mybpg

From SFSpaceWalk: New Budularo sativa strains debut at Berkeley Patients Group Feb 26 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:51:46 GMT

From: SFSpacewalk.com

Quick facts
What: Rare Budularo sativa drop at Berkeley Patients Group (BPG)
When: Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Where: San Pablo Ave & Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA
Strains landing: Big Sur Holy Weed (SAGE), Sour Diesel, Band Aid Haze #7 x Durban, African Haze #11
Price: ~ $45 out the door (tax included, limited supply)

How to buy: In-store + delivery (where available). Shop online here.

What’s dropping at Berkeley Patients Group on Feb. 26

Old-school sativa lovers and modern psychonauts: Berkeley Patients Group is dropping a small, rare batch of long-flowering “real deal” sativas on Thursday, Feb. 26 —the kind you almost never see on today’s cookie-heavy menus.

Headlining the release is the mythical Big Sur Holy Weed (Budularo’s SAGE-based take) , alongside Sour Diesel, Band Aid Haze #7 x Durban, and African Haze #11 . Quantities are tight, prices are expected to land around $45 out the door , and pre-orders are open now for anyone who wants to lock in a jar before the shelves get picked over.

Berkeley Patients Group: California’s Original Dispensary, Still Setting the Standard

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:40:37 GMT

Berkely Patients Group is Still The #1 Choice for Cannabis in The Bay Area

Since 1999, Berkeley Patients Group (BPG) has been a cornerstone of California cannabis. Long before legalization reshaped the industry, BPG was serving patients with compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality. As one of the oldest dispensaries in the state, our history is deeply rooted in advocacy, access, and excellence.

Today, we continue to offer some of the best cannabis products in Berkeley — with both in-store shopping and reliable local delivery — while staying true to the values that built our reputation more than two decades ago.

extracts ➾

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vapes ➾

prerolls ➾

Premium Cannabis Flower in Berkeley

Flower remains at the heart of the cannabis experience, and we treat it with the respect it deserves. Our menu features a carefully curated selection of:

Top-shelf indoor flower
Sungrown and greenhouse cultivars
Limited-release and small-batch strains
Everyday value options

Whether you’re looking for an uplifting sativa, a balanced hybrid, or a deeply relaxing indica, our team helps guide you toward the right strain based on terpene profiles, potency, and desired effects. Every product we carry is lab-tested to ensure safety, consistency, and quality.

Pre-Rolls for Convenience and Consistency

For those who want a ready-to-enjoy option, our pre-roll selection offers convenience without compromising quality. Choose from:

Single-strain pre-rolls
Infused pre-rolls featuring premium concentrates
Multi-packs perfect for sharing or stocking up
Each pre-roll is crafted for a smooth burn and dependable experience.

Edibles: Precise Dosing, Delicious Options

Edibles provide a smoke-free alternative with long-lasting effects. At BPG, we offer a wide range of edible products, including:

Gummies in various potency levels
Artisan chocolates and confections
Tablets and mints
Cannabis-infused beverages
Vegan and low-sugar options

From low-dose microdosing options to higher-strength products for experienced consumers, our edible lineup supports a variety of preferences and tolerance levels.

Concentrates for Elevated Experiences

For those seeking potency and terpene-rich flavor, our concentrate collection includes:

Live resin
Solventless rosin
Shatter and wax
Vape cartridges and pods

We prioritize clean extraction methods and reputable California brands to ensure purity and performance in every product.

Vaporizers & Cartridges

Vaping continues to be one of the most popular consumption methods for its discretion and ease of use. Our selection includes:

510-thread cartridges
Disposable all-in-one devices
Distillate and live resin options
Balanced THC:CBD formulations

With options for beginners and seasoned consumers alike, our inventory reflects the best in modern cannabis innovation.

Tinctures, Topicals & Wellness Products

Cannabis is more than just flower. For customers seeking alternative formats, we carry:

Sublingual tinctures for controlled dosing
CBD-dominant products
THC/CBD balanced formulas
Topical balms and lotions

These products offer versatility and are popular among those who prefer non-inhalable options.

Cannabis Delivery in Berkeley

We proudly offer cannabis delivery throughout Berkeley and surrounding areas. Whether you’re restocking your favorites or trying something new, our delivery service is fast, discreet, and dependable — bringing high-quality cannabis directly to your door.

A Legacy Built on Trust

Being one of California’s first dispensaries means something. Since 1999, Berkeley Patients Group has earned the trust of generations of customers by maintaining strict quality standards, supporting safe access, and putting the community first.

The cannabis landscape may have evolved, but our mission remains the same: provide the best cannabis products in Berkeley with knowledge, care, and consistency.

If you’re looking for experience, integrity, and one of the most respected names in California cannabis, Berkeley Patients Group continues to set the standard.

Best Hikes Berkeley

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:31:36 GMT

Whether you are looking for an alternative activity in your workout routine or a fun weekend outing, a Berkeley hike is guaranteed to leave you satisfied (though we are a little biased).

Vape Safety BPG

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:59:36 GMT

As various news outlets have reported , a growing number of reports surrounding an unidentified vaping related illness has created a serious public health concern with more questions than answers.

Berkeley Patients Group (BPG) has been dedicated to providing safe, clean, quality-controlled cannabis for 20 years. We have always prioritized responsible sourcing and have established long-term partnerships with providers that exceed mandated quality standards. It is why we pioneered the development of cannabis testing standards over ten years ago.

To date, we are not aware of any respiratory-related illness caused by a product sold at BPG or any other licensed California dispensary. While there are many unknowns at this time, BPG is using every resource at our disposal to promote consumer safety and to provide timely information.

ACTIONS WE ARE TAKING :

· Contacting every vape cartridge vendor to verify problematic, questionable additives or parts are not in any products we sell

· Staying up-to-date with the latest information and research on this issue. BPG will issue periodic updates as information is released from authorities

· Sourcing products tested according to state guidelines

· Verifying testing certificates as genuine and battery devices are not inhalation-activated

WHAT WE KNOW :

· An increasing number of vaping-related illnesses, approximately 800 cases, including thirteen deaths have been reported across 33 states to date, including California.

· All of the California-related illnesses were caused by products purchased in the unlicensed market.

· No single device, ingredient or additive has been identified as the sole cause of this mysterious epidemic.

· Many of the associated products contain THC, some contain nicotine, and some include both.

· Symptoms: Patients are coming into hospitals with cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue and vomiting.

· Colorado Green Lab recently conducted a vape pen study and posted key findings associated with inhalation-activated vape battery devices

EMERGING INFORMATION :

· Doctors suspect the cause may be chemical exposure related to additives or ingredients, such as Vitamin E acetate.

Our hearts go out to the victims and the loved ones of those who are currently suffering or have succumbed to this devastating illness.

This crisis further shows the immediate need for federal reform that will enable proper research, regulations, and guaranteed product safety and efficacy for patients. Eliminating illicit operators and the entities providing a public platform to them should be the number one priority for the State of California and the nation.

We are encouraging any BPG customers who experience any problems or have additional questions regarding vape products sold by BPG, to email us at info@mybpg.com .

Further information is available from NORML online here , here , and here . California NORML’s fact-sheet, “Cannabis Vaping: What’s Safe and What’s Not,” is online here . An advisory by Leafly.com, entitled “Vape Pen Lung Disease: Here’s What You Need to Know,” is online here . An advisory from the City of Berkeley is online here .

BPG Beginner’s Guide to Cannabis Concentrates

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 16:57:12 GMT

We’ve put together this beginner’s guide to help you better understand these factors and choose a concentrate that’s right for you!

Terpenes

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 18:08:15 GMT

WANT TO SHOP TERPENE-RICH CANNABIS ONLINE? VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE HERE!

Cannabis For Sleep

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:56:46 GMT

How to Use Cannabis to Help You Fall Asleep and Stay Asleep, Naturally

Everything You Need to Know About Cannabinoids

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 17:34:58 GMT

The two cannabinoids that have received the most attention have been tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). But did you know that, currently, there are 113 other known cannabinoids in cannabis?

At BPG, we test and label all of our products for 5 different cannabinoids: THC, CBD, CBN, THC-A and CBD-A. We do this because each cannabinoid provides a unique medicinal benefit to the patient.

It is our belief that patients can take full control of their healing by understanding how different cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together to affect their mind and body.

Understanding these concepts can help you tailor your medicine to your own specific ailments, which will ultimately lead to a more therapeutic choice in treatment and overall healthier living.

Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS), named after the plant that led to its discovery, is perhaps the most important physiologic system involved in maintaining human health. It regulates a variety of important processes including appetite, pain sensation, mood, and memory.

Endocannabinoids are naturally found throughout your entire body. In each tissue, the ECS performs different tasks, but the goal is always the same: homeostasis (stability of your body’s systems). Endocannabinoids, which are naturally found throughout your entire body, play a part in this balancing of the body.

When cannabis is consumed, cannabinoids bind to ECS receptor sites throughout our brain ( receptors called CB-1) and body (CB-2). Different cannabinoids have different effects on your ECS, depending on which receptors they bind to.

Cannabinoids

Cannabis contains over 500 natural compounds, including terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are found only in the small, sticky resin glands on the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant, which are known as trichomes.

Each cannabinoid , like the endocannabinoids found in your body, uniquely interacts with your ECS to balance and coordinate tissues, organ and body systems.

With a better understanding of how each cannabinoid interacts with your ECS, you can choose a medicine that provides the optimal therapeutic effect for the condition you are trying to treat.

Keep reading to learn the medicinal benefits of THC, THC-A, CBD, CBD-A and CBN:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

THC is probably the most researched cannabinoid. It is known for inducing the ‘high’ associated with cannabis consumption, and is effective in treating a number of conditions. THC can produce strong feelings of euphoria and overall well-being.

Medical applications : PTSD, glaucoma, cancer, ADHD, anorexia, HIV/AIDS
Reduces : inflammation, anxiety, spasms and convulsions, vomiting and nausea, pain, spread of certain cancers, nerve damage, free radicals in the bloodstream (antioxidant)
Promotes : appetite, growth of new nerve tissue, oxygen intake and breathing

Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THC-A)

THC-A is the acid form of THC, and can be found in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in raw and live cannabis. As marijuana dries, THC-A slowly converts to THC.

Medical applications : prostate cancer, arthritis, lupus
Reduces : tumors, pain, nausea, insomnia, muscle spasms, inflammation
Promotes : appetite, cell growth

Cannabidiol (CBD)

CBD is considered to be “non-psychoactive,” and it reduces the euphoric effects of THC. Like THC, a significant amount of research has been conducted on CBD. Its lack of psychoactivity makes it ideal in treating children, the elderly, and patients that prefer to remain clear headed and focused.

Medical applications : Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, alcoholism, PTSD, epilepsy, insomnia, AIDS, arthritis, depression, Crohn’s disease, eating disorders, glaucoma, epilepsy and seizure disorders, migraines, Multiple Sclerosis
Reduces : spread of certain cancers and tumors, inflammation, anxiety

Cannabinol (CBN)

CBN is, just like aspirin, a non-narcotic analgesic (pain-killer), but 3 times as strong. CBN is mildly psychoactive, calming, and is a stronger sedative than other cannabinoids. CBN forms when THC has been exposed to oxygen and heat, thus high levels of CBN can be a sign of older cannabis.

Medical applications : tension headaches
Reduces : pain, inflammation, convulsions and spasms, insomnia, nausea, free radicals in the bloodstream (antioxidant)

Cannabidiolic Acid (CBD-A)

CBD-A is the acid form of CBD, similar to THC-A and THC. Like CBD, CBD-A is not psychoactive. While there hasn’t been much research done on CBD-A yet, the research that has been done is quite promising.

Medical applications : cancer
Reduces : cancer cell growth, bacterial growth, inflammation, nausea and vomiting

Other Cannabinoids

Other cannabinoids of interest include Cannabigerol ( CBG ), Cannabichromene ( CBC ), and Tetrahydrocannabivarin ( THC-V ). Preliminary research shows that these cannabinoids all have therapeutic values as well.

Ensemble Effect

A synergistic relationship means that the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts. For example, CBD’s medicinal effects are amplified by the addition of THC. CBD can also decrease the euphoric effects of THC.

We call this the “ Ensemble Effect .” Think of the cannabinoids as an orchestra—separately, each cannabinoid (along with terpenes and flavonoids) makes a sound, but together they create a moving performance.

What we know about specific cannabinoids is based on years of anecdotal evidence coupled with new, preliminary research. For the next century and beyond, we will discover more about how cannabinoids interact with the mind, body, each other, and other natural compounds in cannabis.

If you need help finding a product high in any of the cannabinoids listed above, visit Berkeley Patients Group , where one of our knowledgable dispensary specialists can help you find a medicine that fits your needs.

The information provided is not intended to replace a one‑on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional and is not intended as medical advice.

Dogust

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 17:09:36 GMT

Berkeley Patients Group launched our $1 Million For Good initiative for our 20th anniversary, supporting ten nonprofits working to uplift our local community. Each month, BPG will drive funds and awareness to one of our nonprofit partners.

