Who is the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition?

Our mission is to reverse the trend of mass incarceration in Colorado. We are a coalition of nearly 7,000 individual members and over 100 faith and community organizations who have united to stop perpetual prison expansion in Colorado through policy and sentence reform.

Our chief areas of interest include drug policy reform, women in prison, racial injustice, the impact of incarceration on children and families, the problems associated with re-entry and stopping the practice of using private prisons in our state.

If you would like to be involved please go to our website and become a member.


Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Authorities Seize Assets At Medical Mariuana Club

It's this kind of law enforcement that makes the DEA just look like bullies.

The Los Angeles Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency seized the assets of a Berkeley marijuana club Tuesday, following a raid of its sister club in Los Angeles.

The Berkeley Patients Group, one of three medical marijuana clubs in Berkeley, serves about 3,000 people in the East Bay. Medical marijuana is against federal law but California, under Proposition 215, allows dispensaries to operate.

"It's completely scandalous," said Becky DeKeuster, Berkeley Patients Group community liaison. "But we're determined to stay open and assist our patients in any way we can."

The Berkeley club had about $10,000 to $15,000 in its bank account, DeKeuster said. Employees offered to work without pay until the matter is resolved.

The Berkeley club's sister organization, California Patients Group, was raided last week in Los Angeles. Agents seized plants and handcuffed employees and patients, but no one was arrested, DeKeuster said.

About 75 backers of the Berkeley club rallied at Tuesday's Berkeley City Council meeting, asking that the council declare Berkeley a sanctuary for medical marijuana dispensaries. The council agreed to hold a hearing on the issue.

"This is really affecting individuals and families who rely on marijuana to treat diseases and side effects," said Berkeley spokeswoman Mary Kay Clunies-Ross. "We're definitely going to take a look at it."


Article Here

No comments: