Proposition | Associations |Government |Attorneys
This page contains information, and links to information, regarding many of the legal and political issues involving medical marijuana. First you will find the two laws that are the pillars of this movement 215 and 420. You will also find information and links to many of the important associations and coalitions involved with patient rights who are fighting diligently to decriminalize this medicine and remove the stigma surrounding it. Lastly we are including an extensive list Orange County / Los Angeles attorneys who are actively involved with issues relating to medical marijuana and are all listed as members or supporters of NORML.
Proposition 215 (or the Compassionate Use Act of 1996) is a California law concerning the use of medical cannabis. It was enacted, on November 5, 1996, by means of the initiative process, and passed with 5,382,915 (55.6%) votes in favor and 4,301,960 … more >
More information: www.canorml.org/prop/patientsguide.htm
California State Senate Bill 420
A new bill establishing statewide guidelines for Prop. 215 enforcement takes effect on January 1, 2004. The bill, SB 420 by Sen. John Vasconcellos, was signed by outgoing Gov. Gray Davis just days after he lost the recall election.
SB 420, which reflects a compromise between patients’ advocates and law enforcement, includes controversial new state guidelines regarding how much marijuana patients may grow and possess without being subject to arrest. It also includes a voluntary patient identification card system and other provisions to protect patients and … more >
More information: http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/sourcefiles/SB420.pdf
http://www.sanfranciscocannabisclubs.com/medical-marijuana/laws/california-senate-bill-420.htm
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. … more >
A Voice for Responsible Marijuana Smokers Since its founding in 1970, NORML has provided a voice in the public policy debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. A nonprofit public-interest … more >
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) is the nation’s leading organization promoting alternatives to the drug war that are grounded in science, compassion, health and human rights. Our supporters … more >
MPP and MPP Foundation envision a nation where marijuana is legally regulated similarly to alcohol, marijuana education is honest and realistic, and treatment … more >
The National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA) is the only trade association in the U.S. that works to advance the interests of cannabis-related businesses on the national level. NCIA was founded on the principle of power in numbers. … more >
In response to attacks on state-legal patients and providers, key leadership from the medical marijuana and law reform movements came together in 2002 to form Green Aid: The Medical Marijuana Legal Defense and Education … more >
Students for Sensible Drug Policy is an international grassroots network of students who are concerned about the impact drug abuse has on our communities, but who also know that the War on Drugs is failing our generation and our society. SSDP mobilizes and empowers young people … more >
The Medical Board of California is a state government agency which licenses and disciplines medical doctors. The Board provides two principal types of services to consumers: public-record information about California-licensed physicians, and investigation … more >
Law Offices of Bruce Margolin
8749 Hollowway Drive West Hollywood , CA 90069
Phone: 310/652-0991
Fax: 310/652-1501
http://www.1800420laws.com/
Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin LLP
14401 Sylvan St. #112 Van Nuys, CA 92401
Phone: 877/781-1570
Fax: 818/781-5033
http://www.keglawyers.com/
Don’t Consent to a Search!
If the cops say:
"Do you mind if I look in your purse, bag, home, or car"?
You say: "I do not consent to a search"
If the cops say:
"Why not? Are you hiding something?"
You say: "I believe in my Constitutional right to privacy and I do not consent to a search."
Be Smart!
Many arrests for cannabis possessions are due to traffic violations and noise complaints.
Travel Safely
Do not smoke and drive. If you travel with cannabis, make sure your vehicle is up to code and your cannabis is concealed, preferably in your trunk.
Be a Good Neighbor
Loud music and domestic disputes can lead law enforcement to your home.
Be Discreet
Try not to smoke where others can see you and never leave cannabis items in plain view.
Search Warrants:
Do NOT let an office into your home without a search warrant. Check the address, the date (which should be reasonably recent), and the judge’s signature. If law enforcement knocks on your door, step outside and close the door behind you while you find out why they are there. Don’t leave the door open.
If they do enter your home with or without a search warrant, say, "I do not consent to a search."
Exercise Your Rights!
There are 3 levels of police interactions and safe ways to handle each encounter.
‘Casual Conversation’
Ask if you are being detained. If not, walk away.
Detention
If you are being detained, ask why! Make them cite the law and remember what they say!
Arrest
Say "I choose to remain silent and I want to see a lawyer," while remembering to remain silent.
