cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- March 11, 2005










  NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- March 11, 2005

Posted by CN Staff on March 11, 2005 at 10:00:42 PT
Weekly Press Release 
Source: NORML 

NORML Releases Most Comprehensive Analysis Of US Marijuana Arrest Data To DateMarch 11, 2005 - Washington, DC, USAWashington, DC: US marijuana policies, which rely primarily on criminal penalties and law enforcement, are wholly ineffective at controlling the use and sale of marijuana, concludes a comprehensive report issued today by the NORML Foundation. The report, entitled "Crimes of Indiscretion: Marijuana Arrests in the United States," includes a detailed examination of the fiscal costs associated with the enforcement of marijuana laws at the state and county level, as well as a complete demographic analysis of which Americans are most likely to be arrested for violating marijuana laws.
Among the reports' findings:* The enforcement of state and local marijuana laws annually costs US taxpayers an estimated $7.6 billion, approximately $10,400 per arrest. Of this total, annual police costs are $3.7 billion, judicial/legal costs are $853 million, and correctional costs are $3.1 billion. In both California and New York, state fiscal costs dedicated to marijuana law enforcement annually total over $1 billion.* Marijuana possession and sales arrests disproportionately impact black adults. African Americans are among the demographic groups most adversely impacted by marijuana law enforcement. While adult African Americans account for only 8.8% of the US population and 11.9% of annual marijuana users, they comprise 23% of all marijuana possession arrests in the United States.* Marijuana possession and sales arrests disproportionately impact younger Americans. One out of every four marijuana possession arrests in the United States involves a person age 18 or younger. Seventy-four percent of all US marijuana possession arrests are for people under the age of 30. Marijuana users who are white, over 30 years old, and/or female are disproportionately unaffected by marijuana possession arrests.* Over one million US teenagers sell marijuana. The enforcement of state and local marijuana laws has neither reduced adolescent demand for marijuana, nor has it reduced the number of teens supplying marijuana to other adolescents on the black market.* Marijuana prohibition fails to produce intended results. Total US marijuana arrests increased 165% during the 1990s, from 287,850 in 1991 to 755,000 in 2003. However, these increased arrest rates have not been associated with a reduction in marijuana use, reduced marijuana availability, a reduction in the number of new marijuana users, reduced treatment admissions, reduced emergency room mentions of marijuana, any reduction in marijuana potency, or any increases in the price of marijuana.NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre called the report an official "indictment" of US marijuana policy, noting that present US marijuana strategies resoundingly fail when measured against the federal government's handpicked drug use and public health indicators."Public policies are measured by their ability to produce intended results," St. Pierre said. "The stated goal of criminal marijuana prohibition is to deter marijuana use and promote public health. As the data show, the current prohibition-oriented policy clearly does neither. Rather, the enforcement of state and local marijuana laws unnecessarily costs American taxpayers billions of dollars annually, disproportionately impacts the lives of young people and African Americans, and encourages approximately one million teenagers to become entrepreneurs in the criminal drug trade."The report and analysis lists states and counties by rank for categories such as for marijuana possession and sales arrests; and total arrests versus per capita arrest rates. For example:Top five states for all marijuana arrests:1) California (60,111 marijuana arrests)2) New York (57,504 marijuana arrests)3) Texas (51,563 marijuana arrests)4) Illinois (41,447 marijuana arrests)5) Georgia (23,977 marijuana arrests)Top five states for marijuana arrests per capita (National Average = 239 marijuana arrests/per 100,000 citizens):1) Nebraska (458 marijuana arrests per 100,000)2) Louisiana (398 marijuana arrests per 100,000)3) Wyoming (386 marijuana arrests per 100,000)4) Kentucky (364 marijuana arrests per 100,000)5) Illinois (359 marijuana arrests per 100,000)This report is available online from the NORML website:* Crimes of Indiscretion: Marijuana Arrests in the United Stateshttp://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6411* Introductionhttp://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6421* Table of Contenthttp://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6412* List of Tables and Figureshttp://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6420* State-by-State | County-by-County Arrest Datahttp://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6427* Create Your Own State-Based Reports and National Rankingshttp://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6428Funding for the report was made possible by a generous grant from The Threshold Foundation.For more information or to schedule a media interview with Allen St. Pierre or NORML/NORML Foundation Senior Policy Analyst Paul Armentano, please call (202) 483-5500 or send an e-mail request to: media norml.orgDL: http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6476Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: March 11, 2005Copyright: 2005 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/ NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- Mar. 03, 2005http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20312.shtml NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- Feb. 24, 2005http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20285.shtml

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Comment #23 posted by FoM on March 17, 2005 at 15:46:42 PT
Bill To Recriminalize Marijuana in Alaska 
Bill To Recriminalize Marijuana in Alaska To Receive Hearing Next Week WHAT: Bill To Recriminalize Marijuana in Alaska To Receive Hearing Next Week!WHERE: Alaska Senate Health, Education, and Social Services Committee State CapitolWHEN: Monday, March 21, 2005 and Wednesday, March 23, 2005Next week, on March 21 and again on March 23, the Senate Health, Education, and Social Services Committee will hold hearings on Senate Bill 74, which would would make it a felony to possess marijuana in one's own home, despite the fact that Alaskan courts have twice ruled that marijuana possession in a person's home is protected by the state constitution. This bill was personally introduced by Governor Murkowski, and unless the Alaska Senate hears overwhelming opposition to the proposal from Alaska voters, it will likely pass into law.If you have not done so already, please take a moment today to write your Senator and tell him or her to oppose Senate Bill 74. Pre-written letters are available online from NORML at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=6852266&type=STIn addition, if your Senator serves on the Health, Education, and Social Services Committee, it is vital that you call him or her TODAY to voice your opposition to this harmful and unconstitutional bill. The committee is expected to vote on this proposal immediately following the hearing.The following Senators serve on the Health, Education, and Social Services Committee:Senator Fred Dyson (R-AK I), Chair - (907) 465-2199 Senator Gary Wilken (R-AK E), Vice-Chair - (907) 465-3709 Senator Kim Elton (D-AK B) - (907) 465-4947 Senator Lyda N. Green (R-AK G) - (907) 465-6600 Senator Donald C. Olson (D-AK T) - (907) 465-3707To help support NORML's state legislative efforts, please donate today at: https://secure.norml.org/join/Thank you again for your support of NORML's legislative efforts in Alaska.Regards,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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Comment #22 posted by Hope on March 17, 2005 at 08:15:36 PT
That's too strange
Not the writing...I often wonder how her book is coming along. It's strange that I thought she posted recently though. Searching, I couldn't find anything more recent than Thompson's death, but I was thinking she posted something just a couple of days ago. 
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on March 17, 2005 at 08:07:29 PT
Hope
I think EJ is writing. I don't believe she's posted since Hunter Thompson's death.
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Comment #20 posted by Hope on March 17, 2005 at 08:04:16 PT
EJ's Post
I'm having trouble finding it. Surely I didn't imagine it. FoM, do you remember?
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on March 17, 2005 at 07:49:20 PT
ekim
EJ's not posting was worrying me, too. She posted yesterday or the day before, to my relief, but I haven't found the thread yet.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on March 16, 2005 at 19:42:46 PT
ekim
I just looked and it seems nice. I am not into LEAP like you are but I do hope he has a good ride.
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Comment #17 posted by ekim on March 16, 2005 at 19:31:30 PT
FoM have you read Howards blog 
http://www.leap.cc/howard/weblog.html hey everyone see Howard's blog and see the pictures of the good folks that are lending a helping hand to one very courageous man standing up for millions of us. Please help him if you can set up a radio interview with local radio station. or cable access station, any horse clubs willing to help. Howard's truck needs oil change once in a while.
http://www.leap.cc/events/
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Comment #16 posted by ekim on March 16, 2005 at 19:12:50 PT
Bono for Head of World Bank
hope ej is ok. 
gee LA is just picking a mayor--who running is against this.
please all clinics get video hookup.footage needed for documentary. MPP please take a vote at your LA meeting for making a film of what is happing in the Med Cannabis community. Montel would be a great person to act the part as he does in real life. if we get personnel accounts in SS -----all the reform groups should be able to get a fund of their own and all those that want change can invest in them. To include hemp farmers to manufacturing to market. 
http://www.leap.cc/howard/
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on March 16, 2005 at 17:13:19 PT

UMCC Raided by the LAPD! Help Us Fight Back! 
Date: Wed, 16 Mar 2005   
Hello, members and friends of the Los Angeles Patients and Caregivers Group (LAPCG). I am sorry to report that the United Medical Caregivers Clinic (UMCC) on Wilshire Blvd. was raided by the Los Angeles Police Department yesterday. We need every patient, caregiver, and medical cannabis supporter to take action to oppose this unnecessary and harmful attack on medical cannabis in Los Angeles. Please read the action alert from Americans for safe Access below. Take a little time to contact the City Council and tell them to stand up for medical cannabis in LA! Grassroots pressure does make a difference in local politics. Take this opportunity to see to it that safe access in LA continues to flourish. Please let me know when you make a call or send an email so that I can keep a tally for ASA and for other elected officials in the area. I will let you know as soon as I hear more news about the UMCC. Thanks for helping defend medical cannabis rights in LA! *** ASA has been alerted that yesterday (3/15/05), at about 6pm; Los Angeles Police raided the United Medical Caregivers Clinic (UMCC), a medical marijuana dispensing collective. The police obtained a search warrant and came with approximately thirty officers to seize all of the collective's medicine and money. The charges are not yet known, but at least two staff were taken into custody and later released. The raid on UMCC occurred despite the owner having previously met with city officials. Though the arresting officers claimed to have never heard of Proposition 215, UMCC personnel talked with law enforcement officials regarding the clinic's opening. People at the raid heard police comment about checking up on other medical marijuana operations in the area. This is an affront to safe access to medical marijuana! Dispensing collectives must be protected and allowed to exist in order to ensure that safe access. As patients affected by this raid and possibly others yet to occur, it is important that you take action now! Public officials need to know the importance of safe access to medical marijuana. Please take two minutes to call LA Mayor James Hahn and two key LA City Council members listed below. Talking points:* Be polite and assume the person you're talking to supports medical marijuana* You're calling in reference to the March 15 raid on the United Medical Caregivers Clinic, a dispensing collective in Los Angeles* Drop any and all charges against the operators of UMCC* Return all medicine and other items to UMCC so that it can continue to serve patients* Dispensing collectives are an important and necessary part of the Compassionate Use Act passed in 1996 by California voters* Dispensing collectives help ensure safe access to medical marijuana and avoid the need for patients to use the illicit drug market [NOTE: Due to the passage of SB 420 and its affirmation of collectives and cooperatives, we are hereafter referring to dispensaries as dispensing collectives and cooperatives.] Mayor James HahnCity Hall Office 213-978-0600200 N. Spring St., Room 303Los Angeles, CA 90012mayorhahn mayor.lacity.org [Council member for the district in which raid occurred] Martin Ludlow (Dist. 10) City Hall Office 213-473-7010 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 430 Los Angeles, CA 90012 ludlow council.lacity.org [Council member currently vying for Mayoral seat] Antonio Villaraigosa (Dist. 14) City Hall Office 213-473-7014 200 N. Spring Street, Rm 425 Los Angeles, CA 90012 villaraigosa council.lacity.org Thank you for your show of solidarity! Kris HermesLegal DirectorAmericans for Safe Accesshttp://www.SafeAccessNow.org1322 Webster Street, Suite 208Oakland, CA 94612Phone: 510-251-1856 x307Fax: 510-251-2036Email: kris SafeAccessNow.org Join the fight for medical marijuana rights!To receive ASA alerts, send a blank email to asa-subscribe lists.riseup.net
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 15, 2005 at 19:19:10 PT

MPP: Take Action for Medical Marijuana Patients
Take Action for Medical Marijuana Patients after Supreme Court Ruling Dear Friend:The U.S. Supreme Court will soon issue its landmark ruling on the "Ashcroft v. Raich" medical marijuana case. Would you please commit to taking action immediately after the ruling is issued? Please read on ...At issue is whether the federal government has the constitutional authority to arrest and prosecute patients who are using medical marijuana in compliance with state laws. Visit http://www.mpp.org/raich for background on the case.If the Court rules in favor of Angel Raich -- a medical marijuana patient from Oakland, California -- the federal government's war on medical marijuana will essentially be over.A ruling against Raich, however, will not overturn state medical marijuana laws or otherwise interfere with their operation. Rather, such a ruling would simply continue the status quo: Patients in the 10 states with medical marijuana laws will remain protected under state law but will continue to risk prosecution under federal law.In short, a ruling against Raich will make it clear that federal law must be changed by Congress, not the Supreme Court, which means we'll need to push harder than ever for Congress to take action.WHAT YOU CAN DOIf the Supreme Court rules against medical marijuana patients, we'll need you to immediately swing into action to lobby Congress to end the federal government's attacks on medical marijuana patients and caregivers.To be specific, we need you to organize or attend a protest outside of your U.S. representative's local district office precisely two days after the decision is announced -- to urge your U.S. representative to vote for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment to the Justice Department's spending bill, in order to prevent the DEA from spending any money to arrest medical marijuana patients or providers who are acting legally under state law.Please visit http://www.RaichAction.org , where you can: * find out where your U.S. representative's local district offices are located; * print flyers to hand out at the demonstration; and * print talking points about the medical marijuana amendment.Please e-mail notify raichaction.org if you want to organize or attend a demonstration in your area. (Please be sure to tell us the exact location where you will hold your demonstration, including city and state.) We will send an alert the day of the decision notifying you that it's time to act, with the demonstration taking place two days later.You won't be alone. A host of medical marijuana groups and activists are coming together all over the country to tell Congress to stand up for patients.And remember, if we win in the Supreme Court or in Congress, the federal war on medical marijuana patients will be over.Sincerely, Rob Kampia, Executive Director Marijuana Policy Project Washington, D.C.P.S. Legislators do listen to their constituents, so you truly can make a difference. Last year, as the result of constituent pressure and protests, Republican Congressman Rob Simmons changed his mind and voted for the medical marijuana amendment on the House floor. (Please visit: http://mpp.org/CT/news_7461.html to read about the demonstration that MPP helped organize outside of Simmons' office in Connecticut.)
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on March 14, 2005 at 16:51:20 PT

