cannabisnews.com: 'It's NORML To Smoke Pot'

'It's NORML To Smoke Pot'

Posted by CN Staff on April 15, 2005 at 07:59:17 PT
By Steve Miller
Source: Chronicle

New York -- Prohibition and drug policy in America have been in and out of the national spotlight for the greater part of the 20th century. Beginning primarily with the prohibition of alcohol during the 1920s, it continues today with its attempts at marijuana. Since its founding in 1970, The National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws (NORML) has provided a voice in the public policy debate for those Americans who oppose marijuana prohibition and favor an end to the practice of arresting marijuana smokers. A new chapter of NORML was brought to the University on Tuesday, when it became an official campus club.
The political activist group, whose slogan "It's NORML to smoke pot," will provide an outlet and voice for students, teachers and faculty who oppose marijuana prohibition. By stimulating a rational discussion in an educational forum, they hope to educate the entire campus on the multi-faceted issues regarding marijuana and the marijuana policy for a more rational and cost-effective plan.In addition, the group will provide education into the many industrial and agricultural applications of hemp and marijuana for medical use and alternative approaches to current criminalization practices. Discussions of the subjects, speakers, fundraisers and trips will be conducted at weekly meetings. "The vast majority of marijuana smokers, like most other Americans, are good citizens who work hard, raise families, pay taxes and contribute in a positive way to their communities," said Jake Smith, sophomore and president of the new University chapter. "They are certainly not part of the crime problem in this country and it's unfair to continue to treat them as criminals. The only way to change this is for more of us to take an active role and get the word out." Heather Gibbons, president of the Student Government Association (SGA) recently commented on the group's acceptance as an official club, suggesting it was great to bring onto campus. "The Student Government and the University have the responsibility for allowing all students to have their view points heard and as an educational institute it is our job to educate students on what is going on around them on a national level," she said. "We have had a similar political activist group on campus in previous years, such as the Hemp Club, that have been great and very respectable in promoting their view points and opinions."When thinking of a group like NORML which supports reforming marijuana laws, one might assume its members would be promoting its use. In fact, Brian Turow, treasurer of the University's NORML chapter, it is quite the opposite. "We don't encourage or promote more drug use. As a club and part of a large organization, we are simply attempting to inform people of why these laws should be reexamined," he said. "The negative consequences primarily associated with marijuana, such as an arrest or jail time, are the result of the criminal prohibition of marijuana, not the use itself." Jessica Wallerstein, sophomore religious studies major, believes this is a good organization to have here at the University. "It is a voice for responsible marijuana smokers. It informs people of what is going on around them in terms of the new laws being enforced and how it will affect us all," she said. NORML hopes to have the editor of High Times Magazine come to speak at various meetings and looks forward to taking part in Global Marijuana Day and the National NORML conference in Washington, D.C. Source: Chronicle (Hofstra University NY)Author: Steve MillerPublished: Thursday, April 14, 2005 Copyright: 2005 The ChronicleConact: jschair hofstrachronicle.comWebsite: http://www.hofstrachronicle.com/NORMLhttp://www.norml.org/Million Marijuana March Newshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/million.htmCannabisNews -- NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml

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Comment #27 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 13:18:26 PT
News Article on Ephedra
Ephedra Ban Struck Down By Federal Judge: http://www.healthtalk.ca/ephedra_ban_041605_90323.php
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 12:53:34 PT

Greenjoy
I haven't heard of the Hops based medicine you mentioned but I have in the past used herbs to help me thru hard times ( I sound like Bush now! Oh No Mr. Bill LOL! ). I took very high doses of SJW, Ginseng, Scullcap, Kava and a few others. I don't need to take herbs now but they sure helped when I needed them. I still take Valarian Root everynight. It helps me sleep but doesn't interrupt Rem sleep which is important or what good is a sleep agent? I know that they are backing away from the Ephedra issue so maybe they won't push for control of more plants. We can only hope.
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Comment #25 posted by Greenjoy on April 16, 2005 at 12:41:36 PT

FoM
Thanks FoM! On my way to the local natural food store tomorrow. I'll check it out. I believe that one has to choose Kava over booze as the two together are a bad mix. I found a natural cox 2 inhibitor there that helps with pain a bit. Its hops based and is called Minor Pain. But it helps with Major Pain too. Does everyone here know that legislation is on its way to the legislature that would make nearly all supplements available by prescription only starting in June? www.healthfreedomusa.org has all the details. Don't let big $ pharmaceuticals buy away another one of our freedoms!!! No typos this time...I'm such a newby. GJ
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 12:19:08 PT

Greenjoy and Kevin
Did either of you ever consider trying Kava in extract form? I think it's properties act similarly to Cannabis.http://kavaroot.com/
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Comment #23 posted by Greenjoy on April 16, 2005 at 12:13:50 PT

Kevin
Hey Dude...I'm at over 12 months and counting! I ready to swear a blue streak! *^&$% #! Hope relief is in sight for you. GJ
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 11:19:11 PT

Kevin
That's OK. We're fine and thanks for asking.
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Comment #21 posted by Kevin Hebert on April 16, 2005 at 11:11:00 PT:

Hi FoM
Hi, sorry for the language last night, that was rude. I hope everything is well with everyone.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 08:56:51 PT

News Article About Reefer Madness
Marijuana Musical Satire Reefer Madness with Stage Stars Debuts on Showtime, April 16By Ernio Hernandez The musical marijuana satire Reefer Madness camps it up on the small screen with Alan Cumming, Christian Campbell, Kristen Bell, Neve Campbell, Steven Weber, Ana Gasteyer and more when Showtime premieres the movie April 16.The screen adaptation of the musical — which reteams the show's original collaborators — composer Kevin Murphy, lyricist Dan Studney and director Andy Fickman — will first air on the cable network at 8 PM (ET) and rerun it several times. Check your local listings. Reefer Madness is based on a 1936 cautionary film meant to discourage young people from using marijuana. The film has since gained a cult following — amusing rather than enlightening audiences. The film version debuted at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Original Off-Broadway co-stars Christian Campbell ("All My Children," tick...tick...BOOM! national tour), Kristen Bell (The Crucible, "Veronica Mars"), John Kassir ("Tales from the Crypt") and Robert Torti (Starlight Express) reprise their roles for the movie. Campbell's sister Neve Campbell ("Party of Five," "The Company") is also featured in the film with Alan Cumming (Cabaret), Steven Weber (The Producers), Amy Spanger (Urinetown, Chicago) and Ana Gasteyer (The Rocky Horror Show). "As anyone who has experimented with drugs knows, it leads to orgies and cannibalism," Weber quipped to Playbill.com columnist Michael Buckley. To read more from the cast, click into the Channeling Theatre column. Gregg Edelman (Wonderful Town) and Michele Pawk (Hollywood Arms) were among the cast of the stageshow, which had choreography from pop star and "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul. Andy Fickman, who directed the acclaimed west coast staging of Reefer Madness, returned to direct for the 2001 Off-Broadway run at the Variety Arts Theatre. For more info and complete schedule, visit the official website at: http://www.sho.com/http://www.playbill.com/news/article/92381.html
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on April 16, 2005 at 08:36:34 PT

gloovins
No I didn't know anything about this new drug. It sounds bad. I really don't follow news except about Cannabis and then I read news about world events and health issues in my spare time. The Marburg Virus and the deadly flu virus shipped all around the world has been holding my interested these days. I can only imagine how bad it would be if the Marburg Virus gets in the states. It would kill so many people since it is almost 100 percent fatal. The thought of bleeding to death is really something else when you think about it but they haven't stopped people from visiting the country so far. I don't know why they haven't.
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Comment #18 posted by John Tyler on April 16, 2005 at 06:21:10 PT

Re: Reefer Madness the Musical
Bummer! I don’t get Showtime. I hope they will have it on HBO soon.P.S. Welcome Greenjoy

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Comment #17 posted by gloovins on April 16, 2005 at 01:00:15 PT

off-topic a little but you see this FoM and all?
Coca-based drug discovered in BrazilApril 15 2005 at 11:09AMRio de Janeiro - A new drug far more powerful and deadly than crack cocaine is spreading rapidly through parts of the Brazilian Amazon near the border with Peru and Bolivia."Oxy", a coca paste-based drug mixed with kerosene and lime, has replaced in the past two years less potent coca-based drugs like crack and "mezcla", popular among young slum-dwellers in the Amazon state of Acre.The drug is different from Oxycontin, the highly addictive prescription painkiller produced in the United States.First noticed by social workers fighting the spread of Aids, the Brazilian oxy is so lethal that at least 13 of 75 users examined in an investigation died not long after.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on April 15, 2005 at 22:39:04 PT

Kevin
I just wanted to say it's nice to see you.
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Comment #15 posted by Kevin Hebert on April 15, 2005 at 22:15:53 PT:

