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  ObamaCare's Medical Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on August 13, 2009 at 14:02:51 PT
By Rachel Ehrenfeld 
Source: Forbes Magazine 

medical USA -- George Soros must be thrilled. Two hundred days into the Obama administration, and 16 years after Soros began his advocacy for drug legalization and promoting "medical marijuana," the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is venturing into the marijuana cigarettes production and distribution. According to the Aug. 5 solicitation for proposals, the selected organizations will be controlled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and will have to comply with FDA regulations.

Until the early 1990s, the voices to legalize drugs in the United States were not in sync. This changed with Soros' first foray into U.S. domestic politics in 1992-1993. Soros declared: "The war on drugs is doing more harm to our society than drug abuse itself," and proceeded with his checkbook advocacy through his Open Society Institute (OSI) to give some $15 million to establish and fund several pro-drug legalization organizations. Since then, he and his like-minded friends poured many millions into different programs aimed at drug-legalization.

On Feb. 7, 1996, I observed in The Wall Street Journal that Soros' "sponsorship unified the movement to legalize drugs and gave it the respectability and credibility it lacked." I then opined that unchallenged, Soros would change the political landscape in America. But patiently, Soros has achieved what he set out to get.

Soros, whose motto is, "If I spend enough, I make it right," uses his donations and philanthropy to change--or more accurately deconstruct--the moral values and attitudes of the Western world, and particularly of the American people. While others give to the arts and higher education or to better the quality of the lives of their fellow men, Soros has been funding campaigns for drug legalization, and "medical marijuana," which is described as a "compassionate drug."

Soros and the other proponents of medical marijuana and drug legalization claim that the price of government-provided "legal" drugs would significantly lower their current price, removing the necessity to commit crimes in order to secure the drugs.

But how much would governmental administration add to the cost? And what will happen when the "tax" is added on? When the government outsources the production and distribution, would pharmaceutical and new marijuana-cigarette producers be asked to give up their profits? How much would it cost to investigate the black market that will flourish supplying groups prohibited by law from receiving drugs--adolescents, airline pilots, police officers, etc.? This new industry could create jobs. But are there going to be enough sober workers to perform them?

NIDA's solicitation for marijuana growth for research is nothing new. Marijuana studies have been conducted over decades, and thousands of them document the adverse effects of this controlled (illegal?--its not controlled yet) substance.

Yet, now, for the first time, the government is soliciting organizations that can grow marijuana on a "large scale," with the capability to "prepare marijuana cigarettes and related products ... distribute marijuana, marijuana cigarettes and cannabinoids, and other related products" not only for research, but also for "other government programs."

Since when is the U.S. government in the business of distributing marijuana cigarettes? Is this part of the health care programs the Obama administration is so keen to enforce?

Since Obama took office, "medical marijuana" dispensary owners in some of the 15 states where it's legal, or tolerated, report requests "climbed sky high." Medical Marijuana, Inc. (MJNA.PK - news - people), an Oregon-based company, which has been traded on the Nasdaq since April of 2009, offers solutions for this emerging industry. Its Web site claims that "the number of ailing people turning to medical marijuana to ease their symptoms has spiked in 2009. Requests have jumped anywhere from 50% to 300%."

In California, where medical marijuana is already legal, a massive campaign is underway to legalize all uses of the drug. Soros and other pro-drug legalization organizations claim that tax revenues from marijuana sales would fill the empty coffers of the state with at least $1.4 billion for the first year. The more users, the more money for the state.

A revenue collection system is already in place to ensure the tax revenues for the states that allow "medical marijuana." The system, developed by Medical Marijuana, Inc., boasts, "The Stored Value Platform System, a point-of-sale system, is a hallmark element of Medical Marijuana's business solutions package." The company has already signed on many marijuana collectives, and lobbies heavily to sign on the City of Oakland, Calif., which is the first city in the nation that voted in favor of collecting tax proceeds from marijuana sale, "as part of the solution to Oakland's longstanding budget shortfall."

California's current attorney general is former Mayor Jerry Brown, who now runs for governor. While he was previously governor of California (this is confusing? Is he running for governor again?) from 1975 to 1983, Brown lowered the fines on marijuana possession. Yet, now he says, "If the whole society starts getting stoned, we're going to be even less competitive."

As for the harm caused by using marijuana, NIDA reports: "marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke ... which further increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke." Moreover, "marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug ...This risk may be greater in aging populations or those with cardiac vulnerabilities."

In addition, marijuana use causes "distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory," lasting weeks after the initial use. "As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time."

If the government legitimizes marijuana use and develops a new marijuana cigarettes industry, Soros will no doubt boast that he had a part in this feat.

The evidence about the harm caused by marijuana to the individual user and society is overwhelming. Yet the government is now moving for large production and distribution of marijuana. If this is part of the ObamaCare project, it would surely cause the opposite of what it is purporting to do.

Rachel Ehrenfeld, author of Funding Evil: How Terrorism is Financed and How to Stop It, is director of the American Center for Democracy.

Source: Forbes Magazine (US)
Author: Rachel Ehrenfeld
Published: August 13, 2009
Copyright: 2009 Forbes Inc.
Contact: readers@forbes.com
Website: http://www.forbes.com/
URL: http://drugsense.org/url/hrqFXWxS

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Comment #49 posted by TerryClimber on October 14, 2009 at 11:53:38 PT
Why I Don't Buy Medical Marijuana Inc.
Medical Marijuana Inc. (MJNA) is truly a forward looking company.

