Sunday, October 30, 2011

White House responds to marijuana legalization petition | The Raw Story

White House responds to marijuana legalization petition | The Raw Story: "Gil Kerlikowske, the director of the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy, responded Friday to an extremely popular marijuana legalization petition on the White House’s “We the People” site.

He responded to the petition by stating that the legalization of marijuana would not resolve the problems associated with drug use."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Bummer: Feds Stonewall Pot Treatments For Traumatized Vets | Danger Room | Wired.com

Bummer: Feds Stonewall Pot Treatments For Traumatized Vets | Danger Room | Wired.com: "An Arizona psychiatrist is tantalizingly close to federal approval for a groundbreaking study of marijuana’s potency in treating PTSD — if only the National Institute on Drug Abuse would stop stonewalling her."

'via Blog this'

Monday, October 24, 2011

RAND Retracts Report Showing Cannabis Dispensaries Lower Crime - Toke of the Town

RAND Retracts Report Showing Cannabis Dispensaries Lower Crime - Toke of the Town: "After "vocal criticism" from the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office, the RAND Corporation on Monday officially retracted its study "Regulating Medical Marijuana Dispensaries: An Overview with Preliminary Evidence of Their Impact on Crime," which was released in September.

Two weeks ago, RAND had pulled the study off its website and posted a notice that "This document has been withdrawn pending further review." Toke of the Town broke that story before it hit the national newswires.

"The L.A. City Attorney's office has been the organization most vocal in its criticism of the study, questioning its methods and conclusions," RAND media relations guy Warren Robak told Toke of the Town on October 11."

'via Blog this'

5 Lies Anti-Marijuana Folks Love to Tell

5 Lies Anti-Marijuana Folks Love to Tell: "Submitted by NORML on Oct 24, 2011
By "Radical" Russ Belville

As 50% of Americans now support marijuana legalization, the prohibitionists are coming out in full force with hysterical propaganda to once again terrorize voters about cannabis. I intended to scour multiple sources to compile the five most common scare tactics they use, but Joseph Summerill, director of the Summerill Group LLC, a Washington, D.C.- based law enforcement think tank and general counsel for the Major County Sheriffs’ Association, made my job easy by using all five in one op-ed piece published today in the Washington Examiner entitled, “Facts on medical marijuana are stubborn things, too“."

'via Blog this'

(74) Legalize Marijuana *(THC The Cure for Cancer)*'s Videos

(74) Legalize Marijuana *(THC The Cure for Cancer)*'s Videos:

'via Blog this'

Medical Cannabis Backers Protest Federal Attack on State, Local Regulation - Obama Visit, S.F. Oct 25th | California NORML

NORML
Supporters of California’s medical marijuana laws will be protesting the Department of Justice’s crackdown on dispensaries and providers when President Obama comes to visit San Francisco at the Hotel W on Oct 25th. Demonstrators will be protesting at the corner of 3rd and Mission from 10:30 AM to 3 PM. Advocates will hold a preceding press conference at 10 AM at the Marriott Hotel. 299 Second St, SOMA Room #3.

Medical Cannabis Backers Protest Federal Attack on State, Local Regulation - Obama Visit, S.F. Oct 25th | California NORML:

'via Blog this'

Marijuana: Colorado to formally ask DEA to designate pot Schedule II controlled substance - Denver News - The Latest Word

Marijuana: Colorado to formally ask DEA to designate pot Schedule II controlled substance - Denver News - The Latest Word: "The Drug Enforcement Administration dubs marijuana a Schedule I controlled substance -- meaning it has no accepted medical use. Switching pot to Schedule II, like morphine and cocaine, among other drugs, would instantly change the dynamic between the feds and medical marijuana states. And a Colorado spokesman confirms that his agency will make such a request by year's end.
Not that the state has a choice. Hidden within the language of House Bill 1284, the 2010 measure that established the regulatory structure for medical marijuana in Colorado, is a passage that enumerates the powers and duties of the state licensing authority. Under the heading "The state licensing authority shall," the seventh of them reads:"

'via Blog this'

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Hemp Edification: Worth Repeating: Body's Own Cannabinoids Are The Bliss Within

(My little blogger comment: Who woulda thunk it? I'll tell you who....the scientists who've done studies on it for over a decade and the patients who are healed by it!)

Hemp Edification: Worth Repeating: Body's Own Cannabinoids Are The Bliss Within: "Did you see the medicinal cannabis science report in The New York Times on February 16?


In summary, the report says the great sense of euphoria and calm that many people report experiencing after prolonged exercise ("the runner's high") is not so much governed by the endorphins as "now an emerging field of neuroscience indicates that an altogether different neurochemical system within the body and brain, the endocannabinoid system, may be responsible for that feeling" of "pure happiness, elation, a feeling of unity with one's self and/or nature, endless peacefulness," and "inner harmony.""

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

GETTING OUT OF THE RED Legalize it - The Tech

GETTING OUT OF THE RED Legalize it - The Tech: "For a moment, ignore the question of whether, as a matter of principle, marijuana should be legal or illegal. What would be the net improvement of U.S. public finances if the drug were legalized and taxed?

To determine how much additional revenue would be created by legalization, the first step is to judge how large the U.S. market for marijuana is. These estimates vary widely, but both demand- and supply-side analyses of the U.S. marijuana market put it in the area of roughly $40 billion in transactions per year."

