On Monday, August 17, 2020, the West Hollywood City Council will consider banning smoking and vaping cannabis in apartments and condos — Agenda Item 3B. This new prohibition, which is included in a proposed ban on cigarettes and e-cigarettes, would fly in the face of the city’s decades-long commitment to compassionate, sensible cannabis policies. The City Attorney has presented the City Council with an option — Option 6 — to exempt cannabis entirely. 

Here’s what you can do to defend our hard-won rights:

1. Write the City Council, using MPP’s automated system. While we’ve provided a sample letter, consider personalizing it, especially if you find relief from smoked or vaporized cannabis.

• If you prefer, you can send a short comment using this form. You'll need to include the agenda item number — 3B — and urge the Council to either reject the ban or to select Option 6. 

• You may also want to check out some excellent points from our allies at L.A. NORML.

2. Sign this Change.org petition.

3. Especially if this impacts you directly, sign up to speak during Monday’s city council hearing. To sign up, email City Clerk Yvonne Quarker at yquarker@weho.org no later than 4:00 p.m. Monday. Include your name, the phone number you’ll call from, and the item number — 3B. Each speaker will have two minutes. The meeting starts on Monday, August 17 at 5:30 p.m. While the City Council will likely not get to item 3B for at least an hour, speakers are asked to call in at 5:20 p.m.

4. Spread the word! Share this on social media and mobilize your friends. You can use this shortcut link: mpp.org/WeHoBan

We need to send an overwhelming message to the City Council: It’s wrong to lump cannabis in with tobacco and to ban cannabis vaping and smoking at home. Because it’s illegal to smoke or vape cannabis in public, this ban would be nearly absolute — the only exception would be cannabis cafes that are costly and impractical for regular use.

Unlike cigarettes, cannabis is not linked to lung cancer or COPD. Rather than being a hazard, cannabis is an essential part of treatment for millions of Americans. And for many, edibles are no substitute: Lots of cannabis consumers rely on the rapid effect and precise dosage of inhaled cannabis, along with the synergistic effect of all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in flower.

Together, we can stop this ill-conceived proposal, which would strip West Hollywood residents of their rights and set a devastating precedent. Please, take action now and help mobilize opposition!

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