cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - August 7, 2008










  NORML's Weekly News Bulletin - August 7, 2008

Posted by CN Staff on August 07, 2008 at 13:09:46 PT
Weekly Press Release 
Source: NORML 

 California: Medical Pot Statute Does Not Conflict With Federal Anti-Drug Laws; San Diego Supervisors To Appeal Ruling August 7, 2008 - San Diego, CA, USSan Diego, CA: State provisions condoning the therapeutic use of cannabis do not conflict with federal anti-drug laws, the Fourth District Court of Appeals ruled this week.The 3-0 ruling upheld a 2006 Superior Court decision, which found that an amendment to California's Compassionate Use Act that requires counties to issue identification cards to state-authorized medical cannabis patients "does not create a 'positive conflict' [with federal law.]"
Lawmakers from two southern California counties, San Diego and San Bernardino, filed suit in 2006 against San Diego NORML and the state of California, rather than comply with the state-imposed ID card program - alleging that California's medical marijuana law violated the federal Controlled Substances Act.Opining for the Court, Justice Alex McDonald determined: "The purpose of the [federal law] is to combat recreational drug use, not to regulate a state's medical practices. … Because the [federal] law does not compel the states to impose criminal penalties for marijuana possession, the requirement that counties issue cards identifying those against whom California has opted not to impose criminal penalties does not positive conflict with the US Controlled Substances Act." San Diego NORML was named because they had publicly threatened to sue the county if the county failed to begin issuing the state ID cards to qualified medical users.Following the ruling, San Diego County Supervisors voted 4 to 1 to appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court."This latest appeal is not about politicians seeking clarity in the law; it's about the supervisors opposition to any use of medicinal cannabis," NORML Legal Counsel Keith Stroup said. "The supervisors' arrogant behavior is an affront to their constituents and a gross waste of taxpayers' dollars."Justices for the Second District Court of Appeals also ruled last week in a separate decision that state law does not require "a patient to periodically renew a doctor's recommendation regarding medical marijuana use."For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500. The case is County of San Diego et al. v. San Diego NORML et al. DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7678 Join NORML In Berkeley For Our 2008 National Conference Register Today To Take Advantage Of Discounted Rates August 7, 2008 - Washington, DC, USWashington, DC: NORML welcomes you to join us in Berkeley, California on Friday, October 17 and Saturday, October 18, for the 2008 national NORML Conference. This year's two-day 'extravaganja,' entitled "It's Not Your Parents' Prohibition," will take place at the Doubletree Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Berkeley's beautiful marina district.Plenary sessions at the 37th annual conference include: Getting the Story Wrong: How the Media Lie About Cannabis The Legal Marijuana Generation: Growing Up In the Age of Legal Pot The War on Pot Is a War on Young People What If We Arrested 20 Million Americans and Nobody Noticed?In addition, on Sunday, October 19, NORML's Legal Committee and the faculty of Oaksterdam University will co-sponsor a special, third-day session, entitled "Cannabusiness 102." This unique, one-day seminar will outline step-by-step how to establish a legal medical marijuana business in the state of California.Please mark your calendar now and plan to join us as we focus on the latest marijuana policy developments at the state and federal levels, celebrate our victories over the past year, and hear from the world's leading activists and cannabis law reform organizations. Mingle with celebrities and members of NORML's staff and Board of Directors in one of the most cannabis friendly cities in the world.Additional details about this year's national conference - including discount room reservations, money saving early-bird registrations, travel details, patient accommodations, vending and sponsorship opportunities, conference scheduling, and a guide to NORML social events - are now available online at NORML's 2008 Conference Registration page.For more information, please call (202) 483-5500. Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs), about this year's NORML Conference. DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7676 Congress Fails To Adopt Appropriations Bill; No Opportunity to Vote on Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment  August 7, 2008 - Washington, DC, USWashington, DC: For the first time since 2002, the US House of Representatives has failed to agree on an appropriations bill, thereby resulting in a continuing resolution to continue funding federal agencies at current levels until early in the next Congress, and eliminating the opportunity for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment to be considered in the current Congress. The amendment is typically considered by Congress as part of the US Justice Department's annual appropriations bill.Last year the bi-partisan amendment, sponsored by Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), gathered 165 votes - the highest total ever recorded in a Congressional floor vote to liberalize marijuana laws. For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director, or Keith Stroup, NORML Legal Counsel, at (202) 483-5500.DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7677Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: August 7, 2008Copyright: 2008 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/CannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml 

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Comment #35 posted by Storm Crow on August 10, 2008 at 16:48:35 PT
A nice thing for MMJ users in Washington....