This month, we are raising funds and support for Berkeley Humane. You can help by adding a donation to your order online or in-store at BPG!

A Brief History

In the late 1800s, Bay Area newspapers were full of headlines describing rampant corruption and deplorable, abusive conditions at local “dog pounds” including the one located in Berkeley. At about the same time, and in response to these reports, an informal organization known as the Berkeley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) began advocating for better treatment of animals in the area.

In early 1905 a group of local civic and business leaders came together to discuss the need to improve conditions and work toward creating more humane treatment of “dumb animals,” which in the vernacular of the time simply referred to animals who could not speak for themselves.

On September 20 of that year, a meeting was held in the Town Hall (Berkeley did not become a city until March 11, 1910) to officially form the Berkeley SPCA. A local real estate developer, Mr. Edward L. Coryell, was elected President of its Board of Directors.

From our humble beginnings in a renovated former pool hall in West Berkeley, Berkeley Humane continues to expand and adapt the services of the organization to meet the ongoing needs of the community’s animals and their human guardians. Berkeley Humane’s work would not be possible without its strong partnerships with local animal welfare groups and the support from animal-loving friends who share the Society’s vision.

Today, Berkeley Humane has thousands of supporters and volunteers and remains steadfast in its practices to curb pet overpopulation in the East Bay and give pet guardians the tools they need to ensure that their pets remain happy and healthy in their homes for the rest of their lives.

Despite a major fire that destroyed the Adoption Center on May 20, 2010, Berkeley Humane remains fully committed to its mission and vision.

Berkeley Humane

Berkeley Humane is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization governed by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors that works on behalf of Berkeley Humane and the animals in our community.

We have provided over 125 years of trusted service and dedication to Berkeley and the East Bay.

Berkeley Humane serves the people and animals of our community by providing life-saving programs for cats and dogs, cultivating compassion, and strengthening the human-animal bond.

Because the well-being of animals reflects the well-being of our community, we engage minds, hearts, and hands to provide care for dogs and cats in the East Bay.

Services

Animal Adoption

Ready to adopt? Berkeley Humane has animals looking for love!

You can give homeless dogs and cats a second chance.

Berkeley Humane believes in an adoption process that carefully matches the lifestyle and expectations of adopters with the needs of each animal to help the pet remain in their new homes for the rest of their lives.

Low-Cost Clinic

Founded in 2016 by Berkeley Humane, the program offers low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services in order to reduce animal overpopulation and maintain the health of our community’s dogs and cats in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Spray & Neuter Services By Appointment

COVID-19 UPDATE: In compliance with legal orders and to keep you, their staff, and volunteers safe, Berkeley Humane has implemented a no-contact way to facilitate our Spay the Bay program.

Click here to learn more about Berkeley Humanes Spray & Neuter services.

Dog Training

Dogs and humans should live side by side in a cooperative relationship! Whatever your goals, Berkeley Humane has the class for you.

Get Involved!

“We can’t do it without you. Last year our legion of volunteers logged 64,299 hours. From dog walking to bottle feeding baby kittens to event set-up, to envelope stuffing and beyond – it’s true, we can’t do it without you!” – Berkeley Humane

Volunteer – From dog walking to bottle feeding baby kittens to event set-up, to envelope stuffing and beyond. Your interest in volunteering with Berkeley Humane will truly help them save the lives of dogs and cats in the East Bay.

Most volunteers don’t need any previous experience, but they do have commitment requirements to ensure the best care for our animals and the safety of their teams.

COVID-19 UPDATE: Berkeley Humane has temporarily suspended volunteer orientations and is currently unable to onboard new volunteers, except for Thrift Shop positions.

Volunteer opportunities are available for those who have already completed the orientation.

Save Lives with Every Purchase!

Thrift Shop supporting Berkeley Humane. 1120 Solano Ave, Albany, CA 94706

Treasure-hunt from Berkeley Humanes curated collection of vintage clothing, home decor, artwork, jewelry, and more. Best of all, every purchase saves shelter animals!

Donate your pre-loved treasures to help shelter dogs and cats find the new loves in their lives! 100% of proceeds benefit shelter animals.

The Thrift Shop welcomes volunteers to help with inventory, merchandising, customer greeting, and more. Berkeley Humane practices Covid-19 safety measures.

Donate To Berkeley Humane – You can save lives!

Berkeley Humane relies on the generosity of the general public in order to fund our life-saving efforts. Without your help, they would not be able to rescue, treat, feed, or care for the homeless dogs and cats in the greater Bay Area.

Please consider making a donation today—with a few clicks you can forever change the life of an animal in need.

Your donation will directly impact the life of a dog or cat currently in our care.

Adoption Fees

Spay & Neuter Surgeries

A Month Of Meals

Life-Saving Vaccines

Flea And Tick Treatment

A Week Of Meals

Join the Kitty Condo Club!

Make a big difference in the lives of Berkeley Humane’s cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies! Your club sponsorship underwrites the costs of medical care for hundreds of shelter pets waiting to be adopted over the course of one year.

An annual Kitty Condo Club $1,500 sponsorship is recognized with a personalized placard. Placards are displayed for one year as a testament to your support, which is critical to caring for these animals when they need it the most.

Save The Date – Stories from Beyond the Shelter

October 15, 2021

Best in Show — Stories from Beyond the Shelter is a storytelling event that celebrates the rescue pets who fill our lives with love. Each year, contestants submit their heartwarming pet stories for the chance to win prizes and are crowned “Best in Show”. Three finalists will read their stories at the Best in Show event.

This year on October 15, 2021, Best in Show will be joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jennifer Egan, author and radio host of KQED’s Forum Dr. Michael Krasny, and Diane Dwyer, TV personality and two-time Emmy® award winner for journalism.

Make them laugh or make them cry, tell Berkeley Humane about a meaningful experience you had with a rescue pet! Accepting submissions now through September 15, 2021.

Federal Asset Forfeiture Case

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 17:02:31 GMT

The legal summary below is timeline of events leading up to the dismissal of United States’ federal asset forfeiture case against Berkeley Patients Group and its landlord.

Berkeley Patients Group opened on October 31, 1999, and immediately operated in harmony with local government and its neighbors.
On December 7, 2007, then-Special Agent in Charge Javier Pena drafted a series of letters to landlords renting property to medical marijuana dispensaries around California, reminding them that marijuana is a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act (Title 21 US Code) and advising them of the Federal government’s right and intent to prosecute. BPG and its landlord refused to be bullied by the tactic and remained open without incident.

On November 23, 2011, then-US Attorney Melinda Haag authored a series of letters advising landlords and their lenders that forfeiture proceedings would be imminent should dispensaries on their properties not be evicted. These letters became well known as “landlord letters.” BPG ultimately negotiated to remain at 2747 San Pablo Avenue through March 2012, following publicly issued assurances from Ms. Haag that, should BPG move, BPG would no longer be a target for enforcement purposes. In reliance on Ms. Haag’s comments, BPG secured a previously blighted and dilapidated property, and commenced its total refurbishment with an estimated completion date of December 2012.
On November 21, 2012, Ms. Melinda Haag authored another landlord letter, this time to BPG’s new landlord at 2366 SPA, objecting to BPG’s location as too close to a school. (However, AUSA Arvon Perteet later admitted in written filings and in open court that BPG is not within a prohibited distance from a school.)
On May 22, 2013, Ms. Haag filed to take the property under one of the most onerous and defenseless statutes on the books: civil asset forfeiture. Under this law, no crime needs to be established to take the property. Again, BPG elected to fight and progress drug policy reform in Northern California.
In solidarity with BPG, the landlord, the City of Berkeley, and several qualified patient-members of BPG filed claims to the property in the forfeiture action. Ultimately the patient group and the City were denied standing by the Court, but the City appealed that decision, so the trial court placed a stay on the forfeiture proceedings. On the eve of the City’s hearing on its appeal, the US Congress renewed the Rohrabacher-Farr spending prohibition on Federal interference with a state’s implementation of its medical marijuana laws for the third time.
The spending limitation had been a key argument of BPG’s attorneys, Lara DeCaro and Henry Wykowski. Shortly after its renewal the Department of Justice conceded and agreed to dismiss the litigation.
David Tillotson of Flynn Riley Bailey & Pasek was instrumental in achieving this result, representing the property owner who refused to bow under federal pressure.
The fact that the DOJ could no longer ignore BPG’s arguments illustrates the significant strides we have made in the war against drug policy reform. This case, while not precedent for any case against another medical marijuana provider, underscores that reason and compassion can prevail against all odds.
It is fitting that this forfeiture is being dismissed on Halloween, the 17th anniversary of BPG’s birth.

Additional Facts About BPG

BPG and its principals have been major supporters of the local community for 17 years. The dispensary contributes to several local organizations including the Women’s Cancer Resource Center , the Berkeley Food and Housing Project , Berkeley Youth Alternatives , and more .

In 2004, BPG worked side-by-side with the Berkeley City Council to establish one of the earliest marijuana permitting programs in the country.

Berkeley City Council declared October 31st to be Berkeley Patients Group Day in 2009 and reissued the proclamation again in 2014. BPG earned a B-Corp certification, which is given to companies that meet comprehensive standards regarding social sustainability and environmental performance. BPG maintains many partnerships with schools, clinics, and social service organizations.

U.S. Representative Barbara Lee presented the dispensary with an official Congressional Proclamation and Rep. Dina Titus (NV) recognized the accomplishments of BPG on the floor of the House. A member of the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, BPG has received an “A+” rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Best Cannabis For Summer

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 17:19:34 GMT

Lowest Taxes East Bay

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 17:05:54 GMT

Since January 1, BPG has been working closely with Berkeley city officials to effectively lower the recreational cannabis tax rate from 10% to 5%.

Beginning today, March 29, we are extremely proud to offer our members the lowest cannabis tax rates in the East Bay !

Over the next few weeks, we will be making changes to include the 15% excise tax in the price of each product. This will ultimately result in even lower prices for you!

While we believe this is an incredible start, our fight is not over. Please join our efforts in creating a cannabis community that serves everyone.

Contact your representative and tell them to support AB 3157 . This will lower the excise tax on cannabis from 15% to 11%, and suspend the cultivation tax for the next 3 years.

We can’t do this without you!

BPG Beats Feds

Fri, 16 Dec 2016 17:04:14 GMT

Federal Court Win for Marijuana Dispensary Propels Industry Into Legalization Vote

BERKELEY, CA — One week before California voters decide on Proposition 64, a ballot initiative for full legalization, the federal government has dismissed an onerous civil asset forfeiture case that sought to shutter Berkeley Patients Group (BPG), the longest continuously operating medical cannabis dispensary in the country.

The filing by the Northern District of California U.S. Attorney on October 31, 2016, is an important signal that the regulated cannabis industry, set for exponential growth, will not encounter the same type of federal interference that BPG has endured.

Congresswoman Barbara Lee called the decision, “A victory for health care access.”

“For decades Berkeley Patients Group has helped ensure that members of our community can access their medicine. It’s past time for the federal government to stop standing between these patients and their medicine,” said Congresswoman Lee.

In May 2013, the federal government initiated a forfeiture action against the property leased by BPG. This was an attempt by then-U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag to close dispensaries across Northern California by seizing the property on which they operated. This was despite BPG meticulously operating under all state and city regulations.

“We knew from the very beginning that the outcome of this case would impact the community-at-large. Our activist roots prompted us to stand up to this challenge from the federal government,” says BPG Director Etienne Fontan.

Lara DeCaro, BPG’s outside general counsel, explained that years of effort and professional teamwork went into the tense showdown with the federal government.

“When the forfeiture was filed, most of our peers advised us to walk away; we decided to fight and continue providing safe, reliable access for our patients,” said DeCaro.

The federal government initially attempted to dismiss the action without prejudice, which BPG opposed. Henry Wykowski, BPG’s lead co-counsel for the forfeiture proceeding, who successfully represented claimants in the three other dispensary forfeiture actions in the Bay area stressed the importance of requiring that any dismissal be with prejudice. “There is no reason BPG should be treated differently than Harborside. BPG is entitled to a dismissal with prejudice thereby ending this action forever and would not accept anything less,” said Wykowski.

He added, “I am happy that all of the forfeiture cases filed by the US Attorney in the Northern District of California have now been resolved favorably and am proud to have been counsel for the dispensaries.”

David Tillotson of Flynn Riley Bailey & Pasek, the attorney representing the landowner, was instrumental in achieving this result and emphasized that his client was also “not willing to bow to federal pressure.”

BPG has a legacy of being a model medical cannabis dispensary and a best-practice leader in California. The City has twice declared October 31 – the company anniversary – to be “Berkeley Patients Group Day” and BPG is the honored recipient of a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition.

“Compassion and sensibility prevailed,” said Victor Pinho, BPG Communications Director.

“We share this victory with the entire California medical cannabis community and the patients we’ve had the privilege of serving over the past 17 years.

Link to case history and court filing: https://goo.gl/1t0JqM

Located at 2366 San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, California the Berkeley Patients Group dispensary is open every day from 9 am to 9 pm.