CITY HANDS OUT MARIJUANA

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Calling Santa Cruz a sanctuary from federal
authorities, medical marijuana advocates -- with the support of city leaders
- -- passed out pot Tuesday to about a dozen sick people at City Hall.

The marijuana giveaway, which drew about 1,000 people, was in protest of a
federal raid two weeks ago on a local cannabis farm.

All marijuana use is illegal under federal law. But state law and local
ordinances say it's legal if recommended by a doctor.

Santa Cruz Police Chief Steve Belcher said his officers would not arrest
registered users picking up medicine. The Drug Enforcement Administration
said Tuesday it had not decided whether it would arrest anyone.