http://seattlest.com/2008/08/08/a_number_stoners_actually_need_to_r.phpA Number Stoners Actually Need to RememberOr at least, let's write it down guys.Just recently launched the "Washington State Potline" is a toll-free call center where people can get information on medical marijuana laws, attorney referrals, and report medical marijuana arrests or prosecution. The "Potline" was started by the Cannabis Defense Coalition to help hold state agencies and law enforcement accountable that "that violate the spirit of the state's medical use of marijuana act." Of course, in our opinion, prosecuting sick people for something that is legal violates far more than the spirit of the law.... (snipped) And the number is- 888-208-5332.
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Comment #34 posted by Dankhank on August 10, 2008 at 15:37:45 PT
OT: Swing Vote
Just got back from seeing "Swing Vote," Kevin Costner's latest movie and it was very good.I've liked most of what he has done in the past and this one was very good. I think I already said that. :-)take some time to see it if you can ...
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Comment #33 posted by FoM on August 10, 2008 at 11:29:40 PT
ekim
I heard that Pickens was the person behind the swift boat veterans back in 04. I guess that makes me not trust him.
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on August 10, 2008 at 11:28:09 PT
ekim
I haven't heard of any. Our semi is an 86 and is getting better fuel mileage then the new trucks we've been told. I think Stick gets about 5 miles and sometimes a little more to the gallon. If we didn't get a fuel surcharge (which is passed on to the consumer) trucks wouldn't be able to run at all.
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Comment #31 posted by ekim on August 10, 2008 at 11:06:49 PT
T.Boon Pickens on Cnn -- use nat gas for trucks
FoM does Stick know of anyone converting large trucks to run on nat gas. Seems that much mula will be going that way.
Maybe the new renter and Stick could outfit his truck -- sounds like it will be a big deal soon.
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on August 10, 2008 at 10:23:20 PT
MikeC 
I agree with you. If McCain becomes our next president I won't have any hope for reform. 
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Comment #29 posted by MikeC on August 10, 2008 at 10:19:07 PT
FoM...
I just hope that the republicans don't find a way to steal another election. Obama MUST defeat mccain.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on August 10, 2008 at 08:13:53 PT
Just My Thoughts
Sometimes I think reformers have 2 different ways of looking at marijuana laws. California has gone off and done it the way they want but many states just get stuck in a rut and nothing really happens. Maybe when we get a new administration things will change.
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Comment #27 posted by John Tyler on August 10, 2008 at 07:57:22 PT
Re #25
When some segments of the cannabis industry have enough money to hire lawyers, and real estate brokers and buy whole vineyards, they should devote some of their money to hiring lobbyists and making donations to politicians who will promote their point of view, if they are not already doing so.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on August 10, 2008 at 06:06:49 PT
fight_4_freedom
We did watch the opening ceremonies. It was the best one we ever saw. Tonight they will air Cross Country which is the fun and yet very hard part of the three day equestrian event. 
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Comment #25 posted by The GCW on August 10, 2008 at 03:10:22 PT
Interesting correlation; wine legal, cannabis not.
Drug dealers buy Washington vineyards to hide potCrop could surpass grapes in value this yearBy SHANNON DININNY
the associated presshttp://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080809/NEWS/979243562/1055-0-This is also interesting and insightful to Me because wine went throught the same hoop with the original prohibition. The prohibitionists do everything they can to perpetuate their dirty work including refer to the God given plant as DRUG.What a waste of human life and resources...... IF GOD WERE TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE W/ONE POOF, POLICE WOULD BE GONE AND CANNABIS FARMERS WOULD STILL BE HERE.-0-The police with police mentality are not -just doing their job- when they use jargon that contributes to perpetuate such farce. Police types are directly involved in creating the ignorant law and speak in a tongue that insures future oppertunity to -just do their job-.0-0And what if it were the other way around:Drug dealers buy Washington cannabis fields to hide grapes.
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on August 09, 2008 at 21:13:04 PT
What?
No Hinchey-Rohrabacher this year?This thread is laced with sorrows and hardships... yet hope for great Mercy and Grace.
