SACRAMENTO Aug 27: In an unexpected turn of events, Sen. Vasconcellos called on the A.G.'s Task Force on medical marijuana to amend SB 420 by incorporating specific guidelines on the amount of marijuana patients would be allowed to possess and cultivate with a state identification card.

Sen. Vasconcellos' proposal came as a shock, as it had previously been assumed that the thorny issue of guidelines would be settled pursuant to public hearings by the Dept of Health Services, as originally envisioned in SB 420. However, Sen. Vasconcellos said that this was not acceptable to the DHS on account of the budget crisis, since hearings would cost them some $2 million (one can only wonder if costs like this aren't proof of bloated bureaucratic inefficiency in the state govt). He said the only alternatives were to write guidelines into SB 420 in the remaining hour of the task force meeting, or else kill the bill.

It was agreed to adopt NIDA's own guidelines of 6 pounds of marijuana per patient per year. At Mike Corral's suggestion, a modified version of the Sonoma guidelines for cultivation were adopted, allowing up to 99 plants in 200 square feet of garden space (the Sonoma guidelines allow 100 square feet, but Mike said this should be doubled to allow for adverse growing conditions). This proposal naturally set well with the large number of patients in attendance.

Sen. Vasconcellos then asked for a counter-proposal from the law enforcement groups on hand. None was offered. It was accordingly agreed to write Mike's proposal into the bill. The silence by law enforcement should not be interpreted as assent to what would be the most liberal medical marijuana guidelines ever adopted by any state or locality. On the contrary, they no doubt acceded with the intent of killing the bill entirely. The CNOA had already expressed their dissatisfaction with the bill previously, when the Task Force rejected their proposal to establish mandatory registration by requiring doctors to report all MMJ recommendations to the state. No doubt law enforcement will lobby Davis heavily against the bill.

It would clearly be a boon to the medical marijuana community if SB 420 were to become law. However, our victory in today's proceedings ironically makes this less likely.

Sen. Vasconcellos and the Task Force agree that it would be best not to publicize today's events to the media. Supporters are urged to be quiet and not crow about the new guidelines. If we remain discreet, there is a chance that the Gov. will agree to the bill under the pressure of the recall. If we are not, the ensuing public controversy will likely backfire against us.

- D. Gieringer, CA NORML