Looking back, it began in 2003 as Berkshire Collection, Inc. (BKCL) of Ontario, Canada. According to a complaint filed 12 Jun 09 by the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) against Blackout Media (BKMP) and its principal Sandy Winick of Toronto, Berkshire Collection was one of 59 subsidiaries spun off from Blackout Media Corporation, formerly known as First Canadian American Holding Corporation, (FCDH).

The SEC complaint alleges these 59 subsidiaries had no legitimate business purpose and were just "public company shells", and that Winick profited at least $3.2 million from selling shares in these "shells" from 2004 through 2007.

On 23 May 05 Berkshire Collection changed its jurisdiction to Oregon, at the same time issuing a 1 for 1,000 reverse split.

I have never before in my life seen a 1 for 1,000 reverse split. A reverse split is typically a last ditch effort to prevent a company from being delisted on an exchange. According to MSN Money, "reverse splits are like a message from management that the underlying business trends are so rotten, they won't be enough to get the stock price up to snuff." Small shareholders, those holding less than 1 share after the reverse split, are cashed out. They're lucky if they get a penny on the dollar.

On 31 Jan 2007 Berkshire Collection changed its name to My Newpedia Corp (MYNW). This incarnation lasted until June of 2008 when it issued 211,926,840 shares of common stock, realizing $100,000. Then My Newpedia changed it's name to Club Vivanet, exchanging 12 shares of MYNW for 1 share of CVIV. Then the merged entities, now named Club Vivanet (CVIV), "took back" 210,117,998 shares in a 1 for 20 reverse split and posted a stunning net profit of $26,040 for 2008.

The Statement of Operations found on page 16 of the Annual Report for Club Vivanet for 31 Dec 08 states that it spent $751,359 on sales and marketing in order to post a profit of $26,040 on revenue of $818,992. While this was more than double the net profit of $12,624 for the previous year, it doesn't seem particularly forthcoming to term the growth "meteoric" as Perlowin does repeatedly.

In April of 2009 Club Vivanet (CVIV) became Medical Marijuana Inc. (MJNA):

We thought at first we'd call our corporation Marijuana Inc. But when you say to someone ... you're in the Marijuana Business, you do get that weird, kinda strange look. But when you say 'We're in the Medical Marijuana Business' ...I don't care where I am, everyone's interested. Not only are they interested, sometimes they're passionately interested because they've heard the stories and they think people should have the freedom to choose the medicine that really does help them.

On 25 Mar 09, the day the name change was filed, the stock was worth 4 cents. The name change and 10 for 1 forward split occurred on 28 Apr 09. The day before the split and name change CVIV closed at 22 cents. The day after, MJNA closed at 62 cents. It has trended downward since.

Perlowin explains it like this, pointing out he got out of prison 19 years ago:

I was the largest marijuana smuggler in West Coast history. The media dubbed me the King of Pot. As the newspapers said, I had a fleet of boats larger than most country's navies, and that was probably true. Made $100 million bucks by the time I was thirty. And then I went to jail for nine years and got out and made some huge businesses in the phone card and international telecom business. We've always had meteorically growing businesses after I got out of prison. Well, before I got out of prison too...

Just look at what happened to our stock from day one and you can see we sort of know know what we're doing in this industry.

He explains that he is "monetizing" the public's desire to legalize marijuana and that buying stock in his company is casting a vote for the legalization of marijuana.

When Obama and the attorney general Holder said that they'd no longer interfere with state laws on marijuana issues, all of a sudden dispensaries and collectives and co-ops started popping up like weeds all over California ... and, all of a sudden, legitimate business people started getting involved and wanting to get involved. And then "we" come along...

This is one of those statements were you don't really know where to begin.

What is this "all of a sudden" legitimate business people are getting involved? Is he saying those dispensaries and co-operatives that have been doing it for years and who built the industry he finds so exciting are not "legitimate business people"? What does this say about The Green Cross - in business in San Francisco for five years and featured in June as an example of how medical marijuana had become mainstream? And, by the way, they've all been using plastic cards of all kinds for years: debit, credit, stored value, ID, and so forth. A manager of one dispensary told me 5 years ago, "Bank of America loves us."

Are we also supposed to believe that the "legitimate business people" who have been waiting for Obama to start the green rush before they got involved will not have the wherewithal to set up a business account with, oh, Bank of America or Wells Fargo, but instead will be "cash based"?

While Perlowin wasn't really sure if New Mexico had passed a medical marijuana law or not and was astonished at what he found when he came to California in February and told his doctor he had insomnia so he could get in a dispensary and see what it was like, he assures us he is the one to tell us all how to do it.

I actually believe New Mexico is one of the places - don't quote me on that because my big focus is on marijuana, on California - but I think New Mexico is one of the places where it's legal. You can look at any of the movement websites like NORML or MPP.org - that's a great one, MPP.org - and they really keep you up-to-date on what's going on in each state. So I think it is. And in some places you can have co-ops, like in Colorado and California, and some places you're allowed to grow your own. There's no standardized laws or rules, which for a public company like us makes it really lucrative, or potentially lucrative. Because we can help come in and standardize the industry and help regulate the industry. Again, from the bottom up. Typically a company like this can move much quicker than the government can.

