Covering the gamut from upcoming elections to mind-expanding drugs (which might prove useful in dealing with all the politics of the upcoming elections) this newsletter will reward the time you spend reading it with insights, actions and feelings of accomplishments. For a variety of issues and reasons, the November 2024 election is about as momentous an election as there has ever been in our lifetimes. Before that election comes California’s primary election on Tuesday, March 5. With 15 other states holding their primary elections on March  5, this Super-Tuesday ballot extravaganza delivers over one-third of all delegates to the presidential nominating conventions. It will most likely seal the nominations of both Biden and Trump – no surprise there. In California there are many other elections. The big one is the nomination for the U.S. Senate. Have you seen your voter guide? The number of candidates running for the U.S. Senate is only exceeded by the number of grains of sand on a beach, but for the Democrats it is coming down to Representatives Barabara Lee, Katie Porter and Adam Schiff.  There are also a number of Congressional seats in play with the  House Majority PAC, the main Democratic group that finances in House races, planning to spend $35 million to elect Democrats to them. There are local elections most of which are non-partisan, but party affiliation still plays a role in almost all of them even if the candidate's party is not on the ballot. Brownie Mary Democrats have endorsed four candidates on the local election ballots They are: Sonoma County Judge of the Superior Court - Omar Figueroa Omar Figueroa is one of the foremost attorneys on cannabis related issues. He is just the type of person we need sitting on the Judicial Bench. Find out more about him at: https://www.omarforjudge.com BMD has endorsed three candidates for the Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee AD 69 – Joseph Pinon AD 52 - Paul Neuman and Renee Nahum All the candidates are members of BMD with Joseph, Paul and Renee sitting on the BMD Eboard. Many BMD members are volunteering their time helping local Democratic candidates run for office whether it is Congressional, State Senator or Assemblymember and a veritable host of candidates for County Supervisors, City Councils and down ballot races like school and water boards. Whether running for congress, the state legislature or local offices, if you have the time, you should seriously consider helping some of your favorite local candidates as well. If you do be sure and let them know you are concerned about cannabis issues and are a member of BMD. Look for your ballot to arrive this week and then vote. Friends don’t let friends not vote, so get your friends, family members, co-workers and that strange person down the street to vote and vote Democratic. BTW If you have not received your ballot by the 2nd week of February, contact your local county Registrar of Voters. In November 2020, Oregon voters legalized the use of psilocybin. After almost 4 years, access is finally going to happen. You don’t have to be an Oregon resident to have this access but don’t look for stores opening on Main Street selling psilocybin. Although the uses do not have to be medical, getting access is only through licensed practitioners offering services in controlled and supervised locations. A long time friend of mine, Terry Turner, moved from California to become a licensed psilocybin facilitator. You are invited to attend his FREE zoom seminar on Thursday February 15 at 5 p.m. Entitled “Portals of the Sacred”, the seminar is an amazing presentation you will not want to miss. Here is what Terry has written as an introduction to his seminar and the brave new world of Oregon’s legalization of psilocybin.      Toward the end of his ministry, Ernest Holmes famously exhorted his fellow ministers saying, “We must always remain open at the top for fresh revelations”.  As a student of world religions, he was probably aware of the strong human tendency to codify revelation into creeds and doctrines and to slide into legalistic formalism.  “The letter [of the law] kills but the spirit gives life.” (2 Corinthians 3:6).  With few exceptions, direct mystical experience has been absent from the mainstream of Western religion for the last 2000 years!  Legal access to psilocybin has the potential to change all that. In a 2008 study at Johns Hopkins University where volunteers were administered psilocybin under controlled conditions, 67% reported their experiences to be among the five most significant spiritual experiences of their lives and 72% reported mystical experiences that resulted in sustained changes in attitude, mood and behavior.      In my 30-minute PowerPoint presentation “Portals of the Sacred”, I briefly explain what psilocybin is, how it works and give a brief outline of the 7,000 year recorded history of its sacramental use.  I conclude with a description of Psilocybin Services in Oregon—the first program of its kind in our nation offering supervised, controlled, non-medical state-legal access to psilocybin for adults over 21.  Oregon residency is not required.  Following a period of Q & A, participants will have the opportunity to experience the “sound arc” of a condensed 20-minute meditative “journey” with soundtracks used in the Oregon psilocybin service centers. To Register for this free event contact Terry Turner at [email protected].  Include full name, phone number (optional), and email. Brownie Mary Democrats   Created with NationBuilder, software for leaders.

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Got some great news. AB 374 which would allow cannabis dispensaries with lounges to sell food and non-alcohol beverages as well as have and sell tickets for live performances and other entertainment has passed the Assembly and the Senate and is now sitting on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature.

He has not signed it yet which is a bit troubling. Even more troubling is that he just vetoed SB 58 which would have decriminalized the possession and personal use of a short list of natural psychedelics, including “magic mushrooms." He has his eyes on the presidency in 2028 and so everything he does is influenced by that ambition.

This is why it is all the more critical that he hear from voters that he should sign this important and critical piece of legislation. AB 374 not only brings cannabis even more into the mainstream but can help the struggling legal cannabis businesses by giving them another outlet for attracting customers away from illegal sources and giving bars and taverns a run for the money with cannabis lounges being now able to offer food, non-alcoholic beverages, dancing and entertainment just like they do.

It should be noted that through the efforts of the Brownie Mary Democrats, AB 374 was officially endorsed by CaDEM at the last Eboard meeting. I am sure this will have some influence on getting him to sign the bill, but the most important influence comes from you so it is important that you contact Governor Newsom now.

There are two ways to contact Governor Newsom - phone and the internet.

To phone call (916) 445-2841. Follow the prompts and you will be able to speak with an aide. Just tell the aide to let the Governor know you want him to sign AB 374. Don't have to say anymore but you might mention that AB 374 was endorsed by CaDEM and if you want to elaborate a little bit more go ahead. You will have to call during office hours which are Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On the internet which can be done 24/7 go to: https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/

On the right hand side, select send an Email and then under Select an Option chose the first one Active Bill. Then from the list of bills choose AB 374. The next box is for the purpose of your email and that is to leave a comment. Go to next page and choose Pro and in message subject put AB 374 and in message write "Please Sign AB 374" and you might also mention that AB 374 was endorsed by CaDEM. On the next page put in your name and email address and optional phone number. Click submit and sit back and congratulate yourself for doing something to make this world better and a lot more fun.

Now you are probably wondering what is this all about the devil. Well while you are calling Governor Newsom and may be on hold or why you are filling out the contact form on the Governor's website, you can enjoy this great Muppet clip of The Devil Went Down to Jamaica. Just CLICK HERE.

Thanks for taking a few minutes to contact Governor Newsom about AB 374. I really want to go to a cannabis lounge, enjoy some good food, listen to music, dance, be entertained and smoke pot. Don't you?

Lanny Swerdlow, RN LNC

Chair & Founder

Brownie Mary Democrats of California

Legislation is being considered and is close to passage that will allow cannabis lounges to serve food, non-alcoholic drinks and most importantly allow for cannabis lounges to have dancing, music and entertainment just like bars and taverns.

AB 374 sponsored by Assemblyman Matt Haney will expand the activities that cannabis retailers may engage in by allowing licensed cannabis dispensaries to sell non-cannabis-infused food, nonalcoholic beverages and even tickets for live music or other performances.

This is really important as cannabis dispensaries are having difficult times competing with illegal sales which are far less costly than licensed cannabis dispensaries which pay high taxes and must comply with complex and expensive licensing requirement and regulations. In localities that have allowed dispensaries to operate consumption lounges, they are hamstrung from being able to profit from their lounge operations as current law prevents them from selling any products other than cannabis, AB 374 changes all that by allowing them to do essentially the same thing bars and taverns do which is to sell food and drink.

State law does not allow for the consumption of alcohol and cannabis at the same location. Cannabis dispensaries with lounges will have this unique ability to sell cannabis as a restaurant and entertainment facility all to themselves which will provide them with a very significant new source of revenue which illegal sellers will not be able to engage in. Cannabis lounges provide communities with multiple benefits, but the most significant in terms of health and safety is that these lounges provide an effective substitute for businesses serving alcohol.

BMD is working to make the passage of AB 374 a reality by submitting a request to CaDEM's Legislative Committee for an endorsement of AB 374 by CaDEM at the Aug. 18 - 20 Eboard meeting in Visalia. If you are going to the Eboard meeting, the vote by the Legislative Committee will be on Friday, Aug. 18 at 4 p.m. Please attend and support our request for an endorsement. An endorsement by CaDEM will make it more likely that Democratic State Senators will vote in favor AB 374 and that Gov. Newsom will sign it into law.