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Comment #23 posted by fight_4_freedom on August 09, 2008 at 21:10:44 PT:
FoM
Did you watch any of the opening ceremonies? They put on an amazing show.
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Comment #22 posted by ekim on August 09, 2008 at 18:31:30 PT
how about a film from the dogs point of view
Drug War Diaries: Young mom's death just collateral damage
J. Michael Jones - Friday, August 08
I've followed this story loosely so when it popped up while surfing I went to the Agitator and several news sites to read the details. Here's the short version - SWAT raid in Lima, Ohio. Officer upstairs hears shots (officers downstairs shooting pit bulls) then "fearing for his life" he fires ...http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 09, 2008 at 10:08:26 PT
Just a Comment
This will probably be a very slow time for news. I'm glad we are getting a reprieve from politics. I was able to watch a little of the Dressage on http://www.nbcolympics.com/I do hope people are enjoying this slow time. It's just beautiful here again today. Have a nice weekend everyone.PS: We are in 3rd place after the first event. 
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on August 09, 2008 at 09:42:26 PT
BGreen
Thank you for the prayers. I worry about my sister. Her one son is in really bad shape with his MD and now her youngest daughter. Two at one time seems like too much. I hope your friend does as well as possible. 
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Comment #19 posted by BGreen on August 09, 2008 at 09:36:52 PT
I wish her all the best
We have a friend who has been battling cancer for quite a while. He took a turn for the worse and went to St. Louis last week for more surgery. We haven't heard anything from his wife and we don't know if that's good or bad.It's just devastating for everybody involved.I'll make sure your niece is lifted up in my prayers.The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on August 09, 2008 at 09:33:13 PT
News Article From The Huffington Post
The Death of DC Suburban Mayor's Dogs Should Matter to Every AmericanAugust 8, 2008URL: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-creamer/the-death-of-dc-suburban_b_117879.html
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on August 09, 2008 at 09:29:27 PT
BGreen
They will do a biopsy this week. She was in a car accident and they took her to the hospital and did an x ray and they saw it. She had a CT scan yesterday and the doctor said it's really bad. The only good thing in this incident is she will be able to get treatment and I guess it's through social services or something close to that. 
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Comment #16 posted by BGreen on August 09, 2008 at 09:17:22 PT
Who ya wit? RIP Bernie Mac
I'm sorry to hear about your niece, FoM. What are they going to try to do for her?The Reverend Bud Green
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on August 09, 2008 at 07:50:52 PT
mykeyb420 
I saw that on the news but I only recognize the name. My niece got a very bad diagnosis yesterday. She is in her mid 40s. The tumor in her right lung is the size of a tennis ball. I was glad to read how well you are doing. 
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Comment #14 posted by mykeyb420 on August 09, 2008 at 07:19:50 PT
Bernie
Sad, news,,,,Bernie Mac died of pneumonia today   50.
He was so funny.
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Comment #13 posted by dankhank on August 08, 2008 at 19:22:51 PT
it's about the money
It's that they don't want the legal complications,(spend the money.)My doctor that I go to for cannabis recommendations is prepared to defend himself and his patients,(spend the money.)It's almost always about the money.What do you think it's about?
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Comment #12 posted by whig on August 08, 2008 at 14:44:06 PT
dankhank
It's not that the HMO won't pay, in my case. It's that they don't want the legal complications. My doctor that I go to for cannabis recommendations is prepared to defend himself and his patients.
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Comment #11 posted by Dankhank on August 08, 2008 at 13:45:11 PT
my point exactly
It's the HMO's that won't pay ...vote for someone that will "universilive" medicine.speaking to the choir, here, I'm sure.
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Comment #10 posted by mykeyb420 on August 08, 2008 at 12:36:41 PT
comment # 9
I am HIV+ and HCV+ for over 22 years,, For many years, UCSF med center would sign my pot letter. But as of last year, they no longer will sign the letters for fear of losing their license. So I must go to a " POT-DOC" who charges me $100 for a visit. It would be nice to not have to through this process every year after year. 
 Medi-cal offers a 50% off the price of the California Medical Marijuana card.