It's all a mish-mash. Every county in California is different from every city. And every state has different rules. And if you standardize it - it will take a few years - but that's one of the things that we're here to do, is to help standardize it. And again, starting with the most lucrative of all, the tax remittance.

And he's going to begin by re-assembling his old organization, from administering taxes paid by the sick and dying for medicine. When asked if he has any plans to own a dispensary:

"If Nevada ever legalizes it - it'll be on the ballot in 2012, November - I would love to have a dispensary inside a casino, growing the marijuana plants..."

Obviously, Medical Marijuana Inc. CEO and King of Pot Bruce Perlowin didn't have "medical marijuana" in mind when he said this. When the host points out this has the appearance of exploitation he replies:

Yeah. So in that case, yeah. In the beginning. no. In the beginning all we want to do is provide all the tools for the dispensaries or the co-ops. In fact, we're going to be doing seminars on how to open up a dispensary and we want management contracts with the dispensaries, not just for the tax card but for inventory control, for grading and standardizing the marijuana for software, for the doctors to use, and evaluating whether sativa or indica should be used for glaucoma vs. cancer vs. MS vs. headaches..."

In the meantime, he hopes to buy "homesteads" of 1 to 5 thousand acres all over the country and grow vegetables or something on them until hemp is legalized, and then convert them to hemp farms. All this from administering taxes paid by the sick and dying for medicine.

It's an intriguing business model. He states they've decided 60% of the profit will go to the company, and 40% to charity.

My job is to empower people, and specifically (because of another model) empower women. 40% of our profits goes to The Global Family and WE (Women Empowerment) because their job is to make sure this wealth goes all over the world to create a thousand millionaire women, who will create a thousand millionaire women each, and then they take over the world in what's known as a global coup, but it's really a coochie coo..

Again, it's difficult to figure out where to begin. Seems a bit sexist (not to mention boorish) to me, but what do I know? Besides there are more pressing issues. For instance, just ten minutes previously he stated 40% of "revenues" would be going to the local community: 10% to schools and or the women's council (because women won't take bribes and kick-backs, but men will); 10% to another local problem like fire or police (speaking of bribes); 10% to another city in America; and 10% to some international problem.

Obviously, how much of what goes where isn't really important. All that's important is that 40% of the stockholders earnings from administering taxes paid on medicine by the sick and dying will go to some charity somewhere. No doubt medical marijuana patients will get a warm glow knowing their disability stipend is going to increase the supply of female millionaires in third world countries.

Among a nebulae of disconnects is that it never occurred to Medical Marijuana Inc. that there are medical marijuana patients that can't afford medicine, that are losing their jobs and their homes, that can't pay lawyers and court costs. And a lot of them are men.

Perlowin says he doesn't smoke marijuana, except rarely.

My prescription's for insomnia. And I don't know if I have insomnia, I'm so excited about what we're doing I can't sleep at night so I jump up and email. I go to sleep. I wake up. I email. And so I'm thinking, 'I really want to go see these dispensaries but you can't get in without a medical condition and I don't want to lie about a medical condition. I won't do that. I'm CEO of a public company, I've got to keep everything really straight. So, I'm thinking, 'wait a minute...' and if I don't have my computer I'm sitting there awake all night, just thinking. So that's clinical insomnia. That's insomnia. So I got my medical marijuana card for being too excited. But I haven't used my marijuana medicine yet because if I do I won't answer my emails all night.

As for the morality of taxing medicine? As for what happens when The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act (HR 2835) is passed? As for the fact that you don't get a "prescription" for medical marijuana, you get a "recommendation"?

HR 2835 will move marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act's Schedule I to Schedule II. Among other things this will mean marijuana will meet the legal definition of medicine and that doctors can prescribe it the same as pharmaceuticals. And this means it will not be taxed in states such as California where the people think there's something sleazy and just plain wrong about taxing medicine.

Well, maybe by then Perlowin will have his upscale pot emporium in some swanky Las Vegas casino.

http://www.examiner.com/x-14883-Santa-Cruz-County-Drug-Policy-Examiner~y2009m9d2-Agonizing-over-Medical-Marijuana-Inc

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #48 posted by Universer on August 16, 2009 at 15:24:54 PT
GeoChemist
Muy excellente.

Methinks she lacks sufficient scholarship to comprehend your points. Plus there are a lot of big words in there.

Non-potheads are stupid. ;-)

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #47 posted by GeoChemist on August 16, 2009 at 08:05:34 PT
Universer
I did both; posted at Forbes and e-mailed that hack

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #46 posted by Hope on August 15, 2009 at 22:41:54 PT
"People food"
Ollie, my very old Himalyan Persian cat,

He seemed to be about ready to lay down and die. He'd lost his appetite. He seemed to be sinking into a deep stupor.

