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Ruling aside, backers say medical marijuana hasn't gone up in smoke

Joe Mullin Bakersfield Californian

Bakersfield, CA June 24, 2005 -- Marijuana advocates say the recent Supreme Court decision should have no effect on California pot smokers -- and they're bringing that message to Bakersfield today.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, is holding its first regional meeting in Bakersfield, featuring speakers from around the state.

The purpose of the meeting is to strengthen cooperation with marijuana dispensaries, reach out to the public in Bakersfield, and let people know that medical marijuana is still safe and available.

"We were disappointed, for sure," said Doug McAfee, speaking about the recent ruling. "But, the dispensaries are still in operation. It's actually galvanized the movement."

McAfee said he wanted to make local law enforcement officials feel more comfortable with the organization, too.

"We're trying to address them more personally," he said. "I know law enforcers don't want to arrest people for using medical marijuana. They honestly have better things to do."

While state law still authorizes medical marijuana possession and distribution by qualified patients and caregivers, federal law clearly bans the practice.

"According to the attorney general, the Supreme Court decision doesn't affect state law," said chief deputy district attorney Mike Saleen. "But if law enforcers find that someone is dispensing that's not a qualified caregiver, they're in violation of the law."

The threat of a federal crackdown remains, as well.

At least one marijuana dispensary has continued to distribute since the ruling.

Israel Galazos, a volunteer at Nature's Medicinal Cooperative, confirmed that the dispensary remains open for business.

"We're the first and we'll be the last, guaranteed," he said. "We're not here to break any laws. We're here to serve patients."

Creation of a county ID card system for medicinal marijuana users will be discussed at the NORML meeting as well, McAfee said. He said that currently, only four counties in California have such a system.

And it's no coincidence that the meeting will be held at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, he added.

"We wanted to show off Bakersfield to the other communities," he said.