cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- January 12, 2006










  NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- January 12, 2006

Posted by CN Staff on January 12, 2006 at 18:39:25 PT
Weekly Press Release 
Source: NORML 

NORML Launches First-Ever Viral Media CampaignJanuary 12, 2006 - Washington, DC, USAWashington, DC: NORML launched the organization's first-ever Internet viral media campaign this week with the production of the animated short "Sam's Journey." The 90 second animated film traces the history of US marijuana prohibition through the lens of Samuel Caldwell, the first American citizen arrested and sentenced to federal prison on marijuana charges.
The animated short, produced by the Julian Mulvey Group, also features notable appearances by several self-admitted US marijuana smokers, including NORML advisory board members Willie Nelson, Bill Maher and Woody Harrelson, former Vice-President Al Gore, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, astronomer Carl Sagan, and comedian Dave Chapelle, among others."NORML's Internet viral media campaign is an attempt by the organization to communicate, through the use of a new high-tech medium, to an audience that we may not otherwise reach," said Keith Stroup, legal counsel for NORML and the NORML Foundation. "We hope that marijuana law reformers find this animated short entertaining and educational, and elect to share it with their friends and family to help inform them of NORML's work and the need to change America's cannabis laws."The animated short is available for download on NORML's website at: http://norml.org/samsjourney.html or on NORML's Video Blog at: http://normltv.blogspot.com/DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6779FDA Okays Clinical Trial Of British Cannabis SprayJanuary 12, 2006 - Rockville, MD, USARockville, MD: United States regulatory officials last week authorized the first-ever US clinical trial investigating the efficacy of Sativex, an oral spray consisting of natural cannabis extracts, for the treatment of cancer pain. Sativex is currently available by prescription in Canada and on a limited basis in Spain and Great Britain for patients suffering from neuropathic pain, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and other conditions.The FDA-approved trial is expected to begin later this year and will likely take 24 to 36 months to complete. Two hundred and fifty patients with advanced cancer will participate in the randomized, placebo-controlled study, which will evaluate the effect of Sativex in relieving patients' average daily pain, reducing their use of opioid medications, and improving their overall quality of life.In a previous clinical trial of 177 cancer pain patients, volunteers administered Sativex demonstrated statistically significant improvements in comparison to placebo, with 40 percent of patients showing greater than 30 percent improvement in pain. Patients in the trial had previously been unresponsive to standard analgesic medicines (e.g., morphine).Other clinical trials of Sativex have demonstrated the drug to alleviate numerous MS-associated symptoms compared to placebo, including pain, muscle spasms, and bladder incontinence.British biotechnology company GW Pharmaceuticals, makers of Sativex, stated that the FDA's decision allowing them to move directly to Phase III testing of the drug hastens their timeline for gaining US market approval for Sativex."GW believes that Sativex represents a first-in-class valuable new treatment option for the many advanced cancer patients in the United States whose suffering has not been adequately managed by current opioid pain medications," the company said in a press release.For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500 or visit: http://www.gwpharm.comDL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6781Endocannabinoid System Prevents OsteoporosisJanuary 12, 2006 - Jerusalem, IsraelJerusalem, Israel: The endocannabinoid system appears to play a major role in preserving bone density and preventing the onset of osteoporosis, according to preclinical trail data published in the current issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA. Endocannabinoids are marijuana-like chemicals produced naturally in humans and animals that bind to the same receptors as do plant-derived cannabinoids such as THC.Researchers at the Bone Laboratory of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem found a high number of cannabis receptors present in the bones of mice. Mice that lacked these receptors developed severe osteoporosis as they aged. Researchers reported that the administration of the synthetic cannabinoid HU-308 slowed the development of osteoporosis, stimulated bone building and reduced bone loss."These results demonstrate that the endocannabinoid system is essential for the maintenance of normal bone mass, . [and that the cannabinoid receptor] offers a molecular target for the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis," researchers concluded.Osteoporosis is a degenerative skeletal disease characterized by a deterioration of bone tissue. Patients with osteoporosis are at risk for suffering multiple fractures and other serious disabilities.Previous research on endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid receptor system indicates that cannabinoids may play a role in maintaining homeostasis (metabolic equilibrium) in humans and other living organisms. Biological functions regulated by endocannabinoids include appetite, body temperature, blood pressure, reproductive activity, learning capacity, and motor coordination.For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500. Full text of the study, "Peripheral cannabinoid receptor, CB2, regulates bone mass," is available in the January 10, 2006 edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the USA. Abstracts of the study are available online at: http://www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.0504187103DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6780Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: January 12, 2006Copyright: 2006 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/CannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml

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Comment #28 posted by ekim on January 16, 2006 at 21:02:56 PT
how about movie about JFK retirement of Anslinger
Protecting Special Interests 
http://www.jackherer.com/chapter04.html
As the AMA's Dr. Woodward had asserted, the government's testimony before Congress in 1937 had in fact consisted almost entirely of Hearst's and other sensational and racist newspaper articles read aloud by Harry J. Anslinger,* director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN). (This agency has since evolved into the Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA]). *Harry J. Anslinger was director of the new Federal Bureau of Narcotics from its inception in 1931 for the next 31 years, and was only forced into retirement in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy after Anslinger tried to censor the publications and publishers of Professor Alfred Lindsmith (The Addict and the Law, Washington Post, 1961) and to blackmail and harass his employer, Indiana University. Anslinger had come under attack for racist remarks as early as 1934 by a U.S. senator from Pennsylvania, Joseph Guffey, for such things as referring to "ginger-colored niggers" in letters circulated to his department heads on FBN stationery. Prior to 1931, Anslinger was Assistant U.S. Commissioner for Prohibition.
http://www.jackherer.com
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Comment #27 posted by runruff on January 16, 2006 at 18:14:35 PT:
ekim
One more thing I've been thinking about is what you said about involvement. I know from personal expierence how few people are willing to commit or even get involved. The revolutionary war was fought and won by a tenacous 6% of true believers. The rest were loyolist and fence sitters. The human race is mostly populated by fence sitters. On which
side of the fence they fall depends on which way the wind blows. I know your frustration in this.
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Comment #26 posted by museman on January 16, 2006 at 14:08:11 PT:
runruff
Norml, OMI, Democracy, Santa Claus, jesus christ, and the Easter Bunny.
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Comment #25 posted by whig on January 16, 2006 at 13:05:36 PT
runruff #23
Genuine charity is never done for personal credit. If someone famous wants to use their name in behalf of a cause, they should not make it about themselves, they should just speak the truth and let the chips fall.The example that comes to mind is Peter Gabriel. When he was working against South African apartheid, he did not call press conferences and appear before cameras, he wrote a song, and performed it. "Biko" did more to bring down that regime than any amount of "star" power could have. It didn't *matter* who he was, it only mattered that he got people to listen, and think, and understand.
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on January 16, 2006 at 12:34:42 PT

ekim
One of the reason that people don't want to be involved with an organization is because you can get unsolicited mail which has happened to me ( not from NORML) plus concern for being so visible. When people are trying to change a bad law they get scared. It's a real shame but my sister asked me why we don't get out there and push and before I could answer she said I know it's fear. I said that's right. It's sad but true.
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Comment #23 posted by runruff on January 16, 2006 at 12:33:38 PT:

Stars!
Don't make me laugh. Stars are never interested in anything that doesn't bennefit them in some way. Total self involment and the craving for adoration is what got them where they are. A few may retain their humanity like Willie but they are rare. Most are only interested in themselves.
I know, I've been there. Didn't much like the climate.
To many very shallow people. To know them is to avoid them.
I hope NORML can and does live up to your idea of them. What you see is not what I've seen in them. 
Thank you Ekim for your interesting insights. 
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Comment #22 posted by ekim on January 16, 2006 at 12:10:26 PT

Thank you Norml many are called BUT-----
lets see ----Norml national org to reform marijuana laws.
so on a local level you get a lawyer then apply for being a chapter then get a tax status. 
You have to start with no money you must go out and earn it. You must get in to events have booths, man them then you must have info or goods to engage others to become members and help the effort along. You must have address and names for all members and money taken in support of the org. This means newsletters that means big money and hundreds of hours of work putting the letter together and getting it out all over the state. I ve worked many a membership drive and event hearing thousands upon thousands say 
--we want the laws changed --but at the end of the day very few gave money or time to the effort and let alone their address for a membership or even renewed at the end of the year but all most everyone wants info and wants someone to do something for them, especially when someone finds themselves in trouble. 
Who else has been out their standing in the storm for so long. Its nice to have this site and others like it but like all the story's here -- it takes a warm body somewhere to stand up to the machine before anything is done. 
We have the hash bash -- its been going for over 33 years --Norml has been at everyone-
where is the big entertainer that is willing to go there and make a stand or sing a song for change at the event. emiem lives not that far away, not just him what about Bob Seger or Madonna or all the hundreds that came out of Motown where are the stars. Where are the sports stars. 
Why was Willie about the only one to stand with Dennis Kucinich when he said the cannabis laws must be changed. 
 At the end of the day many, many of us here in the USA have been informed by the info and guts of those in Norml.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on January 16, 2006 at 11:15:27 PT

NORML
I am not into organizations but as far as the information that NORML has on it's web site I like that. Education is important. I get tired. I never felt I would be doing news for this many years. I thought one or two years and we would be headed toward victory. Why is it taking so long?
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Comment #20 posted by runruff on January 16, 2006 at 11:00:19 PT:

NORML.
I have always believed that NORML lacked verve and conviction. They seem to approach this issue as if we were being denied an otherwise harmless hobby. We need people who are willing to stand with conviction. People who are willing to reicognize this issue to be the single most important issue of our time. Our rights, ability to earn a living and the health of the planet not to mention our right to free choice of medicine are but a few of the life and death issues at stake here.
I think there should be citizens with torches and pitch forks on the white house lawn and for as far as the chimp can see from the oval office.
NORMAL has grown self important, lazy and obese. In my contact with the orginization I was very put off by their arrogance. I, like you, was woundering, "and what have you done lately?" 
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on January 16, 2006 at 10:32:13 PT

ekim
I didn't see the show but I don't watch political news. I keep my mind on how I think rather then on politics. 
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Comment #18 posted by ekim on January 16, 2006 at 10:28:14 PT

sorry ferre misspelled your name
i ment to say attacked not attracted.
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Comment #17 posted by ekim on January 16, 2006 at 10:22:28 PT

the Dream to live together is real
please ferrer don't despair force your head high in the air.
Remember mass media is just born so join with others and keep tiring to inform. Animation is clear to attract those who don't know why cannabis was attracted.FoM a week or two back Milton Friedman was on Charlie Rose show on PBS TV 377 on Dir TV at 8:00pm.
Today i was talking to the person that books all of LEAPS speaking engagements and was informed that last week Milton Friedman had just joined LEAP. I mentioned W.F. Buckley JR as someone who might also be asked to join. IF anyone wants a great professional speaker to come to their town to tell about why the Drug War is failing by all means call LEAP.Did anyone see Meet the Press yesterday. the last half hour was spent with three people talking about M.L.King. one of the people was a woman and she was telling about how 1 in 3 black men are being imprisoned mainly by drug laws. This woman would be a great speaker for LEAP. 
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #16 posted by Ferre on January 15, 2006 at 22:35:14 PT

NORML designed not to succeed?
I wonder sometimes about the real motives behind NORML. Really, as a Dutch legalization activist and chairman of the Legalize! organisation in the Netherlands, I wonder sometimes why NORML achieves nothing, all these years, but accepting the Cannabis Community's money. This film is not doing any good for the cause, it's just another money-drain. I recommend people to look for supporting alternatives for NORML.
Cannabis
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Comment #15 posted by b4daylight on January 13, 2006 at 14:58:15 PT

HUH
State officials say recriminalizing marijuana will help state troopers crack down on commercial growers by making it easier obtain search warrants.translationState officials help state troopers making it easier obtain search warrants.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on January 13, 2006 at 07:56:16 PT

Hollywood
That made me smile. I've been to Hollywood. Never wanted to go back though! LOL!
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Comment #13 posted by dongenero on January 13, 2006 at 07:32:10 PT

santorum
Yes, Santorum is a nut. A seemingly personable, charismatic and intelligent nut. As many nuts are. Ah, but he is a dangerous nut, due to the level of power he has achieved.The wikipedia article quotes him as saying the Constitution does not provide for right of privacy, even in marriage, he has worked for bans on birth control and was instrumental in Congress' passing of the Terry Schiavo Bill. Three strikes, you're a nut.
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Comment #12 posted by Had Enough on January 13, 2006 at 04:19:31 PT

FoM Goes Hollywood
Good idea, a movie. A good documentary that lays all the "cards" on the table. I remember, 60 minutes did a show on it, it wasn't demonizing it. Seems to me it was close to 10 years ago. Shortly after that I was reading in the local slander sheets about how the Drug Warriors disapproved of the feature. It went something like this. "We are just getting control of the drug scene and 60 minutes comes out with that." The way they said it, it exposed their weak spot. The truth.I haven’t seen one as good since.A movie would be good. Of course we will have to send FoM to Hollywood.

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Comment #11 posted by Toker00 on January 13, 2006 at 03:53:48 PT

Let's make a movie.
Let's make it about the PROS of Cannabis, using actual fact, not racism, as our base. Let's pick our actors from all walks of life, from all races of people, and let's be sure to include all the LEOs who KNOW the ugly truth about the War on Some Drugs.And let's title it: REEFER SANITYWage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW! 
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on January 12, 2006 at 21:42:05 PT

Whig
I recognize his picture. Thanks.
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Comment #9 posted by whig on January 12, 2006 at 21:39:34 PT

Link
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Santorum
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Comment #8 posted by whig on January 12, 2006 at 21:34:51 PT

Rick Santorum
Yeah, he's an arch-conservative Senator in PA.
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on January 12, 2006 at 21:01:35 PT

Whig
Is he a politician? If so I wouldn't recognize the name. I really have a mental block with people in politics unless they are really famous politicians.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on January 12, 2006 at 20:58:37 PT

Whig
 Who is Rick Santorum? 
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Comment #5 posted by whig on January 12, 2006 at 20:56:00 PT

FoM
PA's so smart we've got Rick Santorum. Heh.
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on January 12, 2006 at 20:52:20 PT

runruff 
That is really something. I know the people I know in my state aren't really as smart as PA folks. I lived in both states for many years so I came to that conclusion a long time ago. I think it has to do with exposure to thinking more outside the box and there is more culture in PA or at least in the area that I lived in PA.
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Comment #3 posted by runruff on January 12, 2006 at 20:40:27 PT:

Here are the stats.
Can he really be that dumb?
http://www.whywehatebush.com/news/04_12_iq.html
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on January 12, 2006 at 19:58:39 PT

They Put Marijuana in With Meth Issues
I posted this on the Alaska article but I thought I should post it here too.***Marijuana and Meth Bill Heads To The Floor***Associated Press  January 12, 2006 
According to the Associated Press, bills that aim to curb the use of marijuana, methamphetamine and anabolic steroids have been rolled into one. The omnibus measure moved out of the Senate Finance Committee today and is headed for the floor. House Bill 149 would make possession of four ounces or more of pot a felony. It also limits the sale of a popular decongestant, Sudafed, which is used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. State officials say recriminalizing marijuana will help state troopers crack down on commercial growers by making it easier obtain search warrants. Lawmakers also heard testimony from experts on the drug who say concerns about marijuana are overblown. 
http://www.ktva.com/local/ci_3396781
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Comment #1 posted by runruff on January 12, 2006 at 19:45:54 PT:

Bone headed nose pickin' nincompoops.
See, first of all, well where do I start? Cannabis tinchure has been used in Chinese Phamacopia so far back it is impossible to date. Two to three years in trial, what they could determine in one week! Or one hour with the right history book! Geez! Well you see this is just plain stupid but then how many times have we uttered this phrase? So two or three years later the FDA will tell us all what we already know. Exuse me but I feel a "duh" slipping out. What I see happening is American will be buying hemp products from abroad and cannabis medicine like wise. I don't believe it has to do with stupidity. I believe cannabis/hemp prohibition and the industries 
and careers prohibition protects will scratch and claw untill the last billion dollars is extracted from it.
People without conscience and with avaricious greed will keep the hunt going untill the last dog is in.
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