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  NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - October 5, 2006
Posted by CN Staff on October 05, 2006 at 13:32:41 PT
Weekly Press Release  
Source: NORML  

NORML California: Medical Pot Patients May Receive Financial Reimbursement

October 5, 2006 - Sacramento, CA, USA

Sacramento, CA: The purchase of medicinal cannabis by state-authorized patients is a "bona fide" medical expense and may be covered in part by California's Medical Assistance program (Medi-Cal), according to a decision released last week by the director of the California Department of Health Services (DHS).

The plaintiff in the case, who uses medical cannabis under her physician's supervision to alleviate symptoms of lupus and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), sought financial reimbursement from the state's medical assistance program for several thousand dollars of expenses she incurred in 2003 and 2004 from the purchase of medicinal marijuana.

Writing on behalf of the DHS, director Sandra Shewry determined that the expenses incurred by the plaintiff should be reimbursed by the agency. "State law recognizes the medical use of marijuana," she wrote. "When used consistent with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and [the] Medical Marijuana Program Act, DHS considers medical marijuana [to be] a bona fide medical expense."

The Office of Legal Affairs of the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) offered legal assistance in the case.

For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500 or visit:
http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/092906mmj.cfm

DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7067


North Carolina To Study Economic Impact Of Hemp Cultivation

October 5, 2006 - Raleigh, NC, USA

Raleigh, NC: State officials will assess the economic and environmental feasibility of industrial hemp production, following the approval of legislation authorizing an independent commission to study the domestic production of the agricultural crop.

As enacted by the legislature, "The Beneficial Uses of Industrial Hemp Act," creates a commission to study the "economic opportunities industrial hemp provides to the state and to consider the desirability and feasibility of authorizing industrial hemp cultivation and production as a farm product in North Carolina."

The commission is anticipated to report its findings and recommendations to the 2007 General Assembly and the Environmental Review Commission by December 1, 2006.

Previous state-sponsored hemp studies commissioned in North Dakota, Kentucky, and elsewhere have estimated that hemp cultivation could yield farmers revenues from $320 to $600 per acre.

Earlier this week, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) vetoed legislation that sought to establish regulations governing commercial hemp cultivation by state-authorized farmers, stating that federal law makes no legal distinction between hemp grown for industrial purposes and cannabis.

According to a 2005 Congressional Research Service report, "The United States is the only developed nation in which industrial hemp is not an established crop."

For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, or Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500.

DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7068


Cannabis Spray Reduces Pain, Spasticity, And Incontinence, Trial Data Says

October 5, 2006 - London, United Kingdom

London, United Kingdom: Clinical trial data presented at the 22nd Congress of the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) and at the 10th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) demonstrates that the administration of cannabis extracts can reduce feelings of neuropathic pain, as well as spasticity and incontinence in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other diseases.

Investigators at the EFNS conference reported that subjects who continue their use of cannabis extracts long-term maintain reductions in pain, spasticity, and bladder dysfunction, as well as improvements in sleep quality for periods of up to 100 weeks. Researchers evaluated the long-term use of Sativex, an oral spray consisting of natural cannabis extracts, compared to placebo in 507 patients who elected to continue using the drug in an extended, open label clinical trial. Subjects who participated in the follow-up trial did not report developing tolerance to Sativex, and most characterized the drug's side effects as being mild or moderate in severity.

Separate trial data presented this week at ECTRIMS also reported that Sativex administration significantly reduces MS-associated spasticity and has a positive impact on MS-associated incontinence and nocturia.

Clinical trial data published earlier this year in The International Urogynecology Journal reported that both cannabis extracts and oral doses of THC reduced episodes of bladder incontinence in subjects by 38 percent and 33 percent respectively.

Sativex is currently available by prescription in Canada and on a limited basis in Spain and the United Kingdom for patients suffering from MS-associated neuropathy and other symptoms. European and UK regulators are currently reviewing a request to allow for the broader prescription use of the drug in Great Britain, Denmark, Spain, and the Netherlands.

For more information, please visit: http://www.gwpharm.com/ Additional information on cannabinoids and incontinence is available in NORML's new report, "Emerging Clinical Applications for Cannabis and Cannabinoids," available online at: http://norml.org//index.cfm?Group_ID=7002

DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7066

Source: NORML Foundation (DC)
Published: October 5, 2006
Copyright: 2006 NORML
Contact: norml@norml.org
Website: http://www.norml.org/

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Comment #11 posted by Toker00 on October 07, 2006 at 04:44:48 PT
Great, Dankhank.
With all these recent, great, DVDs out there, I figured you would be wanting to burn so others can learn. I really enjoy the artwork you create for your DVD covers.

