Welcome to the Medical Cannabis Resource Center News pages
In this issue:   Veto SB-916/921   | Liberty ALERTs! >   RAVE II,   the anti-Hempfest Act  | NEW   DRUGS AND TERROR ACT   | DRUG CZAR'S   SECRETIVE TOUR   |   CherylHeart   The CHERYL MILLER MEMORIAL Project; Is My Medicine Legal YET?



Veto SB-916/921

The "No Pot-heads on Unemployment, sick or otherwise" bill (S.B. 916/921) has reached the governor's desk, but he's on vacation until September 19 (Fri.). He must make a decision by October 8 (Wed.).

This means we have time to ensure that this bill is killed. MPP is currently in contact with the governor's office, and is doing everything they can to kill it. In the meantime, if any patients are interested in writing an op-ed or a letter to the editor about the inherent flaws of S.B. 916, please e-mail them off list. Send to:

RJ Bee
Legislative Analyst
Marijuana Policy Project
P.O. Box 77492 -- Capitol Hill -- Washington, D.C. 20013
http://www.mpp.org -- RJ@MPP.ORG
phone 202-462-5747, ext. 118 -- fax 202-232-0442

The 3rd-person hearsay is that the Gov had no stance as of Labor Day. We suggest to all, who live in Oregon or care about medical cannabis in general, to call, fax or email the Gov of Oregon telling him to please veto SB 916 phone for gov's office is 503-378-4582, fax for gov's office is 503-378-6827. For E-mail - go to: www.governor.oregon.gov/contact.htm

Be nice, be polite (use 'please') and thank for his attention and get everyone you know to call fax or email This would strip unemployment for refusing to take 'drug tests'. Please distribute this memo widely. Forward to family and friends, everyone! ask them to visit http://www.mpp.org/OR


____________________

TO: Oregon residents*
FROM: R.J. Bee, MPP legislative analyst
DATE: Thursday, September 4, 2003
SUBJECT: Bill threatens unemployment benefits -- tell governor to veto!

The Oregon Legislature has passed a bill that includes a measure to disqualify people who fail a drug test from receiving unemployment benefits. This measure was slipped into S.B. 916, which will arrive on Governor Ted Kulongoski's (D) desk within days. Unless the governor vetoes this bill, it will become law six days after he receives it, at most. If this bill becomes law, a person could lose unemployment benefits for smoking a single marijuana cigarette!

Please visit http://www.mpp.org/OR/action.html . After you choose your favorite pre-written letter and type in your address, our site will automatically e-mail your letter to Governor Kulongoski ... all with the click of a few buttons. The whole process takes less than two minutes, but it makes a world of difference.

S.B. 916 would disqualify individuals who have violated a work-related drug policy (including failing a drug test) from receiving unemployment benefits.

This would affect all unemployment claims made after January 1, 2004. The bill would restore unemployment benefits to those who enroll in a state-recognized drug or alcohol program within 10 days of being fired.

This measure was originally introduced as S.B. 921 (in the Senate) and H.B. 2824 (in the House). These bills did not move, but through political maneuvering the restrictive language found its way into S.B. 916. This bill was originally introduced to expand the definition of "members of the same family" for whom a corporation may elect not to provide unemployment insurance coverage. To read S.B. 916, see http://www.mpp.org/OR/bills_716.html .

 It is time for citizens to speak out against the circuitous actions of the legislature. Governor Kulongoski needs to know that Oregonians do not support restricting unemployment benefits on the basis of failing a drug test. Please take action to help defeat this unfair bill. Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this information on so that even more voices for reform can be heard.

=============================================================

HOW TO SUPPORT THE MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECT

MPP's state legislative alerts service is funded entirely by the contributions of MPP allies and members nationwide. If you find MPP's state legislative alerts service helpful, please consider making a donation at: http://www.mpp.org/MoneyForStates Because MPP devotes 100% of its efforts toward influencing public policy, contributions are not tax-deductible. However, the above link also provides a way to make a tax-deductible donation.

____________________________________________________________________

Chris Wise, J.D.
Executive Director
Northwest Environmental Justice Center
P.O. Box 1121
Fall Creek, OR 97438

http://envirojustice.tk
nejc@resist.ca

"There is a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can't take part; you can't even passively take part, and you've got to put your bodies upon the gears and upon the wheels, upon the levers, upon all the apparatus, and you've got to make it stop. And you've got to indicate to the people who run it, to the people who own it, that unless you're free, the machine will be prevented from working at all!"

-- Mario Savio

December 3, 1964

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Here is what our legislative web page says about SB 921, followed by the same info for SB 916, which covers the same subject apparently. The history is current. Gov. K's stance unknown today. I'll ask tommorrow.

The text for either can be had by clicking on http://www.leg.state.or.us/billsset.htm and following the info that come up.

I have been somewhat puzzled by SB 916 and now by 921 because they seem to be duplicative of current reality, if my experience was of any relevance. I was fired for failing a piss test and was denied unemployment benefits because it violated a "reasonable" drug policy. Anyway the history is below.

