[FARMER]

FARM REPORT- AUGUST ASA MEETING/ LOS ANGELES
As the activists filed into the Patients ID Center in West Hollywood, CA it seemed clear that regardless of the heat or the fact of it being a Saturday, people were gonna show up in numbers today. Really impressive Los Angeles as we filled the room with old and new faces, all eager to apply ourselves to the tasks at hand.

Don Duncan took over at the helm but not before Jeff Jones of the Patient ID Center interjected with a little fact relevant to our movement. Seems he’d read in the most recent issue of Men’s Journal, a popular men’s periodical, that MMJ was now being utilized as a sports medicine and went on to compare MMJ to those popular over the counter showing it’s superiority over them in treating the sports ailments in question. Jeff said he thought the title of the piece was “Not over the counter, yet.” This is good news as it opens a whole new avenue of proponents to the movement.

So once Jeff was finished hipping us to this new wrinkle, Don took over to helm the meeting. For those of you reading this whom might not know, Don Duncan is the west coast director of ASA and a diligent soldier for our cause.

Anyway, Don started off by revisiting AB2279, the employee rights bill which has had a number of “false starts” in the state senate after making it’s way through the Assembly. Don feels confident that this week will see the vote, finally. He also feels confident that the vote will pass with several votes to spare. If this is true that means the next stop for AB2279, once it passes senate, will be the Governor’s desk. From there, at this point, it’s anyone’s guess. Don did say the movement has an “in” with several republicans who may have Arnold’s ear.
This effort to get AB2279 has truly been a grass roots effort in every sense of the word and much of effort has been moved forward by the constant and unbending work of ASA, not only in our state legislature but on a the federal level as well. While ASA worked in conjunction with other groups, including MPP (a feat in itself) but ASA has been the leader in this latest MMJ battle. We advocates don’t always see where our donation money is going but here is the perfect example of seeing it work. We, the members of ASA, are making this happen by our contributions. IF YOU HAVE NOT JOINED ASA YET, PLEASE DO SO TODAY. IF YOU HAVE, MAYBE THERE’S A GIFT IN ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS FUTURES. EVERY LITTLE BIT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE. PLEASE JOIN TODAY AND HELP ASA CONTINUE TO DO THIS IMPORTANT WORK. (thanks!)

Back at the meeting, Don reminded us that this year and this summer in particular seems to be heating up more and more with DEA raids happening near every week lately and the Agency’s plans to continue to prosecute dispensary owners under federal regardless of their state’s laws. We discussed the coming election and Don reminded us that ASA was putting the finishing touches on a briefing book being published to aid in their outreach to the coming administration.

Several in the room voiced their relief that we will have a different situation come a different administration. I, for one, do not believe a second of it. Beside the obvious danger of putting all your eggs in one basket, hoping the election of Obama will cure all our ills (What happens if McCain wins, kids? Think it can’t happen? Does anyone remember Florida about nine years ago?), If you think Obama’s gonna be our savior, you’re sorely mistaken. A sympathetic ear is all we’re gonna get. This guy will not stick his neck out for us. We’re still gonna have to make it happen. This is our battle to take to congress if anything’s gonna get changed.

Next up on the meeting’s agenda, Don discussed San Diego. Finally some progress seems to have been reached in this longstanding battle over San Diego’s refusal to create or work with a state ID program. San Diego continues to battle MMJ in the county, going after dispensaries but after the Appeals Court ruled that the county of San Diego cannot opt out of state law in lieu of federal law. The county seems to be running out of time or options and county MMJ ID cards may be a reality sooner than later.

A brief discussion took place at this point regarding California’s Attorney General and where he stands with all this. I personally would like to know. Have you ever been to Jerry Brown’s (our attorney general) site and read his job description? It seems to me, with all the raids and good, law abidding citizens like Charles Lynch being sent to federal prison, that Jerry Brown has some answering to do. He is not protecting our citizens or our laws as his job description states.