Thanks.

Toke.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #10 posted by Dankhank on October 06, 2006 at 12:03:11 PT
Girlie-Man ... I got it ...
ahnold deserves the appellation.

I believe he has used it on some political rivals since being elected to the governership.

A possible definition:

Man lacking sufficient levels of testosterone, or girth of gonads, causing a hesitancy to stick his head out of the pack.

-----------------

to Toker00:

have located errant burner at the factory, hope to see replacement in the mail in a week or so.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #9 posted by FoM on October 06, 2006 at 09:59:46 PT
JustGetnBy
I got what you meant.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #8 posted by JustGetnBy on October 06, 2006 at 09:58:36 PT
WHIG
No, I,m not commenting on Arnolds sexuality. Prison overcrowding is not a new problem in Ca. and should have been addresed long ago.What I am saying is that the repugs have timed their response to this crisis to gain the maximum political advantage.

My comment about Arnold/Girlyman was an attempt at humor, which seems to have not been as humorous as I thought.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #7 posted by paulpeterson on October 06, 2006 at 08:05:59 PT
ekim
Thanks for noticing and including me. Sorry, I am stuck behind enemy lines in NW Iowa with no funds to get anywhere. But it was a good thought. I've used Keanu Reeves in a few editorials, no less. The "Neo" character in Matrix is a favorite metaphor of change and cognitive dissonance. And the planet is a-warming, eh?

Right now I am on a major focus and push about Trans Fatty Acids in local media. Recall that I have this meat product with high entheogen or neurotransmitter quality. It makes a really good "test" of trans fatty acid content in the brain. People with just a smidgeon don't feel a thing. Now with NY City talking about banning TFA's people around here are finally getting around to thinking about what they are doing to their blood-brain barrier.

And for all you folks out there in TV land, get the margarine out, ok? It makes people get conservative by itself. Cause cognitive dissonance.

Think Donuts. Cops love em, right? They are so full of garbage that is why cops get so crusty. Think about it. Chief Wiggum wouldn't be so fat and wheezy if he copped some more green, eh? Now I digress, of course.

Paul Peterson, over and out.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #6 posted by whig on October 05, 2006 at 21:48:11 PT
ekim
Tehachapi is nowhere near here.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #5 posted by whig on October 05, 2006 at 21:39:19 PT
JustGetnBy
You saying Arnold Schwarzenegger is really gay?

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #4 posted by ekim on October 05, 2006 at 20:59:28 PT
hope Jack Herer -Paul-Whig-will be at this event
I need to say i am sorry to gov arnold about the hemp bill if Jack Herer asked to have it rejected. If so i did not understand what had happen but if it was to make a more perfect union than i will accept that.

meet David and see this event. David Crockett Williams gear2000@lightspeed.net

Paul Peterson and Whig please go and add to this informational event.

http://www.tehachapinews.com

Tehachapi News

October 4, 2006

Page 1, continued on page A5

First energy expo to offer enlightenment

Global warming is the star of first local movie premiere

by Carin Enovijas, Tehachapi News Reporter

The West Coast theatrical premier of The Great Warming, narrated by Alanis Morrisette and Keanu Reeves, is scheduled to kick off Tehachapi's first Community Energy Expo, on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Tehachapi's Hitching Post Theater.

On Oct. 11, local clergy are invited to join 500 of the largest churches in the country who are being offered the opportunity to view special pre-screenings of the eco-centric film, which opens nationwide on Nov.3.

Filmed in eight countries on four continents, the critically acclaimed film focuses on the scientific as well as the emotional and global effects of climate change that sweeps around the world.

David Williams, of Krystal Planet, has been working to coordinate the upcoming expo in conjunction with the movie's west coast premier, for the past month, promoting Tehachapi as the birthplace of modern windpower.

"If everybody in Tehachapi just made some effort in their daily lives to reduce their own energy bills, even if they all just started using energy-efficient light bulbs, thousands and thousands of pounds of coal wouldn't have to be burned," Williams said, noting the most common source of greenhouse emissions which numerous scientists agree is a major contributor to global warming.

