Pubdate: Tue, 6 Jan 2009
Source: San Francisco Chronicle (CA)
Page: B - 2
Copyright: 2009 Hearst Communications Inc.
Contact:  http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/388
Author: Henry K. Lee, Chronicle Staff Writer
Cited: Americans for Safe Access http://www.americansforsafeaccess.org
Cited: Board of Supervisors http://www.co.solano.ca.us/depts/bos/default.asp
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

SOLANO COUNTY SUED OVER POT ID CARDS

FAIRFIELD -- A medical-marijuana advocacy group sued Solano County on 
Monday for its failure to issue identification cards to users of 
medicinal cannabis as required by state law.

The lawsuit, filed in Solano County Superior Court, said the county 
is among several in California that have failed to give out the 
cards, which protect their holders from arrest by state or local 
police for possessing small amounts of marijuana.

"Solano County cannot simply flout its obligation under the law," Joe 
Elford, an attorney for Americans for Safe Access, said in a statement.

The group sent letters to Solano County in August and October urging 
it to comply with the 2003 law requiring the marijuana ID card 
program, Elford said.

In July, a state court of appeal upheld California's medical 
marijuana law enacted in 1996, rejecting arguments by San Diego and 
San Bernardino counties that allowing patients to use the drug with 
their doctor's approval condoned violations of federal narcotics laws.

Of California's 58 counties, 51 comply with the ID card program, Elford said.

Jo Ann Parker, deputy Solano County counsel, said the county had not 
yet been served with the suit. But she noted that the Board of 
Supervisors is scheduled to discuss the ID card program in closed 
session Jan. 13. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake