White House response to NORML’s “We the People” marijuana legalization petition | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "The Obama White House has released its official response to the “We the People” online petition for marijuana legalization submitted by NORML. The petition, which garnered 74,169 signatures, was by far the most popular petition submitted. The government response (released late on a Friday to avoid news cycles, we’ll note) repeats the same tired lies and classic misdirections. Most of all, it fails to answer NORML’s actual petition, which asked:
Legalize and Regulate Marijuana in a Manner Similar to Alcohol.
We the people want to know when we can have our “perfectly legitimate” discussion on marijuana legalization. Marijuana prohibition has resulted in the arrest of over 20 million Americans since 1965, countless lives ruined and hundreds of billions of tax dollars squandered and yet this policy has still failed to achieve its stated goals of lowering use rates, limiting the drug’s access, and creating safer communities."
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Thursday, November 10, 2011
Study: Alcohol Is “More Than Twice As Harmful As Cannabis” — So Explain To Me Again Why Pot Is Illegal? | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform
Study: Alcohol Is “More Than Twice As Harmful As Cannabis” — So Explain To Me Again Why Pot Is Illegal? | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "Alcohol consumption causes far greater harms to the individual user and to society than does the use of cannabis, according to a new review published online in the Journal of Psychopharmacology, the journal of the British Association of Psychopharmacology.
Investigators at the Imperial College of London assessed “the relative physical, psychological, and social harms of cannabis and alcohol.” Authors reported that cannabis inhalation, particularly long-term, contributes to some potential adverse health effects, including harms to the lungs, circulatory system, as well as the exacerbation of certain mental health risks. By contrast, authors described alcohol as “ a toxic substance” that is responsible for nearly five percent “of the total global disease burden.”"
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Investigators at the Imperial College of London assessed “the relative physical, psychological, and social harms of cannabis and alcohol.” Authors reported that cannabis inhalation, particularly long-term, contributes to some potential adverse health effects, including harms to the lungs, circulatory system, as well as the exacerbation of certain mental health risks. By contrast, authors described alcohol as “ a toxic substance” that is responsible for nearly five percent “of the total global disease burden.”"
'via Blog this'
Medical marijuana turns 15 years old – Has it reached its zenith? | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform
Medical marijuana turns 15 years old – Has it reached its zenith? | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "Tomorrow, November 5th, 2011, marks the fifteenth anniversary of California’s passage of Prop 215, The Compassionate Use Act. The Act passed with 55.58% of the vote and remains the greatest achievement in marijuana law reform in the “War on Drugs” era."
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'via Blog this'
‘We The People?’ — Voters Act To Reduce Municipal Marijuana Penalties, Cops Have Other Ideas | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform
‘We The People?’ — Voters Act To Reduce Municipal Marijuana Penalties, Cops Have Other Ideas | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "Two municipal election results from yesterday ought to come as no surprise.
In the cities of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Tacoma, Washington, municipal voters overwhelmingly favored local ballot measures to mandate that the criminal enforcement of cannabis possession offenses be law enforcement’s “lowest priority.”"
'via Blog this'
In the cities of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Tacoma, Washington, municipal voters overwhelmingly favored local ballot measures to mandate that the criminal enforcement of cannabis possession offenses be law enforcement’s “lowest priority.”"
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Cannabis’ Impact on Health Justifies Its Legalization, Not Its Criminal Prohibition | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform
Cannabis’ Impact on Health Justifies Its Legalization, Not Its Criminal Prohibition | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "The theme of the November issue of the academic online journal CATO Unbound is “If Not Now, When? The Slow Rise of Marijuana Reform.”
I have the lead essay in the journal, which also features forthcoming contributions from NORML’s Executive Director Allen St. Pierre and other notable drug law reform advocates.
Below is an excerpt from my commentary, entitled, “Cannabis Impact on Health Justifies Its Legalization, Not Its Criminal Prohibition.”"
'via Blog this'
I have the lead essay in the journal, which also features forthcoming contributions from NORML’s Executive Director Allen St. Pierre and other notable drug law reform advocates.
Below is an excerpt from my commentary, entitled, “Cannabis Impact on Health Justifies Its Legalization, Not Its Criminal Prohibition.”"
'via Blog this'
NORML Attorneys File Suit Against Federal Government | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform
NORML Attorneys File Suit Against Federal Government | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "Today, three NORML Legal Committee attorneys will announce lawsuits against the federal government with hopes of ending the medical marijuana crackdown in California. Attorneys Matt Kumin, David Michael, and Alan Silber are coordinating the effort which aims to enjoin the federal government from this latest round of federal enforcement actions against the growers and dispensaries in the state.
The group plans on using a variety of legal theories including the 9th and 10th Amendments, equal protection and due process, and collateral estoppel in their case. NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano has also personally filed a declaration in this suit, which will be raised in each of the four federal districts in California.
NORML will have a more in-depth look at the suit later today when it is formally announced."
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The group plans on using a variety of legal theories including the 9th and 10th Amendments, equal protection and due process, and collateral estoppel in their case. NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano has also personally filed a declaration in this suit, which will be raised in each of the four federal districts in California.
NORML will have a more in-depth look at the suit later today when it is formally announced."
'via Blog this'
NORML Attorneys file multiple constitutional challenges to federal medical marijuana crackdown | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform
NORML Attorneys file multiple constitutional challenges to federal medical marijuana crackdown | NORML Blog, Marijuana Law Reform: "NORML Attorneys Matt Kumin, David Michael, and Alan Silber, have filed suit (read here: http://norml.org/pdf_files/brief_bank/2011_11_03_DOJ_Lit_Complaint_EDCA.pdf ) in the four federal districts in California to challenge the Obama Administration’s recent crackdown on medical marijuana operations in the Golden State. Aided by expert testimony from NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano and research from California NORML Director Dale Gieringer, the suits seek an injunction against the recent federal intrusion into state medical marijuana laws at least and at most a declaration of the unconstitutionality of the Controlled Substances Act with respect to state regulation of medical marijuana."
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Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Chronic High Doses of Cannabinoids Promote Hippocampal Neurogenesis « Science. Why not?
Chronic High Doses of Cannabinoids Promote Hippocampal Neurogenesis « Science. Why not?: "“The recent discovery that the hippocampus is able to generate new neurons throughout a human’s lifespan has changed the way we think about the mechanisms of psychiatric disorders and drug addiction,” says Wen Jian and colleagues in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation in 2005. It appears that cannabinoids are able to modulate pain, nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, ischemic stroke, cerebral trauma, multiple sclerosis, tumors, and many other disorders. Cannabinoids act on two types of receptors, the CB1 receptors (found mainly in the brain) and the CB2 receptors (found mainly in the immune system). The CB1 receptor is one of the most abundant G protein coupled receptors in the mammalian brain and it accounts for most, if not all, of the centrally mediated effects of cannabinoids. Cannabionoid receptors are evolutionarily conserved amoung various vertebrates and invertebrates which have been separate for 500 million years."
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Marijuana growers to face more jail than child rapists under Harper’s new omnibus bill - Exposing The Truth
Marijuana growers to face more jail than child rapists under Harper’s new omnibus bill - Exposing The Truth: "Prime Minister Stephen Harper is getting tougher on pot growers than he is on rapists of children.
Under the Tories’ omnibus crime legislation tabled Tuesday, a person growing 201 pot plants in a rental unit would receive a longer mandatory sentence than someone who rapes a toddler or forces a five-year-old to have sex with an animal.
Producing six to 200 pot plants nets an automatic six-month sentence, with an extra three months if it’s done in a rental or is deemed a public-safety hazard. Growing 201 to 500 plants brings a one-year sentence, or 1 1/2 years if it’s in a rental or poses a safety risk."
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Under the Tories’ omnibus crime legislation tabled Tuesday, a person growing 201 pot plants in a rental unit would receive a longer mandatory sentence than someone who rapes a toddler or forces a five-year-old to have sex with an animal.
Producing six to 200 pot plants nets an automatic six-month sentence, with an extra three months if it’s done in a rental or is deemed a public-safety hazard. Growing 201 to 500 plants brings a one-year sentence, or 1 1/2 years if it’s in a rental or poses a safety risk."
'via Blog this'
Bolivia's President Says U.S. DEA Agents Not Welcome Back - Toke of the Town
Bolivia's President Says U.S. DEA Agents Not Welcome Back - Toke of the Town: "The president and vice president of Bolivia both said this week that American drug agents will not be returning to their country, despite the newly announced normalization of diplomatic relations with the United States.
Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Tuesday during a regional summit in Bogota, the Colombian capital, that it is a question of "dignity and sovereignty," reports Vivian Sequera at the Huffington Post.
Morales, as a coca growers' union leader before his 2005 election, said he was "personally a victim" because U.S. drug agents controlled Bolivia's military and police."
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Bolivian President Evo Morales said on Tuesday during a regional summit in Bogota, the Colombian capital, that it is a question of "dignity and sovereignty," reports Vivian Sequera at the Huffington Post.
Morales, as a coca growers' union leader before his 2005 election, said he was "personally a victim" because U.S. drug agents controlled Bolivia's military and police."
'via Blog this'
Two more cities de-prioritize marijuana possession — MPP Blog
Two more cities de-prioritize marijuana possession — MPP Blog: "Yesterday, voters in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Tacoma, Washington directed local law enforcement to make marijuana possession the lowest enforcement priority. The measures passed by 2:1 margins, garnering nearly 65% of the vote in Tacoma and 66% in Kalamazoo.
With only 61-66% of homicide cases in this country cleared every year, and only 12% of burglaries cleared, it’s not surprising that voters think police should have more important things to do than arresting individuals who possess a substance safer than alcohol. While crimes with actual victims went unsolved, police found time for the arrests, bookings, and court time associated with more than 750,000 marijuana possession arrests in the U.S. in 2009."
'via Blog this'
With only 61-66% of homicide cases in this country cleared every year, and only 12% of burglaries cleared, it’s not surprising that voters think police should have more important things to do than arresting individuals who possess a substance safer than alcohol. While crimes with actual victims went unsolved, police found time for the arrests, bookings, and court time associated with more than 750,000 marijuana possession arrests in the U.S. in 2009."
'via Blog this'
US Prosecutors Seeking to Prevent Dirty Secrets of Drug War From Surfacing in Cartel Leader's Case | the narcosphere
US Prosecutors Seeking to Prevent Dirty Secrets of Drug War From Surfacing in Cartel Leader's Case | the narcosphere: "US Government Using National Security to Conceal Evidence, Attorneys for Narco-Trafficker Zambada Niebla Claim
The criminal case of accused Sinaloa drug organization leader Jesus Vicente Zambada Niebla is straying even further into the path of a cover-up under the guise of national security, if pleadings filed by his attorneys are to be believed.
Lawyers for the alleged Mexican narco-trafficker, son of one of the top figures in the Sinaloa “cartel,” recently filed a motion asking the court to block U.S. prosecutors’ efforts to exclude the defense from discussions with the judge over the treatment of evidence deemed classified material. Zambada Niebla’s attorneys contend they must be part of those discussions since the supposed classified material goes to the heart of their client's claims in the case."
'via Blog this'
The criminal case of accused Sinaloa drug organization leader Jesus Vicente Zambada Niebla is straying even further into the path of a cover-up under the guise of national security, if pleadings filed by his attorneys are to be believed.
Lawyers for the alleged Mexican narco-trafficker, son of one of the top figures in the Sinaloa “cartel,” recently filed a motion asking the court to block U.S. prosecutors’ efforts to exclude the defense from discussions with the judge over the treatment of evidence deemed classified material. Zambada Niebla’s attorneys contend they must be part of those discussions since the supposed classified material goes to the heart of their client's claims in the case."
'via Blog this'
Task Force raid yields $30k, vacuum sealing supplies - Ukiah Daily Journal
Task Force raid yields $30k, vacuum sealing supplies - Ukiah Daily Journal: "Task Force raid yields $30k, vacuum sealing supplies
The Daily Journal
Following up on reports that someone was selling marijuana out of a hotel room on South Main Street in Willits, Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force agents cited a Colorado man for his alleged involvement in shipping marijuana to his home state for sales.
