Are you going to the CaDEM Convention? The 2023 CaDEM State Convention is the first one since the beginnings of the COVID lockdown. From May 26 to May 28, the Los Angeles Convention Center and the adjoining JW Marriot LA Live Hotel will be bustling with over 3,000+ delegates and another 1,000+ elected Democratic officer holders and activists representing the broad and diverse groups of people that make up the Democratic Party.

If you have never been to a state convention, then don’t miss this one. It is the biggest state pollical party convention in the nation and it is FREE to attend. See the hundreds of booths in the Exhibit Hall, attend any of the caucus and organization meetings, party at the Hospitality Suites and mingle with the thousands of convention attendees. Who knows who you might meet – everyone from Gov. Newsom on down will be there.

Most importantly you can come to the Exhibit Hall in the LA Convention Center and visit the Brownie Mary Democrats booth in the Exhibit Hall. We are especially pleased that our main sponsor, the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, will be joining us at our Exhibit Booth highlighting the enlightened and forward-thinking attitude of West Hollywood regarding the availability of cannabis.

When you visit our booth be sure and get your raffle ticket for a chance to win one of our truly fabulous prizes from quality Purelife cannabis products to quality Ispire cannabis paraphernalia. Plus you will get a free cannabis leaf necklace just for stopping by.

The highlight of our presence at the 2023 Convention is our first ever BMD meeting being held directly at the convention on Saturday, May 27 at 7:45 p.m. at the JW Marriott Live LA Hotel adjoining the LA Convention Center. Our focus at the meeting is on the cannabis industry and the trials and tribulations it is undergoing from faltering sales due to illegal competition from unlicensed cultivators and distributors to the continuing problems caused by federal prohibition.

As you can see from the flyer here, we have assembled a truly prestigious panel with state legislators, business owners, union reps, legal experts, tax professionals and more. You will truly learn the state of the cannabis industry from this panel and what needs to be done to make sure that they will be able to continue to provide quality cannabis to all. Most importantly, you will be able to have your questions and quandaries answered. This meeting is in Platinum meeting room E in the North Tower of the JW Marriott Hotel.

If you are coming to the Convention and have 30 minutes or more to spare, please stop by the booth in the Exhibit Hall.  We could use a few more volunteers to distribute the meeting flyers to convention attendees.

If you have never been to a CaDEM State Convention, then don’t miss this opportunity to attend. It is the grassroots of political activism with all the excitement and passion that comes from being part of the movement for a just, equitable and compassionate USA.

Brownie Mary Democrats

BMD Meeting Featuring New Assembly Member Christy Holstege, Election Success, Peek at 2023 and More

Mid-terms are usually hohum affairs, but the 2022 election was incredible. As much as I despise Former (and let’s keep it that way) President Trump, if it wasn’t for him the mid-terms would certainly have been a lot less captivating. As it stands the much-feared Red Wave turned into more of a Red Trickle.

Although Democrats retained control of the Senate, it’s going to be tough going for any kind of Progressive legislation because it still seems likely Republicans will control the House although by much smaller margins then they had been having in their wet dreams. Fortunately, the crazy Republican legislation that may pass the House will be DOA when it hits the Senate. Sadly with the Republicans in charge of the House there will be little opportunity to end federal cannabis prohibition - not that the Democrats have been any better.

I would like to invite you to join our fall BMD General Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the fall CaDEM Eboard meeting which runs from Nov. 16 - Nov. 20. Like the CaDEM Eboard meeting, the BMD meeting will be virtual so you can zoom in from the comfort of your home or from the McDonald’s or Starbuck’s down the street if that is where you get your internet service.

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that the featured speaker at our BMD meeting will be Christy Holstege who was just elected to the state assembly representing the 47^th AD which includes the Coachella Valley and portions of the High Desert. Christy was first elected to serve on Palm Springs City Council in 2017 as part of the first all-LGBTQ city council in the country. Christy was re-elected in a landslide in 2020, serving as the city’s first ever female mayor, the city’s first millennial mayor, and the first openly bisexual mayor in America.

