Drug Dogs Produce 'False Alerts' Over 80% Of The Time According To New Report | THE Weed Blog: "Some 80 percent of drug dog ‘alerts’ in New South Wales in 2011 yielded no illicit substances, according to state government statistics published this week by the Sydney Morning Herald.
According to the paper, in the first nine months of 2011, “14,102 searches were conducted after a dog sat next to a person, indicating they might be carrying drugs. But, in 11,248 cases, no drugs were found.”"
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Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Drug Cops Exposed As Violent, Ineffective Thugs - Toke of the Town
Drug Cops Exposed As Violent, Ineffective Thugs - Toke of the Town: "Among defense attorneys, "narcotics officers" have a certain reputation: thuggishly violent goons who enjoy trashing suspects' homes and bullying children. There's no better example of why such perceptions exist than the WestNET task force in Washington state.
Reporter Sean Robinson of the Tacoma News Tribune nailed the federally funded task force to the wall in an exposé this week. The well-done piece revealed that the unit, based in Kitsap County and pulling officers from various departments, uses hyper-aggressive tactics and exaggerated claims of effectiveness, reports Nina Shapiro at Seattle Weekly."
'via Blog this'
Reporter Sean Robinson of the Tacoma News Tribune nailed the federally funded task force to the wall in an exposé this week. The well-done piece revealed that the unit, based in Kitsap County and pulling officers from various departments, uses hyper-aggressive tactics and exaggerated claims of effectiveness, reports Nina Shapiro at Seattle Weekly."
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Officers Punished for Supporting Eased Drug Laws - NYTimes.com
Officers Punished for Supporting Eased Drug Laws - NYTimes.com: "PHOENIX — Border Patrol agents pursue smugglers one moment and sit around in boredom the next. It was during one of the lulls that Bryan Gonzalez, a young agent, made some comments to a colleague that cost him his career."
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Documents: ATF used "Fast and Furious" to make the case for gun regulations - CBS News Investigates - CBS News
Documents: ATF used "Fast and Furious" to make the case for gun regulations - CBS News Investigates - CBS News: "Documents obtained by CBS News show that the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) discussed using their covert operation "Fast and Furious" to argue for controversial new rules about gun sales.
PICTURES: ATF "Gunwalking" scandal timeline"
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PICTURES: ATF "Gunwalking" scandal timeline"
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Dr. Frank Lucido's Bully Pulpit: Everyone's Entitled to My Opinion: Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012 - 9/30/11
Dr. Frank Lucido's Bully Pulpit: Everyone's Entitled to My Opinion: Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012 - 9/30/11: "Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012 - 9/30/11
Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012
This initiative measure is submitted to the People of the State of California in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 8 of the Constitution.
This initiative measure adds Chapter 6.7, entitled “Repeal of Cannabis Prohibition,” to Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code.
PROPOSED LAW
SECTION 1. Sections 11420, 11421, 11422, 11423, 11424, 11425, 11426, and 11427 are added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: "
'via Blog this'
Repeal Cannabis Prohibition Act of 2012
This initiative measure is submitted to the People of the State of California in accordance with the provisions of Article II, Section 8 of the Constitution.
This initiative measure adds Chapter 6.7, entitled “Repeal of Cannabis Prohibition,” to Division 10 of the Health and Safety Code.
PROPOSED LAW
SECTION 1. Sections 11420, 11421, 11422, 11423, 11424, 11425, 11426, and 11427 are added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: "
'via Blog this'
Govt Study Proves THC From Cannabis Destroys Leukemia, Breast And Lung Cancer Cells » Bayareacannabis
Govt Study Proves THC From Cannabis Destroys Leukemia, Breast And Lung Cancer Cells » Bayareacannabis: "Is lipid signaling through cannabinoid 2 receptors part of a protective system?
Pacher P, Mechoulam R.
Source
Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9413, USA. Pacher@mail.nih.gov
Abstract
The mammalian body has a highly developed immune system which guards against continuous invading protein attacks and aims at preventing, attenuating or repairing the inflicted damage. It is conceivable that through evolution analogous biological protective systems have been evolved against non-protein attacks. There is emerging evidence that lipid endocannabinoid signaling through cannabinoid 2 (CB₂) receptors may represent an example/part of such a protective system/armamentarium. "
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Pacher P, Mechoulam R.
Source
Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-9413, USA. Pacher@mail.nih.gov
Abstract
The mammalian body has a highly developed immune system which guards against continuous invading protein attacks and aims at preventing, attenuating or repairing the inflicted damage. It is conceivable that through evolution analogous biological protective systems have been evolved against non-protein attacks. There is emerging evidence that lipid endocannabinoid signaling through cannabinoid 2 (CB₂) receptors may represent an example/part of such a protective system/armamentarium. "
'via Blog this'
Congress Set To Escalate Drug War After Decades Of Failure - Toke of the Town
Congress Set To Escalate Drug War After Decades Of Failure - Toke of the Town: "The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on two bills that would escalate the War On Drugs.
One bill scheduled to be voted on Wednesday would criminalize possession and sales of chemical compounds found in products such as "K2," "Spice," and "bath salts." A second bill which is expected to be voted on next week would make it a federal crime to engage in an activity in another country that would violate U.S. drug laws if committed in the United States -- even if the activity is actually legal in the other country.
Both bills are expected to pass and would subject more Americans to lengthy federal prison terms -- while increasing already-skyrocketing prison expenses that taxpayers have to pay. This comes at a time when members of Congress are cutting drug education, treatment and prevention, citing the need to "reduce federal expenses.""
'via Blog this'
One bill scheduled to be voted on Wednesday would criminalize possession and sales of chemical compounds found in products such as "K2," "Spice," and "bath salts." A second bill which is expected to be voted on next week would make it a federal crime to engage in an activity in another country that would violate U.S. drug laws if committed in the United States -- even if the activity is actually legal in the other country.
Both bills are expected to pass and would subject more Americans to lengthy federal prison terms -- while increasing already-skyrocketing prison expenses that taxpayers have to pay. This comes at a time when members of Congress are cutting drug education, treatment and prevention, citing the need to "reduce federal expenses.""
'via Blog this'
Medical Marijuana Crackdown By Feds Forces Hundreds Of California Shops To Close
Medical Marijuana Crackdown By Feds Forces Hundreds Of California Shops To Close: "WASHINGTON -- Medical marijuana dispensaries are shutting their doors in California.
Even in the weed haven of San Francisco, three of the best-known dispensaries were forced to close after receiving warning letters from U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag. And the state's oldest medical dispensary, the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Marin County, is bracing to pull all cannabis products from its shelves after receiving a threatening letter from Haag invoking a federal law.
"We're basically worried about a D.E.A. raid destroying things," said Charles Pappas, chairman of Divinity Tree in San Francisco's Mission District. "We didn't want to put our staff and patients through that. We're very concerned about our patients.""
'via Blog this'
Even in the weed haven of San Francisco, three of the best-known dispensaries were forced to close after receiving warning letters from U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag. And the state's oldest medical dispensary, the Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana in Marin County, is bracing to pull all cannabis products from its shelves after receiving a threatening letter from Haag invoking a federal law.
"We're basically worried about a D.E.A. raid destroying things," said Charles Pappas, chairman of Divinity Tree in San Francisco's Mission District. "We didn't want to put our staff and patients through that. We're very concerned about our patients.""
'via Blog this'
Monday, November 28, 2011
Marijuana Policy Project: Ask your Congressional members to sponsor Rep. Barney Frank and Sen. Ron Paul's Federal Ending of Marijuana Prohibition Bill
Marijuana Policy Project::
Today, Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), the undisputed leader of marijuana policy reform in Congress since MPP's founding in 1995, has announced his retirement. Come 2013, we will be without his courageous willingness to openly oppose irrational marijuana laws across the board.
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Friday, November 18, 2011
White House Responds to 'Pardon Marc Emery' Petition | Cannabis Culture Magazine
White House Responds to 'Pardon Marc Emery' Petition | Cannabis Culture Magazine: "CANNABIS CULTURE - The White House has finally issued a response to the "Pardon Marc Emery" petition signed by 8,249 people calling for Obama to pardon Marc and send him home to Canada. Not surprisingly, the answer is mostly a disappointing non-response: the White House has "declined to comment"."
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Friday, November 11, 2011
Medical Marijuana Patient Faces Life in Prison for a Half Ounce in Texas | Cannabis Culture Magazine
Medical Marijuana Patient Faces Life in Prison for a Half Ounce in Texas | Cannabis Culture Magazine: "A Texas asthma sufferer who went to California for a medical marijuana recommendation and then got busted in June on a Texas highway with small amounts of marijuana and hashish is facing up to life in prison after being indicted by a Brown County grand jury.
He is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a first-degree felony in the Lone Star State.
Chris Diaz, 20, has been jailed on $40,000 bond since the June 27 arrest. He was busted with 14 grams of weed and hash."
'via Blog this'
He is charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a first-degree felony in the Lone Star State.
Chris Diaz, 20, has been jailed on $40,000 bond since the June 27 arrest. He was busted with 14 grams of weed and hash."
'via Blog this'
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Schafer Commission Report: Marihuana, A Signal of Misunderstanding - Table of Contents
Marihuana, A Signal of Misunderstanding - Table of Contents: "The Report of the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse
Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding
Commissioned by President Richard M. Nixon, March, 1972
Table of Contents
The Report
Letter of Transmittal"
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Marihuana: A Signal of Misunderstanding
Commissioned by President Richard M. Nixon, March, 1972
Table of Contents
The Report
Letter of Transmittal"
'via Blog this'
Real World Ramifications of Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization
Real World Ramifications of Cannabis Legalization and Decriminalization: "Editor's Note: As more states begin to debate the question of legally controlling marijuana, many lawmakers are posing questions to NORML regarding what effect, if any, such a policy change may have upon the public's use of cannabis and/or young people's attitudes toward it.
The following paper reviews various studies** that have examined this issue in regions that have either a) regulated marijuana use and sales for all adults; b) decriminalized the possession of small quantities of marijuana for adults; c) medicalized the use of marijuana to certain authorized individuals; or d) deprioritized the enforcement of marijuana laws. This paper also proposes general guidelines to govern marijuana use, production, and distribution in a legal, regulated manner.
**This paper expands upon the studies initially referenced by NORML in its paper, Marijuana Decriminalization & Its Impact on Use."
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The following paper reviews various studies** that have examined this issue in regions that have either a) regulated marijuana use and sales for all adults; b) decriminalized the possession of small quantities of marijuana for adults; c) medicalized the use of marijuana to certain authorized individuals; or d) deprioritized the enforcement of marijuana laws. This paper also proposes general guidelines to govern marijuana use, production, and distribution in a legal, regulated manner.
**This paper expands upon the studies initially referenced by NORML in its paper, Marijuana Decriminalization & Its Impact on Use."
'via Blog this'
Gallup: Record Percentage Of Americans Now Support Marijuana Legalization
Gallup: Record Percentage Of Americans Now Support Marijuana Legalization: "Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Princeton, NJ: A record 50 percent of Americans now believe that marijuana ought to be legalized for adult use, according to a nationwide Gallup poll of 1,005 adults.
The percentage of Americans favoring legalization is up four percent from 2010. It is the highest percentage ever recorded by Gallup, which has tracked public opinion data regarding marijuana policy since 1969.
The 2011 survey results also mark the first time ever that Gallup has reported that more Americans support legalizing cannabis (50 percent) than oppose it (46 percent).
Gallup reported that support for legalizing cannabis was highest among self-described liberals (69 percent) and those between the ages of 18 to 29 (62 percent). Support was weakest among Republicans (35 percent), self-described conservatives (34 percent), and those over the age of 65 (31 percent)."
'via Blog this'
Princeton, NJ: A record 50 percent of Americans now believe that marijuana ought to be legalized for adult use, according to a nationwide Gallup poll of 1,005 adults.
The percentage of Americans favoring legalization is up four percent from 2010. It is the highest percentage ever recorded by Gallup, which has tracked public opinion data regarding marijuana policy since 1969.
The 2011 survey results also mark the first time ever that Gallup has reported that more Americans support legalizing cannabis (50 percent) than oppose it (46 percent).
Gallup reported that support for legalizing cannabis was highest among self-described liberals (69 percent) and those between the ages of 18 to 29 (62 percent). Support was weakest among Republicans (35 percent), self-described conservatives (34 percent), and those over the age of 65 (31 percent)."
