cannabisnews.com: 'Medical' MJ For Teens 





'Medical' MJ For Teens 
Posted by CN Staff on March 23, 2007 at 06:39:42 PT
By Bill O'Reilly
Source: New York Post
New York -- It seemed like a good idea at the time, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which allowed Californians to use marijuana with a doctor's permission to alleviate pain. Golden State voters passed the ballot measure into law by 56 percent to 44 percent. The biggest bankroller of the referendum was George Soros, the billionaire who champions drug legalization. He pumped about $350,000 into pro-medpot ads, according to published reports.
Since the act was passed into law, thousands of pot "clinics" have opened across the state. In San Francisco, things got so out of control that Mayor Gavin Newsom, a very liberal guy, had to close many of the "clinics" because drug addicts were clustering around them, causing fear among city residents. In San Diego, there's another problem: Some high school kids have found a loophole in the Compassion Act. Incredibly, there is no age requirement to secure medical marijuana in California - and no physical exam needed, either. So some kids tell a doctor they have a headache, pay him $150 for a card, and then buy all the pot they want. Unbelievable, but true. Catherine Martin, a school official in San Diego, actually sent letters to parents in the Grossmont Union School District warning that some students are getting the medical-MJ cards and then selling them to other students. The result: an increasing number of kids arriving at school stoned. Martin warned parents to supervise their children. San Diego DA Bonnie Dumanis told me that some "clinics" are even marketing medical marijuana under names like "Reefer's Peanut Butter Cup," and "Baby Jane." Cheech and Chong would be proud. Now, I'm sure George Soros doesn't give a hoot about this, but the unintended consequence of non-prescription medical-marijuana legalization is that some kids are making an industry out of it. Sure, pot is available illegally in most places, but now children have a legal option. Why work at Burger King when you can sell pot cards? Of course, there is nothing "compassionate" about kids being intoxicated. It changes them forever. Once a child alters himself with chemicals, childhood vanishes. A national study by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse says more teens are in rehab for marijuana than any other intoxicant, including alcohol. Society needs to rethink its strategy on intoxicants in general. If marijuana can help those suffering with debilitating diseases, then doctors should have the power to prescribe it and licensed pharmacies should carry it. But storefront "clinics" run by irresponsible adults who are aided by corrupt doctors are a joke only a confirmed stoner would find funny. Bottom line: Be careful what you vote for. Compassion can easily turn into chaos. Source: New York Post (NY)Author: Bill O'ReillyPublished: March 23, 2007 Copyright: 2007 N.Y.P. Holdings, Inc.Contact: letters nypost.comWebsite: http://www.nypost.com/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on March 28, 2007 at 05:49:09 PT
LTE: O'Reilly Right on Medical Marijuana
March 28, 2007Ohio -- Bill O'Reilly is right. If you remove the digs on George Soros, fear mongering, and disinformation veiled as fact, his Op-Ed, High on Compassion, hits the mark on these important points:Cannabis is medicine that should be available to patients. If marijuana can help those suffering with debilitating diseases, then doctors should have the power to prescribe it and licensed pharmacies should carry it.* Cannabis distribution to patients should be regulated. Incredibly, there is no age requirement to secure medical marijuana in California. * Non-medical use by children should be discouraged. There is nothing compassionate about kids being intoxicated.* The War on Drugs is wrong. Society needs to rethink its strategy on intoxicants in general.Unlike California, Ohio has the opportunity to roll-out medicinal cannabis the right way. State legislators are now considering such legislation for Ohio. All of O'Reilly's points should be taken into consideration - availability for patients, state regulation of distribution, and the discouraging use by children. As he wisely points out, we do indeed need to rethink our antiquated drug war strategies toward this medicine.One correction is in order, however. According to the DASIS Report of the U.S. Office of Applied Studies, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 58 percent of admissions to treatment for marijuana come from the criminal justice system; in other words, from the over 700,000 arrests for cannabis each year.Let's listen closely to the spirit of what Mr. O'Reilly says about compassion, not his vitriol, fear mongering, or disinformation.Mary Jane Borden
President, Ohio Patient Network
www.ohiopatient.net
WestervilleCopyright: 2007 Coshocton Tribunehttp://www.coshoctontribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070328/OPINION03/703280334
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on March 26, 2007 at 19:43:09 PT
Comment 20 The GCW
I bet he didn't either! Well there he is, telling a big one in the very first sentence. Oh, Bill. Bill, Bill, Bill.
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Comment #20 posted by The GCW on March 26, 2007 at 18:37:48 PT
I don't think so...
I don't think He thought, "It seemed like a good idea at the time"
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Comment #19 posted by potpal on March 24, 2007 at 07:35:14 PT
Colbert
The mention link is no longer available below but you can find the segment here...
http://www.comedycentral.com/sitewide/media_player/play.jhtml?itemId=84035 
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Comment #18 posted by observer on March 23, 2007 at 19:28:23 PT
Oh Really?
[1]
New York -- It seemed like a good idea at the time, the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, which allowed Californians to use marijuana with a doctor's permission to alleviate pain . 
(Sentence 1) re: "use marijuana" - Prohibitionist propagandists repeatedly assert that "use is abuse." Details about "using" as opposed to "abusing" drugs are ignored. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) 
 