I gave him some vanilla ice cream and he lived another two years... and he learned new things... like the sound of my husband opening the ice cream.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #45 posted by Hope on August 15, 2009 at 22:33:51 PT
Mufasa
That's so sweet.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #44 posted by FoM on August 15, 2009 at 20:06:02 PT
Had Enough
And thank you for sharing and caring. Today and last night has been a fun day. A day of getting to know him and his personality and watching him and my other dog become friends. Sassy didn't seem upset for the first two days after Kaptin passed away and then she became depressed. When we brought him home last night his presence scared her and then within only a few minutes they realized they were both ok with the meeting. I'll never forget Kaptin. He taught me how to love a dog that became aggressive. I knew how to handle him and I never tripped his trigger once I figured out how not to do it. I learned patience and love for an animal that most people would have put down because of his behavior. Even when we took him to the Vet I told him to be careful. As sick as Kaptin was the Vet didn't listen to me and he nailed the Vet. I could get right in his face and so could Stick but no one else.

Mufasa is gentle. He has lived in a busy household and didn't have a place just to sleep without being bothered. He is stretching out and enjoying being able to rest. After the last few months of knowing the end was near we catered to Kaptins every need. I made him real people food to try to help and it did for a while until the last two weeks where nothing helped. It hurts to love and lose but it's better to love and lose then to live an empty existence. It's worth the pain.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #43 posted by Had Enough on August 15, 2009 at 19:17:13 PT
FoM...Kaptin
I’m truly sorry to hear about Kaptin…

When I put my ‘baby girl’ Shadow down, I felt a very deep empty spot, like something’s missing…It was a while before I got back around to the usual routine of things. I really didn’t even care what was going on with the usual grind. Probably just like you feel/felt when it was time. For quite awhile before we put her down I couldn’t help but thinking what was right around the corner for us. And the time came, as time waits for no man.

How I tried to deal with it was instead thinking of how she wasn’t here anymore, I tried to think of what a difference it made in my life by experiencing the time with her, and how lucky and fortunate I was to even be able to experience that. And boy what an experience it was, and I still miss her…probably always will too. It was a good ride.

The ride was so good, I figured I’d do it again…lets see what happens.

The pup we have now is incredible in her own way…very incredible. I promised an update and I will do it in the near future. I’ll use the hippy thread to do it.

The pup you showed us in the picture looks good. If it was around kids and other pets that is a plus too. He seems like he will work out very well for all...Enjoy that.

Give him a scratch behind the ear for me…

Happy tears are a ‘good thing’.

And thanks for sharing with us…

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #42 posted by Universer on August 15, 2009 at 15:08:46 PT
GeoChemist and Observer, et al.
Excellent point-by-point refutation posts.

Perchance did you e-mail them to or post them on Forbes? And CC this ignorant know-nothing hack writer?

To pile on, what a weak piece of trash writing, which based upon wordplay (let alone research) is hardly national-magazine worthy.

But if you satisfy your paymasters and demonize those causes/persons/organizations that most offend/scare said paymasters, I suppose you can get your ignorant drivel published.

It's an affront to journalism.

Notwithstanding, seeing their points thoroughly discarded at the factual/intellectual level is eminently satisfying.

But we're the choir. Preach also to the ill-informed.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #41 posted by rchandar on August 15, 2009 at 12:51:25 PT:

We, Children of Ronnie
...who hath made the War on Drugs immutable social law, established propaganda to ensure that drugs can never be of any possible value, that our country and world face thy threat of total extermination from the evil hands of these horrible substances, which maketh the mind feel pleasure without large sums of money, which improves sexuality, which helps the old people stay healthy without thy covenant with your God who never comes and walks with us...

...we, the people, in order to worship our holy football stars and pinup entertainers, establish satellite dishes and wristband cell phones to spy upon thy neighbors, to separate fathers from their children, to make girls cry about their boyfriends and husbands in jail, maketh holy our true purpose of monopolizing the economy and keeping people daily aware of thy puppetmaster, thy holy policeman, thy impeccable rehab counselor, to maintain thou threat of extermination, since we are nothing and possess no value whatsoever.

--rchandar

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #40 posted by rchandar on August 15, 2009 at 12:47:00 PT:

Shielde
God forbid, we just might have to show TV sitcoms and news reporting that actually considers the value of MJ.

Save the Children!!



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #39 posted by FoM on August 15, 2009 at 08:44:04 PT
Woodstock Now and Then
I don't know if anyone saw the movie last night but it was great. I recommend everyone from that time in history watch this movie. Woodstock will never be duplicated in my opinion. You can't make something happen it just happens. I'll watch it again on Monday night on the History channel.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #38 posted by FoM on August 15, 2009 at 08:00:48 PT
Hope
Our first Rott was just like him. He has the greatest personality.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #37 posted by Hope on August 15, 2009 at 07:46:20 PT
Gentle, patient, tender hearted Rotts.
I've met them before. They are a wonder. Not unlike a gentle and loving bear.



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #36 posted by Hope on August 15, 2009 at 07:43:04 PT
Comment 35
I just want to hug him!

He's beautiful.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #35 posted by FoM on August 15, 2009 at 07:19:32 PT
Hope
This is how gentle he is. Totally relaxed and trusting. The owner was heart broken because she had to sell him but their little home couldn't take anymore people or dogs. They ran out of room. He has been raised around children, teens, adults and an adorable 6 month old little girl.

http://darksidedrottweilers.webs.com/photos/Our-Pack/SANY0987.jpg

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #34 posted by FoM on August 15, 2009 at 07:05:06 PT
Hope
Thank you. What a hard time this has been. I'm so tired of crying and I'm crying again now. We loved Kaptin so much even though he was aggressive and we couldn't let him around other people. The new dog is as gentle as our first female Rott was. I was totally prepared for a problem with Moo but he fits with us like he was made just for us. He has two litters on the way and passing on his genes will be a good thing for the Rottweiler breed.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #33 posted by Hope on August 15, 2009 at 06:57:02 PT
Kaptin II
He's beautiful!

