Cannabis News Protecting Patients Access to Medical Marijuana
  Canadian Marijuana Reform Concern to U.S.
Posted by CN Staff on May 13, 2002 at 16:49:57 PT
Top Story: Breaking News 
Source: Global Nation  

cannabisnews.com Who would have thought you'd live long enough to see this. Hearings by Canadian parliamentarians into legalizing marijuana. And even more amazing is whose running the hearings.

Senators, whose average age has tended to those 55 plus. But today in Regina they kicked off a series of meetings aimed at looking at whether it's time to take smoking pot off the list of crimes in Canada. And framing these discussions is a little-noticed report they've just issued reaching some startling conclusions.

The Senate committee concludes there is no convincing evidence that smoking pot leads to using harder drugs.

It says marijuana use does not induce users to commit other crimes, or engage in risky activity such as driving quickly.

The Senate also found that one in every three Canadian kids age 15 and 16 has smoked at least once in the past month, and that one and a half million Canadians have a criminal record because of what the Senate calls simple possession.

Ground-breaking stuff. But this report, and Canada’s willingness to allow people to use marijuana for medical purposes, also seems to have raised the ire of the U.S. in a significant way. We’ve learned tonight that its drug czar is pressuring Canadian authorities not to loosen Canadian law and he's carrying a very big stick -- threatening trade sanctions if we don't do what he wants. Global National's Carl Hanlon has the exclusive details.

On the street its called B.C. bud and American demand for it is reaching new highs.

Sources close to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency say it will soon issue a report claiming there are 15 to 20,000 marijuana growing operations in British Columbia alone and 95 per cent of the output is headed south.

"A dramatic increase in the gross quantity of marijuana of high potency coming across the border," says Colonel Robert Maginnis, a U.S. government adviser on drug policy. He says the bush administration is alarmed by a recent Senate study that says Canada’s marijuana laws are ineffective.

The U.S. fears the next step could be looser regulations leading to more drugs crossing the border and its ready to play hardball with trade to make sure that doesn't happen.

"To antagonize government leaders and grass roots leader because you insist on having a radical drug policy that we will not ignore in the long term, then its going to have adverse consequences and I hope we would be able to rectify it before it comes to blows," explains Maginnis.

The U.S. is closely watching the Canadian marijuana debate and is working behind the scenes to influence the outcome. Next month the president's chief of drug policy attend a drug conference in Quebec and he'll make sure his counterparts understand the U.S. opposes liberalization.

As for the Canadian government, solicitor general Lawrence Macaulay did not respond when asked if Canada is being pressured by U.S.

The organization for the reform of marijuana laws says the Americans have a habit of throwing their weight around to influence other country's drug laws.

Ottawa was pushing ahead with plans to provide government grown medical marijuana people with serious illness, but those efforts appear to have stalled.

But the American angst over medical marijuana use may be a little premature.

As of Friday fewer than 255 Canadians have received licenses to smoke and of those 164 can smoke their own because enough government grown isn't available yet.

Link:

MedicalMarihuana.ca -- http://www.medicalmarihuana.ca/aboutus.html

Source: Global Nation (Canada)
Published: Monday, May 13, 2002
Copyright: 2002 Global National
Contact: http://www.canada.com/aboutus/contactus/
Website: http://www.canada.com/national/globalnational/

Related Articles & Web Site:

Canadian Links: http://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htm

Carney Pushes BC Bud for Crop: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12796.shtml

Hearings Seeks Attitude On Marijuana: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12795.shtml

MPs Present Petition To Reintroduce Bill: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12785.shtml

Canada: The Debate Over Decriminalization: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12697.shtml

Should We Treat Pot Like Tobacco? Senators Ask: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12696.shtml

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Comment #27 posted by Whirrlin on May 15, 2002 at 08:08:43 PT:

Thanks
dddd, thanks!!

Haaaaaah,good ideas, your right those would make entertaining shows! I didn't think of it in that way!!

