COUNTY WON'T BE AFFECTED BY POT CLUB RULING

Authorities said procedures carved out in Sonoma County for marijuana use
by seriously ill patients won't be affected by Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court
ruling.

District Attorney Mike Mullins said the ruling reinforces the mechanics put
into place after voter approval in 1996 of Proposition 215, the medical
marijuana initiative.

"It means that what we're doing here, our reading of the law, is correct,"
he said. "We haven't been allowing cannabis clubs. If we had one, I'd close
it down" in light of the ruling.

There is a cannabis club in Ukiah, which has been open four days a week for
the past 3 1/2 years, selling marijuana to people who have a doctor's
recommendation.

Marvin Lehrman, spokesman for the Ukiah Cannabis Buyers Club, said he
already was receiving calls from people asking if the club would be open
Thursday, its next scheduled business day.

Lehrman said he would have to consult with his attorney before commenting.

Mendocino County District Attorney Norm Vroman also declined comment until
he could review the ruling.

Paul Klopper, a legal aid attorney in Santa Rosa who has been active on the
issue, said the ruling shouldn't have an immediate affect in Sonoma County.
He said advocates will have to wait and see if the court takes further action.