Originally Posted by ASA Field

Contacting Senator Feinstein is a great idea, though I don't expect to see much movement from her office. Also, she is in the Senate, and the questioning has so far originated from the House.

This is a bit off topic, but several of you have contacted me asking what you can do. Chairman Conyers is on the issue so I don't think there's a need to flood his office with phone calls at this point.

However, you should ALWAYS be in contact with your House and Senate representatives. I encourage everyone to set up a meeting with the district offices of your representative and senators. You'll likely meet with staff, but staff are integral to making policy decisions. Go ahead right now and contact your House and Senate offices and ask for a meeting about the medical marijuana raids and Conyer's letter to the DEA. Once you've set up a meeting, contact ASA's field coordinator, George (george@safeaccessnow.org). He can provide you with relevant materials for your meetings and help guide you on what to say.

It's really easy and can also be a lot of fun. You'd be surprised at how few constituents meet with their reps about any issue so this can make a huge impact. ASA can meet with all the reps in DC, but if they don't hear from their constituents, they may never realize how important this issue is.

I know this might seem scary so I encourage you to partner with someone else in your district to go to the meetings with you. After you've done it once, I'm sure you'll want to do it again. And after the first meeting, make sure to follow up - build relationship with congressional staffers so you can call on them later when we need help.

Ok, So I am up for this challenge. I went to The House of Representatives' website and entered my zip +4 and found out my rep is Jane Harmen. That seems strange because her office is in El Segundo but I am willing to drive a little to move this movement a lot.

So, I called and was told my Rep is not in town and the person who answered the phone did not know when she would be back in CA. So I asked to meet with a staff person.

The person who answered to phone asked what it was regarding. I said Medical Marijuana. He said if it was advocacy. I said yes. He didn't know which staff member handled that issue. Maybe Health? I gave him my name and #. He asked if I was with any organizations and said I was a member of several groups but was mostly a patient. We'll see what happens next with that office.

But for now, I'm calling Boxer's offices.
312 N. Spring St. Suite 1748
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 894-5000
(202) 224-0357 fax

Boxer= I asked to have a meeting with Boxer. The person who picked up the phone said "One moment please" then after a delay said "What's this in regards to?" I said MMJ. He said "One moment please". Then after a delays said Boxer was not available for a meeting. and suggested I send a letter "for or against mmj". I asked if I could meet with a staff member. He said (yes, you guest it) "One moment please" then after a delay he asked "Do you have a problem with mmj?" I said I am advocate/patient. and he said it again "One moment please". Then another guy got on the phone. I explained I was an MMJ patient and want to make an appointment with a staff member. He asked "field rep?" I said yes and he said "One second". Then I was transfered to Gina Semenza who was super friendly. I said you're the 3rd person I talked to on this call and that I was a MMJ patient who wants to meet with a staff member/field rep. She said Congratulations! I got the right place. And we had some friendly banter. She asked if I want to talk over the phone or come into the office. I said the office. she ask when? I said ASAP.

I got an appointment tomorrow at 2pm in the same building as Charles Lynch's trial. Whoo-hooo! I get 30-45 minutes to talk to her. Now, I gotta figure out what to say to her. ASA, HELP.

I'll call Feinstein now.
11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 915
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Main: (310) 914-7300
Fax: (310) 914-7318
Map this | Directions To

I got rachel, she said they don't handle Feinstein's appointments in the LA office. I would have to call DC for that. And appointments require something in writing. I asked if I could meet with a field rep. She said yes. Asked for my name and organization. I said I'm a medical marijuana patient and a member of several organizations but would like to meet as a patient. She said she was going to transfer me to Mick Davies/field. She had a hard time transferring the call but I eventually spoke to Mike and he wanted to meet Wed. I said I'm meeting with Boxer's rep Wed can we meet Thursday. Yep, at 2pm. Yay!

Now what? I better email George.

Have you made your appointment yet?

[ASA Field]

Thanks for posting this more prominently and for taking action so quickly. It's exciting that you got a meeting with Boxer's office!

I hope others will follow Herbalicious and hop on the phone to set up some meetings. It's easy (though sometimes you'll have to be a bit patient with staff) and rewarding!

[BrattonBasher]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

Ok, So I am up for this challenge. I went to The House of Representatives' website and entered my zip +4 and found out my rep is Jane Harmen. That seems strange because her office is in El Segundo but I am willing to drive a little to move this movement a lot.

So, I called and was told my Rep is not in town and the person who answered the phone did not know when she would be back in CA. So I asked to meet with a staff person.

The person who answered to phone asked what it was regarding. I said Medical Marijuana. He said if it was advocacy. I said yes. He didn't know which staff member handled that issue. Maybe Health? I gave him my name and #. He asked if I was with any organizations and said I was a member of several groups but was mostly a patient. We'll see what happens next with that office.

But for now, I'm calling Boxer's offices.
312 N. Spring St. Suite 1748
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 894-5000
(202) 224-0357 fax

Boxer= I asked to have a meeting with Boxer. The person who picked up the phone said "One moment please" then after a delay said "What's this in regards to?" I said MMJ. He said "One moment please". Then after a delays said Boxer was not available for a meeting. and suggested I send a letter "for or against mmj". I asked if I could meet with a staff member. He said (yes, you guest it) "One moment please" then after a delay he asked "Do you have a problem with mmj?" I said I am advocate/patient. and he said it again "One moment please". Then another guy got on the phone. I explained I was an MMJ patient and want to make an appointment with a staff member. He asked "field rep?" I said yes and he said "One second". Then I was transfered to Gina Semenza who was super friendly. I said you're the 3rd person I talked to on this call and that I was a MMJ patient who wants to meet with a staff member/field rep. She said Congratulations! I got the right place. And we had some friendly banter. She asked if I want to talk over the phone or come into the office. I said the office. she ask when? I said ASAP.

I got an appointment tomorrow at 2pm in the same building as Charles Lynch's trial. Whoo-hooo! I get 30-45 minutes to talk to her. Now, I gotta figure out what to say to her. ASA, HELP.

I'll call Feinstein now.
11111 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 915
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Main: (310) 914-7300
Fax: (310) 914-7318
Map this | Directions To

I got rachel, she said they don't handle Feinstein's appointments in the LA office. I would have to call DC for that. And appointments require something in writing. I asked if I could meet with a field rep. She said yes. Asked for my name and organization. I said I'm a medical marijuana patient and a member of several organizations but would like to meet as a patient. She said she was going to transfer me to Mick Davies/field. She had a hard time transferring the call but I eventually spoke to Mike and he wanted to meet Wed. I said I'm meeting with Boxer's rep Wed can we meet Thursday. Yep, at 2pm. Yay!

Now what? I better email George.

Have you made your appointment yet?

I am real impressed by this type of activism!!!! Way to go!!!

Originally Posted by BrattonBasher

I am real impressed by this type of activism!!!! Way to go!!!

You're impressed by that? Wait until you hear about my meeting with Gina from Barbara Boxer's office today....AWESOME. Gina is a kind hearted positive individuals who asked intelligible and seemed thoroughly interested in what I had to say. What a gem.

[I'm in a lot of pain so this might look bad until I can edit it tomorrow but I want to get the word out]

So here's how it went down:

I had thought about bringing other patients with me, than I realized that it would be stronger if each patient made their own appointment. Imagine if she has 10 meetings with patients in the next week. So, I was already in the building observing the Charles Lynch trial down stairs, so when I got back from lunch, I went to Barbara's office on the 17 floor. I was dressed in a black trendy blazer, a blue button up shirt and black slacks with white pin stripes. I had a note pad and my purse with me. I was on time.

The office has a bunch of placards on the walls and pictures of Barbara. There were two people in the reception area. One notified Gina I was there and I sat and waited in some regal looking chair. While I was waiting a bunch of staff members came back from lunch. They were all college age and all friendly and chatty. Then Gina rolls out of the back.

Yes, Gina was in an electric wheel chair. And I instantly thought, Oh she's disabled in a different way than I am, we have something in common. She lead me into a conference room and I introduced myself. I said a little about myself and my condition and then explained why I was there.

