Source: Contra Costa Times (CA)
Contact:   http://www.hotcoco.com/index.htm
Pubdate: Thu, 19 Mar 1998
Author: Ron Harris - Associated Press Writer

MARIJUANA USERS SUPPORT MAYORS APPEAL TO CLINTON

SAN FRANCISCO -- Four California mayors are urging the president to drop a
federal lawsuit to close their city's marijuana clubs.

In letters dated March 12 to March 17, the mayors of San Francisco,
Oakland, Santa Cruz and West Hollywood said closing the clubs would hurt
those suffering from AIDS and cancer who use the drug to ease their pain
and nausea.

"If the centers are shut down, many of these individuals will be compelled
to search back alleys and street corners for their medicine," the mayors
wrote in letters to the president.

The mayors also asked the president to drop an injunction against the
operation of the clubs, authorized by a voter-approved initiative, by state
voters and "implement a moratorium on enforcement of federal drug laws that
interfere with the daily operation of the dispensaries."

A White House spokesman, after checking with the office of drug policy,
said there is nothing planned on medical marijuana in California.

Outside San Francisco's Cannabis Cultivators' Club, Joel Whalen smoked a
joint while waiting for the club to open. He is HIV positive and supports
the mayors' efforts.

"With the mayors backing us, I think it's a lot better," said Whalen, who
uses marijuana to boost his appetite. "I quit all intravenous drugs, and
now that I've been smoking marijuana I feel healthier. I could actually run
a whole block, and sleep at night and eat."

"I was really, really sick. I lost my appetite. I lost my will to live. And
a lot of people here have given me the will to live."

A 27-year-old man, who identified himself only as Jaguar, said he was
diagnosed with AIDS when he was 15. He sat with his dog, Bear, at the
club's front door. Jaguar moved to San Francisco from Florida five years
ago and has been homeless ever since.

"Pot's like a major upper for me. It helps me eat. The more pot you smoke,
the more open-minded you get ... your mind is going, and it keeps you
going."

In West Hollywood, Mayor Steve Martin said President Clinton's stance on
marijuana is hypocritical.

"It's really disgusting that President Clinton can get on MTV as a
candidate and say, 'I didn't inhale.' That is just sheer hypocrisy. What's
such a joke is they are so worried about a few people, many of whom are
dying," Martin said.

"We have a lot of people with AIDS and elderly people that are afflicted
with glaucoma and cancer. The compassionate use of marijuana has been a
very real issue in this community."

Kevin Zeese, president of Common Sense for Drug Policy, lauded the mayors'
efforts and said closing the clubs would increase street crime.

"I think the mayors realize that closing these clubs would force 10,000
people into criminality. It would be chaotic," Zeese said.

"If Washington is smart, they'll realize they're in a lose/lose situation.
They can lose in the courts or lose in the streets."

Whalen agreed the streets would be safer if the clubs remain open.

"They're not out there looking, they're not out there sneaking, they're not
out there doing (anything) illegal," Whalen said of the Cannabis Club's
clients. "They're doing medical."