'via Blog this'

Colo. medical marijuana dispensaries join union - Yahoo! News

Colo. medical marijuana dispensaries join union - Yahoo! News: "WHEAT RIDGE, Colo. (AP) — Colorado medical marijuana dispensaries are getting a boost in political clout after they joined the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
The U.S. Justice Department has warned that marijuana dispensaries and licensed growers in states with medical marijuana laws could face prosecution for violating federal drug and money-laundering laws, which union members are vowing to fight.
Daniel J. Rush, a national marijuana dispensary organizer for the union, said dispensary owners are at war with the U.S. Justice Department in California over the issue, and he believes the unions can help them.
"They declared war on us, we didn't declare war on them," Rush said.
Dispensaries in Michigan, California, and Washington state also are seeking union backing.
Dispensary representatives said Monday that they believe medical marijuana is part of the retail health care, agriculture, and food processing industry."

'via Blog this'

Petition to legalize marijuana tops White House list - UPI.com

Petition to legalize marijuana tops White House list - UPI.com: "WASHINGTON, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- Legalizing marijuana is the top issue on the White House's "We the People" site, far outpacing other online petition requests, a review indicated.

The marijuana petition has more than 55,000 signatures, 20,000 more than any other issue on the site, Roll Call reported Monday.

A petition needs 25,000 signatures to trigger an official response.

"The political mind is pretty simple: What can you do for me, what can you do to harm me," said Allen St. Pierre, head of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, which began the White House petition. "We're not effectively casting that in either direction.""

'via Blog this'

Monday, October 17, 2011

Cannabis Reduces Infant Mortality - Salem-News.Com

Cannabis Reduces Infant Mortality - Salem-News.Com: "(NORTHERN CALIFORNIA) - Years ago, a friend of mine, a good Christian lady, had a child with "failure to thrive". She had CPS all over her, looking for even the tiniest trace of child neglect. They found none. The child was well cared for, but she just didn't seem that interested in eating. Her bottles often went half finished.

I believe that those bottles of formula, given from birth, were major part of the problem. Our bodies make chemicals called "endocannabinoids" that are closely related to THC and cannabidiol (CBD). Endocannabinoids control many bodily functions and are excreted into breast milk. When lactating female rabbits were injected with CBD, a non-psychoactive, plant-derived cannabinoid, there was "a significant accumulation of the drug in milk." [1]"

'via Blog this'

Sunday, October 16, 2011

74 Years Ago This Month, The Marijuana Tax Act Changed Everything | THE Weed Blog

74 Years Ago This Month, The Marijuana Tax Act Changed Everything | THE Weed Blog: "By Jasen T. Davis

According to a report by Jon Gettman, who has a Ph.D. in public policy and regional economic development from George Mason University, the war on cannabis costs U.S. taxpayers $42 billion per year.

Gettman is also the leader of the Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis, and is the former head of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

He based his calculations on U.S. government statistics and official federal reports, concluding that the business of cannabis in the country is worth $113 billion dollars. If taxed, the potential revenue stream from taxing this local economy would be significant."

'via Blog this'

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Long Beach to repeal medical marijuana law, ban dispensaries - Press-Telegram

Long Beach to repeal medical marijuana law, ban dispensaries - Press-Telegram: "LONG BEACH — Told by the Court of Appeal that it can't regulate marijuana collectives considered illegal under federal law, Long Beach intends to obey - and act to ban dispensaries within city limits.

According to City Attorney Robert Shannon, the Long Beach City Council on Tuesday requested in closed session that he draft two ordinances: one repealing the 1-year-old medical marijuana permit law and refunding about $700,000 in fees collected, and another that bars storefront dispensaries.

The council also announced it would appeal the court's decision to the California Supreme Court to seek clarification on the city's powers to control the selling of medical marijuana."

'via Blog this'

How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost To Grow? | THE Weed Blog

How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost To Grow? | THE Weed Blog: "You’ve probably heard this many times before, “It’s a weed. Marijuana is easy to grow, you just plant a seed outside, give it some water and miracle grow, then BOOM, you are rolling in free pot.” If I had a dollar every time I heard someone say something like that, I would have enough money to buy a lifetime worth of reefer. However, anyone who has grown good marijuana knows that it takes quite a bit of love and care to get your strain to output at it’s highest level."

'via Blog this'

American Justice And The Dana Beal Trial | THE Weed Blog

American Justice And The Dana Beal Trial | THE Weed Blog: "September was a bad month for Obama.

The stock market is down, more soldiers than ever were killed in Afghanistan, the Palestinians are being uppity. And the New York Times reports that small donors are holding back. What do you expect? Obama is incapable of rational leadership because he’s suffering from MDS. This man needs a joint, badly. He’s found himself hanging out with super suits, war hawks, and people who earn their money the way that most Americans with significant wealth do, by inheriting it. He’s forgotten about his mother with breast cancer, the prejudice he faced in Hawaii, and most importantly of all-the joy and wisdom that marijuana helps you discover. Move this guy out!"

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

President Obama and Ohio Law Makers I have a question. - YouTube

President Obama and Ohio Law Makers I have a question. - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Medical Marijuana: Silver Tour Reaches Out To America’s Senior Citizens | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Medical Marijuana: Silver Tour Reaches Out To America’s Senior Citizens | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "The narrative of the popular 1960s song entitled ‘Teach Your Children‘ by Crosby, Stills and Nash was for ‘parents to teach their children well’. Today the children of the World War II generation (the so-called ‘greatest’ generation) are teaching their parents (and their fellow Baby Boomers) about the wonderful utility of naturally-produced, non-toxic medical cannabis to successfully treat and/or manage a wide-range of health ailments.

NORML and High Times’ Medical Marijuana Magazine are the primary sponsors of the Silver Tour, a project of the nascent NORML Senior Alliance. The Silver Tour is championed by Robert Platshorn, one of America’s most successful cannabis smugglers and the nation’s longest serving cannabis prisoner (Robert served twenty eight years in federal prisons)."

