cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Nation? Marijuana Nation? Posted by CN Staff on November 25, 2004 at 15:08:45 PT By Janice Tibbetts, CanWest News Service Source: Regina Leader-Post Ottawa -- Canadians are smoking pot more than ever before and the majority want police and government to leave people to indulge in peace.A new poll for the advocacy group NORML Canada shows for the first time that more than half of Canadians effectively support legalization, with 57 per cent reporting that people should be "left alone" if they are caught with small amounts of marijuana for personal use. An advance copy of the survey was given to CanWest News Service on Wednesday, the same day the federal government released a study of 13,000 Canadians showing that marijuana use has doubled in the last decade.Fourteen per cent of those surveyed for the federal study said they smoked pot in the last year, up from 7.4 in 1994. The study also revealed that almost 30 per cent of 15- to 17-year-olds and 47 per cent of 18- and 19-year-olds used marijuana in the last year."This is really a rude awakening for the government," said Jody Pressman, executive director of NORML Canada."Government is going in the wrong direction if it thinks decriminalization is a step forward," said Pressman, whose pro-marijuana group commissioned the poll.The survey also reveals that only eight per cent support criminalizing marijuana if it leads to jail time. Another 32 per cent believe that pot possession should be punished by fines rather than criminal records, a middle ground that is currently proposed in a federal bill winding its way through Parliament.NORML wants the federal government to scrap its controversial decriminalization bill and bring in an end to prohibition and begin regulating the industry.Snipped:Complete Article: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/mjnation.htmSource: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN)Author: Janice Tibbetts, CanWest News Service Published: Thursday, November 25, 2004Copyright: 2004 The Leader-Post Contact: letters leaderpost.comWebsite: http://www.canada.com/regina/leaderpost/Related Articles & Web Sites:NORML Canadahttp://www.normlcanada.org/Cannabis News Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmPot -- It's Not Just for Bohemians Any Morehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19880.shtmlMarijuana Use Doubles: Studyhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19876.shtmlCannabisNews -- Canada Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/Canada.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #23 posted by FoM on November 30, 2004 at 17:15:02 PT News Article from The CBC Author Pierre Berton DiesNovember 30, 2004TORONTO - Pierre Berton, the prolific author and popular television personality, died Tuesday at the age of 84. CBC Television gave the cause of death as heart failure. Berton, who wrote more than 40 books, was known for compelling, readable histories like The National Dream and The Last Spike. During his long career, he worked as a newspaper columnist, the editor of Maclean's magazine and a broadcast personality. He was instantly recognizable by his anachronistic bow tie and bushy white sideburns, and he had a penchant for wearing opera cloaks. Berton was more than prolific – at the peak of his writing powers, he could churn out as much as 15,000 words a day, including a 1,200-word daily column for the Toronto Star newspaper. Among the accolades he earned are three Governor General's Literary Awards for non-fiction and two National Newspaper Awards. He was also made a Companion of the Order of Canada. Berton was born July 12, 1920 in Dawson City, Yukon. After working being educated at the University of British Columbia he embarked on a career as a newspaper reporter, much to the chagrin of his family. In 1947, following four years of service in the military, he moved to Toronto, where he rose to become the managing editor of Maclean's at the age of 31. In 1957, he joined the CBC public-affairs program Close-Up and also became a permanent panellist on Front Page Challenge. He left Maclean's in 1962 to start his own program, The Pierre Berton Show, which ran until 1973. He also worked on a number of other programs. His other well-known titles include The Mysterious North and Klondike: The Life and Death of the Last Gold Rush In recent years he had fun with his grandfatherly image. In October, he appeared on the Rick Mercer comedy Monday Report to give viewers helpful hints on how to roll joints. He recommended The National Dream as an excellent rolling surface and urged marijuana smokers to avoid loosely rolled spliffs. Berton, a recreational marijuana user since the 1960s, told reporters he "didn't give a damn" anymore what people thought of him. "I just called him, and asked him if he would come on the show and teach Canada how to roll a joint. He immediately said 'Yes, come up to the house. I'd be happy to do so,"' Mercer said. One of his most recent public appearances came in the same month, when he appeared at the dedication of the library that bears his name in Woodbridge, Ont. Berton, who lived in nearby Kleinburg, called the facility "a cool building." "I never expected my name to be associated with a library except in the overdue parts of the book," he quipped, saying it was "a little staggering" to have a library named after him.Written by CBC News Online staffCopyright: CBC 2004 http://www.cbc.ca/story/arts/national/2004/11/30/Arts/PierreBerton041130.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on November 28, 2004 at 11:11:55 PT LTE from The Times Argus Ayuh, Vermont Would Fit in with Canada, eh?November 28, 2004 Many Vermonters are troubled by the re-election of George Bush, the continuing war in Iraq, and the increasing power of big corporations and right-wing religious zealots in the U.S.A. Some of my friends have even suggested that they would like to leave the country. I have a better idea. Vermont should ask to join Canada as its 11th province.Vermont shares a border with Canada, a country far more aligned with what Vermonters would like to see in their country than the United States. Here are some specifics:Canada has a foreign policy that would make Vermonters proud. It refused to send troops to participate in the invasion of Iraq. It supports the treaty to ban anti-personnel land mines, the Kyoto accord on global warming and the International Criminal Court. The United States has opposed all of these.Canada has provided a universal health care system since 1957. Unlike even most U.S. citizens, Canadians have free choice of doctors and hospitals. Canada has one of the highest life expectancies in the world and about a 25 percent better rate of infant mortality than the United States.Canada is committed to human rights and public safety. Canada recognizes the rights of gay and lesbians to form civil unions and, in two provinces, to marry.The United States continues to fight and lose an ill-fated "war against drugs" that costs billions of dollars and incarcerates hundreds of thousands who could otherwise be taxpaying citizens. In 2003 the United States incarcerated 715 citizens per 100,000 of population; Canada, 116. Canada is moving toward a more sane, rational drug policy, beginning with decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana.Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976, yet homicides, at one-third the rate in the United States, continue to decline while in the States they are rising. The United States has a firearm-related homicide rate eight times that of Canada.Canada has a vibrant economy, a larger middle class and a far lower poverty rate than the United States.In Vermont, we are in a unique position to make this move. From 1777 until 1791 Vermont was an independent republic, and Ethan Allen negotiated with Canada to discuss joining it. The time has come again.If you're interested in joining us, please visit: http://www.vermontcanada.org to learn more.Russell AminzadeBurlingtonFounder of VermontCanada.org Copyright: 2004 Times Argus http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041128/NEWS/411280324/1022 [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by ekim on November 26, 2004 at 20:27:01 PT dang theyer good Two Canadian seed companies walked away with the top prizes for bud. My friend Reeferman won the Cup for the best Sativa with his Love Potion #1. A new outfit called simply BC Bud won the Cup for the best Indica with their modestly named God Bud.http://www.marijuananews.com/news.php3?sid=778 http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by The GCW on November 26, 2004 at 18:33:26 PT Russell Barth CN QU: PUB LTE: War On Drugs Is OverRe: Marijuana use doubles: study ( Gazette, Nov. 24 ). The time has come for Canadians to stop asking the government to legalize and regulate cannabis, and start demanding that they do it immediately. If prohibition were going to work, it would have worked by now. On behalf of medical and recreational marijuana users nation wide, I would like to declare victory in the War On Drugs. Police and government declared this war on plants decades ago, and they have suffered an embarrassing defeat. We are ready to listen to the terms of their surrender. Russell Barth Ottawa http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1678/a10.html?397 [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by kaptinemo on November 26, 2004 at 16:04:48 PT: Wow! Thank you, Breeze We can all remember certain events in our lives as the point where everything changed. There are cultural events - for example, I remember very clearly, even as a kid, where I was when I heard that Kennedy had been assassinated - and then there are the personal epiphanies. In mine, it came when long-endured pain finally receded into the background, and I felt normal again. At first I felt wonder. Then...I felt the deepest fury I had ever felt. I had always suspected I was being lied to about it, but then to realize in a diamond splinter flash of lucidity just how far the rot had spread in government, how deep, that it used monies extorted via taxes to buy the hancuffs they put on harmless people and the hell-holes the holier-than-thou antis would then stuff the unfortunates into. For *this* ?(Waving hookah hose). *This*, which hasn't killed a soul? I knew a good supervisor, a decent man who I was proud to serve with, but he wound up losing everything courtesy of a classic 'battle with the bottle'. We tried, God we tried, but he just couldn't give it up. Cannabis never did what alcohol did to that guy; not to anybody. He could have toked and (possibly) enjoyed a much longer life with sustained health had he had the option of leaf over booze. How many would make the choice, safely...legally...freely? Enquiring minds might want to know, but the Gub'mint seems suspiciously short on enquiring minds, and has an overabundance of shuttered ones.A nation that tells lies to its' electorate is a nation that shouldn't demand the truth from that electorate. I'd wager the number of those Americans who have toked is actually MUCH higher than the offically quoted 70-100 million. The truth of this is shown in almost every poll: people say decrim. They say make it available to the sick who could benefit from it. They say "Uncle, get outta my bedroom!".It's long past time Uncle listened. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on November 26, 2004 at 14:16:08 PT breeze I'm getting use to my new computer and am slow getting around to make comments. You did a great job. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by breeze on November 26, 2004 at 14:07:14 PT Thank you all for you kindness!! Thank you for your kindness, you ALL, and people like you are in fact the inspiration that has led me to confront this issue on so many fronts. For YEARS I smoked the leaf, and for years, I refrained from saying, writing, or investigating anything to do with Cannabis. I read a lot of magazines related to the issue, but rarely ever saw anything within the pages that would prompt me to get active in the movement. It was in fact the writers at this website that has fueled my fires, and to you I owe my change in attitude, coming out from the silent majority.It is my belief that many,many, many people do not realize how being vocal on the issue of decriminalization will lead to the changes NEEDED. Until then, the bad guys win- continuously and infinitely. The issue is making the local news though, and this is good- to a fault.I witnessed an early morning show that is obviously a bit looser than the one on the major networks, the newscasters are VERY light hearted in their approach to the news, but they do have their serious moments. On today's "poll"- they asked if marijuana should be decriminalized- and asked viewers to send in their e-mail commentary. While I paid close attention to the comments, there was not a single comment from the prohibitionists- it was all in the context of "YES!!! It needs to be decriminalized- not only for medical purposes, but in general!!"Still, it bothered me somewhat that there was one individual who had the viewpoint that if marijuana were decriminalized, that fewer people would use the herb because it was no longer in the "rebeliousness" catagory- even though the viewer was FOR decriminalization. I must confess, the only time I ever used marijuana for the purpose of rebellion, was the first time I tried it. After that first time, my baptism in fire so to speak, I was a convert for eternity. But that was the only time I have EVER used marijuana as a rebellion to anything- and even then there were circumstances that would justify my "rebellion." Let me quickly explain. The day that I graduated from highschool, was the same day that I turned 18- on top of this, it was ironically the same day that the legal age to purchase alcohol was raised to the age 19. In my view, I had just turned 18- and I was old enough to be drafted to fight for my country, get married without parental consent, any various number of things associated with my age- except drink alcohol- and it just so happened that on the same day, I was denied a right that I had honored ALL throughout highschool- I was straight edged the entire time, I wanted to do what was legal. On that day though, my entire mentality changed- it pissed me off that I was rewarded for my abstinince from strong drink and marijuana or anything else that would alter my conciousness. And so, when a good friend handed a joint to me and said the words-"Welcome to the real world..." I did not say NO. I still had my cap and gown on from just exiting the auditorium, diploma in one hand, joint in the other. On another program, the issue the supreme court will take up on Monday, one newscaster stated clearly that they believed it should be made available to patients, but that improvments needed to be made in the quality of the marijuana given to patients- that they often prefer to buy marijuana off the street than use the government stuff- the quality just isn't there. In effect, he was stating that it should be deciminalized. Sadly enough though, I have noticed a trend that today's youth are engaing in- everytime I purchase a household product such as glue or paint- I get carded. "Huffing" is apparently making a big comeback, accompanied by another current fad, drinking nail polish- because it contains something similar to GHB (a date rape drug). I was in a local 5 & dime the other day, when a woman was discussing with a fellow co-worker that a kid was trying to steal spray paint, and he begged her to not call the cops- she didn't, but he ran away as well. Given that IF marijuana were legal, it would be more affordable- possibly even so that this kid would not be resorting to frying his brains on glue and paint, as well as being involved in another stupid activity, stealing. People have a history of doing stupid things, often times just to DO MORE stupid things. With marijuana, at least, he wouldn't be frying what brains he does have, or drinking a fluid that can potentially cause liver damage, kidney failure or death. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on November 26, 2004 at 13:50:14 PT Primetime Politics on CPAC CCC: Primetime Politics on CPAC at 8pmET and 11pmET tonight Watch the video here:http://www.fillthehill.ca/cpac.htmlOn tonight's edition of Primetime Politics on CPAC, I appear in a discussion about our poll numbers with Conservative Justice Critic Vic Toews. In the show Cotler is also interviewed and asked about our poll. The show airs today at 8pmET and re-airs at 11pmET. For more information or to view a live streaming video, visit: http://www.cpac.caJody Pressman [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by goneposthole on November 26, 2004 at 13:25:47 PT correction 'Nobody gets indicted, nobody loses there job'Nobody gets indicted, nobody loses their jobOttawa needs to be ready for the heavy-handed tactics of the Bush Cabal. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by goneposthole on November 26, 2004 at 12:31:52 PT anti-Bush protest in Canada It was no breeze digesting breeze's profound analysis.It will be interesting if the protest goes on as planned or will it be like New York City where the protestors were rounded up and placed in a chain link cage. Just in case you forgot:It's a police state now.27,000 deaths attributed to Vioxx. 2,000,000 people worldwide were ingesting it. Merck profitted 7 billion dollars on their arithitis medication, Vioxx. Merck gained the whole world, but apparently has lost its soul. Nobody gets indicted, nobody loses there job; it just gets talked to death at a hearing in Congress. Harumph 5% of the population in the US regularly uses cannabis. 14,000,000 souls, give or take a few, not including the rest of the world, everyday or so find a release and some relief. How many die from using it regularly? If it were vioxx, the number would be approximately 189,000 (7 x 27 000). If 189,000 people were to die from smoking marijuana over, say, a 4 year period, nobody would use it.I'll go out on a limb and unequivocably state without reservation that cannabis is relatively harmless compared to vioxx. 'FDA approval' is not needed and apparently is meaningless.Cannabis is the baby that has been thrown out with the bath water at the FDA. We have a lot to be thankful for, however the FDA is not one of them at this time.Last, but not least, we can thank the good earth for providing a miracle of a plant. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on November 26, 2004 at 11:34:01 PT Canoe: Protesters to Light Up Hill By Kathleen Harris, Parliamentary Bureau, Sun MediaNovember 26, 2004 Peaceniks, pot puffers, grannies and gays are all planning to give a cold Canadian welcome to President George W. Bush. Wearing black armbands and lighting up big joints on Parliament Hill, bus and car loads of protesters will converge in the capital to dump on the recently re-elected leader. Satellite demonstrations are also planned for cities and towns coast-to-coast. "Right across the country there will be solidarity actions, from Vancouver to Halifax," said James Clarke of the Toronto Coalition to Stop the War. "It won't be something that's just concentrated in Ottawa and Quebec, but also in places like Flin Flon, Man. and Prince Albert, Sask." Protesters will vent anger and frustration by rolling out "unwelcome mats" with anti-Bush slogans. The heat will also be on Prime Minister Paul Martin to reject requests to join missile defence and to help out in Iraq. B.C. marijuana activist Marc Emery will show his disdain for Bush by lighting up a 13-inch, 25-gram joint below the Peace Tower. The huge doobie's big enough to share with about 100 protesters, he said. "It's to clarify that we want an independent drug policy," he said. "We feel the biggest push is coming from the U.S government to maintain criminal sanctions." Claiming the president represents death, the Sierra Club of Canada is declaring a "national day of mourning" to coincide with Bush's visit. The environmental organization is encouraging Canadians to dress in black and tie black ribbons on porches, trees, car antennae and Christmas decorations. "Everyone who's coming, who's there at the demonstration, will be there because they have a bone to pick with Bush and Martin, and the fact Martin has invited Bush here for a visit," said anti-Bush protester Jessica Squires. Copyright: 2004, CANOE, a division of Netgraphe Inc.http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2004/11/26/732728.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Sukoi on November 26, 2004 at 08:03:16 PT Breeze hits it dead on! I’d like to second that nomination – excellent thinking and writing breeze! Here is an article that seems to back up what you wrote:How drug-approval woes crept up on FDAhttp://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1126/p02s01-uspo.htmlAlso, CNN just did a segment on Angel Raich and her appearance at the SCOTUS on Monday; it was indeed touching and I’m sure that it will air again. She said that regardless of the outcome she would continue to use cannabis saying that she will not allow the government to sentence her to death for being ill. Even the news anchor seemed moved! I sure do hope that Angel succeeds and I really do think that she will! [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by The GCW on November 26, 2004 at 07:37:43 PT Forget Iran, North Korea, etc. Stop Canada from becoming Cannada.Will Bush put Cannada on his war list?