November 20, 2001
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The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a resolution 10-1 designating the City a "Medical Marijuana Sanctuary". Although the resolution is symbolic, it sends a clear message to the Drug Enforcement Agency to leave local area cannabis clubs alone.The resolution urges the S.F. Police Dept., Sheriff's Dept., the California Attorney General and other state agencies not to assist in the harassment, arrest or prosecution of physicians, medical cannabis dispensaries, patients or caregivers by the Federal Government.

"The point we are collectively making is clear and simple - don't even think of troubling our medical cannabis clubs, patients and caregivers," stated Supervisor Leno. "San Francisco voters have spoken out clearly on this issue for over three decades - we want our City to be a safe haven for legitimate medical use of cannabis," he said.

Local activists welcomed the passage of the bill, sponsored by Supervisor Mark Leno, saying that the support of local government is encouraging, but wondered if it would any effect on the DEA's planned raids on dispensaries.

The Board of Supervisors voted 10-1 for the resolution with Supervisor Tony Hall casting the lone vote of opposition. The bill is slated to head for Mayor Willie Brown's desk where it is expected to receive his signature.