cannabisnews.com: Backers Stress Compassion of Medical Marijuana





Backers Stress Compassion of Medical Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on April 24, 2007 at 05:49:25 PT
By Sylvester Brown Jr.
Source: Post-Dispatch
Illinois -- When I talk to teenagers about marijuana, I don't rely on worn-out scare tactics — "marijuana causes permanent mental impairment" ... "it can lead to addiction to harder drugs."No, not me. I just say what I know: "Smoking marijuana is an enormous waste of time."
I came into adulthood during the disco-song, Cheech & Chong, everybody-had-a-bong days, when smoking marijuana was pretty much accepted. And I, unlike President Clinton, did inhale.I'm not bragging — far from it. It was a huge waste of a few of my potentially productive years. During our Mary J-inspired sessions, my buddies and I solved the riddles of politics, poverty and peace. Darned if I can remember any of it, though.I encourage kids not use marijuana and other drugs as an escape. I don't know if marijuana causes permanent brain damage or not, there's so much contradictory information out there. But I do know that the drug is a distraction from one's true potential.I tell the truth as I know it.When it comes to legalizing medicinal marijuana, as is the latest debate in Illinois, however, it's difficult sifting through fear and plain-spoken truths.Pending legislation (SB650), introduced by state Sen. John Cullerton, D- Chicago, states that legalizing the drug will bring comfort to patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and other debilitating conditions.The proposal left me a little confused. It's against federal law to prescribe marijuana. Is this a serious bill, or is Cullerton pushing some sort of symbolic legislation?No, he told me, his bill will bring immediate help to sick patients. "Similar laws have been enacted in 12 other states. Ninety-nine percent of all drug laws are enforced by the states," he said. "It's not that we'll be breaking federal law, we just won't be enforcing it."Opponents, like those affiliated with the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol & Addiction Problems, call it a "scam" that will eventually move the country closer to fully legalizing marijuana.Anita Bedell, executive director of the organization, raised a legitimate point when we spoke Monday: "Illinois already has a problem. If kids think it's medicine, they won't consider it as dangerous."High school kids already have better access to marijuana than those who need it for medical purposes, countered Charles Thomas, executive director of the Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative, a national organization seeking "compassionate" alternatives to America's war on drugs.Cullerton's bill, Thomas told me, would protect patients prosecuted for possessing marijuana. "It's morally wrong to punish people who make an attempt to relieve their suffering."Bedell said she would like to see more research into the medical benefits of marijuana. Last week, Harvard University released research that indicated that the active ingredient in marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) cuts tumor growth in "common lung cancer in half" and "significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread.""Can you imagine if a doctor wanted to prescribe this treatment to a cancer patient?" Cullerton asked. "He or she couldn't because it's illegal." Late last month, 50 religious leaders throughout Illinois signed a "statement of principle," urging the state Senate to pass Cullerton's bill. Charles Thomas of the Interfaith Drug Policy Initiative sent me a list of religious leaders from across the nation who also "officially" support legalizing medical marijuana. The group includes Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, representatives of the Union for Reform Judaism, Unitarian Universalist Association, Episcopal Church and the United Church of Christ.I asked Cullerton why his controversial bill seems to have resonated with so many religious leaders. "Because it's about compassion," he said. "People are ill. This bill gets them the help they need without making them criminals."It's about helping sick people, not serving addictions. I liked Cullerton's style — no fluff. Just the truth, as he knows it. The Bill is SB650: http://tinyurl.com/2ttf4tSource: St. Louis Post-Dispatch (MO)Author: Sylvester Brown Jr.Published: April 24, 2007Copyright: 2007 St. Louis Post-DispatchWebsite: http://www.stltoday.com/Contact: letters post-dispatch.comRelated Articles: Clergy Join Push To OK Medical Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22910.shtml Medical Use of Marijuana Should Be Legalizedhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22838.shtml
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on April 25, 2007 at 15:27:08 PT
RevRayGreen 
I found this link for Iowa and thought you might want to check it out.http://iowa.barackobama.com/page/content/iowahome
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Comment #26 posted by Max Flowers on April 25, 2007 at 09:07:29 PT
Guiliani video
I just watched that... oh man, that creep is as guilty as they come. It is SO obvious in his body language and facial expressions, never mind in the obvious lies he is telling. He is hiding a lot. And I branded him as such a year or two ago right here, because I was sure of it then too but I didn't have such a clear indicator of it.How this slimy reptile thinks he could get elected president is a mystery to me.
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Comment #25 posted by whig on April 25, 2007 at 02:20:25 PT
mayan
House investigating death and coverup of Pat Tillman, LaVena Johnson, more.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrVB8ZYG5wI
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Comment #24 posted by whig on April 24, 2007 at 23:43:02 PT
mayan
This is really powerful.Giuliani dissembles.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoGfhv80ii0
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 19:58:56 PT
Dankhank
I hope when I am his age that I'm still kicking. I don't know what more he could do at his age that I think is around 73. Snowing in Denver how cool. 
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Comment #22 posted by Dankhank on April 24, 2007 at 19:54:40 PT
Willie
maybe could work a little harder for liberation of the wondrous plant I don't think he is using hemp oil in his bio-bus.OT ... it's snowing in Denver ...c'mon Willie ... use that voice of yours ...
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 19:54:32 PT
Willie Nelson
I hope that too. Willie Nelson is an American legion. He has done such good things with his life. You can see it in his smile even though it might be a little illegal smile sometimes.
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Comment #20 posted by Hope on April 24, 2007 at 19:17:38 PT
Willie
I'm so hoping Willie will get to celebrate the end of prohibition of cannabis with us.
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Comment #19 posted by mayan on April 24, 2007 at 18:28:41 PT
Going Down
Al the kings men (& women) are in deep sh*t...Kucinich announces impeachment charges against Vice President Cheney: 
http://tinyurl.com/2x8tjzRepublican puts out 'action alert' claiming Rice will be subpoenaed tomorrow: 
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Secretary_Rice_still_dodge_subpoena_shirking_0424.htmlAnd it seems that the neo-cons are setting the stage for "phase II" of the PNAC agenda...MI5: Iran and Al Qaeda Planning an attack on “a par with Hiroshima and Nagasaki”:
http://infowars.net/articles/april2007/240407Iran_False_Flag.htmTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Giuliani Caught In Bizarre Building 7 Lie:
http://prisonplanet.com/articles/april2007/240407giulianilie.htmCal-Tech Physicist weighs in on the collapse of the World Trade Center (video):
http://innworldreport.net/video_launcher.php?2007-04-23iIf You're a Truther, Go and See Shooter:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/april2007/240407truthershooter.htmSteven Jones Answers Questions About His Research In a Reply to 'Screw Loose Change':
http://www.911blogger.com/node/8066The Mystery Of The 9/11 Car Bombs:
http://infowars.com/articles/sept11/911_car_bombs_mystery.htm
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 15:55:12 PT
Good News: Willie Nelson Spared Jail Time
April 24, 2007ST. MARTINVILLE, La. -- Country music star Willie Nelson and his tour manager were spared jail time Tuesday after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession.Nelson, tour manager David Anderson, Nelson's sister, Bobbie Nelson, and two drivers were issued citations on Sept. 18 after state troopers said they found marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms on his tour bus during a commercial vehicle inspection on Interstate 10.State District Judge Paul deMahy fined Nelson and Anderson $1,024 each and put both on six months of probation. As part of a plea agreement, the citation against Bobbie Nelson was dismissed.St. Martin Parish Assistant District Attorney Chester Cedars said he dismissed the citations against the two drivers because there was no indication they "had anything to do with the contraband."Word that Nelson was in this small southern Louisiana town quickly spread, and a crowd of about 25 fans gathered outside to wait for the entertainer after his brief court appearance. Nelson obliged, shaking hands, signing scraps of paper and posing for photographs."Thank y'all," he said, waving as he climbed into a waiting car.Information from: KATC-TV, http://katc.comCopyright 2007 The Associated Press.http://www.katc.com/Global/story.asp?S=6420612
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 15:44:21 PT
RevRayGreen
That's great. He really seems sincere. He isn't perfect but he is impressive. I want a leader that I can go about my life and not be worried like I have been under this administration.
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Comment #16 posted by RevRayGreen on April 24, 2007 at 15:32:25 PT
I have a
digital recorder, believe you me FoM, I'll have it up on the internet in no time. I want this scoop, I will pose the question during a meet/greet, I'll let him know I'm reporting for Iowans for Medical Marijuana(because I will be), and feel him out, see his reaction to me with my t-shirt METH IS DEATH POT IS NOT. He's accepted me on his myspace, I'd send him a message there(myspace), but I'm sure he won't be the one responding.
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 15:24:14 PT
RevRayGreen 
Please ask him if you get a chance and let us know if you get an answer. I am looking forward to the first debate on the 26th.http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18153983/
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Comment #14 posted by RevRayGreen on April 24, 2007 at 14:59:20 PT
I will ask Obama
directly next time he makes a public appearance here in Des Moines, I don't have time to wait for the press to ask him..........RRG
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 14:46:42 PT
nuevo mexican 
That sounds good to me.Whig, I like Obama for many reasons. I think Richardson is good and could be the Vice President. He will have a powerful position if Obama wins I'm sure. I like Obama because he has fired up young people like I haven't seen since the Kennedys. We always will have a leader because that's the way it has always been thruout history. I know that Obama is good with saying the right thing when he should and stays quiet when he should. We need a charismatic person to fix the mess we are in and I think Obama can do it. I never thought I would see a person that captures the hearts of this many people that is in politics. It's really amazing to me.
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Comment #12 posted by nuevo mexican on April 24, 2007 at 14:28:04 PT
Kucinich is best on Cannabis, and coming on....
CNN now to talk of impeaching Cheney on Wolf blitzed!Now he's got my vote again!Go Dennis!Bring the rest of the Dems to your view, and mission accomplished! We'll have a Democratic Party again!Obama/Kucinich folks, whaddya say?Whoo-hoo!
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Comment #11 posted by whig on April 24, 2007 at 11:59:59 PT
FoM
I think Hillary Clinton could be a good member of an administration, just not the best choice for president. She could head up the Department of Health and Human Services or something. I think Bill Richardson has far more experience than Hillary Clinton and he has too much respect from too many people to be denied a place at the debates. I think he will really shine for us, but if we are afraid to support him because the media wants it to be a horserace between Clinton and Obama, then he won't get support that he deserves.You can always decide to vote for Obama if he comes out for medical marijuana, or if when primary time rolls around he looks like the only chance to beat someone you don't want. But right now Obama's got all the spotlights, and people should be paying more respect to Bill Richardson I think because he is out there negotiating peace with North Korea and saving our entire civilization in spite of the Bush administration.
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Comment #10 posted by whig on April 24, 2007 at 11:54:31 PT
FoM
I understand you are concerned about not wanting Hillary Clinton to be the nominee, and I agree with that. I think we've had a Bush or Clinton in the White House for too long. Since 1980 if you count the Bush Sr. vice presidency.
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Comment #9 posted by Christen-Mitchell on April 24, 2007 at 11:32:37 PT
The Media is the Mess - Mediaocrity
Don't look to the media for responsible reporting. You are told what they want you to know. "All The News We Choose"The US is bankrupt, which is one reason for these wars. The stock market is fiddling while the dollar is burning. Anything controversial about 9/11 will not show. I get a kick out of what will show up. I find something on the web at all controversial and google it. You'll see some hits, but never in popular media. The gatekeepers of the left as in Democracy Now are Now have failed us as well.Bill Moyers has a program April 25th evening on PBS which promises afterward that you will never watch mainstream news again.Goebbels would be proud of this country. Check out the following. www.Rense.com 
Orwell Rolls In His Grave
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Comment #8 posted by Hope on April 24, 2007 at 11:26:59 PT
That is so stupid. 
 "If kids think it's medicine, they won't consider it as dangerous."
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Comment #7 posted by Sam Adams on April 24, 2007 at 11:12:22 PT
we all have problems
Anita Bedell, executive director of the organization, raised a legitimate point when we spoke Monday: "Illinois already has a problem. If kids think it's medicine, they won't consider it as dangerous."Illinois DOES have a problem - the Illinois Church Nazis! How could anyone from "Illinois Church Action" put their own failed hypocrisy and sanctimony above the suffering of the ill? It's amazing - a full 180 turnaround from Jesus to now. Now the "Christian" church is playing the role of the cruel Roman overlords. 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 10:40:31 PT
Whig
I basically believe he would be on our side but it is only because of the way he looks at issues. He seems very reasonable. I know all those running for President will have to make a comment about Marijuana but I just don't know when. As far as Bill Richardson goes he seems like a good man but he can't beat Clinton and that is very important to me that she doesn't win but if that is who gets the nomination then I will feel stuck with her and nothing will get done about marijuana. It would be hard for me to vote for her is what I mean but what choice would I have?
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Comment #5 posted by whig on April 24, 2007 at 10:34:14 PT
FoM
I can't understand why you assume Barack Obama will ever be willing to stand up for us, if he doesn't do so while he is running for president.Bill Richardson should be our consensus choice in my opinion, but I'm open to being persuaded why anyone would prefer some other candidate.
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on April 24, 2007 at 09:00:57 PT
fight_4_freedom
Thank you. I've seen this before and it really seems like he knows where we stand. What I am hoping since he so sensible that if he wins he will change the laws on the National level.
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Comment #3 posted by fight_4_freedom on April 24, 2007 at 08:53:15 PT:
Found this on myspace.....
Here's a letter from Presidential candidate and Sen. Barack Obama sent as a reply to a letter from a citizen asking about his views on marijuana. It's not too promiising:Thank you for contacting me regarding the legalization of marijuana. I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter.I am aware of the arguments that legalizing marijuana would make the drug more "controlled" or safer, and that it may curb the violence associated with the sale of an illegal substance. I also appreciate that many physicians believe that medicinal marijuana can be helpful to some patients. Currently, Illinois state law prohibits the use of marijuana for medical purposes unless the user has applied for permission and proven their need for use.As you may know, the Supreme Court last year issued a ruling on medical marijuana, deciding on a 6-3 vote that the Federal government has authority to override state laws that allow for the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. Federal law prohibits the possession or cultivation of marijuana for any purpose, including medicinal uses, and no exceptions have been made on the national level.Again, thank you for writing. Please make sure to keep in touch.Sincerely,Barack ObamaUnited States Senator
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Comment #2 posted by potpal on April 24, 2007 at 08:09:16 PT
media muffed
Last week, Harvard University released research that indicated that the active ingredient in marijuana (tetrahydrocannabinol) cuts tumor growth in "common lung cancer in half" and "significantly reduces the ability of the cancer to spread."And now try to imagine why this breaking news didn't have a showing via major media. Well, maybe it did, but I didn't see it. If it was a plant that wasn't prohibited and demonized, you can rest assure CNN would have been touting it every 10 minutes. Cannabis prohibition is a crime against humanity.
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Comment #1 posted by nuevo mexican on April 24, 2007 at 07:58:54 PT
Pat Tillmans brother on CNN, MSNBC!
And C-Span 3!
http://www.c-span.org/watch/cspan3_rm.asp?Cat=TV&Code=CS3Must see TV!The War will end after today, this is IT!Folks, Pats' bro is nailing bush, cheney, the military, and the Propaganda machine!Let's discuss the ramifications!Cannabis will be legal soon, keep up the good work folks, 
all who are traumatized will need their medication, especially returning soldiers from Iraq!My buddy from the front lines of Viet Nam medicates succesfully with Cannabis, where nothing else would do!Impeachment rallies throughout the U.S. this Saturday!www.Rawstory.comLet's get busy!The time is now!The tide has turned, get ready to surf!
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