1) Keep Calling Senator Royce West

We had a great meeting with Graham Keever of Senator Royce West office. His response, like the other responses we have received from West's office was favorable, even stating at one time that he did not need to be convinced. Senator West as of the meeting had still not decided whether or not to put forth a companion bill to house bill 164 in the Texas Senate. To me, this sounds like politics plain and simple and we need to let Royce West know that this is a safe issue for him to stand up on.

Call Senator West's office. Let him know that President Obama is taking a stand on medical marijuana and is not paying a political cost for it, because 80% of Americans (and 75% of Texans) agree with medical marijuana. Let him know that Representative Naishtat is the Vice Chair of the Public Health Committee in the House, meaning our chances for a hearing in that committee are very good, and a senate bill would be needed. Let him know your story and the stories of our patients we love.

I believe he knows that this is the right thing to do.

Call him, write him. Let him know.

The Honorable Royce West
P.O. Box 12068
Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711
(512) 463-0123
(512) 463-0299 fax

e-mail form

House Bill Update:

House Bill 164 has been assigned to the Public Health Committee and Representative Naishtat has been assigned as the Vice Chair of that committee. This means that we have a good chance of getting a hearing. Lets start trickling our calls and letters into the offices of the committee members. you can use this script when calling:

"Hi, My name is ____________ (if you are a constituent, say so here). I am calling to ask that Representative _________ support House Bill 164 in the Public Health Committee. This bill would protect Doctors and allows medical marijuana patients to have an affirmative defense in court. Please vote for this bill."

Please CALL -not just write - each of the members of the Public Health Committee - We are on the winning side of this issue.

Always remember the quote of Margaret Mead

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Public Health Committee – Texas House Of Representatives – 2009

Reporting back:

As many of you know this is a volunteer position for me. I do read every letter that is sent to this address and try my best to respond to everyone. As some of you know I have not been able to respond to every one. I want to thank everyone who wrote in and reported on their calls to representatives. I was able to use some of the information you gave me from your calls in my meeting with Royce West. Though I will not be able to respond to every one of you, Please keep reporting back on your actions at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . These reports will help me when I contact their offices for the Coalition (remember you represent yourself as a citizen). They will also help to guide the actions we ask people to take in these newsletters.