'via Blog this'
California: State's Largest Doctor's Association Calls For Legalizing And Regulating Cannabis
California: State's Largest Doctor's Association Calls For Legalizing And Regulating Cannabis: "Wednesday, 19 October 2011
Sacramento, CA: The California Medical Association (CMA), representing over 35,000 physicians nationwide, has called for the 'legalization and regulation' of cannabis for adults, according to a white paper adopted by the group on Friday.
The CMA paper, entitled 'Cannabis and the Regulatory Void,' recommends that cannabis be taxed and regulated "in a manner similar to alcohol." The paper also calls for the reclassification of cannabis under federal law "in order to encourage research leading to responsible regulation."
It states: "In order to allow for a robust regulatory scheme to be developed, cannabis must be moved out of its current Schedule I status. ... Rescheduling cannabis will allow for further clinical research to determine the utility and risks of cannabis, which will then shape the national regulatory structure for this substance.""
'via Blog this'
Sacramento, CA: The California Medical Association (CMA), representing over 35,000 physicians nationwide, has called for the 'legalization and regulation' of cannabis for adults, according to a white paper adopted by the group on Friday.
The CMA paper, entitled 'Cannabis and the Regulatory Void,' recommends that cannabis be taxed and regulated "in a manner similar to alcohol." The paper also calls for the reclassification of cannabis under federal law "in order to encourage research leading to responsible regulation."
It states: "In order to allow for a robust regulatory scheme to be developed, cannabis must be moved out of its current Schedule I status. ... Rescheduling cannabis will allow for further clinical research to determine the utility and risks of cannabis, which will then shape the national regulatory structure for this substance.""
'via Blog this'
NORML.ORG US CO: Three Operators Of Denver Medical-Pot Operation Charged
NORML.ORG US CO: Three Operators Of Denver Medical-Pot Operation Charged: "
Colorado
-------
The charging of three medical-marijuana entrepreneurs with federal drug crimes sowed chaos in the state's cannabis community Friday and raised questions about why the owners' dispensary was allowed to stay open after a previous police raid.
Father-and-son Ha and Nathan Do were in federal lockup on drug-distribution charges Friday night, held without bail, after agents raided an unlicensed marijuana-growing warehouse in Denver and seized more than 1,000 cannabis plants. Along with Ha Do's brother, Hai Do, the three run the Earth's Medicine dispensary in Denver and operate three cultivation facilities that have applied for licenses, according to state records.
Hai Do and Richard Crosse, the owner of the raided warehouse, were also charged with drug distribution but have not yet been arrested. "
'via Blog this'
Colorado
-------
The charging of three medical-marijuana entrepreneurs with federal drug crimes sowed chaos in the state's cannabis community Friday and raised questions about why the owners' dispensary was allowed to stay open after a previous police raid.
Father-and-son Ha and Nathan Do were in federal lockup on drug-distribution charges Friday night, held without bail, after agents raided an unlicensed marijuana-growing warehouse in Denver and seized more than 1,000 cannabis plants. Along with Ha Do's brother, Hai Do, the three run the Earth's Medicine dispensary in Denver and operate three cultivation facilities that have applied for licenses, according to state records.
Hai Do and Richard Crosse, the owner of the raided warehouse, were also charged with drug distribution but have not yet been arrested. "
'via Blog this'
NORML.ORG US CA: Column: Going Backward in Drug War
NORML.ORG US CA: Column: Going Backward in Drug War: "California
-------
New Federal Effort Against Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Will Fail As Have All Other Efforts at Prohibition.
The four U.S. attorneys in California announced last week yet another federal marijuana program, with this one aimed at closing down medical marijuana dispensaries. Not only will this program be as hopeless as its predecessors, it is yet another continuing example of the arrogance, hypocrisy and bullying of the federal government in this area. "
'via Blog this'
-------
New Federal Effort Against Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Will Fail As Have All Other Efforts at Prohibition.