(Oh, their going to go to pot(ty) if they are not stopped right away!)Watch the U.S. Government drop everything to stop this!420Cannabis / the tree of life, offers more to "Eyewitnesses"http://www.biblegateway.org/bible?passage=2PET+1&language=english&version=NASB 1 Peter 1 indicates that cannabis / the tree of life, for those who are witnesses, (obey); is able to give extra powers, over and above what disobedient people are able to receive from cannabis / the tree of life. In 2 Peter 1:16-21, subtitled “Eyewitnesses” seems to describe two types of people; one is those who “cleverly devise(d) tales” which seems must include cannabis prohibitionists (disobedient Christians) and the other is those who eyewitness His majesty, which include those who state cannabis is of God and is good (obedient Christians). Note who this is written to, in verse 1, “To those who have received a faith of the same kind as ours,…” (That’s Me and I hope, everyone). & We are told in 2 Peter 1:4, “For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature..." (divine nature? I think this is the tree of life and to those who are “eyewitnesses” We have the ability to experience in the tree of life what cannabis prohibitionists can not; the divineness of cannabis), "...having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” (again We are able because We are not “those who “cleverly devise(d) tales.”) Notice who this is to again in verse 1 but also notice who will be the culprit, which has been written before; THOSE WHO ARE NOT A FAITH OF THE SAME KIND AS OURS. Notice who it says will be the culprit teaching to “advocate abstaining from foods which God has created” as THOSE WHO “fall away from the faith”, in 1 Timothy 4:1-5. 1 Tim. 4:1-5, subtitled: Apostasy, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” http://www.biblegateway.org/bible?passage=1TIM+4&language=english&version=NASB How can the cannabis prohibitionist that goes to church not know that cannabis is good? There are groups of people that know cannabis is the tree of life and don't want You to know it. Those people may not be able to have access to the additional powers that the tree of life offers, but they don't want anyone else to have it and have access to shine the LIGHT on their darkness. It profits evil, to prohibit man from touching the divine cannabis. Be "EYEWITNESSES" The Green Collar Worker [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by kaptinemo on November 26, 2004 at 07:20:59 PT: Breeze: BRAVO! I nominate Breeze for future Director of the FDA...if we ever have a government worthy of Breeze's honesty, passion and integrity. Unfortunately, we ain't got one, yet... [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by global_warming on November 26, 2004 at 05:57:23 PT What can they say now? Soft Approach To Cannabis Said Working In The UK Black Britain.co.uk 11-26-4 The reclassification of cannabis from a class B to a class C drug has been as openly welcomed as it has been vilified. The MPA says it has saved thousands of hours and over £400,000 since cannabis was downgraded in January. At a Metropolitan Police Authority (MPA) meeting yesterday, the general consensus was that this move had been a positive one. Reshard Auladin, Deputy Chair of the MPA said, "Most violent crimes in the capital are linked to alcohol. I have never seen an incident where an assault has been linked to cannabis. A fortune is spent bringing people to court and then they can be fined as little as £25. However, Len Duvall, the MPA's Chair insisted that cannabis trafficking, or instances where the drug is used in front of children would still be treated seriously. Recent figures show that since cannabis was reclassified in January, cautions for possession have gone up by just over a third, while arrests have gone down by over half since 2003. http://www.blackbritain.co.uk/news/details.aspx?i=1025&c=uk&h=MPA+says+soft+approach+to+cannabis+is+working Soft Approach To Cannabis [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by dr slider on November 25, 2004 at 23:51:36 PT: true then and now "You say you'll change the constitutionWell you knowWe all want to change your headYou tell me its the institutionWell you knowYou better free your mind instead......it's gonna be alright...alright...alright."Beautiful expose' breeze. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by breeze on November 25, 2004 at 19:19:34 PT Just leave it alone, it will not go away... According to CBS news, the National Institute of Health, has been taking kickbacks from pharmaceutical companies- in exchange for a wide range of services that have proved to be supportive of any questionable drugs that a company may want to introduce to the public. Conversely, is it possible that the NIH may have also sided against the use of cannabis as a viable medical wonder in favor of manufactured drugs that are supposed to have the same treatment value as cannabis, for instance in how the pharmaceutical companies have invested great efforts in creating pills and inhalers? It certainly stands to reason that the NIH, a government agency funded with tax dollars, who actually approves of allowing its representatives act as "consultants" for any company that needs an "advisor" of sorts to aid them in promoting their medications- would be guilty of also making false statements against the use of an herb that can be manufactured by a person for their own individual use. Consider this, the FDA, and now the NIH, have both recently come into the limelight as having questionable practices and policies- being much too cozy in allowing opinions of "professionals" be bought. The lawyers for the NIH have definitely provided damning information to this fact- by stating quite clearly that the policy of the NIH is to allow its employees to act as consultants for major pharmaceutical companies- in other words, it is LEGAL for a representative of the NIH to be paid over $3000.00 for his opinion. One employee has been reported to act as said consultant for a pharmaceutical company- only one day for the month, and he was paid over $3000.00 for his opinion. Recently it has come to light that there are a number of drugs the FDA has approved for pain relief, and these drugs have been shown to have more potential problems than they actually correct. The NIH is another governmental agency that is guilty of the same attrocities, both equally guilty in approving drugs that have more potential harms than good. Irony rears its ugly head here, as BOTH the FDA and NIH have both attributed to the many falsehoods regarding marijuana- the main differences should be quite clear here, and these differences do need to be exposed for what they are. The two government agencies responsible for protecting public health and safety are in deed and action, in direct conflict with the truth- by allowing pharmaceutical companies to place greater value on profit than on public safety. It is one thing to take payment for ones opinion, and that opinion be false, but it is another thing ENTIRELY to precribe that a drug is safe when it specifically is NOT safe and being paid to say that the drug IS indeed safe for consumption. Apparently this is what has happened within the hallways of the FDA and the NIH.So what is being done about this? Can fines be levied? Can anyone go to jail? Is there a remedy? Not likely- the NIH legally approves of being paid for an opinion, be it an opinion that relies on fact or blatant lie. What a conundrum- a government agency that allows its employees to be paid off for their opinions that have killed people. The reason this issue is one of the major topics that has a direct influence on the topic of marijuana decriminalization, and yes, even other drugs that are used for recreational purposes, is in the fact that many of the drugs that both government agencies approve of have potential to be addictive and deadly. Yet these drugs are legal, due to kickbacks for opinions of employees of these agencies specifically FROM the large pharmaceutical corporations. If it hasn't got the approval of the FDA or the NIH- it remains illegal, that much is apparent. The reason marijuana is not legal is because a pharmaceutical company cannot control its manufacture or distrbution. I am curious as to how many other substances might hold potential benefits such as marijuana and have suffered the same fate. This is a wake up call to ALL Americans, as well as the rest of the world that rely on the opinions that were BOUGHT by pharmaceutical companies. Welcome to corporate America, where money talks- instead of common sense. Any agent of the government who states that marijuana has no medicinal value, elected or employed, and relies upon the FDA or NIH to maintain their stance is due to be expelled from their position of power and opinion, for they are relying on definitions that were bought with money, not truth.The medications that are approved by the NIH and the FDA that is the focus of this study essentially revolve around pain relief, in other words- drugs that make people feel comfortable when their bodies are in a state of trauma. The human body is a wonderous thing, but it is also quite capable of being a machine of horror- by allowing its operator to experience its own rebellion- something known commonly as pain. I was taught in biology class that the body has billions of receptors, that communicate with the brain when something is wrong with the body. For instance, if you touch something that is hot enough to burn the body, that receptor communicates with the brain the get away from the source of injury. But its not always possible to get away from the source of pain- especially when the body essentially commits an act of treason. Therefore the need for pain medications that control these receptors has become BIG buisness. Fortunately, nature has provided many plants and minerals to inhibit/shut down these receptors, therefore being very effective in pain management. What happens when a body is administered these substances is still a mystery to science on several fronts, but the most important thing is that they actually work. There is a condition of the body known as living death, when a body is still functioning, but the person trapped inside that body is experiencing so much discomfort, that death is preferred. This condition known as living death is commonly ascribed