OAKLAND LOSES BID TO SHIELD MEDICAL POT CLUB FROM U.S.

A federal judge Monday rejected Oakland's attempt to shield its medical
marijuana club from federal drug laws by making it part of city government
but refused to order the immediate shutdown of clubs in Oakland and two
other cities.

Instead, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer said he may allow a jury to
decide whether patients at the clubs need marijuana to relieve pain and
survive treatment for cancer, AIDS and other illnesses.

Breyer rejected both a request by the Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative
to dismiss the federal government's suit and a motion by the government to
close the clubs without a trial. The other clubs are in Ukiah and Fairfax.

The judge tentatively scheduled a hearing Sept. 28 on whether there should
be a trial, and allowed the clubs to remain open at least until then.