U.S. Attorney for Northern California Melinda Haag was all set to talk prosecutor priorities at a public event on Wednesday.
And the the medical marijuana community got involved.
Haag, who has been a controversial figure among medical cannabis users and supporters, canceled her appearance at San Francisco's Golden Gate University "at the last minute" after marijuana supporters announced their intention to picket her talk, according to SF Weekly.
Haag, whose office has shut down eight medical marijuana dispensaries in San Francisco and more in Berkeley, Fairfax and beyond, was scheduled to moderate a panel that featured local District Attorney George Gascon and Philadelphia DA Seth Williams.
The panel discussion was about "priorities," which is a loaded word for marijuana advocates. It was Haag's boss, Attorney General Eric Holder, who said state-legal medical marijuana wouldn't be a "priority" for federal law enforcement.
Haag's no-show was counted as a victory by marijuana supporters.
"Twenty-first century prosecutors ought to have the courage to show up and account for their actions," said Caren Woodson, a spokeswoman for marijuana lobby Americans for Safe Access. "When Ms. Haag is ready to come out of hiding, SF ASA with be right there to defend state laws against her continued rogue attacks."
Haag's office was not immediately available for comment.
