cannabisnews.com: Let's Remember Prohibition and Legalize Marijuana Let's Remember Prohibition and Legalize Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on November 02, 2004 at 07:27:45 PT By John Ibbitson Source: Globe and Mail The commercial cultivation of marijuana, once largely confined to British Columbia, has spread nationwide. In Ontario, the harvest has grown by an estimated 250 per cent in the past two years. Police recently raided grow-ops in Moncton. In Edmonton, real-estate agents are exploring their legal liability for selling a house that turns out to have been a nursery.Remember this, when you consider Bill C-17. The Liberal government's third attempt at decriminalizing marijuana possession was introduced in the House yesterday. Whether the bill makes it into law will largely depend on whether Parliament lasts long enough to get it through. Ottawa has been considering such legislation now for a year and a half. In that time, as usual, political considerations have fallen behind reality. Evidence is sketchy -- there is, as yet, no marijuana marketing board -- but various studies suggest that pot is now one of Canada's major cash crops. RCMP marijuana-plant seizures have increased fourfold in the past four years. The Electricity Distributors Association estimates that Ontario utilities are losing as much as $200-million a year from illegal taps of power lines by grow-ops. Some people believe the retail value of the national marijuana harvest surpasses the wheat or dairy industries. In an effort to control the spread of grow-ops, governments are skirting with unconstitutional laws. The Ontario government has introduced legislation that would permit authorities to cut power to homes suspected of growing marijuana. At the federal level, Bill C-16, which was also introduced yesterday, will expand police powers to compel blood, saliva or urine tests for suspected drugged drivers. Both laws may well offend the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.Today, the Mounties begin a two-day conference on the problem of grow-ops and what to do about them. They are unlikely to grapple with the real solution. We are rapidly moving to the point where the state will have no choice but to move beyond decriminalization and toward legalization and regulation. Otherwise, we could be back to the 1920s and the challenge to state power that accompanied Prohibition.According to Statistics Canada, 12 per cent of adult Canadians in 2002 admitted to smoking pot at least once in the previous 12 months. (The real number is probably higher.) That doesn't make it a good thing, but it does make it a common, socially acceptable, thing.Opponents of legalization point to the many safety hazards of pot consumption: It can be far worse for your lungs than cigarettes; it is addictive (psychologically, if not physically); and putting it in the hands of Labatt or Imperial Tobacco would offer societal sanction of a dangerous drug.Except that society already regulates tobacco and alcohol because they're dangerous. Banning them is impossible, given their widespread use, and so governments permit their sale under strict conditions, accompanied by heavy taxation to mitigate their societal cost.Regulating cannabis would provide a cash crop for the struggling agriculture sector that, rest assured, would not require government subsidies. Strict laws and punitive taxes would make sure the weed would be no easier for underage tokers to obtain than it already is. Legalization would be a blow to organized crime, would improve health and safety conditions among cultivators, would increase tax revenues, and would relieve governments of the temptation to violate the Constitution in their futile efforts to shut down the industry.We shouldn't be legalizing marijuana because we want to feel all right. We should be legalizing and regulating it in recognition of the truth that this soft but potentially dangerous drug has crossed the threshold of respectability in middle-class society. Let Parliament pass Bill C-17. (Bill C-16 may need another look.) Then let's get to work on the bigger job of figuring out how to control recreational drug use in a society that has decided there's nothing wrong with occasionally getting stoned.Source: Globe and Mail (Canada)Author: John IbbitsonPublished: Tuesday, November 2, 2004 - Page A4 Copyright: 2004 The Globe and Mail CompanyContact: letters globeandmail.caWebsite: http://www.globeandmail.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmOttawa Revives Plan To Relax Pot Lawshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19754.shtmlCanada Renews Plan To Decriminalise Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19753.shtmlCannabisNews Canada Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/Canada.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #49 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 18:17:17 PT AP Article Concerning Canada Americans Fleeing to Canada from Bush Victory Will Find No Special TreatmentColin McClelland, Associated Press WriterWednesday, November 3, 2004 (11-03) 17:15 PST TORONTO (AP) -- Americans attempting to escape four more years of President Bush by fleeing to Canada will have to wait in line, just like immigrants from any other country, the Immigration Ministry said Wednesday. Over the years, Canada's social climate has shifted to the left of the United States, with relatively higher taxes supporting programs such as public health care. That and the promise of legalized gay marriage and lenient marijuana laws might be a draw to some Democrats despondent over Bush victory and the promise of continued conservatism from his administration. The U.S. consulate in Toronto estimates there already may be a million Americans living in Canada -- most don't register -- about a quarter of them in Ontario. But Americans who want to join the expatriate ranks across what is called the world's longest undefended border won't get special treatment just because their brother is married to a Canadian or they like cheap weekends in French-speaking Montreal. "The immigration program is universal -- it applies to everyone the same," France Bureau, spokeswoman for Immigration and Citizenship Minister Judy Sgro told The Associated Press. "People must apply at a visa mission abroad and all applicants must meet the requirements," Bureau said. All immigrants need a work permit, a government web site says. A government department must approve any offer of local employment before a permit is issued. Those without a job offer can apply in the skilled worker category to become a permanent resident, which takes about a year to process. Applicants must have enough funds to support themselves in the meantime. Citizenship applications take an additional three years or so. Skilled worker applicants must posses a minimum of points in required areas such as education and language proficiency. Immigrants wanting to live and invest in Canada must have a net worth of $662,000 and be ready to put up at least $331,000. Those wishing to start a business must have a net worth of $248,000. Copyright: 2004 Associated PressOn the web: http://www.cic.gc.ca http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2004/11/03/international2015EST1166.DTL [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by FoM on November 03, 2004 at 09:17:06 PT afterburner I will keep the faith. I try to find something good in even bad situations. I worried that someone would kill Kerry if he had been elected. Liberal politicans are disliked and I know why they don't step out and say legalize cannabis and hard drugs are way out in left field. Now George Bush will have 4 more years and I believe all hell is going to break loose because of his election. We will see anti-war protests that will make the protests from Vietnam seem small. I wouldn't want to be in George Bush's shoes. It's not going to be pretty. I'm not threatening him it's just how I see it. Kerry won the progressive states and even though the number of states are small the populations are very big. It's hard to fight the mentality of those who believe in Bush. [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by Hope on November 03, 2004 at 08:05:47 PT Pollyanna Kap, I probably could be accused of being a Pollyanna...although a rather belligerent one. I expect FoM and I have matching pinafores. Pollyannas are niave perhaps...but ever notice how a child that doesn't know he can't do something...often gets it done?I live in both “circles” of people, people who believe in drug prohibition and people who don't. People who can't imagine that anyone...especially anyone they know...would ever use drugs...even marijuana. They think it's all about someone they don't know...and that drug users are dangerous, always, just because of the drugs. Then there is the circle of people who do understand marijuana and even other drug use. They tend to think that "everyone does it". Both views are warped. Those of us who do accept that both groups exist have got to find a way to make the "ostrich" people realize the truth, and the "every one does it" people realize the truth. And yes…there are more of “them”…the people who believe the government propaganda or know someone who couldn’t handle what they got into or know some one who doomed themselves from the start and was waving their drugs like a flag on their way down or, and of course, those who are in or have family in the narc business and they want their jobs protected.As much as in some social circles it can seem like everyone does it...the facts from my point of view, suggest that both sides seem to not realize the other side exists. It does. Somehow, we've got to find a way to make the ostriches realize that decent people do use drugs and they are not a danger to them or their lifestyle, or children simply because of what they put into their bodies. They’ve got to be made less afraid of other people’s freedoms. They need to learn to accept and tolerate the people who make choices they disagree with. We’ve got to make the people who use or have used marijuana successfully, realize that they have got to socialize with the other side…and do it well. We have to be diplomats. I've been doing it for a long time. I estimate I've changed at least ten people's minds and made some people think a little. Hey...ten is better than none!We are the minority and we must realize that…but we are a growing minority. Being in the minority is more reason than ever to keep fighting. The republic is supposed to protect the minority. We have lost the Republic that our founding fathers gave us. But we’re still here and still alive and still able to fuss about people being persecuted for what they choose to ingest. We’ve been “called” to oppose an egregious wrong parading as a good thing.Nobody said it would be easy. [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by kaptinemo on November 03, 2004 at 07:22:52 