____________________________________________

Subject: Oregon Legislature - SB 921
From: "Rep Prozanski" <Prozanski.Rep@state.or.us>
Date: Thu, August 28, 2003 3:49 pm
To:
rj@mpp.org
Cc:
nejc@resist.ca

Dear RJ,

I am writing on behalf of Floyd Prozanski to provide you with information regarding a bill in the Oregon Legislature. Your e-mail requesting information on SB 921 was forwarded to me by Chris Wise from the NW Environmental Justice Center. The text from SB 921 was "stuffed" into SB 916. I have cut and pasted the measure history for the bill at the bottom of this web page, and have attached the enrolled version of the bill in PDF format for your review.

Although I do not have insight into whether or not Governor Kulongoski will sign the bill, you may want to contact Margaret Hallock, the Governor's Labor, Workforce and Policy Advisor, to find the answer. Her e-mail address is <A HREF="https://mail.resist.ca/src/compose.php?send_to=margaret.hallock%40das.state.or.us"> margaret.hallock@das.state.or.us</A> and her telephone number is 503-378-6502. We hope you find the above information useful.

Measure History For SB 916 / SB 921
By COMMITTEE ON RULES -- Relating to unemployment insurance.

Senate Bill 916
House Amendments
A-Engrossed
Introduced
SB 916 By COMMITTEE ON RULES -- Relating to unemployment insurance.

07/02 (S) Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.

07/03 (S) Referred to Rules.

07/15 (S) Public Hearing and Work Session held.

07/23 (S) Recommendation: Do pass.

7-23 | Recommendation: Do pass. | Second Reading.

07/24 (S) Third Reading. Carried by Morse. Passed. Ayes, 24; Excused,

2--Atkinson, Devlin; Attending Legislative Business, 4--Clarno, Messerle, Ringo, Schrader.

7-25(H) | First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk. | Referred to Rules and Public Affairs.

08/06 (H) Public Hearing and Work Session held.

08/22 (H) Work Session held.

08/25 (H) Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed

A-Engrossed.

08/25 (H) Rules suspended. Second reading.

08/25 (H) Rules suspended. Third reading. Carried by Close. Passed.

Ayes, 44; Nays, 7--Bates, Beyer, Dingfelder, Hansen, March, Nelson, Wirth; Absent,

4--Hunt, Miller, Nolan, Zauner; Excused for business of the House,

4--Johnson, Kafoury, Prozanski, Speaker Minnis.

08/26 (S) Senate concurred in House amendments and repassed bill.

Ayes, 29;

Absent, 1--George.

8-28 | President Signed.

Senate Bill 921

Introduced

SB 921 By COMMITTEE ON RULES (at the request of Associated Oregon Industries) -- Relating to disqualification from receipt of unemployment benefits.

07/07 (S) Introduction and first reading. Referred to President's desk.

07/10 (S) Referred to Rules.


Liberty ALERT! RAVE II on the way! Even more civil liberties threatened!!

The war on drugs is a grievous attack on our civil liberties......and things are about to get worse. Yes, there have been successes. We've pushed senators to debate the RAVE Act on the floor, we've forced a medical marijuana vote in the House and we've got more support than ever before. Nevertheless, Congress and the Bush Administration are now conspiring against the Bill Of Rights with new legislation that threatens our right to assemble and erodes protections against search and seizure.

We have received reports that police are using the RAVE Act to pressure promoters into canceling festivals and events. Unbelievably, the first event targeted by the law was a political fundraiser in Montana. Taxpayer dollars have already been used on an expensive ad campaign calling marijuana users terrorists. Now, in an even bigger grab for control, Senators are working on a controversial bill that could punish nonviolent drug offenders as terrorists. We can't afford any illusions. If the war on terrorism is as unsuccessful as the failed war on drugs, we're all in big trouble.

Read on for some important updates and actions you can take on Rave Act II (including a September 6th protest in DC), a new "drugs and terrorism" bill, Drug Czar John Walters secretive tour around the country and the growing fight against U.S. Latin American drug policy.

With these new challenges come new costs, and your financial support is crucial in our fight to protect our rights, so please visit our online donation page at: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4472 .

1) RAVE ACT II

In the fight to repeal the RAVE Act we have come up against another piece of anti-rave legislation. If made into law, this latest attack on our civil liberties would open more doors for the prosecution of innocent business owners unable to stop drugs coming into their venue. Thousands of our supporters have already faxed their representatives about what we are calling the RAVE Act II (officially known as the Ecstasy Awareness Act) and groups across the country, like EM:DEF and ROAR, are mobilizing voters against the bill.

If you haven't faxed your Representative about the Ecstasy Awareness Act, please do so at: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4336

We also need you to fax your Representative about the CLEAN-UP Act if you haven't already. http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4337

For more on what you can do to stop threats to hip hop and electronic music see: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4338

2) SEPTEMBER 6TH PROTEST AGAINST THE RAVE ACT

Thousands will gather at the Capitol in Washington, DC on September 6th for a musical protest against the RAVE Act and the continuing assault on dance culture. The event, sponsored by ROAR!: The National Dance and Music Rights Alliance, will feature Junior Vasquez, D:Fuse, booths, prizes, and much, much more.

Dance for your rights. U.S. Capitol, Washington DC. 1pm onwards. For more information on the protest including directions see: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4339

Tour Buses are being arranged from numerous cities. Please email info@roargroup.org for all general inquiries.

3) NEW DRUGS AND TERROR ACT IN THE NAME OF 'VICTORY'

Two years ago, with the very real experience of terrorism in our lives, Senators rushed to pass the PATRIOT Act. Essentially a license for the government to spy on its own people, the Act has become one of the biggest threats to our civil liberties. Now, without urgency, Senators are about to make an even bigger mistake. The misnamed Vital Interdiction of Criminal Terrorist Organizations Act of 2003, or the VICTORY Act (hang on.....that should be a small r and where did the Y come from??), contains numerous disturbing provisions including laws that could charge non-violent drug offenders as terrorists. It has not even been introduced yet and civil libertarians are commanding their battle stations. Judging by the title of the Act the government is more concerned about propaganda than dealing with real issues of terrorism or drugs. This legislation will undermine the country's struggle with terrorism by conflating it with the war on drugs. This legislation will become the next battle ground for civil rights in the U.S.

Stay tuned, as you can be sure the Drug Policy Alliance, with your help, will be mounting a concerted and persistent campaign against this act. For more information on the VICTORY Act

see: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4340

Taking Away More of Our Rights, New "Drugs and Terrorism" Bill Must Be Stopped

Senators are drafting a "drugs and terrorism" bill that could treat many non-violent drug offenders as terrorists and strip away civil liberties from every American. Unless you tell your Senators "No way!" it could be introduced soon.

Fax your Senators at:

http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=5288

It was bad enough that the government used tax payer dollars to produce ads calling marijuana users terrorists. Now things are more serious and the government is trying to create new laws to boost their 'drug war' in the name of fighting terrorism.

'Vital Interdiction of Criminal Terrorist Organizations (VICTORY) Act of 2003' could turn out to be more devastating for us (the ones these laws should protect) than the PATRIOT Act. The Drug Policy Alliance has been working behind the scenes to secure opposition to the bill in Congress and help remove some of the most dangerous provisions. Now we need your help.

Most recent drafts of the legislation would expand the Justice Department's already overbearing PATRIOT Act powers to provide extra penalties for drug sellers alleged to provide funding to terrorist groups (even if they do not know that they are connected with terrorists). Dramatically expanding the government's 'big brother' powers, the VICTORY Act also allows the government to spy on citizens without the checks and balances needed to prevent abuse.

Frightening as it is, Drug Policy Alliance believes that with enough pressure the VICTORY Act can be stopped before it's even introduced. Fax your Senators today to urge them not to co-sponsor or support the VICTORY Act. If Senator Hatch cannot find enough co-sponsors for his legislation, he may be forced to rethink this unnecessary legislation.

ACTIONS TO TAKE

1) Fax your Senators at:

http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=5288

2) Forward this alert to your friends and family

A draft of the bill obtained by the Drug Policy Alliance can be read at:

http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=5289

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You received this message because librarian@pdxnorml.org is a member of the mailing list originating from alerts@actioncenter.drugpolicy.org.

Please visit http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/unsubscribe to unsubscribe from all lists. Visit http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/managesubscription.asp to learn about other lists you can subscribe to.

For problems, please contact Jeanette Irwin at jirwin@drugpolicy.org.

Please consider joining the Drug Policy Alliance: http://www.drugpolicy.org/join

(4) WHERE'S WALTERS? THE DRUG CZAR'S SECRETIVE TOUR

Marching to the beat of the Bush administration's drug war drum, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy's (ONDCP) Drug Czar John Walters is using tax-payer dollars to preach harmful, punitive drug policies across the nation while keeping the location of his appearances secret until the last minute. What does this say about the democratic process and the war on drugs? We've been asking supporters to contact both the White House and the ONDCP to ask that they operate in line with democratic transparency and release the dates and times of the Walter's tour.

Call the White House:

202-456-1414
president@whitehouse.gov
Call the ONDCP:
202-395-6700
http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4341

For more on the Drug Czar's tour: http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4342

(5) COLOMBIA VOTE

Expanding its reigns beyond the borders, the Bush Administration funds the aerial fumigation of coca crops in Colombia. Damaging all crops, including food, and wreaking havoc on environmental and political conditions in a country already impoverished and plagued by civil strife aerial fumigation has only moved coca growing deeper into the forests and to other areas. The House of Representatives last month narrowly defeated Democrats' efforts to boost funds to fight the global AIDS epidemic by shifting money away from anti-drug efforts in Colombia. The House voted 226-195 against redirecting the money.

More on the vote here:

http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4343

To read more on U.S. politics and power in Latin America read Drug Policy Alliance Executive Director, Ethan Nadelmann's Foreign Policy article 'Addicted to Failure'. http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=31099&l=4344

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

You received this message because librarian@pdxnorml.org is a member of the mailing list originating from alerts@actioncenter.drugpolicy.org.