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #32 posted by Hope on August 15, 2009 at 06:54:45 PT
Kaptin
Rest in peace, ol' fella.

I'm glad you've rescued another good dog, FoM, and I'm so happy you're feeling better.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #31 posted by FoM on August 15, 2009 at 06:26:15 PT
ekim
Thank you.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #30 posted by ekim on August 15, 2009 at 06:09:11 PT
good going FoM
you and Stick are the best

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #29 posted by FoM on August 15, 2009 at 05:40:19 PT
Had Enough
Now I finally can talk. Today I am really happy and it's been a few months since I have been happy. We had to put Kaptin to sleep this past Monday. He had cancer. It was so darn hard.

I started looking to rescue a Rottweiler rather then raise another puppy. After looking and looking to find an adult that would love living with us and was gentle since Kaptin was very aggressive we found a beautiful and very gentle Rott in Newark, Ohio and we bought him. He is so sweet. He is 15 months old. Today I am so happy that I have happy tears in my eyes. Here's a picture.

http://darksidedrottweilers.webs.com/100_7116.jpg

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #28 posted by Had Enough on August 15, 2009 at 01:33:20 PT
And I wonder…

Who´ll Stop The Rain…

Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccwYVO0X324&feature=related



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #27 posted by Had Enough on August 15, 2009 at 00:55:47 PT
Face Down In The Mud…again…and again...

Those guitar licks mix perfect with that keyboard…

Sends shivers all over…

Things that money can’t buy…

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #26 posted by Had Enough on August 15, 2009 at 00:36:22 PT
Face Down In The Mud

Face Down In The Mud...

Goosebump excellent…sends shivers down the arms…

Love the keyboard…

Lyrics...right on…

Thank you…

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #25 posted by Shielde on August 14, 2009 at 22:57:59 PT
We shouldn't legalize
Oh but we should not legalize cannabis in any form, think about the negative impact it would have on our economy. Hundreds, thousands or more people would lose their way of life, think about all the poor police officer, lawyers, DA's, drug rehab workers, guards, and so many more that would not be able to profit with out the marijuana scum. Think about the negative impact it would have on the health of our citizens, without having to pay hundreds of dollars to the wonderful pharmacy corporations to relieve their suffering while allowing themselves to risk death. What about the alcohol business, you wouldn't want to have them loosing money (they buy billboards and so many other advertising dollars). So many lobbyiest would be out of a job advocating keeping cannabis illegal. Not to mention the evils of hemp. We employ many people every year to go around and destroy it on the side of the road to influx the amount of marijuana destroyed.

Well i could probably go on like this for a while, by the way I am being sarcastic about what I said, but maybe I could get a job working for the prohibition spreading the wonderful lies . .

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #24 posted by HempWorld on August 14, 2009 at 16:02:46 PT
For participants, who used the drug for 10 to 20 y
ears the risk was about one-third of that of non-users.

Oh? In other words: Non-users of cannabis have about 3 times the risk of neck and head cancers when compared to users of cannabis or marijuana for 10 to 20 years.

This is the truth cleverly worded by big pharma. But you still can't have it.

[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #23 posted by HempWorld on August 14, 2009 at 15:49:51 PT
Healthcare and Marijuana are intimately connected!
Risk of head and neck cancer reduced in cannabis users in large epidemiological study Aug. 2nd, 2009

A working group of scientists of several universities in the USA (universities of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Louisiana, and Minnesota) investigated the effects of cannabis use on the development of a certain head and neck cancer (head and neck squamous cell carcinoma).

Information of cannabis use by 434 patients was compared with data of 547 healthy subjects. After adjusting for potential other risk factors (including tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking), cannabis use was associated with a statistically significant decrease of this cancer. The risk was decreased by 48 per cent.

This association was consistent across different measures of cannabis use (current/former use, duration, and frequency of use). For participants, who used the drug for 10 to 20 years the risk was about one-third of that of non-users.

The magnitude of the reduced risk was more pronounced for those who started use after 20 years of age compared to younger age. Authors concluded that their "study suggests that moderate marijuana use is associated with reduced risk" of sqamous cell carcinoma of head and neck. They noted that experimental data have shown that cannabinoids inhibit cancer growth.

(Source: Liang C, McClean MD, Marsit C, Christensen B, Peters E, Nelson HH, Kelsey KT. A Population-Based Case-Control Study of Marijuana Use and Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Prev Res (Phila Pa). 2009 Jul 28. [Electronic publication ahead of print])

So basically using cannabis regularly can cut your risk of cancer by 48%?! And cannabis users are still demonized? And it is still banned in cities across CA? And still you can't have it? Uh oh, but now healthcare is getting expensive, what are we gonna do?

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #22 posted by museman on August 14, 2009 at 14:32:57 PT
"Jesus"
"....I don't know no Roman name.."

(download link)

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #21 posted by FoM on August 14, 2009 at 13:20:29 PT
Just a Note
I hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend. The news is very slow right now but that's summer time. People sure are reading CNews though. Just a reminder that Woodstock Now and Then will be on VH1 tonight. I hope to be able to see it but we might not be home at that time. It's on Monday on the History Channel and we'll catch it then if we miss it tonight.

[ Post Comment ]
 
Comment #20 posted by Sam Adams on August 14, 2009 at 09:13:23 PT
Jesus
Don't forget the possible true story of Jesus - that he differentiated himself from other clerics of the day by offering the "anointing oil" to ALL people instead of making it something reserved only for the priesthood.

He took the cannabis-loaded oil and gave it to all the people, curing things like epilepsy, chronic pain, and menstrual problems along the way.

In fact if this account is true (and the evidence is just as good as any other theory of Jesus and his times) then Eddy Lepp and Todd Mcmormick are the closest thing we have to Jesus today.

And of course, just like the Romans, we've jailed both of them:

http://www.cannabisculture.com/backissues/cc11/christ.html



[ Post Comment ]

 
Comment #19 posted by runruff on August 14, 2009 at 08:21:42 PT
This is not the political approach, I'm affraid!
Now Jesus said, "When you provide health care for even the least among you, you provide health care for me", then he told the story about the good Samaritan.

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Comment #18 posted by museman on August 14, 2009 at 08:13:09 PT
what money can buy
Well, while the rest of the 'rich' world is buying toys, arms, land and people, one lone guy with some bucks is attempting to 'buy' freedom?

More like his money is bribing the many middle-men and go-betweens that stand like monoliths in the paths of human progress.

Money can rule the world, claim that it is a solution for anything and everything, but when its corruption gets turned towards actual positive results, the ass-kissers of the rich (Forbes) whine about it. (Looking for handouts from the masters table no doubt)

And of course the old reefer-madness, play on their ignorance tactic, gets prime time as if it were some kind truth or something.

One can not 'deconstruct' the 'morality' of a nation, if its own leaders have no moral compunction (as proven quite often these days). And when 'morality' is equivalent only to lip service, changed to suit each and every religious sect and political/economic cult's own personal desires of 'specialness' and exemption, there is no 'moral compass' (as the (self)rigtheous xtians have coined it) and no common standard of right moral behavior.

I can't think of anything better that the false value of the rich (money) could be used for than buying off the many greedy f--kers in the way of personal liberty. Its better than the only other good use of money; a great big bonfire.

LEGALIZE FREEDOM

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Comment #17 posted by Treeanna on August 14, 2009 at 07:17:15 PT
Always interesting
I really love the breakdowns of pieces like this according to the propaganda themes. Thanks so much for taking the time to do it :)

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Comment #16 posted by runruff on August 14, 2009 at 07:12:06 PT
Rachel my dear.............
show me the bodies!!!

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Comment #15 posted by GeoChemist on August 14, 2009 at 06:17:19 PT
Really?
--or more accurately deconstruct--the moral values and attitudes of the Western world, These people anger me exponentially, legal/illegal does NOT equal moral. Who says it is immoral to use cannabis? Who gave these people moral authority over another adult human being?

Marijuana studies have been conducted over decades, and thousands of them document the adverse effects of this controlled (illegal?--its not controlled yet) substance. When a bunch of retards (DEAth) hold the substance hostage to research (unless of course it is to find adverse effects) what do you expect? Look at holistic studies from around the world and see for yourself the BENEFITS of cannabis. The anti-tumor properties alone coupled with how long this information was suppressed/destroyed should be more than enough to indict high ranking prohibs (current and former) on charges of genocide.

“Since when is the U.S. government in the business of distributing marijuana cigarettes?” Sine 1978, do research before you shoot your mouth off.

“As for the harm caused by using marijuana, NIDA reports: "marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke”. PAH’s are found in anything that undergoes combustion, the most notorious sources of PAH’s are the back yard grill and charcoal (one giant hunk of PAH’s). When cannabis smoke is shown to contain isotopes of uranium-238 or something worse, then you may run your mouth.

“which further increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke." Moreover, "marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug ...This risk may be greater in aging populations or those with cardiac vulnerabilities." "If the whole society starts getting stoned, we're going to be even less competitive." Substantiate/quantify these statements with independent, peer-reviewed research. The NIDA is not a credible source, there is an axe to grind. NIDA says cannabis is bad? Shocking.

“In addition, marijuana use causes "distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory," lasting weeks after the initial use. "As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time." Some of the most intellectual people this planet has to offer use cannabis daily. Again this is pure conjecture and does not match reality.

“The evidence about the harm caused by marijuana to the individual user and society is overwhelming.” Like this: 1.If cannabis has no medicinal value then what is this: US Patent 6630507 - Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants; issued October 7, 2003. (actually there are ~30 patents pertaining to this) 2.Natural THC with the empirical formula C-21 H-30 O-2 bad (I) but synthetic THC with the empirical formula C-21 H-30 O-2 good (III). 3.Cannabinoid Action Induces Autophagy-Mediated Cell Death Through Stimulation of ER Stress in Human Glioma Cells Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain.

