cannabisnews.com: County Argues Against Medical Marijuana





County Argues Against Medical Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on June 11, 2008 at 06:26:37 PT
By Edward Sifuentes, Staff Writer
Source: North County Times
San Diego, CA -- Attorneys for San Diego and San Bernardino counties argued in court Tuesday that the state's voter-approved medical marijuana law should be overturned because it conflicts with federal drug laws.Attorneys for patients, the American Civil Liberties Union and the state attorney general's office disagreed, saying the California law does not conflict with federal drug laws because patients do not intend to use the drug illegally.
The hearing before the 4th District Court of Appeal was part of an effort by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to invalidate the law, which gives patients access to medical marijuana. The courtroom was packed with media and observers from both sides of the issue.The county's challenge could have national implications because it marks the first time a county has sued to overturn the medical marijuana laws that voters have approved in 11 states.Patients say that marijuana helps them treat chronic pain. Wendy Christakes, one of those patients, said she began using medical marijuana in 2002, when she fell and broke her backbone.Thomas Burton, an attorney for the county, said it is impossible to reconcile the state's marijuana and federal drug laws. He said allowing medical marijuana patients to use the drug inevitably will lead to illicit use."There are almost no controls," Burton said.San Diego County supervisors angered local medical marijuana patients and state and national medical marijuana advocacy groups in December 2005 when they said they would sue to overturn Proposition 215 ---- the medical marijuana law that state voters passed with 56 percent of the vote in 1996.Supervisors said Prop. 215 was a "bad law" and could increase drug abuse. The county argued that Prop. 215 should be pre-empted by federal law, which says marijuana has no medicinal benefits and all use is illegal.Some local anti-drug activists agree with the county's decision to fight the law.Judi Strag, executive director of the San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth, said the medical marijuana law encourages drug use among young people."We submit that the reason why our teens think marijuana is harmless is because there is a myth afoot that marijuana is medicine," Strag said after the hearing.Superior Court Judge William R. Nevitt ruled against the county in December 2006. County officials filed their appeal to the state's Fourth Appellate District in 2007.Attorneys said Tuesday the three-judge panel likely would issue a ruling in 30 to 90 days.The county also has declined to implement Senate Bill 420 ---- the medical marijuana identification card and registry law.Prop. 215 urged the state and federal government to work out a way to dispense medical marijuana to patients, but didn't fill out the details. In 2003, state legislators punted the issue over to local governments with SB 420, directing counties to create identification cards that would make it easier for law enforcement officers to identify patients.William Britt, a Long Beach polio patient who advocates for medical marijuana, showed reporters his medical marijuana card issued by Los Angeles County. He said after the hearing that the card allows him to use marijuana without the fear of being arrested, but not in San Diego County.Attorneys for the county and anti-drug advocates said the identification cards impose a burden on the county and offer no more protection from law enforcement than doctor-issued prescriptions for marijuana.Note: Appeals court expected to rule in 30 to 90 days.Source: North County Times (CA)Author: Edward Sifuentes, Staff WriterPublished: Tuesday, June 10, 2008Copyright: 2008 North County TimesContact: letters nctimes.comWebsite: http://www.nctimes.com/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #48 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 18:39:47 PT
RevRayGreen
This was where we were when the wind and rain shook that building like it did. It felt like it could come apart.http://www.iowa80truckstop.com/
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Comment #47 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 18:32:32 PT
 RevRayGreen
I have been following the storms. We were out in Iowa in 93 or 94 when you had terrible flooding. Trying to get a semi from one point to another was really hard. We stayed at a big Iowa truck stop and we were on the second floor in the lounge and the wind shook that building. We left the building and got in the truck. All the semis were rocking. It really was something. 
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Comment #46 posted by RevRayGreen on June 12, 2008 at 18:12:45 PT
rain has stopped for now
flooding has begun, good thing I'm on HIGH ground.
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Comment #45 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 17:38:26 PT
RevRayGreen
I don't want children to do any substances but what about the rights of adults? Making laws that control adults in the name of children just shouldn't happen.PS: Are you having bad weather out your way?