PT: To borrow from a football analogy The Phat Lady hasn't sung yet. It may be weeks before the final tally is made...and in those weeks, we may see even more revelations regarding Administration incompetence regarding 9/11 and the unConstitutionally illegal Iraq War. For example, the CIA Report (which acting DCI Goss has been been sitting on, refusing to release it until after the election) is said to be very critical.No one can accuse me of being Pollyanna, but I remain hopeful. I have no love for anyone in a position of responsibility and terrible power who refuses to disclose the extent of his loyalties to groups whose members have proven inimical to the democratic process in the past, but Mr. Kerry would be someone with whom a compromise could be worked out. Mr. Bush's handlers see the word 'compromise' as being synonymous with 'moral decay'; such stark perceptions of reality - when they deign to acknowledge that said reality is markedly different from their ideology - have led them to horrible blunders. If they believe that they have a 'mandate from Heaven', then no cannabist is safe, no matter how legitimate the reason for usage. [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by afterburner on November 03, 2004 at 02:37:33 PT Coveting Oil! I stayed up as late as I could and went to sleep praying for a Kerry win. Today the outcome is still uncertain."That oil in Iraq isn't our oil no matter how much we think we need or want it. That is coveting what isn't ours and that is wrong to me." --FoMExodus 20 17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor." --Bible Gateway http://www.biblegateway.com/Keep the faith, brothers and sisters! God loves you. Keep spreading the good news and the truth about cannabis. We shall overcome. We are neighbors in the Global Village. Be a good neighbor. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by Hope on November 02, 2004 at 23:37:26 PT "cared so much for such a long time" and we will keep on caring. [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by Hope on November 02, 2004 at 23:34:48 PT Good night Friends I can't take it anymore. I'm reeling with sleepiness.Whatever we get...it will be good. [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 23:30:44 PT Hope I'm going to call it a day too. I'm not really sleepy but I'm tired. War is good for my husbands profession because you need lots of steel to make bombs and guns and weapons of destruction but peace is something we both value above money . I know you know that about me. I can't even standing fighting here on CNews yet a war like in Iraq. I won't give up until Kerry concedes and I don't think we will know tonight. Thanks for caring. Get some rest. Tomorrow is another day. I appreciate you and everyone here who has cared so much for such a long time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by elfman_420 on November 02, 2004 at 23:21:06 PT I wish it happened this time around in Alaska too but anything over 40% for outright legalization in a state that voted for bush, I think, is excellent! What a statement...and Montana has mmj now! [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by Hope on November 02, 2004 at 23:18:48 PT B Green "I'm not giving up hope until each state certifies its vote count."Me, either.But something has occurred to me. "Lean not to your own understanding..." I don't know if that could mean Kerry may not be through at all or perhaps I'm telling my heart, that things are going to get more right for us...regardless of our present fears...or understanding.FoM, I'd like to stay up with you until you give it up for tonight and get some rest...but I'm afraid I'm too sleepy to last much longer. Iraq makes me sick, FoM, just like Vietnam did. Old men starting wars and young men going to die and shed blood in them. Blood for oil is completely hideous and unacceptable. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 23:03:06 PT BGreen If I could do something I would. I wish I was a Superwoman tonight but no I'm just me. PS: I know it isn't over but I am trying to accept what I can't change but I will shout for joy if it turns around. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 22:57:06 PT Hope I don't know how Kerry would be with drug policy. What has bothered me about Bush is the invasion of Iraq. I know that we in time can win with our issue no matter who is president but the war and the shame I feel about the war tears me up. I want to apologized to all the people thay have been killed in Iraq because of oil. That oil in Iraq isn't our oil no matter how much we think we need or want it. That is coveting what isn't ours and that is wrong to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by BGreen on November 02, 2004 at 22:56:37 PT It hinges on OHIO fox and nbc have given Ohio to bush but CNN has called it "too close to call."FoM, is there anything you can do? LOLThe Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by BGreen on November 02, 2004 at 22:47:58 PT I Don't Live In A City Either I'm worried about all those city folk moving out here. LOLOn a serious but equally humorous note is that all of the ballots aren't even counted and yet fox and nbc have pretty much declared bush a winner.Jeez, didn't they learn anything from 2000?I'm not giving up hope until each state certifies its vote count.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by Hope on November 02, 2004 at 22:46:45 PT Disappointment does not have to be grief. Do NOT let them grieve you. Please.Be mad. Be sad...but be tough and don't let em make you cry.It's Ashcroft and Souder, and Grassley, too, that I really wanted to see go, more than any of them.Even if Kerry wins...all we will really have is perhaps a bit more hope. Kerry is no guarantee to advances in drug law reform. We can make advances with or without him. Going from Ashcroft to Rand Beers might somehow have been even worse. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 22:39:09 PT There is One Good Thing Bush will have to clean up his own mess and it will get much worse. Bill Maher said something like that a couple times and he should be responsible. I worry about another attack under Bush. I don't live in a city but it would worry me if I did. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 22:31:40 PT BUDSNAXZ I know how you feel because I want to cry but I can't bring myself to cry. I will never respect Bush and will have nothing to do with his administration. I will keep my mind on our cause and be steadfast and dedicated. It's hard when you feel like your heart is breaking. I really like Kerry. I liked everything he believed in and what he said. Our country is in deep trouble. It's split right down the middle. I will never vote again after this. It doesn't seem to make a difference. I knew I shouldn't have cared this year but I did. It isn't worth the grief. [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by BUDSNAXZ on November 02, 2004 at 22:20:49 PT I'm so depressed I thought we had a great chance there and Kerry was going to walk all over Bush. I smell something fishy! But like you always say keep on keeping on. Reform will happen through the courts and I'm still looking forward to the 29th. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by cloud7 on November 02, 2004 at 22:16:41 PT Direct link to the Alaska measure http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/states/AK/I/01/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 22:15:09 PT BUDSNAXZ It looks like we aren't going to win Alaska. I really was hoping that we did. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by BUDSNAXZ on November 02, 2004 at 22:10:24 PT Looking bad in Alaska too I hope the other 66% of the precincts vote different Yes 65,143 43% No 85,477 57% 44% of precincts reporting http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/ballot.measures/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:56:47 PT BGreen I agree with you and I will. I have been. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by BGreen on November 02, 2004 at 21:55:17 PT Possibly Offensive Topic There are a number of us here who believe in a higher power. I'd like to ask all of you who would like to to join with me in prayer in whatever way you want, because we need hope and power and strength and JOY, and the only way for that to happen is for a miracle for John Kerry.Thanks.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:54:34 PT Robbie and Hope Robbie maybe you're right. Maybe the youth don't know and need to see war until they understand what it's like to kill people. This is a religious war and fundamentalist will be very happy that we now can kill the bad Moslems. An old saying from Vietnam was kill them all and let God sort them out. I am a God fearing person but I don't believe we have a right to kill those who don't believe like I do and that's how it seems to me. Hope thank you for caring. When news is hard like tonight I want to take a break and go on a long vacation but I won't. We have the Supreme Court case coming up November 29th and we still have to keep on keeping on. Thanks so much for caring but we couldn't go away even if we wanted right now with the home repairs we did this summer and fall. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by Hope on November 02, 2004 at 21:41:20 PT FoM, BGreen Pretty sad here, too. I guess we might not really know until tomorrow. But what I'm seeing on TV doesn't make me feel very confident.If Bush wins...we just keep on keeping on. We're committed to the struggle. It's not an option not to fight.FoM...you deserve a break...a vacation. Every soldier deserves some R&R. Your dedication is wonderful, but you need a break every now and then and I've never known you to take a break. If Kerry wins...you will likely feel refreshed and renewed and hopeful. If Bush wins...it would be great if you could take a rest from the news and all of us. I worry about you. Bush or Kerry, we still have a long ways to go and we need you. You've got to take care of yourself. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Robbie on November 02, 2004 at 21:40:06 PT Maybe I fear that if Bush wins our country will revolt. I've felt that for a long time. If the youth vote was low like they are saying they have the most to lose. I know how bad war is because of Vietnam and it's hard for me to understand why more didn't turn out to vote. When the draft comes back then in time they'll understand how bad it will be.Maybe the country has to have this. To grow. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:37:53 PT BGreen I know what you mean. I feel ashamed of our country tonight. I actually was feeling good about being an American because I was full of hope. Bush is hated by many countries and they will blame us for what he did. But we are to blame if we voted for him. My hands are clean. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:34:11 PT Hope I don't know if Freedom Fighter is ok. He just disappeared a long time ago and never dropped in again. I don't think he was upset with anything so I wondered if he was sick or his computer broke. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:31:49 PT One More Comment I fear that if Bush wins our country will revolt. I've felt that for a long time. If the youth vote was low like they are saying they have the most to lose. I know how bad war is because of Vietnam and it's hard for me to understand why more didn't turn out to vote. When the draft comes back then in time they'll understand how bad it will be. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Hope on November 02, 2004 at 21:28:34 PT Freedom Fighter Is something wrong with Freedom Fighter? [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by BGreen on November 02, 2004 at 21:27:06 PT I'm pretty sad right now, too I'm going to Amsterdam next week and I was hoping to be able to tell many of the people who are beginning to hate Americans that we fixed the mess.If bush wins then all I can do is keep my mouth shut so nobody will know where I come from.I do have a deep feeling that this is indicative of how much this is TRULY a battle between principalities and as such we should expect a battle unlike any we've seenThe Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:23:32 PT ekim I'm not sure I know what you mean about the HIA and as far as freedom fighter goes he has been on my mind and I hope he is ok. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:20:42 PT BGreen One more thing that really puzzles me. Bush is so dumb. How could people want him to run this country. I mean I'm smarter then he is and that's not saying much. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by ekim on November 02, 2004 at 21:19:21 PT thinking of freedom fighter thanks for comment number eight, same to you. are you going to the Hemp convention. is the hotel strike which had the mayor on the lines settled. please go and see what is going on and let us know. FoM I wonder if the HIA could have a link from the convention to here for questions with some of the heads. maybe some interviews with the vendors and give us information on there products. http://www.thehia.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 21:18:59 PT BGreen My husband went to bed because he couldn't handle it anymore either. I am very sad. I don't know how we can handle 4 more years of Bush. I just don't know. I know that war will be the way we will live and many more people will die. That breaks my heart. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by BGreen on November 02, 2004 at 21:13:17 PT How are you doing, FoM? My wife went to bed because she couldn't handle it anymore. I'm not the type of person that likes competition, gambling or other really stressful situations, so I tend to get sick to my stomach (I resemble an Alka-Seltzer commercial right now.) LOLIt's really strange since I'm an adrenaline junky when it comes to thrill seeking amusement park rides and other things in which I compete against myself.It ain't over 'til it's over.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by Hope on November 02, 2004 at 21:13:12 PT "long road to hoe (?)" Robbie, around here, Texas, that would be, "a long row to hoe"."Hoeing" being using that dreadful device, the garden hoe to dig in repeated chopping motions...The "row" being like the rows of vegetation in a garden or field. As you may know...hoeing gets old in a hurry. Five minutes of enthusiastic hoeing is a work out. This drug law reform "row" has surely been one really dang long row to hoe. We haven't reached the end yet but I'm believing again that the end is reachable…sooner if they would stop extending the length of our row.I get "toe the line" and "tow the line" confused. I dragged my feet to the polling place and gave my "wasted" vote to Badnarik. Being Texas, it would have really been wasted for Kerry. As Sukoi said, here in Texas, as opposed to the swing states...we can only hope to add to the Libertarian percentages. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 19:53:40 PT BGreen Thank you and that's great news! I looked for an article but nothing so far. There might not be any articles tonight because of the presidential election but I could be wrong. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by BGreen on November 02, 2004 at 19:27:13 PT CNN Projected Winner Montana Initiative 148: Medical Marijuana Montana MMJ [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by mayan on November 02, 2004 at 18:15:25 PT Only One Solution: We are rapidly moving to the point where the state will have no choice but to move beyond decriminalization and toward legalization and regulation. Otherwise, we could be back to the 1920s and the challenge to state power that accompanied Prohibition.It's either end prohibition or live in a total police state.Can any country afford to maintain a police state? unrelated...The Marijuana Conspiracy: http://www2.humboldt.edu/~merge/modules.php?op=modload&name=PagEd&file=index&page_id=690Trials on medicinal marijuana out soon: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3606523&thesection=news&thesubsection=generalOutrage at jailing of invalid cannabis user: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3084287a11,00.htmlThe way out is the way in...LA Citizens Grand Jury Condemns US Government Roll In 9/11 And Subsequent Cover-up - Sees US 'Treasonous Inside Cabal' As Responsible For 9/11 Terror Attacks: http://www.911truthla.us/Day of the Dead:The Haunting of the White House - By Cynthia McKinney and Catherine Austin Fitts: http://copvcia.com/free/ww3/110204_mckinney_fitts.shtmlABC News: "On Election Eve, Sept. 11 Doubters Surface" http://www.911truth.org/article.php?story=20041101142248872RE-OPEN 9/11: http://reopen911.org/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 17:49:25 PT Robbie That's so funny! I hope you are enjoying your solid buzz! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by Robbie on November 02, 2004 at 17:37:57 PT Just a shout out to all my peepz Good luck to ALL of us tonight. Good luck to the Alaska initiative. Good luck to the Oakland initiative. Good luck. Good luck. Good luck.I know it's a terrible thing for a cannabis user to admit, but I'm drinking. I need to have a solid buzz when the news results come in. You understand ;-)I hope things turn out this year, but I think it's still a long road to hoe (?) for Cannabis. Here's to more progressive drug-law reform!!Robbie BurnsSan Francisco [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Sam Adams on November 02, 2004 at 16:46:05 PT Fines Lombar you're right: they SHOULD fine people for cannabis, and then force them to buy a Volcano with the money! Then you could carry a little card and get off free the next time. That would be the ultimate nanny state - now now sonny boy, use a vaporizer! (just like mom!)Kapt, I'm sure you're right about editors & reporters keeping their jobs - I had a reporter tell me that the original version of his story was rejected by the editor, who was appalled - he said "What do you think you're writing for, High Times?" and then they proceeded to chop it up.It's interesting, too, the term Prohibition is considered a no-no by many drug policy reform groups - politicians cringe & don't want to be associated with groups saying they want to end Prohibition. Too radical. Too close to the truth is more like it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Druid on November 02, 2004 at 15:17:32 PT Join the John Kerry Cannabis Decrim thread... http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=61002Here is a forum on John Kerry's official website.The topic of the thread I posted is Marijuana Decrim.Take a look.From the administrator of Kerry's website:*******************Vol #1 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com//index.php?showtopic=525Vol #2 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=8035Vol #3 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=11769Vol #4 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=13683Vol #5 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=19072Vol #6 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=24403Vol #7 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=30196Vol 8 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=35466Vol 9 posts http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=38745Vol 10 posts: http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=43205Vol 11 posts: http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=47055Message from Administrator:This discussion is about marijuana POLICY and discussion or links pertaining to the cultivation, consumption, paraphenalia or otherwise generally advocating the use of marijuana are not appropriate subject matter for this forum and will be removed.We have a separate discussions for medical uses of Marijuana which can be found at the following link: http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=12128The war on illict drugs: http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=11770and Industrial Hemp here: http://forum.johnkerry.com/index.php?showtopic=11955Please respect our meeting rules and in particular: "If you have a problem with the moderation on this forum, please contact the forum administrator or any other moderator. We will move posted complaints about forum moderation off the public sections of the forum."In regard to those who wish to know Sen. Kerry's stated postions and voting record on this issue I have included the following information from published sources:Here are some reports of Sen. Kerry's stated positions:From the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP)http://www.mpp.org/candidates/guide/kerry.htmlName: Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) Ranking A- (Bush is an F)In short: Kerry would stop the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raids on seriously ill medical marijuana patients as president. Kerry has previously said he favors federal legislation to allow people with cancer, AIDS, and other serious illnesses to have medical marijuana, with their doctors' approval.What Kerry has done: Kerry recently co-authored a letter asking the Drug Enforcement Administration to approve a proposal from the University of Massachusetts Amherst to manufacture marijuana for FDA-approved medical marijuana research. In the October 20 letter to DEA Administrator Karen Tandy, Kerry criticized the National Institute on Drug Abuse's "unjustified monopoly on the production of marijuana for legitimate medical research." The letter also notes, "Federal law makes clear that the ... bulk manufacture of Schedule I and II substances must be provided `under adequately competitive conditions.' ... The current lack of such competition may well result in the production of lower-quality research-grade marijuana, which in turn jeopardizes important research." Kerry has neither cosponsored nor voted on legislation directly addressing medical marijuana.