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Comment #26 posted by dddd on May 15, 2002 at 00:42:00 PT
....Whirrlin.....
...I think your comments are excellent,,and eloquent...I'm glad you are here.


I think you are right about the "entertainment" aspect of getting the attention of the 20/30 something generation. It's sad but true..Political,and government interests tend to be lacking in entertainment value,,,but perhaps this is only because it is not able to be presented in an entertaining way.....I think it would be easy to make a blockbuster primetime entertaining show,that exposed the grotesque and ghastly facts of defense spending!..I think a war on drugs special,that highlighted the abuses of law enforcement,and the hog trough of government spending in collusion with corporate interests,,could be very entertaining to most Americans...Or what about a special on how Enron burned the shit out of California,with a fabricated energy shortage!,and then went on to perform more of the grandest of larcenies....Here in LA,they will stop everything to show live coverage of a police pursuit.....I guess that's entertainment....dddd


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Comment #25 posted by Whirrlin on May 15, 2002 at 00:19:01 PT:

dddd
I agree with you, I understand how you feel and I think your right! Although I don't know if it's a lack of real-news vs confusing, unorganized news. Define "real-news"? My opinion is that news programs have turned into part news part entertainment,afterall like every other program if we didn't keep watching they wouldn't make money and they wouldn't be on tv anymore. Honestly I think they have also learned especially in the 30 something generation, and the 20 something generation (my generation), and the teenagers,if they don't make it entertaining, we lose interest, fast. I don't buy into the conspiracy theorists version of the world, even if it may seem like one at times.Do politicans,have their own agendas, absolutely, do they throw their weight around, trying to influence votes absolutely, do they even team up with other politicans and special interest groups trading votes, you scratch my back I'll scratch yours, absolutely. Have politicans lied to us before absolutely. This has all been well documented, and it is part of politics and political rangling, or at least this is how we have come to accept it. Why? What I see is the media, scrambling to get ratings by reporting any tidbit of information on an issue, before they have checked out the facts. They tend to report everything facts mix with falsehoods mixed with hype, spewing from both sides of any issue. Politicans particulary love to use media, to play their political games in to further their own agendas. Which leaves the average lay person completely confused, it is up to us to sort it out, and navigate our way through it, not knowing what to believe. The majority of the time however, we rely on second hand information, it's too easy to just turn on the tv and just fill up. Most of the information we are seeking is out there, and free for us to see we just need to look for it. The problem is hardly anybody goes looking for it, and the big guys know this, so they just don't talk about it, banking on the fact we will never ask. Also, the media is influenced by government to an extent but it is also influenced by society, at least in our country. If you were to talk about how we are fighting marijuana policy in New Mexico, most people, would tune out right away, because, they don't see how it relates to them and their own daily lives. However tell them that marijuana could be affecting their children and their children can easily get it on the street corner, then you'll have their attention. Most news programs are simpflied, footnotes of issues, because people want to know, why they should care, or they won't.

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Comment #24 posted by dddd on May 14, 2002 at 21:52:42 PT
...oops...typo
.That was outstandINGly well said.

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Comment #23 posted by dddd on May 14, 2002 at 21:50:43 PT
Whirrlin
..That was outstandly well said...It's true,,alot of Americans are spoiled,,and caught up in the media,,or their jobs,,and they dont even pay attention to what's really happening with their government.
.....I think another major factor in the lack of interest,,is due to the absence of actual,real news concerning the government..Most people who read their local newspaper,and watch network news feel that they are well informed on the issues,,but in reality,the "issues" shown in the national media,are mere diversions from the real issues...Sunday morning "news" shows like Meet The Press,,Face The Nation,or This Week,,pretend to appear as if they are asking tuff questions concerning the "issues",,but nowdays they are little more than a corporate influenced infomercial...If you doubt it,then just notice who sponsors these shows.....dddd


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Comment #22 posted by Whirrlin on May 14, 2002 at 19:50:31 PT:

Government vs People
Hey, I agree pretty much with what you say about the government no longer being a representative government, for the people of the people. In many ways it isn't anymore. However, I also have to stop and ponder why that is, or how it got this way. Some things I see, today, I think as American people, we have let go, and gradually let the bigger guys take control, remeber the bigger guys are smart businessmen and opportuntists, they saw the oppurnity and quietly took it. what I mean is, as American people, many of us are more interested in the new Spider-Man movie, than our government,and most of us prefer being bar-side or armchair activitists spouting our opinions off, but never really doing anything real about it. So as the law makers, and politicans are off making policy and law that will affect our lives and never really asking our opinions, we are all too busy,oooing and ahhing over the lastest fashion trend, or the new movie, or just can't wait till we get home to see what happend on NYPD or Friends. Actually it goes back to those old-fashioned values that we love to mock so much days, we used to be taught to have an interest in our government to at least vote when given the opporutnity, it doesn't mean we have to all become politicans but we should at least take an interest. My grandfather who was born in 1901 knew this,he was no scholar by any means, but as part of America he knew if he didn't show up, to at least keep himself informed of the issues, that he would no longer have a say, and the big fish would eventually take over, that is just human nature. For the Americans, when was the last time you attended even a local town meeting, to discuss the simpler issues. When the last presidential election came up how many of us really knew the candidates, their attitudes, how well they did at their last job etc., no we don't do we, I actually had someone tell me, I voted for Bush because he was better looking, now thats smart. I know in schools they don't teach kids about politics or what role they can play,they only things most teachers are concerned with is making sure their kids can past the constitution exam, so they will look good. I do think we have spun out of control on our drug policies, and we have abondoned all common sense. But part of the blame, belongs on us too, we've let the federal government take control. Fortuantely in America, we also have the opportunity to reverse it, but it will mean, paying less attention to our entertainment, and more attention to whats going on around us.

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Comment #21 posted by freedom fighter on May 14, 2002 at 17:13:35 PT
The year was 1969
if I remembered correctly, Richard Nixon tried to stopped and searched every vechiles that moved across the border in Mexico and USA. The average wait was 3-4 hours to get across the border and pretty soon, the America businessmen were feeling the pinch. They started to complained and the White House had to stop doing what they were doing. That was in 1969 so do you think it is possible do that to the Canada now.. HARHARHAR!

I hope the "news" gets around everywhere. What better way to show the fools down at the "white" house that they are losers!

(Dan B. Congrad! There's nothing like in "LIFE" when a newborn suddenly appear into reality. I sure remebered mine when my boy show up. First thing he did when he came out was to pissed right away at the doctor's face. Good ole doc sure knew what he was doing. I supposed the doc had learned his lesson long time ago. Take care and I'll be thinking of you guys!)

ff

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Comment #20 posted by Floyd on May 14, 2002 at 14:05:43 PT:

Congrats DanB =)
Wow man, thats awesome news, and congradulations =) As for people taking my original post as anti-american, I am sorry for not clarifying it to be "Anti-American-government". I am well aware that it is a select few who rule the lives of many, and it is those select few I am so upset with. With that said I am sorry to say that not all people are not so open-minded, and I am afraid America as a whole is getting an incredibly bad reputation globally. Hopefully things will change when your government suddenly finds that its only friends are those that fear it.

Peace, Jeff Kenneally

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Comment #19 posted by SParker on May 14, 2002 at 11:32:17 PT
Cheers for Daddy Dan!
Dan B, I have always been so impressed and inspired by your comments and your letters. I am proud to consider you my "peer" (and, I must confess, something of a personal hero).

That's why I am so very happy and excited by your news. Excited not only for you and your wife, but also for your coming child. With a daddy like you, is there any doubt he/she is gonna rock the world?

CONGRATULATIONS!

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Comment #18 posted by kaptinemo on May 14, 2002 at 05:09:34 PT:

Ooo-rah Dan!
(Translation from Militarese: Good work!)

And it's always good to hear from M-O-G; we've missed you. Stay safe, if you can.

So, Maginnis is growling, huh? That's supposed to be news? As I and others have pointed out, a trade war with the nation that actually produces what we assemble (nearly all of our actual production facilities have become the maquiladoras of Mexico...thanks to NAFTA) will only hurt us more than it will the Canucks...and the pols with half-a-brain will know it. The two economies are inextricably linked; both have to drink from the same well. And Uncle threatens to spit in it? Not the act of a nation that has anyone thinking at the helm...

When the Jamaicans began considering changing their policies concerning cannabis, the US made the same threat. And the Jamaicans turned to the Europeans. Who are more than happy to circumvent US trade monopolies. Odd, isn't it, how we haven't heard much about that lately?

Trade war with Canada is a losing proposition for both sides...but Uncle hasn't exactly been acting rationally, lately, either. This latest furore will be the make or break...

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #17 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on May 14, 2002 at 05:08:31 PT
USA out of everywhere, including my wee-wee
DdC, do you make those poster-propaganda .gifs? If so, I've got a request. Could you make them suitable for printing? Either a higher-quality JPG or maybe even better a PDF file. There's a nice print driver for the Mac which makes making PDF files extremely easy, called Print To PDF.

As to the article... we never did hear any more out of Jamaica, did we? The US said, "You're thinking of WHAT??" and threatened trade sanctions, and they shut up. But Canada is indeed different. And Great Britain so far has been threatened with nothing. I hope we can safely assume that these howling nark scum have, by now, been informed of the Brixton experiment and the whole UK scene. But their hands are tied, as the UK is our #1 ally in the Other War. Plus, we don't share a border with them. Meanwhile, lots of cannabis is consumed in Jamaica... and Canada... and the UK... and the USA.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #16 posted by dddd on May 14, 2002 at 02:53:41 PT
....Canada,,and US "concern".....
......"Please remember that the US citizens don't run our gov't anymore than you run yours. We are hostages."......Well said BGreen!.....I cant blame Floyd for being pissed off at the US..We dont look very good in international perspectives. . Probably because we have a government that uses the rest of the planet as an ashtray ..I think that the US government,has gotten to the point where it can no longer be called American.It is no longer a "represenative" government......I guess you cant blame people who have a stereotypical view of Americans.The new empire regime has proved itself to be a World Class Asshole.....
...I am an American,,but that doesnt mean I believe in the present US government empire....I consider myself a citizen of the world..an infinitesmal speck on the face of the planet...My body has the same meat,and blood as every other human on the globe.,,I was just lucky to be born here.,,a slight jiggle of fate,and this brain/mind that was issued to dddd,could have been born into the body of a person in a remote tribe deep within Uganda,,or a Nomad in the mountains of Iran,,,or the daughter of Dan Quayle,,,or born into the squalor and starvation in Somalia.....in other words,,,,in the big picture,I think all humans are pretty much the same,and equal..they just happened to be born in different places...My life is no more precious,than the life of a Chinese peasant.. The life of an Isreali civilian,who was the victim of a suicide bomber,is no more significant than the life of a Palestinian civilian who was bombed by a US made Isreali helicopter gunship.............anyway,,I guess I rambled on enough for now..

..Congratulations DanB,,I know you will be an excellent Dad.......................
...And Greetings to our good friend Military officer guy...It's good to see you!...
....dddd


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Comment #15 posted by Dan B on May 14, 2002 at 01:21:34 PT:

Thanks, everyone
I appreciate all the kind comments. Thanks. The cigar comment was funny, Toker00.

Back to the main topic, I sincerely hope that Canada has the cajones to call Bush's (and Maginnis's) bluff--and I think that is all it is. The Canadians have to know that the United States would look like complete jackasses if they did anything to harm Canada in any way, and folks, politics are all about how things look. Of course, I don't have to tell you that; the drug war has been an excellent example of that fact to all of us for years.

Dan B

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #14 posted by Lehder on May 13, 2002 at 23:53:12 PT
before it comes to blows?
"To antagonize government leaders and grass roots leader because you insist on having a radical drug policy that we will not ignore in the long term, then its going to have adverse consequences and I hope we would be able to rectify it before it comes to blows," explains Maginnis.

Did you hear that, radical Canada?

Colonel Maginnis admits US impotence in stopping the border flow of high quality marijuana for relaxation and smoked medicine. It's predictable good news.

The US knows by now that the more rigorously border security is enforced then the more resourceful the smugglers become, and supply lines once established at great effort and expense will be used for shipping products of higher profit potential and less bulk than cannabis.

That's the economics that the US learned in Mexico, Colombia, Texas and Florida. It's got nothing to do with morality, love for children or the evil power of addiction. It's the scourge of prohibition.

Canadians already dislike Bush's heavy tariffs on forest products. I wonder how they like sound of blows, whatever those are.

I like statements that leave something for people's imaginations. Every Canadian who hears Maginnis vague belligerence will have a different image of blows. Some will see a fully militarized border, others will think of Black Hawks spewing herbicide on sugar maples, and some will forsee tiny planes blown from the air. Think about what blows, Canada, who blows and why. And good luck, because it's all up to you.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #13 posted by Nuevo Mexican on May 13, 2002 at 23:39:00 PT
Congrats Dan B!!!
on the good news, we could use more Dan Bs' in the world! Hello Military Officer Guy! Good to see you're posting! Great article, more good news on the way, via C-News, FOM is the best!

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #12 posted by The GCW on May 13, 2002 at 20:27:31 PT
Our message...is opposite...
"seems to have raised the ire of the U.S. in a significant way. "

We would be wise to point out that in fact it is only businesses that prosper by the prohibition, that have a raised ire, not "the U.S.", in general.

People like bush, who stand to loose family fortunes if cannabis / hemp is RE-legalized will defend their fortune at the cost of lives. They will disobey the commandments of the manual, for their riches. They will try very hard to completly eliminate cannabis from earth. They against Our Father. They want cannabis gone, Our Father gave it to us for Good.

Canada MAY NOT HAVE A CHOICE ANYMORE. They may be forced to be right. Forced Re-legalization and out of the hands of those who control the greedy evil American SWATSTIKA interests. Canada's potential of seeing Truth is happening.

There are very evil powers at large, that do not like what Our Father has given Us.

Gotta serve someone.

The Green Collar Worker



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #11 posted by military officer guy on May 13, 2002 at 19:38:23 PT
excellent post, and congrats...
hey dan, congrats on the new baby to be, we have two ourselves, and they are a lot of work but tons of joy... your letter to the prez was awesome... go canada, go canada go!!! we can win this war...

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #10 posted by Toker00 on May 13, 2002 at 19:34:33 PT
What great news, Dan B.
Congratulations, Mr. B! When you start handing out those cigars, make sure they are packed with bud!

Peace. Realize, then Legalize.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #9 posted by FoM on May 13, 2002 at 19:28:23 PT
Oh Dan!
That is wonderful! Thank you for telling us here. A new life. That's more then wonderful.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #8 posted by Dan B on May 13, 2002 at 19:18:37 PT:

In Other News . . .
I just learned yesterday that after two years of trying, my wife and I are going to have a baby! And, quite frankly, we're pleased as punch about it, which is why I'm telling you all here.

That's it.

Dan B

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #7 posted by Dan B on May 13, 2002 at 19:15:49 PT:

Trade Sanctions Out of the Question
Dear President Bush:

In case you are unaware, this country signed a treaty with Canada called the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). If you reneg on that treaty by imposing trade sanctions on Canada for regulating drugs the way they see fit, you will be in breach of that agreement. In addition, this country's word will be even more suspect that it already is, and the world community will no longer consider valid any trade agreements set forth by your administration or any other.

In other words, go ahead and impose sanctions. You'll f@#k the country a lot faster that way, the rich will come to believe that you do not have their best interests at heart, and you will lose all of your support for the next election.

Why don't you go ahead and impose sanctions on Great Britain, Portugal, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and any other country that wishes to express its right to govern as its people see fit? Surely, those countries are at least as guilty of not bending to the United States's imperial authority! In fact, why not just have it out and declare on the rest of the world altogether? That is your goal, isn't it?

I'd really like to see your sorry a$$ out on the street come 2004, so I look forward to the coming developments with regard to your stated policy that you will impose the United States's imperial will on Canada, thereby reneging on a signed trade agreement and denying that country its right to soveriegnty.

Mr. President, you are a class A-1 IDIOT!

Dan B

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by BGreen on May 13, 2002 at 19:12:48 PT
Floyd
Please remember that the US citizens don't run our gov't anymore than you run yours. We are hostages. Help us escape by encouraging your fellow Canadians to channel their energy into attacking the REAL enemy ... the Amerikan Government!

God bless Canada!

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #5 posted by DdC on May 13, 2002 at 18:02:28 PT
FRCn Assassins of Truth!!!
Assassins of Youth
http://boards.marihemp.com/boards/politics/media/36/36796.gif

FRCn Idiots
http://www.cannabinoid.com/boards/politics/media/35/35117.gif

Maginnis McFRCn
http://www.cannabinoid.com/boards/politics/media/35/35129.gif

PM Says No To Looser Drug Laws
http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread9895.shtml
PM Puppet
http://www.cannabinoid.com/boards/politics/media/36/36842.gif


[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #4 posted by Sam Adams on May 13, 2002 at 17:37:38 PT
going to be interesting
The Canadian pols are in a tough spot: Their police and prosecutor friends will be angry if they loosen drug laws. But now, if they don't change them, they will be hit with the charge of being Uncle Sam's ass-bitch, which is a sensitive area up there - they don't WANT to be the 51st state.

I look forward to all this with great excitement. Trade sanctions are serious business...MANY American businesses will be hit hard by any sanctions on trade with Canada. They're our biggest trading partner.

Canada will not bend forever; they've already got a LONG list of beefs with the US and Bush - fishing, logging, farming policy, acid rain, immigration. How do you think Canadians, the majority of whom believe in outright legalization, will react to being punished by the U.S. because WE'RE smoking too much of their herb? It's OK to wreck 3rd world countries over drug sanctions (Colombia, Jamaica come to mind) but Bush will soon realize that you can't bully 1st world countries the same way. What options does Canada have? The horse is WAY out of the barn - they can't just militarize their entire police establishment the way the US has.

For that matter, how do you think it will play in the Western US that Bush is causing a trade war with Canada over marijuana?

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #3 posted by goneposthole on May 13, 2002 at 17:28:09 PT
Floyd smoke
To high, high heaven

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #2 posted by floyd on May 13, 2002 at 17:25:02 PT
#@$)(#$&(*##$)^&*@#)(@^#&@!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Arrrrrggg!!! I cant say I didnt know it was happening, because I think we all assumed. But come on!! Leave the rest of the world to do what it wants to do America!!! Stop digging your dirty little nose into our business and let us make progress!!! I hope to god someone up high doesnt cave in my government, and better yet I hope this stirs resentment in fellow Canadians as it has in me. Enough is enough, America is not my 'daddy'.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by BGreen on May 13, 2002 at 17:14:20 PT
It's amazing
The same people who have totally f'ed up Amerika have the audacity to try and dictate the laws in other countries.

We're going to see the US trying to use taxpayers' money to influence Canada to tow the line.

[ Post Comment ]


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