MediCann Supports President Obama's New Memorandum on Medical Marijuana: Memo Regulates Federal and State Involvement in Medical Marijuana Programs

(I-Newswire) November 2, 2009 -
OAKLAND, CA (November 2, 2009) – California’s MediCann, Inc., the largest group of medical marijuana clinics in the nation, supports President Obama’s recent memorandum to regulate federal and state involvement in medical marijuana programs. On October 19, 2009, the U.S. Department of Justice issued new federal guidelines for medical marijuana. The guidelines state that neither the Obama administration nor the U.S. Justice Department will seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform within state laws. This memorandum demonstrates hope towards safer and easier access for all medical marijuana patients, caregivers and suppliers—a definitive step towards change.

On October 27th, 2009, two New Jersey lawmakers, Sens. Nicholas Scutari and Raymond Lesniak (both D-Union), asked Gov. Corzine to pardon John Ray Wilson who is currently facing marijuana charges. Wilson, 37, was caught via helicopter and arrested in August 2008 for growing marijuana in his yard (his first attempt) to alleviate the symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Without healthcare and unable to afford pharmaceutical drugs, he had opted to grow his own medicine. Now he is being accused of first-degree maintaining or operating a drug-production facility and other offenses, which could land him up to 20 years in prison for his 17 plants. In July 2009, Superior Court Judge Robert Reed said Wilson could not reference his medical condition or assert personal use as a defense; as such claims do not apply to the charges made. Wilson therefore is being charged with “manufacturing” marijuana despite his diagnosis of MS, a statement in support of medical marijuana made by the National MS Society, and pending legislation that would protect MS patients who use medical marijuana in New Jersey. Wilson’s trial date will be set by Friday October 30th but there is no clear hope of using his medical defense.

With the new memorandum, cases like Wilson’s in New Jersey will hopefully be a thing of the past. As of right now, it is an example of the importance of allowing a medical marijuana defense—something New Jersey courts are currently not willing to do. The new guidelines will allow a medical marijuana defense in federal court, but provides protection only to states that already have medical marijuana programs. Directed primarily at U.S. attorneys in states that have adopted medical use laws, these federal guidelines legally permit people to use or provide medical marijuana in strict and faithful compliance with state laws. The memo states: “It will not be a priority to use federal resources to prosecute patients with serious illnesses or their caregivers who are complying with state laws on medical marijuana, but we will not tolerate drug traffickers who hide behind claims of compliance with state law to mask activities that are clearly illegal."

Given the federal government’s current prosecution of more than two-dozen medical marijuana cases in which defendants are prevented from using medical evidence, especially medical marijuana, this mandate is a huge victory for all medical marijuana patients throughout the country. Still, this only marks one change in the positive direction. These are signs of hope—particularly in legitimizing medical marijuana for the country, which will help keep medical marijuana patients and supporters from being ostracized in their communities.

Matthew Desanto, spokesman for MediCann, says that “MediCann is encouraged by President Obama's and the government’s intent to prosecute only those who are in violation of state medical marijuana laws,” and “is optimistic that legal medical marijuana patients will not have to live in fear of federal prosecution. We have hope that more positive changes are in store for the future.”

Currently, fourteen states - Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington - allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes. There may be more on the way, with states such as New Jersey and Ohio also attempting to gain a medical marijuana program. This memorandum restores hope to these states.

Founded in 2004 by Dr. Jean Talleyrand, MediCann, Inc., is dedicated to providing safe, legal and affordable access to healthcare services. It is the largest provider of medical marijuana evaluations in the state of California, offering services to 150,000 patients. With 20 clinics throughout the state and 24-hour call-in services, MediCann gives patients access to non-traditional medicine in a safe, caring environment and offers access to a wide array of treatments.

About MediCann, Inc.:
Founded in 2004 by Dr. Jean Talleyrand, MediCann, Inc., is dedicated to providing safe, legal and affordable access to healthcare services. It is the largest provider of medical marijuana evaluations in California, with over 20 clinics statewide.

Company Contact Information
MediCann, Inc.
Matt Desanto
1814 Franklin Street
Suite 300
94612
Phone : 866.632.6627