cannabisnews.com: A Fleeting Change in Pot Policy? A Fleeting Change in Pot Policy? Posted by CN Staff on March 05, 2009 at 15:21:12 PT Point - Counterpoint Source: Los Angeles Times USA -- Can the feds address drug policy in a way that doesn't subject states to the political leanings of different administrations? Stephen Gutwillig and Scott Imler discuss. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. has said federal drug officers will end their raids on pot dispensaries in California, where medical marijuana is legal. But this is only the Obama administration's policy, and the next president could just as easily resume Drug Enforcement Administration raids. Is there a way for the feds to address this issue that doesn't subject states and medical marijuana users to the political leanings of different administrations? Take Marijuana Off Schedule IPoint: Stephen Gutwillig The Obama administration has taken an important step to protect patients in the 13 states with medical marijuana laws. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. confirmed last week that his Department of Justice will uphold President Obama's campaign promise to end Drug Enforcement Administration raids of medical marijuana dispensaries in California. The Bush administration's DEA unleashed hundreds of commando-style raids that intimidated and terrorized patients, providers and caregivers while undermining the capacity of states to defend popular medical marijuana laws they had enacted since 1996. The Obama White House has ended the reign of terror.But this cease-fire isn't enough.For medical marijuana patients and their advocates, it's crucial that the Obama administration and Congress acknowledge the value of marijuana as medicine and foster an open, honest discussion about how the federal government can best regulate its use. In particular, the feds should remove marijuana from the list of Schedule I drugs.The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 created five schedules for all illicit and prescription drugs. Marijuana wound up in Schedule I, defining it as having a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical use. Placing marijuana under Schedule I federally criminalized its use as a medicine and severely restricted research into its medicinal value. Nonetheless, there is increasing consensus among medical professionals that marijuana provides substantial therapeutic benefits for a number of conditions, including AIDS, hepatitis C, glaucoma, cancer, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and chronic pain.To date, 13 states have embraced those findings, rejected the inflexible federal position and taken matters into their own hands. The vast majority of those states adopted medical marijuana laws by ballot initiative, many by a landslide. Every state polled has shown a significant majority of voters in favor of legalizing medical marijuana. Within a year, those 13 states may be joined by as many as six others that are considering medical marijuana legislation or initiatives. Quite simply, most Americans -- including our president -- agree that when a loved one is seriously ill, he or she deserves access to medical marijuana if a doctor recommends it.The placement of marijuana under Schedule I makes no sense for a drug that is being recommended by doctors from Alaska to Vermont. As The Times editorialized Feb. 25, marijuana "is not nearly as addictive or intoxicating as less-restricted Schedule 2 drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Moreover, the active ingredient in marijuana, THC, can be sold in pill form as a Schedule 3 drug. So what makes the plant so dangerous?"The Obama administration has signaled its intention to use a public-health approach to drug policy in general. Medical marijuana is the perfect opportunity to illustrate that sensible new posture. By ending the raids on dispensaries in California, the administration has taken a big step toward protecting Americans who benefit from the medicinal properties of marijuana. But this policy is far too impermanent and leaves far too many Americans outside medical marijuana states unprotected. It's time to reschedule marijuana and make it available as a medicine to all those in need.Stephen Gutwillig is California director for the Drug Policy Alliance.*** Good Job Obama, But Medical Marijuana Should Be a Federal IssueCounterpoint: Scott Imler There is little in your post with which to disagree, Stephen. Although the Obama administration's policy change is good news for legitimate and illegitimate operators alike, it is bittersweet for thousands of patients and dozens of trail-blazing individuals and organizations who, acting in good faith over the last decade, have had their lives wrecked, financially ruined or been imprisoned while awaiting this logical and inevitable development.While the Bush administration's commando-style raids have been superbly effective in wiping out the original non-profit and charitable, community-based programs established in the immediate aftermath of Proposition 215's passage in 1996 -- in some cases with the support of local law enforcement -- they've done little to curb the dominance of for-profit, black-market resale operations that constitute the bulk of the burgeoning "medical marijuana" industry.Despite 20 years of presidential stonewalling by two Bushes and one Clinton (ironically, Ronald Reagan is the only modern president under whom patient access expanded), medical marijuana is no longer an issue to decide, but a problem to solve. Obama's more nuanced approached to federal enforcement should help combat the reluctance of states and local jurisdictions to meaningfully regulate medical marijuana for fear of federal prosecution.For this reason, I have some concerns about the federal government's complete abandonment of the enforcement arena and the potential marginalization of the issue as a provincial matter. I believe that targeted suspensions of DEA enforcement actions against legitimate medical marijuana dispensaries operating in compliance with state law is appropriate. It pushes us toward a more rational federal policy and the regularization of cannabis as a prescription drug available through traditional medicine.You are also correct, Stephen, in identifying the next logical step for solving the problem nationally -- federal rescheduling. Yes, marijuana is a substance with a high potential for abuse, but it also clearly has medical value, so it must come off Schedule I.The other benefit of viewing this as a national rather than a state issue is liberating the political dialogue from the vapid confines of "states rights." We live in the United States of America, not the 50 States of America. There is no reason that a 20-year-old Californian with a storefront and his own letterhead should be laughing all the way to the bank while an AIDS patient in Oklahoma faces 30 years in prison for growing two plants.If Holder's announcement is a fulfillment of a campaign promise, there is reason to believe that Obama's more nuanced statements as a candidate on this issue may still be operative. He could suspend raids on "patients" (as opposed to, say, wholesalers or guerrilla growers who despoil forests in their reckless pursuit of profit), stemming from his belief that medical marijuana is OK so long as it is handled with appropriate controls like any other prescription drug.As Sen. Dianne Feinstein said at a news conference regarding Proposition 215, "The devil is in the details." In the case of California Compassionate Use Act of 1996 and its spawn in a dozen others states, the devil is in the context, which we'll talk about tomorrow.The Rev. Scott Imler was coauthor of Proposition 215 and founder of the Los Angeles Cannabis Resource Center, Southern California's first patient-based medical marijuana cooperative.Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)Published: March 5, 2009Copyright: 2009 Los Angeles TimesContact: letters latimes.comWebsite: http://www.latimes.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/4BQHtr6ICannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #137 posted by FoM on March 12, 2009 at 09:37:43 PT Hope I don't know what car that was he was driving. It could be the Lincoln before it was renovated. I'm looking forward to the new CD-DVD called Fork in The Road. That song will be on it I'm sure. I think it comes out in early April.http://www.lincvolt.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #136 posted by Hope on March 12, 2009 at 09:33:04 PT It's good to hear his color is better. I think that's one of the first things people notice as improvement when this stuff is happening. All that other stuff is over my head. I've never been able to keep blood pressure stuff right in my head, but that lower one sounds bad. It's going to be a while getting all those medicines straight probably.Saw Neil's video. Too cool. Really cool what with the back glass out. It was good. (I bet Carl will like it, too.)That raggedy old car reminds me of one a friend of mine used to have to drive. It made me a nervous wreck to ride in, wondering what might crawl out from under the seat or from behind loose upholstery. The interior of the doors, mostly, was stripped off and the workings were visible. We had a terrible time trying to keep the headliner up, tape, glue, tacks, staples, all sorts of fixes, until one day it just fell down completely on her while she was driving down the road. [ Post Comment ] Comment #135 posted by FoM on March 12, 2009 at 08:11:38 PT Hope He is doing fine. He has color in his face that he hasn't had for a long time. Last night after he took his 2nd beta blocker for the day his blood pressure dropped to 90 over 50 so we are going to try and see if he should take a second one. His blood pressure was 129 over 68 before any drugs this morning. They said the two blockages were 90 percent. One was the widow maker. He still has 70 percent blockage in one artery but the two stents moved the blood thru the arteries that are now open with the stents or something like that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #134 posted by Hope on March 12, 2009 at 08:00:11 PT I'm still awed. "Yes. You had a heart attack. But your Hep-C and diabetes appear to be cured."Amazing. [ Post Comment ] Comment #133 posted by Hope on March 12, 2009 at 07:58:49 PT Loading...Loading...Loading... Maybe someday.... How's Stick this morning? [ Post Comment ] Comment #132 posted by FoM on March 11, 2009 at 11:20:24 PT Neil's Song Heavy Metal Continental. Too much. [ Post Comment ] Comment #131 posted by FoM on March 11, 2009 at 11:19:03 PT Hope It was beautifully done. Have you seen Neil's new song and video? I don't know if you can get it loaded but it is Neil being silly and serious at the same time and he has a cute dog in the car.http://www.huffingtonpost.com/neil-young/huffpost-video-premiere-n_b_173714.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #130 posted by Hope on March 11, 2009 at 11:14:10 PT That video. That series of photographs. That song. It takes you back. Better than anything I've ever seen before.You can feel it. At least I can. Powerfully so. [ Post Comment ] Comment #129 posted by Hope on March 11, 2009 at 10:54:20 PT Comment 126 Fight_4_Freedom That video is very sweet mostly. Except, Janice's picture in it was far too poignant. It hurt to see it. I've never seen that picture of her. Prescription bottle in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other.I'm glad it didn't have the picture of the little Vietnamese girl, running, naked, screaming, and burned.The Kent State, or Kent State type standoffs, are rough sights, too."Battle lines being drawn...".Why has it always got to be about war and battles? Why not peace?Is peace, the hope for peace, nurturing peace, cultivating, teaching, and treasuring peace just hopelessly out of style with society right now? [ Post Comment ] Comment #128 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 11, 2009 at 10:25:21 PT Me Too One of my favorite songs of all-time. Now is the time we must capitalize on our recent victories. We must take this momentum and run with it.I'm waiting for my new crush Natalie to call me so we can go shopping. I don't know if I should even get involved because we work together. I had a bad experience with a work relationship in the past. But....this girl drives me crazy. She makes me feel like I'm 14 and dating for the first time again. Oh what a little dilemma I have. lolI'm moving into my apt. sometime next week. I plan on buying a crapload of cleaning supplies before I move anything in there and just going on an absolute cleaning spree. Cleaning never sounded so fun to me before! lol [ Post Comment ] Comment #127 posted by FoM on March 11, 2009 at 10:13:51 PT fight_4_freedom Thank you. I love that song. Yes we must keep going forward. We've come too far to give up now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #126 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 11, 2009 at 10:00:21 PT Praise the Lord This plant can do so much on so many levels. People are suffering at this very moment when they could be benefiting from this herb. We need to keep pushing as hard as we can. FoM- It seems the good Karma is on your side :) I'm happy for you and Stick.One of your comments made me think of this song.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JboSuD4gE9g&feature=relatedBuffalo Springfield- For What It's Worth [ Post Comment ] Comment #125 posted by FoM on March 11, 2009 at 08:28:29 PT Hope Somethings happening here though it ain't exactly clear. [ Post Comment ] Comment #124 posted by Hope on March 11, 2009 at 08:24:14 PT Dare I say it? Foot stomping, jumping up and down, "Hallelujah!"Hand clapping, "Amen!"Joy! [ Post Comment ] Comment #123 posted by Hope on March 11, 2009 at 08:21:23 PT Looking pretty miraculous there. Stunningly good news.Amazing. [ Post Comment ] Comment #122 posted by FoM on March 11, 2009 at 08:11:48 PT One More Thing I found something else out yesterday at the VA from his doctor. Stick doesn't have diabetes. His whole family has or had diabetes. I wonder even more now about this too. Have a great day! [ Post Comment ] Comment #121 posted by FoM on March 11, 2009 at 05:44:07 PT Hope and fight_4_freedom fight_4_freedom that is amazing and Hope it really is a silver lining for Stick. We better get serious about changing the law. [ Post Comment ] Comment #120 posted by Hope on March 11, 2009 at 04:23:47 PT Amazing wonderful, FoM. Wonderful! About Stick having no signs of the Hep-C anymore.That's just wonderful.And your friend, too, Fight_4_Freedom.Our government and scientific community's behavior in not studying the gifts in cannabis is just criminal. [ Post Comment ] Comment #119 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 10, 2009 at 22:03:03 PT A friend of mine who I met through the local compassion clubs, suffers from Hep-C. About 10 years ago while he was taking all the pharmaceutical drugs, the doctors told him with the way his health was declining that he wouldn't make it another year.He decided to give up all the pharma drugs and to use cannabis as his only medication. 10 years later his health is better than it has ever been. He uses a lot of it on a daily basis. He has to use his one strain because he's found that it works better for him over any other strain. He crossed the g-13 with some Hawaiian butterscotch. It's called "Free Leonard". (calling awareness to Leonard Peltier)Cannabis completely saved this man's life. Without it he wouldn't be alive. [ Post Comment ] Comment #118 posted by FoM on March 10, 2009 at 20:21:17 PT fight_4_freedom It really is excellent news. I have my ideas how it happened. The doctor was surprised. I don't think HepC does this very often if ever. I don't really know. [ Post Comment ] Comment #117 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 10, 2009 at 19:57:59 PT That's wonderful news FoM!!!! I am so happy to hear those words. That's just fantastic! [ Post Comment ] Comment #116 posted by FoM on March 10, 2009 at 19:17:43 PT Hope I forgot to mention this good news. For some reason the doctor doesn't know why Stick has eliminated the HepC virus from his body. They can't find a trace of it at all anymore. [ Post Comment ] Comment #115 posted by Hope on March 10, 2009 at 16:20:00 PT Glad you're home, FoM. A doctor that seems to actually care is very comforting. Some act like they don't.It's good that Stick doesn't have to keep trying to take those medicines he reacted badly, too.I don't like the sound of that bug thing. [ Post Comment ] Comment #114 posted by FoM on March 10, 2009 at 15:01:00 PT Hope We're back from the VA Clinic. The doctor he saw today is his regular VA doctor and he lets us now how close he came to what he called the Big One. He likes my husband. We were told to come up and they bumped patients that were waiting and that I have never seen done except when a patient had a major heart attack. When we walked through the door into the clinic he was waiting for him. He said I didn't know if I'd ever see you again. I saw a doctor today with real heartfelt concern for my husband. God Bless him. He also told him he will need open heart surgery in the future. We will be going back to Cleveland a couple more times for an MRI and to see the cardiac doctor that did the procedure. He stop the medicine that we thought caused the serious problem the night he got home from the hospital. He is being tested for some serious bug that has been going through hospitals now too. I feel so fortunate to have the VA. This would be totally financially devastating without the VA. [ Post Comment ] Comment #113 posted by Hope on March 10, 2009 at 08:19:29 PT I hope this is just a check up.... Godspeed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #112 posted by FoM on March 10, 2009 at 07:50:23 PT Just An Update We will be gone this afternoon to the VA clinic. I will probably miss an article or two but I'll try to catch up later on. Stick had a good nights sleep. One day at a time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #111 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 20:31:09 PT Dankhank It's time to end this war on an ancient medicinal plant. It really is. [ Post Comment ] Comment #110 posted by dankhank on March 09, 2009 at 19:54:59 PT time-tested There are places where it's possible to do those tests ... Jamaica comes immediately to mind.Or how about Middle East ... lotsa resin consumption there.the Neo-natal test was done there.They could go there to find out, but, every time Jamaica tries to legalize the USA stomps on them.Now is the time we can change all that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #109 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 19:16:47 PT Dankhank Cannabis doesn't cause serious problems and it helps a person' mood. It is kind. The drugs I have been reading about all day are so scary. I will be happy if we get a good nights sleep tonight after last nights bad experience.Why not let people smoke marijuana and do check ups on them for twenty years and see how it would stand the test of time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #108 posted by Dankhank on March 09, 2009 at 19:02:02 PT meds ... ARE tricky, every one can have a different effect on everyone. that's why it's good to have a number of drugs to do the same thing and the best medical reason for having Cannabis in the mix as a possible treatment.It will likely have the LEAST bad side effects of any medicine it is compared with.peace and love to you both. [ Post Comment ] Comment #107 posted by afterburner on March 09, 2009 at 18:29:17 PT Another View of Health Reform - For Your Interest Health Freedom Groups Join in Launch of Grassroots Health Revolution Petition. Tuesday, February 24, 2009 by: Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor. Key concepts: Health, Health care and Freedom http://www.naturalnews.com/025719.htmlThese recent health challenges in the c-news family highlight the continuing need for Obama's expressed health care reform goals. Health freedom groups have brought together a series of suggestions to propose to the new administration for their consideration and for a better functioning health care system for all Americans. [ Post Comment ] Comment #106 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 17:49:05 PT herbdoc215 This is the stent they used for Stick. He had two put in. I read they cost $2,000 a piece!http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/mda/docs/p030025.