to people suffering from AIDS, various cancers, and other diseases. In modern medicine, when a person is such a condition, it is not uncommon to place the patient into a morphine coma. In this case, a person has to be in so much pain that the coma is induced- it is in proving that the person is in that amount of pain to warrant such a practice. Morality frequently stands in the way of this procedure- some people apparently belief that suffering is an art form. Obviously this belief is very common, just look at the total history of mankind to observe this obvious truth. For centuries, people have devised many methods for infliction of pain on others without actually killing them- for any number of reasons that are not always diabloical, or at least not PERCIEVED to be diabolical by the majority.In some states, where patient assisted suicide has become a modern controversy, it is apparent that people in general have a sadistic streak in them as wide as the known universe. If an animal is injured beyond repair, one does not once flinch at the idea of commiting a "mercy killing," in order to put the creature out of its misery. Yet, if a person is able to comment on such a desire, it is considered a moral evil. Our society truly needs to re-examine its priorities, for not even death is granted to those that wish for it to end their misery. In our modern world, we have yet to come to the subtle realization that not every one paces their lives at the speed at which others do. Some choose to live fast and loose, with reckless regard for their own health or others around them, in order to view this, just examine everyday life. How frequently does one hear tale of a person who died in an automobile crash, not because they were intoxicated but instead they were merely driving to fast- conversely, what about the person who has a massive heart attack because of the fatty foods they ingested and resign of exercise? People frequently live their lives as though they believe others should live as they do, and this is simply not a prescription for enjoying what life does have to offer. I suppose, I would never be happy living my life as a model citizen- but most modern citizens believe I should be happy living life as they do. If I am going to die happy, then I would be happier knowing that I lived my life trying to accomplish something that benefits the greater good of everyone, instead of being as docile and reluctant as those who choose not to. This is where the FDA and NIH come into direct conflict with any one individual who ever believed what another person states as a truth or value, based simply on their title or position within a governmental power. Money has purchased legality, and it has been bought at the price of loss of common sense. When a drug manufacturer preceeds the desires and needs of millions of people with their purchased lies, everyone suffers. If a conglomerate cannot make a profit, then what ever stands in their way of doing so is deemed illegal- and this SHOULD be considered to be an act of treason against humanity at the very least. Someone should be held responsible for this attrocity, but its not likely to happen. To many hands are in the cookie jar, too many people are being paid off, specifically for their opinion is only ONE issue at hand. The very creation of these two governement funded agencies was to insure the safety of medications- and to do so with the most strict ethics in place. If the reporters who uncovered this information were to dig just a little bit deeper, I am VERY confident that they would find pay off's in other parts of government regarding the legality of cannabis- congress, the courts, and other positions of power SPECIFICALLY. In regards to local law enforcment, it is very apparent, it was not that long ago that I posted an article where a narcotics officer was not only dealing methamphetomine, but also went to stringent efforts in protecting another dealer. His sole job description was to insure that people not make money selling a substance that is deemed illegal, and it is likely that he did his job well- but only selectively. He was paid not only by the government to do his job, but also by the people he was being paid to arrest. I can only ponder the lives he ruined, by his activities both legal and illegal. This is where power is often corrupt and apparently so, for those lives he destroyed by utilizing his position and professional title to bust one person and have their property taken from them as well as enforcing fines, as well as having them imprisoned, denying that person a life to be lived freely for a crime that is only a crime because someone elses opinion meant more than common sense, is a truly dispictable act. And this is only one, ONE, dishonest public official of thousands- and he is at the bottom of the totem pole. Many people do use drugs for recreational purposes, they place great value on being able to experience their lives in a different state of mind as opposed to someone who has never even tried a drug for something other than pain managment. To first understand the mind of why a person uses a drug with no other intent other than losing their grip on reality for a limited period of time is beyond reproach. No, this is not the way I mean to present the idea, the use of any substance, or activity