 
[3]
The biggest bankroller of the referendum was George Soros, the billionaire who champions drug legalization . 
(Sentence 3) re: "legalization" - Drug policy options are presented as either total prohibition, or as total "legalization." No middle ground is contemplated in the "zero-tolerance" world of prohibition. Absolute prohibition executed with religious fervor and purpose! (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) re: "George Soros", "billionaire" - People who step forward in disagreement with prohibition are attacked and sometimes jailed. (Dissent Attacked (propaganda theme 8) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme8.htm#8 ) 
 
 
[6]
In San Francisco, things got so out of control that Mayor Gavin Newsom, a very liberal guy, had to close many of the "clinics" because drug addicts were clustering around them, causing fear among city residents . 
(Sentence 6) re: "drug addicts", "addicts" - The rhetoric of prohibition will try to use labeling and guilt by association to link drugs and drug users with hated groups. (Hated Groups (propaganda theme 1) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme1.htm#1 ) 
 
 
[7]
In San Diego, there's another problem: Some high school kids have found a loophole in the Compassion Act . 
(Sentence 7) re: "kids" - Being a prohibitionist means you can never shed too many crocodile tears for the "children". (As you lustily jail or kill their parents for using drugs.) (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[9]
So some kids tell a doctor they have a headache, pay him $150 for a card, and then buy all the pot they want . 
(Sentence 9) re: "kids" - Prohibitionists are champions of "the child", "kids", "children", etc. Only continued or increased punishments of all adults caught using "drugs" will send the correct "message" to children. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[12]
The result: an increasing number of kids arriving at school stoned . 
(Sentence 12) re: "kids" - "Chemicals have long been inextricably linked in prohibitionist literature with the ... corruption of young people." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[13]
Martin warned parents to supervise their children . 
(Sentence 13) re: "children" - Prohibitionists forever claim that children are corrupted by drugs, and this is why adult users must be punished harshly. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[16]
Now, I'm sure George Soros doesn't give a hoot about this, but the unintended consequence of non-prescription medical-marijuana legalization is that some kids are making an industry out of it . 
(Sentence 16) re: "kids" - Prohibitionists play on parental fears by exaggerating the dangers to children of drugs. Adults must be jailed (reason prohibitionists), because kids might be corrupted with drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) re: "legalization" - With God on Their Side (prohibitionists assure us), only the continued rooting out of the sinful drug users (total prohibition) will do. All else is portrayed as the slippery slope to total legalization of all drugs for toddlers. (Total Prohibition or Access (propaganda theme 7) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme7.htm#7 ) re: "George Soros" - Because they care so deeply for the kids, prohibitionists, we are told, are above reproach. Therefore, the evil legalizers who dare question the authority of prohibition are the ones who must be silenced. (Dissent Attacked (propaganda theme 8) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme8.htm#8 ) 
 
 
[17]
Sure, pot is available illegally in most places, but now children have a legal option . 
(Sentence 17) re: "children" - "Since the Harrison Act of 1914, the user and the seller of illicit drugs have both been characterized as evil, criminal, insane, and always in search of new victims, the victims are characterized as young children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[19]
Of course, there is nothing "compassionate" about kids being intoxicated . 
(Sentence 19) re: "kids" - "Nothing can so excite an adult population as can anything which appears to threaten their own children." [W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[21]
Once a child alters himself with chemicals, childhood vanishes . 
(Sentence 21) re: "child" - Prohibitionist propaganda continually whips up parental fear, invoking lurid images of children corrupted by drugs. (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[22]
A national study by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse says more teens are in rehab for marijuana than any other intoxicant, including alcohol . 
(Sentence 22) re: "Addiction" - Prohibitionist propaganda claims that horrible dangers are caused by "drugs." (Madness,Crime,Violence,Illness (propaganda theme 2) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme2.htm#2 ) re: "Substance Abuse", "Abuse" - The rhetoric of prohibition will assume that "use" and "abuse" are identical. (Use is Abuse (propaganda theme 4) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme4.htm#alluseisabuse ) re: "teens" - "The inflaming of this fear about the fate of our own children [makes] it difficult if not impossible for most Americans to take a careful and reasoned look at our drug policies."[W.White,1979] (Children Corrupted (propaganda theme 5) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme5.htm#5 ) 
 
 
[23]
Society needs to rethink its strategy on intoxicants in general . 
(Sentence 23) re: "Society" - Prohibitionists assert that the survival of the community, society, the nation, the world, etc. are at stake. Only continued and increased punishments for drug users can be contemplated, because, say prohibitionists, society will otherwise fall apart. (Survival of Society (propaganda theme 3) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme3.htm#3 ) 
 
 
[25]
But storefront "clinics" run by irresponsible adults who are aided by corrupt doctors are a joke only a confirmed stoner would find funny . 
(Sentence 25) re: "stoner" - Drug users are "those people" -- they are linked with groups that everyone agrees are bad. (Hated Groups (propaganda theme 1) http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/theme1.htm#1 ) 
 
