Care Packages

We provide weekly care packages to patients unable to afford their medicine. To qualify for the care package program, you need to bring in proof of your financial situation, such as a copy of your SSI letter or some other official documentation of your current income level.

Food Drive

Harborside has been recognized by the Alameda County Food Drive for collecting more donated food than any other business in Alameda County. The food drive is a wonderful way to demonstrate our concern for those members of our community who are most in need. We encourage our patients to participate in the annual holiday food drive by awarding prizes for those patients who bring in the largest quantities of food. In 2009, Harborside patients collected 1,772 pounds of food. In 2010, we collected 5,322 pounds. In 2011, we collected 8,834 pounds of food. We hope to break our record once again this 2012 holiday season!

Red Cross

Harborside was the very first dispensary to host a blood collection day by the American Red Cross, and we invite the Red Cross to our facilities several times per year. When patients donate blood, we not only show our desire to bring benefits to our community; we also demonstrate that the blood of medical cannabis patients is certified as healthy by the Red Cross. Our next blood collection day will be (TBD).

One Warm Coat Drive

This year, for the first time, Harborside will participate in the One Warm Coat coat drive. Harborside patients will be encouraged to participate with a raffle for all patients who donate coats, and a special prize for the patient who donates the most coats. Stay tuned for more details.

ASA

Americans for Safe Access is the nation's premier patient advocacy organization, devoted to defending safe access and the rights of medical cannabis patients. In recognition of large monthly donations we have made since our opening, ASA named Harborside one of its Platinum donors. Patients interested in becoming more active in defense of their rights should contact ASA at (put in link). Harborside encourages any patients who are able to do so to contribute to ASA.

SSDP

Harborside also makes regular donations to Students for a Sensible Drug Policy. SSDP has several hundred chapters in universities nationwide, where it is the leading voice of reason in the debate about cannabis. In addition to their very effective advocacy, they are also training the next generation of cannabis activists. Harborside is lucky to have numerous SSDP alumni on its staff, and strongly encourages all students to join the organization.

DPA

The Drug Policy Alliance brings together top leaders and strategists from many different reform organizations. Ably led by Executive Director Ethan Nadelman, DPA has worked for the passage of medical cannabis laws in several states, as well as other drug reform issues. The annual DPA conference presents a diversity of opinions and thinkers of the drug reform movement, and is recognized as one of its most exciting events.

NORML

The National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) is the oldest, most venerable cannabis reform organization in the United States. NORML has a national office in Washington DC, and presents an annual Conference at different locations around the country. NORML is largely focused on legalization of cannabis for all purposes, and to some degree sees themselves in opposition to medical cannabis. However, they are a respected source of information, and have spent decades in defense of cannabis consumers.

MPP

Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) concentrates on lobbying and legislation, at both the state and federal levels. While supportive of medical cannabis, MPP views legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes as a more effective strategy.