Obama to respond to raids?

[Storm Crow]

I'm just grabbing this directly off of Cannabisnews-

http://cannabisnews.com/news/24/thread24461.shtml

Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 05, 2009 at 05:24:32 PT
Press Release From ASA
White House Responds to DEA Raids, Vows to End Policy

***

February 5, 2009

Washington, DC -- White House Spokesman Nick Shapiro reacted to new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raids at medical cannabis collectives in California, saying he expects President Obama to end that policy when a new DEA Administrator is seated. “The president believes that federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind," Shapiro said.

The statement puts the Department of Justice and the DEA on notice of a change in federal policy, and indicates that continued raids may not be tolerated. "Americans for Safe Access acknowledges President Obama's continued pledge to end federal interference with state medical marijuana laws," commented Caren Woodson, Director of Government Affairs. “We look forward to working with the President and his Administration to enact long-term policies that support safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research." Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the nation’s largest medical cannabis advocacy organization, sent policy recommendations aimed at harmonizing federal and state law and encouraging research to President Obama and Congress earlier this year.

Shapiro’s statement followed a groundswell of public opposition and critical media following a DEA raid in South Lake Tahoe on January 22 and four simultaneous raids in the Los Angeles area on Tuesday. ASA members and other medical cannabis advocates responded with thousands of phone calls to the White House and an Internet campaign on the President’s web site, Change.gov, asking the President to fulfill his repeated campaign pledges to not use federal resources to interfere with state medical marijuana laws.

Medical cannabis raids intensified under former President George W. Bush, with more than one hundred paramilitary style raids, new indictments, and letters threatening property owners who rent to medical cannabis facilities with prosecution and civil asset forfeiture. "More than 72 million people live in a state that has enacted laws that authorize the limited use and distribution of cannabis for therapeutic use," Woodson said. "The White House's comments have provided patients and their loved ones a sense of relief, and we hope the President and our Attorney General will keep this pledge in mind when considering appointments to the DEA and Office of National Drug Control Policy."

For interviews with medical cannabis patients impacted by federal raids, defendants facing prosecution or sentencing, doctors, and researchers, contact Media Specialist Kris Hermes at (510) 681-6361 or Director of Government Affairs Caren Woodson at (202) 857-5350.

Comments by Obama on ending medical marijuana raids:

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080323/NEWS/803230336

ASA medical marijuana recommendations for President Obama:

http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/PresidentialRecommendations

 

[PazVerdeRadical]

imo, not only should the raids stop, but all DEA agents involved in those raids should be held responsible, they need to punish them for a few months without salaries. just give them food stamps. at least...

Paz

 

[Mr. Bongjangles]

It's great to hear the mmj issue isn't something the administration is going to ignore now that they are in power.

The White House spokesman could have easily said "We're looking into that" and brushed the matter aside, in fact, that is basically his job when asked about something they are not prepared to discuss.

Kudos to everyone who spoke up - it is probably safe to say we would not have gotten this kind of clarification right now otherwise.

Lets hope the guys running the show for now get the message and put these raids on hold until Obama's people take over, and hopefully they will follow through and end them permanently.

 

[SDOG]

Ill believe it when i see it boy would i love to see the face of those DEA agents when thigns really get shut down for good. Maybe they will actually bust a meth lab or something or keep 16 year old kids from doing RX's.

 

[guest3854]

Thanks fer gittin' that news out Storm Crow ....


Steele

 

[melvin2]

This is good news. Thanks to all the people who spoke up loud about this. There was opposition but you helped move the issue forward and into public debate.

This soon to come victory will help other states who are reluctant to pass similar laws because of conflicting federal/state laws.

 

[Che]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Storm Crow again.

 

[PharmaCan]

Waddaya wanna bet the people at the DEA are having tantrums right now. Obama's spokesperson pretty much gave them public notice with the statement he made.

When and if Obama actually does stop the raids, I'm going to go smoke a great big blunt in front of their Los Angeles office - being sure, of course, not to step on federal property while doing it.

