Over a hundred protesters gathered at Haight and Steiner streets on Aug. 1, to march down to the Federal Building, in an attempt to raise awareness about the Federal Government’s interference against medical marijuana patient rights.
“We’re having a New Orleans-inspired funeral procession to express the sadness and disgust about the federal government harassing law-abiding tenants, forcing the closure of their medicine facilities,” protest organizer Stephanie Tucker said.
Protesters came armed with picket signs like “Cannabis is MEDICINE, let states regulate.” Several participants walked with an oversized U.S. Attorney HAAG doll as passing cars honked their horns in support.
Four participants carried a coffin, accompanied by the Brass Mafia ensemble playing swinging jazz tunes, and protesters dancing and chanting slogans such as, “What do we want? Patient rights! When do we want it? Now!”
Once the march arrived at the Federal Building, Tucker declared that the Federal Building is now the new medical dispensary and protesters shouted in agreement.
“We are not going to let the federal government interfere with our rights,” said Mission District Supervisor David Campos. “If they want to get re-elected, they should not interfere with our right as a patient,” he added.
“An attack on our facilities is a direct attack on a patient,” District 5 Supervisor Christina Olague said. “I don’t know how we will fix it, but we’ll figure out a way to fix it.”
State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano spoke at the conference. “Prop 215–passed 15 years ago–is the law of our state. Attorney General’s office and department of justice are not respecting that,” he said in a post-speech interview.
Proposition 215 was part of the 1996 State of California Ballot, which allows those with a valid doctor’s recommendation to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal medical use.