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Comment #44 posted by RevRayGreen on June 12, 2008 at 17:31:50 PT
Reply from Judi Strang
Hi Ray:We are certainly sorry for your health problems…multiple sclerosis is a very difficult heartbreaking disease. All of SDA 60 staff are parents and we have found in our county that marijuana use begins at 12, well before kids have a chance to weigh and understand their choices. Your life view and experience seems to be very different than ours which is primarily youth focused around children having a chance to grow up unencumbered by alcohol, tobacco and drug use, including prescription drug abuse. We wish you well. Regards, Judi StrangExecutive DirectorSan Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free YouthServing the cities of Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, and the communities of Carmel Valley, Del Mar Heights, Elfin Forest, La Costa, Rancho Santa Fe, Sorrento ValleyPO Box 2448 Del Mar CA 92014858.755.6598 phone/fax 858.382.6598 celljudistrang earthlink.netwww.sandieguitoalliance.org ;
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Comment #43 posted by cannabiscowboy on June 12, 2008 at 11:44:36 PT:
San Diego City Council Suit
  I think it is time that California Patients File Class Action Lawsuits and Petition The State Attorney General to indict any and all California Officials, Prosecutors, and their Offices for trying to Overthrow THE CALIFORNIA CONSTITUTION, by enforcing Federal Law while they are on State, County, or City payroll. Their sworn Oath of Office is to uphold the laws and statutes of the GREAT STATE of CALIFORNIA, not the D.O.J. in washington. They need to be humbled and remember that they are, in fact, PUBLIC SERVANTS empowered by the people.
  PROP.215 was a voter inituative, on the ballot by voter petition, voted into law by the people, and implimented the people. California Residents have spoken quite clearly, in no uncertain terms. Even The Californua Supreme Court can not over-ride it. If these individuals can not figure this out, then they are not qualified to represent us.
  There is more than enough room at PELICAN BAY PRISON for them, and I am sure that are some inmates there that would enjoy seeing some of these individuals (prosecutors) once again. Elected Officials need to be sternly reminded that they are not ABOVE THE LAW any more than you or I. I just got released from Leavenworth Federal Prison for implimenting CAL.PUB.HEALTH and SAFETY CODE 11362.5 paragraph"C". I did my time and so can they! 
  Our California School System could benefit from the 100% forfeiture of their complete assets including real-estate purchased by their salaries from California Tax Dollars. Is not that what happens to us?
  To these grandious council-members, prosecutors, and any other public servants I sternly recommend:"Good Luck Your Illusion Of Superiority because 'A Hard Rain Is Going To Fall' and the THUNDER of it will drown out your cries for help all the way to Wash.D.C.,just like when KATRINA hit New Orleans.==ROBERT(cannabiscowboy)SCHMIDT=== 
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Comment #42 posted by FoM on June 12, 2008 at 06:24:22 PT
RevRayGreen
I guess that is what I thought too.
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Comment #41 posted by RevRayGreen on June 12, 2008 at 03:26:37 PT
as for Neil Young
his influence is grunge rock when he lamented Johnny Rotten and punk rock..........1979......from wiki."the song today has become a song that crosses generations, inspiring admirers from punk to grunge and significantly revitalizing Young's then-faltering career. The song is about the alternatives of continuing to produce similar music ("to rust" or — in "My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)" — "to fade away") or to burn out, as John Lydon did by abandoning his Johnny Rotten persona."The roots of Heavy Metal sound go to The Kinks,Blue Cheer Led Zep,Black Sabbath.(late 60's)
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Comment #40 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 18:26:21 PT
Sam
Is that considered Heavy Metal? If so I love Heavy Metal.Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Hey Hey, My Myhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYV6PAckr5w
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Comment #39 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 18:15:10 PT
what about Neil????
He is definitely someone who helped establish the heavy metal sound. like Hey Hey, My My, that is practically a heavy metal song (and an awesome one!).
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 17:19:19 PT
mykeyb420
Oh my goodnes that was funny! I'm bookmarking that one. 
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Comment #37 posted by mykeyb420 on June 11, 2008 at 17:01:27 PT
Bill O rapper
wow
 anyone who great laugh,,,you NEED to see this video
Bill Orielley rapper
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Comment #36 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 16:57:51 PT
RevRayGreen
I hope you are staying well.