 asserted: $drugwar_propaganda at 100% ($propaganda_theme1 $propaganda_theme2 $propaganda_theme3 $propaganda_theme5 $propaganda_theme7 $propaganda_theme8 $propaganda_theme4)asserted: $propaganda_theme1 at 100% ("drug addicts" "addicts" "stoner"), 3 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme2 at 60% ("Addiction" "problem"), 2 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme3 at 55% ("Society"), 1 hitsasserted: $use_is_abuse at 100% ("Substance Abuse" "use marijuana" "Abuse"), 3 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme4 at 100% ($use_is_abuse)asserted: $propaganda_theme5 at 70% ("child" "children" "kids" "Baby" "teens"), 10 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme7 at 100% ("legalization" $legalization), 2 hitsasserted: $propaganda_theme8 at 70% ("George Soros" "billionaire"), 3 hitssummary: drugwar_propaganda = 100%
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Comment #17 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 12:05:10 PT
In a penal colony
The real criminals are the ones who pretend to be the guards.Release the prisoners who have committed no crimes. End cannabis prohibition.
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Comment #16 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:57:47 PT
Metaphor
We are magnets, turning ourselves to align with one another and so multiply our pulling power, but those who align against us find the same power is repulsive. They are themselves going to the dark place, the tree can be judged by its fruit after all. All they need to do to save themselves is rotate a little bit and our pull will help them their alignment into ours if they haven't hit the wall yet.
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Comment #15 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:54:20 PT
Bill O
Wants to turn America into a penal colony. Or rather, keep it one in the parts of America where it is now, and in regards to those whom it currently penalizes.
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Comment #14 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:49:22 PT
Australia
Was once established as a penal colony.
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Comment #13 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:46:12 PT
Nativism
Bill O'Reilly works for an Australian billionaire.
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Comment #12 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:44:38 PT
HAHAHAHA
He thinks we're here because of George Soros.
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Comment #11 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:42:29 PT
For those of the highest high
You are speaking to those of the lowest lowThe streams will now cross.Tell them the truth. Raise them up or let them fall of their own accord. They will always have a way up but the farther down you go the farther you will be climbing when you finally stop.
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Comment #10 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:39:36 PT
For those writing
Know your audience. Know that the New York Post is the belly of the darkest corner of Rupert Murdoch's empire.
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Comment #9 posted by whig on March 23, 2007 at 11:36:35 PT
Bill O!
We have drawn the fire of the beast.
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Comment #8 posted by Sam Adams on March 23, 2007 at 10:49:19 PT
Billy boy
This article isn't as bad as expected. He puts forth a reasonable idea. My response would be to say, OK, you've made some good points. Why don't we put Prop 215 back on the ballot this year, to see if people have changed their minds, with all these awful abuses going. Bill seems to think that is the case, that everyone is regretting opening Pandora's box.Of course Prop 215 would pass by a HIGHER margin today. Each year in the last 10 years, polls have shown that support for legalization increases by 1% per year. I'm sure the increase for medical is even higher.Friendly reminder Bill: Scapegoating and attacking others won't change the fact that you're gay. Sorry. "God" made you that way, you might as well accept it and try to lead a positive life.
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Comment #7 posted by doc james on March 23, 2007 at 08:12:16 PT
the teens in trouble
are using that as as excuse, all the while they are mostly crakerheads or methsmokers but you must realize where the story is coming from Bill Oreilly and the NY Post I wouldnt piss on either if they were on fire.
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Comment #6 posted by nuevo mexican on March 23, 2007 at 08:04:26 PT
Colbert Report: the Dems won't Impeach bush....
because they're 'pussies!Now ain't that the truth! (Until proven otherwise)Strong words, accurate, and should be repeated over and over, as Stephen has nothing against Vagina's, no one would be here without them, he just knows what language works with the American People. And how to embarrass the Washington War-Mongers, BlueDog Dems included, as well as timid Presidential Candidates.(I can hear the Dems now, 'we are not pussies'...wha, wha, whaaaa, it's OFF the table...).Not recommended. Just begin the Impeachment, and grow a spine! The clip he runs nails it, so why are the Dems waiting!It is our constitutional duty, elections be damned!Plus, the elections are a joke, not a good reason to wait to impeach someone who stole the Presidency twice!The Pro-Peace, Anti-military-industrial complex 'war' voters who got the Dems back in office are being USED, taken for granted, and need to hold their party accountable!As soon as Karl Rove gives sworn testimony, and reveals his guilt as well as the crimes of cheney/bush, let the Impeachment proceedings begin!Sometime soon after April 19th, I see it happening.As to Bill Oh Really?Bill O'Reilly looks more and more like the fool he is, every time he opens his mouth, and it always works to our advantage! Thanks Bill!Watch this video, then send it to any and all Democratic candidates, voters, websites, emails, and YouTube it into the MSM, as this is what we count on Stephen Colbert to do!(The job no one else seems fit to do!In a country where American Idol rules the airwaves, and reflects to total dumbing down of U.S. Citizens, Stephen Colbert uses the medium to uplift the American Psyche, and to great effect!Tell me, who else is doing their job in the media of holding bush AND the Democratic Party accountableStephen Colbert, Charlie Sheen, Rosie O'Donell, Rocky Anderson, and Dennis Kucinich get my personal 'Got Backbone?'award!Watch this twice, it's worth it!Colbert Dares Democrats to Impeach Bushhttp://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2007/3/23/95948/5632
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Comment #5 posted by potpal on March 23, 2007 at 07:56:06 PT
teens
But its okay for them to go off to Iraq and die. Accelerate your life. Yeah, like 0 to dead in just 6 months.
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Comment #4 posted by cannaman on March 23, 2007 at 07:39:33 PT
Another BS article
This is one of the funniest articles of bullshit I have ever read! Keep the humor coming its wonderful! Who would believe Bill O'Reilly anyway, he has his head so far up his own ass he can taste the bullshit coming out of it. He shit's in two different directions. He is bought and payed for like so many other figureheads and puppets in his chosen so-called profession. He's a dancing monkey to me and just as funny to watch. Thanks O'Reilly for the light reading I don't have to read the comics today.
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Comment #3 posted by Treeanna on March 23, 2007 at 07:22:26 PT
Still needs rebuttal
He blatantly misstates the law here.Cant let it go unanswered since it is published in such a big paper :(
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Comment #2 posted by duzt on March 23, 2007 at 06:58:50 PT
bill o'really?
Just realized it was the pointless and self-serving moron Bill O'Riley that wrote this. Only neocons who have to listen to people who agree with their idiocy listen to that guy anyway. His words are so predictable and pointless. Billy is just a little insecure runt of a human who still has no clue. Very irrelevant.
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Comment #1 posted by duzt on March 23, 2007 at 06:54:31 PT
kids and real drugs
Any kid can go to a doctor and say they can't pay attention and get meth (ritilan). I would much rather see kids perscribed cannabis as it is much more effective with fewer side effects. If a doctor says it's ok what's the problem? And to say kids can go to a doctor with a headache and get a recommmendation is just plain stupid. These jackasses never talk about all the pills the government is forcing on our kids. The USA sure is a screwed up country anymore.
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