Palm Springs was the first city in the Inland Empire to allow for medical cannabis distribution way back in 2008 and continues to allow for easy access with over 2 dozen dispensaries, cultivation facilities and manufacturers. Christy has always supported cannabis legalization and helped keep PS a hot bed of cannabis accessibility.

With a Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School, Christy can make sense of California’s byzantine cannabis laws. She would like to hear from us what improvements need to be made in the implementation of Prop. 64 and what the state legislature can do to improve it. For more information on Christy CLICK HERE.

In addition to Christy’s presentation, we will be covering the results of the election in California and the nation with a look at the two new states that passed initiatives legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. Although the outlook for repealing federal cannabis prohibition is gloomy, all is not lost and there is a pathway for ending federal prohibition that will be discussed along with some prognostications as what may happen with cannabis in 2023.

Here's the Zoom link info:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83592345000

Call in on your phone at 669-444-9171 - Meet ID 835 9234 5000

Now for the last piece of good news – with trumpets blaring and drums rolling I would like to announce that I won my election to the Board of Directors of the San Gorgonio Memorial Healthcare District. I will be the only RN on the Board and will be bringing Democratic values to the forefront of the discussions relating to health care services. If and when cannabis is removed from the Schedule of Controlled Substances, I will also be advocating for its use in our community hospital if a doctor believes it will be of benefit to a hospitalized patient.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. for the BMD Zoom meeting. Meet and chat with activist Democrats as you kick back, relax and light up. Look forward to seeing you virtually.

Lanny

Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

Chair & Founder, Brownie Mary Democrats of California

Brownie Mary Democrats

BMD Meeting Featuring New Assembly Member Christy Holstege, Election Success, Peek at 2023 and More

Mid-terms are usually hohum affairs, but the 2022 election was incredible. As much as I despise Former (and let’s keep it that way) President Trump, if it wasn’t for him the mid-terms would certainly have been a lot less captivating. As it stands the much-feared Red Wave turned into more of a Red Trickle.

Although Democrats retained control of the Senate, it’s going to be tough going for any kind of Progressive legislation because it still seems likely Republicans will control the House although by much smaller margins then they had been having in their wet dreams. Fortunately, the crazy Republican legislation that may pass the House will be DOA when it hits the Senate. Sadly with the Republicans in charge of the House there will be little opportunity to end federal cannabis prohibition - not that the Democrats have been any better.

I would like to invite you to join our fall BMD General Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the fall CaDEM Eboard meeting which runs from Nov. 16 - Nov. 20. Like the CaDEM Eboard meeting, the BMD meeting will be virtual so you can zoom in from the comfort of your home or from the McDonald’s or Starbuck’s down the street if that is where you get your internet service.

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that the featured speaker at our BMD meeting will be Christy Holstege who was just elected to the state assembly representing the 47^th AD which includes the Coachella Valley and portions of the High Desert. Christy was first elected to serve on Palm Springs City Council in 2017 as part of the first all-LGBTQ city council in the country. Christy was re-elected in a landslide in 2020, serving as the city’s first ever female mayor, the city’s first millennial mayor, and the first openly bisexual mayor in America.

Palm Springs was the first city in the Inland Empire to allow for medical cannabis distribution way back in 2008 and continues to allow for easy access with over 2 dozen dispensaries, cultivation facilities and manufacturers. Christy has always supported cannabis legalization and helped keep PS a hot bed of cannabis accessibility.

With a Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School, Christy can make sense of California’s byzantine cannabis laws. She would like to hear from us what improvements need to be made in the implementation of Prop. 64 and what the state legislature can do to improve it. For more information on Christy CLICK HERE.

In addition to Christy’s presentation, we will be covering the results of the election in California and the nation with a look at the two new states that passed initiatives legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. Although the outlook for repealing federal cannabis prohibition is gloomy, all is not lost and there is a pathway for ending federal prohibition that will be discussed along with some prognostications as what may happen with cannabis in 2023.