Please visit http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/unsubscribe to unsubscribe from all lists. Visit http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/managesubscription.asp to learn about other lists you can subscribe to.

For problems, please contact Jeanette Irwin at jirwin@drugpolicy.org. Please consider joining the Drug Policy Alliance: http://www.drugpolicy.org/join

Subject: Remembering Rainbow Farm

Who: Friends of Rainbow Farm
Where: In front of the "old" Cass County courthouse, at the junction of Routes 60 and 62, in Cassoppolis, MI
When: 5:30 p.m., Labor Day, Monday September 1st, 2003
What: Remembrance vigil for Tom Crosslin and Rollie Rohm
Bring: Signs, banners, drums, music, candles, photos, memories, or anything you feel should be part of a loving and respectful gathering to honor our fallen brothers

It's that time again, folks.

Two years ago, Labor Day weekend 2001, Tom and Rollie were executed by the forces of so-called law and order. They were not killed to protect the public safety, to punish them for smoking cannabis, or because of the plants in their basement. Our friends worked boldly and passionately to change destructive, unjust laws, and to inspire others to do the same; and in the end they rejected the authority of a court that had amply shown its bias. They refused to hide. They refused to run. They refused to bow down. And for that, the Police State ground them up in its gears.

Now, Labor Day 2003, friends of Rainbow Farm will once again gather to remember, to honor, and to show the world that we will not forget. Whether you're an old Farm hand or just discovering the story, if you feel moved to join us, please do. We will begin at 5:30 and stay until we decide to go. I hope to see you there.

PeaceLoveGratitude, Melody A. Karr, Michigan Cannabis Action Network

By the way, for those of you who haven't seen or heard, the October issue of Playboy Magazine includes a 9-page article entitled "Siege at Rainbow Farm." Whatever your opinion of the magazine, this was a pretty decent article --- as fair as anything else I've seen, more so than many. Word of warning: it does include graphic photos of Tom and Rollie's bodies.

**************************************

www.rainbowfarmcamp.com TRIBE announcement list listmaster

Fighting raves, squelching speech

Jacob Sullum

Karen Tandy, expected to be
confirmed soon as the new head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), did not face many tough questions when her nomination was considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. One of the few exceptions came from Sen. Joseph Biden (D-Del.), who asked her about a problem he was instrumental in creating.

Biden referred to an
incident in Billings, Montana, on May 30, when a DEA agent brought a copy of the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act to the local Eagles Lodge. The agent warned the lodge's manager that a fund-raising concert sponsored by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and Students for a Sensible Drug Policy might violate the law if anyone attending the event lit up a joint.

The
law, which Biden sponsored, makes it a federal crime to "knowingly and intentionally" make a place available "for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, or using any controlled substance." Violators are subject to $250,000 or more in civil penalties, a criminal fine of up to $500,000, and a prison sentence of up to 20 years.

The threat of these penalties "freaked me out," the Eagles Lodge manager
told the Drug Reform Coordination Network. She said the DEA agent "didn't tell us we couldn't have the event, but he showed me the law and told us what could happen if we did. I talked to our trustees, they talked to our lawyers, and our lawyers said not to risk it, so we canceled."

Biden pronounced himself "troubled" by this application of his law. He pressed Tandy to explain how she planned to "reassure people who may be skeptical of my legislation that it will not be enforced in a manner that has a chilling effect on free speech."

The way Biden posed the question was telling: For both the senator and the DEA, the key thing is not so much to protect First Amendment rights as to "reassure people who may be skeptical" about his broadly worded, draconian statute. But for anyone who is concerned about freedom of speech and the rule of law, there are ample grounds for skepticism.

When the legislation was debated last year,
critics argued that it could be applied to any event that attracts drug users, including not only raves (Biden's main target) but rock concerts, political rallies, even backyard barbecues if guests happened to smoke pot. The objections were so loud that the bill, then called the Reducing Americans' Vulnerability to Ecstasy (RAVE) Act, never came up for a vote.

This year Biden avoided debate by introducing his legislation under a new name and quietly attaching it to a wildly popular bill establishing a national alert system for abducted children, which was signed by President Bush on April 30. Barely a month later, critics of the legislation were proven right by the incident in Billings.

Jeff Sweetin, special agent in charge of the DEA's Rocky Mountain Division,
defended the warning to the Eagles Lodge in a June interview with The Billings Outpost. But he conceded that "it certainly doesn't look very good."

Attempting to improve appearances, the DEA
announced on June 20 that it is "committed to responsible enforcement of this law, which will shield innocent businesses from criminal liability for incidental drug use by patrons." It referred to "updated guidance" and a new requirement for "Headquarters review of proposed enforcement activity" to "ensure that all DEA activity under the Act complies with its terms and intent and with the First Amendment."