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Comment #14 posted by observer on August 13, 2009 at 23:10:59 PT
analysis, part I
[2] Two hundred days into the Obama administration, and 16 years after Soros began his advocacy for drug legalization and promoting "medical marijuana," the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is venturing into the marijuana cigarettes production and distribution .
(Sentence 2) re: "
Drug Abuse", "Abuse" - Prohibitionists try to hammer in the idea that 'all use is abuse.' The rhetoric of prohibition needs to deny that many people can use currently illegal drugs without abusing them. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "legalization", "advocacy for drug legalization" - Onward prohibitionist drug warriors, fighting the epidemic and scourge in the battles of the war against drugs! (Drugs declared evil by politicians, that is.) (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 )
[4] Until the early 1990s, the voices to legalize drugs in the United States were not in sync .
(Sentence 4) re: "
legalize drugs", "legalize" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 )
[5] This changed with Soros' first foray into U.S. domestic politics in 1992-1993. ... and proceeded with his checkbook advocacy through his Open Society Institute (OSI) to give some $15 million to establish and fund several pro-drug legalization organizations .
(Sentence 5) re: "
Society" - The health of the "community" (read: government) is assured, prohibitionists explain, because drug users are punished. Jailing drug users is thus painted as upholding society. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "legalization" - With God on Their Side (prohibitionists assure us), only the continued rooting out of the sinful drug users (total prohibition) will do. All else is portrayed as the slippery slope to total legalization of all drugs for toddlers. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 )
[7] On Feb. 7, 1996, I observed in The Wall Street Journal that Soros' "sponsorship unified the movement to legalize drugs and gave it the respectability and credibility it lacked."
(Sentence 7) re: "
legalize drugs", "legalize" - Any mention of lessening the harshness of drug laws is portrayed as a sinful "legalization". Only total prohibition (or more jailings) will be righteous. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 )
[8] I then opined that unchallenged, Soros would change the political landscape in America .
(Sentence 8) re: "
America" - Prohibitionists assert that the survival of the community, society, the nation, the world, etc. are at stake. Only continued and increased punishments for drug users can be contemplated, because, say prohibitionists, society will otherwise fall apart. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 )
[10] Soros, whose motto is, "If I spend enough, I make it right," uses his donations and philanthropy to change--or more accurately deconstruct--the moral values and attitudes of the Western world, and particularly of the American people .
(Sentence 10) re: "
American" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 )
[11] While others give to the arts and higher education or to better the quality of the lives of their fellow men, Soros has been funding campaigns for drug legalization, and "medical marijuana," which is described as a "compassionate drug."
(Sentence 11) re: "
legalization" - Onward prohibitionist drug warriors, fighting the epidemic and scourge in the battles of the war against drugs! (Drugs declared evil by politicians, that is.) (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 )
[12] Soros and the other proponents of medical marijuana and drug legalization claim that the price of government-provided "legal" drugs would significantly lower their current price, removing the necessity to commit crimes in order to secure the drugs .
(Sentence 12) re: "
crimes" - It is prohibition, claim prohibitionists, that saves people from drug crazed, whacked out, high flying drug users. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "legalization" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 )
[30] Soros and other pro-drug legalization organizations claim that tax revenues from marijuana sales would fill the empty coffers of the state with at least $1.4 billion for the first year .
(Sentence 30) re: "
legalization" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 )

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Comment #13 posted by observer on August 13, 2009 at 23:10:13 PT
analysis, part II
[37] Is he running for governor again?) from 1975 to 1983, Brown lowered the fines on marijuana possession .
(Sentence 37) re: "
marijuana possession" - Prohibitionist propagandists repeatedly assert that "use is abuse." Details about "using" as opposed to "abusing" drugs are ignored. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse )
[38] Yet, now he says, "If the whole society starts getting stoned, we're going to be even less competitive."
(Sentence 38) re: "
society" - Because of prohibition (prohibitionists assure us), society is protected: the community is safe, and the nation is saved. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 )
[39] As for the harm caused by using marijuana, NIDA reports: "marijuana smoke contains 50% to 70% more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than does tobacco smoke ... which further increases the lungs' exposure to carcinogenic smoke."
(Sentence 39) re: "
harm", "carcinogenic" - Drugs, scream prohibitionists, cause all bad things in life: crime, violence, insanity, etc. If not for prohibition (i.e., jailing drug users), then criminality, violence and psychotic behavior would explode upon the land, the prohibitionist assures us. (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 )
[40] Moreover, "marijuana users have a 4.8-fold increase in the risk of heart attack in the first hour after smoking the drug ...This risk may be greater in aging populations or those with cardiac vulnerabilities."
(Sentence 40) re: "
marijuana users" - Prohibition propaganda claims that all use of any "drug" is abuse. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse )
[41] In addition, marijuana use causes "distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory," lasting weeks after the initial use .
(Sentence 41) re: "
marijuana use" - Any use of an illegal drug is deemed to be "abuse," weasels the propaganda of prohibition. (After all - it is illegal!) (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse )
[43] If the government legitimizes marijuana use and develops a new marijuana cigarettes industry, Soros will no doubt boast that he had a part in this feat .
(Sentence 43) re: "
marijuana use" - "This strategy equates the use and abuse of drugs and implies that it is impossible to use the particular drug or drugs in question without physical, mental, and moral deterioration." [W.White,1979] (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse )
[44] The evidence about the harm caused by marijuana to the individual user and society is overwhelming .
(Sentence 44) re: "
society" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 )
[47] Rachel Ehrenfeld, author of Funding Evil: How Terrorism is Financed and How to Stop It, is director of the American Center for Democracy .
(Sentence 47) re: "
Terrorism" - Drug users are "those people" -- they are linked with groups that everyone agrees are bad. (Hated Groups (propaganda theme 1) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme1.htm#1 ) re: "Democracy", "American" - The survival of society is assured, -- says the propaganda of prohibition -- as long as drug users are punished (jailed). (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) re: "Evil" - Prohibitionists demonize the use of drugs and claim the use of drugs is "epidemic." Images of "war" are used by the prohibition propagandist to help whip up emotions. (Demonize, War (propaganda theme 6) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme6.htm#6 )

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Comment #12 posted by John Tyler on August 13, 2009 at 18:58:17 PT
Forbes
Another prohibitionist propaganda piece filled with malicious ignorance and falsehoods. I thought Forbes was better than that.

