unfairly arrested by the federal government. The more gifts we receive, the larger the ad campaign will be. Help "change the climate" by supporting our advertising efforts in California. Visit our campaigns page to learn more about our past ad campaigns or our ads page if you would like to see some of our advertisements.
  
  
• Safe Access Now is organizing in-court support for those facing prosecution and also plans to hold a quiet vigil outside the courtroom. If you are interested in participating visit Safe Access Now.
  
  
• Send a letter to your state and federal elected officials and let them know how you feel about this very important issue.
  
  
• Visit the California chapter of NORML to read more about this pressing issue and to learn about other ways you can help.
  
  
• Visit the Cannabis Action Network web site for a list of federal medical marijuana cases in California.
  
  
• Visit our public forums to discuss issues concerning medical marijuana.