Source: Oakland Tribune Contact: Fri, 22 May 1998 Author: Monica Gyulai, Staff Writer POT DISTRIBUTORS STAY OPEN IN DEFIANCE OF COURT ORDER Authorities mull options It was business as usual Thursday at the Oaldand Cannabis Buyers Cooperative, where people with multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other illnesses bought small bags of marijuana, despite a court order prohibiting clubs from distributing the drug. "I smoke marihuana every day," said Yvonne Westbrook, 45, a Richmond resident with multiple sclerosis, who moved around the club on a motorized scooter. "It allows me to cut back on prescription drugs and reduce my pain." In defying U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer, the Oakland co-operative and other medical marijuana clubs in the Bay Area risked forced closure by growing plants under heat lamps and distributing the drug the day after a preliminary in-junction was publicized. Owners cite referendum Club owners believe their actions are legal because Californians passed Proposition 215 in 1996, allowing seriously ill patients to use marihuana to ease the pain and side effects of debilitating diseases and their treatment. But Breyer said federal drug laws that ban marijuana would remain in effect. U.S. Attorney Michael Yamaguchi said the government "intends to take action and is considering all possible options," but he would not specify the next move. "It's unacceptable to defy a court order," he added. Westbrook said she will be sorry if the clubs are shut down, but she won't stop using marihuana. "It's the easiest thing in the world to get," she said, re-ferring to widespread street sales. "But in here, you know what you're getting. Here you buy the best you can afford instead of taking your chances." Free 'care packages' Several poor patients, including Rodney Wilson of Oak-land, received free "care packages" of 1.5 grams of mari-juana. "I'm on disability," said 51 -year-old Wilson, who has AIDS and lost 57 pounds before he began using marijuana. "I smoke it for relaxation and as an appetite stimulant." - --- Checked-by: Mike Gogulski