Kubby Arraigned
Steve Kubby's arraignment in Placer County Court yesterday was attended by 50 supporters many of whom were medical marijuana patients from San Francisco. Kubby, who appeared overwhelmed by the show of support, entered a plea of not guilty. His attorney, Bill McPike, said he would file motions asking for Kubby to be allowed to use cannabis-enhanced food while in jail - or be released to home detention and be allowed to use cannabis there. A hearing to consider the motions will be held at Placer County Court , 2775 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA on Friday, January 3 at 8:30 am.
I filed the following item for the Bay Guardian before going to the Placer County Court yesterday. Kubby says he did not flee to Canada but merely stayed there after being given permission to visit by the court.
Guardian editors inserted the line about Kubby fleeing anyway, cut the story in half and added a bad headline.
One Toke Over the Line
San Francisco Bay Guardian 2/1/06
A medical cannabis patient with a rare form of adrenal cancer who was arrested by San Francisco police officers and federal agents after landing at San Francisco International Airport Jan. 26 says he's gravely ill and being denied medical treatment in a Placer County jail.
Steve Kubby, coauthor of Proposition 215, California's medical cannabis bill, was arrested at the airport after several years ago fleeing to Canada to avoid prosecution on drug charges. Kubby has used cannabis for 30 years to regulate his body's production of adrenaline and fears he will die in jail without it.
"They need to keep a record of his blood pressure, but this is not being vigorously followed," said Dr. Todd Mikuriya, Kubby's local physician. "He could suffer a stroke or a heat attack that could lead to his being dead or gravely disabled."
Kubby, who is scheduled to appear in court in Placer County this week, is being permitted to use Marinol, a synthetic form of cannabis. But supporters say Kubby has told them he's gravely ill and not being well cared for in jail. Sheriff Edward Bonner, who runs the Placer County Jail, did not return calls for comment.
SF supervisor Ross Mirkarimi told Kubby's supporters via e-mail that he is investigating why SFPD officers assisted in arresting Kubby, who had an agreement to turn himself in to Placer County officials this week and face the outstanding charges against him. (Ann Harrison)