Don luckily was able to print out some the John Conyer's letter with supporting documents and two ASA sheets. One about the increase DEA interference and one about Dispensaries. Before giving these documents to Gina, I explained them a little to her. She had a lot of great questions for. She didn't seem that knowledge but she seemed interested in learning.

I explained the Conyer's letter to her and told her that I would like Boxer to support Conyer's effort in the House even though she is in the Senate and I asked if she would consider doing something similar in the senate.

Gina wanted to know how I knew about dispensaries. I chose my words very wisely and said I had access to "resources" that allowed me to find and communicate with locations (WT). Not once did I mention this site or its name or its nature. I just referred to it as a resource because that's what it is.

She want to know about dispensary locations and how discreet they are. I told her most of the ones I've been to were very discreet and most people would not realize what locations were. I told her locations get business licenses and pay state taxes and individuals pay Federal income tax on money earned at them. I related this to the Charlie Lynch trial by saying that Mr. Lynch's establishment was originally in a different city and the city ask him to leave and he did to Morro Bay and Morro bay welcomed him and he joined the chambers of commerce.

I explained to her the the Attorney General of CA was going to release guidelines on regulating dispensaries and the DEA was interfering with our ability to regulate our locations.

Gina asked to read the Conyer's letter before proceeding and I allowed her to read over it. She stop at the part where it says "para'military tactics" and I explained to her that DEA come in armed and force patients and employees on the ground. They detain individuals, etc. I also explained to her that the DEA was supposed to respond to Conyer's by 7/1 and they have not.

She asked me why the DEA was conducting raids. I explained to her that I could only speculate. I speculated it was an election year and the current administration has something to do with it. She mentioned Obama. I explained to her that the founder Steph had visited LA last weekend and spoke about her efforts in DC and ASA's hopes for President Obama. I also told her that ASA had a back up plan if Obama didn't win but were focusing on him winning.

I also explained to her that Obama has not made a firm statement on specific actions but has said that it is a waste of time and money to prosecute patients. I also explained to her the different things Steph is doing in DC with other organizations AIDS, cancer, AARP, MS, etc.

I explained to her briefly some of the history behind cannabis illegalization on the federal level. How congress ignored AMA's recommendation. I told her cannabis is a schedule one drug like heroine, crack, coke, and ecstasy and that schedule 1 drugs are believed to have no medical benefit. I mentioned research proving medical benefit. And schedule 1 drugs are believed to be highly addictive. I explained to her that research shows it is NO MORE addictive than cigarrettes or alcohol.

I also briefly mentioned nonmedical benefits of hemp, gas, oil, paper, clothing, rope, etc. I explained to her that Presidents have grown hemp and people could pay their federal taxes with cannabis during parts of our history. I explained to her Hearst push for illegalization and how the federal government is interfering with research.

I explained to her that our patients come from every walk of life, span all (adult) age groups and vary like the general population. I explained to her that senior citizens were patients.

There's more but I think you get the drift. My arms hurt, I need sleep.

I almost forgot. Before returning to the Lynch trial I went into the bathroom and write a thank you note on a beautiful card and then delivered it to Boxer's office to be given to Gina.

She was interested in ASA's work and wanted me and Don to keep her updated.

After the Lynch trial adjourned, We (me and 2 other trackers) saw her leaving for the night and she came over and introduced herself to everyone and was very friendly.

[HairyKushna]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

I almost forgot. Before returning to the Lynch trial I went into the bathroom and write a thank you note on a beautiful card and then delivered it to Boxer's office to be given to Gina.

She was interested in ASA's work and wanted me and Don to keep her updated.

After the Lynch trial adjourned, We (me and 2 other trackers) saw her leaving for the night and she came over and introduced herself to everyone and was very friendly.

you're too much of a contribution to this community ..

i envy you

I need to post in the Charlie Lynch Trial - Thread..