Tandy cited that announcement in response to Biden's questions, but it's not very reassuring. "Innocent businesses" that already had to guess at the meaning of "knowingly and intentionally"â€"a "high legal standard" according to Biden, but not according to that DEA agent in Billingsâ€"now have to wonder when drug use counts as "incidental."

That kind of uncertainty is the essence of a chilling effect. For anxious venue owners, the question is not whether the government could impose a civil fine or obtain a conviction that would be upheld on appeal; the question is whether a federal agent might think it's worth a shot.

There is a broader issue here than freedom of speech. The rule of law requires that people be given adequate notice of which actions will get them into trouble. In seeking to hold property owners and managers liable for other people's drug use, Biden's law fails that basic test.

Jacob Sullum is a senior editor at Reason and the author of
Saying Yes: In Defense of Drug Use (Tarcher/Putnam, May 2003).

---

Honorable Joseph Biden
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510-2203

Dear Senator Biden,

 I am writing to thank you for pressuring the Drug Enforcement Administration to ensure that incidents like what happen in Billings, Montana never happen again. Your pressure was crucial in getting the DEA to adopt guidelines to help prevent the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act from being misused to stifle free speech. I thank you for that. I also want to thank you for asking President Bush's nominee for DEA Administrator, Karen Tandy, tough and fair questions about the DEA's enforcement of the law.

Like many Americans, I am very concerned that the Ashcroft Justice Department can use this law to shut down events he does not like and that the DEA will enforce it in a manner that punishes innocent business owners for the crimes of their customers. I am particularly worried about what the Bush Administration and future administrations will do with the law. I'm heartened that you too are concerned that the law might be enforced in a manner it was never intended and that free speech and innocent business owners may suffer as a result.

Thank you for taking steps to reduce the likelihood of such things happening in the future. I encourage you to take more steps to protect your law from misuse by the executive branch, including amending the law to add a "safe harbor"provision whereby property owners that take steps to stop drug offenses on their property are protected from prosecution. Again, thank you for pressuring the DEA to enforce the Illicit Drug Anti-Proliferation Act fairly.

Warmest regards from a fellow American,

Rick D. Day
3135 Randolph Road
Atlanta, GA 30345
770-939-0012


NOTE: Read the letter from William B. Simpkins, acting administrator of the DEA, to Senator Biden. Which can be found at the following URL;

http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/ctt.asp?u=193&l=2736

In this letter he states that given its direct association with NORML the event was likely to create an environment of promoting the use of illegal drugs.

When did it become the mission of NORML to promote the use of illegal drugs? Is William B. Simpkins, acting administrator of the DEA legally allowed to make such a statement about an organization whose purpose is drug law reform?


CherylHeart - The CHERYL MILLER MEMORIAL Project; Is My Medicine Legal YET?

Organization: SSDP http://www.ssdp.org/

To: ssdptalk@ssdp.org

Subject: SSDPTALK: Cheryl Phone Slam

At http://www.cheryldcmemorial.org/ssdp_phone_slam.htm you will find detailed instructions for how your chapter can make the most of the National Phone Slam for Medical Marijuana. This is a great opportunity for your chapter to earn some visibility on campus while participating in real legislative change. The Phone Slam is Tuesday, September 23, which is soon. Let's organize! Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

In memory of Cheryl,

Tom Angell
SSDP Board member
AIM: PsilocyberSpore
email:
tom@ssdp.org

 ------ End of Forwarded Message

One Month To Go - CHERYL MILLER MEMORIAL PROJECT - September 22 and 23, 2003

Please forward this message to other lists, forums, usenet news groups, and anybody else that may be interested. Thank You!

NOTE: The Project's website has been extensively updated in the last week. Please visit it for more details - to join the Project announcment list if you wish - and tell your friends about it:

http://cheryldcmemorial.org/

****************************

Below are a collection of recent announcements about the Project from various supporting organizations:

-----

Subject: Remember a Medical Marijuana Hero

Take Action Now! http://cheryldcmemorial.org

 Dear Medical Marijuana Supporters,

I've been involved in the fight for safe access to medicinal marijuana since doctors diagnosed my late wife Cheryl with multiple sclerosis in 1971. Throughout her life, to relieve her pain and suffering Cheryl, under the direction of her physician, tried numerous medications (including the THC capsule Marinol). Yet nothing relieved her symptoms like natural marijuana. Marijuana was the only remedy that alleviated my wife's pain.

Cheryl died from pneumonia and other MS-related complications on June 7th.

In the 57 years of her life she accomplished more than I could have imagined. Though MS left Cheryl severely disabled, she lobbied tirelessly for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and made numerous trips to Washington, DC to meet with her representatives and take part in acts of civil disobedience.

In honor of her dedication and inspiring courage several groups, including ASA, are organizing a vigil, press conference, and patient-lobby day in Washington, DC in memory of Cheryl.

Please join ASA and me in keeping Cheryl's work and memory alive.

What We're Doing:

 On the morning of September 22nd, medical marijuana patients from around the nation will visit the Multiple Sclerosis Society to encourage the organization to reconsider its stance against the use of medicinal cannabis. According to recently completed clinical trials in other countries, cannabinoids significantly alleviate pain and other nuerogenic symptoms associated with MS. In other countries, including England, MS patients, and MS researchers, are driving the approval of marijuana as a medicine.

