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DEA: Colorado Marijuana Dispensaries are Illegal
Posted by CN Staff on February 13, 2010 at 15:35:28 PT
By The Associated Press
Source: Aspen Times
Highland Ranch, Colo. -- The top Drug Enforcement Administration officer in Denver says marijuana dispensaries that are popping up across the state are illegal.Federal agents raided the home of a marijuana grower who spoke publicly about his large and profitable operation in his basement. DEA agents arrested Chris Bartkowicz at his Highlands Ranch home Friday during a raid in which agents seized dozens of marijuana plants.
Denver DEA Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sweetin says marijuana is not medicine and is still illegal under federal law. Sweetin said he's been gathering information on dispensary owners and their operations for months."Technically, every dispensary in the state is in blatant violation of federal law," Sweetin told The Denver Post. "The time is coming when we go into a dispensary, we find out what their profit is, we seize the building and we arrest everybody. They're violating federal law; they're at risk of arrest and imprisonment."The raids and Sweetin's comments come nearly four months after Deputy U.S. Attorney General David Ogden sent a memo advising federal law enforcement that people using medical marijuana in "clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws" not be targeted for arrest.Sweetin said the memo deals with medical marijuana patients and small-scale growers, not commercial enterprises. Guidelines in the memo call for examining the number of plants and the profits that exceed what state law intended in determining which ones are illegal, Sweetin said.Parts of an interview Bartkowicz gave to Denver station KUSA-TV for a story that was to air Friday night were published in The Denver Post."I'm definitely living the dream now," he said before his arrest of his marijuana growing operation that he hoped would turn profits in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.U.S. Attorney spokesman Jeff Dorschner said Bartkowicz would remain in custody through the holiday weekend before prosecutors decide Tuesday whether to file charges.Meanwhile, about 95 miles south of Denver, jurors in Pueblo Saturday were deliberating a case that could clarify limits on how much medical marijuana users could grow.Prosecutors Anthony Marzavas and Steve Jones argued that 55-year-old Thomas Sexton used language in the state's constitutional amendment to manipulate the system to get more plants than needed. Sexton faces marijuana cultivation and possession charges."That's as simple as it gets," Jones said during closing statements Friday. "This is not a movement, it's a trial, and the law still exists that makes this a felony."Police seized 128 marijuana plants when Sexton's home was raided in August 2007. Colorado's voter-approved medical marijuana law allows users to have 2 ounces of marijuana or six plants, but allows more under certain circumstances.During his trial, Sexton told the jury that he uses medical marijuana because of pain caused by metal plates and braces screwed into his right femur following a 2004 skiing accident. Sexton said he also provided marijuana for six patients, saying he and two others had a doctor's recommendation for additional marijuana.Two of those patients testified that they eat their marijuana or distill the plant in oil or butter and use it as a topical solution, requiring more plants than if they smoked it.Both cases come as medical marijuana proponents call for lawmakers to establish clear rules for dispensaries."All we're trying to do is follow the rules," said Matt Brown, executive director of Coloradans for Medical Marijuana Regulation.Source: Aspen Times (CO)Published: Saturday, February 13, 2010Copyright: 2010 Aspen TimesWebsite: http://www.aspentimes.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/ZBpZpSdsContact: http://drugsense.org/url/zKpMPhQ7CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml 
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Comment #52 posted by The GCW on February 16, 2010 at 22:18:17 PT
Reason
We Won't Raid Medical Marijuana Producers . . . So Long as They Aren't Successful at It. And They Don't Talk About It.http://reason.com/blog/2010/02/15/we-wont-raid-medical-marijuanaReason MagazineLast Friday, the DEA raided a medical marijuana producer in Colorado. The story needs some fleshing out, but at the moment it appears that Chris Bartkowicz wasn't violating any state law. Medical marijuana is legal in Colorado. Cont.
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Comment #51 posted by FoM on February 16, 2010 at 05:03:11 PT
Hope
I barely remember it but when I see a woman risking her children it brings it back. Somethings just aren't worth it.
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Comment #50 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 20:16:36 PT
Oh no!
That's awful to hear. I know it was a long time ago, but I'm certain the pain and fear of it was awful.I've always thought it was wrong that people who use cannabis are put in such a perilous position by the draconian and purely awful laws against cannabis use, but I always felt like we were and are dealing with a very dangerous enemy. Not one to be taken lightly at all.I know that smoking cannabis doesn't make you a bad parent or endanger your children or your ability to deal with anything that comes up. The stuff itself doesn't make it dangerous but the prohibition certainly can. When I think of all the children whose lives have been so upset and torn apart and even ruined by the actions of the prohibitionists, it just makes me sick. Just like all the other damage inflicted on people and society in general by prohibition. But I wish that parents with young children that depend on them would lay low and let the rest of us fight this for them. It does really frighten me for them.Really brave, courageous, and bold people often worry me the way they take risks. Like you, Runruff. On the one hand I do understand, but on the other... I just think, please... NO MORE MARTYRS!I don't know, but in a way it does seem kind of selfish, to me, too. I know that they want freedom and really hate and resent the way things are now and want to have a part in fighting this injustice. And it is a terrible injustice. But, it's one thing to risk their own necks... but not their babies. Even for this very serious and important cause. I guess it's like enlisting to go to war because you want to fight an enemy... but I would put my children first, before my desire to speak out in public or my possibly deep desire to be a foot soldier in the thick of battle. I think that desire that might separate one from one's children has to be denied. I'm not a brave or courageous person though. And I know that people can look down on me for my attitude, but I just don't want any more people harmed by this prohibition. Maybe they're doing the right thing, but it seems like too great a risk to me.They and they're families shouldn't be so threatened by these stupid, dangerous, and wrong laws. The sooner the laws are changed the better. It will be a much better world when we have this freedom back in order again. I hope they don't suffer any of the bad repercussions I worry about for them. One of the women was from Texas and another, I think, was from Oklahoma. Two places that are very dangerous for cannabis users.Probably the women on the program are in a good position to fight any negative possibilities that could arise from their appearances on the show. They appeared to be financially well off, well educated, perhaps respected professionals, and perhaps they have very good and admirable positions in their community. More so than the average mother, probably. So they'll probably be alright, whereas a poor or average woman might be in worse trouble. That's not right of course that things should be that way... but alas, right now, in this country... they are.Maybe it will work out for the good of all. I certainly hope so.
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Comment #49 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 18:14:39 PT
Hope
I really don't understand why anyone for one minute of fame could take that risk. I know what it's like since my first husband snatched my son out of school and it took a year to get him back going thru the court system. It's just not worth it.
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Comment #48 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 18:04:00 PT
FoM Comment 45
I wouldn't risk it either. Not with children that I was responsible for. It's nice to want to help. But not like that, I think. Not coming out on TV. It seems way too dangerous with the way people can treat you.They apparently don't think prohibitionists are as dangerous as I think they are, and I think they are VERY dangerous. They will hurt people, call it helping, and not give it a second thought. They are very dangerous.Those women are probably outstanding mothers, and I don't believe it is bad at all that they smoke... but the prohibitionists can bring them such harm. I'm afraid for them.
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Comment #47 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 16:58:18 PT
runruff 
Thank you very much. That made me smile. Tonight on the Olympics there will be Snowboarding. I am really looking forward to seeing that competition.I loved KD Lang singing Hallelujah on Opening night. She had just found out about the young man dieing. Her anxiety went away and her focus was on what she was singing. Actually I loved the whole opening ceremony. It was fantastic. Hallelujah:http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/assetid=49bc5f18-a712-4f1c-b71d-73c8debb9adb.html
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Comment #46 posted by runruff on February 15, 2010 at 16:45:44 PT
FoM said,
"I guess I just think differently then a lot of people."Yes you do and we thank you for it!
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Comment #45 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 15:43:14 PT
Hope
I am not sure why these women would risk it. I guess I just think differently then a lot of people.
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 15:29:52 PT
Hope
I tried but an error happens when I try to read the comments. I have had this happen on other web sites and I can't get Bing. It's something wrong with Verizon.
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Comment #43 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 15:25:42 PT
Hope
I'll check out her web site. 
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Comment #42 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 15:17:02 PT
There are so many comments
I can't even get to the first one yet... going backwards through pages and pages. There are already over a thousand comments about this show.I so hope no one is busted over this. I'm very afraid about parents speaking out like this. I'm afraid for them.
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Comment #41 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 14:51:03 PT
Hope
We need to watch the news because of the blizzard we are getting anyway. I hope it was good.
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Comment #40 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 14:49:25 PT
Hope
I found her on Lifetime I think it's called but it was about models. I guess I missed it. 
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Comment #39 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:44:13 PT
They're talking about something else
right now.The smoking moms did a great job. I'm just so afraid for them. The one's that aren't from California anyway.
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 14:43:52 PT
Hope
It isn't on any of the network channels here. I have DirecTV.
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Comment #37 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:42:48 PT
Channel?
It's 33 here. I'm on Dish Network.
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Comment #36 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:42:07 PT
Comments here
http://tyrashow.warnerbros.com/2010/02/soccer_mom_stoners.php#comments
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 14:40:09 PT
Hope
What channel is she on? I never watched her show so I don't know anything about it.
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Comment #34 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:37:57 PT
The biddies that are against it
are like vicious looking vultures poised to attack the other moms.Aaargh.
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Comment #33 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:35:13 PT
The Tyra Banks Show
There are soccer moms that smoke and a bunch of women that despise them for it and think they should be in jail and lose their children.It's an extraordinary show and it's still on.Ouch! It's hot!
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Comment #32 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:33:48 PT
It's on right now
It's about mothers that smoke marijuana.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on February 15, 2010 at 14:28:58 PT
Hope
What was on the show? We've had the Olympics on and now the news is on. 
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Comment #30 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:22:13 PT
Oh my gosh!
People! Watch it!
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Comment #29 posted by Hope on February 15, 2010 at 14:07:11 PT
Tyra Banks Show
Turn it on!
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Comment #28 posted by runruff on February 15, 2010 at 12:46:54 PT
"National Turn Yourself In Day"
Now that would be the bale that broke the camels back!
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Comment #27 posted by Sam Adams on February 15, 2010 at 10:38:08 PT
runruff
I'm still working on my "National Turn Yourself In Day"So far there are some technical difficulties but I remain hopeful!Imagine what would happen if all current and past cannabis users present themselves for arrest at local police stations, simultaneously! we should make it "worldwide turn yourself in day" Just like Ghandi's march to the salt factories
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Comment #26 posted by runruff on February 15, 2010 at 04:30:59 PT
Compare the feds today with King Geroge da turd!
Over taxedOver controlledEmpire buildingGlobal controlConscripted soldiersAn internal civil warA blatant police state The Hessians were conscripted by King George to serve in the Colonies.The Tories remained loyal to the crown.The people were taxed to pay for George's wars.The Colonies were called upon to produce more hemp.Freedom fever broke out!Civil war broke out.Freedom won!Guile and greed have taken us back to square one.I too love Ghandi but will you organize 100 million people here in America?First you must draw many away from The "Young and the restless"Away from Tiger's tales of wanton debauchery!Away from ESPN!We would need to hold marches?And, we cannot entice Americans to walk 20 minutes a day to save their sorry fat asses from a plethora of fat disease, how do you get them to walk 50 miles for a concept when they won't walk to the corner for a super-sized meal? I love the peace approach. If we can move couch potato[es] off the couch we can change the world!In the mean time, untill we can figure it all out, people are rotting in cages. People are homeless due to asset forfietures. People are permately disabled due to police brutality. Feds are still killing innocent people in their beds, shooting pets in front of children, Putting children out into the snow in the middle of the night in order to save them from the evil plant!Robbing and dystroying businesses to protect corporate profits!The feds are the new Redcoats, republicans are the new Tory's and the DEA are the Hessians!We need change[relief]now! How long will this peace movement take?
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Comment #25 posted by Paint with light on February 14, 2010 at 22:26:38 PT
Comment #24
Thanks Hope(and others).Very inspiring words.On February 13, 2008 I signed up at Cannabis News.I had been reading here for several years before that.I never signed up because I didn't know how safe it would be to post your thoughts on legalization in a public forum.I decided it didn't matter....I wanted to let my voice be added to the other voices.I wanted to let those who were willing to stand up and be heard know that there was at least one more who was willing to stand up.During even that short time I have seen the ups and downs of the emotions of success and failure, or loss.One thing that never changed during that time was everyone's commitment to ending this unjust and illogical war on a plant and the people who put it to use.We may differ in our reason's or our approach, but on some things we stand together.When we stand like that, we are a formidable force.The positive stories are starting to outnumber the negative stories.The positive posts after any news story are filled with intelligent arguments for re legalization.We have the numbers for change more than at any other time.Now, let's start to use them.Legal like alcohol. 
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on February 14, 2010 at 20:46:56 PT
Totalrod2
This has been such a long hard haul. I understand how you feel. I feel dejected and hopeless sometimes, too. This is a good place to come to be reminded that we are making progress, in spite of how heavy our hearts may feel sometimes. More legislators, federal and state, are actually seriously talking about legalization and decriminalization, now. People everywhere are talking about legalization and decriminalization now. It's coming and I think everyone knows it. Even the prohibitionists know it. Even the doubters know it, down deep... where people know such things.Another thing that helps remind me that I should be feeling better about it all, is that how many times have you heard that hateful old standard lately, "Not in my lifetime"?Not much, I'd imagine. I haven't heard it much in the last few years like we did so much for so long.It seems like it will never happen sometimes, but it will. I'm sure. It's hard to think that we've been at it so long and people are still getting killed and arrested and that homes are still being invaded by government agents over this plant, and the knowledge that we are getting older and there's a new urgency about living long enough to see it happen... but I feel good knowing that there are so many young people that have picked up the fight and are standing with us and they won't be denied. They're fresh to the fight and we've laid a lot of groundwork for them. A lot. If we do have to go on without seeing it done as completely and well as we want it done at least, promise yourself, that you'll go over fighting.. to the very end. Those fresh young people that are following in our footsteps are an even larger, and surer, and more confident bunch than we were and are. They've seen what we've wanted. It's very clear to them and they didn't have to take the first steps. They have a clear and firm path to tread. They're fired up. They will not take "No" for an answer. I can see that. I know there are so many of them that will carry on, dedicated, and without fail and they will see that it's done. That feels good, to me, to know that.But, and even though I sometimes feel so weak and want to falter, and feel blinded by the literal blood, sweat, and tears ... I do feel that we, even those of us that have seen six decades so far, will see victory in even our lifetimes. We are so many. Millions of us. We're sick of it, and we aren't going to sit down and shut up. We're going to keep pushing and we are going to reach our goal.Have courage. Have hope. Have faith in the perseverance of a a very determined bunch of people. We are many and we will not be denied.
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Comment #23 posted by The GCW on February 14, 2010 at 18:47:59 PT
James Crosby & Totalrod2,
That's very good.It means Oregon, Washington, California and Nevada will all potentially have Cannabis RE-legalization on the November election ballot.-0-Totalrod2,I think I might understand some of Your feelings because I also get the impression sometimes that cannabis laws will never change. At the same time, and more often, I realize We are going in the right direction and We are making gains.Almost every direction the special agents look they are being hit with protest of the cannabis laws. If they weren't so dumb, stupid, ignorant and greedy it would already be over.Then I read dribble from people like the special pee agent and I realize there is no way cannabis prohibitionists can keep this farce for ever. Thier diaper is stinking and it will get changed but until then the special agent is very uncomfortable and is prone to cry. Funny, even the special agent will like the clean diaper too.-0-We see voters made medical use of cannabis legal and then the sale of cannabis became reality. & government objects but it is still happening! They try & CAN NOT STOP IT!WAIT TILL STATES RE-LEGALIZE THE SUPERPLANT FOR RECREATIONAL USE AND SALES BECOME REALITY. THERE WILL BE WAR. Unless the Fedcrapers acknowledge reality.It's coming!
