Santa Cruz to sue feds over medical marijuana raids
Monday, April 21, 2003
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) -- In hopes of stopping federal agents from again raiding a farm that provides marijuana to sick and dying people, Santa Cruz officials said they will file a lawsuit against Attorney General John A-s-h-c-r-o-f-t and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Attorneys representing the city and county of Santa Cruz, as well as seven medical marijuana users, said Monday they plan to file the papers Wednesday in San Jose federal court.
"The city of Santa Cruz wants to prevent raids on medical marijuana. This is a public health issue to this community," said Santa Cruz City Attorney John Barisone on Monday.
The lawsuit comes in response to a DEA raid last September at a small pot farm located on a quiet coastal road about 15 miles north of town. Agents uprooted about 165 plants and arrested the owners, Valerie and Michael Corral.
The raid outraged local officials, who have since sponsored a medical marijuana giveaway from the steps of City Hall.
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