NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- March 2, 2006 |
Posted by CN Staff on March 02, 2006 at 13:55:02 PT Weekly Press Release Source: NORML Cannabis Use Not Linked To So-Called "Amotivational Syndrome" March 2, 2006 - Los Angeles, CA, USA Los Angeles, CA: Cannabis use, including daily use of the drug, does not impair motivation, according to survey data published in the current issue of the journal Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. Four hundred and eighty seven volunteers (243 daily users and 244 non-users) completed items from the Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES). Participants responded to 12 statements regarding their own feelings of motivation on a four-point scale (e.g. Not at all; Slightly; Somewhat; Very much). Researchers have successfully used similar measures of apathy in previous studies of substance abuse and motivation. "Participants who used cannabis seven days a week demonstrated no difference from non-cannabis users on indices of motivation," investigators found. After quantifying subjects' responses through advanced statistical procedures designed to identify even slight differences between users and non-users, researchers still did not detect any decreases in motivation among daily users of cannabis. "These findings refute hypothesized associations between heavy cannabis use and low motivation," authors concluded. "Thus, emphasizing a cannabis-induced amotivational syndrome in drug prevention does not have empirical support and could harm the credibility of ... [drug] prevention efforts." For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500. Full text of the study, "Cannabis, motivation, and life satisfaction in an internet sample," is available online at: http://www.substanceabusepolicy.com DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6824 Non-Psychoactive Cannabinoid Staves Blindness Associated With Diabetes, Study Says March 2, 2006 - Augusta, GA, USA Augusta, GA: Administration of the non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD) prevents retinal cell death in the diabetic retina, and may one day prevent blindness in diabetic patients, according to preclinical data published in the current issue of the American Journal of Pathology. Researchers at the Medical College of Virginia, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, investigated the protective effects of CBD in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats after one, two, or four weeks. "Experimental diabetes induced significant increases in oxidative stress, retinal neuronal cell death, and vascular permeability," investigators wrote. "CBD treatment significantly reduced oxidative stress, decreased ... vascular endothelial growth, ... and prevented retinal cell death. ... These results demonstrate that CBD treatment reduced neurotoxicity, inflammation, and blood-retinal barrier (BRB) breakdown in diabetic animals." Diabetic retinopathy, which is characterized by retinal oxygen deprivation and a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier, affects approximately 16,000 Americans and is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Previous studies have shown CBD to prevent against neurotoxicity associated with stroke, cerebral infarction (localized cell death in the brain), and ethanol-induced brain damage. Clinical trials have also shown CBD to possess anti-tumoral properties - inhibiting the growth of glioma (brain tumor) cells in a dose dependent manner and selectively inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) in malignant cells. For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500. Full text of the study, "Neuroprotective and blood-retinal barrier-preserving effects of cannabidiol in experimental diabetes," appears in the January issue the American Journal of Pathology. DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6825 Texas, Florida Pass Campus Wide "Marijuana Equalization" Initiatives March 2, 2006 - Washington, DC, USA Washington, DC: Students at the University of Texas (UT) at Austin and Florida State University (FSU) recently approved a pair of non-binding campus initiatives calling on campus officials to decrease university-imposed marijuana penalties. More than 64 percent of UT students approved the "Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Referendum," which calls on University officials to reduce penalties for minor marijuana offenses so that they are no greater than university-imposed penalties for alcohol possession. FSU students passed a similar measure last week by a vote of 60 to 40 percent. "Students clearly recognize the truth: Alcohol is simply more harmful both to the user and society than marijuana," said Texas NORML President Judie Niskala. Both campaigns were coordinated by regional NORML chapters, Texas NORML and FSU NORML, in conjunction with the Colorado-based SAFER (Safer Alternatives for Enjoyable Recreation). Yesterday SAFER, which successfully passed a citywide initiative eliminating municipal marijuana penalties in Denver this past fall, began gathering signatures to place a similar proposal on the November 2006 Colorado ballot. For more information, please visit: http://www.texasnorml.com or http://www.saferchoice.org DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6826 Source: NORML Foundation (DC) CannabisNews NORML Archives Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
Comment #33 posted by FoM on March 03, 2006 at 14:38:46 PT |
I'd go too and wouldn't it be great if we could all go together? I love to dream. I like Crosby, Stills and Nash but I really like Neil Young. I think whatever Neil does if he can tour one more time I will be happy. He isn't young anymore and his heath isn't perfect so I'm just hoping for one more concert from him. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #32 posted by Toker00 on March 03, 2006 at 14:28:34 PT |
