cannabisnews.com: The Law on Drugs
The Law on Drugs
Posted by CN Staff on October 06, 2005 at 07:24:33 PT
By Peter Wicks, Observer Viewpoint
Source: Observer Online
USA -- Timothy Leary was a Sixties radical, a revolutionary. Nixon called him the most dangerous man in America. From the perspective of the burgeoning counterculture no greater endorsement could be imagined.But while the Weathermen and the Black Panthers advocated overthrowing the government by any means necessary (and violently for preference), Leary was seeking a revolution of consciousness, and the means he advocated were hallucinogenic drugs. While Huey Newton said (quoting Mao) that political power came through the barrel of a gun, Leary enjoined the new generation of young people to "turn on, tune in, and drop out," which quickly became one of the signature phrases of the age.
After taking his Ph.D from the University of California at Berkeley, Leary went to Harvard where he founded the Psilocybin Project, which researched the therapeutic effects of hallucinogenic mushrooms and later LSD. In 1963 he was dismissed from Harvard but founded the Castalia Institute in Millbrook, New York to continue his studies, and as the Sixties continued he became the country's most prominent advocate of the beneficial effects of LSD.As Leary's notoriety grew he inevitably attracted the attention of the authorities who eventually busted him for possession of marijuana and sent him to jail. Leary was made to take a series of psychometric tests to establish where he should be placed within the prison system. The test results, surprisingly, identified him as a strongly conformist character who would not attempt to escape. So Leary was assigned to a minimum security prison, from which he promptly escaped.It was one of the greatest jailbreaks of all time. Not because escaping from the minimum security prison was especially difficult; it wasn't. No, what makes it great is that the tests which resulted in his being assigned to a minimum security prison were ones that he had designed while on the faculty at Harvard.Leary was raised an Irish Catholic, but he didn't have much time for Catholicism or any other form of traditional monotheistic religion. But the tenor of his message was undeniably religious. He insisted that, used properly, psychedelic drugs had a sacramental effect and he composed a syncretistic theology which borrowed liberally from the I Ching, the Tibetan Book of the Dead and Shamanism - though calling Leary's views a theology probably makes it sound more systematic than it really was. Essentially, he surveyed different belief systems and seized upon whatever ideas seemed appealing, discarding the rest and seemed to regard the world's religions with much the same attitude that a man with the munchies takes towards the contents of his refrigerator. It was the spirit of the age. You can still find people, most conspicuously in rave culture, who advocate the use of drugs in fundamentally religious terms. But no well-known figure has taken up Leary's mantle as prophet of the psychedelic revolution, and these days most of the arguments heard in favor of legalizing drugs are straightforward appeals to the right to privacy; people should be free to pursue their private pleasures in any way they see fit, provided that they do not harm anyone else.The difficulty is that the boundary between public and private is rather more porous than this sort of argument typically assumes. This leads to problems, particularly for those who simultaneously advocate liberalizing drug laws and extending the government's support for the socially disadvantaged, through welfare, the provision of health care to those who cannot afford it and various other programs of government assistance.Since the public purse is filled through taxation, the more the state does to help those in need, the more interest the general public has in the ostensibly private choices of individuals. The public has an interest in matters of public expense, so if you wish to claim a right to have your health care provided by the state, then it should come as no surprise if the state claims a right to prevent you from ingesting substances that are likely to damage your health. In general, the more we expect from the state, the more we can expect the state to regulate and interfere in our lives. I am not a libertarian on this issue, but it seems to me the libertarian position at least has the virtue of consistency. I do think a compelling case can be made for the legalization of marijuana, based on pragmatic grounds rather than any absolute right to privacy. The health risks associated with the drug are not trivial, but they are far less severe than most other illegal substances and comparable to substances that are currently legal, most obviously tobacco. But most importantly, the current law is rarely and erratically enforced, which courts the danger of arbitrary enforcement. In the case of harder drugs, the problem is less one of erratic enforcement and more that in the case of the rich and famous, the laws are often not enforced at all. The endless stories of celebrity drug binges that saturate the media don't just cater to a voyeuristic appetite, they also broadcast the fact that amongst the luxuries available to the very rich is the freedom to break the drug laws with something approaching impunity. The rule of law depends upon the idea that laws apply to rich and poor alike, otherwise people will be punished not for doing cocaine, but doing cocaine and not being able to afford to spend time at the Betty Ford Center. Peter Wicks is a graduate student in the philosophy department. The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of The Observer.Note: The Independent Newspaper Serving Notre Dame and Saint Mary's.Source: Observer Online (IN)Author: Peter WicksPublished: Thursday, October 6, 2005 Copyright: 2005 University of Notre DameWebsite: http://www.ndsmcobserver.com/main.cfmContact: http://www.nd.edu/~observer/today/edletter.htmlRelated Article:Hallucinating Stars and Stripeshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21110.shtml
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Comment #50 posted by FoM on October 09, 2005 at 21:34:02 PT
Afterburner
Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to you! I didn't know it was your Thanksgiving.
