CITY NOT BLOWING SMOKE IN STAND ON MARIJUANA

Officials Defy Law, Pass Out Pot To The Ill

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Associated Press -- Calling Santa Cruz a sanctuary
from federal authorities, medical marijuana advocates -- joined by city
leaders -- passed out pot to about a dozen sick people at City Hall.

"Santa Cruz is a special place, and today we're letting the world know how
compassionate we can be," Mayor Christopher Krohn said. "We're taking a stand."

More than 1,000 community members joined a supportive demonstration during
the giveaway. Some held signs reading, "DEA Go Away" and "U.S. Out Of Santa
Cruz."

Several people in the crowd lit marijuana cigarettes, but it was mostly an
alcohol and drug-free gathering.

Marijuana is illegal as a medicine or as a recreational drug under federal
law. But state law, and county and city ordinances, say it's legal if
recommended by a doctor.

Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Richard Meyer said he was
appalled by Tuesday's event, and feared the community is sending a
dangerous message to its children.

"Marijuana is an illegal drug in this country," he said.

In Santa Cruz and many California communities, local law enforcement works
closely with growers and distributors who help sick people obtain marijuana.

Meanwhile, the nation's drug policy director warned parents Tuesday against
trivializing the dangers of marijuana to their kids, warning them that more
teens are addicted to pot than to alcohol or to all other illegal drugs
combined.

Many parents and children have outdated perceptions about marijuana, said
John Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. They
believe marijuana is not addictive, that it's less dangerous than cigarettes.