Long-time medical marijuana activist Steve McWilliams passed away on July 12, 2005, dead by his own hand under pressure of a federal indictment and loss of his access to cannabis, just six days after the US Supreme Court issued its Gonzalez v Raich decision allowing federal agents to prosecute patients who are not engaged in any commercial or interstate activity.

Vigils were held on July 19 in Oaksterdam and around the world for McWilliams - Photo by Jaime Galindo

In September 2002, Steve led a public handout of medicine to patients at San Diego City Hall. The US Attorney warned Steve to destroy his garden or face prosecution. That same week, the DEA raided Steve’s small garden that served a few seriously ill patients. Steve was arrested and charged in federal court with growing 20 plants. He pled guilty, knowing he would not be able to present a medical marijuana defense.

Steve was sentenced to six months and released pending appeal but denied access to medical marijuana.

McWilliams had staked his hopes on a positive ruling in Raich. “I cannot allow the government to decide what drugs I must take. It’s my life,” he wrote in a farewell note. “I’ve given everything to the cause ... No retreat. No surrender. Love, Steve.”