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Comment #49 posted by afterburner on October 09, 2005 at 21:30:20 PT
Worth Reviewing Steve's Medical Need & Urgency
Top Story: Steve Tuck’s Appeal to Canada. His Life and A Country’s Honor Hang In The Balance.
Posted by Richard Cowan on 2005-10-04 16:20:00
Source:
Posted by Richard Cowan
October 4, 2005
http://www.marijuananews.com/news.php3?sid=854 And, Happy Canadian ThanksgivingWe've come a long way, baby
A long strange trip
Many have fallen
Compatriots along the way
Friends, lovers and family
We miss them as we support each otherOur prayers are with the God of all creation
We thank hir [Leary combo of his & her] for all our many blessings:
The green plants of the field,
Our food and medicine
The animals of the forests and farms
Our brothers and sisters
The winged family of the air
The angelic messengers that guide us
The voice of the Holy Spirit inspiring our creativity and enterprise.THE BEATLES lyrics - Tomorrow Never Knows
http://tinyurl.com/9jhju
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Comment #48 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2005 at 20:49:28 PT
Dallas
Hope ...Dallas is a frenetic city, many on the roads, much road-building, occupying all of the restaurants, just busy ..........Used to spend many weekends there, not so much any more, but my honey had a business conference there last month or so ...
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Comment #47 posted by FoM on October 09, 2005 at 20:14:08 PT
Hope
I just looked to see if Richard Cowan had any new news but nothing as of now. As sick as Steve must be right now he must be under medical supervision I hope. Morphine is a powerful and very addicting drug.
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Comment #46 posted by Hope on October 09, 2005 at 20:10:19 PT
Hopefully.
Someone can tell us something about what is happening to Steve soon.
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Comment #45 posted by Hope on October 09, 2005 at 20:08:53 PT
DankHank
Got Dallas on my mind for some reason.
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Comment #44 posted by FoM on October 09, 2005 at 20:05:47 PT
Dankhank
Hiccups are easy to fix! All done!
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Comment #43 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2005 at 20:01:35 PT
doubled up
oh well ......
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Comment #41 posted by Dankhank on October 09, 2005 at 19:56:14 PT
Deep Ellum
yes, a number of times ...recently, last month ...Nice area, good music ...
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Comment #40 posted by FoM on October 08, 2005 at 15:05:01 PT
Hope
Yes in my soul is the way I feel too. I hope they give him something to help him but they probably won't. Narcotic withdrawal is so painful and it doesn't let up for a few days. Rich people can do it the way Rush Limbaugh did but poor folks don't have that available to them.
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Comment #39 posted by Hope on October 08, 2005 at 15:00:40 PT
In my soul
Steve is.
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Comment #38 posted by Hope on October 08, 2005 at 14:35:57 PT
Steve
"On my mind and in my heart."
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Comment #37 posted by Hope on October 08, 2005 at 14:35:06 PT
"...one more tragedy..."
trouble on every hand...comin and goin...
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Comment #36 posted by Hope on October 08, 2005 at 14:33:33 PT
Anyone ever been to Deep Elum
in Dallas?
