CALIF.ATTY GENERAL BACKS CANNABIS

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is backing
an Oakland cannabis distribution club in its fight with the federal
government over medical marijuana.

Lockyer filed a brief with the California Supreme Court on Tuesday arguing
that the state has the right to enforce its medical marijuana law, which
was approved by voters in 1996.

The law allows seriously ill patients to use marijuana, conflicting with
federal anti-drug laws.

The brief was filed in case scheduled to go before the Supreme Court on
March 28. The Clinton administration sued the Oakland Cannabis Buyers Club
and five other California pot clubs in 1998.

A federal district judge sided with the government in its efforts to halt
the Oakland club from distributing the drug. But last year, an appeals
court ruled that "medical necessity" is a legal defense.

The Oakland club, the only one of the original six still functioning, is
not distributing marijuana, but is issuing identification cards to be ready
if it does get a favorable court ruling.