Here's the Zoom link info:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83592345000

Call in on your phone at 669-444-9171 - Meet ID 835 9234 5000

Now for the last piece of good news – with trumpets blaring and drums rolling I would like to announce that I won my election to the Board of Directors of the San Gorgonio Memorial Healthcare District. I will be the only RN on the Board and will be bringing Democratic values to the forefront of the discussions relating to health care services. If and when cannabis is removed from the Schedule of Controlled Substances, I will also be advocating for its use in our community hospital if a doctor believes it will be of benefit to a hospitalized patient.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. for the BMD Zoom meeting. Meet and chat with activist Democrats as you kick back, relax and light up. Look forward to seeing you virtually.

Lanny

Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

Chair & Founder, Brownie Mary Democrats of California

Brownie Mary Democrats

BMD Meeting Featuring New Assembly Member Christy Holstege, Election Success, Peek at 2023 and More

Mid-terms are usually hohum affairs, but the 2022 election was incredible. As much as I despise Former (and let’s keep it that way) President Trump, if it wasn’t for him the mid-terms would certainly have been a lot less captivating. As it stands the much-feared Red Wave turned into more of a Red Trickle.

Although Democrats retained control of the Senate, it’s going to be tough going for any kind of Progressive legislation because it still seems likely Republicans will control the House although by much smaller margins then they had been having in their wet dreams. Fortunately, the crazy Republican legislation that may pass the House will be DOA when it hits the Senate. Sadly with the Republicans in charge of the House there will be little opportunity to end federal cannabis prohibition - not that the Democrats have been any better.

I would like to invite you to join our fall BMD General Meeting on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the fall CaDEM Eboard meeting which runs from Nov. 16 - Nov. 20. Like the CaDEM Eboard meeting, the BMD meeting will be virtual so you can zoom in from the comfort of your home or from the McDonald’s or Starbuck’s down the street if that is where you get your internet service.

I am absolutely ecstatic to announce that the featured speaker at our BMD meeting will be Christy Holstege who was just elected to the state assembly representing the 47^th AD which includes the Coachella Valley and portions of the High Desert. Christy was first elected to serve on Palm Springs City Council in 2017 as part of the first all-LGBTQ city council in the country. Christy was re-elected in a landslide in 2020, serving as the city’s first ever female mayor, the city’s first millennial mayor, and the first openly bisexual mayor in America.

Palm Springs was the first city in the Inland Empire to allow for medical cannabis distribution way back in 2008 and continues to allow for easy access with over 2 dozen dispensaries, cultivation facilities and manufacturers. Christy has always supported cannabis legalization and helped keep PS a hot bed of cannabis accessibility.

With a Juris Doctorate from Stanford Law School, Christy can make sense of California’s byzantine cannabis laws. She would like to hear from us what improvements need to be made in the implementation of Prop. 64 and what the state legislature can do to improve it. For more information on Christy CLICK HERE.

In addition to Christy’s presentation, we will be covering the results of the election in California and the nation with a look at the two new states that passed initiatives legalizing the recreational use of cannabis. Although the outlook for repealing federal cannabis prohibition is gloomy, all is not lost and there is a pathway for ending federal prohibition that will be discussed along with some prognostications as what may happen with cannabis in 2023.

Here's the Zoom link info:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83592345000

Call in on your phone at 669-444-9171 - Meet ID 835 9234 5000

Now for the last piece of good news – with trumpets blaring and drums rolling I would like to announce that I won my election to the Board of Directors of the San Gorgonio Memorial Healthcare District. I will be the only RN on the Board and will be bringing Democratic values to the forefront of the discussions relating to health care services. If and when cannabis is removed from the Schedule of Controlled Substances, I will also be advocating for its use in our community hospital if a doctor believes it will be of benefit to a hospitalized patient.

Mark your calendars for Thursday, Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. for the BMD Zoom meeting. Meet and chat with activist Democrats as you kick back, relax and light up. Look forward to seeing you virtually.