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 16:29:55 PT
mykeyb420
I wanted to say something about Heavy Metal. Our friends who are younger then we are like Heavy Metal. I tell them what type music that we like and they don't recognize the musicians most times. We were sitting at their kitchen table and talking about Heavy Metal and I stood up and pretended to play a Heavy Metal guitar. I stopped and sat down in the chair and said no Heavy Metal for me since it would drive me a little more crazy. We all had a good laugh about it. Seriously I think music is generational more then anything.
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Comment #34 posted by RevRayGreen on June 11, 2008 at 16:24:19 PT
sent this to Judi her email is SDAlliance4 aol.com
My name is Ray, age 42, Iowa resident, diagnosed with Multiple Slcerosis in 2004. Living in a state with no legal protection for my medical needs.reading your quote, I just wanted to let you know how far off you are."We submit that the reason why our teens think marijuana is harmless is because there
 is a myth afoot that marijuana is medicine," Strag said after the hearing.Marijuana is the most harmless thing a teenager could do for a recreational drug, these days
teenagers take prescription meds instead, drugs I refuse to be a slave to or die under.Ray Green
Iowans for Medical Marijuana
http://www.myspace.com/niceria 
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Comment #33 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 16:10:55 PT
John Cusack
Good ad. 
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Comment #32 posted by mykeyb420 on June 11, 2008 at 16:05:30 PT
Sam 
I too like heavy metal and reggae music,,its nice to see im not alone in the world of musicvilleOT
Check out this john cusack video from moveon.org
bush/mccain challenge
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Comment #31 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 15:34:59 PT
Oregon Court of Appeals Protects Medical Marijuana
June 11, 2008Portland, Ore. (AP) -- The Oregon Court of Appeals has ruled that a company must make a reasonable accommodation for medical marijuana use for a disability.In an opinion issued Wednesday, the appeals court upheld a ruling by the state Bureau of Labor and Industries.The agency said that Emerald Steel Fabricators in Eugene violated state laws barring discrimination against the disabled by discharging an employee who used medical marijuana.In another case, the appeals court ruled that a police officer does not need a warrant in the public area of a hospital emergency room while investigating an accident involving driving under the influence of intoxicants.Copyright: 2008 The Associated PressURL: http://tinyurl.com/3pf9u2
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 14:57:43 PT
Sam
It all depends on what the word liberalism is! LOL! I couldn't resist.
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Comment #29 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 14:55:38 PT
Sam
Thank you. I'm glad he made it back ok too. He had a few really close calls and was hit by some shrapnel but he survived but some friends didn't. He was suppose to be a gunner on a convoy one day and at the last minute they pulled him off and put one of his friends on. He watched as the convoy drove away and boom the vehicle he was suppose to be in and his friend was in was blown up and he was killed. That's just one of his close calls. I guess it wasn't his time.
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Comment #28 posted by sam adams on June 11, 2008 at 14:54:15 PT
oops, meant police dogs
ok, enough from me!
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Comment #27 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 14:53:17 PT
more on liberalism
sorry, I won't beat this to death.I think that most of the government institutions of liberalism have survived - however, they have been ineffective. We still have rampant povery and violence, and we are moving closer to economic tyranny every day (slave labor, no middle class)Just look at Amsterdam, with a huge minority population, no ghettos, barely any violent crime compared to here, and hardly anyone in prison. That is a truly liberal society. Not here, with police drugs menacing our children. No, I'd say that liberalism had its butt kicked here over the last 30 years.
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Comment #26 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 14:50:25 PT
fom
wow that is some impressive service from your husband, I'm glad he made it back OK.
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 14:31:16 PT
Dankhank and Sam
I took the article as meaning that the ideology of liberalism hasn't been done away with. It survived! Yippie! LOL!
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Comment #24 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 14:28:58 PT
Sam
The black soldiers were my husband's best friends. He said they would get to dancing and carrying on and had the guys happy and laughing. He was in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. (2 tours)
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Comment #23 posted by Dankhank on June 11, 2008 at 14:22:46 PT
salon guy ...
maybe he was a bit too optimistic ... shouldn't relax too much ...but he points out that the really BIG ideas of liberalism triumphed ...I agree, we got a ways to go, so we shouldn't get too relaxed ...
