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Verdict Expected in Rosenthal Trial

Axis of Love

San Francisco, CA May 30, 2007 -- In a filled courtroom, medical cannabis activists, drug policy organizations, civil rights groups and other supporters gathered to show solidarity with medical cannabis patients whose safe and legal access to their medicine hangs in the balance as the jury reconvenes.  

Of interest so far – the federal jurors have communicated with the judge asking for clarity around the issue of state's rights regarding medical cannabis, if state laws can trump federal laws.  The jury wrote down seven questions and gave them to the judge last Thursday.  In both of Ed's trials, medical defense for cannabis has not been allowed due to a 9th Circuit Court ruling.  Six of the jury's questions concerned medical defense. 

 Today, May 29th  "The Silent Seven" witnesses  remained silent and were dismissed.  Contempt charges were not currently filed but may come in the future.  The Final arguments were given.  The Defense was not allowed to talk about a Medical Defense or Jury Nullification. The Defense made argument about other failed government policies in which the U.S. Government has lied and abused power and disregarded the rights of its citizens such as Katrina, Slavery, the War in Iraq and Japanese Internment camps.   The Filled Courtroom burst into applause.  The Jury was excused and Judge Breyer said the Courtroom full of Rosenthal supporter would be cleared in another outburst occurred.

Not even an hour into jury deliberation another question came from the jury to the Judge  regarding the first count of conspiracy.  The judge will instruct the jury tomorrow at 8:30 tomorrow with his answer.

Only one witness was cooperative – Bob Martin – owner of TWO San Francisco medical cannabis dispensaries, who had also given testimony in Ed Rosenthal's 2001 case in exchange for federal immunity – he opened his second dispensary shortly afterwards. 

The verdict is expected sometime tomorrow.  Rosenthal and his lawyer are not permitted to leave the court as the jury is deliberating in case questions of law arise.   

WHEN:    Weds, May 30, 2007, 8:00 AM

WHERE:  Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco

Judge Breyer, 19th Floor, Department 8