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #105 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 17:44:45 PT herbdoc215 I wish you and Lucy the very best. I don't understand these medicines but I stopped 3 of Sticks because of the horrible reaction he had all night last night. I told the VA nurse what I did when she called and she said I did the right thing. Type in the name of some of Lucy's medicine and read the side effects. It's enough to kill a healthy person. Please keep us posted and let us know when Lucy will be back home and what they decide to do for her. I hope the train will work out for you. Stick seems much better tonight. He's yelling at the tv news and acting funny again. [ Post Comment ] Comment #104 posted by herbdoc215 on March 09, 2009 at 17:10:42 PT Update on Lucy Mae... Lucy had a dye test today to confirm her attack, it was a bad one but didn't damage her muscles too bad they said. All this happened the day they changed her heart meds, she's had a rough time getting the meds right as they all create as many problems as they solve. Her new bypass is already >80% blocked even though she's lived like a monk since her surgery? The docs are going to see if they can put a stint in so they don't have to re-open her chest but they are talking new bypass already which isn't good. Please pray for her all of you who are so inclined as Lucy Mae sure is one special lady who has given a lot of love in her lifetime and touch many lives. Thank, Steve Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #103 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 14:17:08 PT Dankhank I know this thread has turned totally medical but I think it is important. We activists don't trust drugs as easily as some people do. The VA called to see how the hospital experience was and I told her it was good except someone needs to clean the hospital. I never remembered a hospital being dirty like that. In the ICU my husbands slippers stuck to the floor. I never saw anyone mopping or cleaning the rooms. I am holding back three drugs until tomorrow and we'll see if he responds ok tonight. [ Post Comment ] Comment #102 posted by Dankhank on March 09, 2009 at 13:48:10 PT 114 over 70 seems like a good blood pressure. yes it is ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #101 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 13:27:22 PT Hope Glad you liked it. He is doing better but at this point I am witholding 3 drugs until we get thru this day and night. His BP is normal so I don't know why he needs a hypertensive drug. His cholesterol has never been super high either. They couldn't believe that he wasn't on any drugs. 114 over 70 seems like a good blood pressure. [ Post Comment ] Comment #100 posted by Hope on March 09, 2009 at 11:29:55 PT Lol! Maybe he'll be satisfied with a few lottery tickets. [ Post Comment ] Comment #99 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 10:25:45 PT Hope I am checking every drug and writing everything down. I don't want to call the VA and sound like an hysterical wife. One a funny note since I am monitoring how he feels and spacing the drugs to try to develop some order to this.I asked him if he would like to go to Las Vegas. He looked at me puzzled and I smiled and said one of the drugs side effects is wanting to gamble. [ Post Comment ] Comment #98 posted by Hope on March 09, 2009 at 09:32:08 PT Lisinopril Definitely could be the culprit. Is the coughing any easier this morning? [ Post Comment ] Comment #97 posted by Hope on March 09, 2009 at 09:24:09 PT There you are! I was afraid something was wrong. Yes, prescription drugs, to me are just as scary, if not scarier than bathtub chemist drugs. Actually they're scarier. I won't take the others and I try to trust in the doctors and the system. But that trust has proven ill placed too many times. Check every drug... including the antibiotics! I'm terrified of antibiotics after my experiences. And terrified about not having an antibiotic that I can take if the need was dire. I'm so sorry you'll had a rough night. Night is always worse. It's a phenomenon in sickness I've seen over and over again. As the sun goes down, symptoms seem to flare up again.Some blood pressure medicines can cause a cough... but not usually like that. Usually sort of a chronic cough for no reason. Like a smoker's cough. My husband had blood pressure medicine that did that to him once... the coughing... and they changed it and the coughing stopped. [ Post Comment ] Comment #96 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 09:18:14 PT Hope What a night. Thank you for your concern. He just ate some oatmeal and took the one a day aspirin he must take. I think I have isolated the drug that he took that caused the coughing and difficulty breathing. It is called Lisinopril. [ Post Comment ] Comment #95 posted by FoM on March 09, 2009 at 09:12:20 PT Just a Comment Thanks again afterburner, Hope and fight_4_freedom. Last night was bad that's why I am late with the news. Stick had a reaction to one of the drugs and he couldn't stop coughing and had trouble breathing. I almost called 9/11. I am going thru the contraindications of each drug. He still has a low grade fever so I am on a mission to figure out what is going on. They won't let cannabis become legal and some of these drugs are scary and they are legal. [ Post Comment ] Comment #94 posted by Hope on March 09, 2009 at 09:05:53 PT FoM The fact that I don't see a post from you today is more worrying than usual. [ Post Comment ] Comment #93 posted by afterburner on March 09, 2009 at 00:00:43 PT FoM, I'm happy that Stick is home Remember, a fever means that Stick's body is fighting off an infection. Fevers are worrisome only if they last too long or get too hot. I add my prayers that Stick can overcome the infection soon.Welcome back, Stick! [ Post Comment ] Comment #92 posted by Hope on March 08, 2009 at 22:47:23 PT FoM Of course that fever is worrying, but maybe it will break soon. It's a heck of a time to have a bug of some kind, but I'm sure it's not life threatening, or they wouldn't have let him come home.That's a lot of medicine to have to take, but he can do it and maybe as he gets better he won't have to take so many.Runruff's and Dankhank's experiences make me very hopeful that he'll be feeling better than ever, soon. [ Post Comment ] Comment #91 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 08, 2009 at 20:49:33 PT Good to hear FoM Good rest is always helpful. Hopefully the fever will start to subside.Things will be okay FoM!