Governor Schwarzenegger...vetoes AB 2279. Patient rights jeopardized by misstep!!!

Don't Bogart that joint, Arnold!


According to patient rights advocates, Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto of AB 2279 - a bill to protect job rights for California’s medical cannabis patients- is a setback for fairness and non-discrimination.

However, Americans for Safe Access (backers of AB 2279) have vowed to continue to go on and fight the battle in the courts, if necessary.

AB 2279 would have stopped workplace discrimination against hundreds of thousands of patients who are legally-entitled by California State Law to use Medical Marijuana.

AB 2279 was proposed as a solution for a "right to work" which was compromised by a California Supreme Court ruling earlier this year.

The Governor’s veto means that California employers can fire workers who use marijuana for medicinal purposes - which is permitted under State law – even if the individual uses medical cannabis in the privacy of their own home.

According to Don Duncan, a representative at ASA, the Governor has misstepped.

"The veto represents a failure of common sense for California’s embattled Governor."

ASA has been heartened by the number of people who helped fight for patients’ rights during the campaign for AB 2279.

Staffers have noted the battle isn't over yet.

"It is important that Governor Schwarzenegger and his staff understand that Californians strongly disagree with this decision. This is not the last time the Governor will be asked to sign legislation to protect patients’ rights."

Consequently, ASA is asking supporters to call Governor Schwarzenegger office in Sacramento and inform him they are not in accord with his decision.

Governor's Office: (916) 445-2841

In the alternative, ASA staff are requesting that California residents write to the Governor personally, and urge that he reconsider his position.

ASA has drafted the following letter as a guideline for supporters to follow.

"I am a medical cannabis patient/supporter who is very disappointed in your decision to veto AB 2279, a bill that would have stopped workplace discrimination against legal medical cannabis patients. This veto leaves hundreds of thousands of law abiding Californians in jeopardy. I expect the Governor to work with lawmakers to protect legal medical cannabis patients from discrimination next year."

An Edmund Burke quote is applicable here.

"Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little."

Medical Marijuana...Senate passes AB 2279.

Just a few moments ago, I received word from Don Duncan at the headquarters of Americans for Safe Access that the California Senate approved ASA’s bill (AB 2279) to protect medical cannabis patients from discrimination in the workplace.

There was a groundswell of grassroots support from thousands of ASA members and concerned residents of California once the issue made news around the State.

In addition - three labor unions representing nearly one million workers in California - backed the important initiative, too.

The win constitutes a great victory in the defense and expansion of the rights of medical cannabis patients.

AB 2279 is now on its way to the Governor’s desk.

Assembly member - Mark Leno - introduced AB 2279 after the California Supreme Court ruled that workers could be fired simply because of their status as medical cannabis patients.

Since AB 2279 was first presentated to the Senate, reps at ASA have worked tirelessly to muster up support for the well-crafted bill.

Senate Majority Leader - Gloria Romero - brought AB 2279 to the Senate floor earlier this afternoon and it was summarily passed.

Info: www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/AB2279.

Medical Marijuana...act now to save jobs. Support AB 2279!

This week, the California Senate will vote on an ASA-sponsored bill that will establish employment rights for hundreds of thousands of medical cannabis patients throughout California.

AB 2279, which has already passed the State Assembly, has the support of three labor unions representing nearly one million workers in California.

The new bill, sponsored by Assembly Member Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), will negate a recent California Supreme Court ruling, which stated that employers can fire workers just for being legal medical cannabis patients, legitimizing job discrimination for seriously ill Californians.

AB 2279 aims to protect patients who strive to be productive members of society.

But, according to organizers at Americans for Safe Access, it has come to "crunch time".

The advocates for compassionate use of Medical Marijuana don't have a tally verifying which way all the Senators intend to vote on this explosive subject.

And, it is imperative that some action be taken, since the bill may come up for a vote in the next few days.

Therefore, ASA is urging that all supporters of AB 2279 get actively involved.

ASA recommends that residents of California call or e-mail State Senators right away and urge that they pledge their support for medical cannabis patients right to work pursuant to AB 2279.

Info: www.AmericansForSafeAccess.org/FindCASenator