I hope your feeling better hon.. i know it took a lot outta you to not only sit on those damn chairs all day in the court room but go back and type up a detailed report of your interview with Gina--btw, did ZS post anything about the trial and support yet?

im goign to schedule my meeting asap!

Originally Posted by HairyKushna

you're too much of a contribution to this community ..

i envy you

I need to post in the Charlie Lynch Trial - Thread..

I hope your feeling better hon.. i know it took a lot outta you to not only sit on those damn chairs all day in the court room but go back and type up a detailed report of your interview with Gina--btw, did ZS post anything about the trial and support yet?

im goign to schedule my meeting asap!

I hope farmer writers a report and hope ZS writes up his stuff too. Let me know if you need any support or guidance when making your appointment or going to your meeting.

[The Urban Spaceman]

i found that the congressman for my district is Adam Schiff and I have started contacting him asking about his stance on MMJ. I have sent him an email and a duplicate of my email on actual paper in a real envelope that takes stamps and stuff. I even received a nice form letter reply to my email from the Congressman stating his stance on MMJ. in any event it is a start and i plan on continuing my dialogue with him, including requesting a meeting.

anyway, here's what the form letter had to say regarding his position on MMJ.

"In my tenure as a member of Congress, I have supported efforts to enforce our drug laws in a thoughtful manner. For instance you may be interested to know that I supported the Farr-Rohrabacher amendment to the Commerce, Justice, State and Judiciary Appropriations Bill which would bar the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) from using any funds to raid or arrest patients who use medical marijuana in compliance with their state laws. This would in effect allow Alaska , Arizona , California , Colorado , Hawaii , Maine , Maryland , Nevada , Oregon , and Washington to implement their state laws permitting the use of marijuana for medical purposes. I supported this amendment on the House floor, but regrettably, it failed by a 268-148 vote. Please be assured that I will keep your support for legislation that would reduce taxpayer money for minor offenses and your concern that prosecuting non-violent drug offenders is distracting law enforcement officers from preventing more grave and serious crimes in mind when this issue is again considered in the House."
Adam Schiff

[BrattonBasher]

This is truly inspiring to read of these efforts by MMJ patients! I will now make an effort to write to Feinstein and Boxer as well as local reps. If all of us took the time and effort that a few of us are willing and able to do it would make a difference. Hats off!!!

Originally Posted by The Urban Spaceman

in any event it is a start and i plan on continuing my dialogue with him, including requesting a meeting.

Awesome, keep us updated. I'm waiting for the links to the docs Don gave me and when I get them I'll post them.

Originally Posted by BrattonBasher

This is truly inspiring to read of these efforts by MMJ patients! I will now make an effort to write to Feinstein and Boxer as well as local reps. If all of us took the time and effort that a few of us are willing and able to do it would make a difference. Hats off!!!

It's super easy. There job is to meet with you. To listen to you. All you have to do is show up present yourself in a professional manner and help educate them because they do NOT know much about these issues. Let us know what you end up doing.

[The Urban Spaceman]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

Awesome, keep us updated. I'm waiting for the links to the docs Don gave me and when I get them I'll post them.



It's super easy. There job is to meet with you. To listen to you. All you have to do is show up present yourself in a professional manner and help educate them because they do NOT know much about these issues. Let us know what you end up doing.

my biggest concern is that i'll get a meeting set up and get there and not have anything to say! i am gonna go over your post about your meeting yesterday for some help in what to say! and then make notes so i don't get there and have an attack of

Originally Posted by The Urban Spaceman

my biggest concern is that i'll get a meeting set up and get there and not have anything to say! i am gonna go over your post about your meeting yesterday for some help in what to say! and then make notes so i don't get there and have an attack of

You can practice with me too. I think it's good to go in way an idea of the things you want to express. I wasn't sure either but Don helped me a little and it really helped that Gina was such a kind-hearted person.

[The Urban Spaceman]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

You can practice with me too. I think it's good to go in way an idea of the things you want to express. I wasn't sure either but Don helped me a little and it really helped that Gina was such a kind-hearted person.

thanks i will do just that! practice makes perfect! and yes, i want to know what i wanna talk about BEFORE i get there.
maybe we can do some brainstorming one of these days before i make the appointment.
and my wife said as soon as i get paid for working next week i can take $35 and join asa. i have been out of work for the last 6 weeks so money has been a bit tight but she was so impressed by what i came back and told her about the meeting last weekend, that she said that i needed to support the ASA. i was so happy! so as soon as i get my check i am gonna sign up!

Originally Posted by The Urban Spaceman

thanks i will do just that! practice makes perfect! and yes, i want to know what i wanna talk about BEFORE i get there.
maybe we can do some brainstorming one of these days before i make the appointment.
and my wife said as soon as i get paid for working next week i can take $35 and join asa. i have been out of work for the last 6 weeks so money has been a bit tight but she was so impressed by what i came back and told her about the meeting last weekend, that she said that i needed to support the ASA. i was so happy! so as soon as i get my check i am gonna sign up!

Spacey you're wife seems really cool. Speaking of ASA meetings, three LA meetings ago they covered the topic of speaking to the media and government. I missed that meeting because I got the times mixed up but I did get a flyer (which I can't find right now) about this very topic. Maybe it's on the ASA website.

[The Urban Spaceman]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

Spacey you're wife seems really cool. Speaking of ASA meetings, three LA meetings ago they covered the topic of speaking to the media and government. I missed that meeting because I got the times mixed up but I did get a flyer (which I can't find right now) about this very topic. Maybe it's on the ASA website.

she has come a long way! she really used to think we were all just a buncha stoners. but over the months she has changed her views. she was so funny - she said, "Spacey - you better join that organization and support them - if you are gonna reap the benefits you better put your money where your mouth is!" she is all about doing what is right and fairness and stuff. you'd like her. she is a solution oriented person.

so i better go look and see if i can find that flyer! but before i do anything i will talk to you first. work out a plan. and go in there knowing my topic.

I called Jane Harmen's office again. I was transferred to the voicemail of Jessica and I'm waiting for a call back.

I left a message to the effect that I had called 2 days earlier and the person who answered the phone didn't know who in the office handled MMJ and that they would call me back. They didn't call me back and I am hoping Jessica will call me back in the next few business days. I said I was a mmj patient and wanted to discuss national policy.

Check out these important links:

http://www.weedtracker.com/forums/sh...3.html?t=71173

The ABCs of Citizen Advocacy


There will probably me more soon.

I'm off to see Feinstein's rep. Wish me luck. Then after that I will be going to the tail end of the Charles Lynch hearings today and then I'll be volunteering at my new coop tonight. Fun, fun, fun!

[Justonevoice]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

I'm off to see Feinstein's rep. Wish me luck. Then after that I will be going to the tail end of the Charles Lynch hearings today and then I'll be volunteering at my new coop tonight. Fun, fun, fun!

I am sure you will do fine. Go get m Herbi

It was very interesting to see the difference between the appearances of Boxer's office and Feinstein's office. Both these senators have distinct personalities and it comes through in their decoy.

The waiting room in Feinstein's (which is an actual room and not just an area in the same space as the reception area). There was a large glass barrier with a circular metal grate for communication this barriers separates the reception area from the waiting room. It feels impersonal. The rest of the waiting room was pristine.

Cream colored walls, tan carpets, black leather couch and chair, dark wood coffee table and end table with bass lamp with cream lamp shade. On the coffee table Precious Heritage, Literacy Phone Book, Lake Tahoe Magazine, Inside Tennis magazine and a clip board with privacy release forms.

One large painting was on the same wall as the door I entered. The painting as a collage of different images. Feinstein is in center surrounded by people and images that represent California & DC which include George Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln, Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, the Statue of Liberty, Red & white stripes (someone forgot the blue & stars), capitol, buildings, a stamp, an unknown Hispanic man (Chavez?), Field workers in field, the shape of California under Feinstein's arm which is writing something on paper newspaper with headlines, cactusi, and a US postal stamp. It's a college painting with a fancy frame. The painting allow is worth the visit (especially if you're medicated).

