Cannabis News NORML - Working to Reform Marijuana Laws
  Clash Over Pot Research Gets Personal
Posted by CN Staff on August 25, 2005 at 08:56:06 PT
By Michael Doyle -- Bee Washington Bureau 
Source: Sacramento Bee 

medical Arlington, Va. - The Bush administration is using hardball and ridicule this week as it fights efforts to expand medical marijuana research. Former California legislator John Vasconcellos caught the ridicule, with derisive inquiries into his past work on self-esteem.

Others faced hardball, with questions about their pot smoking. It's all part of a high-stakes fight as a reluctant Drug Enforcement Administration reconsiders a researcher's application to grow high-quality pot.

"We're the only people in America who can't get 10 grams of marijuana," research advocate Rick Doblin testified Wednesday.

The DEA's administrative law courtroom is far from the limelight, and only about one-quarter of the spectator seats were taken Wednesday afternoon. Still, the hearing that's likely to last several more weeks is the most important legal proceeding on the issue since the Supreme Court ruled in June that federal authorities can pursue medical marijuana users in California.

That 6-3 ruling in Gonzales v. Raich did not overturn the medical marijuana provisions approved in California and other states, but it did expose users to potential federal prosecution.

It's still unclear how aggressively U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales may pursue medical marijuana users. There's no question, though, that the administration disputes marijuana's potential worth as a medicine. That's what makes the new hearing so crucial, and it may also help explain some of the courtroom tactics.

After years of delay, the DEA's administrative law judge is being asked to help overturn the agency's rejection of a marijuana researcher's application first filed in 2001. University of Massachusetts plant physiologist Lyle Craker had sought approval to grow 25 pounds.

Snipped:

Complete Article: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/personal.htm

Source: Sacramento Bee (CA)
Author: Michael Doyle -- Bee Washington Bureau
Published: Thursday, August 25, 2005 - Page A5
Copyright: 2005 The Sacramento Bee
Contact: opinion@sacbee.com
Website: http://www.sacbee.com/

Related Articles & Web Sites:

ACLU
http://www.aclu.org/

MAPS
http://www.maps.org/

The Right To Grow
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21058.shtml

Medical Marijuana Hearings Begin
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21053.shtml

Hearings Begin Today in ACLU Challenge
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21051.shtml


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Comment #22 posted by Ferre on September 02, 2005 at 22:05:26 PT
"Drugs war" is in fact ethnic cleansing.
Hi all,

Most people do not realize that the prohibition of Cannabis comes forth from the ethnic cleansing that started with the inquisition.

The reason for this is that Cannabis was (and still is) a religious sacrament for most (ancient) cultures who were Shamanistic by nature and did not want to confirm to Christianity and according to the Bible those cultures had to be wiped out and their altars and scriptures had to be burned.

During the Inquisition cannabis was declared Illegal by pope Innocenti (I believe number IV) and anyone who practiced the 'old ways' was murdered. For centuries the western European world was ruled by (Christian) Rome and during those times history has been re-written and most of the referrers to those Shamanic cultures usually contain a hint of "barbarism" as if those cultures had no moral values. This has been done on purpose.

This resulted in stereotype ideas in the common man's mind about 'other' religions and 'drugs'.

This, in fact, was Ethnic/cultural Genocide, a Universal crime against Humanity of the highest order.

At the end of the Inquisition and the 'dark ages' a few separate countries had formed in Europe (the Netherlands being one of them) and the powers of Papal Rome shattered but the Christian doctrines and laws had already rooted very deep into the culture of the areas that had been under Papal law for a few centuries and most of the laws against "the other religions" have been camouflaged as if those laws actually target something else.

The problem with the drug war is that if the real reason; Cultural genocide, would be made public and used as official motive this would not get much international support at all. In fact, persecution of a religious sacrament is an international crime and not taken lightly anywhere in the world.

This is why the real reason is covered/hidden under many totally un-scientifically motives as there are 'general health' and 'public safety'.

That's why all the official reasons make no sense at all and have no logic or scientific justification.

Knowing this, we can not only historically prove this but also restore the ancient RIGHT that is protected by (amongst many other laws) art 18 of the Declaration of Universal Human Rights and take back our natural inheritance.

Since the 70's more and more people have discovered that the use of Cannabis is in fact a very spiritual experience and indeed enlightening and with enough people around the world who declare their religious right to use Cannabis this article 18 will finally protect all religions, and not just the "Papal approved".

More and more people start to realize that they have an ancient right to use Cannabis as a religious/spiritual tool and official 'Cannabis churches' are popping up all over the world, awareness is rising.