I used to play that song and forgot I knew it. Thanks. Sometimes I break out the old box and play the few songs I learned all the way through, and it does make a difference. I alway liked that song. SUNSHINE. That's a beautiful word. That would be totally wild if they do that, FoM. I see they did in '03. This year would be a good year for me, if it's a good year for them! I'd go. Thank you, Hope. There are certain little things I have to do to feel better. Shutting my mouth helps. lol. I swear, if I post when I'm down, I can really screw it up, and have. I have to completely change my thought pattern before I can begin my upswing. Takes a few days. But I ALWAYS adjust w/cannabis. Or without, it just takes longer. The first article from Norml makes me feel, well, normal. I thought for a while there must be something wrong with me, but now I know. I'm really NOT lazy. And it's ok to NOT be lazy, even if I smoke pot! Hooray! Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on March 03, 2006 at 09:39:35 PT |
This is way off topic but it is going to be a highlight for me this summer if it happens. There are rumors and they seem to be growing that Crosby, Stills, Nash and NEIL YOUNG will be doing a tour this summer. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #30 posted by Had Enough on March 03, 2006 at 09:24:09 PT |
Good to see you again Toker00. Whenever I start thinking the way I don’t like, sometimes I try this. Most of the time it works. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #29 posted by Hope on March 03, 2006 at 09:11:35 PT |
It's sure good to see you are feeling better. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #28 posted by FoM on March 03, 2006 at 09:03:20 PT |
I'll take any miracle these days! [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #27 posted by Toker00 on March 03, 2006 at 08:59:48 PT |
Thank God for small miracles! Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #26 posted by FoM on March 03, 2006 at 08:05:05 PT |
Thank you. I didn't know Texas had a Safer page. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #25 posted by Had Enough on March 03, 2006 at 05:52:39 PT |
“------------------------------ if every body like Normal and MPP and Safer and Leap and Alliance could run a spot on TV calling attention to the amount being spent on busting the 7 hundred thousand fellow Americans a year let alone the med value maybe the Reps would gain more supporters for the request of the GAO.” Now we’re talking. That would be a big boost. I think of all the "Big Timers", like movie stars, music stars, even news stars that have the resources to make that happen. Where are they? Why are they hiding behind their stuff? How come they don’t publicly endorse these organizations? [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #24 posted by Toker00 on March 03, 2006 at 02:26:39 PT |
Friends - We at SAFER are firm believers in the theory of the "Tipping Point", famously described by Malcolm Gladwell in his 2002 book by that name. According to Gladwell, massive social and consumer movements are oftentimes triggered by much smaller incidents and trends that spread like viruses throughout society. While we do not like to consider our organization a virus, it is starting to feel like our message -- and our determination to bring an end to marijuana prohibition -- is spreading just as rapidly. Yesterday, the students at the University of Texas at Austin passed a referendum, by a 64-36 margin, calling on the university to reduce penalties for the use of marijuana, based on the fact that marijuana is demonstrably less harmful than alcohol. This is not only a fantastic result on a substantive level, but it has also produced a massive amount of media coverage. In nearly all of this coverage, one message appeared prominently: Marijuana is safer than alcohol. (Our dedicated campaign coordinators in Texas have created a Web site -- http://www.SAFERTexas.info -- where you can see much of this coverage.) Also yesterday, SAFER's campaign director, Mason Tvert, held a press conference by the State Capitol in Denver, the purpose of which was to announce the launch of our signature drive to place a marijuana legalization initiative on the November ballot in Colorado. As usual, multiple television stations and the major newspapers in the state covered the event. But by far the most pleasing piece of coverage was a column in the Denver Post (pasted at the bottom of this e-mail). It conveys the essence of SAFER. We are just a small group of determined activists who are willing to stand up, be real, and talk about an issue silently supported by millions of Americans. We want our "marijuana is safer than alcohol" message and our open recognition of the rights of marijuana users to spread like wildfire throughout this nation. But we cannot do it alone. We need your help to keep this momentum building. Whether you have a minute to spend or a dollar to spare, your involvement will make a difference. Here is what you can do: 1. Make a donation to SAFER. The reach and impact of SAFER are only limited by our available resources. For example, we need funds to pay for promotional materials, like buttons and stickers, to distribute to students and others around the country. In addition, we need to fund our media outreach efforts so that a growing number of reporters cover this important issue. If you can contribute any amount, please visit the SAFER donation page: http://www.saferchoice.org/d_donate.html 2. If you live in Colorado, get involved in our statewide campaign. As the column below describes, we are truly a grass roots movement. We need every available and able person