'via Blog this'

DEA: Hydrocodone: most sought out street drug | KETK

DEA: Hydrocodone: most sought out street drug | KETK: "TEXAS — The Drug Enforcement Agency says Hydrocodone, a widely prescribed opiate, is quickly becoming the most sought after drug in the United States. Drug officials tell KETK it's more popular than Methamphetamine and it's turning huge profits on the street.



Watch the video above for the full story.



For more information, you can find it on the DEA website at:

http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/abuse/index.htm"

'via Blog this'

Feds To Go After Newspapers, Radio For Medical Marijuana Ads - Toke of the Town

Feds To Go After Newspapers, Radio For Medical Marijuana Ads - Toke of the Town: "Raising worrisome First Amendment issues, U.S. Attorneys are getting ready to go after newspapers, radio stations and other outlets which accept advertising for California's medical marijuana dispensaries, as the Obama Administration opens up another front in its ongoing war against medicinal cannabis.

After announcing earlier this month that landlords could have their property seized if they rent to dispensaries, the Administration seems to be including media outlets in its threats, as well, reports Michael Montgomery at California Watch."

'via Blog this'

Medical marijuana organization brings counter suit against Gov. Brewer

Medical marijuana organization brings counter suit against Gov. Brewer: "PHOENIX - A new countersuit has just added another layer to the medical marijuana debate playing out in the state.

The owners of the PHX Co-op filed the countersuit Tuesday against Governor Jan Brewer's challenge of Arizona’s current medical marijuana law. PHX Co-op says Brewer's lawsuit is an attack on them which threatens to throw them in jail for being in operation.

The marijuana Co-op says they were set up as a safe place for medical marijuana users to meet, trade, learn and smoke without fear of breaking the law.

Even though voters passed a law to allow medical marijuana, it is still illegal for licensed dealers to sell the drug for prescription purposes. "

'via Blog this'

p38 MAPK is involved in CB2 receptor-induced apopt... [FEBS Lett. 2005] - PubMed - NCBI

p38 MAPK is involved in CB2 receptor-induced apopt... [FEBS Lett. 2005] - PubMed - NCBI: "Cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit the growth of a broad spectrum of tumour cells. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in that effect have not been completely elucidated. Here, we investigated the possible involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells. Results show that stimulation of the CB2 receptor leads to p38 MAPK activation and that inhibition of this kinase attenuates CB2 receptor-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. These findings support a role for p38 MAPK in CB2 receptor-induced apoptosis of human leukaemia cells."

'via Blog this'

Cannabinoid Receptor-Mediated Apoptosis Induced by R(+)-Methanandamide and Win55,212-2 Is Associated with Ceramide Accumulation and p38 Activation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma

Cannabinoid Receptor-Mediated Apoptosis Induced by R(+)-Methanandamide and Win55,212-2 Is Associated with Ceramide Accumulation and p38 Activation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma: "We have recently shown that cannabinoids induce growth inhibition and apoptosis in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a malignant B-cell lymphoma that expresses high levels of cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2)."

'via Blog this'

Feds Keep Fooling Around With Medical Marijuana: Full Cannabis Legalization or Bust! | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Feds Keep Fooling Around With Medical Marijuana: Full Cannabis Legalization or Bust! | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "It’s getting ugly and NORML needs your help now more than ever to stand up for the rights of responsible adults cannabis consumers. The Administration that promised to base drug policy on science and respect state marijuana laws is ignoring medical facts, the needs of patients, and the economic benefits that regulated dispensaries bring to medical cannabis-friendly states.

There is no way to sugar coat the terrible past two weeks we’ve had at the hands of Prohibition-loving federal and state governments.

Yesterday, the four U.S. Attorneys from California–along with their respective counterparts here in Washington D.C. from the DEA and IRS–declared that a statewide crackdown against large-scale medical cannabis cultivators and sellers with national implications is currently underway."

'via Blog this'

Woman Busted After Trying To Find Weed On Craigslist - Toke of the Town

Woman Busted After Trying To Find Weed On Craigslist - Toke of the Town: "​Here's how not to find weed: A New Mexico woman was arrested after police said she put an ad up on Craigslist trying to buy marijuana.

Anamicka Dave, 29, of Albuquerque, was charged after undercover officers posing as pot dealers (I'd like to have seen their "disguises") arranged to meet her through text messages, reports Joe Bartels at KOB Eyewitness News 4."

'via Blog this'

Monday, October 10, 2011

Editorials | U.S. attorneys should back off medical-marijuana dispensaries | Seattle Times Newspaper

Editorials | U.S. attorneys should back off medical-marijuana dispensaries | Seattle Times Newspaper: "THE federal crackdown on medical-marijuana dispensaries in California is wrong — a wrong policy and a wrong use of federal power to block social change.

President Obama was supposed to be for change. He appointed a drug-policy adviser, Gil Kerlikowske, who announced that the War on Drugs was "over." That was an exaggeration, but for medical marijuana it seemed to be so.

In October 2009, the Justice Department told U.S. attorneys they "should not focus federal resources" on "individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana.""

'via Blog this'

Medical marijuana dispensaries don't belong in Fort Collins | The Coloradoan | coloradoan.com

Medical marijuana dispensaries don't belong in Fort Collins | The Coloradoan | coloradoan.com: "Coloradans' right to use medical marijuana was granted by an amendment to our state Constitution in 2000. The intent of that amendment was to provide relief from symptoms associated with specific diseases that patients might not find otherwise. This act of compassion has been complicated in recent years by a change in how marijuana is distributed in our town.

Until 2009, those benefiting from the use of medicinal marijuana obtained it from a personal caregiver. The exchange of marijuana between personal caregiver and patient carried on this way for nine years with no apparent effect on our community."