The Task Force served a search warrant Wednesday in room 301 of the Best Western and found about a quarter-pound of pot that was "indicative of samples," according to MMCTF Commander Bob Nishiyama.
Francisco Torrealba, 38, of Denver, Colo., allegedly said he had bought $3,000 of pot locally that hadn't yet been delivered, but didn't reveal where he purchased it, according to Nishiyama.
Also found in the hotel room was just less than $30,000 cash, he said.
Two people were also detained outside the room with two large duffel bags found to contain 20 to 30 bags and vacuum sealing equipment, according to Nishiyama."
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The Daily Journal
Following up on reports that someone was selling marijuana out of a hotel room on South Main Street in Willits, Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force agents cited a Colorado man for his alleged involvement in shipping marijuana to his home state for sales.
The Task Force served a search warrant Wednesday in room 301 of the Best Western and found about a quarter-pound of pot that was "indicative of samples," according to MMCTF Commander Bob Nishiyama.
Francisco Torrealba, 38, of Denver, Colo., allegedly said he had bought $3,000 of pot locally that hadn't yet been delivered, but didn't reveal where he purchased it, according to Nishiyama.
Also found in the hotel room was just less than $30,000 cash, he said.
Two people were also detained outside the room with two large duffel bags found to contain 20 to 30 bags and vacuum sealing equipment, according to Nishiyama."
'via Blog this'
‘Fake Marijuana’ May Trigger Heart Trouble in Teens - Health News - Health.com
‘Fake Marijuana’ May Trigger Heart Trouble in Teens - Health News - Health.com: "TUESDAY, Nov. 8 (HealthDay News) — Three teenage boys suffered heart attacks after smoking K2, a form of synthetic marijuana, according to a new case report.
During the span of a few weeks last fall, Dr. Colin Kane, a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, was surprised when the teens, all aged 16, were admitted with chest pain. Chest pain — and heart attacks especially — are very unusual in teens, so doctors at first suspected a virus.
But electrocardiograms, which measure the heart’s electrical activity, and blood tests that measure levels of a protein called troponin (high levels are a telltale sign of heart attack), showed that two of the boys had indeed had heart attacks."
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During the span of a few weeks last fall, Dr. Colin Kane, a pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, was surprised when the teens, all aged 16, were admitted with chest pain. Chest pain — and heart attacks especially — are very unusual in teens, so doctors at first suspected a virus.
But electrocardiograms, which measure the heart’s electrical activity, and blood tests that measure levels of a protein called troponin (high levels are a telltale sign of heart attack), showed that two of the boys had indeed had heart attacks."
'via Blog this'
Colorado Meth Project announces new campaign - The Denver Post
Colorado Meth Project announces new campaign - The Denver Post: "The Colorado Meth Project's new campaign will test what teenagers know about the drug, and give them an interactive look at the dangers of trying meth just once or twice.
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers and Colorado Meth Project Executive Director Kent MacLennan, announced the new campaign and website, MethProject.org, at George Washington High School this morning, where they helped students navigate through the site.
The new website accompanies the launch of a new ad campaign which will continue to feature the aggressive and graphic ads portraying teenagers and young adults on meth.
The ads will be featured on television, online, in print and in other media platforms."
'via Blog this'
Colorado Attorney General John Suthers and Colorado Meth Project Executive Director Kent MacLennan, announced the new campaign and website, MethProject.org, at George Washington High School this morning, where they helped students navigate through the site.
The new website accompanies the launch of a new ad campaign which will continue to feature the aggressive and graphic ads portraying teenagers and young adults on meth.
The ads will be featured on television, online, in print and in other media platforms."
'via Blog this'
Police Make Arrest, Seize Cocaine At Springs Motel - News Story - KRDO Colorado Springs
Police Make Arrest, Seize Cocaine At Springs Motel - News Story - KRDO Colorado Springs: "COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- A KRDO Newschannel 13 crew recorded exclusive video of a raid at a motel Tuesday by members of the Colorado Springs police SWAT team.
