cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - December 28, 2006 NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - December 28, 2006 Posted by CN Staff on December 28, 2006 at 13:49:04 PT Weekly Press Release Source: NORML 2006: The Year In Review -- NORML's Top 10 Events That Shaped Marijuana PolicyDecember 28, 2006 - Washington, DC, USA#1: Cannabis Smoking Not Linked To Lung Cancer, UAT Cancers, Largest Case-Controlled Study Says Smoking cannabis, even long-term, is not positively associated with increased incidence of lung-cancer, according to the findings of the largest population-based case-control study ever conducted. "We did not observe a positive association of marijuana use -- even heavy long-term use -- with lung cancer, controlling for tobacco smoking and other potential cofounders," investigators concluded. Their data further revealed that moderate lifetime users had an inverse association between cannabis use and lung cancer. The five-year trial was sponsored by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH). Full text of the study appeared in the October issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6912#2: Nearly Half Of Americans Say Pot Should Be Regulated Like AlcoholNearly one out of two Americans support amending federal law "to let states legally regulate and tax marijuana the way they do liquor and gambling," according to a national poll of 1,004 likely voters by Zogby International and commissioned by the NORML Foundation in March. Forty-six percent of respondents -- including a majority of those polled on the east (53 percent) and west (55 percent) coasts -- said they supported legalization. Nearly two-thirds of 18-29 year-olds (65 percent) and half of 50-64 year-olds think federal law should be amended to allow states the option to regulate marijuana. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6838#3: Marijuana Arrests For Year 2005 Most EverPolice arrested an estimated 786,545 persons for marijuana violations in 2005, the highest annual total ever recorded in the United States, according to statistics compiled in September by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. An American is now arrested for violating marijuana laws every 40 seconds. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7040#4: Clinical Trial: Vaporization Is A "Safe And Effective" Cannabinoid Delivery SystemVaporization is a "safe and effective" cannabinoid delivery system for patients desiring the rapid onset of action associated with cannabis inhalation, but who are seeking to avoid the respiratory risks of smoking, according to clinical trial data published this spring in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Vaporization delivers the "pulmonal uptake of THC [in a manner] comparable to the smoking of cannabis, while avoiding the respiratory disadvantages of smoking," the study concluded. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6885#5: Cannabinoids Curb Brain Tumor Growth, First-Ever Patient Trial ShowsTHC administration decreases recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tumor growth in humans, according to the findings of the first-ever clinical trial assessing cannabinoids' anti-tumor action. Previous preclinical studies indicate that cannabinoids and endocannabinoids can stave off tumor progression and trigger cell death in other cancer cell lines, including breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, colectoral carcinoma, skin carcinoma, and pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6947#6: Democrat Shift In Congress Bodes Well For Cannabis-Law ReformDemocrats takeover this November of the House and Senate is likely to pay dividends for marijuana-law reformers in '07 and '08. Commenting on the election results, NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said, "It is our hope that with new Democratic leadership we will finally be able to move forward with legislation and hearings on both the physician-approved medical use of marijuana as well as the decriminalization of cannabis for responsible adults." Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7084#7: Court Says State Medi-Pot Policies Not Trumped By Federal LawCalifornia's decade-old medical marijuana law is legal because it does not "require" conduct that violates federal law, a state superior court judge ruled in December. The decision rejected a lawsuit filed by San Diego County supervisors, who had argued that the state's medical cannabis laws should be pre-empted by the federal Controlled Substances Act. The supervisors have announced that they intend to appeal the decision. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7117#8: Congress Scales Back Ban On Student Aid For Drug OffendersCongress approved legislation in 2006 lifting the ban on federal aid to students who have a prior, non-violent drug conviction. Under the amended law, students with past drug convictions will now be eligible to apply for federal financial aid, although those students who are convicted of a nonviolent drug offense while in college will continue to be stripped of their federal aid eligibility. Since 1998, some 200,000 students have been denied financial aid under the law. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6809#9: Court Strikes Down Alaska Pot Recrim LawA 2006 Alaska law seeking to redefine minor marijuana possession as a criminal offense punishable by jail time is unconstitutional, a state superior court judge ruled in July. The ruling struck down sections of the new law criminalizing the possession of one ounce or less of cannabis, but leaves in place measures prohibiting the possession of greater amounts. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6948 #10: New Report Finds Cannabis Can Halt Disease ProgressionRecently published clinical and preclinical research on the therapeutic use of cannabis indicates that cannabinoids may curb the progression of various serious and life-threatening diseases -- particularly autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis -- according to a comprehensive new report published in September by the NORML Foundation. The report summarizes over 140 recently published trials assessing the therapeutic utility of cannabinoids for the treatment of more than a dozen diseases, including diabetes, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, and Tourette's syndrome. Read the full story at: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7002Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: December 28, 2006Copyright: 2006 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/CannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #21 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 18:23:17 PT museman I believe that James Brown will be remembered in the long run by more people that President Ford or Saddam Hussein. I wasn't into Elvis but look how popular he still is and he's been gone a longtime. The Arts are very important to civilization. It always has been and it always will be. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by museman on December 30, 2006 at 18:16:43 PT FoM - Hope I notice that there are 3 distinct aspects of death being 'celebrated' in prime time.It is interesting to note the difference between the viewing of James Brown's body, and that of Ford. Thousands of people, including some political and other celebrity, came to give their respects to James, while the 'big show' attended primarily by the political elite is Ford.And just to add a little contrast, they killed Saddam (like a human sacrifice to their gods) at the same time so that the event wouldn't seem as important.Murder and death. The legacy of presidents, dictators, and other presumers of power in the world. James Brown gave us something. He was a ragged, worn, and scarred man who wore it with dignity. He got us to dance, showed a lot of us how as a matter of fact.James Brown will be missed, and won't be just a footnote in the history books because he once sat on the throne of America.Here's to James Brown,Get Down! [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 17:21:21 PT Hope That's so true about prejudice. I am watching President Ford's funeral and even though I am not into politics I am having strong emotions about what I am seeing. Tradition is a good thing. I love ancient archeology and watch about every program on the Discovery Channel about it. I always felt that so much history is getting destroyed in Iraq and how sad it is to see ancient artifacts maybe lost forever. We are a young country. I have seen the traditions today that are important. It's still our country. All the bad and all the good it's our country. We need to mend. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by Hope on December 30, 2006 at 17:01:33 PT Prejudice goes both ways. However you want to say it. I know what you mean.There is no justice...there is just the dollar and the money greased hand. It takes different forms in different nations...but it's everywhere. There is no justice anywhere. Is there? This country is supposed to be better for all it's citizens than that.Justice? Freedom from government oppression? It's no exaggeration. The War on Some Drugs and Cannabis amounts to government oppression...to the point of death...way too often. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Hope on December 30, 2006 at 16:54:35 PT It most assuredly is. You are right. "The law is prejudiced towards the rich, because if I and my family were rich, we could just fork over the rich mans chump change, and get on with our lives." [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by museman on December 30, 2006 at 16:33:08 PT I meant.... The law is prejudiced towards the poor, in favor of the rich. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by museman on December 30, 2006 at 16:30:48 PT Hope If it were not for the fact that another of my sons was a juvenile a few years ago, and I was able to represent him in 'family court', that number would have been 3.You know there is a saying;"Just because you are paranoid doesn't mean there is nothing to be paranoid about."Sometimes the 'conspiracy' I see and sense seems rather close to home.I have protected my family from the fed for years. They have on record I am sure the few times that they tried their 'child welfare laws' and the CSD etc. As I said the truth does set you free. But it doesn't stop the persectution, and the total inequality in a supposedly 'equal' land. Now that I can no longer step between their illegitimate power and my children- because they must abide by the rules and limitations of this idiotic system, even as they attempt to present the whole truth of the issue, the law, and the situation, and they are on their own.Their only options are "public defender" which probably won't be assigned because of the 'decriminalized' stature of the law, or self defense. They certainly cannot afford to hire a lawyer, The law is prejudiced towards the rich, because if I and my family were rich, we could just fork over the rich mans chump change, and get on with our lives.I will be able to advise perhaps, but ultimately this challenge is to their life and times, and they must stand on their own feet. I would like to slay the dragon though, I have gotten satisfaction in my own stand, and established my parameters of sovereignty. Should they breach those lines I will quote the arrogance of American Prime; "Bring 'em on!" [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 15:30:36 PT museman I really understand what you say. I mean that. I try very hard to stay real calm for everyone's sake. It takes a lot to set me off but when I am set off I don't come back to earth for awhile! LOL! Concepts and ideas are what make us look a little harder or feel a little deeper or question why a little longer. It's all good. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by museman on December 30, 2006 at 15:23:38 PT FoM Yes, you are right. I am a 'humbug.' Thank you for adding your clarification to some of the finer points I sometimes neglect in my general attempts to get a point across. Actually people who are really of service (and I must point out that most of the ones you mentioned, may be 'making a living' but more are 'volunteers' than not.) should be able to 'make a living', but aren't. I have had to use the services of veteran volunteers a number of times, and I often marvel at what motivates them. I admire them a whole lot more than the Gerald Fords of the world.Neil. Neil is not your grandfathers aging rock star. Neil is one in a million. Neil is a grand exception to an otherwise untenable situation. Neil has impressed me with his sincerity, and his art - especially this past year. As an artist myself-a very critical one at that- saying "I am immpressed" is something many musician friends would love to hear, because they know what it takes to impress me.The general 'rule' of my contention; that the power wealth, the values, attitudes, -forced upon the rest of the world is the root cause of almost if not all of the corruption and misery in the world, still stands. ...now, it's not like this particular class of people has any habit of leaving well enough alone or anything, quite the contrary, it seems to be part of their heritage to f with people as much as they can. When they leave me and mine alone, then I would have to reciprocate. In other words I'm not just venting about hypothetical possibilities, but real actual, experience which has demonstrated these general facts about which I rant. When I use a metaphor like the camel thing to help illustrate my understanding, it is in the hope that some similar understanding of the term wil aid in my communication.You know, I'd really like to concentrate on solution-oriented concepts these days, but the flow of the general conversations is still just coming to grips with the fact that we have these problems. I can see no point in continuing to build on a crumbling foundation, which is the system of values so corrupt in this country and the world, so a lot of the positive solution I see cannot even be realisticly discussed until that which has failed has been relagated to the can where all failures go, and we are starting somewhat afresh. Meanwhile I am viewed in a negative light. I try not to 'preach' as I don't want to be preached at. I am more than willing to agree, and not deliberately looking for contention or contest. Certain concepts leap out at me where others seem to be doing just fine without my input.In some ways my perpective comes across as extreme sometimes, and I am aware of it. But I view this forum as a world 'public place' and feel that a lot of what I say is aimed at the larger public, and I feel that the larger public needs some cold water in the face sometimes, you know what I mean? To wake them up maybe?I appreciate the opportunity for sure, and the company of so many wise and intelligent people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Hope on December 30, 2006 at 14:56:03 PT Scorned. "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned."Shakespeare was right about the fury of the scorned...woman or not.They do heap scorn on the cannabis user. Much scorn. I hate that. It's not right.I am furious, Museman, that one of your sons, actually, two of them have been hurt by the cannabis laws and it's enforcers. I'm furious and hurt. My fury and hurt cannot compare to yours. It's worse, far worse, when it's our children that suffer scorn. It's worse to have it done to our children than to ourselves.The children, my children, their children, your children, all children...all people, is why I want to end this horrible "War". That they not be hurt and touched by it the way so many have. It's got to stop. Some sort of hatred thing could be on the verge of rupturing wide open if the Prohibitionists don't back off...big time and soon. I don't know what it is. It's something born of fury, injustice, pain, and growing hatred. It's an undercurrent. It's there. I can sense it and I sense it growing. Too many people have been pounded. Too much hurt and too much self righteousness and condemnation has been going on in the name of drug and plant prohibition for way too long. People everywhere feel the weight of the prison issue and what is happening there and what we have become as a nation...a prison nation. This modern Inquisition keeps creeping on. Mankind is afflicted with sorrows and curses of all sorts...but this so called Drug War...this Prohibition and all it has spawned can be stopped.The "Emperor" is not only naked...he's raping people. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 14:18:09 PT museman You are a good and nice person but I can tell you're in a bah humbug mood and that is understandable. I don't think you are correcting me but showing how you see it. People need money to live so paid jobs can be service jobs too. Like nursing or being a hospice nurse which is very hard but they are paid. People who are looking out for our earth and it's well being would be in that category for me. People who drive disabled Veterans to the hospital because they need the help are gems. Whom much is given much is required so what that means to me if a person gets lots of money they need to share their wealth and statis with others in a thoughtful and wise way. Neil is rich but he gives so much of himself away that I am happy for his wealth. I think of all the children that wouldn't have benefited by Neil and Pegi's having handicapped children if that had not become their lot in life. The Bridge School wouldn't even exist. It isn't how much money a person has but what they do with it that matters. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by museman on December 30, 2006 at 13:32:06 PT FoM "A good profession is a profession where a person helps other people."I agree, however I am reluctant to believe that though there are actions, activities, deeds, and works that involve 'helping other people', I submit that a 'profession' is about making money, and little else.A good friend of mine who died very young recently, told me a long time ago (in reference to 'professionalism' in music) that the only criteria for being a valid 'professional' was that you were in a 'working band,' or you were a working solo artist. It has nothing to do with knowledge, skill, talent, or academic scholarship."Professionalism" is directly connected to the values of wealth and propriety.Good and generous people exist all around us. They act from the moment, and from the heart, not from some socially accepted job description. How can one recieve a 'salary' for just being a good person? If that were possible there would be a lot less rich people in the world and a lot more equality in the distribution of wealth.Good people have been serving the positive aspects of life and Spirit, without any notice from the mainstream whatsoever, since the beginnings. Most of those