Worse drug
Hello all, it's been a long time since I posted. My drug of preference is of course weed but I have been off it for about 12 weeks for various reasons. Lately I've been drinking alcohol; a poor substitute but it's legal. I don't have much to add except that's it's disgusting, real fucking disgusting, that even at this late date, weed is still illegal. Sorry if this is redundant.
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Comment #14 posted by Druid on April 15, 2005 at 16:48:42 PT

Showtime
I just wanted to mention that Showtime will also be airing at least 10 episodes of a new series called "Weeds"...It's a about a suburban house mom that is left all alone and turns to selling cannabis to support her family.
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Comment #13 posted by Greenjoy on April 15, 2005 at 16:00:48 PT

Thanks Taylor
Thankyou for the links Taylor. You read me quite well I think. Sorry to be somewhat crytic about it. Maybe later with the gory details. An odd comfort to know that I have plenty of company. A cause exists for me now and I focus on that. Highly motivated and committed! GJ
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on April 15, 2005 at 15:20:00 PT

Taylor
I don't have Showtime either. I hope some here get to see it but we don't watch movies very often anymore. I like the Discovery Channel and History Channel type programs. Maybe it will be online. That would be nice.
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Comment #11 posted by Greenjoy on April 15, 2005 at 15:17:53 PT

Hello DankHank
DankHank...I was doing some rather after the fact research almost one year ago exactly at the NORML site and something I clicked led me here. I have come by daily to read up, and I feel I know many of you, at least a little, by your posts. There certainly are many good people here!
FoM...my areas of expertise have made me patient. It was well worth the wait and I am truly glad to be in! Thankyou for the warm welcome!
"To sin by silence when they
should protest makes cowards out
of people."
-Abraham Lincoln

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Comment #10 posted by Taylor121 on April 15, 2005 at 14:56:59 PT

Greenjoy
I am sorry to hear about your situation. I have experienced a similar circumstance if I'm reading you correctly. The war is unjustified and has to stop. I don't know if you are a member of anything, but there are many reform organizations that are desperately in need of our funds including:http://www.mpp.org
http://www.norml.org
http://www.drugpolicy.orgI like to think of these as the "big 3", but there are others such as http://www.leap.cc . Keep in mind that marijuana legalization is not something that will simply happen, we have to be pro active and make it happen. Bringing more people on board and educating others is the most important thing to do right now along with donating to reform organizations and writing letters to your local, state, and federal officials.
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Comment #9 posted by Taylor121 on April 15, 2005 at 14:53:10 PT

I have HBO/Cinemax, but no Showtime
I wonder if Pot-tv.net or some other medium will cover the show.. I'm sure I can find it somewhere.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on April 15, 2005 at 13:48:24 PT

Friendly Reminder: Reefer Madness
Reefer Madness will Premiere on Showtime Saturday, April 16 at 8pm ET/PT! http://www.sho.com/site/reefermadness/home.doShowtime Rolls Out 'Reefer' Pic: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18266.shtml
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on April 15, 2005 at 13:37:33 PT

Greenjoy
I'm glad you can comment now. I have no idea why some people have trouble with registration but it has happened for others and some I don't think ever got the problem resolved but I just don't know how to fix glitches. We do have good people here on CNews.

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Comment #6 posted by Greenjoy on April 15, 2005 at 12:40:30 PT

Hello! :-)
Thankyou FoM...Taylor! "The vast majority of marijauna smokers, like most Americans, are good citizens" etc. That was me...AND I had a secret. It won't happen to me...I won't get caught, I thought. And then some forces amazingly came together in the most inconceivable way, and I did. I have chronic neck pain. No MMJ or affirmative defense here. A seriously uptight state. The positive is that it opened my eyes. The same has happened to many others and too many have suffered the same or worse consequences. The positive is that it activated me and made me mad and inspired me to get informed. The positive is that I'm still here and it has brought me...most humbly, to you. I hope more citizens won't wait until the "unfathomable" has happened to them and they've had their face rubbed in it by the system to find a few bucks to donate to NORML, or to find a way to make a difference and to make their voices heard. Here's to CannabisNews and the good fight!! Greenjoy
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Comment #5 posted by Dankhank on April 15, 2005 at 12:21:33 PT

test
welcome, Greenjoy ...if you don't mind tell us how you found us ...Peace to all who seek knowledge!
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Comment #4 posted by Taylor121 on April 15, 2005 at 08:58:24 PT

Test
Welcome!
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on April 15, 2005 at 08:46:15 PT

Greenjoy
I want to mention that you don't have to post your e-mail address unless you want to.
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