Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project 760.799.2055

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Greetings Inland Empire Patient Advocates –   It was quite an evening at the Palm Springs City Council last night and it appears to me that there is still quite a lot of work to be done in this community in order for the patients to get what they need.  There were several things I noted last night that demonstrates some internal issues with the drafting of the collective ordinance.   1.)  Generally, when an ordinance makes it to a council agenda, all the pertinent debate, changes and votes took place in committee(s) and it is ready for a vote as is.  Either Lee Weigel has kept his head in the sand about this until last night or he waited until last night to attempt to derail the process.   2.)  The chief of police was only other city official asked to make a statement about the ordinance.  Generally, all other key officials would make a statement as well.  The heads of zoning, planning, code studies and building safety should have also been there and made a statement.   3.)  The city appears to have confused the issue of giving legal definition to medical cannabis collectives by inserting this language into a zoning ordinance.  Legally, these need to be two different items.  As it is, the draft is very problematic and will install law enforcement in most aspects of compliance.  This is NOT what zoning ordinances are supposed to do LEGALLY.   4.)  This just scrapes the surface…..   I would truly like to get together with IE patients who want to straighten this out before it is too late.  San Francisco has the smartest model in the state and we should discuss it.  I would also like to share with you my conversation with Doug Holland about these issues because he sees them, too!!  Whatever Palm Springs adopts is going to be the model for the IE. I see that this ordinance sacrifices patients and the council is purely placating you.  I would be fighting like hell.  Well, I guess I am since I am writing this to help organize.   As patients we are the experts in our health care and should NEVER allow politicians to make these policies for us.   So, let’s organize.  I look forward to hearing from you.       Sincerely,   Degé Coutee Education & Advocacy Director Patient Advocacy Network   www.CannabisSavesLives.com (323) 334-5282