cannabisnews.com: White House Expert: Pot is Dangerous 





White House Expert: Pot is Dangerous 
Posted by CN Staff on March 24, 2005 at 09:24:12 PT
By Andrew Petty, The Juneau Empire
Source: Juneau Empire
Alaska -- A White House official on Wednesday testified to marijuana's dangers during the second hearing of a bill that aims to criminalize Alaskans' possession of more than an ounce of the drug.Researcher David Murray of the White House's Office on National Drug Control Policy told a Senate committee that marijuana users develop serious cases of psychosis and other problems from inhaling doses of carcinogenic chemicals.
"This is a dirty, dirty drug," Murray said. He testified via phone at the request of Assistant Attorney General Dean Guaneli, who is spearheading the governor's bill.Guaneli said the point of the expert testimonies heard Wednesday and earlier this week was to get evidence on the record and overturn a 2003 Court of Appeals decision that ruled Alaskans can have up to 4 ounces of pot and be protected under a right to privacy law.If the bill is signed into law, there will be a motion to dismiss the 2003 Court of Appeals case. Then the court must decide to keep the existing law or to enforce the one now being written by the Legislature."The Legislature is where the debate belongs," said Guaneli.Those possessing more than 4 ounces would be charged with a Class C felony and those with an ounce would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, according to the bill.John Fielder, a clinical psychologist at St. Mary's Medical Hospital in San Francisco, made a presentation by phone. In his years of experience, the doctor said he has treated many patients he says were addicted to marijuana.Heath and Social Services Committee Chairman Fred Dyson, R-Eagle River, asked if there was any connection to violence, or whether pot was just a "chill-out" drug.Fielder said smoking marijuana leads to violent behavior down the road. "If I smoke marijuana, I may not be led to rob a store. But I can lose my job and then be motivated to steal," he said.When citizens were allowed to speak, many were curious why the experts spoke mostly of marijuana's harmful effects on teenagers and not adults."I can't think of a more laudable goal than to keep my children away from smoking pot," said Anchorage father John Fairleigh. "But all this bill wants to do is persecute adult users."Of the nine Alaskans who phoned in by Legislative Information Offices around the state, all were opposed to the bill, including a retired physician who worked in a Kodiak alcohol treatment center."I've known individuals who smoked marijuana and did not go on to harder drugs," he said.A handful of Republicans called to inform their legislators that Democrats and Greens are not the only ones who oppose the bill and want to legalize the drug.In November, a voter initiative attempted to legalize and possibly tax marijuana, but the measure failed at 44 percent, or 134,647 votes."Somewhere in that number are thousands of Republicans who do not want this bill to pass," said Fairleigh, also a Republican."I'm looking forward to going home and telling people why I support this bill," replied Sen. Fred Wilkens, R-Fairbanks.On April 1, the Senate committee will have a final public commit period before it moves to two more committees. The Alaska Civil Liberties Union is expected to make a presentation, among other opponents of the bill. Note: Bill would criminalize possession of more than an ounce of drug.Source: Juneau Empire (AK)Author: Andrew Petty, The Juneau Empire Published: March 24, 2005 Copyright: 2005 Southeastern Newspaper CorpWebsite: http://www.juneauempire.com/Contact: letterstotheeditor juneauempire.comRelated Articles & Web Site:Regulate Marijuana in Alaskahttp://regulatemarijuanainalaska.org/Hearing On Outlawing MJ Stirs Strong Feelingshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20399.shtmlPot Issue Brought To Senate by State http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20391.shtmlTwo Groups Speak Out Against Marijuana Billhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20388.shtmlGovernor Moves To Change Pot Lawhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20151.shtml 
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #27 posted by afterburner on March 25, 2005 at 09:33:50 PT
Speaking of Which...
