Why is This Patient Being Prosecuted?

San Francisco Jan 24--Despite her pledge to support medical marijuana, Kamala Harris, San Francisco D.A., is prosecuting a man whose attorney, Carla Gomez says is card-carrying medical marijuana patient.

The felony charges of possession for sale stem from a June 6th, 2003 traffic stop where Officer Kevin Martin SFPD #24 spotted 41-year old Oakland resident Tom Juzbasic LVN riding his bike through the U.N. Plaza in S.F.  Martin ordered Juzbasic off of his bicycle.  After complying with the request, Martin, who previously had no contact with the defendant, asked, "How much marijuana do you have in your backpack?"

Juzbasic produced his medical marijuana card and stated he had less than 1 oz. The medical marijuana and marijuana card were seized as evidence.  Tom feels like he is being singled out by the SFPD due to the fact that he is a healthcare provider and an outspoken advocate of medicinal marijuana.

At stake is Tom's livelihood, due to the fact that he is a Licensed Vocational Nurse and his license to practice is in jeopardy which he has held for 13 years.  He is a former San Francisco public school nurse and an AIDS hospice nurse.

Judge Charles "Chuck" Haynes is presiding over the case.  The assistant district attorney Angela Brown, who usually handles federal cases, is the prosecutor. His trial continues in San Francisco Superior Court; Monday, January 26th, 2004 @ 1:30 PM in Department 10 at 850 Bryant St.

Tom welcomes all medical marijuana supporters to his trial.  We will meet in front at 1:00 PM.