Pubdate: Wed, 30 Aug 2000
Source: Santa Rosa Press Democrat (CA)
Copyright: 2000, The Press Democrat
Contact:  http://www.pressdemo.com/index.html
Forum: http://www.pressdemo.com/opinion/talk/
Author: Randi Rossmann, Press Democrat Staff Writer

COUNTY WON'T BE AFFECTED BY POT CLUB RULING

Authorities said procedures carved out in Sonoma County for marijuana use 
by seriously ill patients won't be affected by Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court 
ruling.

District Attorney Mike Mullins said the ruling reinforces the mechanics put 
into place after voter approval in 1996 of Proposition 215, the medical 
marijuana initiative.

"It means that what we're doing here, our reading of the law, is correct," 
he said. "We haven't been allowing cannabis clubs. If we had one, I'd close 
it down" in light of the ruling.

There is a cannabis club in Ukiah, which has been open four days a week for 
the past 3 1/2 years, selling marijuana to people who have a doctor's 
recommendation.

Marvin Lehrman, spokesman for the Ukiah Cannabis Buyers Club, said he 
already was receiving calls from people asking if the club would be open 
Thursday, its next scheduled business day.

Lehrman said he would have to consult with his attorney before commenting.

Mendocino County District Attorney Norm Vroman also declined comment until 
he could review the ruling.

Paul Klopper, a legal aid attorney in Santa Rosa who has been active on the 
issue, said the ruling shouldn't have an immediate affect in Sonoma County. 
He said advocates will have to wait and see if the court takes further action.
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