"All I wish for is people like Drug Free America to leaves us alone to decide what is best for us as individuals. Stop playing God with our lives."Herbal Holocaust 2005 
by Reverend Damuzi (23 Mar, 2005) New World Order leads charge to ban vitamins like pot
http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/4236.htmlExcerpt:{In Canada, when health activists began challenging Codex in the mid-90's, they lobbied the government to classify vitamins and herbs as "foods, not drugs". But their calls went unheard. Today, activists support Bill C-420, which would amend the Food and Drugs Act to specifically exclude vitamins and herbs from drug style regulation. Yet even if Bill C-420 passes, the WTO could tell Canada to apply Codex standards or face, potentially, billions of dollars in penalties. The same goes for any WTO country that might attempt to bypass Codex.}
 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #26 posted by FoM on March 25, 2005 at 09:12:38 PT
afterburner
What is happening with the Schiavo case is bringing up so much that pertains to our issue. It is amazing to see the religious right get so bent out of shape. For people who love God so much they sure try to keep people from being with Him. All I wish for is people like Drug Free America to leaves us alone to decide what is best for us as individuals. Stop playing God with our lives.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #25 posted by afterburner on March 25, 2005 at 09:07:56 PT
BTW, Notice How the ONDCP Is Playing Tag Team
Maybe they are feeling the heat of the anti-prohibitionist movement.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #24 posted by FoM on March 25, 2005 at 08:11:00 PT
potpal
I agree with you! How do they know when the Raich decision is coming down and we don't? 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #23 posted by potpal on March 25, 2005 at 07:52:02 PT
'dems fighting words...
Drug Free America Foundation is the leading opponent of what we call medical-fraud marijuana.Ignorance on parade.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #22 posted by FoM on March 25, 2005 at 07:22:58 PT
Press Release from Drug Free America Foundation
Drug Free America Foundation Available for Comment When Supreme Court 'Medical' Marijuana Decision is AnnouncedMarch 25, 2005To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor Contact: Lana Beck of Drug Free America Foundation, 727-828-0211 or 727-403-7571 (cell); Web: http://www.dfaf.orgNews Advisory:The Supreme Court decision in the so-called medical marijuana case (Raich v. Ashcroft) is expected on Tuesday or Wednesday of next week.Drug Free America Foundation's Executive Director, Calvina Fay, will be available for comment when the decision is announced. Drug Free America Foundation also has other drug policy experts (physicians, lawyers and parents) available for interviews. They include:David Evans, Esq. -- Special Advisor, Drug Free America FoundationRobert DuPont, -- Former Director of National Institute on Drug AbuseEric Voth, M.D. -- Chairman of the Institute on Global Drug PolicyBob Peterson -- Former Michigan State Drug Czar and Vice President, PRIDE Youth ProgramsJoyce Nalepka -- President of Drug Free Kids: America's ChallengeTo arrange an interview with Fay or any of our other experts, contact Lana Beck, Director of Communications for Drug Free America Foundation, at (727) 828-0211 or (727) 403-7571.Drug Free America Foundation is the leading opponent of what we call medical-fraud marijuana.With over 20 years experience in the drug policy field, Fay maintains: "There is no valid medical use for raw (smoked) marijuana. Proponents cynically exploit the terminally ill to perpetrate a hoax. Their goal is back-door legalization of a dangerous, addictive substance."Founded in 1995, Drug Free America Foundation is dedicated to fighting drug use, drug addiction and drug trafficking and to promoting effective drug policies, education and prevention. It is equally committed to exposing the distortions and misrepresentations of legalizers and their deceptive tactics, including medical fraud marijuana. More information is available on our website: http://www.dfaf.org 2005 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/http://releases.usnewswire.com/GetRelease.asp?id=44860
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #21 posted by FoM on March 24, 2005 at 21:05:47 PT
Hope and Everyone
I archived the article for referencing if anyone would like to make a comment.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread20407.shtml
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #20 posted by Hope on March 24, 2005 at 20:58:18 PT
Study Analysis
Cannabis: Too much, too young?http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18524921.300Excerpt: There are other reasons to doubt the reality of a link. If it were genuine, schizophrenia should be becoming more common as teenage cannabis consumption goes up. But it isn't. In 2003 researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney found that, despite a steep rise in cannabis use among Australian teenagers over the past 30 years, there had been no rise in the prevalence of schizophrenia.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #19 posted by FoM on March 24, 2005 at 19:11:08 PT
b4daylight
You're welcome. I thought it was very good too after our side had a chance to speak the truth.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by b4daylight on March 24, 2005 at 18:53:58 PT
good ending
some interesting points they were late at startingthey forget things and had to re ask thingsIt sounds like they hid the public hearing one lady pointed out she could find no information on when it started.The Prohibitionist talk about kids when it was about adultsThey scolded the public defender for her testimony.The last part was the best...you notice no one of the panel asked any questions to the 
people who called in or vocie anti sediment?they seemed to remember everything those people said.Second I thought they all brought great points to the floor. 
this should make a cause for every one in America...I also think this is why there is no debate on pot because the prohibitioist would be overwhelmed with facts and truths. And could not defend themselves. You notice how the people from the last part were quoting books and sources.. Yet prohibitionist were just throwing stats around that benifited them... Very interesting last part you can just skipped to about 60 min. or so to the public defender...thanks 
Comment #4 posted by FoM on March 24, 2005 at 09:51:27 PT
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by John Tyler on March 24, 2005 at 18:44:42 PT
reefer madness legislation 
It didn’t say in the article but did anyone speak against this intrusion of personal freedom, not to mention the cost to the tax payers, like the ACLU, NORML, the MPP, or anybody with some sense. These prohibitionist want to crate a whole class of criminal where none existed before just to satisfy some weird ideology of control and hate of freedom lovers. Their best argument is that cannabis is a dirty drug and might make you crazy is only conjecture. Was any proof presented? This is reefer madness legislation for sure. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by Toker00 on March 24, 2005 at 18:22:09 PT
An expert with no practical experience. Huummm...
A handful of Republicans called to inform their legislators that Democrats and Greens are not the only ones who oppose the bill and want to legalize the drug."I can't think of a more laudable goal than to keep my children away from smoking pot," said Anchorage father John Fairleigh. "But all this bill wants to do is persecute adult users."Of the nine Alaskans who phoned in by Legislative Information Offices around the state, all were opposed to the bill, including a retired physician who worked in a Kodiak alcohol treatment center.(Who probably has evidence of the alternative to hard drugs theory)I can personally vouch for the ability of Cannabis to help Alcoholics."I've known individuals who smoked marijuana and did not go on to harder drugs," he said."Somewhere in that number are thousands of Republicans who do not want this bill to pass," said Fairleigh, also a Republican.Can we please hear from this section a little LOUDER please? Am I mistaken in feeling these guys are the true EXPERTS? I've been offline a while (two years) and am playing catch up, but these statements strike me as being very powerful if repeated over and over again LOUDLY and with a lot more FEELING! I don't know how much comfort that brings to you painwithoutinsurance, but your post bares so much wisdom and pain I fight back a tear. You're right to use the Nazi and Hitler COMPARRISON. It's so parrallel.Peace. Legalize, then Revolutionize.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by mayan on March 24, 2005 at 16:24:10 PT
Petro & Pharm
It's obvious that these guys aren't interested in facts. We know who bakes their bread!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by unkat27 on March 24, 2005 at 12:55:37 PT
Another Liar for the War-Profiteers
Millions of people all over the world use cannabis without adverse effects and testify to its positive effects, yet one or two greedy war-profiteering big-wigs working in an office that is financed by tax-payer money devoted to the 'war on drugs', who also have never personally used cannabis, make claims that it is dangerous and should be further criminalized. Yeah, right. Alcohol and tobacco kill thousands annually, cannabis kills nobody, and it is demonized as a danger. Sometimes I get so sick of these war-party mouth-pieces in the government I want to kick them in the teeth and put them on an IV in a mental ward for deranged lunatics.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by Prime on March 24, 2005 at 12:33:15 PT
Hope...
I used to work doing avalanche control for a large ski area in Lake Tahoe.There are alot of people in the world claim to be 'avalanche control' experts.The joke on the hill whenever we were doing avalanche control was that there alot of 'dead experts' in the world.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by fearfull on March 24, 2005 at 12:12:45 PT
White House Expert:
Isn't "White House Expert" some sort of oxymoron? You know, like "Military Intelligence"
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by Hope on March 24, 2005 at 11:54:37 PT
I'm as angry as I sounded.
