DEA Direct Action Day in Austin

By Karen Heikkala, Drug Policy Forum of Texas and November Coalition Leader

We had a successful time at the DEA's outpost here in Austin, Texas on June 6. In solidarity with approximately 60 cities, we held a press conference calling for the DEA to back off raiding the medical cannabis clubs that serve the sick and vulnerable in those states that have legalized marijuana use for medical purposes.

The TV and radio reporters were very interested, and all local channels came out. Tracey Hayes, who is the coordinator for the Safe Access chapter in Austin, did a great job and also did two live radio interviews, one from Dallas and another at KLBJ AM in Austin. KTRH news radio from Houston was at the press conference.

In addition to Tracey Hayes from Safe Access, Noelle Davis read a public record statement from Rep. Dogett, in which he vowed to continue opposing Federal interference, believing this decision is better left to the states. Zeal Steffenoff, who is a medical cannabis patient; and myself as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in the state of Texas also did separate interviews.

KVUE TV-ABC stayed with us when all of us tried to go upstairs to see the DEA agents and explain our concerns as well as hand them our Truce Statement. Though the DEA men were there, they wouldn't answer the buzzer placed in the lobby, and there was no way to even get to their front door.

OUR tax money apparently pays for them to have an office that is totally inaccessible to the public. The property manager told us he hasn't even been to the third floor where the DEA office is. The elevator only goes to the 2nd and the same for the stairs. The same property manager kindly said he would see that the DEA got our Truce paper.

On the way out of the building we could see someone from the DEA standing behind the framed clouded glass that is the 3rd floor. We couldn't really see in, but they were looking down at us and I'm sure could see out.

As part of this action, a billboard was made and displayed near Highway 71 by the airport which reads, "Arrest Pain, Not Potsmokers, and their Caregivers" and "Safe Access to Medical Marijuana." Also another group, which hasn't claimed responsibility, put up a banner on the Zilker Park moontower which says MEDICINE with cannabis leaves on it.

Related story: Medical marijuana campaign heats up

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