POT CLUB HOSTS OPEN HOUSE FOR POLITICIANS

With several important elections coming up, Lynnette Shaw opened the doors
of the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Fairfax yesterday so
politicians running for local and national offices could get a first-hand
look at her operation.

Jack Gibson, candidate for Superior Court judge, Louis Nuyens, running for
the Board of Supervisors in District Four, and Libertarian U.S. Senate
candidate Jim Gray met with patients, saw the distribution of medication
and got a rundown on how the clinic has continued to operate with the
town's permission since 1996.

"It was satisfying to see that they want to keep it within the law," Gibson
said afterward.

Shaw, who led an unsuccessful recall drive against District Attorney Paula
Kamena in 2000 and ran for Marin Healthcare District Director in 2002, said
she invited a few other candidates - including Marin Superior Court Judge
Michael Dufficy - who didn't show up. But Shaw said yesterday's turnout was
a success because the candidates walked away with positive things to say
about the clinic and a new perspective on medical marijuana.

"It's clean and well-organized," said Nuyens, who helped draft the original
medical marijuana identification card and other forms used at Marin
Alliance. "It's amazing she's still open."

Shaw said Gray - an Orange County Superior Court judge on a one-year leave
of absence who advocates full legalization of marijuana for adults -
initiated the walkthrough back in November because his only experience with
marijuana was evidence in court. She said he asked patients how long
marijuana lasts, what they have to do to buy it and even got to hold a bag
of it.

"He was fascinated by it," she said.

During a public question and answer session afterward, Gray said he plans
to use Shaw and Marin Alliance on the campaign trail as proof that
marijuana can be managed effectively to provide comfort to people.

"I view her as the Mother Theresa of Marin," he said.

Shaw said she wasn't worried about inviting the candidates because the
clinic sticks to the rules - including regular audits required by the town
and strict enforcement about who can and can't buy.

In fact, she said she was excited to show off the clinic's expanded
offerings, including 15 different types of smokeable marijuana, an express
line and an extended selection of foods such as peanut butter and jelly.

"It's called Smoker's instead of Smucker's," she said of the jelly. "It's
definitely got a punch to it."

Shaw said the patients and staff are extremely concerned about their
privacy so, after consulting with them, she decided to do a private tour
for the candidates rather than invite the public. Everyone understood the
importance of showing the clinic in a positive light, but not everyone
wanted to participate, she said.

"This is the first time we opened the door and said 'C'mon in,'" she said.
"Most patients don't like to talk about their problems."

As for big-name politicians, Shaw said she has invited Democratic U.S. Sen.
Barbara Boxer of Greenbrae and U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey, D-Petaluma, but
neither has come for a visit. Woolsey never fails to send a handwritten
note saying why she can't make it, but Boxer always sends a form letter,
she said.

"I'm sure it's due to her (Woolsey's) insane schedule," Shaw said. "But I
wish Boxer would pay attention to us."

Shaw said she would consider tours for nearly any politician because she
wants them to understand that Marin Alliance is a legitimate operation that
provides a legitimate function. So who is her most sought-after guest?

"Arnold Schwarzenegger," Shaw said. "I really want the governor to come by
and see our system."