cannabisnews.com: Reefer Madness: Medi-Pot Hysteria Unfounded





Reefer Madness: Medi-Pot Hysteria Unfounded
Posted by CN Staff on November 22, 2006 at 06:50:54 PT
By Jordan Smith
Source: Austin Chronicle
Texas -- Despite hysterical claims that the legalization of medicinal marijuana for use by the seriously ill would somehow kick-start a juggernaut of seemingly state-sanctioned drug use and abuse – a tired-ass hand-wringing worry brought, primarily, by your drug war pals at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, starting with Nineties czar Barry McCaffrey – it appears that, a decade after California voters passed the nation's first medi-pot law, the sky has not fallen.
In fact, according to a report released last month by the Marijuana Policy Project, a review of medi-pot progress on the 10th anniversary of California's 1996 passage of Proposition 215, it appears that teen pot use in many medi-pot states has remained steady or has actually fallen, that public support for medi-pot laws has remained steady or increased, and that the laws haven't done anything to hinder the ability of law enforcers to bust non-medi-mari tokers. In other words, it appears that McCaffrey's dire pot-hopped predictions – including his over-the-top promise that legalized medi-mari would lead to "increased drug abuse in every category" – were just plain-ass wrong. According to the MPP report, instead of sending a message to teens that pot use is just fine, thank you very much, teen marijuana use in California has actually been on the decline since 1996; the most recent California Student Survey, the state's adolescent drug-use tracking tool, revealed that only 18.7% of ninth graders reported having used pot within the past six months, the lowest level in more than 10 years. Meanwhile, marijuana arrests in California have remained steady, notes MPP; in 2004, the most recent year for which complete statistics were available, some 61,000 people were arrested on pot-related charges, according to state Department of Justice statistics. And despite the continued official inclination to discredit medi-pot laws as nothing more than a backdoor attempt to legalize pot for all, public support for legalized medicinal marijuana has solidified: A national Gallup Poll released in November 2005 reported that 78% support making marijuana legal "for doctors to prescribe in order to reduce pain and suffering" – positional support that would, in fact, broaden medi-mari protections. Because marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, doctors are actually forbidden to prescribe it; instead, medi-mari users do so only with a doctor's recommendation. The entire report can be found online at: http://www.mpp.orgGet Reefer online: In order to keep you up-to-date on the insanity of the war on drugs, "Weed Watch," your source for drug war and drug policy news, has a new name – "Reefer Madness" – and an expanded online presence. Check out the continually updated Reefer blog at: http://austinchronicle.com/reeferSource: Austin Chronicle (TX)Author: Jordan SmithPublished: November 24, 2006Copyright: 2006 Austin Chronicle Corp.Contact: louis auschron.comWebsite: http://www.auschron.com/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #33 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 14:46:59 PT
Dalits and Human Beings
Who are WitnessThere is enough energyYour good eye can seeOne Tomorrow, the mirror reflectsplace in timechild of timetwinklethat was your place in your timeto accept your gracious jumpreach out to the star s
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #32 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 14:16:35 PT
And I See
Europe and Brits fallenfor they have forgottenhow to danceand forget the sweet fragrence of freedomlook arounddo you love anybody?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #31 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 13:54:41 PT
And I See
Push come to shoveChange is comingGreen places to lay your headBalms to healFree for all the peopleFree for those that live in the cold woodsCome, Enter,This camp fireis coming from the US
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #30 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 13:39:42 PT
And I See
Scared and Hungry ChildrenOn the battle fields of this earthI see heroes 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #29 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 13:34:58 PT
Oh I see The Children
Marching Off To Warwho Never had a Good HolidayIt is time in this worldwhere every child is born with that twinkle
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #28 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 13:10:59 PT
When ?
When may I see Justice?When may I look into your eyesIt is a long journeyWhen "We can hugUnder the stars
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #27 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 13:02:08 PT
You Know that this day is some kind of barometer
+ its kind of another a electionDo vote for a tinsile and fake tree dressings?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #26 posted by global_warming on November 24, 2006 at 12:24:35 PT
Happy Black Friday
Funny name for the day after giving thanks.The merchant peddlers are lined up To gather your breath, in front of your money.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #25 posted by Toker00 on November 23, 2006 at 05:15:23 PT
More Medi-Pot Hysteria Unfounded.
It's time to launch a National Outcry. I PLEAD!For Immediate Release: November 22, 2006Guilty Verdict in First Federal Medical Marijuana Trial in 3 Years
No Evidence of Medical Use Allowed in Trial of Merced County PatientFRESNO -- A jury took less than a day to find a medical cannabis patient guilty of violating federal marijuana laws. Dustin Costa, 60, a prominent medical cannabis activist and former Marine, was found guilty of manufacture of marijuana, possession of marijuana for distribution, and possession of a firearm. Mr. Costa's sentencing date has not been set, but he could face in excess of 20 years in prison. Mr. Costa indicated he will appeal his conviction to the Ninth Circuit Court.The federal charges were brought against Mr. Costa only after 18 months of state court proceedings made it clear to local prosecutors that California's medical cannabis law would provide him a defense."The conviction of another medical cannabis patient is a senseless tragedy for all involved," said Steph Sherer, executive director of the medical cannabis advocacy group Americans for Safe Access. "Imprisoning patients is an injustice, and shameful when done against the will of the vast majority of U.S. citizens that support the medical use of marijuana."Because of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gonzales v. Raich, patients like Costa cannot mention the phrase "medical marijuana," let alone provide a medical defense in federal court. This was the first federal trial of a medical cannabis patient since the high-profile 2003 conviction of author Ed Rosenthal. In the Rosenthal case, the jury repudiated their verdict once they learned he was helping patients under state law.The original state marijuana cultivation charges against Mr. Costa, president of the Merced Patients Group, stemmed from a March 2004 arrest by Merced County Sheriffs following a raid on the greenhouse he maintained. Since being re-arrested by federal agents on August 10, 2005, Mr. Costa has been held in Fresno County jail.Mr. Costa represents the first of nearly a hundred patients and providers expected to go to trial on arrests that have occurred since Gonzales v. Raich. More than 90 patients and providers have been arrested and nearly as many currently await trial in federal court.# # #With more than 30,000 active members with chapters and affiliates in more than 40 states, Americans for Safe Access is the largest national member-based organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic uses and research.-- Join the fight for medical marijuana rights!
To receive ASA alerts, send a blank email to
asa-subscribe lists.safeaccessnow.orgToke.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #24 posted by Toker00 on November 23, 2006 at 04:49:52 PT
Whig
Happy West Coast Thanksgiving! At four months, the culture shock will probably have subsided, and I hope it is feeling more like home to ya. Tell your wife hi. I answered your last post on the Arkansas article. I'm thankful for all the great friends I have. You guys are at the TOP of the list. There is Thankfulness in my heart for all Good things, and for all God things. I pray for our Troops this holiday season, and for the day when they will only PLAY war, and with ever increasing boredom, until, and very soon I hope, Militarism becomes Militarwasm. All we are asking is: Give Peace a Chance.Toke.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #23 posted by Hope on November 23, 2006 at 02:33:09 PT
Good Morning and Happy Thanksgiving.
May you all have a blessed and safe Thanksgiving celebration.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #22 posted by ekim on November 22, 2006 at 19:58:37 PT
thanks giving for all
the chains will be broken with bright colors of good feelingshttp://www.magiceye.com/gallery/101206s.htmlsome new Hemp products to give thanks giving for 
New Hemp Milk Products Will Boost Growth of Hemp Food Market in 2007October 25, 2006WASHINGTON, DC — Vote Hemp (www.VoteHemp.com), the nation's largest grassroots organization working to allow American farmers to once again grow industrial hemp under state or federal regulation, is predicting major growth in the hemp food market in 2007. Two new non-dairy hemp "milk" beverages were exhibited at the Natural Products Expo East 2006 in Baltimore, Maryland earlier this month and have received rave reviews. Gourmet Retailer wrote, "We were particularly impressed with the newly developed crop of hemp milks, packing a powerhouse punch of omega-3 essential fatty acids and protein." Living Harvest Hempmilk™ and Manitoba Harvest Hemp Bliss™ are the latest entries in the continually-growing hemp food market. Both brands come in Original, Vanilla and Chocolate flavors and are expected to make their public debuts in January of 2007.For full text, click here.
 
www.thehia.org
http://www.magiceye.com/gallery/101206s.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #21 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 13:03:50 PT
re: Hail Liberty
Truly Enjoy this American HolidayTo All Human Beings
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #20 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 12:53:24 PT
ready yet
you can press that freedom buttonto End the war of warsany timeHail Liberty
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #19 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 12:40:38 PT
Look for that Green Place, Label
Cannabis and Good FarmersSustainable Food
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 12:19:28 PT
this place
hopefully not in front of a crucifixion the poor childrenmarching off to war
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 12:06:31 PT
you do not have to show
your place here in this placethere is musicthat sound that fills the airFreedom
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 11:53:33 PT
Show what you got
Is that the middle class trying to say something?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 11:46:18 PT
I Salute
Every battle for victoryIs for TruthLook aroundis this a news show
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by Celaya on November 22, 2006 at 11:44:05 PT
Driving Under The Influence
Funny how the "authorities" have neglected to take a hard look at driving and marijuana. This video at Pot TV shows why.http://www.pot-tv.net/archive/shows/pottvshowse-4011.html(Video - After 2 minute cartoon)"From Speed TV in the U.K. They put cannabis and driving to the test...by smoking a big fat one first!"Happy Turkey Day!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 11:32:49 PT
also
Madame, you have an eyeThat see's me on my kneesI salute
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by global_warming on November 22, 2006 at 11:24:04 PT
and yet
Pressed the wrong buttonwas thinking that turkey flesh is not for my stomachhard to digestfor me and my stomachWish Upon A StarFor a Happy Thanksgiving
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by FoM on November 22, 2006 at 10:51:16 PT
Bundle of Joy
You all are a bundle of joy because you care. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by dankhank on November 22, 2006 at 10:37:21 PT
no prob ...
I just did the same 'round here ...told everyone we can give thanks for narcocops that shoot a 92-year-old womani'm such a bundle of joy ...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by Max Flowers on November 22, 2006 at 10:04:19 PT
Whoops, bad timing
Sorry guys, I didn't mean to follow the "happy thanksgiving" posts with my heavy dose of hard reality. Sometimes I'm writing my posts for 5-10 minutes or more, and by the time I hit "Post Message," the mood in the thread has changed considerably. I'm feeling thankful I'm not an Iraqi child right about now.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by Max Flowers on November 22, 2006 at 09:59:16 PT
"Support our troops" my ass