'via Blog this'

Cigarettes Vs. Alcohol Vs. Cannabis - YouTube

Cigarettes Vs. Alcohol Vs. Cannabis - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Calif. pot dispensaries told to shut down - US news - Crime & courts - msnbc.com

Calif. pot dispensaries told to shut down - US news - Crime & courts - msnbc.com: "Federal prosecutors are cracking down on some pot dispensaries in California, warning the stores that they must shut down in 45 days or face criminal charges and confiscation of their property even if they are operating legally under the state's 15-year-old medical marijuana law.
In an escalation of the ongoing conflict between the U.S. government and the nation's burgeoning medical marijuana industry, at least 16 pot shops or their landlords received letters this week stating they are violating federal drug laws, even though medical marijuana is legal in California. The state's four U.S. attorneys were scheduled Friday to announce a broader coordinated crackdown."

'via Blog this'

H.R. 2306 Ron Paul: End Marijuana Prohibition Now! - YouTube

Ron Paul: End Marijuana Prohibition Now! - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

(91) United States Government Owns Marijuana Patent #6630507; Hypocrisy!

(91) United States Government Owns Marijuana Patent #6630507; Hypocrisy!: "The legalization of marijuana in the U.S. would drastically reduce crime in our cities and form a more productive society through its positive uses.
The war on drugs deals with every level of society. Every year, the U.S. government spends large amounts of money to control drug use and to enforce laws enacted to protect society from the dangers of certain drugs. Some argue that the fight against drugs is not needed and that society has already lost the war on drugs and the only way to remedy the problem to end most of the fighting altogether is by decriminalizing the use of marijuana.
Government spending is the major reason for the many Americans that are pushing for the legalization."

'via Blog this'

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Arizona Sheriffs Press Conference - Fast and Furious - Part 1/2 [HQ]

(87) Paul Babeu's Videos: "Arizona Sheriffs demand Special Counsel to investigate Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice for their roles in Operation Fast & Furious."

'via Blog this'

Arizona Sheriffs Press Conference - Fast and Furious - Part 2/2 [HQ]

(84) Paul Babeu's Videos: "Arizona Sheriffs Press Conference - Fast and Furious - Part 2/2 [HQ]

Arizona Sheriffs demand Special Counsel to investigate Attorney General Eric Holder and the Department of Justice for their roles in Operation Fast & Furious."

'via Blog this'

Friday, October 7, 2011

Gary Johnson | Medical Marijuana | The federal government's misguided war on California | The Daily Caller

Gary Johnson | Medical Marijuana | The federal government's misguided war on California | The Daily Caller: "At least 28,000 people have been killed in drug cartel violence along the Mexican border. The attorney general of the United States is trying to explain why our government knowingly let hundreds of weapons be supplied to those drug cartel thugs. All the while, unemployment is at 9.1%, and we are all scratching our heads trying to figure out why the Department of Energy gave a soon-to-be-bankrupt company $500 million when we are bankrupt ourselves."

'via Blog this'

Feds: California Marijuana Dispensaries Must Shut Down. | WEed Deserve Better

(My comment: The Federal Government has patients on all aspects of the cannabis plant for medical use and it is available by prescription from any doctor. Gee, I wonder HOW this works......Google it! Also those of you who insist there is no such thing as "medical meth", Google that too!)

Feds: California Marijuana Dispensaries Must Shut Down. | WEed Deserve Better: " ​In a major escalation of the U.S. federal government’s war on medical marijuana dispensaries, federal prosecutors have warned California collectives they have 45 days to shut down or face criminal charges and confiscation of their property — even if they are operating legally under the state’s medical marijuana law, approved by voters in 1996.

California’s four U.S. Attorneys sent letters on Wednesday and Thursday to at least 16 dispensaries or their landlords notifying them they are violating federal drug laws, reports Lisa Leff at the Associated Press. Medical marijuana is legal in California, but federal law prohibits pot for any purpose."

'via Blog this'

Federal Government Announces Escalation Of Its War On Cannabis | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Federal Government Announces Escalation Of Its War On Cannabis | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "“This is not an idle threat. … What we’re trying to do is send a message as broadly as possible. … We are serious about enforcing federal law. … We are not just talking about it, but we are doing something about it. … Prosecuting marijuana cases is a higher priority now.”
–statements of the US Attorneys for the four federal districts in California

We’ve seen this coming for some time, but today the gloves officially came off. No more memos filled with false promises; no more phony pledges to respect states rights, no more giggles. Like a caged animal backed into a corner, the federal government is snarling and spitting back. It has no other way to defend its morally bankrupt policy except through a show of strength and intimidation."

'via Blog this'

Obama Administration’s Medical Marijuana Policies Now Worse Than Bush and Clinton Policies | The NORML Stash Blog

Obama Administration’s Medical Marijuana Policies Now Worse Than Bush and Clinton Policies | The NORML Stash Blog: "When originally asked as a candidate his stand on the issue of medical marijuana, President Obama had pledged not to be “using Justice Department resources to try to circumvent state laws on this issue”.

Today, four US Attorneys from the Obama Administration’s Department of Justice announced plans to “outline actions targeting the sale, distribution and cultivation of marijuana.” Sixteen dispensary owners in California have received letters giving them 45 days to shut down before the federal government shuts them down and seizes their assets

The Obama Administration’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has openly declared that the mere act of registering to use medical marijuana in accordance with state law is reason to suspend a citizen’s Second Amendment rights."

'via Blog this'

California Pot-Clinic Crackdown Threatens $1 Billion Industry - Businessweek

California Pot-Clinic Crackdown Threatens $1 Billion Industry - Businessweek: "Oct. 7 (Bloomberg) -- A U.S. Justice Department crackdown aimed at the landlords of California’s medical-marijuana dispensaries threatens an industry that, by state estimates, generates as much as $1.3 billion in annual sales.

In Los Angeles alone, there were 638 dispensaries last year before a city restriction forced many to close, according to a Rand Corp. study Sept. 21. The state health department has issued medical marijuana identification cards to almost 57,000 people since 2004, though the cards aren’t required."

'via Blog this'

U.S. Drug Policy Would Be Imposed Globally By New House Bill

(My blogger comment: Wow, this shows the ego of the US government! And how far they want to control our every move! Unconstitutional. I think they are all asking to be FIRED!")

U.S. Drug Policy Would Be Imposed Globally By New House Bill: "The House Judiciary Committee passed a bill yesterday that would make it a federal crime for U.S. residents to discuss or plan activities on foreign soil that, if carried out in the U.S., would violate the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) -- even if the planned activities are legal in the countries where they're carried out. The new law, sponsored by Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) allows prosecutors to bring conspiracy charges against anyone who discusses, plans or advises someone else to engage in any activity that violates the CSA, the massive federal law that prohibits drugs like marijuana and strictly regulates prescription medication.

"Under this bill, if a young couple plans a wedding in Amsterdam, and as part of the wedding, they plan to buy the bridal party some marijuana, they would be subject to prosecution," said Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates for reforming the country's drug laws."

'via Blog this'

Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession Introduced In New Jersey

Contact Officials - NORML: "Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession Introduced In New Jersey"

'via Blog this'

Tell Your Representatives to Co-Sponsor HR 2306: The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

Contact Officials - NORML: "Tell Your Representatives to Co-Sponsor HR 2306: The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011"

'via Blog this'

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Czech Republic Moves To Legalize Medical Marijuana - Toke of the Town

Czech Republic Moves To Legalize Medical Marijuana - Toke of the Town: "​The Czech Ministry of Health has said it will take marijuana off the list of banned substances and for the first time allow it to be prescribed as medicine by doctors.

"By the end of this year we will submit to Parliament an amended law on addictive substances which will move marihuana from the list of banned substances to the list of those which can be prescribed," Deputy Health Minister Martin Plíšek said, reports Chris Johnstone at CzechPosition.com."

'via Blog this'

Medical Marijuana Job Fair Weekend: West Coast Cannabis Expo - Toke of the Town

Medical Marijuana Job Fair Weekend: West Coast Cannabis Expo - Toke of the Town: "​Inspired by President Barack Obama with his American Job Act, the West Coast Cannabis Expo's organizers say it will be the very first to feature a Job Fair with career opportunities in the $1.7 billion legal medical marijuana industry.

The event launches this Friday, October 7, and continues through Sunday, October 9 at the Cow Palace - South Hall, located at 2600 Geneva Avenue in Daly City, just south of San Francisco."

'via Blog this'

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Marine City considers outright ban on dispensaries - News - Voice News

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Marine City considers outright ban on dispensaries - News - Voice News: "While most local communities have kicked the proverbial can of medical marijuana down the road in recent years Marine City is planning action. At least one local resident hopes to persuade officials to take the lead in St. Clair County but in the opposite direction.

Kevin Lindke thinks, when it comes to medical marijuana laws, city officials are overreacting based on fears that may never materialize. He is hoping to persuade officials of that point at this week's commission meeting."

'via Blog this'

Philly Cops Rob Undercover Cop Posing As Marijuana Dealer - Toke of the Town

Philly Cops Rob Undercover Cop Posing As Marijuana Dealer - Toke of the Town: "Two Philadelphia police officers were arrested Monday evening and charged with robbing an undercover investigator posing as a pot dealer, authorities admitted Tuesday.

Officers Sean Alivera, 31, and Christopher Luciano, 23, allegedly stole 20 pounds of marijuana and $3,000 in cash, reports Troy Graham at The Philadelphia Inquirer."

'via Blog this'

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

GOP: Drug Cartels Are Terrorists - YouTube

GOP: Drug Cartels Are Terrorists - YouTube:

'via Blog this'

Cannabis Oil is a Highly Efficient Natural Cancer Cure | Znox

Cannabis Oil is a Highly Efficient Natural Cancer Cure | Znox: "Ever since the mid 70s, medical scientists have been well aware of the beneficial effects of cannabinoid compounds over cancerous cells. Thanks to modern science, over a dozen studies conducted during recent years have been able to partially reveal just how it works. Yet cannabis is still not endorsed by pharmaceutical companies as a cancer cure, and since it is not promoted through mainstream channels, very few people are aware of its benefits. Consequently, it is not sought after as an alternative to disfiguring chemotherapy and other harmful drugs."

'via Blog this'

Gary Johnson: 'Pot Smokers May Be The Largest Untapped Voting Bloc'

Gary Johnson: 'Pot Smokers May Be The Largest Untapped Voting Bloc': "Former New Mexico Governor and GOP presidential candidate Gary Johnson told Outside Magazine that legalizing marijuana was a popular political stance.

"Pot smokers may be the largest untapped voting bloc in the country," he said. "A hundred million Americans have smoked marijuana. You think they want to be considered criminals?""

'via Blog this'

American marijuana growers could beat this war on drugs | Douglas Haddow | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk

American marijuana growers could beat this war on drugs | Douglas Haddow | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk: "The gruesome concomitants of the war on drugs were on display yet again last week in Mexico, where gangs continue to terrorise the public with impunity. The decapitated body of a crime-awareness blogger was found in Nuevo Laredo, the third of such killings to occur in the city over the last month. A bag of rotting human heads outside an elementary school in Acapulco had a note threatening the state governor, who responded with promises of more police and security cameras."

'via Blog this'

Tickle The Wire » Montana Atty.Gen. Disputes ATF Policy on Guns and Medical Marijuana

Tickle The Wire » Montana Atty.Gen. Disputes ATF Policy on Guns and Medical Marijuana: "Flair-ups continue between local and federal law enforcement over a recent ATF letter to arms dealers regarding guns and medical marijuana users.

The Belgrade News reports that Montana Attorney General Steve Bullock wrote the Justice Department this week to voice his opposition to a recent ATF letter sent to guns dealers telling them they cannot sell weapons to people taking medical marijuana."

'via Blog this'

Canadian Medical Pot User Lights Up In House Of Commons - Toke of the Town

Canadian Medical Pot User Lights Up In House Of Commons - Toke of the Town: "It smelled good in Canada's Parliament on Monday. A medical marijuana patient lit up a joint in the House of Commons to protest what he called unfair rules set by Health Canada.

Samuel Mellace, who lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia, is a licensed cannabis user under the Canadian federal government's medical marijuana program, reports Meagan Fitzpatrick of Postmedia News. He started smoking a joint Monday afternoon while in the public gallery of the House of Commons as the daily question period came to an end."

'via Blog this'

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Make Marijuana Legal For Medical Purposes: Help Put Marijuana Reschedule Petition Before President Obama | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform

Make Marijuana Legal For Medical Purposes: Help Put Marijuana Reschedule Petition Before President Obama | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "In 1972 NORML filed the first major lawsuit against the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to change the legal status of cannabis from schedule I to schedule II. Would this make cannabis legal for an adult to purchase and use like alcohol and tobacco products?

No."

'via Blog this'

Hemp Edification: The War on Drugs: Undermining Human Rights

Hemp Edification: The War on Drugs: Undermining Human Rights: "The global “war on drugs” has been fought for 50 years, without preventing the long-term trend of increasing drug supply and use. Beyond this failure, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has identified many serious “unintended negative consequences” of the drug war – including widespread human rights abuses.


These human rights costs result not from drug use itself, but from choosing a punitive enforcement-led approach that, by its nature, criminalises many users, often the most vulnerable in society, and places organised criminals in control of the trade."

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Papa John’s Pizza supports driver who reported medical marijuana patient to police | The NORML Stash Blog

Papa John’s Pizza supports driver who reported medical marijuana patient to police | The NORML Stash Blog: "You would think that pizza delivery companies would understand who their customers are and that a great number of them smoke marijuana. If you’re a pizza delivery company in Colorado, you’d understand that many of the marijuana smokers in your delivery area may be legally using cannabis for medicinal purposes. But apparently Papa John’s pizza in Colorado doesn’t care too much about its drivers violating the privacy of its customers who are medical marijuana patients."

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Synthetic Marijuana lands 70 Alabama teens in the hospital - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Synthetic Marijuana lands 70 Alabama teens in the hospital - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports: "BIRMINGHAM - AL -
Some know it by "Spice," "K-2," or Black Magic. Regardless of the name, it is a synthetic marijuana. Area physicians warn it's more dangerous than marijuana. Teenagers are winding up in the hospital with serious liver conditions and psychotic breakdowns.

"Spice" products just became an issue for emergency rooms in January of last year. Similar synthetic marijuana products, like "K-2" were banned, but new versions of those same compounds are back on the market. We took a trip inside a Birmingham store and spoke with a woman who is recovering from a serious addiction to "Spice.""

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How the Tax Code Could Destroy Medical Marijuana - Conor Friedersdorf - Politics - The Atlantic

How the Tax Code Could Destroy Medical Marijuana - Conor Friedersdorf - Politics - The Atlantic: "The slick video above is a testament to the professionalism and savvy of the folks at the Harborside Health Center, the largest medical marijuana dispensary on the West Coast. They're popular in their community, Oakland, among both their 83,000 members and city officials who appreciate the $1,081,450 tax bill the nonprofit organization recently paid into municipal coffers. But Luigi Zamarra, Harborside's chief financial officer, says that a tax problem with the IRS may force the operation to shut its doors if the federal agency's current ruling stands."

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DOJ: Holder Was 'Consistent And Truthful' About Fast And Furious | TPMMuckraker

DOJ: Holder Was 'Consistent And Truthful' About Fast And Furious | TPMMuckraker: "Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler issued this statement about the Republican allegation that Attorney General Eric Holder lied to Congress about his knowledge of the controversial ATF program known as Fast and Furious:

The Attorney General's testimony to both the House and the Senate was consistent and truthful. He said in both March and May of this year that he became aware of the questionable tactics employed in the Fast and Furious Operation in early 2011 when ATF agents first raised them publicly, and at the time, he asked the Inspector General's office to investigate the matter."

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IRS: Oakland's Largest Pot Dispensary Owes Millions - The Bay Citizen

IRS: Oakland's Largest Pot Dispensary Owes Millions - The Bay Citizen: "Oakland’s Harborside Health Center — the largest medical marijuana dispensary on the West Coast — lost the first round in a high-stakes battle with the Internal Revenue Service that could spell trouble for the booming pot industry.

In a letter to Harborside late last week, the IRS ruled that the dispensary cannot deduct standard business expenses such as payroll and rent, because it is involved in what the agency terms "the trafficking of controlled substances," said Luigi Zamarra, Harborside’s chief financial officer. "

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Mexico's 'Cannabis Libraries' reflect rising drug problem, and changing attitudes - CSMonitor.com

Mexico's 'Cannabis Libraries' reflect rising drug problem, and changing attitudes - CSMonitor.com: "In the corner of a library situated in a Mexico City park, stands a lonely yellow bookshelf lined with tomes on marijuana, cocaine, pills, psychedelics, and the like."

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Minnesota: Judge Grants Rastafarian Exemption From Probation Drug Testing « WeedPress

Minnesota: Judge Grants Rastafarian Exemption From Probation Drug Testing « WeedPress: "For the past 18 months, Minnesotan Jamison Arend has been openly smoking cannabis daily — with a judge’s approval.

Jamison, a licensed Rastafarian Minister, was sentenced to five years probation in March of 2010 after an altercation at his home. During sentencing, Judge Judith Tilsen handed down a groundbreaking exemption to the State’s probation drug testing laws:

“[T]he defense has proven a colorable claim of religious right to ceremonial use of cannibus, otherwise known as marijuana. Ceremonial use is intermittent use, but because of our chemistry and how we do UAs, it would seem to me that even with limited ceremonial use that a UA would come up dirty on a regular basis. I’m specifically not ordering that Mr. Arend abstain from the use of marijuana and I’m specifically not authorizing UAs to defendant for marijuana. If probation is concerned about use of other illegal substances, probation may then perform UAs for other illegal substances.” –Judge Tilsen’s ruling"

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Worth Repeating: DEA Faces Suit For Blocking Marijuana Research - Toke of the Town

Worth Repeating: DEA Faces Suit For Blocking Marijuana Research - Toke of the Town: "Worth Repeating
​By Ron Marczyk, R.N.
Health Education Teacher (Retired)

DEA policy is a violation of the fundamental principles of the scientific method. Seventy-five years of bias must come to an end.

First, the backstory."

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Pizza Delivery Driver Calls Police On Medical Marijuana Patient

Pizza Delivery Driver Calls Police On Medical Marijuana Patient: "Last Friday night a medical marijuana patient got more than he bargained for when he called Papa John’s to order a pizza.

Frederick Smith is a legal Colorado medical marijuana patient who uses cannabis to relieve the pain he suffers from a bike accident. After a hard day of work all he wanted to do was relax and have a pizza while his 9-year old daughter took a bath upstairs."

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Mom Who Sold $31 In Pot Gets 4 Years Cut From 12 Years Prison - Toke of the Town

Mom Who Sold $31 In Pot Gets 4 Years Cut From 12 Years Prison - Toke of the Town: "​An Oklahoma judge has taken four years off a 12-year prison sentence for a first-time offender who sold $31 worth of marijuana to a police informant.

Associate District Judge Robert Davis decided to suspend the final four years of Patricia M. Spottedcrow's sentence, but he just couldn't resist a little condescension to go along with it, saying the young mother has "done better in the structure of the Department of Corrections than she had done during her adult years in the community.""

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The Longest Most Educational Cannabis Hemp Documentary on YouTube! - YouTube

The Longest Most Educational Cannabis Hemp Documentary on YouTube! - YouTube:

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Montana Medical Marijuana Initiative Makes Ballot | StoptheDrugWar.org

Montana Medical Marijuana Initiative Makes Ballot | StoptheDrugWar.org: "An initiative that would let Montana voters undo legislative changes that gutted the state's medical marijuana law will be on the ballot in November 2012. According to the Montana Secretary of State, organizers for I-124 have collected enough signatures to make the ballot.


medical cannabis with vaporizer (wikimedia.org)
The initiative needed 24,337 valid voter signatures to make the ballot; it handed in 26,778 valid signatures. It needed to obtain the signatures of at least 5% of registered voters in at least 34 of the state's 100 legislative districts; it qualified in 49."

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Mexico Says "No Thanks" to Perry's US Troops Idea | StoptheDrugWar.org

Mexico Says "No Thanks" to Perry's US Troops Idea | StoptheDrugWar.org: "Mexico's ambassador to the US reiterated Monday that deploying US troops to Mexico to help fight violent drug trafficking organizations is not an option. Ambassador Arturo Sarukhan was responding to remarks made by GOP presidential contender Texas Gov. Rick Perry.


US-Mexico border (wikimedia.org)
On Saturday, Perry raised eyebrows by suggesting on the campaign trail that Mexico's problems with the so-called cartels might require US military assistance. His comments came in response to a question while campaigning in New Hampshire."

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Obey Change: How the Occupy Wall St. Movement May Help the Cannabis and Hemp Industry | Medical Marijuana | MedicalMarijuana411.com | The Daily Dose | Medical Marijuana

Obey Change: How the Occupy Wall St. Movement May Help the Cannabis and Hemp Industry | Medical Marijuana | MedicalMarijuana411.com | The Daily Dose | Medical Marijuana: "With the economic recovery lopsided, activists from all avenues are coming together to help occupy the financial areas of more than 70 cities throughout America, and as a new system is discussed, many issues, from immigration reform to the various wars, including the war on drugs, may be resolved.
By Sam Sabzehzar | October 4, 2011

Go to OccupyTogether.Org to find an occupation taking place near you.
More than a thousand people gathered in Los Angeles over the weekend in an action being dubbed Occupy Los Angeles, in solidarity with and in the spirit of the Occupy Wall Street protests in New York."

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Monday, October 3, 2011

The Gender Gap: Are Women the Key to Ending Marijuana Prohibition? « MarijuanaPhoneBomb.com

The Gender Gap: Are Women the Key to Ending Marijuana Prohibition? « MarijuanaPhoneBomb.com: "As a female working in the generally male-dominated world of marijuana policy reform, you’d think I’d be accustomed to the gender gap that exists between male and female support for the taxation and regulation of marijuana. And yet, I’m continually shocked when poll after poll reveals sizeable differences among levels of support between the two genders. Although nationwide support for legalizing marijuana has never been higher, we’re going to need the backing of the ladies to push the issue over the tipping point."

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Marijuana legalization march concludes Harvestfest - News - The Daily Cardinal - University of Wisconsin-Madison

Marijuana legalization march concludes Harvestfest - News - The Daily Cardinal - University of Wisconsin-Madison: "Marijuana enthusiasts marched up State Street to support the drug's legalization, smoke and listen to music during the 41st annual Great Midwest Marijuana Harvest Festival over the weekend.
According to one hemp bags vendor who wished to remain anonymous, the festival is a chance for activists to "talk about the legalization of marijuana, the recreational use of marijuana and to prove the fact marijuana is not a dangerous drug like they say it is."
Supporters and participants marched in a parade down State Street to witness the band Nama Rupa perform on the Capitol steps, which started at 4:20 p.m."

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Marijuana: Ready or not? - macombdaily.com

Marijuana: Ready or not? - macombdaily.com: "To hear Rick Thompson tell it, marijuana is the single most effective remedy to hit modern health care since penicillin, as adaptable as yoga and as harmless as buckwheat honey on toast.

“I think most people agree that it’s time for us to decriminalize marijuana,” said Thompson, a member of Michigan Association of Compassion Centers.

Thompson said that in the early 1900s people grew marijuana in their garden like mint and rosemary.

“It was used for ailments such as pain management and insomnia, Parkinson’s disease, migraines and rheumatoid arthritis,” Thompson said."

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University of Haifa Study: Marijuana Prevents Post-Trauma Stress Disorder | Green Prophet

University of Haifa Study: Marijuana Prevents Post-Trauma Stress Disorder | Green Prophet: "Post-trauma stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in people exposed to life-threatening events or atrocities, like the arrest and torture of female activist and journalist Faranak Farid in Iran. The list of consequences after trauma is long and horrible. Victims are plagued by memory flashbacks, high anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, uncontrollable anger and emotional numbing. Today, healing methods available to victims of trauma vary between psychiatric therapy, antidepressants, and stress management. But Dr. Irit Akirav of the University of Haifa’s Department of Psychology holds out hope for a physical remedy that can be applied quickly and may prevent the development of PTSD in the first place. Marijuana."

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effects of cannabis | cannabis myths | cannabis prohibition |

effects of cannabis | cannabis myths | cannabis prohibition |: "This saying is generally used when describing something held in reserve that, when revealed, will ensure victory. In the context of cannabis the ‘ace’ appears often when talk of legalisation comes up.

For example:

RC: “Man, cannabis should be regulated and taxed like alcohol. It’s non toxic, can’t kill you, and it would reduce alcohol-related issues as well as generate jobs and government revenue!”

Prohibitionist: “Firstly, it’s illegal. Why? Well that’s easy, (HERE COMES THE ACE) it causes schizophrenia. Why would we legalise something that makes you go crazy? Go have another cone bong-head…”"

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Medical marijuana or employment? - themorningsun.com

Medical marijuana or employment? - themorningsun.com: "Of the more than 100,000 registered medical marijuana-using patients in Michigan, those who aren't covered by shrinking state and federal social safety nets or who aren't independently wealthy have a tough choice: Medical marijuana or employment, but not both.

Drafters of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act of 2008 and state legislators didn't explicitly protect medical sufferers from employer policies that approach medical marijuana-using patients with the same zero-tolerance policy that's in place to deal with illegal use."

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Conrad Murray Does a Charlie Sheen--Marijuana... | Gather

Conrad Murray Does a Charlie Sheen--Marijuana... | Gather: "What do the late Michael Jackson's former physician, Dr. Conrad Murray and incorrigible aging bad boy Charlie Sheen have in common? No, Charlie Sheen has never been into Propofol--at least far as anybody knows. No, Dr. Murray, like Charlie Sheen has just been honored by having a new strain of marijuana named after him."

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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Federal Medical Marijuana Intimidation Works In RI

Federal Medical Marijuana Intimidation Works In RI: "Patients in the state of Rhode Island are not going to see compassion centers anytime soon as federal intimidation has proven successful in the case of RI Governor Lincoln Chafee.

The Governor has halted compassion centers from going forward for fear of federal law enforcement sweeping into his state and cracking down."

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Opinion | Prohibition: A parallel to modern war on drugs | Seattle Times Newspaper

Opinion | Prohibition: A parallel to modern war on drugs | Seattle Times Newspaper: "KEN Burns' new documentary on alcohol prohibition, premiering on PBS Sunday, reportedly begins with a Mark Twain quote: "It is the prohibition that makes anything precious."

As a retired police officer who worked to enforce today's prohibition — the "war on drugs" — I think it's a lesson we would do well to remember."

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Americans shocked Harper crime bill gives more time to pot growers than pedophiles | Canada Politics - Yahoo! News

Americans shocked Harper crime bill gives more time to pot growers than pedophiles | Canada Politics - Yahoo! News: "Tough-on-crime Americans are shocked our new omnibus crime bill gives more jail time to pot growers than pedophiles.
Care2, a large online social action network with almost 17 million followers, posted a blog Thursday about one of the more peculiar elements of the legislation."

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Marijuana and Coffee are Good for the Brain - YouTube

Marijuana and Coffee are Good for the Brain - YouTube:

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BBC News - Maastricht bans cannabis coffee-shop tourists

BBC News - Maastricht bans cannabis coffee-shop tourists: "A ban on some foreign tourists has come into force in the cannabis-selling coffee shops of the Dutch border city of Maastricht.

City authorities say the influx of tourists buying soft drugs is threatening public order and causing major traffic problems.

Coffee shop owners say the ban won't work and will hit the local economy."

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Governor scraps medical marijuana plan for Rhode Island - Yahoo! News

Governor scraps medical marijuana plan for Rhode Island - Yahoo! News: "CONWAY, Mass (Reuters) - State-run medical marijuana dispensaries will not be coming to Rhode Island after Governor Lincoln Chafee scrapped the plan for fear it was illegal under federal law.
Chafee, who had earlier vowed support for the measure, said he decided the state's planned dispensaries could violate superseding federal law and become a target of federal law enforcement efforts."

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