in the state to help us collect the 100,000+ signatures we need to qualify for the ballot. We do not have the funds to pay for this on our own. If you want to sign up to gather signatures (or if you want to make a contribution to the campaign), please visit our campaign Web site: 3. Forward this e-mail to as many people as possible. This may be the most important request of all. Approximately 20 million Americans are regular or occasional marijuana users in this country. Many more believe that marijuana users should not be punished for making the rational choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol. If we can get a significant percent of these people to join forces -- be it mentally, physically, or financially -- we will end this war on marijuana. Please take a minute, hit the "forward" button, and send this e-mail to whomever you think will be (or might be) interested. Those who receive this E-mail from a friend should visit -- http://www.saferchoice.org/d_getinvolved.html -- to sign up for direct updates in the future. Thank you as always for your support. Sincerely, Steve Steve Fox Executive Director Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) ================================== Denver Post - 3/2/06 Pot initiative is packing the only real grass roots By Diane Carman Denver Post Staff Columnist Politicians are always blabbing about the grass roots. Bankers, lawyers, sons of millionaire former presidents - they're all populists on the stump, proud products of the salt of the earth speaking from the heart about common-sense issues important to the people. It's such claptrap. Take away the focus groups, the education committees financed by special-interest soft money and the speaking points produced by consultants, and they're not called populists anymore. They're called losers. With one possible exception: The leader of the subversive little movement to decriminalize possession of less than an ounce of marijuana. SAFER director Mason Tvert set up a folding table on the sidewalk in front of the state Capitol on Wednesday and got a couple friends to hold signs to announce that the campaign that legalized adult possession of small amounts of marijuana in Denver - at least theoretically - is going statewide. Tvert said SAFER (Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation) has more than 300 volunteers poised to circulate petitions to get the initiative on the November ballot. If passed, the measure would change state law to make it legal - at least theoretically - for persons over 21 to possess an ounce of marijuana or less. Tvert admitted straight up that if the initiative passes, it won't alter local and federal laws prohibiting marijuana possession. He doesn't care. "It's part of an end game for marijuana prohibition in this country," he said. And this is where he could be onto something. The surprise passage of SAFER's marijuana initiative last year in Denver suggests that the professional politicians were wildly out of touch with the grass roots, at least on the issue of grass. They were so confident the measure would lose, few campaigned against it. It could happen again, despite a recent Denver Post poll that showed 37 percent of Colorado voters favor the SAFER initiative while 51 percent oppose it. That means "after more than 70 years of marijuana prohibitions, propaganda and misinformation, just over half of the state agrees with marijuana prohibition," Tvert said. OK, sometimes even a grassroots campaigner can't resist the urge to spin. The guy's obviously counting on other polls, the ones that show at least half of Americans admit to having smoked marijuana despite federal, state and local bans and a relentless national war on drugs. Sure, most of these people get all sanctimonious around their bosses and their children. But in the privacy of the voting booth, if everyone with a stale joint or an old film canister of marijuana from college tucked away in the sock drawer votes for the measure just to feel young and reckless again, the professional politicians could be in for another shock. "We're nearing the tipping point," said Tvert, who dared Gov. Bill Owens, Mayor John Hickenlooper and Attorney General John Suthers to be among the first to sign the petition to put the initiative on the ballot so everyone can see what the voters really think about marijuana laws. Coincidentally, while Tvert was mobilizing SAFER on the sidewalk, the tough-on-crime former District Attorney Bill Ritter was several Capitol steps above him trying to rally support behind his plodding campaign for governor. "I can't tell you how excited I am today," he said, to which about a dozen guys in Teamsters Union jackets and as many state legislators clapped politely. Tvert ignored it all. He was comfortably in his element, standing on a sidewalk with the wind buffeting him, motorists honking their horns in approval, passers-by stopping to sign the petitions and a guy in full biker regalia revving his Harley in an enthusiastic show of solidarity. Never mind the barrage of Oreos- and-Grateful-Dead humor that accompanies every commentary on his campaign. He's serious about about taking grassroots politicking to a higher level. Oops. I couldn't resist. Blame it on peer pressure. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #23 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 21:39:00 PT |
I thought that too. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #22 posted by Hope on March 02, 2006 at 21:37:51 PT |
Reading that article, it kind of looks like it's not going to be good. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #21 posted by Hope on March 02, 2006 at 21:20:04 PT |