Lanny

Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

Chair & Founder, Brownie Mary Democrats of California

Brownie Mary Democrats

Sam's Brainstorming Session

Brownie Mary Meeting

The evening of Sunday, July 10 is going to be a truly interesting one. First there is the membership meeting of BMD at 7:30 p.m. and then there will be a special cannabis legalization meeting open to everyone hosted by Sam Clauder immediately following the BMD meeting at 9 p.m. Both meetings are zoom virtual meetings.

Sam, a long-time cannabis activist, has sponsored BMD’s fabulous hospitality suites at past CaDEM conventions. He would like to invite folks to a virtual zoom meeting immediately following the BMD Membership meeting to brainstorm methods of encouraging the legalization of cannabis in states and nations that have yet to legalize.

Sam has been a leading advocate for cannabis legalization dating back to the 90s when it wasn’t as OK as it is nowadays to advocate for legalization. He has a wealth of experience and would like to discuss ways in which cannabis legalization can be furthered. This will be an open forum – you do not have to be a BMD member to attend - your participation in the discussion is strongly encouraged.

Here is the zoom link for Sam’s Brainstorming session on cannabis legalization:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86599019188

You can also phone in by calling 669 444 9171 and entering meeting ID: 865 9901 9188

The BMD membership meeting on Sunday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Veteran’s and United Nation’s cannabis advocate Michael Krawitz is open only to BMD members. Much of what has happened at the U.N. has been under the radar and little reported in the media including the cannabis media. As more and more countries legalize cannabis, the role of the U.N. in facilitating the transition will be critical. Michael will detail what has happened at the U.N., what will be happening in the near future and the likelihood of other countries legalizing cannabis.

There is still time to join BMD and participate in the Sunday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. meeting. General memberships are only $10 and Senior Citizens, veterans, low income and students can join for just $5. To join now or renew your membership, CLICK HERE or go to www.browniemarydemocrats.org/memberships. A zoom link will be sent out to all members. Printed below is the agenda for the BMD membership meeting.

Lanny

Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

Chair & Founder

Brownie Mary Democrats of California

Brownie Mary Democrats of California

Membership meeting

Sunday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m.

AGENDA

1. Call to order
2. Minutes
3. Financial Report
4. Roll call of members present
5. Chair report by Lanny Swerdlow
6. Report on July 8 – 10 CaDEM Eboard meeting including BMD Cannabis Taxation resolution by Joseph Pinon.
7. Special presentation on cannabis actions taken at the United Nations and support for cannabis reform by Michael Krawitz, Executive director of Veterans For Medical Cannabis Access
8. California legislative update including passage of legislation lowering cannabis taxation.
9. Vote on changing BMD bylaws to add 4 at-large members to the BMD eboard.
10. Other business
11. Adjournment

Brownie Mary Democrats

420 Day may not be a national holiday but it is probably the only true international holiday celebrated around the world. Even New Year's is celebrated on different days depending on where you live and which culture you partake of, but 420 Day is celebrated everywhere on April 20. Considering that 420 Day hasn't been around for much more then a couple decades or so, the speed of its recognition is phenomenal attesting to the ubiquity, importance and the joy that cannabis brings to all.

We all know the world  would be much a better, safer and saner place if everyone everywhere would kick back and light up a joint, inhale a vape or nibble on an edible every day at 4:20 p.m. A common thread in all the hot spots of the world is that at least one of, if not both of the warring factions, have made the use of cannabis illegal. Would there be such horrors going on if everyone was getting stoned daily - I think not.

In addition to celebrating 420 Day by imbibing with your friends or just by yourself, how about making it a memorable and special celebration by either joining or renewing your membership in the Brownie Mary Democrats of California. What a wonderful way to celebrate 420 Day and make a contribution to insure the continuation of 420 Days into the future.