An intern came and said Mike would see me at 2pm and asked if I wanted water or anything else. I just asked where the bathroom was. He told me and after he left the room, I wanted to ask if I could leave my belongings behind with him. I looked through the glass and he was in an office acting very excited and making strange gesture which I assume he was being a undersexed young man. He told me to just leave my stuff in the room and he's watch it through the glass.

At 2, Mike came out and lead me into as board room and after some banter I explained why I was there to garner support for John Conyer's letter. I explained my personal connect to medical marijuana and how I depend on dispensaries for safe access and how the Attorney General is going to provide regulations for dispensaries but the DEA is interfering with the progress.

I explained some of the history of cannabis in America. He asked intelligent questions. He didn't know Feinstein's stance on the issue. He doesn't know if she even has a position or if she has ever had to deal with it. I mentioned the Charlie Lynch trial. He wasn't aware there were 12 other states that have medical cannabis laws on the books. I mentioned the threatening letters from the DEA to landlords.

He said last summer, he got a call from someone in the valley who was raided, arrested, shut down by DEA and the man was asking if Feinstein could help. I asked what feedback from Feinstein and he said "We have to change the law". I brought up rescheduling and he asked if a schedule change would effect punishments. I said yes.

He was asking about varying prices in dispensaries. I said yes because overhead varies. I mentioned the locations I go to are discreet. He told me about 2 places that were very undiscreet with big neon signs. He was conveying info about discreet verse undiscreet and used the word "us" and "we" so I think he's sympathetic.

I talked about regulations and groups like GLACMA. He asked about "low priority" cities like Oakland, Santa Monica, West Hollywood. I explained the punishment he faces is far worse than anything that would happen to him for consuming cannabis.

I forgot to leave my thank-you note before I left the building. But I had written the thank-you note before the appointment and I think it helped set the tone. This is what I wrote:

I want you to know I'm honored to have met you today. I want to thank you for your positive interaction. I offer my gratitude for the opportunity to discuss medical marijuana laws, federal policies and the affects of said policies on individuals and communities in California. I know your time is valuable. The gift of your consideration is not taken lightly.

This was all very interesting to me. Today I was dressed in the same pants and a black top with a black jacket. I think it helped that I looked professional and came across as "one of them".

[BabyBoomer]

Thank you so much Herbalicious for all that you do for this cause. Impressive.

And thank you for taking the time to talk to me today and point me in the right directions.

It all starts with one step.

I now feel comfortable enough to visit these representatives personally and speak with them.

We must change the scheduling on this.

Thank you for all of your help. I'm really inspired now.

Motivated to make my voice heard.

And to my WT friends and family, please join in, please.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by BabyBoomer

Thank you so much Herbalicious for all that you do for this cause. Impressive.

And thank you for taking the time to talk to me today and point me in the right directions.

It all starts with one step.

I now feel comfortable enough to visit these representatives personally and speak with them.

We must change the scheduling on this.

Thank you for all of your help. I'm really inspired now.

Motivated to make my voice heard.

And to my WT friends and family, please join in, please.

Thank you.

The field rep for Barbara Boxer was surprised that there were senior citizens as mmj patients. I thought of YOU, BabyBoomer when I was explaining to her the diversity of our group.

[BabyBoomer]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

The field rep for Barbara Boxer was surprised that there were senior citizens as mmj patients. I thought of YOU, BabyBoomer when I was explaining to her the diversity of our group.

Glad to represent the 3% of those over 55.

Originally Posted by BabyBoomer

Glad to represent the 3% of those over 55.

We all should be glad to represent our community and demographic within that community.

[ASA Field]

Originally Posted by Herbalicious

Check out these important links:

http://www.weedtracker.com/forums/sh...3.html?t=71173

The ABCs of Citizen Advocacy


There will probably me more soon.

If you are even thinking about setting up a meeting with one of your reps please do read the ABCs guide that Caren, ASA's director of government affairs, wrote. It's short and simple and will hopefully make legislative activism less scary.

Also, always feel free to call the ASA office if you need help setting up a meeting and for guidance on what to say at a meeting: 510-251-1856.