PC

 

[dirtfarmer]

Meth.Coke,crack,Heron, all these wicked, life destroying drugs to bust and they go after the pothead who works, pays their bills, has a kid or two and only wants to relax and dream of times and friends gone by. What the Fuk is the DEAs problem? Are they that fuked up in the head they cant see what they are doing to families, friends and normal everyday hard working americans? Yo know they can, but that might make them work instead of braging about how tough they are busting all those sick, poor potheads. Its enough to make you sick!

 

[canned abyss1]

We need to stay on top of this issue and keep it in the forefront of Obama's mind. Everyone that reads this thread should contact the White House and let Obama know how you feel about this. Through solidarity, and by placing constant pressure on this administration we have the ability to make them take medical marijuana seriously. Let them know that the abuse of patients and civil liberties will no longer be tolerated in a free society.

Go to http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/opl/ or call the White House switchboard: 202-456-1414.
or FAX: 202-456-2461.

 

[SrPlantManager]

Just curious,... when is the Shrub's DEA Director going to be replaced? I would have thought that would have been done already.

I'm sure the poor DEA Agents will be so lost when they can't go shootin' fish in a barrel. lol Heaven forbid they'll have to actually work then. Tragic...

Thanks for the great article, Stormcrow!

 

[The Accused]

That's good news. Obama's Mama died of cancer and had problems with the cost of Meds but how long will it take to replace the director of the DEA.The med pot users are easy targets for them. Compared to cocaine and heroin traffickers they have allot more anonymity and resources or should I say money.It would be nice if Obama could end mandatory minimum sentences and property theft by the Government to while he is at it.

 

[SweetNightmare]

I nearly crapped myself when I came home and read this in my inbox... I think they are STARTING to get the message finally... fuck the feds. Murder and stealing for a living with no restrictions... and we are the people who are paying them and the target! BULLSHIT!

 

[Backwoods Bud]

K+ for the great news. SC. Maybe this is just the start of the "CHANGE" we were promised.

 

[Blue Dot]

“The president believes that federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind," Shapiro said.

But state laws, 215, sb420, don't specifically allow for store-front dispensaries (just ask san diego) so how does this statement apply to these raids?

 

[PharmaCan]

But state laws, 215, sb420, don't specifically allow for store-front dispensaries (just ask san diego) so how does this statement apply to these raids?

You have no idea what you are talking about. You really should get better informed before you go trolling.

PC

 

[Blue Dot]

You have no idea what you are talking about. You really should get better informed before you go trolling.

If it's on paper how come san diego doesn't abide by it?
Because it's not on paper. :lightbulb:

 

[slowster5507]

Everyone needs to go to change.org. and write a letter to your local politician. they have a pre written letter. all you haved to do is give your info email, name,address,city,state, and they send it for you, keep up the good fight my friends!!!

SLOW

 

[BiG H3rB Tr3E]

I'm just grabbing this directly off of Cannabisnews-

http://cannabisnews.com/news/24/thread24461.shtml

Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 05, 2009 at 05:24:32 PT
Press Release From ASA
White House Responds to DEA Raids, Vows to End Policy

***

February 5, 2009

Washington, DC -- White House Spokesman Nick Shapiro reacted to new Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raids at medical cannabis collectives in California, saying he expects President Obama to end that policy when a new DEA Administrator is seated. “The president believes that federal resources should not be used to circumvent state laws, and as he continues to appoint senior leadership to fill out the ranks of the federal government, he expects them to review their policies with that in mind," Shapiro said.

if nothing else,,,at least they are acknloedging that this is a disservice

 

[PharmaCan]

If it's on paper how come san diego doesn't abide by it?
Because it's not on paper. :lightbulb:

No, San Diego is saying that federal law trumps state law. San Diego is, in fact, contesting in the courts what is written in state law. I don't know what the State of California writes their laws on, but I would assume it's on paper.

PC