The four U.S. attorneys in California announced last week yet another federal marijuana program, with this one aimed at closing down medical marijuana dispensaries. Not only will this program be as hopeless as its predecessors, it is yet another continuing example of the arrogance, hypocrisy and bullying of the federal government in this area. "
'via Blog this'
South Carolina High School Issues Ban On Hemp Jewelry
South Carolina High School Issues Ban On Hemp Jewelry: "Thursday, 08 October 1998
Students attending Spring Valley High School may no longer wear necklaces made out of hemp fiber, according to a new policy enacted by educators this year. Administrators at the school said the ban was necessary because the necklaces are representative of the marijuana drug culture.
"School officials' purpose for banning hemp jewelry likely violates students' constitutionally protected rights to speech," said Tanya Kangas, Esq., director of litigation for The NORML Foundation.
Steven Bates, executive director of the state American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), also voiced opposition to the new policy. "The authoritarian nature of schools is becoming ridiculous," he said. "It's silly. You could smoke it (hemp) all day long and not get high.""
'via Blog this'
Students attending Spring Valley High School may no longer wear necklaces made out of hemp fiber, according to a new policy enacted by educators this year. Administrators at the school said the ban was necessary because the necklaces are representative of the marijuana drug culture.
"School officials' purpose for banning hemp jewelry likely violates students' constitutionally protected rights to speech," said Tanya Kangas, Esq., director of litigation for The NORML Foundation.
Steven Bates, executive director of the state American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), also voiced opposition to the new policy. "The authoritarian nature of schools is becoming ridiculous," he said. "It's silly. You could smoke it (hemp) all day long and not get high.""
'via Blog this'
Clemson University Touted As Nation's Top School For Pot
Clemson University Touted As Nation's Top School For Pot: "Thursday, 22 August 2002
Clemson, SC: Clemson University is the nation's most marijuana-friendly campus, according to The Princeton Review's annual sourcebook, "The Best 345 Colleges," released this week. The report, which is based on candid survey results from 65,000 students nationwide, ranks hundreds of colleges in various categories such as academic achievement and quality of life.
Clemson University edged University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Santa Cruz, New York University and Penn State University to emerge as this year's top school for "higher" learning. Georgia's Institute of Technology ranked #1 on Princeton's "Top 20" list of least pot-friendly campuses.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director, at (202) 483-8751. For a complete list of this year's Princeton review rankings, please visit: http://www.review.com/college/rankings.cfm"
'via Blog this'
Clemson, SC: Clemson University is the nation's most marijuana-friendly campus, according to The Princeton Review's annual sourcebook, "The Best 345 Colleges," released this week. The report, which is based on candid survey results from 65,000 students nationwide, ranks hundreds of colleges in various categories such as academic achievement and quality of life.
Clemson University edged University of California at Berkeley, University of California at Santa Cruz, New York University and Penn State University to emerge as this year's top school for "higher" learning. Georgia's Institute of Technology ranked #1 on Princeton's "Top 20" list of least pot-friendly campuses.
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director, at (202) 483-8751. For a complete list of this year's Princeton review rankings, please visit: http://www.review.com/college/rankings.cfm"
'via Blog this'
NORML Chapter To File Suit Over Free Speech Restriction
NORML Chapter To File Suit Over Free Speech Restriction: "Thursday, 15 April 2004
Columbia, SC: The South Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing organizers of the state's largest annual music festival to allow representatives from Midlands NORML to distribute promotional materials at this weekend's Three Rivers Music Festival.
Event organizers initially rejected Midlands NORML's application to host a booth at the festival because they disapproved of the group's literature - which argues for reforming marijuana prohibition. After receiving letters from the ACLU, Three Rivers Music Festival representatives agreed to grant Midlands NORML a booth at the event, but said that the group could not freely distribute their written materials to festival attendees."
'via Blog this'
Columbia, SC: The South Carolina chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is suing organizers of the state's largest annual music festival to allow representatives from Midlands NORML to distribute promotional materials at this weekend's Three Rivers Music Festival.
Event organizers initially rejected Midlands NORML's application to host a booth at the festival because they disapproved of the group's literature - which argues for reforming marijuana prohibition. After receiving letters from the ACLU, Three Rivers Music Festival representatives agreed to grant Midlands NORML a booth at the event, but said that the group could not freely distribute their written materials to festival attendees."
'via Blog this'
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