If you want to know more about the spiritual use of Cannabis and how this is protected by international law, and most of all, how it can protect you, do a search on "cannabis religion', or 'thc ministry'

Cris Bennet got it right, Cannabis is a sacrament, and it's been a sacrament a long, long time before the Bible had been written by many ancient cultures.

According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights we have the Natural right to use cannabis for spiritual reasons.

TAKE YOUR UNIVERSAL RIGHTS!!!

For like minded souls and information, see;

http://www.thc-ministry.net (HQ Europe)

http://www.thc-ministry.org (HQ USA)

have a happy day,

rev. Ferre

Amsterdam, Netherlands



[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #21 posted by boballen1313 on August 27, 2005 at 00:47:05 PT
RIDICULE?
ALL OF A SUDDEN I AM REMEMBERING... SCIENCE... highschool? highgate hellschool class of... Biology, Chemistry... oh god its fading...being replaced with fear and bigotry...insatiable desire to accumulate wealth... self righteousness taking over... oh shucks forgot the punchline.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #20 posted by The GCW on August 25, 2005 at 15:41:42 PT
Remember Christian commando Pat Robertson?
Robertson seems to be reading from the Right-wing Pro-life Extremist version of the Bible http://www.boulderweekly.com/incaseyoumissedit.html

"And Jesus said, 'Gather unto you weapons and splatter about the brains of those who vex you. Tolerate not their words, but shred their innards with lead and make icky their garments."

Christian commando



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #18 posted by dongenero on August 25, 2005 at 15:18:36 PT
But money must be made
There will certainly be pharmaceutical grade leeches and maggots before it is approved. They will cost far more than down at the bait shop. Probably $200 per dozen rather than $1 per dozen

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #17 posted by CorvallisEric on August 25, 2005 at 15:15:20 PT
Maggots and leeches and cannabis
Fascinating, wonderful article (link in comment 14). What we need isn't "industrial" or "natural" medicine, but simply the best and most cost-effective medicine, whatever the source.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #16 posted by Hope on August 25, 2005 at 15:03:19 PT
Ooopss
Leech...not snail.

Where did that come from?

Oh...I know.

Sorry.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #15 posted by Hope on August 25, 2005 at 15:01:48 PT
E_Johnson
That is a very astute observation. Very interesting.

I'm sure science is working to create the artificial snail as quickly as possible.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #14 posted by E_Johnson on August 25, 2005 at 14:30:57 PT
Maggots and leeches -- and I don't mean the DEA
This is interesting:

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/25/health/25fda.html

It bears on our topic because the use of maggots and leeches is a move away from industrialized pill-based medicine, just like the use of "smoked marijuana".

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #13 posted by Hope on August 25, 2005 at 14:22:42 PT
those who have.
Those who have read it.

That's the second time I haven't finished a sentence before posting. Is it Alzheimer's or am I tired?

For anyone interested on an update on my recent "floxing" experience, I am better, but I have not recovered my vigor pre-floxing.

Oh well. Pressing onward. That's what does it.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #12 posted by Hope on August 25, 2005 at 14:05:37 PT
3 days of transcripts,
MamaWillie, you're a better woman than I am.

I finally gave up and and depend on the posts and "heads up"s of those who have.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #11 posted by Hope on August 25, 2005 at 14:02:33 PT
dance around Meth and bring out the boogey man
Conmen...of one sort or another.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #10 posted by mamawillie on August 25, 2005 at 14:02:27 PT
Transcripts: good read
It took forever to get through 3 days of transcripts, but it was a good and interesting read. The judge seems very fair and is asking thoughtful and detailed questions... she seems very interested in learning all about the problem.

If you have the time, I recommend reading the transcripts.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #9 posted by FoM on August 25, 2005 at 13:48:47 PT
Vibrations
All I can think of calling what I feel is vibrations. Cannabis has now taken it's place as the major part of the drug war. We can dance around Meth and bring out the boogey man but the war is on cannabis and it's costing us a lot of money as tax payers. From medical cannabis to the Canadian issue I feel strong vibrations and I hope that means an awakening. Wouldn't it be nice to be able to get people who have been angry with our government to be helpful at solving the problems that perplex everyone of us? They need to stop building walls between us and them. They need us more then ever to hold this country together I believe.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #8 posted by kaptinemo on August 25, 2005 at 11:58:10 PT:

Like I said, they're sweating
And it's partly because of one simple thing: the DEA doesn't want the public's attention focused on them, because such attention could lead to further scrutiny of their agency and its' inability to stem the tide of ever cheaper, purer and more available illicits.

Nearly everything they have been doing for the past 9 years now (picking on pain doctors and MMJ patients, for example) have been *diversionary* in nature, with the intent of demonstrating their 'efficacy' as a Federal agency by giving the impression they are 'doing something' when in fact they can do NOTHING to achieve the goals of their charter.

