Pubdate: Tue, 19 Jul 2005
Source: Argus, The (CA)
Copyright: 2005, ANG Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.theargusonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1642
Author: Josh Richman

MEDICAL POT ID PROGRAM BACK

Lockyer Says Workers Who Assist Patients Won't Face Federal Prosecution

California's medical marijuana identification card program was 
reinstated Monday, according to state Health Director Sandra Shewry.

Shewry on July 8 had ordered the program -- created by a 2003 state 
law and about to expand from a three-county trial run to statewide 
implementation -- suspended until Attorney General Bill Lockyer could 
give an opinion on whether it put state workers at risk of federal prosecution.

Lockyer repeatedly has said last month's U.S. Supreme Court ruling, 
which upheld enforcement of the federal marijuana ban even in states 
with medical marijuana laws, should not impact enforcement of 
California's own law.

Shewry issued a statement Monday saying Lockyer had reviewed the 
concern "and said that California can issue ID cards to medical 
marijuana users without state employees facing prosecution for 
assisting in the commission of a federal crime."

Her statement also said Lockyer noted that federal agencies could 
seize information received from applicants for these voluntary 
medical marijuana ID cards. The state will modify the application 
form to inform people that possession of the drug remains a federal 
crime and that the information they provide could be used against them.

The cards are meant to provide patients with proof that they have 
received a doctor's recommendation to possess and use marijuana under 
state law. The Drug Policy Alliance and the American Civil Liberties 
Union last week had threatened to sue the state if the program wasn't 
reinstated by today.
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MAP posted-by: Beth