MENDOCINO OFFERS MARIJUANA ID

UKIAH -- Following in the footsteps of Arcata, Mendocino County authorities
launched a program Thursday to protect people who use marijuana under
doctor's orders from being arrested.

The voluntary program provides participants with a photo identification card
to show police if they are stopped. They will be allowed to possess two
pounds of processed marijuana or up to a dozen small plants.

"These are just guidelines," Mendocino County District Attorney Norman
Vroman said. "They are not cast in stone. We had to start some place, and
this is where we started."

Although the program will protect participants from arrest by Mendocino
County authorities, it isn't recognized by federal drug agents, and the U.S.
Justice Department has refused to recognize California's medical marijuana
law.

Appearing at a news conference Thursday afternoon with Vroman, Sheriff Tony
Craver unveiled the application forms and the laminated cards, which have
space for a photo, an expiration date and the patient's name, date of birth
and identification number.

Application forms are available at offices of the district attorney, sheriff
and public health department.

A dozen people already have requested the forms, Craver said.

Mendocino County modeled its policy on a program used for nearly two years
in Arcata, but it is considered novel in at least two regards.

First, it requires the public health department to check on doctors'
recommendations and to keep the physicians' names confidential. In Arcata,
police check with the doctors.

Second, applicants must provide basic information on their appearance,
address, where their marijuana is grown and a few other details that the
sheriff will keep on file to allow dispatchers to verify whether a person is
covered by the program.

The approach is markedly different than in Sonoma County, where medicinal
users must forward their doctors' recommendations to a Sonoma County Medical
Association peer review committee for a decision. Once approval is granted,
it's up to the individual to contact the district attorney, who decides how
much marijuana the person can have.