They dodged the bullet in 1988 when they were able to duck and run from the Francis Young determination that cannabis " ' in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man. By any measure of rational analysis cannabis can be safely used with a supervised routine of medical care' " and should be rescheduled.

But that was before Props 200 & 215. That was before Raich/Monson...and the avalanche of negative publicity the DrugWarriors gained from the overwhelmingly critical opinions aired by columnists in the MSM on the ruling in general and the war on medicinal cannabis users in particular.

The public is aware now, and watching. And the DEA isn't used to such intense scrutiny; they've been able to get away with an awful lot in the past, and have only been able to do so because the public's attention was elsewhere. They feel the public's eye's on them; hence the attempts to discredit the witnesses with irrelevent questions designed to cast a negative light upon their their *persons*, and by extension, their positions. More diversionary tactics; shoot the messenger. But so far, the witnesses and their solicitor have held their own. The tactic is failing, and badly.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #7 posted by ryno35 on August 25, 2005 at 11:54:14 PT
Waste of Time?
Isn't this just a waste of time considering the judge's recommendation is non-binding? Does anyone really believe the DEA will conform to a recommendation that goes against their current policy of obstruction?

I love that statement about "no currently accepted medical use", which is a flat out lie given what GW is doing in the UK. I know every time one of these bureaucrats utters that phrase they are thinking "yeah, and we'll never let it be medically accepted".

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by FoM on August 25, 2005 at 11:13:26 PT
Hope My Thoughts
We live in a world that is full of risks. We are exposed to substances everyday that can cause great harm. I don't just mean legal prescription drugs, cigarettes or alcohol but cleaning solvents, toxins in our drinking water etc.

When we jail lots of people it can cause disease outbreaks but no one seems to care about that risk. When people are let out of prison some diseases are taken out of the prison with them and that can hurt society.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #5 posted by Hope on August 25, 2005 at 11:05:39 PT
That's right.
Or binding their hands behind their backs. Or destroying their dignity or the remnants of it. Or frightening people, especially the unwell, unduly.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #4 posted by FoM on August 25, 2005 at 10:55:39 PT
I Wish We'd Learn About Risk of Jailing People
Learn About the Risks and Harmful Effects of Marijuana Use at Upcoming Broadcast

August 25, 2005

Despite studies and research showing the harmful effects of marijuana, the drug continues to be the most frequently-used illegal drug in the country. During an hour-long free broadcast of Marijuana: Reading the Smoke Signals next month, experts will explore the health risks of marijuana use and discuss new ways to prevent marijuana use among young people.

According to SAMHSA, each year, more teens enter treatment with a primary diagnosis of marijuana dependence than for all other illicit drugs combined and 60 percent of teens admitted to drug treatment cite marijuana as their primary substance of abuse.

The broadcast, held on September 15 at 1:00-2:00 p.m. EST by the Multijurisdictional Counterdrug Task Force Training (MCTFT), will discuss the effects that marijuana can have on physical and mental health, and how it can impact life and the community. It will also offer parents an inside look into the marijuana culture, advice about the signs of marijuana use and how to talk to their teens about it, information about the consequences of marijuana use and information for the law enforcement community about how to spot efforts to grow marijuana.

A webcast of the show will be available at www.health.org and http://www.MCTFT.com

The broadcast will also be available on C-band analog and GETN digital satellite downlinks. All new sites must register for this free, public domain program to receive the necessary satellite coordinates (C/KU) or illumination authentication (GETN/Warrior dishes) and Site Materials Website. Sites may register at http://www.dlnets.com/MCTFT2nd.htm or by calling Ed Kronholm’s Office, the Satellite Registrations Coordinator, toll free at 877-820-0305 or 888-820-4898.

This program is sponsored by the MCTFT with technical support of the Satellite Education Network (SEN) at Ft. Lee, VA.

To learn about upcoming broadcasts, visit http://www.MCTFT.com and click on telecasts/videos.

http://cadca.org/CoalitionsOnline/article.asp?id=863

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #3 posted by Hope on August 25, 2005 at 10:42:41 PT
The New Inquisition
is happening.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #2 posted by dongenero on August 25, 2005 at 10:28:06 PT
Off topic but interesting
Two current health news headlines for the day.

First from AP: Health News: Medicare Drug Plan Getting More High Marks

Then, from Reuters: Health News: US retirees still wary of Medicare drug plan -study

Whatever, take your news with a grain of salt. Do your homework.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by FoM on August 25, 2005 at 10:21:27 PT
More Information To Follow
Doblin will be commenting nightly on the goings-on in Washington at: http://www.maps.org/weblogs/rick

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