to experience life is the example here. Adding quality to life's experiences is truly what is at argument here, some people misuse alcohol in order to experience or enhance an event, any event, in a different way than being in their normal state of conscience. The descision to use drugs or marijuana (which is an herb, not a drug) should be legal, simply because not everyone experiences events in the same way while effected by ANY substance. There have been many people who have been intoxicated on alcohol, and have never had an accident while being under the influence of the drug- but have had many incidents while being sober. We have drugs that enhance sexual pleasure, or create a desire for sexual cravings, all approved by the government for use, and they have basically no medicinal value at all, other than effecting ones state of well being or mind- and they are very LEGAL. The use of these drugs are to experience life differently than one's body would normally allow them to do so, in effect- it stimulates the person's body to act differently than it would under normal everyday operation- and this is not a criminal act. Other substances are used to accomplish comparitable situations, steroids for example, are sometimes used to increase a persons ability in performing certain tasks with no medical value, just as medications are prescribed for the physical appearance of a person- as example, to stimulate hair growth. Other than effecting the appearance of a person, does the drug have any medical value? No, clearly not. These drugs are used for one thing and one thing only in some perspectives, to improve or enhance one's life experience, and little else. Why should cannabis be any different? Because a corrupt government agency, political leader, or justice personnel wasn't paid off to say differently, that is OBVIOUSLY "why." [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on November 25, 2004 at 19:01:27 PT Thanks Mayan I don't go to CC forums or any forums related to our issue but since this has happened I'm checking everything out. I don't understand why someone would do that to CC. I really don't understand people that gets so angry that they hurt a person's web site. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by mayan on November 25, 2004 at 18:36:17 PT Crazy Here's a link to the NORML Canada forum... NO access to CC or BCMP websites!! Trouble perhaps? http://www.norml.ca/forum//viewtopic.php?topic=100&forum=8 [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by mayan on November 25, 2004 at 18:26:02 PT Very Interesting... Someone must really fear Emery. Maybe they just fear the truth! On an unrelated note, how much farther can the dollar fall? The sh*t could soon hit the fan... Gold hits new 16-year high: http://www.sharecast.com/cgi-bin/sharecast/story.cgi?story_id=383864Greenback Loses Favor In China: http://rense.com/general60/breen.htmRuble Hits 4-Year High Versus Dollar: http://www.moscowtimes.ru/stories/2004/11/25/041.htmlU.S. Dollar Hits Another Low Against Euro: http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041125/euro_dollar_11.htmlBears Attack Dollar Again, Euro Hits High: http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml%3Bjsessionid%3DUTFFJ2YEU1X3ICRBAE0CFFA?type=businessNews&storyID=6919580100 TRILLION DOLLARS IN DEBT WORLD WIDE... http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?read=60018Is the purge at the CIA complete yet? They sure have booted a lot of experienced personell since Porter Goss took over. They act like they're in a big hurry for some reason...Two More Top CIA Officials Resign: http://rense.com/general60/resihn.htmMeanwhile, across the pond...MP's Attempt To Impeach Blair Over Iraq: http://rense.com/general60/impeach.htmThe way out is the way in...9/11 COMPLAINT AND PETITION AS FILED WITH NY AG ELIOT SPITZER - 11/19/04: http://www.justicefor911.org/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on November 25, 2004 at 18:01:20 PT Update on CC and Pot-TV The sites will go down on the 26th it now says on CC. Maybe they will get it worked out between now and then. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by siege on November 25, 2004 at 17:48:50 PT boycott PEER1.net For Marc Emery everyone let us all boycott PEER1.net Ok every one nail these people let them have it hard tell them that they are messing with some Liberty's. peer1 know where the attacks come from if they don't there dum for an IP. http://www.peer1.net/en/contactus.asp General - info peer1.net Customer Service - cs peer1.net Investor Relations - investor peer1.net Media Relations - communications peer1.net Sales - sales peer1.net Security/Abuse/Spam - abuse peer1.net Technical Support - support peer1.net VancouverTorontoMontrealNew YorkSan Jose, caSeattleLos AngelesChicagoLondon,UKAshburn, Vahttp://www.peer1.net/en/contactus.asphttp://www.peer1.net/en/index.asp For general inquiries call 1 866.683.7747 For technical support call 1 866.484.2588 [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 25, 2004 at 16:15:07 PT Update on CC and Pot-TV Sites will go down at 5:PM PST (25 Nov, 2004) Due to user attacks PEER1 drops Emery sitesInformation will be posted at NORML.ca forumshttp://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/4073.html Cannabis News Canadian Links [ Post Comment ] Post Comment