Scott over at Grits linked to this blog that is very snotty about that UT vote. http://urbangrounds.com/2006/03/02/they-just-want-to-smoke-dope/ [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #20 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 21:19:27 PT |
They are good at getting into issues further then most people interviewed would want but that's 60 Minutes. I hope it turns out OK. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #19 posted by Hope on March 02, 2006 at 21:10:27 PT |
The fear I have is that they'll do the "media thing" on him and twist it all up with "judicious cuts" here and there and try to make him...and us...look bad. This could be very important. It could touch a lot of people about the injustice of this stupid war...or it could set us back. It's got me a bit anxious. Also, I'm hoping, if enough people are outraged about what's happening to Marc and his friends, that it could keep Canada from letting the DEA have him. That's so disgusting that they would turn one of their own over to the law enforcement of this country for something like seed sales. Taylor....that UT vote is a fine thing. It is getting some attention and forcing some dialouge, and we need that. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #18 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 19:11:50 PT |
Emery Says 60 Minutes Will Allow 'Real Self' To Be Seen Camille Bains, Canadian Press March 2, 2006 Link: http://tinyurl.com/kpux5 [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #17 posted by Taylor121 on March 02, 2006 at 18:35:03 PT |
AUSTIN, Texas -- Students at The University of Texas at Austin voted Wednesday in favor of a non-binding referendum to equalize penalties for alcohol and marijuana violations. The Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Referendum passed by 64 percent, The Daily Texan reported. Supporters of the measure argued that students shouldn't face stiffer punishment for marijuana violations than alcohol because alcohol is more likely to cause addiction, violent behavior and death. Judie Niskala, campus coordinator for SAFER Texas, said Wednesday in a news release that the victory "demonstrates that students clearly recognize the truth: Alcohol is simply more harmful -- both to the user and society -- than marijuana." Niskala said in a story in Thursday's editions of The Daily Texan that advocates will push to talk to the UT System Board of Regents. She said university officials have not responded to the group's request for a meeting. The non-binding referendum was meant to gauge student support. About 7,570 votes were cast, according to the university's student government elections supervisory board. The student government did not take a position on the referendum, said Danielle Rugoff, student body president elect. The student government has no plans to promote the referendum, she said. "It was difficult to understand the language, and I remember several students approached me saying that they had voted 'yes,' but asking what they had voted on," she told the newspaper. SAFER Choice, a national group that promotes "Safer Alternatives for Enjoyable Recreation," has pushed for a similar rule changes at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Niskala said UT was targeted because of its size and "liberal location." The referendum was part of a student government election and included a successful measure to begin construction on a new $51 million student activity center. http://www.click2houston.com/education/7610973/detail.html Around 27 Texas newspapers/tv stations picked up the story. Not too bad. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #16 posted by ekim on March 02, 2006 at 18:29:26 PT |
A national coalition of 25,000 patients, doctors and advocates, Americans for Safe Access is the largest organization working solely on medical marijuana. To learn more, see http://www.SafeAccessNow.org ------------------------------ if every body like Norml and MPP and Safer and Leap and Allaince could run a spot on TV calling attention to the amount being spent on busting the 7 hundred thousand fellow Americans a year let alone the med value maybe the Reps would gain more supporters for the request of the GAO [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #15 posted by mayan on March 02, 2006 at 18:26:58 PT |
From the first article on the bulletin...Cannabis use, including daily use of the drug, does not impair motivation, according to survey data published in the current issue of the journal Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. Sorry,prohibitionists, you can't use that tired old lie anymore. What a shame that ALL of your so-called arguments have been debunked! What will you justify caging us for next? The fact that you are ignorant and inhumane is the only reason you advocate caging us. You are pitied by those you hate. How sad. THE WAY OUT... Garofalo: '9/11 was an inside job': http://www.total411.info/2006/02/garofolo-911-was-inside-job.html Truth For A Change: MNN TV Explodes the Myths that Make for War: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/3/prweb353509.htm 9/11 GUILT - THE PROOF IS IN YOUR HANDS (DVD): http://wtc7.net/store/videos/proof/index.html Showtime - Look Inside The 9/11 Smoke Plume: http://rense.com/general69/show911.htm [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 18:01:02 PT |
You're welcome. I also am looking forward to seeing Jon Stewart hosting the Oscars. I don't care about who wins at the Oscars but I really like Jon Stewart. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #13 posted by b4daylight on March 02, 2006 at 17:53:58 PT:
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thanks for the 60 minuetes show thingy... I need to go find a TV to use now... I like when people challenage stupidity and ask for better answers. I wish we had more challenge here for other stupid things I must encounter thorughout my daily life. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 17:37:58 PT |