Participate In A MMJ Demonstration Near You
Participate In A Medical Marijuana Demonstration Near You Dear Friend:The U.S. Supreme Court will soon issue its ruling in the historic medical marijuana case, Ashcroft v. Raich. At issue is whether the federal government has the constitutional authority to prohibit patients in medical marijuana states from using and/or growing marijuana that is not commercial in nature, and therefore does not involve interstate commerce.If the Court does not rule in favor of Angel Raich and Diane Monson - the appellants in the case - we won't be silent. ... That's where you'll come in. We need your help lobbying Congress. We need you to tell your U.S. representative that it's time to end the federal government's attacks on medical marijuana patients and caregivers.Please take advantage of this historic opportunity by attending a noontime demonstration at your U.S. representative's local district office two days after the decision is announced (exactly 50 hours following the announcement of the Court's decision). We will send an alert the day of the decision notifying you that it's time to act.You won't be alone. A host of medical marijuana reform groups and activists including NORML, the Marijuana Policy Project, and Americans for Safe Access are coming together all over the country to tell Congress to stand up for patients.The purpose of these demonstrations - aside from drawing attention to the issue - is to urge members of Congress to vote for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment to the Science, State, Justice and Commerce Appropriations bill. If passed, the amendment will bar the DEA from spending any funds to interfere with state medical marijuana laws.Please visit http://www.raichaction.org/ to get all the materials you need. You can use the site to: -- Find out where your U.S. representative's local district offices are located; -- Print flyers to hand out at the demonstration; and -- Print talking points related to the Hinchey-Rohrabacher medical marijuana amendment.If you think you will participate, or, if you want to lead a demonstration, please send an e-mail to notify raichaction.orgSincerely,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORMLP.S. For more information regarding the case of Ashcroft v. Raich, please visit http://www.angeljustice.com/
Angel Raich Vs. John Ashcroft News
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 14, 2005 at 09:56:41 PT

New Mexico Medical Marijuana Bill Faces Final Vote
New Mexico Medical Marijuana Bill Faces Final Vote! Take Action Now! http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7140111&type=STDear Friends:NORML is pleased to announce that SB 795, a medical marijuana bill in the New Mexico Legislature, passed the House Judiciary Committee this weekend by a vote of 8-1! This leaves only two hurdles, a house floor vote and the governor's signature, before the bill becomes law.Thus far the bill has passed overwhelmingly in two Senate committees and on the Senate floor, as well as in two House committees. However, SB 795 looks to face it's toughest challenge on the floor of the House of Representatives. A vote is expected in the House sometime today or tomorrow, so now is the time to contact your Representative in support of this historic legislation.If you have not done so already, it is imperative that you contact your Representative TODAY and urge his or her support for this important bill. NORML has created pre-written letters that you can send to your Representative by visiting: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7140111&type=STOnce you have sent this letter, we also urge you to call your Representative in support of SB 795. To find out your Representative's name and phone number, simply enter your zip code at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/legdir.tt?command=statedir&state=NMMedical marijuana may soon be a reality for hundreds of seriously ill New Mexicans. We hope you will use this opportunity to help this measure through it's final stop in the House of Representatives.To help support NORML's state legislative efforts, please donate today at: https://secure.norml.org/join/Thank you again for your support of NORML's legislative efforts in New Mexico.Regards,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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Comment #11 posted by potpal on March 14, 2005 at 08:15:03 PT