Worse is happening in Santa Barbara where Don reports the DEA’s involvement in completely running MMJ out of Santa Barbara county. The department of justice, working in cooperation with local law enforcement recently sent out “invites” to the owner/operators of 5 dispensaries in S.B. and 1 dispensary in Goleta to a “meeting”. Those who chose to show up, were given 90 day “eviction” notices. Basically told to close up shop, or face the upcoming wrath the feds have in store for this isolated and unprotected area. This is further proof in my book that the feds are not going away on this issue. All this talk about the new administration is CRAP. The feds are not going anywhere. Don’t believe me? Ask Charles Lynch. Our “ball” is being rolled backwards, my friends. This year we saw the passage of Measure B and restrictions implemented in Northern California. Now further restrictions and guidelines are further controlling what our state Prop 215 can and cannot do. Our powers are being diminished right before our very eyes. Without groups like ASA, it’ll be no time at all before we voted for. We’ll lose all we’ve fought for, if we’re not very, very careful.

This is a year of raids and more to come, unfortunately. While many of us just wish the feds would disappear, the truth is they won’t. We can prepare for this battle. Don reminded us that the ASA action alert program is there for everyone to utilize in these hard times. By signing up, you become a positive key in communication of defending our rights. By receiving text with alert to raids you can be the first on the scene to catch the thugs in the act. If there’s patients inside, just you showing up can take a potentially terrifying experience and turn it into one of empowerment. Your voices outside can add courage to our sisters and brothers inside. Being on the action alert network will keep you clued in. Go to the ASA site today and sign up. It doesn’t cost a thing.

Speaking of raids, a brief discussion over raid preparedness took place in which we talked about the importance of keeping a “Raid Kit” in your own personal vehicle at all times. That way you have what you need, should the horrible happen. The said “Raid Kit” should include but not be limited to the following items: Protest signs (ready to go! Save ‘em from previous protests), a good hat to block the sun and protect your head, sunglass, again to protect from the sun, water to battle the inevitable dehydration from being out in the sun and screaming for hours. Also sunblock was suggested. The point is if in this situation, you’ll be “called” upon to react. Better to have these items with you so you’re covered. Obviously as the seasons change a raincoat, pancho or other “rain” items might need to be added.

Richard Kearns took over at one point to discuss events in Culver City. The recent raid at Organica brought things to a head at the last Culver City Council meeting this last week. “Received cordially” was how Richard described the way the MMJ supporters welcomed by the CCC. Herbalicious and He along with ten or so other activist made quite a showing there, including Herb grilling the local LEO as to the existence of a police report on the incident at Organica. Good times. Guess the LEO didn’t really have an answer. Wish I had been there for that!

CALLING ALL CULVER CITY PATIENTS. It is IMPERATIVE that Culver City residents make a showing at the next several Culver City Council meetings. The first is happening on August 25th. Culver City residents need to speak up to their council against what is brewing there. A presence must be made, folks and it’s Culver City Patients that need to be the ones making! Please show up at 7:00pm on 8/25 and help make a difference.

Although Richard Eastman was unable to make the meeting, Don gave us a brief update on the upcoming Citizensforsafeaccess MMJ protest scheduled at the DNC on August 28th. Richard, Don and a group are heading up in a van to join other activists in Denver. They’ll be marching on the same day Obama accepts the nomination. Exciting times, folks. If you’re in the Denver area on that date, show up and give your support.

Next up,…OCT 6TH !!!
Or as it was presented at the meeting, “Green Monday”. On October 6th, 2008 Charles Lynch and this attorneys will be in federal court, requesting a new trial. There will be a group going in at 8:00am to show court support and then the big protest ( and I mean BIG!) begins at 11am outside on the sidewalk surrounding the court house. Herbalicious says we gotta get two thousand together. I say Hell, freakin’, Yeah! Let’s see that shit! Just a sea of activists surrounding the court house, demanding our rights. Quite impressive, wouldn’t ya think. This will send a huge message not only here in California but all over the planet. We need this right now to help galvanize this movement, given the hits it’s taken from the feds this last couple years.

