California has been the leader in the movement to make marijuana available as medicine. The upcoming 2005 International Drug Policy Reform Conference in Long Beach, hosted by the Alliance, will focus on the state's groundbreaking approach to marijuana regulation as well as on marijuana reform efforts across the country. One panel will look at Proposition 215, which made medical marijuana legal in California, nine years after its passage. Now that an estimated 100,00 Californians are using marijuana as medicine, the crux of the discussion has shifted to regulation. Panelists will talk about a range of issues currently being examined by government, caregivers and advocacy groups: the moratoriums several cities and counties have placed on cannabis clubs; efforts in San Francisco to regulate these clubs; raids by the federal government on dispensaries, patients and caregivers; and the relationship between state law and federal law.

The conference will also explore the broader future of medical marijuana. How do we shape our strategy for a long-term win for patients? Legal experts, policy experts and advocates will discuss state medical marijuana initiatives, federal strategies, and prospects for medical marijuana in the courts.

Other marijuana panels are scheduled as well. Learn about local-level reform from campaign leaders for Oakland and Seattle's successful initiatives to make private adult marijuana offenses the lowest law enforcement priority. Explore the issue of drug testing of drivers with University of Southern California professor Mitch Earleywine and others. Hear about cannabis research in Canada from key researchers.

To read more about panels on marijuana and other topics to be covered at the conference, please visit the conference section of our website. To join us in Long Beach from November 10-12, please register here!