Proposed Bill: State/Local Agencies Shouldn't Assist Federal Medical Marijuana Raids

By Kenny Goldberg / Health Reporter, KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published May 26, 2008 at 1:20 PM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

A measure by San Diego Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña would make it state policy not to cooperate with federal raids on medical marijuana patients. Supporters say too many state and local law enforcement

A measure by San Diego Assemblywoman Lori Saldaña would make it state policy not to cooperate with federal raids on medical marijuana patients. Supporters say too many state and local law enforcement agencies have given the feds a helping hand. KPBS reporter Kenny Goldberg has more.

California's Prop 215 allows people to grow marijuana for medical use. The federal government considers it illegal. Federal drug agents accompanied by local law enforcement have raided growers and clinics throughout the state. Under the Assembly bill, local or state agencies could not assist in federal raids on qualified patients or caregivers. Bruce Mirken is with the Marijuana Policy Project .

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Mirken: Our local tax dollars, our California resources, shouldn't be used to attack what the voters of this state chose to enact.

Critics say the measure would tie the hands of law enforcement. The bill has cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Kenny Goldberg, KPBS News