Americans for Safe Access

SF Chapter
Meeting Minutes for 12/6/16
Call to Order at 7:30 by Chair Alec Fernandes

12 participants present. Introductions were made around the

table.

Alec discussed ASA approval for getting membership fees

covered for those unable to pay.

Minutes from the 11-1-16 meeting read and approved

ASA petition to update the outdated and unscientific information

about medical cannabis on the DEA website was discussed. Alec
gave an overview of the DEAs lies about cannabis. The DEA
must respond within 60 days.

Much discussion ensued regarding questions and concerns

people have about if newly legalized adult use is in danger with a
new Federal Attorney General. Medical use is probably safe. The
issue of medical professionals attitude towards both MMJ and
adult use was discussed. Many of them dont have relevant
experience in advising patients how to use medical cannabis,
and are fearful that the DEA could pull their license to prescribed
schedule 2-5 drugs.

Having or obtaining a state issued medical marijuana ID card will

exempt patients from paying state taxes beginning immediately
per an FTB attorney ruling. However patients would need to
spend $100/month at dispensaries to break even. The cost of the
card will be limited to $100, $52 if on Medicare, free if indigent.
Adults cannot purchase legally yet that has to wait for Jan 1,
2018. But recreational users have been coming into dispensaries
trying to buy according to budtenders and have to be turned
away.

A question to be researched came up: how does Prop 64 affect

MMJ users grow rights from Prop 215, to SB420 to MCRSA?

The San Francisco Cannabis Licensing Group (SFCLG) is seeking

licensing for non-retail cannabis businesses in the city (for
cultivation and manufacturing.) Humboldt, Mendocino and
Sonoma counties have been proactively addressing the issue and
SF is trying to catch up.

Member Gerry gave a brief presentation on Cannabis and the

impact on the environment. The State, via mandatory lab testing,
will sort out those growers who use bad pesticides. Other
practices like water diversion and illegal grows on Fed and State
land will need to be dealt with. The State will be targeting and
monitoring the water use of growers.

The edibles company Altai caused quite a stir with a

controversial stunt at a Las Vegas after-party and is facing
significant backlash for serving slices of meat from a barely
clothed woman lying on a table. It became known as #meatgate
online. It was suggested that our chapter take a stand against
misogynistic attitudes and advertising in the cannabis industry.

A flyer was distributed that has information about ASA for

members to hand out or post.

General Announcements:
o The Emerald Cup is coming the weekend of Dec. 10-11 in
Santa Rosa
o The SFMMJ Taskforce meets Dec 12, time TBD, at City Hall
o The Brownie Mary Club meets Dec 14 at 847 Howard St.,
SF, 6:30pm

Submitted by secretary Mike McCarty