JUDITH CUSHNER - ADVOCATE FOR MEDICAL POT

Judith Cushner, a longtime San Francisco preschool director and a
leader in the campaign to legalize medical marijuana, has died.

Mrs. Cushner died Jan. 31 after a long battle with cancer. She was
58.

A native of Oakland and a graduate of San Francisco State University,
Mrs. Cushner ran Laurel Hill Nursery School for more than 20 years and
oversaw the construction of a new schoolhouse and playground.

She was an active advocate for children's causes, and was long
affiliated with Coleman Advocates for Children.

In 1990, during radiation and chemotherapy treatments for breast
cancer, she found relief from nausea by using marijuana. The
experience led her to become active in the medical marijuana movement.
She was featured in an ad campaign and was frequently interviewed
about her experiences.

In 1996, her efforts helped to pass Proposition 215, which allowed
California patients to use marijuana with their doctor's approval.

She is survived by her husband of 34 years, John; her daughter, Aviva;
her son, Ari; and her mother, Esther Smith; all of San Francisco.

A memorial celebration will be held on March 21 at 1 p.m. at the
Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop in the Presidio of San Francisco.
Memorial donations may be sent to Laurel Hill Nursery School, 401
Euclid Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118.