California Medical Association
Attention: Jack Lewin, M.D.
Executive Vice-President
P.O. Box 7690
San Francisco, CA 94105

Dear Dr. Lewin,

I am writing in regard to Senate Bill 187 sponsored by John Vasconcellos. This critically important legislation brings some order and control to the implementation of Proposition 215 which passed in 1996. My organization, the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) strongly backs SB 187. The AAMC is a national organization of patients, caregivers, health professionals, educators, and others.

As you may know, Proposition 215 (The Compassionate Use Act) legalized medical marijuana in California for those patients with serious medical conditions whose physicians had authorized it.

Unfortunately, Proposition 215 was vague and subject to varying interpretations. Serious confusion on the part of health professionals, law enforcement, caregivers, and patients has resulted. SB 187 seeks to remedy the faults of 215 while implementing this important adjunctive therapy. Both houses of the Legislature are presently approving this measure and sending it to the desk of Governor Davis. SB 187 contains provisions establishing an anonymous and voluntary patient registration system in addition to a Statewide Task Force for responsible guidelines.

The Governor needs to hear from those who support the rational implementation of medical marijuana in the State of California. AAMC supports the medically responsible utilization of medical cannabis. Our website http://www.letfreedomgrow.com provides needed medical information and methods of cannabis use other than smoking. I encourage you to visit our site and read the text of SB 187. We hope that you will agree with us that SB 187 is a step forward and will write the Governor of your support. The Governor’s point person on medical marijuana is Mr. Mike Gotch. His address is: