MEDICAL MARIJUANA SUPPORTERS, DEFENDANTS RALLY IN MODESTO

Seven people arrested on drug charges stemming from an investigation
into an Oakdale medical marijuana dispensary were in court Wednesday.
Their arraignments were put off until Sept. 25 so the district
attorney has more time to investigate.

On July 31, Michael Cadiz, 32, of Modesto; Addison DeMoura, 33, of
Oakdale; Shawn Garvin, 27, of Modesto; Russell Green, 28, of
Stockton; Angel Herrera, 32, of Lathrop; Brennan Johnston, 27, of
Oakdale; and Joseph Young, 30, of Turlock were arrested after a
two-month investigation into the Oakdale Natural Choice Collective.

The collective has closed; everyone arrested is on bail.

An hour before heading to court, DeMoura held a medical marijuana
rally outside the Stanislaus County Courthouse.

About 25 people -- defendants and supporters -- hoisted signs saying,
"We won't stand for this. God made Cannabis" and other slogans. Signs
also stated that Proposition 215, which exempts patients with doctor
recommendations from laws that otherwise prohibit possession or
cultivation of marijuana, is not being enforced properly.

Waiting outside court, Garvin said police and the press have treated
him unfairly.

"Everyone thinks I'm guilty before even going to court," he said.

Toting an oxygen tank, Garvin said marijuana helps him deal with
ailments related to carbon monoxide poisoning that happened while
doing electrical work in a warehouse in 2004.

'Two doctor recommendations'

He said the carbon monoxide burned his lungs, leaving him with
blood-producing coughs, headaches and occasional seizures. Edible
marijuana and a vaporizer have helped him avoid other pain and
seizure medications, Garvin said.

"I have two doctor recommendations from two different doctors,"
Garvin said. "They're prosecuting people needlessly."

Green, who volunteered at the collective and faces charges of
growing, processing, transporting and selling marijuana, said he has
done nothing wrong and believes in the justice system.

"I was abiding by the law. Justice will be served," he said.

Forced out of town?

Arrests such as the ones on July 31 effectively force dispensaries
out of town, which is a shame, said medical marijuana activist Dale
Gieringer of Oakland. Gieringer, who received a doctorate from
Stanford while studying drug regulation, said law enforcement in the
Central Valley has not welcomed dispensaries.

"People are tired of having no access in the Central Valley," he said.

Patients who do not have access to dispensaries have to grow their
own plants, drive to Oakland to buy it, or find dealers on the
street, said Gieringer, who is the state coordinator of California
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a co-founder
of the California Drug Policy Reform Coalition and of Californians
for Compassionate Use.

"Having a local business with a license is much better because
patients have a place that is accountable," he added.