On Tuesday, August 23, American’s For Safe Access’ California Director Don Duncan provided free raid and arrest training to patients at Common Roots Collective - 3039 52nd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95823. Approximately 50 patients took part in this invaluable training and undoubtedly many will pass on the information to others who were unable to attend. Fortunately for everyone, the information presented is available online atamericansforsafeaccess.org ; sadly Don won’t be there to provide you with an in-depth analysis connecting the information to your particular situation or county issues, but ASA still has a wealth of guides available.
Don gave some major points to remember:
Always make sure to have your ID and recommendation on you at any time. Let them check your ID, see that you don’t have any warrants, and then ask if you can leave.
If the police officer continues to question you use the “Magic Words” :
If the police officer continues to question you use the “Magic Words” :
“ I Choose to Remain Silent.”
“ I want to see a Lawyer.”
“ I Do Not Consent to a Search.”
He reminded all of us that it will not result in charges of ‘obstruction’ or any other charge the police may tell you - they are allowed to lie and are good at it! Even if you believe you are innocent, STAY SILENT except to tell the police officer that you are invoking your rights. If they haven’t arrested you, they are still investigating; even information you may think will prove your innocence can be incriminating - Anything you say CAN and WILL be used against you, so just let your lawyer sort out any issue.
The best way to handle a police encounter is to have plan in advance - you can remain calm, assert your rights, and handle any legal problems in a civil, peaceful, and hopefully speedy manner.
Don also emphasized the need for Everyone's involvement in keeping access safe and legal. Though there are many people within the community, only a small percentage are actively following the development of how our medicine is regulated. While many are severely ill and unable to attend protests, there are those of us who are once again able to function, now that we are able to use the right medicine; thus, we must work twice, even three times as hard to make sure not only are we able to continue to live functionally, but that those too sick to speak up are able to continue to live.
In this fight, every voice counts, every vote counts. No one should think that only being ‘one person’ can’t make a difference, in this or any other political situation; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. We have made great strides in the medical cannabis movement, but the calm before the storm has ended. Those opposed to the massive number of people seeking this alternative medicine are now attempting to eradicate medical programs all together - and the lawmakers who were first protecting us are now turning their backs on us, because we are no longer giving them anything to listen to.
ASA and Don also provided a list of ways to get involved, and ways to get the attention of lawmakers. We need to continue Calling, Writing Letters (preferably by hand), Email or Going to Visit them at their office! ASA even provides information on how best to approach your representatives when you go visit them. Its their job to secure fair laws for EVERY citizen in their jurisdiction, but WE have to tell them what we want.
Much gratitude to Don Duncan and all the hardworking members of ASA for giving us this information. The best way to thank them (other than donating, of course!) is to USE the information and use the power we all have as citizens and voters to continue these freedoms we have won.
P*E*A*C*E
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