Don discussed ASA’s “inside/outside” strategy for that day and the days up to and after it. A blitz of lobbying effort, meeting with the powers that be while the taste of this “Green Monday” is still on their lips, as it were. All the more reason for patients to turn out in huge numbers for this protest. Heads up, Dispensary owners and operators! What can you do to help this effort? Regardless of what your lawyers advise you, you are involved. Will you wait till you’re in federal court before you’re contacting ASA. This is your butts on the line now. Do what you need to do, owners but get your patients out for this protest. ASA and GLACA are asking for a “Green Out” on Oct 6th from 11:00am to 2:00pm from SoCal dispensary owners. This means closing shop. Hopefully it means joining the protest as well but in a unified effort all are being asked to remain closed for said hours. There’s much effort going into this protest and we all need to pitch in. Owners can do so by getting as many patients as they can interested and down there. This could mean organizing carpools to help those without transportation get to the federal court house. Please do what you can to help show the feds we won’t be pushed around any longer.

We then chose to make the next Los Angeles ASA meeting, September’s meeting, a field trip! We’ll be holding September’s meeting at the HempExpo which is taking place on September 20th in West Hollywood. We’re gonna hold a sign making session in preparation for “Green Monday”. It’s gonna be fun and what a fun environment as the glories of Cannabis will be all around us! YEA!!! So please make sure you make the next ASA meeting as autumn will be in the air and possibly the whiff of something even sweeter but above all it’ll be a chance to roll up our sleeves and have fun preparing for the upcoming protest. We’ll need markers and stencils and poster board and such so if you have that stuff feel free to donate. Otherwise come because it’s gonna be a good time.

We then chose to meet on September 27th for a “pre-protest” meeting to make sure were organized and prepared for “Green Monday”. Look for more info as it presents itself.

At the end of the meeting some discussion was made concerning “rouge shops” or one’s not legit. While nothing was proposed concerning these shops, their excistance was discussed and many feel they are detrimental to the advancement of the movement. Guess that’s why “Green Monday” is so important. In the eyes of the feds, none of us are legit. Ironic, huh?

Please mark October 6th on your calendar. Mark it bold and in Red!
Thanks for reading along,
Farmer

This is great farmer, thanks. I really appreciate these reports even when I attend the events. You definitely found your valuable contribution to this community. Keep it up.

[Nepeta]

Originally Posted by FARMER

Please mark October 6th on your calendar. Mark it bold and in Red!
Thanks for reading along,
Farmer

Done

[KushMeister]

Farmer and Herbie...

You Both are The Best!

Originally Posted by KushMeister

Farmer and Herbie...

You Both are The Best!

You too baby!

[Justonevoice]

Great Job Farmer and Thank You.

I feel the need to reiterate the whole green out thing.

My fellow operators it is so important for you to close your collective during the hours requested and bring your staff and patients down to this protest. This could be YOU or I having to fight this fight! Just think about what it would mean to you if you where in the shoes of Charles! Think about how you would feel seeing people in the court room to support you! Think about how you would feel walking out of the court room too 500-1000 people protesting in your name.

Patients insist that the collective that you are a "Member" at closes during these hours and insist that they attend this protest. If they don't you should maybe do some thinking! This is an important time in this movements history and we really need to show up in force.

Much Love & Respect too all

JOV

[KushMeister]

Would it be too intrusive, to start a pole of both co-ops and individuals, to get an idea (I hate that word 'iDEA' ) of what kind of attendance we might expect?

Common Co-ops...we really need you guys to be strongly supportive of this event, and to please encourage all of your patients to attend as well.

Maybe we could give out bracelets or something to all in attendance, and the co-ops could let the bearers exchange them for a free gram or something?

