The Compassionate Coalition

Although it wasn’t the slam-dunk we had hoped for, Orange County’s medical marijuana patients received a small victory yesterday.

On a 4-1 vote, the Orange County Board of Supervisors directed staff to draft a policy for local implementation of the medical marijuana ID card program. The supervisors also asked that a study be conducted to find out what experiences other counties are having with the program.

Because of enormous grassroots pressure, an all-Republican Board of Supervisors voted to take this small step towards implementing our medical marijuana laws, even in the face of fierce opposition from the DA and ridiculous comments made by the Sheriff's Department.

Thank you for all your e-mails and calls to the Supervisors and to the 35+ of you who made time to attend the long board hearing yesterday. This grassroots action was crucial to the success that we attained yesterday.

While yesterday’s vote was good indication for local patients, it is clear that more work still needs to be done in order to ensure that the law is implemented. [url=http://www.safeaccessnow.org/OCIDcardaction]Please click here[/url] to send a “thank you” letter to the four Supervisors that voted in favor of drafting a policy for the ID card program.

In order to make sure that the board approves implementation of the ID card program in 90 days, we must continue to show our support for patients and California’s compassionate medical marijuana laws. Please stay tuned for more updates and future opportunities for actions in Orange County.

Sincerely,

Aaron Smith
Safe Access Now

PS: While, each and every one of you who took action deserves thanks, I’d like to recognize the following people who went above and beyond to help O.C. patients:

Anna Boyce, Proposition 215 co-author
Bill Paoli, esq., OC ASA
Bruce Cohen, OC Libertarian Party
Kandice Hawes, OC NORML
Bill Britt, Association of Patient Advocates
Jennifer Nelson, Santa Barbara ASA
Judge James Gray, Orange County Superior Court
Loretta Sanchez, Congresswoman (D-47th)
Dr. Jackie See
Dr. and Mrs. Smith

Local Patients:
Alexander Valentine
Marvin Chavez
Joe F.
Kevin K.
Juby B.
Howard W.
David M.
Jordon S.
Allen M
Mark F.
James K.
Marla J.
Andy P.
Steve

And everyone else who attended yesterday’s hearing!