*What Kerry has said: During a Kerry town hall meeting in Henniker on September 20, Granite Staters for Medical Marijuana (GSMM) asked Kerry, "Would you stop the raids, as president?" Kerry responded by saying simply, "Yes." At an August 6 event hosted by his campaign, GSMM's Linda Macia asked Kerry, "On the day you take office, will you stop the DEA raids?" Kerry offered to "clarify" his earlier remarks, saying, "My personal disposition is open to the issue of medical marijuana. I believe there is a study underway analyzing what the science is. I want to get that scientific review" before making any decisions. He said he would "put a moratorium on the raids" pending this review, but he didn't commit to any long-term action to protect patients from arrest. On July 2, responding to a question from Linda Macia, Kerry said, "I'm in favor of" medical marijuana. Kerry added that he wanted "a full analysis of it" and continued, saying, "I've been in favor of its prescription, its prescription for people. We even passed a bill in Massachusetts to allow that to happen."What Kerry has said about marijuana decriminalization: When responding to a question in Rolling Stone magazine about whether he favored marijuana decriminalization, Kerry said, "No, not quite. What we did in the prosecutor's office was have a sort of unspoken approach to marijuana that was almost effectively decriminalization. We just didn't bother with small-time use. It doesn't rise to the level of nuisance, even. And what we were after was people dealing with heroin and destroying lives, and people who were killing people. That's where you need to focus." He also addressed recreational marijuana use by saying, "I've met plenty of people in my lifetime who've used marijuana and who I would not qualify as serious addicts -- who use about the same amount as some people drink beer or wine or have a cocktail. I don't get too excited by any of that.*All current members of the House and Senate running for president have voted for District of Columbia appropriations bills that included anti-medical marijuana provisions, but there was never a separate vote on any such amendment.And from NORML:http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5900DecriminalizationUS Senator John Kerry (D-MA) is on record voicing mild support for the removal of criminal penalties for the possession of marijuana for personal use. In a November 2003 interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Kerry said he has little problem with the responsible use of marijuana by adults, stating: "I've met plenty of people in my lifetime who've used marijuana and who I would not qualify as serious addicts -- who use about the same amount as some people drink beer or wine or have a cocktail. I don't get too excited by any of that." However, when asked whether he supported decriminalizing the possession and use of marijuana as a public policy, he replied: "No, not quite. What we did in the prosecutor's office was have a sort of unspoken approach to marijuana that was almost effectively decriminalization. We just didn't bother with small-time use. It doesn't rise to the level of nuisance, even. And what we were after was people dealing with heroin and destroying lives, and people who were killing people. That's where you need to focus."When asked during a live November 2003 debate on CNN whether he'd ever smoked marijuana, Kerry responded that he had.Medical Marijuana Kerry is on record voicing mild support for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Speaking in January 2004 at the New Hampshire College Convention, Kerry said he opposed federally prosecuting medical marijuana patients who reside in states that have legalized its use. However, Kerry stopped short of endorsing marijuana's therapeutic use, stating (as summarized by the Associated Press), "he wanted to wait for the completion of a study to see what other alternatives might be available ... before deciding whether to legalize it in all states."As a Senator, Kerry has been supportive of statewide medical marijuana reform efforts in his home state of Massachusetts. He praised legislation approved by the Massachusetts legislature in 1996 that sought to establish a medicinal marijuana therapeutic research program, and most recently, he wrote a letter to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in support of a University of Massachusetts Amherst proposal to manufacture marijuana for FDA-approved medical marijuana research.Repealing the Drug Offender Exclusionary Provision from the Federal Higher Education Act Kerry is on record supporting the partial repeal of a 1998 provision to the federal Higher Education Act (HEA) that bars convicted marijuana and drug offenders from receiving financial student aid. Speaking in January 2004 at the New Hampshire College Convention, Kerry responded to questioning from the organization, Students for Sensible Drug Policy, by stating that his position depends on the type of drug offense. "If the offense is use, yes," he said. But "if the offense is selling, no."Industrial Hemp Kerry has not taken a public position regarding the legalization of industrial hemp, despite publicly promising to do so at the January 2004 College Convention in New Hampshire. In addition, he failed to respond to a 2004 survey by the organization Vote Hemp, even after the group extended their deadline to accommodate Kerry's staff. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by The GCW on November 02, 2004 at 11:15:59 PT Lombar Lombar, You point out an interesting viewpoint; They are proposing to fine cannabis users while at the same time handing out crack kits, and free rigs for shooting up. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by lombar on November 02, 2004 at 11:07:35 PT Talk about mixed messages... Here they are proposing bill C-17, to fine cannabis users while at the same time handing out crack kits, and free rigs for shooting up? If cannabis is SO BAD that it requires I be fined, so harsh on the lungs, why not pony up a Volcano Vaporizer for me??? In fact, if they start prescribing herion (which I think would be a good idea, stop much crime, put gangs out of Heroin business, reduce number of OD's...) people will be more inclined to get free H with no fear of arrest. If I smoke some cannabis, I deserve a fine.. I'd settle for a VaporDoc!!!The news last night used the words 'Big step forward for drug reform'...it's a big step forward for enforcement of the laws which millions already IGNORE...and will still IGNORE. Isn't it great how the governement can spend so much effort apearring like they are doing something when in fact they accomplish NOTHING? Or even go backwards?All the cannabis production law changes will INSURE that people use RENTAL PROPERTIES to do it. Try as I might, I can see no redeeming factors in this bill.CRACK KITS HIT B.C.'S STREETSVANCOUVER -- A support group for drug users began distributing hundreds of free crack pipes over the weekend in an initiative they say will slow the spread of disease among drug users. Over 500 crack kits were handed out Friday and the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users plans to hand out hundreds more in the coming days, said network president Rob Morgan. The group wants public funding to maintain the program."In the same way as handing out needles, these kits advance harm reduction and prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis C," said Morgan, a self-described crack cocaine addict.Each kit contains a glass pipe, mouthpieces, condoms, alcohol swabs, matches, and smoking instructions. Money to buy the kits came from private organizations and street donations. Morgan said drug users are asked to donate at least $1 for the kits. "But we're not going to turn people away," he said.Health officials are also being lobbied to create a crack smoking room in the city's controversial safe injection site, the first of its kind in North America. http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1558/a01.html?397(I know its a private group here but I was thinking of the so-called safe shooting facility which is sanctioned by the government.) [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by kaptinemo on November 02, 2004 at 10:42:23 PT: There it is again: PRO-HI-BI-TION! And this time, it's in the subject line!Yes, I could care less about the author's assertions about cannabis being lumped in with vastly more dangerous drugs. I suspect that in order to meet editorial prejudices, many media types are forced to tread a certain line in order to continue receiving a paycheck. Toe-ing the party line regarding cannabis is but one more example.But the fact remains: the connection, obvious for any with three brain cells to click together - that cannabis prohibition is just as futile as alcohol prohibition was before it - is finally being openly spoken about in the media.When more media outlets begin to openly make the connection, the antis will be forced into even greater spirals of hysteria. You can expect them to, as they are in Alaska, dredge up old and long discredited claims about cannabis being responsible for murder, sexual perversion, etc. That will only cause the public to look askance at them and fold it's arms derisively, with an unspoken "Yeah, right" on it's face.Poor antis; nothing like irrefutable facts part of this nation's history to ruin your day. Like Alcohol Prohibition and it's abject failure and rejection by Americans. This prohibition is due for history's trash bin, too. Long past due. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on November 02, 2004 at 09:14:27 PT Good guy, but... Obviously this guy's heart is in the right place, but must we still put up with these pernicious lies?"Opponents of legalization point to the many safety hazards of pot consumption: It can be far worse for your lungs than cigarettes; it is addictive (psychologically, if not physically); and putting it in the hands of Labatt or Imperial Tobacco would offer societal sanction of a dangerous drug."This is main problem here! As soon as kids try it they can immediately see for themselves that there is no "safety hazard", it's much safer than the alcohol they've already been drinking. Even if we legalize, we've got to tackle this problem of telling the kids the truth. Teens want to rebel. Handing them a huge lie is an invitation to try to the herb.How can it possibly be "far worse" on your lungs when 400,000 Americans per year die from smoking and none from cannabis? I hate the way pundits often try to gain credibility by acknowledging the opposition's accusations. A lie is a lie! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 02, 2004 at 08:02:44 PT Go Canada! It's time to legalize this wonderful herb! [ Post Comment ] Post Comment