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on October 08, 2005 at 14:33:03 PT
Hope
It's a very cool, rainy fall day here. We have the wood stove going and have been watching different Neil Young DVDs today. The earthquake over seas is one more tragedy. It was only last Christmas that the tsunami hit, then the Hurricanes and now the earthquake.I am thinking of Steve today. I know the pain he is in. It's not nice as a matter of fact it will be the worst pain he has ever experienced I believe. I know I'll never forget it. I have faith he'll make it thru since I did and I never thought I would be able to make it.
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Comment #34 posted by Hope on October 08, 2005 at 14:25:54 PT
One of my favorite all time songs is
playing now on Sirius outlaw conutry....You don't have to call me......David a. Colke. I'm so sad.
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Comment #33 posted by FoM on October 08, 2005 at 12:20:11 PT
Ron
I have it posted. I take time and really think because I don't want to hurt Steve or his family. I am cautious when it comes to possibly hurting people.
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Comment #32 posted by ron on October 08, 2005 at 12:15:16 PT
Steve Tuck
The department believes Tuck should be returned to the U.S. because there is no expert evidence to support his medical claims and his alleged donation to Health Canada is irrelevant.Repeater Mulgrew leaves out the important fact that Hellth Canada insisted on a medical expert of their choosing, then failed to even provide one. Classic Catch 22. Accepting his seeds certainly seems "relevant" to me. I don't understand your hesitancy in posting this story, FoM. I think it deserves maximum exposure.
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on October 08, 2005 at 07:06:26 PT
I Don't Know What I Should Do
I was going to post the article from the Vancouver Sun but I am not sure if I should or not. What Steve Tuck is going thru just seems like something I shouldn't post but here is the information for everyone. ****Top Story: EMERGENCY! Steve Tuck Held In Whatcom County Jail WITOUT MORPHINE! He Is In Agony! Case to Be Federalized, But Not Until Tuesday. His Life Is In Danger. Please Call Whatcom County.
Posted by Richard Cowan October 8, 2005 http://marijuananews.com/news.php3?sid=856Shortly before two AM, I received the phone call that I have been dreading for years. Steve, who was taken away from his Vancouver ER bed in handcuffs almost exactly twelve hours earlier, called me from the Whatcom County Jail in Bellingham, WA.He said that he is being denied the use of morphine and being given only a minor pain reliever, so he is in agony from the pain, full-blown morphine withdrawal and terrified. He said that he had been taken to the hospital, and they said that there was “nothing wrong” with him, and he did not need more pain medication. The Canadian Border Service officers who took him from the ER were given copies of letters from his American doctors, one three page letter described his history of back surgeries, and others emphasized his need for proper pain medication. One also described his need for cannabis. Of course, we have no way of knowing whether he was allowed to give them to authorities. In any case, his condition should be obvious to any competent physician. I am frankly astonished by this medical neglect because it is not in the interest of Whatcom County to be sued. He was also told that he is to be turned over to the Federal authorities… but not until Tuesday. We have no idea what the federal indictment may be, but Federal involvement was indicated by the behavior of the Canadian officials and their long-term collaboration with the DEA to violate Steve’s rights while he was in Canada.Unfortunately, this also means that he will never be allowed to use cannabis. His life is in great danger! Please contact everyone you can and begin calling and emailing the Whatcom County Sheriff and the jail. Steve must be given proper medical care. He must be hospitalized at once. He was taken from a hospital in Canada.Sheriff co.whatcom.wa.us Whatcom County Sheriff's Office
311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham, Washington 98225 USA
Telephone: (360) 676-6650 or (360) 384-5360; FAX (360) 738-2494Whatcom County Jail
311 Grand Avenue
Bellingham WA 98225
(360) 676-6848Also, if you live in Washington State, call your local newspapers and politicians.The local newspaper is the Bellingham Herald. NEWSROOM
Phone (360) 676-2620
Fax: (360) 756-2826(fax)If they want more details refer them to MarijuanaNews.comSteve asked me, “Why are they doing this to me?”I could only tell him that they crucified Jesus. They still are. He cried, "Please help me!"Pray for Steve, and God help us all!