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Comment #22 posted by James Crosby on February 14, 2010 at 17:47:36 PT:
OCTA
Make sure to support the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act! The campaign has kicked off, and now we are in full swing! Check it out, and support the legalization of cannabis in Oregon!http://www.cannabistaxact.org/
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 14, 2010 at 16:22:59 PT
Sam
The Ghandi approach I like that.
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Comment #20 posted by Sam Adams on February 14, 2010 at 16:01:13 PT
the DEA
I don't think any of you veterans will get a rise out of the DEA, they only fight when it's 20 to 1 in their favor, preferably against unarmed people who are asleep at 5 AM.They wouldn't be able to handle a normal military situation, that would take actual balls!I think on cannabis we'll do best with the Ghandi approach - we are 100 million strong in the US alone, that is a huge army of potsmokers - if we work together we are unstoppable, we won't need to resort to violence. After all we are paying the DEA and LEO's salaries, collectively we are the ones with the power to stop them.
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Comment #19 posted by Had Enough on February 14, 2010 at 15:30:39 PT
Cops..Only 23% of police supported re-legalization
Cops...Only 23% of police supported re-legalization of cannabis.February 12th, 2010 By: Russ Belville, NORML Outreach Coordinator If “cops don’t make laws, they just enforce them”, why are police opposing marijuana legalization?Since fourteen states have legalized the use of cannabis for sick and disabled people we here at NORML have reported on numerous stories of medical users harassed, arrested, and jailed by police. We have also reported on healthy adults in all fifty states whose lives are turned upside down by an arrest, sometimes losing student loans, jobs, children, pets, dignity, property, and freedom over a single joint, seed, or even a cannabis stem. When we and others bring up these insane injustices to the police who are making these arrests, we often hear the platitude that “cops don’t make the laws, we just enforce the laws.”So why do we consistently see representatives of law enforcement opposing medical marijuana, marijuana decriminalization, and marijuana legalization efforts in state legislatures?In California, the California Narcotics Officers Association schools police officers to believe the public “have been misled… into believing there is merit to their argument that smoking marijuana is a safe and effective medicine.” This is in direct contradiction of the stated position of the American Medical Association otherwise that “short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.”In New Jersey, the medical marijuana law was severely curtailed when the Assembly heard the unfounded assertion by a representative of New Jersey’s Fraternal Order of Police that “I’ve heard in California there’s a lot peripheral crime around these centers [medical marijuana dispensaries], I get that from the different law enforcement agencies around the country who I have regular contact with.” This is in direct contradiction of the findings of the Chief of the LAPD who stated: “Banks are more likely to get robbed than medical marijuana dispensaries.” The Chief was responding to the notion that there is greater crime around dispensaries and said “I have tried to verify that because that, of course, is the mantra. It doesn’t really bear out.”Click to see the whole thing...http://blog.norml.org/2010/02/12/if-cops-dont-make-laws-they-just-enforce-them-why-are-police-opposing-marijuana-legalization/
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Comment #18 posted by Dankhank on February 14, 2010 at 14:39:29 PT
Totalrod2
If you've been around here for a decade you know we zoom around all over this world in print ...I just played "Safe as Milk" again after your comment.Great music ... thanx for the reminder ...
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on February 14, 2010 at 13:59:22 PT
The GCW
Thank you that makes me feel good since I'm running on a very slow speed these days. 
