SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS BRIEFS

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- In a move designed to fend off federal officials, a
new ordinance makes workers at the Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Cooperative
city agents.

The federal government will try to shut down the club at a hearing on August 14.

The council passed the ordinance 8-1 on Wednesday, two weeks after
approving a policy that allows medical marijuana users to have 1.5 pounds
of cannabis.

The Oakland guidelines view the amount as enough for a three-month supply
of about 10 cigarettes a day. In contrast, state guidelines figure 1 ounce
equals a 30-day supply.

"We are blazing the trail here,"' councilmember Nate Miley said after
Wednesday's vote.

The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 gives immunity from federal and
criminal liability to agents approved by the city, according to Robert
Raich, an attorney for the club.

However, Oakland police doubt that claim.

"To my knowledge, they don't have any type of protection from federal
action," said Rich Hart, commander of the narcotics squad.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)