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Comment #11 posted by FoM on August 13, 2009 at 18:06:24 PT
A Very Nice Song
I just saw this song performed on The Colbert Report by Playing For Change. I've always loved this song and they did a great job. This is how I want to see change happen. No fussing and being angry but enjoying the moment.

Playing for Change - Stand by Me

Playing for Change, featuring Grandpa Elliott, performs "Stand by Me." (03:44)

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/241054/august-12-2009/playing-for-change---stand-by-me

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Comment #10 posted by Vincent on August 13, 2009 at 17:26:03 PT:

the article in Forbes Magazine.
Get a load of this quote:

"In addition, marijuana use causes 'distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and problems with learning and memory,' lasting weeks after the initial use. 'As a result, someone who smokes marijuana every day may be functioning at a suboptimal intellectual level all of the time'"

Obviously the author of this garbage never smoked a bone in his life. Not only that but it's obvious that, in light of recent gains made by the Medical Marijuana movement, he is running scared. I know I've said it before but, the forces of prohibition are like a 'wounded animal': they know that they're dying so they are going to be as vicious as they can. Just look at that misanthrope lawmaker that wants to 'cane' herb smokers!

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Comment #9 posted by Hope on August 13, 2009 at 16:36:47 PT
Ethan Nadelmann
Ethan Nadelmann is such a favorite of mine. He was the first voice for change outside NORML that I knew of. I was seeing him now and then on TV even before I got on the Internet.

Whoo Hoo!

Go get 'em, Ethan! Thank you so much for your perseverance and dedication, and all you've done and all you do.

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Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 13, 2009 at 16:36:32 PT
Pitt on Mayoral Run: ‘I Don’t Have a Chance’
Excerpt: Brad Pitt hasn’t thrown his hat in the ring to be mayor of his adopted hometown, New Orleans. Others have done that for him, launching a grassroots campaign complete with nifty T-shirts touting “Brad Pitt for Mayor.”

But he’s more than willing to serve, the actor told TODAY’s Ann Curry with a self-deprecating laugh.

“If chosen, would you run?” Curry asked in the prerecorded interview that ran Thursday.

“Yeah,” Pitt said.

“Would you serve?”

“Yeah. I’m running on the gay marriage, no religion, legalization and taxation of marijuana platform,” he joked.

That comment drew a measured “OK” from Curry.

“I don’t have a chance,” Pitt predicted.

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32388425/ns/today-today_entertainment/

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Comment #7 posted by FoM on August 13, 2009 at 16:26:02 PT
Sam
You're welcome.

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Comment #6 posted by Sam Adams on August 13, 2009 at 15:47:43 PT
newsweek
wow, great interview on Newsweek by Nadelman, thanks for posting.

there's a couple clever things he does - I like the way he talks about the politicians that have come out in support like Ahnold....he makes them seem really important. Usually the media likes to highlight the fact that only 1 or 2 do support legalization.

let's see what happens in 2010 with legalization in California, it may not matter what the politicians think.

If it wins Ahnold will be like "I told you so!" on his way out the door.



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Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 13, 2009 at 15:19:06 PT
Newsweek: Ethan Nadelmann on Marijuana
URL: http://www.newsweek.com/id/40211#?l=1785302026&t=31385287001

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Comment #4 posted by Sam Adams on August 13, 2009 at 15:03:23 PT
Forbes
the comments are already building up, why not contribute?

http://rate.forbes.com/comments/CommentServlet?op=cpage&type=new&sourcename=story&StoryURI=2009/08/13/george-soros-marijuana-legalization-opinions-contributors-rachel-ehrenfeld.html



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Comment #3 posted by FoM on August 13, 2009 at 15:02:20 PT
Just My Thoughts
This article shows how hard it will be for Obama to change laws on marijuana. Thank goodness Medical Marijuana is becoming well established in some states.

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Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on August 13, 2009 at 14:47:47 PT
total ignorance
At first I thought it couldn't be true, but yes, it is - this author has no idea that the feds have been making and shipping "marijuana cigarettes" to patients for 20 years! Idiot!

Going to the forbes website now.....

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Comment #1 posted by HempWorld on August 13, 2009 at 14:30:29 PT
The evidence about the harm caused by marijuana to
the individual user and society is overwhelming.

This is what I wrote to Forbes: "Dear Forbes Mag,

Thank you for your article ”ObamaCare's Medical Marijuana”.

Yet the quote: “The evidence about the harm caused by marijuana to the individual user and society is overwhelming.” is not correct!

Marijuana is safer than water, and as such does not even show up in the mortality statistics cause nobody has ever died from it!"

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