cannabisnews.com: Frank Pushing Pot Relief
Frank Pushing Pot Relief
Posted by CN Staff on April 06, 2008 at 05:16:45 PT
By Jason Millman, Special To The Telegram
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Washington, DC -- Proponents of U.S. Rep. Barney Frank’s proposal to legalize small amounts of marijuana are pointing to efforts in some states — including Massachusetts — to decriminalize the drug as evidence of public support for the congressman’s plan. The Newton Democrat said last week he will introduce two bills, one that would decriminalize possession of less than 100 grams, or 3.5 ounces, of marijuana and another that would grant protection to states that decide to allow medicinal use of marijuana.
“The public is now ready for this,” Mr. Frank said in a telephone interview. “I have long thought it was foolish to have these laws on the books, but now as I look at the public opinion, it’s clear that this is wanted.” Mr. Frank said that although he does not support marijuana use, he believes that adults should be able to consume small amounts without facing criminal penalties. He said prosecution of marijuana charges costs federal law enforcement agencies time and resources. Mr. Frank, who said he has no experience with marijuana, added, “I think marijuana is less harmful than alcohol.” As Mr. Frank tries to drum up support for his bill in Congress, the Massachusetts Legislature is considering an initiative to decriminalize the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. A person caught with an ounce or less would be fined, but would not be charged with a criminal offense, which appears on employer background checks and is a disqualifying factor for receiving certain government benefits such as subsidized housing and student financial aid. If the Legislature does not take action on the initiative by May 6, supporters have until June 18 to get 11,000 signatures on a petition to put the initiative on the ballot in November. If they succeed, it would require a majority vote to pass. Whitney A. Taylor, campaign manager for the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, which drafted the Massachusetts initiative, said she supports Mr. Frank’s proposal. “We are very excited that Congressman Frank understands the need for more sensible and sound marijuana policies,” Ms. Taylor said “The policies in Massachusetts do more harm than good, and I think the congressman realizes that on a federal level as well.” State Sen. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Medford, is sponsoring her own bill that would decriminalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. “I’m not saying it’s OK, but it’s not a criminal offense,” she said. “It’s a civil offense, but you don’t get a criminal record and you don’t use up court resources.” State Rep. Martin J. Walsh, D-Dorchester, who has led the opposition to marijuana decriminalization efforts in Massachusetts, said he would instead favor adjusting laws for youths caught with alcohol and marijuana in order to protect their permanent records. “People make mistakes,” Mr. Walsh said. “I don’t agree with them being penalized for an irresponsible decision.” Since 1973, 12 states, including Maine, have decriminalized marijuana in some form. A bill that would decriminalize possession of a quarter-ounce of marijuana passed the New Hampshire House, although the governor and Senate president have vowed to defeat it. “Almost half of the (U.S.) population lives in states that have done this sort of thing,” said Bill Downing, president of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition. “Those states saved millions of dollars in law enforcement, and marijuana usage rates did not go up as a result.” Allen St. Pierre, executive director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, pointed to those 12 states as proof of support for reforming drug laws. Mr. St. Pierre said there is widespread public support for decriminalizing marijuana and allowing for its medicinal use, while many still oppose its full legalization. Americans are able to distinguish between decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana and the complete legalization of marijuana, making it like alcohol and tobacco, Mr. St. Pierre said. Tom Riley, spokesman for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said his agency would “oppose any changes that would make dangerous addictive drugs widely available.” “Common sense shows that when you make something more available, people will use it,” he said. Mr. Riley said proponents of marijuana decriminalization are “using medical marijuana as a back-door solution to legalization,” and marijuana is a more harmful drug than people realize. He said patients using medicinal marijuana are being used to invoke public sympathy. “The state-level passage has been playing on people’s good wills more than based on science,” Mr. Riley said. “They go through the ballot process, rather than the scientific process.” For the past 10 years, Mr. Frank has filed legislation during each two-year congressional term to loosen marijuana laws, without success. He has filed bills that would allow the unrestricted medicinal use of marijuana in states that have passed such laws, and he has also filed bills, one as recently as January, to repeal a law that prohibits college students convicted of drug offenses from receiving financial aid. None of the bills has made it onto the House floor for debate. U.S. Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., filed legislation in the Senate last month that would allow judges to decide whether students convicted of drug offenses can keep their financial aid awards. Tom Angell, spokesman for Students for Sensible Drug Policy, a Washington-based lobbying group seeking to decriminalize marijuana, said more than 200,000 college students have lost financial aid packages in the past 10 years because of drug convictions. Although Mr. Angell would not say whether he would support Mr. Frank’s legislation until he sees the details of his proposal, he said he believes passing a law to reduce penalties for marijuana will “show a lot of momentum for reforming punitive drug policies.” “Congress will be on the record saying it doesn’t make sense to punish people for what they’re putting into their own body,” Mr. Angell said. Mr. St. Pierre said Mr. Frank’s proposal does not promote the use of marijuana, but instead encourages people who use it to consume the drug within reasonable limits. “It will build consistency into drug policy that if you use something like cannabis, just like alcohol, you should largely be punished for the abuse of the substance, not the use of it,” Mr. St. Pierre said. “We all know there’s a difference between use of alcohol and alcohol abuse.” Telegram & Gazette intern Jason Millman is enrolled in Boston University’s Washington Journalism Center. Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)Author: Jason Millman, Special To The Telegram & GazettePublished: Sunday, April 6, 2008Copyright: 2008 Worcester Telegram & GazetteContact: letters telegram.comWebsite: http://www.telegram.com/Related Articles:Barney Frank: My Pot Bill Liveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23801.shtmlTime To Legalize Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23778.shtmlFrank Defends Proposal To Decriminalize Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread23774.shtml
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Comment #32 posted by afterburner on April 08, 2008 at 21:00:53 PT
FoM - RE whig #23
Me too.
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Comment #31 posted by schmeff on April 08, 2008 at 11:04:28 PT
Science....or the Ballot?
“The state-level passage has been playing on people’s good wills more than based on science,” Mr. Riley said. “They go through the ballot process, rather than the scientific process.”It's funny that the ONDCP shill seems to think "science" would be preferable to the willy-nilly, unpredictable nature of the voting process. The Office for the Nurture and Dissemination of Cannabis Propaganda never seemed to have much use for "science" before!Democracy - as represented by the ballot - used to be the way things were done around here...in the good old days...before we were Bushwhacked. Now, however, it seems to be perfectly reasonable (at least to Mr. Riley) to suggest that the "ballot process" is an inferior way to make policy. Much better if our benevolent white fathers in Washington just tell us what to think, so we can shut up and go shopping.
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 20:13:42 PT
greenmed
Thank you.
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Comment #29 posted by greenmed on April 07, 2008 at 20:07:31 PT
FoM
I hope you feel better soon.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 19:58:05 PT
greenmed
Thank you. I can't find a clinic that is closer then 100 miles one way. It would probably be better to find a local doctor. I have a local doctor I saw in the early 90s that would see me I would think.
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Comment #27 posted by greenmed on April 07, 2008 at 19:52:49 PT
FoM
Please, dear FoM, get thee to a physician.I third Sam's advice. Free clinics are great resources, staffed by people who could be earning a lot of $$$ for the time they donate. They are good people and will treat you well.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 19:52:12 PT
BUDSNAXZ and Ekim
Thank you. I find this pain the most disabling type of pain. I took my first Prilosec today and felt fine until later in the day and now I am hurting alot and probably will lay down on the sofa and watch The Daily Show. Laughter is good medicine. I'm only 5'2" and very short waisted. My Father had a Hiatal Hernia with symptoms like the ones I am having. I don't weigh very much but I feel so heavy in my stomach. Thanks for caring.
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Comment #25 posted by BUDSNAXZ on April 07, 2008 at 19:28:14 PT
FOM
I'm so sorry you feel bad and am glad you're feeling better today. I have been taking prescription Prilosec for Acid Reflux disease for years, I have recently changed over to Nexium due to prices but it works very well also. I don't know what you have because I have not seen all of your symptoms.
I have also had a problem with hiatal hernias and twice I thought I was having a heart attack only to find out that it was gas. I could not believe that much pain could be caused by gas, it had me curled up in the fetal position trying to breath. Enough about me, I'd definitely take Sam's advice and get it checked out so you can get better. The sooner the better.I wish you complete relief through a speedy recovery and will pray for it.Peace to allMac
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Comment #24 posted by ekim on April 07, 2008 at 19:25:36 PT
whats the matter FoM
new dandalions (sic) the root and greens help clean us from the long winter-- think spring u guys
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Comment #23 posted by whig on April 07, 2008 at 15:36:49 PT
FoM
I sent you an e-mail.