More importantly then CaDEM's endorsement is your endorsement and help in getting it passed. AB 374 has passed the Assembly and is now going to the Senate for a vote. It could meet some very significant opposition not only from the usual assortment of police and anti-cannabis foes but also a concerted attack by bars and taverns that do not want any competition to their exclusive service of food and beverages accompanied by music, entertainment and live events.

Cannabis is the only product our there that can facilitate socialization and celebration in ways that alcohol can. Alcohol establishments are well aware of this threat to their businesses from cannabis lounges and will fight this bill tooth and nail calling upon their allies like the National Restaurant Association, California Beverage Retailers Association along with alcohol distributors and producers to lobby legislators to vote against the bill.

To counter them your State Senator needs to hear from their constituents LIKE YOU asking them to vote for AB 374. It is easy to do - it won’t take more than two minutes.

To find out who your State Senator is CLICK HERE:

Enter your address and click on LOCATE:

Then click on your Senator’s name and it will take you to their website.

Scroll through the website to find out where you can send them an email and even better find their offices and call the listed phone number.

In either case, tell them to vote for AB 374. That’s all you need to say but if you want to elaborate a bit more about why they should vote for it, all the better. You can also let them know you are a member of the Brownie Mary Democrats or if not a member, let them know you heard about it from the Brownie Mary Democrats.

This is the MOST effective way of communicating and influencing an elected official. They really pay attention when one of their constituents takes the time to go to their website to send an email or find their phone number and actually call. The alcohol industry has paid lobbyist to talk to your state senator, but they can’t vote for them and THEY KNOW YOU CAN – plus they know you might very well tell others you know to vote for them too so they really do pay attention to phone calls and emails they get from their constituents.

Their websites are open 24/7 and you can send an email anytime and call anytime as you can leave a voice message telling them vote for AB 374 if their office is closed. Take 2 minutes and do it and before long you will be able to go down to your neighborhood cannabis lounge with your friends, kick back and celebrate with your favorite cannabis product with good food, beverages while enjoying music, dancing and entertainment. It can happen but it is up to you to make it happen.

Help Your Business

Help Brownie Mary Democras

For info email

[email protected]

Brownie Mary Democrats

This is a bucket list event - the premiere showing at Hollywood's TCL Chinese movie theater of an amazing documentary film chronicling one of the most significant legacies of the cannabis legalization movement.

Cannabis in America has had an evolution of epic proportions over the last decade and filmmakers Dan Katzir and Ravit Markus were there to record it. They spent 10 years following a "small group of concerned committed citizens" (per Margaret Mead) who opened Oaksterdam University and in 2010 fought to get Prop. 19 - a measure to legalize cannabis - on the ballot in California, thus bringing this taboo topic to the mainstream.

Among those rebels are Oaksterdam University founder Richard Lee, who after becoming a paraplegic, discovered cannabis provided him better relief than some traditional medications, and Executive Chancellor Dale Sky Jones, a woman with a heartbreaking past, who found her voice and calling after becoming part of the Oaksterdam family.

From facing public scrutiny and international press to withstanding a federal raid that threatened it all, their roller coaster ride towards legalization is as tense it is inspiring. A true American tale, their fight serves as a reminder of how democracy can work when people come together. The documentary is not just an important historical chronicle, but also a lesson on how change transpires in this country.

It is a a great film documenting a pivotal point in the history of cannabis and its path to finally reclaiming its status as one of the most important plants in human history. Being able to see the film at American Pot Story's premiere showing at the TCL Chinese movie theater, 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA, 90028 with it's world famous Hollywood movie stars' hand prints in the cement in the theater's courtyard, will make it even more special - an event you will be telling everyone you know that you were there.

The premiere is on Thursday, June 29 beginning with a Red Carpet welcoming at 6:30 p.m. and the screening of the film at 7 p.m. followed by a question and answer session with the filmmakers and cast. Be sure and bring your camera to have your picture taken with them. Best of all it is followed by a private after-party at Teddy's Lounge in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Tickets are only $19 if purchased by June 21 and include admission to the Red Carpet welcome, the screening of the movie, the question and answer session and the After-Party. To purchase tickets, CLICK HERE.

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