--continued on page A5

EXPO: Sponsor hopes to educate public about latest trends in "clean technology"

Photo courtesy of Stonehaven Productions The Great Warming, narrated by Alanis Morrisette and Keanu Reeves, is scheduled to kick off Tehachapi's first ever Community Energy Expo on Saturday Oct.21 at Tehachapi's Hitching Post Theaters

Photo courtesy of Krystal Planet

Tehachapi is being promoted globally as the birthplace of modern wind power. Wind energy is one alternative source poised at the forefront of Clean-technology, a potential rival for new business and industry not seen in California since the Silicon Valley's rise to high-tech mogul status during the 80s and 90s.

As a corporate sponsor of the movie and Tehachapi's first ever Energy Expo, Krystal Planet will join other local vendors in an effort to educate the general public about the latest trends in "clean-technology," which Governor Schwarzenegger recently predicted will out pace California's high-technology boom of the 80s and 90s for new business growth.

"California has always led the nation and been on the cutting edge," said Gov. Schwarzenegger. "After World War II, California led the nation in aerospace, designing the most advanced planes to defend our nation. Then, it was microprocessors, building the fastest processors to power our high tech industry. Hollywood has always led the world in making great movies. And now, Clean-tech is the next industry our state will be on the forefront of," Schwarzenegger said in a recent press conference.

On September 27, the governor signed AB 32, California's landmark bill that establishes a program of regulatory and market mechanisms to achieve quantifiable reductions of greenhouse gases.

Williams also said that many churches and religious leaders have taken up a campaign to influence the national elections by telling people to contact their local representatives in congress regarding candidates' positions on global warming related issues.

"Alternative energy sources such as solar, and wind will be presented and we hope to wake people up about global warming and show them how to cut energy bills and how to cut down their carbon imprint," Williams said.

Other vendors currently scheduled to represent at the expo include green homes and energy efficient builders, Nelson Homes, the Solar Demo Center, and Home Wind Power, to name a few.

According to Williams, representatives from the Tomo Kahni center have designated local favorite-son, Jon Hammond, to offer a native Kawaiisu blessing to open the expo.

Representatives from Mountain Music will offer a minstrel show, and Mayor Pro-Tem Deborah Hand will perform with her group before the native prayer is offered.

Other entertainment will include Kawaiisu member James McKay and the members of the Indian Creek Band.

"We want to bring the native people together for this, as we highly respect their native wisdom," Williams said in reference to Native Americans' time honored traditions honoring the Earth.

Williams is hopeful that people who never thought about using solar power or other forms of efficient energy technology will be inspired to make a change that will help to make a global difference.

"If they see it can help global warming it might be an extra motivator," Williams said.

He said that Krystal Planet's founder and CEO, Troy Helming, hopes to provide Californians with the technology that will fulfill the company's vision of one million energy efficient homes utilizing clean power, by becoming the "Amazon.com of green energy products."

Williams said that global warming issues, including the rising cost of fossil fuels will continue to have an increasing impact on businesses of all sizes, citing corporate sponsors of The Great Warming, Swiss RE Insurance, the company that took the loss on the World Trade Center, and The Body Shop, as examples of businesses planning for the future by supporting clean energy alternatives.

"Some have challenged whether AB 32 is good for business. I say unquestionably it is good for business. Not only large, well established businesses, but small businesses that will harness their entrepreneurial spirit to help us achieve our climate goals. Using market based incentives, we will reduce carbon emissions to 1990 levels by the year 2020. That's a 25% reduction. And by 2050 we will reduce carbon emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels. We simply must do everything in our power to slow down global warming before it's too late," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

Showtimes and admission prices are available online at www.hitchingposttheaters.com

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #3 posted by JustGetnBy on October 05, 2006 at 18:39:34 PT
Arnold Hit A triple
1... this announcment will create fear in the general public

2... Fear creates Republican support

3... Someone called him a Girlie-Man,So he had to act tough

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #2 posted by global_warming on October 05, 2006 at 17:53:54 PT
re: crowding
..."Crowding is so severe, the governor's emergency decree says, that it has overwhelmed water, sewer and electrical systems at some prisons and fueled hundreds of prison riots, melees and smaller disturbances in the last year. At one maximum security prison, in Folsom, violence is so prevalent all inmates are now fed in their cells."

It is time to end the drug war, it is time to end the war on people who misuse drugs, it is time to focus on getting the best use of our taxed dollars, release non violent drug misusers, and hold the violent and destructive.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #1 posted by whig on October 05, 2006 at 17:11:01 PT
OT: Schwarzenegger declares prison emergency
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-prison5oct05,0,4586437.story

Sends prisoners off to private detention facilities run by Halliburton, perhaps?

Places they can go and learn the value of honest hard work. Good solid conservative values. Arbeit macht frei.

[ Post Comment ]


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