http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #11 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 17:09:30 PT |
I'm not saying anything is wrong with Marc Emery. He just isn't my kind of person. My value structure is way different then his. That doesn't mean anything except to me. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #10 posted by charmed quark on March 02, 2006 at 16:58:48 PT |
While certainly he's a bit over the top, selling seeds is legal (or at least quasi-legal) in Canada. That's how he did it for so long. But, of course, it is illegal in the USA. That's why the DEA is trying to extradite him. As I understand it, his company was very important in providing seeds to medical users in both Canada and the USA. I believe they would give out free seeds if you sent them a doctors rec. Not necessarily a bad thing. -CQ [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #9 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 16:45:05 PT |
House Lawmakers Request GAO Count Tax Dollars Wasted On U.S. Dept. of Justice Medical Marijuana Law Enforcement Activities *** To: National Desk, Legal Reporter Contact: Hilary McQuie, 510-333-8554 or Caren Woodson., 510-388-0546 both of Americans for Safe Access WASHINGTON, March 2 /U.S. Newswire/ -- By the request of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the nation's largest medical marijuana advocacy organization, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D- N.Y.) this week led a group of three other House lawmakers in calling for a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation of how much money the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) spent each year over the past decade to enforce federal medical marijuana laws. Joining Hinchey in the GAO request are Congressmen Ron Paul (R-TX), Sam Farr (D-Calif.), and (D-Mass.). The request may be viewed at: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=3142 "We want to find out what the Department of Justice spends annually to prosecute medical marijuana patients so we can tell the American people exactly how much of their taxes is being wasted and diverted away from critical law enforcement activities, including homeland security activities," Hinchey was quoted saying in a press release from his office. Eleven states have enacted laws permitting the medical use of marijuana under the supervision of a licensed physician. The Supreme Court in Gonzalez v. Raich (2005) held that states could still pass and continue to maintain their own medical marijuana laws. However, the Majority held that the DEA under the DOJ could still enforce the Controlled Substances Act in these 11 states, but questioned the wisdom of doing so. Since this decision, the DEA has continued to arrest and prosecute medical marijuana patient caregivers and cultivators. In recent years, more than 20 large-scale raids of cannabis buyers' clubs have occurred in California, and a handful of raids have taken place in other states. "An investigation to illustrate how much money the federal government is spending to harass and prosecute sick people is long overdue. We sincerely appreciate Congressman Hinchey's steadfast leadership on behalf of medical marijuana patients," said Caren Woodson, ASA's Campaign Director. Hinchey has led the bipartisan effort in Congress to stop the DOJ from prosecuting patients who use medical marijuana in compliance with state law through an amendment in a yearly Appropriations bill, which he is expected to reintroduce this Spring. --- A national coalition of 25,000 patients, doctors and advocates, Americans for Safe Access is the largest organization working solely on medical marijuana. To learn more, see http://www.SafeAccessNow.org Copyright: 2006 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=61795 [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #8 posted by Hope on March 02, 2006 at 16:22:55 PT |
is scary. Especially since he's ill and wasn't overweight to begin with. That's what has frightened me so for him. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #7 posted by Hope on March 02, 2006 at 16:21:30 PT |
I hope so, too, FoM. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #6 posted by Hope on March 02, 2006 at 16:20:20 PT |
I fear for him. I'm scared they may kill him. It seems impossible that anyone could do anything this horrible to a man, any man or woman, but especially someone with severe illness, like Steve, because of plant matter. It's beyond digusting. And in this day and age. When are we going to have an age of enlightenment? When I was a kid...I believed that no american would treat another american like some Russians and some Germans treated their fellow man. If the police in California were real men and women...real humans...they would go in there, enmasse, and rescue that man and take him someplace where his life might be saved. But they won't...because they are cowards and bullies and like it and have no intention of standing up against wrong...apparently. They could do it. Twenty of them could do it, I think. Just stand up for what's right...and don't think they would be resisted or even punished for it. I think they would ultimately be heroes and men and women to be truly respected as good people. His rescuers could take him in a long convoy...of government cars with lights whirling... to the Corral place and guard that no one came and took him out until he was strong again. Yes...my imagination startles me sometimes, too. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #5 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 16:04:33 PT |
I am not a fan of Marc Emerys. That doesn't matter though to me. The fact that he is standing up and facing it square on gains my respect. I hope the interview is kind to him. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #4 posted by Hope on March 02, 2006 at 15:54:39 PT |
"I am blessed by what the DEA has done," he tells Simon. "I would rather see marijuana legalized than me being saved from a U.S. jail. I hope that if I am incarcerated, I can influence tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of young people to take up my cause." That statement has got to sting the DEA agents a bit by taking a smidgen of their joy away as they persecute him. Of course, they'll just get madder and pound him harder...cause that's what they do. Blessed! Blessed? That's not what the DEA wants to do to anyone. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #3 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 15:42:59 PT |
The Prince Of Pot *** By Cathy Olian March 2, 2006
(CBS) A Canadian who calls himself the "Prince of Pot" could wind up in a U.S. jail for life for selling marijuana seeds, but says he would be "blessed" because such a plight could help legalize the drug. 60 Minutes correspondent Bob Simon talks to Marc Emery, who had a mail-order pot seed business that Canada ignored and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency wants to prosecute him for, this Sunday, March 5 at 7 p.m. ET/PT. The last place he wants to be is in jail, but Emery says if the Canadian courts allow the U.S. government to extradite him and a U.S. jury puts him away, he still sees a silver lining. "I am blessed by what the DEA has done," he tells Simon. "I would rather see marijuana legalized than me being saved from a U.S. jail. I hope that if I am incarcerated, I can influence tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands of young people to take up my cause." The 48-year-old Vancouver, B.C., resident is a fervent activist for the legalization of marijuana and a hero to the movement. He has made several million dollars and claims to have sold more seeds than anyone in the world on his Web site and through a magazine he publishes, "Cannabis Culture." Selling the seeds is an illegal activity in Canada, but enforcement is rare and punishment light. The drug is legal for medicinal purposes and, overall, Canada has a very laidback attitude toward marijuana. But Emery estimates that the majority of customers he’s sold to over the past decade are Americans. Furthermore, British Columbia is a region that produces very pungent pot known as "BC bud" that is smuggled into the United States, where it's well known. Emery takes pride in the image. "(British Columbia growers) have had a wonderful marketing man in charge of that campaign — yours truly," boasts Emery. U.S. officials in Washington also have taken notice, however. "We have a huge regional, national and international issue here in the growing of marijuana in lower British Columbia," says John McKay, the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington. "(Emery’s) activities are kind of a leading edge of that marijuana problem." McKay says the fact that Canadian officials don't regard him as a threat has no bearing in the United States, where marijuana seeds are just as illegal as the plant. "He's dealing drugs into the United States and violating laws of the United States and we expect to extradite and try him in the United States," vows McKay. Asked what he thinks of U.S. officials' stance that Emery is a major drug dealer, Canadian Senator Larry Campbell, a former drug officer, says: "If they consider that, then they have bigger problems than I can even imagine. There's simply no way he's a major anything." There would also be a backlash from Canadians if the U.S. can extradite someone like Emery. "I think there would be outrage," Campbell says. For McKay, the law is the law. "We have full respect for the laws of Canada … and they respect our laws and he's violated our laws. You know he calls himself the prince of pot but he may become the prince of federal prison," says McKay. If he goes to prison, Emery wants to be known more as leader rather than a martyr. "The language I like to use is one of a person, a leader, who’s confident and prepared to accept the punishment that noble purpose will bring about," Emery tells Simon. Copyright: MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/03/02/60minutes/main1363340.shtml [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #2 posted by FoM on March 02, 2006 at 14:47:21 PT |
Thank you for sharing. Steve and Jerry and others we know and many we don't know shouldn't be treated this way. [ Post Comment ] |
Comment #1 posted by Toker00 on March 02, 2006 at 14:42:00 PT |
I was honored today with a reponse and a thank you from Steve Kubby. Hand written, and I am so honored. This man is in a position where he can do nothing but pass his time and hope he doesn't get sicker. Steve said he did not feel well on the day he wrote me, but wanted to thank me for my contribution. It was a small contribution, but his thank you is so big. I'm sure the rest of you who sent him letters will hear, or have heard from him, too. What a guy. Our friends in the belly of the beast need our correspondence. Has any more been done to see about establishing a site to contribute to our fallen brothers and sisters commissary accounts? The money is important as well as the letters. If it hurts to give, then don't. But if you can give without too much pain, even 10 bucks, it would help. Like an "Adopt a Canna-prisoner" campaign. God bless all these people who suffer because of unjust laws. Let's work even harder to change the laws. Kubby signed off: Let Freedom Grow. Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! [ Post Comment ] |
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