But I'm not as mean as I might have sounded. I did pray for the man and that God might have mercy on him and let him be enlightened and given an opportunity to change his ignorant and haughty ways. It's easy to imagine his snake like qualities. Lying there still and quiet, pretending to be part of the serene appearing background, but ultimatley, he couldn't even pretend to listen to the people that spoke against the bill and had to strike out with fangs dripping venom. He was so eaten up with some sort of prejudice and hatred and ignorance that he was actually proud and boasting, venomously, of the fact that he intended to use no wisdom whatsoever in his consideration of the bill. Wisdom would have required that he give at least some attention and unbiased consideration to the pleas of his constituients who were against the bill. He exposed himself as being a man bereft of any sense of reason.His mouth was clearly "like an open grave". And yes I'm praying that my anger be directed away from him personally and focused on the injustice that people, like he is, have allowed to spread through our nation.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by Hope on March 24, 2005 at 11:20:19 PT
Fred Wilkens
Taylor,I can only hope that after the snake slithers home that he gets his head ground under the heel of his next liberty loving opponent.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by Hope on March 24, 2005 at 11:13:49 PT
painwithnoinsurance
Don't let them get you down!Don't even allow yourself to think such a thing as your last sentence in comment 7.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by Taylor121 on March 24, 2005 at 11:07:30 PT
Mean spirited trash
"I'm looking forward to going home and telling people why I support this bill," replied Sen. Fred Wilkens, R-Fairbanks.It is statements like this when I was listening to it that made me want to really stand up and do something. This man listens to some extremely rational testimony and says he is "disappointed". Then he blantantly says how biased HE is by this statement. He doesn't even care what the opposition to the bill has to say. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by painwithnoinsurance on March 24, 2005 at 10:37:20 PT
So what's the answer?
 So should Alaska adopt the same policy as many other states in america such as seizing these "dirty, dirty" people's property and selling it, then putting them in slave labor prisons just because they where caught with a joint or bag. This is no different from what the Nazis' did. They arrested the jews, gays, political prisoners, Jehova witnesses and sold everything they ever owned. The Nazis then worked these people to death in slave labor concentration camps which is the same thing america is doing to drug users today. The only difference is the Nazis killed their slaves after working them to death. Drugs are not a crime, drugs are a disease and should be treated as such. The federal government doesn't have an answer to the drug problem so they just do what is simple--they try to make their pure race of people just like Hitler did by destroying their lives, stealing their homes, everything they owned, and imprisioning them. I beleive one day judgement will be served to all who do wrong.The drug seizer laws in this country were the most unamerican and one of the worst crimes against humanity ever enacted in America. The american government talks about human rights throughout the world, but are unqualified to be respectable in the subject. 45 million Americans without health insurance and nowhere to turn while this government sits and watches them suffer. Forbidden healthcare and forbidden to medicate ones self with marijuana--what are these people to do but die. Healthcare is getting to be only for the very rich in this country. Anyone working for the federal government has health insurance though. This great country has never been so divided between us and them. I guess they are the true human beings.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by Hope on March 24, 2005 at 10:19:10 PT
experts
When I was in highschool back in the sixties, one of our teachers...one of the best ones...taught us to be always alert to the deceptions of so called "experts". He ended his alert with a statement to always keep in mind and I've never forgotten it."Break down the word expert to see what one who claims to be an expert, or is often alluded to as an expert on some matter, really is. An "ex" is a has been and a "spert" is just a big drip. Don't ever forget that." I haven't and thank you, sir, so much.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by afterburner on March 24, 2005 at 09:59:24 PT
Speaking of 'dirty, dirty drug'
In Canada we hear lots about the dangers of second-hand smoke. What about second-hand drink? Alcoholic rehabilitation facilities and domestic violence law enforcment officers are aware of the effects caused by alcohol abusers to their family members. Where is the public outrage? Why is alcohol advertised in such misleading ways as a sexy social lubricant?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by FoM on March 24, 2005 at 09:51:27 PT
Audio of Hearing in Alaska
http://www.ktoo.org/gavel/archive.cfm?audio=7619&request=
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by drfistusa on March 24, 2005 at 09:49:25 PT
it's not the drug
it's the "dirty dirty people" who use it, as opposed to the people who use the clean clean" drugs alcohol and tobacco
Western Buddhism = Scythien Buddhism
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on March 24, 2005 at 09:36:08 PT
Dirty
The only thing better than a dirty drug is a dirty girl!Sorry, have to laugh at this, otherwise it's simply too outrageous. It looks like the ONDCP reached down even lower this time, they must think Alaska is a bunch of ignorant hicks who will respond to pure scorn and name-calling and 0% logic.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by FoM on March 24, 2005 at 09:35:42 PT
Dirty Dirty Drug
This is so unbelievable to me. Prescription drugs can cause great harm but Cannabis hasn't ever killed anyone.
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment