Spliff Twister
New Member
Good Afternoon-
Thank you for your email. Councilmember Atkins has asked me to provide you with an update regarding the recent steps she has taken in an effort to improve access by qualified patients to medicinal marijuana that has been recommended by their physicians. My name is Monica and I assist Councilmember Atkins with this important issue.
As you may know, the City of San Diego adopted an identification card program and possession and cultivation guidelines for qualified patients and their caregivers in 2003. The identification card program was put on hold due to the enactment of state legislation directing county governments to implement a similar program for all county residents. Unfortunately, the County of San Diego has not implemented the program, but instead, has gone to court to obtain a legal ruling that they do not have to comply with this state law.
Councilmember Atkins has asked the City Attorney to investigate whether or not the City of San Diego can participate in this lawsuit as an amicus curiae (friend of the court.) If granted permission by the court, an amicus files legal arguments with the court to help it in its decision making. In this case, we would argue that the County is required to comply with state law and that City residents are suffering due to the County's inaction. Councilmember Atkins hopes that the court will agree and that patients will be able to access their medicine in the near future. She and Council President Scott Peters have also asked that the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee place a discussion of medicinal marijuana dispensaries on its agenda in the very near future.
Thank you again for your email. Please do not hesitate to continue to keep us informed about your views.
Sincerely,
Monica Pelaez
Council Representative
Councilmember Toni Atkins
City of San Diego--Council District Three
202 C St., 10th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
619/236-6633
619/595-1481 (fax)
mpelaez@sandiego.gov
Thank you for your email. Councilmember Atkins has asked me to provide you with an update regarding the recent steps she has taken in an effort to improve access by qualified patients to medicinal marijuana that has been recommended by their physicians. My name is Monica and I assist Councilmember Atkins with this important issue.
As you may know, the City of San Diego adopted an identification card program and possession and cultivation guidelines for qualified patients and their caregivers in 2003. The identification card program was put on hold due to the enactment of state legislation directing county governments to implement a similar program for all county residents. Unfortunately, the County of San Diego has not implemented the program, but instead, has gone to court to obtain a legal ruling that they do not have to comply with this state law.
Councilmember Atkins has asked the City Attorney to investigate whether or not the City of San Diego can participate in this lawsuit as an amicus curiae (friend of the court.) If granted permission by the court, an amicus files legal arguments with the court to help it in its decision making. In this case, we would argue that the County is required to comply with state law and that City residents are suffering due to the County's inaction. Councilmember Atkins hopes that the court will agree and that patients will be able to access their medicine in the near future. She and Council President Scott Peters have also asked that the Public Safety and Neighborhood Services Committee place a discussion of medicinal marijuana dispensaries on its agenda in the very near future.
Thank you again for your email. Please do not hesitate to continue to keep us informed about your views.
Sincerely,
Monica Pelaez
Council Representative
Councilmember Toni Atkins
City of San Diego--Council District Three
202 C St., 10th Floor
San Diego, CA 92101
619/236-6633
619/595-1481 (fax)
mpelaez@sandiego.gov
