2014 – The Year To Invest In Cannabis Activism

Reputable polls continue to show Americans support marijuana legalization more than ever.  Twenty-one states now recognize medical cannabis, and two states allow adult recreational use with 5 more states looking at complete legalization in 2014.

Despite the lingering federal threat the marijuana industry is growing faster than the laws can keep up, which still puts cannabis cultivators and distributors at risk of federal prosecution or imprisonment.

Every major industry in America has supporters and advocates diligently lobbying on Capitol Hill whether its tobacco, beef or cars.  Fortunately, all of those are still legal but cannabis remains locked up in the Controlled Substances Act and has fewer advocates in Washington than any other group.  No wonder it’s taking over 77 years.

Other than grow her, sell her and smoke her, Mary Jane asks what have you done FOR her lately.  An investment in good cannabis activism is an investment in the end of federal prohibition.  What canna-business operator doesn’t want that?! 

How much is legal marijuana worth to you?  An ill loved-one?  Someone in jail?  What are you willing to give this year to ensure the best activists in the movement have the tools to can get the job done?  Done! 

Marijuana cannot legalize itself.  Fund her liberators and together we will change the world. 

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New CNN Poll Finds Americans' Support For Legal Weed Is Soaring

http://www.businessinsider.com/cnn-marijuana-poll-2014-1

For First Time, Americans Favor Legalizing Marijuana

http://www.gallup.com/poll/165539/first-time-americans-favor-legalizing-marijuana.aspx

Marijuana Market Poised To Grow Faster Than Smartphones

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/04/marijuana-market_n_4209874.html

U.S. Attorneys Say Marijuana Memo Won't Affect Their Anti-Pot Work

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2013/09/09/u-s-attorneys-say-marijuana-memo-wont-affect-their-anti-pot-work/

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Patient Advocacy Network is a charitable organization.  Donations to PAN are tax-deductible and can be made at http://cannabissaveslives.org/

How To Contact Your Congressional Representatives - It's Time To End Cannabis Prohibition

January 29, 2013

Representative Adam Schiff

2411 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington D.C. 20515

Phone: (202) 225-4176

Facsimile: (202) 225-5828

Dear Congressmember Adam Schiff,

I write you to about ending cannabis prohibition.  For too long prohibition has denied our business sector the opportunities that come with industrial hemp.  For too long the ‘War On Drugs’ has incarcerated non-violent Americans solely for possession of ‘marihuana.’  For too long America has missed out on the revenue from sales of cannabis products, whether industrial, therapeutic or recreational.  For too long the DEA has interfered with States that already have approved and supported medical cannabis laws on their books.  It’s time for Congress to draft sensible national cannabis policies and stop punishing people over a plant.

I personally have a long history as a cannabis activist and have worked with numerous organizations throughout the country on this issue.  Currently, I am the executive director of Patient Advocacy Network – a charitable 501(c)(3) organization providing education and training to medical cannabis patients and providers, and advocating for patients’ rights and protection.  I have seen first hand the violence and destruction of the DEA’s ‘smash and grab’ tactics here in Los Angeles. 

Please find enclosed a copy of a position paper published by Patient Advocacy Network regarding the issue of ‘rescheduling’ cannabis.  This brief paper explores the Controlled Substances Act highlighting that many of the penalties for cannabis offences under Schedules II – V are more severe than under Schedule I.  However, there are many options for regulating cannabis other than the CSA.

I thank you for your time and consideration.  I look forward to working with you and your staff on this issue until cannabis is safe and legal and all the prisoners of compassion and conscience are free. 

Truly yours,

CC:  President Barack Obama, Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Diane Feinstein

Enclosure: Position Paper (12 pages)

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Removing Cannabis From The Controlled Substances Act Why Rescheduling Marihuana Will Not End The State-Federal Conflict Over Medical Cannabis

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/109706307/Removing-Cannabis-From-The-Controlled-Substances-Act-Why-Rescheduling-Marihuana-Will-Not--End-The-State-Federal-Conflict-Over-Medical-Cannabis

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It’s Time To End Cannabis Prohibition

We, the people, have the power to end cannabis prohibition.  When we all contact Congress together across the country demanding an end to the failed prohibition on marijuana and hemp, the support for change will be undeniable.  Constituents have great power but only if we use it.

President Obama, the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court have all stated that change in national marijuana policy must come from the Congress.  When PAN met with a number of Congressional offices, we were told that very few people and in some cases no one has contacted their office regarding cannabis issues.  We are about to change that!! 

Enclosed is this post is a three page action kit for you to download, print and share.  It provides the basic tools on how to find your representatives, how to contact your representatives and what to say/write.   

Cannabis Freedom Campaign 4/20 is a commitment by every American that supports the end of cannabis prohibition to contact their Congressional Representative once a month between now and April 20, 2014, when we will rally in Washington D.C. 

Save all your correspondence with your Representatives.  Send a copy of your letters to Congress, to President Obama.  Let him know you are regularly engaging Congress.  Follow-up with your Representative monthly. 

Have fun with this!  Get your friends and family involved.  Between 64 and 82 % of voting Americans support reforming of our marijuana laws.  Write letters together.  Hand-deliver them to your Congressional member’s district office.  Meet his/her staff in person; get their business cards.  Be kind and friendly, but make sure they know you are not giving up until Congress ends cannabis prohibition.  Make a video about your visit and encourage others to get involved.   Post your efforts to your social networks.   Issue a press release.  Write a letter to the editor.  Call in to your local talk radio programs.  Make it undeniable that there is a nationwide movement to get Congress to end its failed marijuana policies now.

It’s time to end cannabis prohibition, release the prisoners and put Mary Jane back to work -  for the health, safety and economy of America.