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Comment #22 posted by whig on April 07, 2008 at 15:31:12 PT
Marc Emery
He wrote a column a few days ago.http://westernstandard.ca/website/article.php?id=2765
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 14:44:20 PT
Hope
I tried to eat something but I just can't. I feel full but I haven't been eating much of anything. What a way to go on a diet! LOL!
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 14:41:13 PT
Hope
He did get it for me but it was because I told him that you thought it might help.
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Comment #19 posted by Hope on April 07, 2008 at 14:33:24 PT
Stick
I can imagine that he is worried. In fact, as soon as you mentioned that you are trying the Prilosec, I imagined that it was Stick that went and got it and insisted you try it.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 12:53:29 PT
Hope
Thank you. My being sick has had Stick so upset. I worry that he will get sick worrying about me. I don't have heartburn that's why I didn't think Prilosec would work but it said it helped with acid and that I know I have a lot of acid. Heck when I was younger even bugs didn't bite me. I didn't taste good I suppose. LOL!
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Comment #17 posted by Hope on April 07, 2008 at 12:13:37 PT
You mean so much to all of us...
It would be wonderful if it helps.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 12:07:57 PT
Hope
I made it to 2 pm without much pain so I am very happy. I got my kitchen and bathroom floors cleaned today. Something so simple can be so hard when we don't feel good. My father had a hiatal hernia and the autopsy showed he had had many ulcers in his esophagus that had healed so maybe I do have an ulcer. I can only drink a glass of orange juice every now and then or I get canker sores in my mouth. I have always been sensitive to high acidic food so maybe that is it. Whatever it is I want to be able to be happy again and not so darn miserable. I am listening to the Dirty Dancing soundtrack on my computer too. That's a good sign. Say a little prayer it works. Life isn't worth living with the kind of pain I had yesterday. Thank you for the help. It means so much to me.
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Comment #15 posted by Hope on April 07, 2008 at 11:44:18 PT
FoM
I'm so thankful you're trying the Prilosec. It says it's for heartburn... and I only ever had heartburn when I was pregnant with my first child. I didn't and don't have heartburn.... but it does something else. It coats your stomach and slows down acid production so irritation can heal. I hope it helps. You have to take it for a few days to tell any difference... but maybe it will help. I'm praying, too.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 08:11:36 PT
Sam
Thank you for the link. I will check it out. Yesterday was a living hell but so far today I am not feeling near as bad as yesterday. Yesterday being dead would have been a relief. That's sad I know. Hope recommended Prilosec. I just took the first pill. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and saying prayers to boot.I think having an organization that stand with Democrats on their ideas would benefit us greatly. Most of us have followed this years amazing election. I have been up and down and everything in between watching this evolve. Fear of Karl Rove politics could keep people standoffish. I know Senator Obama is aware of the failed drug war. How could he not be aware?
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Comment #13 posted by Sam Adams on April 07, 2008 at 08:00:58 PT
dems reform
FOM, I think you've come up with a great idea for a new organization - "Democrats for MJ Reform". Sort of like "Christians for Cannabis". Sorry to hear you're still ill, isn't there some kind of free clinic you can go to? every big city has something. Many ER's have to take you without insurance, most states have free-care pools where the hospitals get reimbursed. I usually dread going in, but it's always good to get their opinion, you don't have to agree with it.I just googled "ohio health care free clinic" and a whole bunch of stuff came up, what about this?http://www.ohiofreeclinics.org/
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on April 07, 2008 at 06:38:14 PT
runruff
The last I read in an article was something about Canada not going along with an agreement made. I don't know what you mean when you ask if BC Bud is still in business though. I don't follow it but keep my eyes on American news. I hope it works out for the BC3.
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Comment #11 posted by runruff on April 07, 2008 at 02:23:35 PT:
OT but...
How is Mark Emery doing and is BC bud still in business?
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on April 06, 2008 at 20:32:29 PT
Whig
I sure hope so. Soon Obama will be the one running against McCain. Clinton's campaign is in free fall and we need to have organizations willing to work with the Democrats. Being sick has me wanting things to get in gear and get on with it. If I get much sicker I might not be able to keep up doing CNews. It would be really nice to be able to go to a Doctor and find out what is wrong with me but without insurance you just get stuck.
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Comment #9 posted by whig on April 06, 2008 at 19:43:03 PT
FoM
I think the mainstream reform organizations try to be non-partisan, but in a conservative political environment they have had to pitch themselves to that environment. Maybe they will reform themselves, with the change of administration.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on April 06, 2008 at 11:36:58 PT
This is The Democrat Organization I Mentioned
Do they have a link? Excerpt: * Democrats to Support Safe Access is a California-based group that advocates for medical marijuana.http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/mar/18/citys-plea-to-withdraw-event-permits-falling/
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Comment #7 posted by FoM on April 06, 2008 at 10:52:50 PT
Sam
I am only guessing but I really would like to find a Democrat based organization for reform since we soon will have a Democrat as President. There isn't trust between Parties right now. An example is if I was a Democrat in Congress and was approached by an organization that was from the same Party I wouldn't be as worried about possible back stabbing like I would be if it was from the right. That's the nature of politics these days.
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Comment #6 posted by Sam Adams on April 06, 2008 at 10:28:47 PT
ASA
I didn't know ASA was right-leaning, I think it was founded by Stephanie Sherer. It's a great organization, they fight harder than anyone else for medical MJ patients, I'm sure they'd resist be characterized as one political party or another, certainly not Republican!From what I've seen, they are the one MJ reform organization that most efficiently translates money into real action, both grassroots and political. Other groups help out with litigation and lobbying in Washington, but ASA does that and also organizing street protests that take on the DEA face to face.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on April 06, 2008 at 09:06:34 PT
afterburner
Good article. I read somewhere that a group called Democrats for Safe Access want to have a right to protest or something at the DNC this year in Colorado. I always thought ASA was either Republicans or Libertarians which I am not so I have always felt isolated. I would love to be involved in this group but I can't find a link. I would jump on board with Democrats to move this process forward in a heartbeat if only I could find it.
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Comment #4 posted by afterburner on April 06, 2008 at 08:53:48 PT
'Freedom's coming in 2010. Spread the word. '
CN AB: Column: Legalize By 2010, The Gauntlet, (03 Apr 2008) http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v08/n356/a03.html?176
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on April 06, 2008 at 08:34:59 PT
Just a Comment
I hope that now finally Social Justice has it's say. For years I have heard people say I have a right to do this or do that. I know I have two absolutes in my life and one is to pay taxes and the other is to die someday. The rest is just part of the journey. Another word people use is Freedom. I am free and I always have been free. With freedom comes responsibility to those around us even at our own expense I believe. There is a Spirit in the air and I hope that others feel it too. I was reading Obama's blog this morning and someone posted a link to his Church that was having a live service. I watched the whole thing and was touched by what I saw and heard. Social Justice has always been a driving force in my life and now it is stronger then ever. That's all for now and I hope this makes sense.
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Comment #2 posted by afterburner on April 06, 2008 at 08:14:20 PT
Tipping Point?
{ Since 1973, 12 states, including Maine, have decriminalized marijuana in some form. A bill that would decriminalize possession of a quarter-ounce of marijuana passed the New Hampshire House, although the governor and Senate president have vowed to defeat it. “Almost half of the (U.S.) population lives in states that have done this sort of thing,” said Bill Downing, president of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition. “Those states saved millions of dollars in law enforcement, and marijuana usage rates did not go up as a result.”
}Majority rules?{ Tom Riley, spokesman for the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, said his agency would “oppose any changes that would make dangerous addictive drugs widely available.” }dangerous?{ Mr. Frank, who said he has no experience with marijuana, added, “I think marijuana is less harmful than alcohol.” }So, is the ONDCP going after alcohol pushers now?addictive?Disproved, get with the science Mr. Riley.
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Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on April 06, 2008 at 07:53:55 PT
another Big Pharma "oops!"
Big Pharma's deadly "mistakes" are happening so quickly I can't even keep up with the articles. I missed forwarding one last week on Advair, the asthma "miracle" drug that is now being shown to cause suicidal thoughts. This drug is marketed particularly at kids and teens for asthma (keep in mind, of course, that both smoked cannabis and a THC aerosol have both been shown to be equally effective on asthma as albuterol inhalers, the most common prescription asthma medication)Now it seems like Big Pharma killed off a good chunk of women trying to use birth control - they lied to the women, now they think they shouldn't be liable. These people are killers! They go to the offices every day dressed all nice and professional, but they're murdering people just the same.What you won't see in this article is the fact that Ortho Evra was marketed toward black and minority women, and poor, uneducated women that doctors believe won't be able to remember to take the Pill every day.http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/04/06/legal_strategy_boosts_drug_makers/"More than 3,000 women and their families have sued Johnson & Johnson, asserting that users of the Ortho Evra patch suffered heart attacks, strokes, and, in 40 cases, death. From 2002 to 2006, the food and drug agency received reports of at least 50 deaths associated with the drug."
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