****From The Vancouver SunPot 'Refugee' On Way To U.S. After Hopes for Appeal DashedAmerican Steven Tuck faces possible pot-growing charges Ian Mulgrew, Vancouver Sun Saturday, October 8, 2005Moments after Steven Tuck regained consciousness Friday, Canadian border security officers slapped him in handcuffs and whisked him out of St. Paul's Hospital emergency ward, catheter and all.One of a number of high-profile American medical marijuana refugees, Tuck's hopes of an 11th-hour appeal halting his return to the U.S were dashed.He now is on his way back to face pot-growing charges in California and potential federal charges related to his flight from prosecution.The 38-year-old pot activist said he deserved protection because he claims to have donated thousands of pot seeds to Health Canada's fledgling medical marijuana program when he entered the country five years ago.Severely injured during a stint in the U.S. military, Tuck requires massive doses of painkillers that leave him nauseous. He smokes marijuana, as do many cancer and AIDS patients, to relieve that sick feeling.He was admitted to St. Paul's around noon Thursday complaining of severe intestinal cramps. He was catheterized, medicated and released. He was re-admitted Friday morning in extreme pain.Doctors treated him throughout the morning.About lunchtime, three Canada Border Services Agency enforcement officers arrived at the hospital.Shortly afterwards, they bundled him into a silver grey Ford Explorer and whisked him away.Calls by The Sun to the officer who oversaw the takedown were not returned.Tuck's case is important because he is one of hundreds -- perhaps thousands, say some lawyers -- of U.S. citizens who have fled to Canada along what is known as the Underground Marijuana Railroad."My need for medical cannabis is the central point in my seeking the protection of Canada -- I might not survive due process if I were deprived of cannabis while being held on bail awaiting trial," Tuck told me shortly after he learned he again faced repatriation."I was advised by my attorney to flee for my life."A well-known member of the B.C. Compassion Society, the city's medical pot dispensary, Tuck had his refugee claim denied last year and he was ordered out of the country.He asked for a review, however, on the grounds that he faced cruel and unusual treatment because of harsh American drug laws.Citizenship and Immigration Canada concluded there was no such risk and told Tuck to report to the border agency in Surrey Thursday to be surrendered to U.S. authorities.The department believes Tuck should be returned to the U.S. because there is no expert evidence to support his medical claims and his alleged donation to Health Canada is irrelevant.Tuck was unable to persuade the federal court earlier this week to intervene.When he did not present himself as required by the departure order, the border agency moved in to arrest him.Contact: sunletters png.canwest.com
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Comment #30 posted by John Tyler on October 08, 2005 at 07:04:03 PT
the gov. is already in your business
"so if you wish to claim a right to have your healthcare provided by the state, it should come as no surprise if the state claims a right to prevent you from ingesting substances that are likely to be damaging to your health" This point troubled me also because now we have a government that insists on delving into every aspect of your life and does not provide healthcare either. The gov. can check on whatever you have done where a paper trail is involved.
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Comment #29 posted by Dankhank on October 08, 2005 at 06:55:57 PT
What is this?
Important Press Release : DEA FINALLY CONFIRMS THE EXISTENCE OF SUFFICIENT GROUNDS TO REMOVE MARIJUANA FROM HARD DRUGS SCHEDULE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES They also faulted customers of the cannabis clubs for not trying "reasonable legal alternatives" such as applying to become subjects in medicinal marijuana research.wondering minds are .................. wondering ......
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Comment #28 posted by ekim on October 07, 2005 at 19:03:26 PT
Herdy Gurdery Man
right now Steves seeds, that have been grown and fed to many can be the record. Ol Canada show your stuff compile the file.Important Press Release : DEA FINALLY CONFIRMS THE EXISTENCE OF SUFFICIENT GROUNDS TO REMOVE MARIJUANA FROM HARD DRUGS SCHEDULE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
They also faulted customers of the cannabis clubs for not trying "reasonable legal alternatives" such as applying to become subjects in medicinal marijuana research. (Ed. note: This is to argue someone who is seriously ill should go out and look for a research project – of which there is currently only one – and suffer in silence until the program is ready for them. Even if there were numerous such studies this is a sadistically cruel and absurd suggestion.)
http://www.marijuananews.com/marijuananews/cowan/medical_marijuana_and_the_banali.htm
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Comment #27 posted by ekim on October 07, 2005 at 18:37:25 PT
Steve ----many eyes are on you -- feel the love
Comment #10 posted by FoM on September 22, 2005 at 19:46:51 PT
Press Release from The Drug Policy Alliance
California Court Decides SB 420 Gives Retroactive Protection
September 22, 2005A three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeals released an opinion in support of medical marijuana this September. The panel decided in People v. Urziceanu that SB 420, a bill the Alliance was instrumental in passing in 2003, applies retroactively to conduct occurring prior to the new law's passage. SB 420 expanded the scope of California's 1996 Compassionate Use Act to permit and protect patient cooperatives. This means that in the Urziceanu case, a defendant who established a carefully-run cooperative dispensary in 2000 is likely to have charges of illegal marijuana sales and conspiracy dropped, or else be acquitted by a jury at a retrial.If the case is dropped or the defendant is acquitted, information in the panel's opinion about the care and detail of the cooperative's daily operation may prove useful in the establishment of future dispensaries across the state.http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/092205sb420.cfm
Comment #1 posted by Max Flowers on September 23, 2005 at 09:46:27 PT
You go, Valerie
- A phone call to the Burbank City Attorney’s office was not returned. -
Cowards. I'm sure they would have had a comment for the press had they convicted her instead of chickening out of trial!
http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21136.shtml
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on October 07, 2005 at 17:39:09 PT
Ron
I am setting up a page for an article that should be available tomorrow. I don't know about any in the states though.
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Comment #25 posted by ron on October 07, 2005 at 17:33:03 PT
Another shameful moment...
...for Canadian politicians, police and presstitutes (priests and pastors too).How many US and Canadian papers will report this travesty?
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on October 07, 2005 at 17:17:39 PT
Article About Steve Tuck By Richard Cowan
Top Story: Steve Tuck Taken from Vancouver ER In Handcuffs to US Border. Will the Feds Kill Him? http://marijuananews.com/news.php3?sid=855
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on October 07, 2005 at 17:10:38 PT
Ron
Yes but I need to wait a little while. I hope you understand.
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Comment #22 posted by ron on October 07, 2005 at 16:51:07 PT
Steve Tuck (Comment # 12)
Any news on what happenened to Steve yesterday, FoM?
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Comment #21 posted by GreenJoy on October 06, 2005 at 21:21:32 PT
Thanks everyone...
for the warm welcome! :-) Yes FoM, you indeed do make me *smile*. With you all always. GreenJoy
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Comment #20 posted by Toker00 on October 06, 2005 at 16:04:59 PT
Disban DEAth and the Fraud and Drug Administration
Godspeed, GreenJoy.Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBTION NOW!
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 12:08:13 PT
GreenJoy
I hope it made you smile. Have a great day. Hi Ho Silver!
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Comment #18 posted by GreenJoy on October 06, 2005 at 11:58:04 PT
Wo Trigger!
FoM, I can imagine your mom having a hard time staying mad after the site of you galloping off! :-)I have to go. I'll leave with the feeling I've sassed the gov't and I'm gonna giddy up now.
GJ
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 11:42:20 PT
GreenJoy
I starting riding horses when I was 10. I stopped totally when I was around 45. Horses were great as a kid. I could be on my horse sas back to my mom and take off at a gallop. I'd wait for an hour or so to come home hoping she still wasn't mad. She always got over it luckily.
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Comment #16 posted by GreenJoy on October 06, 2005 at 11:34:56 PT
Pain
Thanks FoM. I wish my troubles were from as wonderous thing as riding a horse. (Not falling off of one though.) If and when this pain gives it up there are many things I hope to do again and even more things I've never done that I would like to do. Riding a horse is one of them. I can't say that Cannabis makes the pain go away entirely. It just does something to the connection to it. SO much easier to endure. Anyway, its been nearly 4 years and neither the pain - nor I have given up. I have a proposition for the state. I won't ever come to the state for any needs specific to me. In turn the state gets the hell outta my life. Same for the federal gov't. I'd sign that paper right now.