Late that day, patients and activists will gather at the U.S. Supreme Court for a candlelight vigil and silent protest commemorating those patients who died without legal access to their medicine. Blown-up posters portraying Cheryl and other deceased patients will be displayed in front of the court, where activists will be asked to place sentimental items that will remind them of Cheryl's struggle.

At 11:00 am on September 24th, patients, members of Congress, activists, and drug policy reform organizations will host a press conference at the Rayburn House office building on Capitol Hill. Patients will demand that the members of Congress who ignored Cheryl over the years now listen to those whom she inspired. Patients will also highlight the effectiveness of marijuana in treating MS and focus attention on the need to pass HR 2233, the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act; and HR 1717, the Truth in Trials Act. People who cannot be present that day are encouraged to participate in a National Phone Slam in support of both bills. Immediately following the press conference, this coalition of patients, activists, and organizations will spend the rest of the day lobbying their members of Congress and urge them to hold hearings on the two marijuana bills that are currently stalled in committee. In addition, patients will also target those Congressmen who recently spoke out against medical marijuana on the house floor, notably Rep. John Mica (R-FL) and Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN), will specifically be targeted by the out-of-town patients. This coalition will also visit the offices of each member of the Health and Judiciary Committees, where these important bills are being held up. (To see where your US Represntative stands on medical marijuana, visit http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=676

Why This Is Important:

I hope that by bringing attention to the plight of my late wife Cheryl, I can hasten the day when marijuana will be made available so that others are no longer needlessly forced to suffer with pain or risk arrest. Throughout much of her life, Cheryl risked arrest and jail to use the only medication that alleviated her suffering. Cheryl chose to take this risk, though many other patients are simply forced to suffer.

What I Am Asking You to Do:

We have estimated the cost of shuttling patients to this event at approximately $1,500 per patient. Our goal is to pay for at least 15 patients to come to DC for the vigil, press conference, and lobby day. You can help by agreeing to sponsor one of the patients right now by making a pledge for this project in the amount of $1,500. To do so, please click:

http://cheryldcmemorial.org

If you can't afford to sponsor a patient, I hope you'll consider making a smaller contribution to this effort, or raising money from friends, family, and medical marijuana supporters in your area to sponsor a patient.

If You Can't Make a Donation or Attend the Vigil:

Please encourage others to make a financial contribution to this project right now by forwarding this email to friends and family or involve yourself by sending an item that reminds you of Cheryl's struggle to the NORML office. Sentimental items will be placed on the steps of the Supreme Court during the Tuesday evening vigil. I envision this display to be one of the most emotional aspects of the project. For this purpose, small sentimental items can be sent to:

NORML ­ The Cheryl Miller Project
1600 K St. NW Suite 501
Washington, DC 20006

This project is important to me, to Cheryl's memory, and to other medical marijuana patients who are suffering because of the government's insane war against them and their medicine. I hope you will help make an impact on Congress by contributing to this project.

Sincerely,

Jim Miller
jimmiller@norml.org

P.S. If you'd like to contribute to this project by using Paypal, please click here: http://cheryldcmemorial.org

Hilary McQuie
Political Director
Americans for Safe Access
1678 Shattuck Ave. #317
Berkeley, CA 94709
Phone: 510-486-8083
Fax: 510-486-8090
www.safeaccessnow.org

****************************

For immediate release August 20, 2003

WISCONSIN MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACTIVISTS TO TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON DC TO ASK,

"IS MY MEDICINE LEGAL YET?"

Mondovi & Madison Wisconsin - Two longtime Wisconsin medical marijuana activists are helping to spearhead a Washington D.C. memorial for a New Jersey multiple sclerosis patient and fellow medical marijuana activist who died of complications from the disease on June 7. Jacki Rickert and Gary Storck, from the group, Is My Medicine Legal YET? (www.immly.org) will be traveling to Washington to memorialize the late Cheryl Miller (www.cherylheart.org), and visit congressional offices with other medical marijuana patients and advocates September 22-23, 2003. The two worked closely with Cheryl and her husband Jim, joining them on a number of lobbying trips to Washington, including one in 1999, when Jim Miller was arrested as the foursome blocked the former Georgia Republican Rep. Bob Barr's office doorway, to protest his opposition to medical marijuana. Barr went on to lose a GOP primary in 2002 after the Libertarian Party began airing a TV commercial featuring the seriously ill and paralyzed Cheryl Miller asking Barr why he would keep medical marijuana from her

(http://drugpolicycentral.com/real/cherylmiller.rm).

Events will include a candlelight memorial vigil at the U.S. Supreme Court on the evening of September 22, and a press conference and lobbying day on September 23. Supporters who cannot make the trip to Washington will be encouraged to contact congressional representatives by phone on September 23. Earlier on the 22nd, multiple sclerosis patients attending the event will visit offices of the MS Society to protest the group's refusal to support legal access to medical marijuana for MS patients, and their failure to provide accurate information on the medicinal benefits of marijuana IMMLY founder and director Jacki Rickert said.

"It's going to be really hard to go to Washington and not see Cheryl. From the first time we met back in 1997, we really hit it off. We made a pact - we would be friends and sisters for life. Cheryl was one person I could never say no to."

Rickert said she and Cheryl had dreamed for years of holding a candlelight vigil for medical marijuana patients in Washington,

"She kept asking, 'this time?' It's not like seeing Cheryl's physical presence, but believe me, she will be there." Rickert adds, "She'll have the best seat in the house."

"I last saw Cheryl in Washington last summer," said IMMLY director of communications, Gary Storck. "The Millers and I were part of a press conference in the Capitol, for last session's medical marijuana bill. That day, we started planning what would have been Cheryl's 10th lifetime trek to Washington for late spring, but she ran out of time. Nevertheless, her spirit will definitely be with us at the Supreme Court, the halls of Congress and at the D.C. office of the MS Society." Storck added, "I can't think of a better way to celebrate her life and honor her memory than by doing what Cheryl loved to do."

For further details, please visit the website of the Cheryl Miller Memorial Project: http://www.cheryldcmemorial.org/

****************************

SAVE THE DATE: September 22-24, 2003, will be days of remembrance and lobbying for Cheryl Miller and all those who have died before they could legally access their medicine. For more information, please visit

http://www.cheryldcmemorial.org .

======================================================================

Too many Americans suffering from conditions for which marijuana can be beneficial -- or can make their suffering more bearable -- die without ever being able to legally access it. Sadly, Cheryl Miller (May 21, 1946 - June 7, 2003), who lived with multiple sclerosis for 32 years, is now among them. While she was alive, Cheryl openly defied state and federal laws to claim her right to use marijuana, the only medicine that reduced the pain and spasticity of her degenerative condition.

Please write to Congress in her memory and ask your elected officials to pass the bill she advocated, H.R. 2233, the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act. You can fax a pre-written letter from MPP's Web site by visiting http://www.mpp.org/Remember_Cheryl . This link will take you directly to a page where you will enter your address. You then just need to click send when the letter appears (although you should feel free to edit it first).

Cheryl Miller risked her health and freedom countless times to share her personal experiences with politicians and the public. This is a risk that few medical marijuana patients living outside the law are willing to take.

Cheryl not only admitted that she used medical marijuana; she had the courage to take a public stand. After getting arrested for eating marijuana in a congressional office, Cheryl explained, "Every day, I live in fear that my husband and I will be arrested and imprisoned. I was arrested today so that some day, other patients will not have to be."

Please take action to help realize Cheryl's goal of freeing medical marijuana patients from the fear of arrest by visiting http://www.mpp.org/Remember_Cheryl . Cheryl devoted 10 of the most difficult years of her life to this cause. It takes only two minutes to honor her memory by sending a pre-written letter to Congress.

==================================================

Take Action Now! https://banqa.uaqa.com/norml/cheryl_miller.html

Dear NORML supporters,

I've been involved in the fight for safe access to medicinal marijuana since doctors diagnosed my late wife Cheryl with multiple sclerosis in 1971.

Throughout her life, to relieve her pain and suffering Cheryl, under the direction of her physician, tried numerous medications (including the THC capsule Marinol). Yet nothing relieved her symptoms like natural marijuana. Marijuana was the only remedy that alleviated my wife's pain.

Cheryl died from pneumonia and other MS-related complications on June 7th.

In the 57 years of her life she accomplished more than I could have imagined. Though MS left Cheryl severely disabled, she lobbied tirelessly for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes, and made numerous trips to Washington, DC to meet with her representatives and take part in acts of civil disobedience.

In honor of her dedication and inspiring courage several groups, including NORML, are organizing a vigil, press conference, and patient-lobby day in Washington, DC in memory of Cheryl. Please join NORML and me in keeping Cheryl's work and memory alive.

What we're doing:

On the morning of September 22nd, medical marijuana patients from around the nation will visit the Multiple Sclerosis Society to encourage the organization to reconsider its stance against the use of medicinal cannabis.

According to recently completed clinical trials in other countries, cannabinoids significantly alleviate pain and other nuerogenic symptoms associated with MS. In other countries, including England, MS patients, and MS researchers, are driving the approval of marijuana as a medicine.

Late that day, patients and activists will gather at the U.S. Supreme Court for a candlelight vigil and silent protest commemorating those patients who died without legal access to their medicine. Blown-up posters portraying Cheryl and other deceased patients will be displayed in front of the court, where activists will be asked to place sentimental items that will remind them of Cheryl's struggle.

At 11:00 am on September 24th, patients, members of Congress, activists, and drug policy reform organizations will host a press conference at the Rayburn House office building on Capitol Hill. Patients will demand that the members of Congress who ignored Cheryl over the years now listen to those whom she inspired. Patients will also highlight the effectiveness of marijuana in treating MS and focus attention on the need to pass HR 2233, the States' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act.

Immediately following the press conference, this coalition of patients, activists, and organizations will spend the rest of the day lobbying their members of Congress and urge them to hold hearings on the two marijuana bills that are currently stalled in committee. In addition, patients will also target those Congressmen who recently spoke out against medical marijuana on the house floor, notably Rep. John Mica (R-FL) and Rep. Mark Souder (R-IN), will specifically be targeted by the out-of-town patients.

This coalition will also visit the offices of each member of the Health and Judiciary Committees, where these important bills are being held up.

Why this is important:

I hope that by bringing attention to the plight of my late wife Cheryl, I can hasten the day when marijuana will be made available so that others are no longer needlessly forced to suffer with pain or risk arrest. Throughout much of her life, Cheryl risked arrest and jail to use the only medication that alleviated her suffering. Cheryl chose to take this risk, though many other patients are simply forced to suffer.

What I am asking you to do:

We have estimated the cost of shuttling patients to this event at approximately $1,500 per patient. Our goal is to pay for at least 15 patients to come to DC for the vigil, press conference, and lobby day. You can help by agreeing to sponsor one of the patients right now by making a pledge to NORML for this project in the amount of $1,500. To do so, please click:

https://banqa.uaqa.com/norml/cheryl_miller.html

If you can't afford to sponsor a patient, I hope you'll consider making a smaller contribution to this effort, or raising money from friends, family, and NORML supporters in your area to sponsor a patient.

If you can't make a donation or attend the vigil:

Please encourage others to make a financial contribution to this project right now by forwarding this email to friends and family or involve yourself by sending an item that reminds you of Cheryl's struggle to the NORML office. Sentimental items will be placed on the steps of the Supreme Court during the Tuesday evening vigil. I envision this display to be one of the most emotional aspects of the project. For this purpose, small sentimental items can be sent to:

NORML ­ The Cheryl Miller Project
1600 K St. NW
Suite 501
Washington, DC 20006

This project is important to me, to Cheryl's memory, and to other medical marijuana patients who are suffering because of the government's insane war against them and their medicine. I hope you will help make an impact on Congress by contributing to this project.

Sincerely,

Jim Miller
jimmiller@norml.org

P.S. If you'd like to contribute to this project by using Paypal, please click here:

http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5723

####################

NORML Media Watch

NORML was featured prominently in several media outlets this week, including the New York Newsday, The Quad-City Times and Metro Santa Cruz. To read these articles or about other NORML media appearances, check out "NORML in the Media" at: http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5481

Donate to NORML's "Marijuana Truth Campaign"

If you have not already done so, please consider making a donation to NORML's "Marijuana Truth" Campaign. To learn more about this campaign or to read NORML's new report, "Your Government Is Lying to You (Again) About Marijuana: A Refutation of the Drug Czar's 'Open Letter to America's Prosecutors,'" please visit: http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5513

Please support NORML/NORML Foundation's efforts to change marijuana policy and educate the public to alternatives to marijuana prohibition. You can join, donate or purchase a NORML-related product online at:

http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=3454

####################

On Monday and Tuesday, September 22 and 23, 2003, Cheryl Miller's family and friends will join with medical marijuana supporters to memorialize her life and contributions to the medical marijuana movement. Though she was paralyzed by decades of multiple sclerosis, Cheryl and her husband and caregiver Jim waged a long and courageous battle so patients like Cheryl would not have to suffer when a safe medicine, marijuana, could be easily available were it not for politics keeping it illegal and out of the hands of those who could benefit. Cheryl's long struggle came to an end on June 7, 2003.

As most of her friends were unable to make memorials in New Jersey and her native Oklahoma, Jim decided that it would be fitting to have a memorial for Cheryl in Washington, D.C., a city she had visited 10 times to help educate people about medical marijuana.

For years, Cheryl had been wanting to do a candlelight vigil in Washington, but unfortunately that wish was not fulfilled in her lifetime.

It will be fulfilled the evening of Monday, September 22, 2003, outside the U.S. Supreme Court. On Tuesday September 23, there will be a press conference and a day for medical marijuana patients and supporters to visit congressional offices to educate elected representatives about the realities patients face each day. And supporters who cannot make it to Washington will be encouraged to contact elected representatives in Washington in a coordinated national call-in day and participate in other local actions.

The Cheryl Miller Memorial Project is a collaboration of a number of drug policy reform groups and individuals including:

The Cherylheart Project, Is My Medicine Legal YET?, Americans for Safe Access, Drug Policy Alliance, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, DrugSense, DRCNET, MPP, NORML, Ohio Patient Network, SSDP, Ron Crickenberger - Libertarian for Congress; with more participants to be announced.

The Project's website is nearing completion at:

http://www.cheryldcmemorial.org/

Today we are asking for help in having one of the banners found at:

http://cheryldcmemorial.org/banners.htm

added to websites, and linked to the Project website.

Thank you for your assistance!

Gary Storck
gstorck@immly.org

for the Cheryl Miller Memorial Project


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