Police said Derek Dye, 30, was arrested after officers searched two rooms at the Travel Star Inn, 512 S. Nevada Ave. Officers handcuffed Dye after forcing him to the ground. Police said they had an active narcotics warrant for Dye and also found four ounces of cocaine.
An unspecified number of other people in the rooms were questioned and released, police said.
A check of Dye's background by KRDO Newschannel 13 found he's been arrested 10 times since 2004 for drugs, assault, robbery and driving with a suspended license."
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Police said Derek Dye, 30, was arrested after officers searched two rooms at the Travel Star Inn, 512 S. Nevada Ave. Officers handcuffed Dye after forcing him to the ground. Police said they had an active narcotics warrant for Dye and also found four ounces of cocaine.
An unspecified number of other people in the rooms were questioned and released, police said.
A check of Dye's background by KRDO Newschannel 13 found he's been arrested 10 times since 2004 for drugs, assault, robbery and driving with a suspended license."
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Out-of-control cannabis addict, 15, sent to prison - Local - Grantham Journal
Out-of-control cannabis addict, 15, sent to prison - Local - Grantham Journal: "MAGISTRATES sentenced a 15-year-old to six months in a detention centre - and then rejected the Journal’s third request to identify him because his crimes are “not serious enough”.
Prompted by his victims’ cries for justice, the Journal has made three applications to lift reporting restrictions which ban us from identifying the Grantham teenager."
'via Blog this'
Prompted by his victims’ cries for justice, the Journal has made three applications to lift reporting restrictions which ban us from identifying the Grantham teenager."
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Synthetic Drugs Show Deadly Side Effects | Fox News
Synthetic Drugs Show Deadly Side Effects | Fox News: "Three Texas teenagers suffered heart attacks after smoking an illegal brand of synthetic weed known as K2. While doctors said there is no definite proof the drug is to blame, they still worry it may have been the cause.
K2 is just one of a number of synthetic weed products that have become increasingly popular among U.S. teenagers. Other brands include Blaze, Spice and Red X Dawn.
Essentially, the products are a blend of herbs and spices laced with synthetic cannabis-like chemicals meant to mimic the highs marijuana produces. The Drug Enforcement Administration banned five of these substances nationwide in March due to reports from poison control centers, hospitals and law enforcement."
'via Blog this'
K2 is just one of a number of synthetic weed products that have become increasingly popular among U.S. teenagers. Other brands include Blaze, Spice and Red X Dawn.
Essentially, the products are a blend of herbs and spices laced with synthetic cannabis-like chemicals meant to mimic the highs marijuana produces. The Drug Enforcement Administration banned five of these substances nationwide in March due to reports from poison control centers, hospitals and law enforcement."
'via Blog this'
Heavy meth and cannabis use linked with increased schizophrenia risk | AHN
Heavy meth and cannabis use linked with increased schizophrenia risk | AHN: "The heavy use of methamphetamines has been linked in a new study to a higher risk of developing schizophrenia.
Researchers with Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health said in a statement that they “found that people hospitalized for methamphetamine dependence who did not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychotic symptoms at the start of our study period had an approximately 1.5 to 3.0-fold risk of subsequently being diagnosed with schizophrenia, compared with groups of patients who used cocaine, alcohol or opioid drugs.”
Lead researcher Dr. Russ Callaghan also said that the increased risk of schizophrenia in meth users was similar to that of heavy users of marijuana."
'via Blog this'
Researchers with Toronto’s Centre for Addiction and Mental Health said in a statement that they “found that people hospitalized for methamphetamine dependence who did not have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or psychotic symptoms at the start of our study period had an approximately 1.5 to 3.0-fold risk of subsequently being diagnosed with schizophrenia, compared with groups of patients who used cocaine, alcohol or opioid drugs.”
Lead researcher Dr. Russ Callaghan also said that the increased risk of schizophrenia in meth users was similar to that of heavy users of marijuana."
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