MMJ 05.21.15: Walking the Joint and a New DEA

I like taking my medicine in the form of a joint while walking around the block. Is it legal to do that as long as I’m a patient? - Juan DeRoor

A little exercise, a little medicine: You sound like a health-minded person. According to California law, medical cannabis patients are allowed to consume cannabis anywhere tobacco consumption is allowed, except in a moving vehicle, so a walk around the block is a great idea. Be aware that some cities have designated entire areas as “smoke free zones,” mostly in the chi-chi downtown spots (looking at you, Walnut Creek), so if you aren’t paying attention, you could get a ticket. But in general, although you may get a few odd looks and maybe a knowing smile or two, a good walk and a good weed go a long way toward creating a good day.

I hear the DEA has a new leader. What can you tell us about him? - Nan Cour d’Leon

Not much. Chuck Rosenberg is the new guy. He was in the FBI and he worked for the U.S. Department of Justice. All the reports say he’s cool, but we shall see. I have many problems with the way the DEA does business. If the DEA had heeded the advice of their own administrative judge in 1988 (“By any measure of rational analysis marijuana can be safely used within a supervised routine of medical care…it would be unreasonable, arbitrary and capricious for DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of this substance in light of the evidence in this record,” said Judge Frances Young), we wouldn’t be dealing with a lot of the bullshit we are dealingwith today. Drug abuse is a social health issue, not a criminal issue, and the DEA doesn’t have the desire or the temperament to do anything other than throw people in jail to justify their $2 billion budget. I don’t think Mr. Rosenberg, in his position as interim director (he is expected to serve until Obama leaves office) will be able to affect any great changes in the DEA’s policy, although he is expected to ease up on cannabis law enforcement. If Rosenberg can get the DEA to stop going after medical cannabis patients, end the racial disparities in drug arrests and prosecutions and keep the DEA from obstructing medical cannabis research, I will buy him a beer. He will be in charge for about 18 more months.

I wish him luck.