As an official organization within the California Democratic Party, BMD is in a key position to meet with Democratic officials on the state and local level to make Prop. 64 work as it is supposed to work and most importantly to get state and local governments to enact reasonable and rational regulations and taxation so as to allow cannabis businesses to provide cannabis at affordable prices as well as allow cannabis social clubs to open. 

Our status within the Democratic Party and clout with elected officials is increased exponentially by our members so it is critical for you to renew your membership or become a member for the very first time. If you have family members, friends or casual acquaintances who are Democrats, ask them to join as well. For what we can do to make cannabis safely, reliably, locally and affordably accessible, memberships are a bargain at just $10 and only $5 for seniors, veterans, students and low income. To become a member or for others to join, CLICK HERE.

If you are already a paid member for 2022, thank you for your support. If not, please consider becoming a member now.Your support would be gratefully and sincerely appreciated.

Brownie Mary Democrats

You, your friends, your family and that strange guy down the street are invited to attend the annual Brownie Mary Democrats general meeting held in conjunction with the 2022 CaDEM state convention. This is going to be an outstanding meeting with knowledgeable and interesting speakers covering everything affecting cannabis consumers including legislation, taxation and business regulation.

Our special guest speakers are Assemblyman Bill Quirk and State Senator Scott Wiener, powerhouses of legislative cannabis accomplishments. From taxation to regulation to access to employment protection, these two legislators are the best friends we have in the California state legislature.

Assemblyman Quirk has championed employment protections for cannabis consumers and has introduced AB2188 to prevent the firing of people from their jobs for off-the-job use of cannabis. Senator Wiener is a long time supporter for criminal justice reform and was the sponsor of SB 34, the Dennis Peron and Brownie Mary Compassionate Care Act. They will be discussing current cannabis legislative actions as well as future reforms of Prop. 64 to make it work better and fairer. They are here to answer your questions and to hear about your concerns and suggestions for new legislation.

There will also be a presentation on current state legislation by Sean Donahoe, owner of Sungrown Developmens Inc and a member of the California Cannabis Industry Association's Legislative Committee. Of significant interest will be a knowledgeable and jaundiced look at what is happening on the federal level by Dale Gieringer, Executive Director of CaNORML. Action on the federal level has been a source of profound disappointment as we expected that with Democrats in control of Congress that federal cannabis prohibition would have ended in 2021.

Discussing the current situation facing cannabis cultivators and how that will affect consumers is Ross Gordon, Policy Director of the Humboldt County Growers Association.

This a virtual meeting that is accessed through ZOOM so everyone can attend from the comfort of their home or wherever they are most comfortable. Invite your family members, friends, and especially all your fellow cannabis consumers to join us at this very informative and FREE event.

Here is the zoom information on zooming on in.

BMD General Membership meeting

March 2, 2022 — 7:30 PM Pacific Time

Zoom Meeting link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82826832865?pwd=YkFFQXNOTTBSSzR6TGZESE1NWXlzdz09

Meeting ID: 828 2683 2865      Passcode: 124792

JOIN BY PHONE

669-900-9128

Meeting ID: 828 2683 2865    Passcode: 124792

Brownie Mary Democrats and the general public are invited to attend the annual Brownie Mary Democrats general meeting held in conjunction with the 2022 CaDEM state convention. This is going to be an outstanding meeting with knowledgeable and interesting speakers covering everything affecting cannabis consumers including legislation, taxation and business regulation.

We are proud to announce that our special guest speaker will be Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-AD 20) author of AB 2188 which will prevent people from being fired from their jobs or refusing to be hired for a job for off-the-job use of cannabis. Unlike previous employment non-discrimination bills for cannabis use, the odds are favorable that this one will pass and be signed into law by Governor Newsom. Assemblyman Quirk will cover the history of the bill, how it protects cannabis users from being fired and most importantly what needs to be done to make it happen this time around.

For cannabis consumers, this is one of the most important and far-reaching cannabis bills being considered in the state legislature. The Brownie Mary Democrats are pleased that Assemblyman Quirk and other movement activists will be speaking at our zoom membership meeting on Wednesday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

There are several other topics of major importance on the agenda including a resolution authored by David Goldman and supported by BMD that will remove the excessive cannabis taxes that have contributed to the exorbitant price of cannabis and allowed the illegal market to flourish. This resolution, which we believe has a very good chance of being adopted by the California Democratic Party, will go along way in convincing Democratic state legislators, to suspend the state cultivation tax and the state's 15% excise tax. To read the resolution, CLICK HERE.

There will also be a presentation on current state legislation by Sean Donahoe, owner of Sungrown Developmens Inc and a member of the California Cannabis Industry Association's Legislative Committee. Of significant interest will be a knowledgeable and jaundiced look at what is happening on the federal level by Dale Gieringer, Executive Director of CaNORML. Action on the federal level has been a source of profound disappointment as we expected that with Democrats in control of Congress that federal cannabis prohibition would have ended in 2021.

This a virtual meeting that is accessed through ZOOM so everyone can attend from the comfort of their home or wherever they are most comfortable. Invite your family members, friends, and especially all your fellow cannabis consumers to join us at this very informative and FREE event. Here is the zoom information on zooming on in.

BMD General Membership meeting

March 2, 2022 — 7:30 PM Pacific Time

Zoom Meeting link

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82826832865?pwd=YkFFQXNOTTBSSzR6TGZESE1NWXlzdz09

Meeting ID: 828 2683 2865      Passcode: 124792

JOIN BY PHONE

669-900-9128

Meeting ID: 828 2683 2865    Passcode: 124792

Brownie Mary Democrats meeting features AB 1256 author Dr. Bill Quirk

Stop the firing of and the refusing to hire cannabis consumers

Although the California State Personnel Board has ruled that a urine test does not establish that a state employee is under the influence of marijuana when reporting for duty, and therefore “does not justify discipline,” everyone else in the state can be fired from their job for off-duty use of cannabis.

For over a decade legislation protecting employees from being fired for off-duty cannabis use has never been successful. In 2008, a bill made it through the legislature but it was vetoed by former Governor and former (maybe) pothead Schwarzenegger. Although introduced multiple times since then, it has never made it out of the state legislature.

With the soon hoped to be passage of the MORE act by the U.S. Congress which will remove cannabis from the schedule of controlled substances and therein end federal cannabis prohibition, 2021 may be the ideal year for cannabis non-discrimination legislation to be enacted.

To that end Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-20AD), a long-time advocate and friend of medical and adult-use cannabis, has introduced AB 1256 which will prohibit employers from using drug tests that test for inactive THC metabolites and hence do not prove impairment as a basis for disciplining or terminating an employee.

For cannabis consumers, this is one of the most important and far-reaching cannabis bills being considered in the state legislature. The Brownie Mary Democrats are pleased that Assemblyman Quirk will be the featured speaker at our zoom membership meeting on Friday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. This will be a great time to learn about a bill that will protect you and all your cannabis-consuming friends and family members from losing their livelihoods simply because they made the wise-choice to use cannabis for medical or recreational use.

Assemblyman Quirk is a very knowledgeable person on a variety of cannabis legislative issues and will present an enlightened perspective on his bill and several others bills and provide a nuanced look at how likely they will get passed and what needs to be done to make sure they get passed.

The meeting is a zoom meeting so it is convenient and easy to attend. Printed below is the usual information for participating in a zoom meeting. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or call 760-799-2055. Looking forward to joining with you this Friday.

Topic: Brownie Mary Democrats meeting with Assemblyman  Bill Quirk and Keeping from Getting Fired

Time: Jul 30, 2021 07:30 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada

Join the BMD Zoom Meeting at

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86303575557

Meeting ID: 863 0357 5557

One tap mobile

+16699009128,,86303575557# US (San Jose)

+13462487799,,86303575557# US (Houston)

Dial by your location

        +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 646 558 8656 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 863 0357 5557

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbUTyHTEGy

Printed at the end of this email is the agenda for the meeting.

You do not need to be a member to attend the meeting, but in order to vote, you will need to be a member. Membership is open to all Democrats and is only $10 for a regular membership and just $5 for senior citizens, veterans, students and low income. To join CLICK HERE.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please email [email protected] or call 760-799-2055.

Incidentally, although not mandated, cannabis consumption is allowed and encouraged at this meeting.

AGENDA

Brownie Mary Democrats of California

General Meeting

July 30, 2021

1. Call to order
2. Introduction of Eboard members
3. Minutes
4. Finance report
5. Introduction of Guests
6. Chair’s report - BMD in 2021
7. Introduction of Guest Speaker – Assemblyman Bill Quirk
8. Change in by-laws- for composition of Eboard – first reading
9. Donation to CaNORML Prop. 215 25^th Anniversary celebration
10. Update on Governor Newsom recall
11. Update on federal legislation to end cannabis prohibition
12. other business
13. adjourn

Brownie Mary Democrats meeting features AB 1256 author Dr. Bill Quirk

Stop the firing of and the refusing to hire cannabis consumers

Although the California State Personnel Board has ruled that a urine test does not establish that a state employee is under the influence of marijuana when reporting for duty, and therefore “does not justify discipline,” everyone else in the state can be fired from their job for off-duty use of cannabis.

For over a decade legislation protecting employees from being fired for off-duty cannabis use has never been successful. In 2008, a bill made it through the legislature but it was vetoed by former Governor andformer (maybe) pothead Schwarzenegger. Although introduced multiple times since then, it has never made it out of the state legislature.

With the soon hoped to be passage of the MORE act by the U.S. Congress which will remove cannabis from the schedule of controlled substances and therein end federal cannabis prohibition, 2021 may be the ideal year for cannabis non-discrimination legislation to be enacted.

To that end Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-20AD), a long-time advocate and friend of medical and adult-use cannabis, has introduced AB 1256 which will prohibit employers from using drug tests that test for inactive THC metabolites and hence do not prove impairment as a basis for disciplining or terminating an employee.

For cannabis consumers, this is one of the most important and far-reaching cannabis bills being considered in the state legislature. The Brownie Mary Democrats are pleased that Assemblyman Quirk will be the featured speaker at our zoom membership meeting on Friday, July 30 at 7:30 p.m. This will be a great time to learn about a bill that will protect you and all your cannabis-consuming friends and family members from losing their livelihoods simply because they made the wise-choice to use cannabis for medical or recreational use.

Assemblyman Quirk is a very knowledgeable person on a variety of cannabis legislative issues and will present an enlightened perspective on his bill and several others bills and provide a nuanced look at how likely they will get passed and what needs to be done to make sure they get passed.

The meeting is a zoom meeting so it is convenient and easy to attend. The zoom link will be provided in an upcoming email newsletter, but circle Friday, July 30 on your calendar for the meeting at 7:30 p.m. so you won’t schedule anything else at the same time.

Printed at the end of this email is the agenda for the meeting.

You do not need to be a member to attend the meeting, but in order to vote, you will need to be a member. Membership is open to all Democrats and is only $10 for a regular membership and just $5 for senior citizens, veterans, students and low income. To join CLICK HERE.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please email [email protected] or call 760-799-2055.

Incidentally, although not mandated, cannabis consumption is allowed and encouraged at this meeting.

AGENDA

Brownie Mary Democrats of California

General Meeting

July 30, 2021

1. Call to order
2. Introduction of Eboard members
3. Minutes
4. Finance report
5. Introduction of Guests
6. Chair’s report - BMD in 2021
7. Introduction of Guest Speaker – Assemblyman Bill Quirk
8. Change in by-laws- for composition of Eboard – first reading
9. Donation to CaNORML Prop. 215 25^th Anniversary celebration
10. Update on Governor Newsom recall
11. Update on federal legislation to end cannabis prohibition
12. other business
13. adjourn