re: New Mexico Medical Marijuana Bill Moves Forwar
I keep stating that it doesn't matter 'where' you are from, send NM reps email outlining your view on this matter. I'm sure they don't take the time to verify if you are indeed a constituent of theirs, pick a city. Or state your true local, it would let them know that they are being watched by many more than just those that reside in their state, let 'em feel the heat.OTHO, I often marvel at Ganhdi's story. How can civil disobedience be used to make our point? I have some ideas on this but I'm afraid to note them here. There are dark forces on the anti side...
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Comment #10 posted by afterburner on March 13, 2005 at 08:00:33 PT

Rampant Illogic Follows, Reader Discretion Advised
UK: UN Condemns UK Cannabis Laws 13 Mar 2005 
The Observer http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n429/a07.html?397UK: Cannabis As Dangerous to Society As Heroin 13 Mar 2005 
The Sunday Herald 
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n429/a08.html?397US OH: LTE: Critic Of Drugged-Driving Law Forgets That Smoking Pot Remains Illeg 10 Mar 2005 
The Athens News http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n429/a01.html?397
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on March 12, 2005 at 10:21:29 PT

Off Topic: For Entertainment Purposes Only
1970s weekend on Rust Radio 
 
I've just turned on Rust Radio, and I'm only playing Neil shows from the 1970s. I'll add some more tomorrow when I have the time. Enjoy!Play this in your media player (Winamp, iTunes, etc) :
http://rustradio.org:8000/Vote here:
http://vote.rustradio.org/Enjoy!
--
Roel - rdvdijk r...
"Obviously Doing Well" 
http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/rust/message/120806
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Comment #8 posted by Patrick on March 11, 2005 at 18:09:43 PT

Confirmation of Kapt's Confirmation
This is to confirm that I am not the same "patrick" that appears to be a cop in that tforum.I could have been a cop but as you all know I smoke cannabis and the cops still kinda frown on that during the application process. Besides, if I were a cop and I managed to get past the white glove and whistle duty in the middle of some intersection, I would spend my time hunting down the sick sexual predators of our children instead of performing anti-garden duty. 
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Comment #7 posted by kaptinemo on March 11, 2005 at 17:54:27 PT:

Confirmation: A cop admits he reads here
I've suspected for years; it was only logical, of course. But the only hints I had were communications with other CNEWSers. Now, a cop has admitted he comes here, because he said he saw *the very same article above*: http://talkleft.com/mt/mt-comments.cgi?entry_id=10001 Comment #1: Posted by Patrick at March 11, 2005 12:19 PM 
That's funny, I was just reading this exact article at Cannabisnew.com.Oooooh, yes, they read us, alright. Indeed they do...
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on March 11, 2005 at 16:37:20 PT

Ask Congress To Repeal The HEA Drug Provision 
Take Action Now! http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7201126&type=CODear Friend:NORML is pleased to announce that House Bill 1184, a bill to repeal the Higher Education Act Drug Provision, has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Now is the time to contact your member of Congress and urge him or her to support this important bill.The HEA Drug Provision denies federal financial assistance to any student with a drug conviction, even for simple marijuana possession. Since taking effect in 1998, over 160,500 students have had their aid denied or delayed as a result of this law, and countless others have simply failed to apply for aid because of their convictions. At the same time, it is illegal to deny financial aid based on any other criminal conviction, including murder, rape, or aggravated assault.This provision unfairly discriminates against low-income and middle class students who are unable to afford a college education without some form of financial assistance. Even worse, it punishes people a second time after they have finished serving their time for a drug conviction. To deny an education to someone who has already been punished for an indiscretion is illogical and unfair.NORML has prepared pre-written letters that you can send to your member of Congress in support of HR 1184. Please take two minutes of your time to send a letter by visiting: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7201126&type=COFor those of us who have been fortunate enough to earn a college degree, thinking back to those times and the activities undertaken with our friends, repealing the HEA Drug Provision is of paramount importance.Thank you for your support in this important matter.Regards,Allen St. Pierre, Executive Director NORML
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on March 11, 2005 at 15:59:51 PT

Sam
Does this chart help? http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=5240&wtm_view=NTL_all.htm
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Comment #4 posted by Sam Adams on March 11, 2005 at 15:49:34 PT

