MEDICAL POT SUPPORTERS DEFY DEA

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Calling Santa Cruz a "sanctuary" from federal
authorities, medical marijuana advocates - joined by city leaders - passed
out pot to about a dozen sick and dying patients from City Hall on Tuesday.

"Santa Cruz is a special place, and today we're letting the world know how
compassionate we can be," Mayor Christopher Krohn said. "We're taking a stand."

More than 1,000 community members jammed into the garden-like courtyard for
a supportive demonstration during the giveaway.

Several people in the crowd lit marijuana cigarettes, but it was mostly an
alcohol and drug-free gathering, which was what organizers requested.

"Please do not confuse our message. Our message is not about defiance, our
message is about peaceful assembly," said Valerie Corral.

The enthusiastic crowd included many pet dogs, a pet snake, dancers,
drummers, and protesters holding signs including: "DEA Go Away" and "U.S.
Out Of Santa Cruz."

No law enforcement was present, except for a helicopter without clear
markings that hovered above the event for almost an hour. Local officials
did not know who was inside the helicopter.

Drug Administration Enforcement spokesman Richard Meyer said he would not
confirm nor deny that it was an agency helicopter.

Meyer did say he was appalled by the event, and feared that the community
is sending a dangerous message to its children.

"Marijuana is an illegal drug in this country," he said.

But Mike Corral, who helped distribute the marijuana, said the only message
sent Tuesday was that "marijuana is medicine."

Marijuana is illegal as a medicine or as a recreational drug under federal
law. But state law, and county and city ordinances, say it's legal if
recommended by a doctor.

In Santa Cruz and many California communities, local law enforcement works
closely with growers and distributors who help sick people obtain
marijuana. Krohn and his colleagues didn't handle the marijuana, but stood
in solidarity with the clinic workers and users.

The City Hall pot distribution comes less than two weeks after agents from
the federal Drug Enforcement Administration arrested the owners of a local
pot farm and confiscated 130 plants that had been grown for use as medicine
at the Wo"Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana.

Santa Cruz Police Chief Steve Belcher said his officers work closely with
WAMM, and that they did not plan to arrest registered, legitimate members
picking up their medicine.

However, he said, "This is not going to be a smoke-out at City Hall."

People who show up to smoke pot for fun, without a doctor's recommendation,
could face arrest, he said.