Things have got to change, and soon! It's up to us all to make things different....not just the small smattering that have shown up to past protests. Our time is NOW, and we've gotta hit this thing with everything we've got. It's strength in numbers, and 500-1000 folks out in an organized protest, will make a far greater impact, than will 40 people singing "We Shall Overcome"

Let's let the country see what's really going on! Let's not just ask for support from our elected officials, but instead, let's demand it!

I've had enough of this shit, and no matter what else may be going on at the time, I am taking October 6th as my personal 'Save Charles Lynch, and Save MMJ Day!'

Who else is in???

[Davyl]

I've already spoke with a couple of co-ops, and plan on getting to more in the next week... To use a "(in)famous" line from the 9-11 saga... "Let's ROll!!"

[resipsa]

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to FARMER again......"

Great report. I was ill and couldn't be there, but thanks to you I was still able to share in the event.

[kusher]

hey guys, the problem with most of these protests is that they are held during the work week. i would love to attend, but i just can't afford to miss a day of work. yeah my butget is that tight. and i think that a lot of other peoples are too.

[KushMeister]

I completely agree with you!

I'm not capable of organizing something like this, but perhaps at some point after the October 6th rally, a weekend event could be arranged?

I could imagine 2000+ people on a Saturday afternoon, passing around blunts on the steps of the federal Building! Maybe we could even get a band and make it into a very large event with much media exposure???

[FARMER]

Originally Posted by KushMeister

I've had enough of this shit, and no matter what else may be going on at the time, I am taking October 6th as my personal 'Save Charles Lynch, and Save MMJ Day!'

Who else is in???

ME! I'm in! That's the spirit, KM!

Originally Posted by Davyl

I've already spoke with a couple of co-ops, and plan on getting to more in the next week... To use a "(in)famous" line from the 9-11 saga... "Let's ROll!!"

You did not quote GW...OH NO YOU DI-INT! Right on! Davyl's got the right idea. When us patients are out there this and next month, we should be talking to the owners of our dispensaries. Tell them you support this protest and would like to see them joining in the protest by closing until 3pm that day. Not too much to ask, considering what's at stake, huh?

Originally Posted by resipsa

Great report. I was ill and couldn't be there, but thanks to you I was still able to share in the event.

Farmer abides, Darlin'. Glad I can help be your ears and eyes. You are, after all, my biggest inspiration, R.

Originally Posted by kusher

the problem with most of these protests is that they are held during the work week.

Yes, we've heard this over and over again. The date is what it is. These protest will often be on week days. This one, for example, is protesting at the court house, which isn't open on the weekend.

If you cannot physically be there perhaps you can use that day by sending emails to the judge or possibly call other elected officials. Do what you can.

[FARMER]

Originally Posted by KushMeister

I completely agree with you!

I'm not capable of organizing something like this, but perhaps at some point after the October 6th rally, a weekend event could be arranged?

I could imagine 2000+ people on a Saturday afternoon, passing around blunts on the steps of the federal Building! Maybe we could even get a band and make it into a very large event with much media exposure???

Not sure I see the point if the federal bldg is closed on the day in question. And I happen to believe not enough "action" is being taken. By "action" I don't mean lighting up. By "action" I mean chaining ourselves to the judge! Or at least his Lexius.

But as far as your suggestion regarding a gathering to enjoy herb and music and MMJ people goes, KushMeister, sounds like the HempExpo on Sept 20th is exactly what you're looking for. Hope you're gonna be there because you are one WTer I've always wanted to meet and talk with. Hope to see everyone there. Mark it on your calenders!!!

Originally Posted by KushMeister

Would it be too intrusive, to start a pole of both co-ops and individuals, to get an idea (I hate that word 'iDEA' ) of what kind of attendance we might expect?

I think a better idea is to email (pm), write letters, and visit coops personally. I'll try to work on an email and letter that can be copied and pasted. I don't think many coop operators actually pay a lot of attention to these threads.

I visited 3 coop yesterday and asked them to close and gave them flyers (I'm trying to get flyers posted online so people can print them and we're working on postcard designs too). I think polls are a waste. Look how many I've created and look how many responses I've gotten. People respond to personal interactions. We need to be talking to people face-to-face and informing them and answering their questions.

Originally Posted by Davyl

I've already spoke with a couple of co-ops, and plan on getting to more in the next week... To use a "(in)famous" line from the 9-11 saga... "Let's ROll!!"

Right on, Dude! Can you report the coops you've talked to IN THE REGIONAL CAPTAIN THREAD. I'll be reporting there too.

Originally Posted by kusher

hey guys, the problem with most of these protests is that they are held during the work week. i would love to attend, but i just can't afford to miss a day of work. yeah my butget is that tight. and i think that a lot of other peoples are too.

Kusher, We understand there are people who just CANNOT afford to take that day off but there are PLENTY of things YOU CAN DO.

I've made lists of them. You can spend an hour or so every weekend leading up to the event and write to Judge Wu, contact news outlets, contact coops, make signs and take a picture of yourself with the sign (so we can count you in attendance even though you have financial obligations), you can donate $1 to Charles Lynch, you can send Charlie an email, You can spread the word online, the list goes on and on and on.

CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. they make the laws and can change the laws and they ARE NOT hearing from their constituents, so they have no idea how important this is to us or the impact federal drug policy is having on individuals and communities in CA and they won't know until YOU tell them.

There's NO reason you cannot contribute (even if it's just a little bit). We ALL can do something and if we all do what we can, there won't be much more to do. It's doing NOTHING that's killing our progression.

Just imagine you are Charles and ask yourself what you would want someone like yourself to do for you.

Help where you can and we will make a difference, together.

Originally Posted by KushMeister

I completely agree with you!

I could imagine 2000+ people on a Saturday afternoon, passing around blunts on the steps of the federal Building! Maybe we could even get a band and make it into a very large event with much media exposure???

I'm not capable of organizing something like this, but perhaps at some point after the October 6th rally, a weekend event could be arranged?

I'm imagining 2000 people at this rally and I am imagining how happy I'll be and how proud I'll be and how grateful I'll be. And how much of a difference we will make, together.

We will do everything we can to accommodate weekenders. My plate is full at the moment, so someone else will have to step up and pick a date and organize it. In the meantime, everyone can contribute to this event in one way or another.

[happyjack]

Originally Posted by FARMER

Not sure I see the point if the federal bldg is closed on the day in question. And I happen to believe not enough "action" is being taken. By "action" I don't mean lighting up. By "action" I mean chaining ourselves to the judge! Or at least his Lexius.

But as far as your suggestion regarding a gathering to enjoy herb and music and MMJ people goes, KushMeister, sounds like the HempExpo on Sept 20th is exactly what you're looking for. Hope you're gonna be there because you are one WTer I've always wanted to meet and talk with. Hope to see everyone there. Mark it on your calenders!!!

My calender is marked in bright green ink.

I really hope I see every WeedTRACKER, patient, and medicine provider I've met (who are well enough to travel and participate) at these two events.
Access to our medicine depends on all of us coming together now like never before.

September 20th and October 6th - please be there!!!

Originally Posted by happyjack

My calender is marked in bright green ink.

I really hope I see every WeedTRACKER, patient, and medicine provider I've met (who are well enough to travel and participate) at these two events.
Access to our medicine depends on all of us coming together now like never before.

September 20th and October 6th - please be there!!!

Hey Happy,

I just heard from a group of "freedom fighters" in Orange County who own a delivery service and make activist videos, they said they are going to have a caravan from OC. There's supposed to stop by Western tomorrow, maybe you guys will bump into each other. I think you'll like these cats.