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Comment #16 posted by The GCW on February 14, 2010 at 13:50:22 PT
FoM,
You beat Me to it. -Again.
-0-It seems We are about 1 law suit away from ending cannabis prohibition. Once cannabis is removed from it's dishonest schedule I catagory it's over.The IGNOID named Sweetin has the belief cannabis does not have any medicinal value. He supports the farce that cannabis should be a schedule I substance. A court case could change that. Will this be the issue which leads to that court case?
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on February 14, 2010 at 13:17:26 PT
Medical Marijuana Lawyer Files Complaint on Raid
February 14, 2010URL: http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20100214/NEWS/100219878/1078
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Comment #14 posted by Totalrod2 on February 14, 2010 at 11:15:51 PT:
you're right
I guess y'all are right. But man, it sure gets frustrating sometimes. Hey Troutmask, (sorry for going so far off topic here), you've gotta read JF's new book! I'm assuming you're a Beefheart fan.
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Comment #13 posted by Dankhank on February 14, 2010 at 11:00:18 PT
Don't give up ...
I recently "friended" Brian Krumm on Facebook. He created the Cannabis Research Library and fears it is "dated." I told him that I update when I can, and recently updated it with "Granny's List." :-)I sent a copy to New Zealand, recently, as the medical movement is Worldwide, now.another is going to a fellow I chatted with, on FB, in North Carolina, tomorrow.Admittedly, slower than weblinks, it is still a way to put something in a person's hand. Hard copy is still the way many like their data.I one handed a 60-page printout to a Senatorial Candidate round here. He asked if it was a printout of the CRL. I said, "No sir, I don't have that much paper, it's a printout of the "Table of Contents." Shoulda seen his aide's face when I said that.Peace to all who would educate, and confusion to those who oppose.
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Comment #12 posted by herbdoc215 on February 14, 2010 at 09:58:59 PT
runruff, you brought a tear to my eye bro!
Thanks for standing tall, I too am a disabled vet and I am willing to stand 100% with you and believe that only by us vets standing up to the bullies can we stop them...THEY did this to us and many of us received our special conditions and wounds defending the rights of this country and constitution and to treat us this way over trying to heal ourselves is not something the American people will let happen I pray! The DEA needs to remember that us US vets, we got people whom support us also and they are not going to let his go down like this!!! peace, steve
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Comment #11 posted by Storm Crow on February 14, 2010 at 09:57:38 PT
Totalrod2
When I started using cannabis medically over 40 years ago, there wasn't even the CONCEPT of medical cannabis use! All use was "abuse"! The closest I found back then, was a short reference in a book telling how arthritic Mexican grandmothers used a cannabis/tequila rub for their arthritis. A single joint could get you life in some states on the 60s. A couple seeds or tiny bits of green could get you years in prison- even in California! Now, 14 states and Washington DC have some form of legal medical cannabis. More states are preparing bills this year for medical use. California will attempt to legalize cannabis next election! Totalrod2, we have come a very LONG way! It WILL happen! 
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Comment #10 posted by GeoChemist on February 14, 2010 at 06:55:48 PT
The solution
AG Holder should line up the DEAth top brass in rank and file order, start with the highest ranking official and ask: Will you abide by my orders regardibg state law? If the person being asked refuses the order a bullet is put in their head and the question is posed to the next in line. Ater two or three bullets I bet the renegades fall in line.
Next point: The pig in charge of the Colorado DEAth should be arrested for making this statement: "marijuana is not medicine". Do I need to outline what law enforcement's function is? 
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on February 14, 2010 at 06:33:42 PT
TroutMask 
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! I agree 100% with you.
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Comment #8 posted by TroutMask on February 14, 2010 at 06:20:33 PT
What Eric Holder really said....