GJ
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 10:53:38 PT
GreenJoy
I hope you get rid of that pain. I can't lift anything up above chest high anymore. I was thrown one too many times off horses. I can lift some weight from the ground up but nothing above my head at all.
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Comment #14 posted by Richard Zuckerman on October 06, 2005 at 10:45:47 PT:
TODAY'S WWW.DAILYTARGUM.COM OPINION
Visit www.dailytargum.com of today, Thursday, October 6, 2005, for an Opinion to repeal all drug trafficking laws, including LSD?
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Comment #13 posted by GreenJoy on October 06, 2005 at 10:33:16 PT
Thanks FoM
And Toker00. A bad neck. Occipital neuralgia. Continuos pain. Until I get the medicinal thing going on its just going to be hard. The Vioxx I took for this neck permanently rearranged my heartbeat. It skips a lot. I'm told that as it is I'm not in danger. Its just a pain in the ass. Lawyers say that if it were a heart attack then I could sue. That's just great. Pain and Rage. A Prayer for Steve...
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 09:49:47 PT
Just a Note
Say a little prayer for Steve Tuck today.
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Comment #11 posted by GreenJoy on October 06, 2005 at 09:46:26 PT
Yes Max
I stagger from the absurdity of it all. Literally. And unfortunately, it ain't the weed. Maybe the many fine buzzes in the past have forever opened my eyes. I am guilty of having grown, smoked, and eaten a plant. Guilty. I marvel at the Bushmen of Africa. They have no word for guilty. Cannabis is a medicinal plant and a gift from God. GJ
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 09:34:18 PT
GreenJoy
I'm sorry you were having a hard time and I hope you are doing better now.
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Comment #9 posted by Toker00 on October 06, 2005 at 09:34:14 PT
Green Joy
Congratulations on finding those airbrakes!Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
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Comment #8 posted by GreenJoy on October 06, 2005 at 09:22:09 PT
Hello Hope!
Yes, here I am today. With my obligatory typos. Oh well...I picked a good word to screw up. I've been busy pulling out of a serious dive. Inches from the ground I found those airbrakes and came to a screeching halt. Whew! I think quite a few people are struck by lightning every year. Maybe the state should make everybody wear lightning rods. Thanks for seeing me Hope! :-) GJ
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Comment #7 posted by Max Flowers on October 06, 2005 at 09:17:55 PT
Falsehoods
The health risks associated with (cannabis) are not trivialThis is patently false. Yes they are trivial, in fact, they are nearly nonexistent. There has not been any documented case of cancer from smoking solely cannabis. A case of temporary bronchitis is about as bad as it gets. Nor is there any other physical problem associated with it. Change smoking it to vaporizing or eating it, and there are no problems whatsoever.Greenjoy you are 100% right with your point about all the things that ARE proven to be very harmful, which the state has no trouble letting people harm themselves with by the millions every day, and even making money doing it. What utter hypocrisy!
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Comment #6 posted by Hope on October 06, 2005 at 08:53:46 PT
GreenJoy!
Haven't seen you in a ton of time. Hello!
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 08:52:35 PT
Mountain Climbing is Legal and Dangerous
Should we outlaw dangerous sports because someone could get hurt and require a rescue and extensive medical care? Insurance does run out in many cases.***Excerpt: The difficulty is that the boundary between public and private is rather more porous than this sort of argument typically assumes. This leads to problems, particularly for those who simultaneously advocate liberalizing drug laws and extending the government's support for the socially disadvantaged, through welfare, the provision of health care to those who cannot afford it and various other programs of government assistance.
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Comment #4 posted by GreenJoy on October 06, 2005 at 08:38:19 PT
An interesting point...