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Comment #22 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 14:18:08 PT
FOM
that's interesting, my friend's handshake was obviously from the brothers as well. Let's face it, most of things in our culture that are considered "cool" are from black culture. Certainly all popular music types derive from African rhythms - R&B, jazz, rock, country, reggae. The Euros were stuck with the same classical music for centuries until in got mixed with the African rhythms in the US after the Civil War ended.re: your comment about your husband and Viet Nam, I think that is the same situation Oliver Stone portrayed in "Platoon". Oliver Stone served over there as well. In Charlie Sheen's unit it was basically the black guys, the white guys who hung out with the black guys, and then some mean white rednecks.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 14:11:48 PT
Sam
It was the Brothers who taught my husband the hand shake in Nam. He said they were the best soldiers and friends that would lay down their life for another.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 14:09:53 PT
Press Release From The Drug Policy Alliance
Medical Marijuana, Treatment and Other Bills Pass CA AssemblyJune 11, 2008http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/061108cabills.cfm
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Comment #19 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 14:00:03 PT
ah, the 70's
when I got to college a roomate of mine from NY had this awesome 7-step handshake that he learned from his other brother - started with a shake, bumps, other stuff, ended with each person pulling back to fake inhaling from a joint - like a little cultural time capsule from the 70s.
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Comment #18 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 13:58:14 PT
Salon guy
sorry but this guy is wrong. If this is the era of triumphant liberalism, then why has the middle class been shrinking for 35 years? Why is the cost of living skyrocketing? Why are the prisons full? Why do we have military operations going on in 150 countries? Why is the defense budget $800+ billion? Why are corporate executives making obscene amounts of money, while committing crimes and robbing pension funds? Why is the country filling up with gated communities? What are police dogs doing in middle schools? What do the police have the right to break down anyone's door whenever they want?
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 13:55:18 PT
DankHank
I liked it too. Change is in the air. It hasn't been accomplished by hating either. That's a good thing.Oh and this fist bump thing has my husband and I doing it too! LOL! He taught me a bump and hand shake when I met him when he just got home from Vietnam. It is still cool today.
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Comment #16 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 13:53:53 PT
mykey
thanks for the Megadeth post - you caused me to look it up and I found out that Dave Mustaine re-mastered most of their albums and re-released them in 2004. I have to get "Rust in Peace" IMO their best and one my favorite heavy metal albums. Heavy metal bands like Megadeth and Metallica are sort of like many of the rappers - they "get it". Full of anti-establishment and anti-war messages. Highly recommend getting Rust in Peace or Peace Sells.... albums if you're into this music.Somehow heavy metal ended up being one of my favorites with others being jazz and reggae....very strange
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Comment #15 posted by Dankhank on June 11, 2008 at 13:48:32 PT
that's a good one ...
I hope it's true ...I really want the republicans to disappear ...Had enough of 'em.
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 13:47:49 PT
DankHank
I checked out the article and it was good. The truth about the impact of Obama's heritage will be broad reaching. We might have a chance at a more peaceful world. I'd sure like that.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 13:44:30 PT
DankHank
I am still reading the first link and will check out the new one. I appreciate this quote:Excerpt: President Eisenhower was right in 1954, when he wrote his brother Edgar: "Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history.
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Comment #12 posted by Dankhank on June 11, 2008 at 13:35:53 PT
another one ...
I believed this from the very start ...I used to tell folks, "Imagine when the president lands in AF1 in the Middle East and is announced as President of the United States Barack Hussein Obama."It's gonna be interesting ...Obama on the Nilehttp://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/opinion/11friedman.html?em&ex=1213329600&en=73f9e543d23fb884&ei=5087%0A
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 13:16:42 PT
dankhank
I just started reading the article that you posted and I wanted to say thank you. I will finish it.
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Comment #10 posted by NikoKun on June 11, 2008 at 13:10:09 PT
Over controlling
"There are almost no controls,"
There doesn't need to be so many controls. This isn't a horribly dangerous substance that could kill people just from using too much... This is a relatively safe drug, that no one has ever died of, from overdose. It is a safer drug than Alcohol or tobacco, or many of the pharmaceutical medications people have to take.
It should be LEGAL so that we can better regulate production, sales, and safety, and put an age limit on it, unless of course a doctor suggests a child needs it.
But that does not mean that we have to be overly controlling of it. Control and regulation should meant be for the safety of people, not to prevent adults from getting it.
Bottom line is, as long as it's illegal, it is produced by the black market. And any number of things can go wrong with production if it's in the black market. As long as it is illegal, we give up the rights to control and regulate the safety of the product. We cannot set limits and guidelines, as long as it's illegal.Considering that it's safer than alcohol, people should be free to use it as they feel, whether it be medical or recreational. It is sad that so many people have a blind moral objection, against it. There is no justification for that.
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Comment #9 posted by dankhank on June 11, 2008 at 13:05:37 PT
liberalism sells ...
Relax, liberals. You've already wonhttp://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/06/10/liberals/
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Comment #8 posted by mykeyb420 on June 11, 2008 at 12:45:15 PT
Peace is hell for the defense industry.
Megadeth ( heavy metal band ) said it best in the song 
 "Peace sells, but who's buying? "Peace Sells
What do you mean, "I don't believe in God"?
I talk to him every day.
What do you mean, "I don't support your system"?
I go to court when I have to.
What do you mean, "I can't get to work on time"?
I got nothing better to do
And, what do you mean, "I don't pay my bills"?
Why do you think I'm broke? Huh? If there's a new way,
I'll be the first in line.
But, it better work this time. What do you mean, "I hurt your feelings"?
I didn't know you had any feelings.
What do you mean, "I ain't kind"?
I'm just not your kind.
What do you mean, "I couldn't be president, of the United States of America"?
Tell me something, it's still "We the people", right? If there's a new way I'll be the first in line, But, it better work this time. Can you put a price on peace?
Peace,
Peace sells...,
Peace,
Peace sells...,
Peace sells...,but who's buying?
Peace sells...,but who's buying?
Peace sells...,but who's buying?
Peace sells...,but who's buying?
No, peace sells...
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Comment #7 posted by Sam Adams on June 11, 2008 at 11:16:37 PT
Afghanistan
what a great use of resources! Take the industrial product of a country we're trying to rebuild, the product of many thousands of man hours work and representing enough revenue to feed an entire region of the country, and burn it! Not only that, but it's an intoxicant that makes people feel peaceful and non-violent, in a country full of violent thugs! Great choice! I'm sure we're really going to succeed in Afganistan with policies like this, eh? Then you realize the goal isn't to succeed. Peace is hell for the defense industry.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 11:15:20 PT
Article From The New York Times
A Yippie Veteran Is in Jail Far From the East Village http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/nyregion/11yippie.html
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Comment #5 posted by Storm Crow on June 11, 2008 at 09:03:05 PT
OT: Afghans uncover 260 tons of hashish 
By JASON STRAZIUSO, Associated Press Writer KABUL, Afghanistan - Afghan counternarcotics officials said Wednesday that they uncovered 260 tons of hashish hidden in 6-foot-deep trenches in southern Afghanistan in what one DEA official said appears to be the world's biggest drug bust.The hashish, found in the southern province of Kandahar on Monday, was worth more than $400 million and would have netted the Taliban about $14 million in profits, NATO's International Security Assistance Force said.The hashish weighed as much as 30 double-decker London buses, ISAF said. The drugs were burned on site. Hashish is a concentrated form of marijuana. (snipped)http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080611/ap_on_re_as/afghan_drug_bust;_ylt=ArezTzRrkGluO1JM4AvR5l2s0NUE
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 09:00:12 PT
mykeyb420 
Obama can't lose or it's all over. There we be no good future for us.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 08:43:26 PT
Illinois Police Arrest NYC Medical Pot Advocate
June 11, 2008http://ktar.com/?nid=45&sid=863678
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Comment #2 posted by mykeyb420 on June 11, 2008 at 08:41:30 PT
Supervisors said Prop. 215 was a "bad law"
Do the supervisors care what we think?? NODid the voters approve 215?? YESDo the supervisors know more than us ??? NOSan Diego is the red part of a blue state.I am a real American,, I will vote for Obama to try and save us.
 If McCain ( McSame as Bush ) wins,,we can blame all that is wrong on who ever voted for him. 
We are going to hell in a handbasket now because of the 51% of America that voted for Bush. 
This country is the most homophobic, racist, and sexist country ever. If Obama loses,,this is the reason
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on June 11, 2008 at 08:41:13 PT
NYT Blog: Medical Marijuana Links
http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/06/11/medical-marijuana-links/
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