Cal MMJ program
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Comment #9 posted by whig on August 08, 2008 at 12:18:47 PT
dankhank
When I go to my HMO, I may have a copay of up to $25. However, my HMO does not allow its physicians to recommend cannabis, therefore I must go to an unaffiliated doctor which costs over $100 for the appointment.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 08, 2008 at 11:44:20 PT
Best Bet for Seeing ACLU Marijuana Video
Best Bet for Seeing ACLU Marijuana Video Featuring Steves? ComcastTo see the video, including interviews with panelists: http://www.marijuanaconversation.orgURL: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008099176_aclu08m.html
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Comment #7 posted by OverwhelmSam on August 08, 2008 at 11:41:48 PT
Gray Epiphany
If you talk to the police they say that most of the police just do their job and go home. They whine that they don't really enjoy enforcing some laws, but that they have no choice. To which I usually reply, whatever! I've watched enough COPS to know how turned on they get when they bust some street addict. They charge the poor guy with felony dealing even though he is just dealing enough to get by. Urinalysis prevents him from getting any other type of work. What a cruel and unusual punishment drug prohibition has become.
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Comment #6 posted by dankhank on August 08, 2008 at 11:08:34 PT
to continue
Anyone with a "chronic" condition will be seen by their specialist at least two times a year to monitor progress. There will be blood tests done and other tests done that also cost money. To suggest that a patient should be able to uses the same medications year after year with no doctor visits is shortsighted and likely contrary to current medical philosophy.CA charging 120 dollars to verify eligibility is where the problem lies. Look to the failed CA budgets as the reason why CA has to "milk" the poor MedMJ patients for all they can get. And, no co-pay for the meds is the fault of the HMO's who don't want to spend any more money than they must. In fact, people have their OWN hoops to penetrate for ALL forms of medical care.When I talk of "specialists" I leave out my "Primary Care Physician." I see him a couple of times a year, too.
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Comment #5 posted by mykeyb420 on August 08, 2008 at 10:24:25 PT
pot docs
Here in the city,, the docs charge between $80 and $150 for a marijuana RECOMENDATION. then the state of CA charges $120 for the letter to be verified. if you are on medi-cal,,then the price os %50 off.
 This must be done EVERY year, if you want to be admitted to the pot-clubs, or have a legal right to be pain, nausea, etc, free.
 there is no co-payment for the price of the meds ( POT ).
 Very few clubs give away free pot to the patients. the ones that do give out free pot,,don't do it for very long,, once the line goes around the corner,,its only a matter of time before that stops. Some only give it to their
 " preferred customers" I was only pointing out that people who take prescriptions,,don't have to jump through these HOOPS every year just to get their meds,,like us pot smokers do.
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Comment #4 posted by Dankhank on August 08, 2008 at 09:35:47 PT
potdocs ...
don't know what doctors you see, if any, where you're at, but, when I go to see my cardiologist it costs $120 a visit.I pay a co-pay of 12 dollars on that 120.I can then get any number of "meds."He's my "heartdoc."
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Comment #3 posted by mykeyb420 on August 08, 2008 at 09:15:35 PT
Comment #1 posted by whig 
this is bad news for the "pot-docs" who charge +$100 for permission to legally use their medicine. They will just raise the price of a office visit to cover their " loss"
 Do the people who use HEAVY narcotics, such as OXYCONTIN ,or other meds alike, have to pay for the opportunity to get relief??? the answer is NO.
 And what about the state that charges +$120 for the card that gets them into the pot clinics?? They also will loose out on $$$$$. No wait,,they will just raise the price of the card to cover their " loss "
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on August 08, 2008 at 05:38:43 PT
Police Notebook: Medical Marijuana Topic of Expo
By Travis Morse, The Journal-StandardThursday, August 07, 2008Freeport, Ill. - Critical look at medical marijuana laws: Drug critic Calvina Fay will give a presentation on efforts across the U.S. to legalize marijuana during the 8th annual Midwest Security & Police Conference/Expo set for next week (week of August 10-16, 2008) in Rosemont.URL: http://drugsense.org/url/hh4vO7iN
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Comment #1 posted by whig on August 07, 2008 at 23:06:18 PT
Wow
Justices for the Second District Court of Appeals also ruled last week in a separate decision that state law does not require "a patient to periodically renew a doctor's recommendation regarding medical marijuana use."This is awesome. People with chronic conditions should not need to renew their recommendation when the doctor knows that cannabis will be helpful for the rest of a patient's life.Guess I should register for the conference soon. Maybe some others here will come visit Berkeley. It's a nice place.
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