Most of our DC staff went to this morning's protest rally outside the headquarters of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It was a long rally with some of the most patient and low-key police I've seen. Americans for Safe Access drew patients from all over the country.

After many compelling speeches, I'll admit my mind began to wander. But after thoughts about lunch, a warmer jacket and the location of the nearest bathroom entered and left my head, I began to think about the medical marijuana patients who had gathered and how much colder and hungrier they must have been. About how a DC judge had last month deemed a medical marijuana patient (who could only move his head) so much of a threat to society that she sentenced him to jail, where he died. And about how I hoped no harm would come to today's arrestees, one of whom nearly fainted as she was being led away with her wrists behind her back.