AltWeeklies Wire
Cutting Through Smoke Surrounding California's Prop. 19new

Recent polls show marijuana legalization will go down in flames in California on Nov. 2, while some interpreting those surveys claim many voters saying no to pollsters will punch yes to Prop 19 once inside the voting booth, paving the way to victory.
Tags: California, Proposition 19
Obama Entrapped Me: Medical Marijuana Provider Mounts a Novel Criminal Defensenew

More than most citizens, James Dean Stacy feels betrayed by the candidate for whom he voted for president. Stacy was arrested in September when his medical-marijuana collective, Movement in Action, was raided along with 13 others.
San Diego CityBeat |
Dave Maass |
12-28-2009 |
Drugs
When Will Medical Marijuana Get the High Sign in Monterey County?new
Daniel Maniscalco dreams of getting off the road and opening Monterey County’s first medical pot storefront. “I want to provide medical marijuana patients the medicines their doctors recommend,” he says.
Monterey County Weekly |
Robin Urevich |
12-17-2009 |
Drugs
California Dopes Out Marijuana Bill as Legalization Petition Gets Passed Aroundnew

Two serious bids to legalize marijuana in California are moving forward simultaneously. And while decisions won't be made for months, both efforts have generated interest from around the world.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Rebecca Bowe |
11-04-2009 |
Drugs
A Year Late, L.A. Tries to Uninvite its Unvetted Pot Shopsnew
The Los Angeles City Council now faces one of its potentially most expensive legal battles ever, a war over medical pot that could draw in shady drug dealers, serious medical-marijuana activists, gubernatorial candidate Jerry Brown -- and even U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.
L.A. Weekly |
Daniel Heimpel |
09-25-2009 |
Drugs
Altered State: Legalization, Cannabis Clubs and California's Marijuana Sea Changenew
Legalization and pot clubs in California grow increasingly popular, but law enforcement and government officials still can't think outside of the box.
Sacramento News & Review |
Nick Miller |
08-27-2009 |
Drugs
Cancer: A New Front in the War Against Pot?new

A California panel concludes that cannabis causes cancer. But the research is still young, the industry seems undeterred and pro-legalization advocates don't seem fazed by the ruling or its potential consequences -- which they contend will not deter marijuana usage.
East Bay Express |
Paula Lehman |
08-26-2009 |
Drugs
Marijuana Decriminalization Moves Forward on Several Fronts in Californianew

Reform advocates are making an intriguing argument: if state or local governments legalize and tax even a fraction of marijuana sales, the state could see billions of dollars in new annual revenue and reduced enforcement costs.
San Francisco Bay Guardian |
Sarah Phelan |
08-19-2009 |
Drugs
Take the High Road with One of Orange County's Medical-Marijuana Delivery Servicesnew

We make deliveries with Racer X, a part-time driver for one of some two dozen cannabis clubs in Orange County that offer members door-to-door marijuana-delivery services.
After 15 Years, Medical Marijuana Pioneers Face the End of a Dreamnew

Because of a perfect storm of factors -- plummeting donations, the DEA raid of the property in 2002, death and taxes -- Valerie and Michael Corral can no longer afford to stay in her home, and the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana is losing its iconic garden.
Good Times Santa Cruz |
Jessica Lussenhop |
11-13-2008 |
Drugs
Medical Marijuana Dealer Convicted on Federal Trafficking Chargesnew

Charles Lynch was found guilty in federal court on five charges related to growing and distributing marijuana, despite California law that authorized his business, and testimony by local officials who welcomed the dispensary.
San Luis Obispo New Times |
Kylie Mendonca |
08-11-2008 |
Drugs
A Safe Space for Gay Meth Addicts in Santa Ana Struggles to Get Goingnew
If you visit Metheds.org, all you'll see is a white page, black text and a brief explanation: "Metheds. A place about recovery and community. Opening soon in Santa Ana. For more information, contact Ed McKie." But that's all Metheds is right now: an idea, some wishful thinking and a name.