Black people & MJ
I remember during the last black history month, the lead story on the front page of my local paper was about a Harvard professor who was crusading against the use of the word "nigger" and its increasing usage in pop culture.Why does the media, and, for the that matter, the Democratic party, focus on politically correct BS like that instead of police & judicial bigotry? Do you think the Latinos & blacks sitting in jail care if we use the N-word?Maybe the Democrats have decided that all black people are voting for them anyway, so they are now free to screw them over. Again, my theory of Bush as the Enabler. Enabling Democrats to earn their existence, and campaign contribution gravy train, merely by being the (failed) alternative to Bush.I've never seen the NORML study mentioned in the media once since it came out several years ago.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on March 11, 2005 at 14:14:19 PT

New Mexico Medical Marijuana Bill Moves Forward 
WHAT: Medical Marijuana Bill To Receive Another House Hearing Tomorrow, With A Full House Vote To Follow!WHERE: New Mexico House Judiciary Committee State Capitol Santa Fe, NM 87501WHEN: Saturday, March 12, 2005NORML is pleased to announce that SB 795, a medical marijuana bill in the New Mexico Senate, passed the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee yesterday in a unanimous vote! Tomorrow, March 12, the House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 795, which would enact statewide legal protections shielding seriously ill patients who use marijuana therapeutically from state prosecution.If you have not done so already, please take a moment today to write your Representative and tell him or her to support Senate Bill 795. Pre-written letters are available online from NORML at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7140111&type=STIf the bill passes the Judiciary Committee, which we expect it will, it will likely receive a vote on the House floor by Monday. The floor vote will likely be the biggest challenge that the bill has faced, so it is crucial that you contact your Representative and ask for his or her support of House Bill 795. After you send your pre-written letter, please take a moment to call your Representative. To find out your Representative's name and phone number, simply enter your zip code at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/legdir.tt?command=statedir&state=NMIn addition, if your Representative serves on the Judiciary Committee, it is vital that you call him or her TODAY, and voice your support for medical marijuana. The following Representatives serve on the Judiciary Committee:Representative Joseph Cervantes (D-NM 52nd), Chair - (505) 986-4411 Representative Al Park (D-NM 26th), Vice-Chair - (505) 986-4234 Representative Hector H Balderas (D-NM 68th) - (505) 986-4254 Representative Gail C. Beam (D-NM 18th) - (505) 986-4844 Representative Terry T. Marquardt (R-NM 53rd) - (505) 986-4758 Representative W. Ken Martinez (D-NM 69th) - (505) 986-4777 Representative Mimi Stewart (D-NM 21st) - (505) 986-4341 Representative Thomas E. Swisstack (D-NM 60th) - (505) 986-4254 Representative Gloria C. Vaughn (R-NM 51st) - (505) 986-4453 Representative Eric A. Youngberg (R-NM 23rd) - (505) 986-4226 Representative Teresa A. Zanetti (R-NM 15th) - (505) 986-4220The large outpouring of support from people like yourself was largely responsible for the bill passing overwhelmingly in the Senate and receiving a unanimous vote in the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee. We hope that we can count on your support once again as the bill faces a vote in the House of Representatives.To help support NORML's state legislative efforts, please donate today at: https://secure.norml.org/join/Thank you again for your support of NORML's legislative efforts in New Mexico.Regards,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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Comment #2 posted by The GCW on March 11, 2005 at 12:04:06 PT

On that same tone...
CN BC: Grow-Op Prosecutions Decline As Police Give Up, Study Sayshttp://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n419/a04.html?397Webpage: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/news/story.html?id=28a39930-2333-4f7b-a1c2-daPubdate: Fri, 11 Mar 2005
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)Police are less likely to investigate marijuana growers, prosecutors are less likely to lay charges against them, and judges are less likely to send them to jail than they were in the late 1990s, according to a groundbreaking study to be released today. "It seems, no question about it, that the system is increasingly unable or otherwise failing to respond to this problem, despite the fact that we have every indication that the problem is worsening," said Darryl Plecas, a criminology professor at the University College of the Fraser Valley, and the study's lead author. "I think we have a criminal justice system that is very much on the brink of imploding." The study of the province's pot trade is based on a review of all reported cases of marijuana growing in B.C. from 1997 to 2003. Cont.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on March 11, 2005 at 10:04:18 PT

Thank You NORML
I really appreciate all this information.
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