The next time anyone says "Support our troops" I'm going to show them this video http://youtube.com/watch?v=m9A_vxIOB-I...and ask them if this kind of crap is what we're supposed to be "supporting." It shows a couple of our "brave troops" tormenting and taunting thirsty Iraqi kids with a bottle of drinking water from the back of their vehicle, making them run blocks for it. Imagine the callousness of teasing children with water in a war zone where clean water is very rare (thanks to our bombing the infrastructure).Or how about this one http://youtube.com/watch?v=qe0jNIJRYMIwhere a Halliburton truck driver is really frustrated because he's not allowed to use deadly force (that means machine guns!) on little kids who throw rocks at his truck windshield. I really had to stop and ponder it for a moment to let it sink in---this sick bastard WANTS very badly to mow down children with automatic weapons for throwing rocks. I get the feeling that he doesn't even realize that the reason the kids are angry enough to be throwing rocks is that he and his buddies are invaders in the kids' country and that the kids all know someone (probably scores of people actually) whose relatives have been killed by US troops, indeed if not one of their own family.People will say "don't condemn all of them based on the misdeeds of a few idiots," but you know what, I don't care; all the work of any "good" troops is instantly undone by the daily transgressions of these sick individuals.Why aren't these ultra-revealing videos being shown on the news? No need to answer that, I know why not.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by whig on November 22, 2006 at 09:55:47 PT
History
It occurs to me that the peace pipe must have been present at the first thanksgiving.Have a nice thanksgiving, everyone. We're going to visit my sister-in-law and my wife's parents will be coming too. I might bring up my writing.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by FoM on November 22, 2006 at 09:47:49 PT
Dankhank
Happy Thanksgiving to you too. I am watching or actually listening to Heart of Gold The Movie and scrubbing my hearth stone. I thought tending to this old hearth stone was something I wanted to do today.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by Dankhank on November 22, 2006 at 09:37:20 PT
thanksgivin' 
A profound thanks for those who gather here and share our wisdoms, fears, follies, fancies, happiness, hope, life, love... too many fine things found here to list 'em all.Thanks all, for making this place my first stop ...Happy thanksgiving ...Peace to all ...
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by FoM on November 22, 2006 at 09:08:14 PT
Toker00
And a Happy Thanksgiving to you too! 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by Toker00 on November 22, 2006 at 09:06:44 PT
Happy Thankfullness!
Just wanted to say to all you folks who read my words today, Happy Thanksgiving! Be safe and have fun with your families. Share love, good food and each other. Remember the TROOPS. BRING 'EM ON HOME! This is for you Mayan, and though you may have seen it, I thought I would share it here. Our Turkey In Chief!http://www.fascistamerica.net/fa-01.htmlWage Peace on Us. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by Truth on November 22, 2006 at 08:34:04 PT
Truth?
"Assistant Chief Alan Dreher said. The officers had a legal warrant, "knocked and announced" before they forced open the door" "As the plainclothes Atlanta police officers approached the house about 7 p.m., a woman inside started shooting, striking each of them, said Officer Joe Cobb, a police spokesman."Someone should tell these cops to get together on their stories before they go public with them. With out a doubt, at least one of these stories is a lie.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by mamawillie on November 22, 2006 at 08:19:59 PT
Narcotics agent kill 92 year old woman
Case is likely "mistaken identity"http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061122/ap_on_re_us/elderly_shootoutATLANTA - The niece of a 92-year-old woman shot to death by police said her aunt likely had reason to shoot three narcotics investigators as they stormed her house. Police insisted the officers did everything right before entering the home Tuesday evening, despite suggestions from the woman's neighbors and relatives that it was a case of mistaken identity.The woman, Kathryn Johnston, was the only resident in the house at the time and had lived there for about 17 years, Assistant Chief Alan Dreher said. The officers had a legal warrant, "knocked and announced" before they forced open the door and were justified in shooting once fired upon, he said.Sarah Dozier, the niece, told WAGA-TV that there were never drugs at the house."My aunt was in good health. I'm sure she panicked when they kicked that door down," Dozier said. "There was no reason they had to go in there and shoot her down like a dog."As the plainclothes Atlanta police officers approached the house about 7 p.m., a woman inside started shooting, striking each of them, said Officer Joe Cobb, a police spokesman.One was hit in the arm, another in a thigh and the third in a shoulder. The officers were taken to a hospital for treatment, and all three were conscious and alert, police said.Rev. Markel Hutchins, a civil rights leader, said Johnston's family deserves an apology."Of the police brutality cases we've had, this is the most egregious because of the woman's age," Hutchins said.Hutchins said he would try to meet with Atlanta Police Chief Richard Pennington and would also meet with lawyers.
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment