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San Diego Activist Honored in Washington D.C.
[dropcap class=”kp-dropcap”]L[/dropcap]ocal activist and native San Diegan, Terrie Best, the Chapter Chair of the medical cannabis advocacy group Americans For Safe Access (ASA) was recently recognized as Patient Advocate of the Year at the 2016 Americans For Safe Access Excellence Awards in Washington D.C., for her unwavering commitment to the cannabis community. Not only does Terrie organize court support efforts for cannabis patients standing trial, she also educates the public about issues such as jury nullification, the benefits of medical cannabis and whole plant therapy. She also takes time to befriend and personally support patients and providers. Terrie is often seen rallying outside the courthouse, bullhorn in hand, to confront unjust laws and encourage the media to cover the issue of cannabis. It is fair to say that without her voice, the San Diego medical cannabis movement would not be where it is today.
How did you get into cannabis activism?
I support cannabis because it is such a benign substance, and patients are right to use it, because it is a medicine. I just naturally gravitated to it, especially when I saw patients being arrested for it.
Congratulations on the award you recently received from Americans for Safe Access. What was that experience was like?
It was surreal. I was absolutely thrilled and honored. The best part was, when I came back, I went straight from the airport to the ASA meeting. When I walked in, they all stood up and clapped for me. Having my community acknowledge me, it made me feel so blessed and lucky for the great work that they all have done. We’ve ridden out a lot of bad stuff together, and we’re still solid as a rock. It humbles me and warms my heart.
Aside from receiving the award, what else would you like to share about the conference?
The Unity Conference was made up of researchers, physicians, chemists and patients from all over the world. Many came from as far away as Israel, Germany, the Czech Republic, Canada and Australia. This display of diversity highlighted how far behind the United States is in adopting a national cannabis policy. ASA strives to unite, present and keep current with scientists who are on the cutting edge of medical cannabis research, despite where they are in the world.
You’ve been in the movement for many years. In what ways have you seen it evolve?
Cannabis being in the news every single day. I remember being tickled pink the first time I saw a newspaper refer to a cannabis user as a patient. The news has really evolved.
How can people get involved with the cause of cannabis legalization?
We hold local ASA meetings on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Giovanni’s on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. The June meeting is on the 28th, so I invite everyone to come out to that. They can also join national ASA.
Not everyone is aware of jury nullification, although it is a major tool in medical cannabis cases. Will you explain what it is?
Unfortunately, prosecutors and cops are taking over the courthouses, and now we have this situation where jurors believe they are not allowed to even think about anything but the law, and that is just not true. There is great information available via Fully Informed Jury Association at fija.org about how to get onto a jury when you have strong opinions about cannabis laws.
Court Support is another term that most are unfamiliar with. Will you explain it briefly for our readers?
Believe it or not, people are still being taken to court by (San Diego County District Attorney) Bonnie Dumanis, and we stand behind them as they’re going through the worst time of their life. They feel victimized because they are being treated as criminals, so they need support. Our court support has evolved to where we are now providing expert witnesses. San Diego ASA has also been successful in gaining media attention for cannabis cases in San Diego.
You are a source of inspiration and encouragement for cannabis patients and advocates. Is there anything you would like to say to them?
I think in the end, it’s going to be okay. It’s just scary as we’re going through it.