Aside: I'm not giving up! In 30 years of enjoying marijuana, I have never seen us as close to full legalization, and getting closer every day.However, a lot of talk has been going around about how "Obama lied again" and "they said they wouldn't do this." For clarification, here is what was said concerning DEA involvement in state-sanctioned medical marijuana:http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/October/09-ag-1119.htmlSome important parts:"The guidelines make clear that the focus of federal resources should not be on individuals whose actions are in compliance with existing state laws, while underscoring that the Department will continue to prosecute people whose claims of compliance with state and local law conceal operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of those laws."-and-"The guidelines set forth examples of conduct that would show when individuals are not in clear and unambiguous compliance with applicable state law and may indicate illegal drug trafficking activity of potential federal interest, including ... amounts of marijuana inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law"I think that last bit says the most: That guy certainly had "amounts of marijuana inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law."I'm all for medical marijuana (and legalization of marijuana in general), but here in Colorado many people have taken advantage of the situation and began pushing the boundaries of what is legal under state law.Long story short: Marijuana should be legal, but until then follow the state laws and you are less likely to go to federal prison. And, for goodness sake, do not go on the news and announce the location of your large grow operation and the fact that you make $800,000 a year in profit.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on February 14, 2010 at 05:36:57 PT
Totalrod2
Feeling hopeless isn't how we will change the laws. If you look at where we were 10 years ago and where we are now we are winning. In life if we feel hopeless we will loss and throw up are hands and surrender. That won't happen. Hang in there. It's always gets worse before it gets better.
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Comment #6 posted by runruff on February 14, 2010 at 03:49:10 PT
Totalrod2
There is much more abrewing than that, that meets the eye.Look at some Militia reports over on Youtube. The DEA is being watched and monitored by the Militia in Montana, Idaho, Colorado, and even the 51st Citizens Militia in Missouri.I have been following their talk on website and they are pissed! For them it is not about a plant, it is about freedom and out constitutional rights that they and many of our fathers have fought for. This thing has not come to a head yet!Their are mostly veterans like me in the militia who will kick some DEA ass! Me, I was trained as a medic. My job is to heal not kill. If necessary I will take my patched up old heart and head out with my medical bag today. We are millions strong and we're not afraid!
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Comment #5 posted by Totalrod2 on February 14, 2010 at 02:36:16 PT:
It's hopeless
After nearly a decade of my visiting this site, I feel that nothing will ever change. You simply CANNOT win. :(
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Comment #4 posted by rchandar on February 13, 2010 at 21:32:01 PT:
Outraged
I do believe that a counter-suit is in order, especially since Holder directed these thugs away from doing this. Mr. Bartkowicz, we are on your side and are willing to take this to the Supreme Court.
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Comment #3 posted by HempWorld on February 13, 2010 at 18:57:14 PT
DEA Go Away!
We don't need these heavy handed tactics with fascism at its core. Who created the DEA and why? Go figure!
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on February 13, 2010 at 18:26:41 PT
EAH
I stand back when I see what is going on. I want to see it with an open mind so I don't comment often. I feel this has all gotten out of hand on everyones side. We better work hard to get Cannabis rescheduled. That is the best chance that we might find some peace in this mixed up situation we are seeing more and more each day in the news.
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Comment #1 posted by EAH on February 13, 2010 at 18:21:33 PT:
It doesn't need to be this way
This story essentially lays out a fundamental problem with prohibition. It takes differing views about which reasonable people can disagree and it gives one side the power of the state to enforce their point of view. It's political, it's culture war, it is not about right and wrong, it's not about preventing one member of society from doing physical or property harm to another. The criminal justice system should be used to determine the guilt or innocence of those accused of actual real harm to others. What these prosecutors are doing is attempting to use their power to convict and thereby suppress these guys with a different view of cannabis. They are getting petty and technical in order to prevail and impose their view. Their personal bias is abundantly transparent. Laws should not exist in America that can be used as weapon of political destruction.Can somebody tell me why they weren't simply visited and informed that they may not be in full compliance? Why wasn't there simply a meeting, a review of the situation, and recommendations made to enable proper compliance?
This game of "gotcha" just shows that they aren't interested in creating 
a functional system that meets the needs and prevents real abuses.
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