“Ben Rice is one of the most experienced medical marijuana attorneys in the country. His depth of knowledge and expertise concerning California’s medical marijuana laws, and his ability to navigate the complex legal and political landscape surrounding the issue are unsurpassed. Ben is a fiercely committed advocate for medical marijuana patients and those who care for them. Ben has litigated cases as co-counsel with the National ACLU, and we regularly refer clients with medical marijuana questions to him, for the simple reason that he is the very best at what he does.”
“Ben Rice has been a champion of civil liberty, serving so many burdened by the most grave injustices of the Drug War. Through generosity and kindness he has carried the gauntlet for those facing injustice that confine civil liberty and our access to medicine. He has carried the gauntlet of the poor. He has provided kindness, counsel and friendship, collaborating with other great minds in the legal field to vanquish the state and protect liberty..
Ben is WAMM’s own great champion and my own personal friend of decades. There aren’t words enough to express my gratitude for assisting me and WAMM through our darkest hours in facing down the DEA in our federal lawsuit and our charge to liberate medical cannabis and patient access. Without Ben as part of WAMM’s elite “dream team” I wouldn’t be free today to write these words. “
“Ben Rice is not only an effective and respected attorney, he is community minded. Ben has volunteered his time and experience to Smart on Crime, which has produced public forums to discuss and help promote effective crime policy and practice. He also serves on the Juvenile Justice Delinquency Prevention Commission. He has spent countless hours of his own time and energy to reduce crime and delinquency.”
“Having good advice, guideness & representation helped me through a tough time in my life. Ben helped me get my life back on track!”
–Anthony Ruffo
“Ben has been a guardian angel to some of our students that faced legal challenges and financial barriers. He has been an ethical and trustworthy partner to our students and a staunch advocate on their behalf. I am grateful for his service and successful outcomes for our students”
–Pablo G. Retuerin, Executive Director, Retention Services and Educational Opportunities Program (EOP), UC Santa Cruz
“Ben Rice has been integral to the growth of SC Laboratories from its’ inception. His guidance has helped SCL transition from an idea to become the largest cannabis-specific analytical laboratory of its’ kind. Ben’s ability to navigate SCL through vague laws that make no mention of our type of business has been invaluable throughout our growth. We have been able to innovate and take the normal risks businesses take with confidence knowing that his advice and guidance could be trusted. His value to us was not in the courtroom, it was in keeping us out of the courtroom. Ben has also been of tremendous importance in helping SCL make contact and establish relationships with local and state policy makers in our mission to educate these important individuals to promote common sense cannabis regulations. SC Laboratories simply would not exist in its’ current state if it were not for Ben Rice.”
–Josh Wurzer, President SC Laboratories
“Having seen him in court and doing the preparation work for hearings and trials, I have recommended Ben Rice to several friends, family members, and just people in need of representation — some innocent; some guilty. In every instance, Ben‘s representation has resulted in better outcomes than I would have expected knowing the local court scene.”
-Mike Rotkin, Five-time Santa Cruz Mayor
“When our son needed help with a DUI Ben Rice was recommended to us by our business attorney. He really came through, reassuring us, educating us and helping us get through what could of been a really rough time. Also thank you Ben for being there even on a weekend to help with a legal crisis in our family. With us feeling we really have a bright future now as a family is thanks to you… for your legal expertise and calm advice.”
-Thank you for all your help!
“Ben Rice, through his experience, sensitivity and knowledge, led our Son and our entire family through the most difficult journey of our lives. He took a horrific tragedy and through his efforts to pursue a restorative justice approach, gave my Son another chance at life while honoring the family who suffered greatly from this tragedy. There are not enough words to express our gratitude to Ben and we will forever be grateful for his service. Ben Rice is an honorable man of character.”
-Mary
“Ben Rice is an extremely knowledgeable and warmly approachable attorney. In my 25 years in Santa Cruz, I have always found him to be remarkably well informed about local law enforcement and public policy issues. He has made insightful contributions to Santa Cruz County’s implementation of the state’s Prison Realignment law, and has worked continuously to make our justice system fair for everyone. The depth of his civic engagement in our community is a great asset. And if I ever need a defense attorney, Ben will be the first person I call.”