"so if you wish to claim a right to have your healthcare provided by the state, it should come as no surprise if the state claims a right to prevent you from ingesting substances that are likely to be damaging to your health" Rriiiiiiggghhhttt. I would like the state to please do away with SUGAR, trans fats, benzene, carbon monoxide, nitrites, nitrates, ragweed, asbestos, pcb's, sunbathing, bicycling.. helmetless, ALCOHOL, first and second hand tobacco smoke, dust, mold, spraypaint, CRT emissions, cell phones, fast food, and double stuffed meatlovers extra cheese pizza, etc. etc. And oh...throw in the FDA and most phamaceuticals! GreenJoy
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 08:13:19 PT
Canadian Medicinal Cannabis News Article
Government Backs BC Marijuana CompanyBy Wire ServicesOct. 6 - The Province of British Columbia and several national health groups are supporting PhytoCan, a BC cannabis pharmaceutical company.On behalf of Honourable Premier Gordon Campbell, the Executive Director of BC PharmaCare Heather Davidson comments "Cannabinoids and cannabidioids offer significant avenues for medication development in a number of areas... I wish PhytoCan Pharmaceuticals success in developing products."Eric Nash, President of PhytoCan states, "The strong endorsement PhytoCan is receiving continues to open doors for market share of our organic medical cannabis products."Among the non-profit groups supporting PhytoCan are the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian AIDS Society, the MS Society of Canada and The Arthritis Society.Using BC grown Island Harvest™ certified organic medical cannabis, PhytoCan is developing and producing a range of effective products for the rapidly expanding plant-based pharmaceuticals market.Wendy Little and Eric Nash became Canada's first certified organic medical cannabis growers in November of 2002. They grow several Sativa and Indica strains, and ship cannabis to their patients at a cost of $100. cdn. per ounce to government-approved users of medical marijuana. Health Canada allows only a very limited number of patients to acquire their potent B.C. grown certified organic bud and the initial application process for patients who wish to be part of the program is difficult, arduous and time-consuming. An applicant must fit into at least one of the 3 categories spelled out by Health Canada:1.) Patients who are terminally ill with a prognosis of less than 1 year to live;2.) Patients who have been diagnosed and suffer from severe pain and/or muscle spasms associated with these conditions:
-Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
-Spinal Cord Injury
-Spinal Cord Disease
-Cancer
-AIDS/HIV
-Severe forms of arthritis
-Seizures associated with epilepsy.3.) Patients who do not fit into Categories 1 or 2 but experience symptoms of a diagnosed medical condition where conventional treatments have failed to offer relief. Copyright 2004 by HalifaxLive.comhttp://www.halifaxlive.com/artman/publish/marijuana_061005_220.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 07:45:06 PT
News Article from The San Francisco Chronicle
Mayor Calls Proposed Law To Regulate Pot Clubs Too Soft Charlie Goodyear, Chronicle Staff WriterThursday, October 6, 2005 San Francisco, CA -- Legislation regulating medical marijuana clubs in San Francisco that comes today before a Board of Supervisors committee isn't tough enough, according to a letter sent by Mayor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday. Newsom is taking issue specifically with a bill proposed by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, who has spearheaded the effort to standardize how the approximately 35 pot clubs currently selling marijuana operate in the city. Under Mirkarimi's proposed legislation, pot clubs could operate within 500 feet of a school and could sell up to a pound of marijuana a day to customers. Since 1996, when a state measure permitting marijuana use for medical purposes was passed by California voters, San Francisco has become a haven for operators of medical marijuana dispensaries who now serve more than 7,000 registered patients. But police say the system is widely abused, with drug dealers and gang members buying at the clubs along with patients who have a legitimate need for weed. Residents complain that the clubs bring traffic into their neighborhoods where reselling of the marijuana occurs in plain view on the street. In May, supervisors voted to extend a moratorium on the establishment of any new pot clubs in the city. "While I believe the legislation currently being considered by the board goes a long way to regulating (pot clubs), I have concerns that it does not go far enough," Newsom wrote in his letter. The mayor is proposing a 1,000-foot limit from schools, recreation centers and parks for pot clubs, strict regulations on what type of advertising the clubs can use and limiting the amount a patient can buy each day to 8 ounces. Snipped:Complete Article: http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2005/10/06/BAG3JF36UP1.DTL
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 06, 2005 at 07:39:33 PT
Article from Rolling Stone Magazine
I don't know who this person is or why they are doing an article about him but here it is.Kid Cannabis: http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/_/id/7683923/
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