we hear about are historical stories about the favored children of the staus quo, the presidents, kings, conquerors, and the rich men. A poor man might give so much of their resources to help a fellow man that they find themselves in need. A rich man makes a show of tithing, so that is what the world sees in media. Any notice given to the common man for his deeds, comes only if those deeds are properly aligned with the staus quo.FoM, I am not 'correcting you', I would not presume to do that, I am merely going off on a sublect. I believe in these things quite strongly, as is probably evident. I believe that the root causes of the mentality that would support the various forms of oppression, repression, and criminal (a crime by the true definition) actions present in such immoral and unethical laws and enforcement of said laws like marijuana prohibition, are the same root causes of most of the misery in the world. I believe that we have to collectively dig down to the root source of human belief systems. As long as a significant number of people still believe that the 'world is flat' the expanded awareness that the world is 'round' will not move forward, and we will be collectively stuck in ignorance until the ignorance is removed.'Professional' politicians are a great example. We have a cadre of powerful, wealthy people, generally above the very laws that they make, who feel that they are special above the rest, and that they are more deserving of it by virtue of their 'professionalism' (or inheritance) which is defined more by their wealth, than how they got the wealth. Professional this ,and professional that. A profession no longer means that the practitioner is experienced, skilled, or anything, just that there is a piece of paper on the wall, that by virtue of it's association with 'other professionals' lays claims to the concept.I see that Edwards is planning on running. Boy doesn't he look good? Every hair in place, a just right sounding bible-belt southern/midwestern accent, and an association with the last democratic failure - Kerry.So when the vote comes up, once again our choices are going to be who is the less evil, why should a person with conscience even bother to vote?Professionals - bah! More like pretenders and posers. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 10:48:06 PT Had Enough I don't believe anyone who is involved or is trying to be involved in politics. It just isn't a good profession in my eyes. A good profession is a profession where a person helps other people. That's how I see it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 10:44:49 PT Hope I didn't vote for Clinton or anyone during that time in my life. I don't remember Clinton saying anything about marijuana, but I might not have been paying any attention, except as he was leaving office and he said marijuana should be decriminalized. He is a good speaker but that is all I think of him. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Hope on December 30, 2006 at 10:35:01 PT "A note about Clinton" I thought he would help. I thought he was more decent than he was. I thought Hilary, and Gore would help. I thought Clinton would help...and he didn't. He made it worse. I'll likely always be sad about that and feel greatly betrayed.He betrayed a lot of people, including me.And yes...he verbally promised some people, some dear people, medical mj help and, I think, hinted that he would do the righteous thing and legalize.He betrayed me and a lot of other people. I don't hate him for it. It just hurts. Still. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Had Enough on December 30, 2006 at 09:24:51 PT Republicans/Democrats In the end, they are the same. People who are, or want to become Elite Power Brokers. “Everybody wants to Rule the World”And they are good at taking care of their own.Can you say “Pardon Me?” [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 08:52:21 PT WolfgangWylde A note about Clinton. I always thought he was a want to be Republican. That's how his wife impresses me too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on December 30, 2006 at 08:50:55 PT WolfgangWylde I know but I've got to have hope. The Democrats are much more understanding then the Republicans are at least about medical marijuana. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by WolfgangWylde on December 30, 2006 at 08:25:53 PT Regarding the Democrats controlling Congress... ...There is absolutely NO evidence, historical or otherwise, to indicate that Democratic control of Congress will benefit us. None. The Dems are just as bad as the Republicans when it comes to this. Remember, more people were prosecuted for drug law violations under Clinton than under Reagan and Bush Sr. COMBINED. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Treeanna on December 30, 2006 at 06:29:40 PT So sad :( The Chef has been part of the culture ever since I was a little girl and got into that sort of thing ;)I found him amusing and interesting. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by mayan on December 28, 2006 at 18:14:22 PT Chef Ra, R.I.P. For those who haven't heard, "The Chef" has passed on... RIP James 'Chef Ra' Wilson: http://www.hightimes.com/ht/news/content.php?bid=1141&aid=24R.I.P.: 'High Times' columnist Chef RA: http://www.celebstoner.com/celebstoner-news/r.i.p.-high-times-columnist-chef-ra.htmlI remember seeing Chef Ra at Harvest Fest,Hash Wednesday,a Neil Young show and numerous Dead shows. I actually bought some rasta pasta from him in the parking lot of a Dead show...it tasted like Spaghetti-O's but it was better, of course! At a Neil Young show he approached us and asked if we know of a cool place to spark up. We told him we were going to try the bathroom. He told us he was thinking the same thing since there were cops everywhere. He was always on the scene spreading his joy and good food. He will be missed! THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...RUDY'S 9/11 SNAG - DISSIDENT WTC KIN: WE'LL BARE UGLY 'TRUTH' FOR '08: http://tinyurl.com/ymc8g9Airwaves of the Truth Revolution - Kevin Barrett's Radio Shows, Media Appearances, Lectures and Events: http://mujca.com/airwaves.htm9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB - OUR NATION IS IN PERIL: http://www.911sharethetruth.com/ [ Post Comment ] Post Comment