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubaVfwUs1jgBob Marley- Three Little Birds (every little thing, is gonna be alright) [ Post Comment ] Comment #90 posted by FoM on March 08, 2009 at 20:16:09 PT fight_4_freedom Thank you. He has gone to bed now. He's doing ok but the fever concerns me. His blood pressure is good but this low grade fever is nagging. Hopefully the antibiotics he is on will help him break the fever. [ Post Comment ] Comment #89 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 08, 2009 at 20:03:44 PT FoM I am sending positive vibes full of love and healing towards You and Your husband. I hope he gets well very soon.As always, you and yours are in my thoughts and prayers.I'm glad he's safe and sound in the comfort of his own home now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #88 posted by FoM on March 08, 2009 at 16:52:46 PT Hope Thank you. He has 7 different medicines to take. I am reading all the reasons for these drugs. He is resting now. I'm in my fussing over him mode. His blood pressure is down. I just took it but he still has a low grade fever. I have the woodstove going and the temperature in the house is about 85 and he was still cold. He took a hot shower and he finally said he was warm. I called a friend from back east and he called Stick in the hospital and he called another friend who is doing business down in Mexico for his company and he called and said give him a big hug. I love guys who just say it and aren't embarassed. Our friend who had a stroke made arrangements to drive up to Wade Park VA Hospital tomorrow if he was still in the hospital. Lee and I are very lucky and have good and caring friends. [ Post Comment ] Comment #87 posted by Hope on March 08, 2009 at 16:24:00 PT Glad your both home safely, FoM. So glad.I hope you're up and feeling better, soon, Stick. [ Post Comment ] Comment #86 posted by FoM on March 08, 2009 at 15:16:15 PT BGreen and Everyone Stick is home now and resting. The trip to the hospital round trip is 300 miles and I'm glad he is home and doing ok. If I missed any important articles I will catch up as soon as I can. Thanks again everyone! He started reading this thread but he wasn't able to get through it yet but it made him happy. [ Post Comment ] Comment #85 posted by Hope on March 08, 2009 at 10:18:59 PT Comment 83 *smile* You're the Smile Man, BGreen. Thank you.Comment 84. Indeed.Maybe Stick will be well enough to come home today. I don't want them turning him out too soon... but I know they want to be home. They've got a second chance and a new life ahead of them. Eating right and exercising. Maybe we all, that ought to, should go on the Heart or Diabetic diet along with Stick... and I'm sure, FoM. Maybe it'll help us all live long enough to see the end of this prohibition. [ Post Comment ] Comment #84 posted by BGreen on March 07, 2009 at 22:45:55 PT God bless you, Steve and Lucy! I'm so sorry to hear this happened!. My God, Lucy and Stick, both a part of our family and both stricken in this way. I'm really speechless and can only say I'm sorry and my prayers and thoughts are with all of you.I feel like waking up Mrs. Green just to hold her in my arms.The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #83 posted by BGreen on March 07, 2009 at 22:35:33 PT Good Morning, Cannabisnews! It's your late-night host, DJ Bud G, taking over for the tired but still much better looking FoM. :)Seriously FoM, and with all of my heart, my prayers and thoughts are with you and Stick.Please let us know if you're going away for awhile so we don't worry any more than we already are and try to keep us updated on Stick's progress. We really do care and want to know.God bless you, FoM and Stick!!!!!!The Reverend Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #82 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 19:16:19 PT Ekim and Everyone It has been a great ride. I'm calling it a day. Have a great night for the night owls on CNews. [ Post Comment ] Comment #81 posted by ekim on March 07, 2009 at 18:30:01 PT man its been a great ride - thinking good thoughts -- get well soon Stick [ Post Comment ] Comment #80 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 18:02:17 PT HMO's Started When Nixon Was President http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HMO#Regulation_in_the_US [ Post Comment ] Comment #79 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 17:53:36 PT Insurance was once a life saver. It was not uncommon to see a health care crisis wipe people out financially... even in the "Old days". But insurance helped avoid that and it was affordable and reasonable and care was generally good. Then almost overnight everything changed. It was awful. You're right, Dankhank! I remember now. It was when HMOs literally took over health care. It did not seem good... even for a minute. Usually if it doesn't seem good... it's not. [ Post Comment ] Comment #78 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 17:47:42 PT Cannabis being schedule one is ridiculous. You know what they say about ridiculous laws? They bring disrespect, they weaken respect, among the people governed, to any sort of reverence or respect of law, and ultimately, all laws in general.Or something like that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #77 posted by Dankhank on March 07, 2009 at 17:46:57 PT what happened ... is that HMO's are profit driven and the medical costs of everything are uncontrolled and repugs don't care. simple ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #76 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 17:45:07 PT Hope When I had surgery it was way different. Insurance wasn't a problem because most companies had some type of medical insurance. I first started noticing how companies hired people and laid them off before they got insurance in 6 months. UPS was the one that comes to my mind. One time we picked up white powder drug material from one of the pharmaceutical companies to deliver somewhere else. I wondered why it could be worth all the money they charge. They were just big bags of white powder. We've exalted our medical wonders to a point of being ridiculous. If they would stop with the drug commercials maybe they would be able to save money and pass it on to the patients as one idea. [ Post Comment ] Comment #75 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 17:33:32 PT That fever business isn't exactly encouraging. I hope they get it under control.You wonder about a lot of things you see go on in a hospital.Insurance used to be a good thing that was affordable to most people. What happened? [ Post Comment ] Comment #74 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 16:51:06 PT Hope Something interesting I saw on the news recently is we are already paying for health care. It's attached to premiums of people who have mostly insurance from a place of employment. That's why companies leave here and go to a country that has health care for everyone. They can't afford to stay here anymore. The hospitals for profit have taken the purpose of being a doctor away. The whole system needs to be fixed and maybe fairness will happen. PS: Stick's fever went up a little after it had gone down so he might not get home tomorrow. They had a patient in a room across the hall from his room that when they went into the room the nurses and doctors were in full protective gear. He is not in the ICU now though. The nurse said patients on the floor have all had elevated temperatures this morning. [ Post Comment ] Comment #73 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 16:12:33 PT Besides dignity... You ought to, at least, be able to get back out of the system, at least, what you put into it, and if it's denied you, you should not be forced to contribute from your earnings to it any further. It seems like it's been thieved or extorted from you otherwise.Is extortion and thievery legal for the system? [ Post Comment ] Comment #72 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 15:57:56 PT herbdoc215 You and Stick are lucky. Lucy doesn't have VA benefits so I understand. My niece who has Stage 4 Lung Cancer hasn't been treated with dignity in my opinion. Dignity is for every person not just a lucky few like it's been for way too many years. If you were in Canada Lucy would be taken care of. Somethings really wrong with that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #71 posted by herbdoc215 on March 07, 2009 at 15:46:09 PT FoM, it's not just Oxygen but all the paraphernalia that comes with it plus she's very weak and may need to be lying down, and in these TSA/fatherland security bs times I'm sure there are 50 hurdles to jump for getting injured/sick people on commercial flights and driving would be tough as well, Doug suggested Amtrack which I'm checking on now. Stick's lucky like me and a vet, since Lucy Mae's attack in October we are out several thousand dollars that if I hadn't been able to come up with she wouldn't be here now...medicine alone has been crazy, and social security has denied giving me back my benefits as well as Lucy's SSI, all because of the refugee thing they said....pure revenge. The hospital and MD's have been ok though about bills and giving time on some, but God only knows how much care she's been denied or progressive treatment because she lacks insurance? I don't care if it costs me everything, I just want my wife to be healthy. Peace, steve [ Post Comment ] Comment #70 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 15:10:44 PT herbdoc215 I'm glad you will be able to go to be with her. Can't a person fly with oxygen? I never thought of it so I don't know. Good luck to you and Lucy. [ Post Comment ] Comment #69 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 15:07:08 PT greenmed I heard them mention a beta blocker. I think he's going to have to be on medicine now. Thank you. I know he is in good hands. I appreciate the VA Hospital. I don't think we will get any serious charges and that is a relief. If only we could have care for all Americans that need it like the VA. It has faults but it has way more benefits. There's a lot of people who need help and can't get it. If they would model a health care system after the VA it might work. [ Post Comment ] Comment #68 posted by herbdoc215 on March 07, 2009 at 15:05:32 PT Dankhank, had enough, and hope and everybody else... I can't thank you enough for your words, prayers and offers, in these strange times it's affirming to know their are caring family all around the world, but for once in a long while things have been going pretty good for us and money isn't the issue. I was even able to take 2 months off last year and nurse Lucy Mae after her bypass surgery which was weird after her doing it for me all those times previously. I'm flying out Monday or Tuesday to Ky and stay with her until we can fly her back out here to her real MD, but her surgeon in Ky is world-class so she's in good hands now. I just want to know what went wrong so soon after it was supposedly fixed. The logistics of getting her back here is going to be the real challenge as we will probably have to take a train or special plane to get her home as she's going to have to stay on oxygen for the foreseeable future. We both thank all of you here, it has meant the world to us over the years to have family here who understood, to laugh and cry with us. Fom, Glad to hear Stick's doing better, tell him not to worry if things are emotional for awhile as Lucy and a bunch of others go through a natural emotional period after heart procedures but it goes away soon. Love, Steve Tuck [ Post Comment ] Comment #67 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 14:52:41 PT Prairie Wind http://www.nyprairiewind.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #66 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 14:51:08 PT Hope and Everyone He is out of Intensive Care and is in a single room with a shower and a flat screen tv on the wall. The IV's are out with one incase they need it in one arm and where they go in through the groin it didn't look inflamed. Remember Neil Young got a brain stent and was out walking in New York a day or so after the procedure and that blew open and he almost bled to death. That's when he wrote and recorded Prairie Wind. [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by greenmed on March 07, 2009 at 14:48:09 PT FoM and Stick, and Herbdoc and Lucy It is always upsetting when members of our CNews community face adversity. Cardiac surgery and treatment have come a long way in the last forty years; Lucy and Stick are in good hands. Best wishes to you both for a good recovery, just as Dankhank and Runruff have shown is possible (or, even highly probable).I understand that a common side-effect of heart surgery is decreased appetite and loss of weight. One suggestion: if using cannabis to increase appetite, have a beta-blocker on hand to limit the possible increased heart rate that sometimes accompanies medicating with THC. Or choose an indica-dominant medical strain. Put the sativas aside for a while.Most of all, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 14:44:00 PT Hope That's what I will do. The fever has gone away the last time they took his temperature. I told him to ask the nurse for a sedative and sleeping pill for tonight. He doesn't need to be uptight when drugs can take the edge off. Hopefully he will ask her. [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 14:39:00 PT FoM Try to get some rest and recover a bit, your own self, lady. [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 14:37:24 PT Dankhank Did you do like William Shatner says to do, to find that? [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 14:36:20 PT Hope Thank you. I really minded leaving him there but he needs to be there. He is very weak but he had good color. I am tired. All I'm going to do tonight is relax and catch my breath a little. I've been running on adrenaline. Thank goodness for adrenaline when we need it! [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 14:35:28 PT That sounds good, Dankhank. St. Louis is still a long way from Kentucky, though. [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 14:32:17 PT Well The part apart about the fever was not good to hear.But that he is recovering is good to hear. [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 14:29:56 PT FoM I'm so glad to hear that. [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by FoM on March 07, 2009 at 14:21:01 PT Just an Update and a Thank You We just got back from the hospital and he is doing fine but down in the dumps which is expected. He started to get a fever so they won't release him until it is normal and that might be tomorrow. He did have a heart attack they said during the stress test and they showed me on the monitor what it looked like. I thank all of you for your best wishes and concern. Stick will smile when he reads this thread when he gets home. [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by Dankhank on March 07, 2009 at 13:16:33 PT ticket found a one-way from Seattle to St Louis for 140. may be a bag fee, just don't check one do only carry on. [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 10:25:16 PT I think we all feel that way, Steve. What Had Enough said."I certainly hope things work in favor for yourself and Lucy.To be so far away at a time like this…and after all that you’ve been through in the past.If I were a wealthy man you would have a plane ticket to Kentucky in your hand.Many thoughts are with you for a safe return of your wife.Keep us posted… " [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by ripit on March 07, 2009 at 10:19:28 PT i've just said a few word to my spirits for you and yours fom! [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by Had Enough on March 07, 2009 at 09:58:41 PT herbdoc215 I certainly hope things work in favor for yourself and Lucy.To be so far away at a time like this…and after all that you’ve been through in the past.If I were a wealthy man you would have a plane ticket to Kentucky in your hand.Many thoughts are with you for a safe return of your wife.Keep us posted…Peace…The world could use a little of that… [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by dankhank on March 07, 2009 at 09:27:08 PT logistics ... herbdoc215let us know what you need. some of us may be able to help.peace, love and hope for better days, soon to you and your lady. [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by Hope on March 07, 2009 at 07:38:40 PT Had Enough You said, "On the upside if you are going to have to have a heart attack, it looks like he was in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the right people…a blessing. I’d say there was a little divine power there."I agree. Bringing in wood or chasing FoM around the house could have brought it on there at home. He hasn't been feeling good, so maybe he might not have been chasing FoM around, but he it sure might have happened bringing in wood.Runruff and Dankhank... it's good to know you guys went through something similar and are up and feeling well and strong... even better than you did before. I'm looking forward to Stick feeling better than he has been, too.It does look like Grace, big time, to me, too, for him to have been where he was when this happened.I thought we hadn't been hearing very many remarks from his easy chair lately.Get well and get back home! We need to hear FoM saying some more of those, "Stick says...." [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by Had Enough on March 07, 2009 at 06:39:23 PT Stick FoM, I hope Stick pulls through ok, and I feel confident that he will. I know you must be a little on edge right now, that’s only a natural thing to feel when shocking things happen to us or people we care about.On the upside if you are going to have to have a heart attack, it looks like he was in the right place at the right time, surrounded by the right people…a blessing. I’d say there was a little divine power there.runruff wrote: “Heaven knows we are not ready to say a cosmic goodbye to Stick just now!”runruff is right; we still have too much work left to do.So hang in there and tell Stick to quit scaring the hell out of everyone and to get his butt back home…:)Also the next time you talk to your niece tell her that she has some cyber friends that are thinking of her too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by christ on March 07, 2009 at 00:29:31 PT FoM Comment #7 One way forward could be for us to write to Obama. Before the election, he expressed support for the appropriateness of prescribing mmj (see link below). To be prescribed, cannabis must be rescheduled. Sounds to me like Obama favors rescheduling. So maybe we should write to Obama and ask him to take action on his pre-election statements.IMO, rescheduling will last longer than Holder's statement.There are probably better ways to contact Obama, but here is one: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ Obama quote in Comment #1 [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by Paint with light on March 06, 2009 at 22:58:01 PT FoM I want to wish you and Stick much comfort in this time of stress and worry.It sounds like they got to him quickly. That is very important.They can do amazing things with the heart now.I'm sending positive energy and thoughts your way.Tell that trucker I said to get the "shiny side" back up and the "greasy side" back down. He has a lot more road to bounce on.Good Luck.Good luck to yours also herbdoc. [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by gloovins on March 06, 2009 at 22:49:41 PT FoM, I just read about your recent trials & I have to say I have sent many good vibes, prayers & blessing to you and your husbands way. My best to a speedy recovery for him..God bless....and much love...C-news is indeed a great family.... [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by runruff on March 06, 2009 at 22:49:41 PT FoM From what I've read here it looks like Stick will be alright!Sweetie, I had the KILLER! Linda saved my life that night! I wound up getting six by passes six years ago and I feel better today then I did for years leading up to my heart attack!I changed my way of living. Heart healthy diet, walk one hour every day, yoga three days a week and always force yourself to drink lots of water. My doctor said if I keep this up I'll be around another 20 years!Get him home, set him strait and keep him around for a long time to come. Heaven knows we are not ready to say a cosmic goodbye to Stick just now! [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 18:24:24 PT josephlacerenza You're welcome. We are a community where some of us go back to almost 10 years. CNews is a news forum but it's also like a sanctuary. We fight the good fight but we are real people with issues and fears. I am sorry about the explosion in Montana. I hope everyone is ok. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by josephlacerenza on March 06, 2009 at 18:15:05 PT FoM I am still new here. I am overwhelmed by how deeply and openly you have shared your life, and that of your husbands with me. Thank you [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 17:09:11 PT Thank You Everyone herbdoc215 I'm so sorry. Good luck to you and Lucy and I will say a prayer. My husband is still in Intensive Care. We will go up tomorrow and if he does well he might come home tomorrow. Our friend said he thinks his heart stopped. He said the doctors and nurses raced to get him to to where they do the heart cath and stents. I appreciate the VA. My husband said when I talked to him that he doesn't remember anything hurting. He said he remembers fainting more then one time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 16:18:36 PT Thank you, Herbdoc. Peace and Love [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by herbdoc215 on March 06, 2009 at 16:07:34 PT Hope, thanks and yes, she's stable in ICU for now but we won't know much until after Monday's tests. I'm just praying she caught it in time and waiting at this point. She was back home visiting in Ky. so logistics are going to be crazy getting her back home here to Washington, I just can't imaging being in this world without her. Peace, steve [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by E_Johnson on March 06, 2009 at 14:44:23 PT FoM stents work I know someone who had a heart attack and had stents put in over ten years ago. He's still doing fine now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by E_Johnson on March 06, 2009 at 14:21:39 PT Celaya, Scott has to say that and he always does He's a Methodist. To a Methodist, green tea has a high potential for abuse. It's the temperance religion of the South. The Methodists think the Baptists are going to hell because they drink. The Methodists backed Alcohol Prohibition. It's mostly their fault. And Scott lives in West Hollywood -- where there are some pretty wild lifestyles going on and daily reminders of a tragic consequences of substance abuse.PLUS on top of all that -- he's fairly Marxist in his politics and flies into a snit if someone gets too harsh on Fidel Castro.PLUS he's done a lot to promote medical marijuana among otherwise conservative religious groups and he's helped that along by playing into the demonization of social users.It all adds up to the usual things he always says. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 14:05:15 PT Thanks for the update Herbdoc. Does this mean she's stable for the time being? I hope so. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by itsonlyaplant on March 06, 2009 at 13:16:42 PT Why are alcohol and tobacco NOT scheduled? I NEVER will understand why these two substances aren't federally scheduled; ESPECIALLY alcohol. Talk about a schedule 1 substance: "(1) Schedule I.— (A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse. (B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States. (C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision." While tobacco does kill people, it is a very insidious process (I believe this also should be a schedule one by definition), however one good afternoon of binge drinking will have you pushing up daisies. Even casual use of alcohol if it is on the heavy casual side will cause MAJOR health problems over a period of time. WHY does the federal government have their heads up their own $$es on this? It makes me ill every time I see a commercial on TV glamourizing a REAL abusive substance, and I have been ill ALOT these past couple of years due to the amount of advertisement the alcohol companies are doing, talk about drug pushers. Oh well, rant over.Best wishes to you and your husband FoM. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by herbdoc215 on March 06, 2009 at 12:55:01 PT FoM, I'll add another prayer for yall tonight Love and strength to you and Stick in these trying times, nothing is worse than feeling helpless while those you love are in danger. My wife Lucy is in a hospital in Ky. now fighting for her life after having a massive heart attack Wednesday, they are doing a dye test monday to test for damage and why this happened as she just had a double bypass in October. Love and peace, steve [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 11:46:29 PT I told this friend that he is an angel. Indeed. Angels unaware. We never know when some good deed we might be trying to do turns out to be this important.Dankhank. That's good encouragement that you've done so well since it happened to you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 11:42:56 PT I'm so glad he went ahead and went in today instead of putting it off.I'm glad someone will be with you this evening. You'd be alright alone, I know... but being alone can make the worrying worse.I'm scared, but I feel reassured at the same time that he's going to be ok.Peace and Love. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by dankhank on March 06, 2009 at 11:39:27 PT Widow maker that's the one that got me, too ten years ago and the heart is doing OK, still it's scary, but there's good hope ...peace to you both ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 11:33:16 PT Hope Thank you so much. I am waiting for a call from our friend who is still there with him. I told this friend that he is an angel. He said no one ever called him that. His wife is coming up soon and we will sit and wait. We won't go up tonight as long as he is stable. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 11:24:45 PT FoM I want to, but I won't, call you. I know you're waiting to hear about Stick.Peace and Love... big time.I pray Godspeed to get him back to you, whole and well. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 11:22:44 PT The article about the Widow Maker is very scary. When I read Tim Russert's name I nearly fell through the floor. It really is a blessing that Stick was right there in the hospital when it happened. A wonderful blessing. A miracle in fact.He's going to be in better shape than he was before, probably, once they get him up and going again. I've seen remarkable and amazing recoveries from heart attacks and bypasses. I know you're scared... I am, too, but I know you have faith and a powerful relationship with God and He's The Comforter that it is with you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 11:20:58 PT Hope Thank you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 11:18:06 PT Celaya Thank you. He's my best friend. We've been married almost 36 years. I haven't talked to him yet because he's in the ICU. I haven't talked to a doctor but I'm sure I will. The one blockage that is called the widow maker is the reason Tim Russert died suddenly. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 11:13:25 PT Heart attack No doubt it would have been worse if it had happened anywhere but the hospital.I've heard of people having heart attacks on the treadmill during the stress test. I'm praying. I'd like to be with you to comfort you and just be with you in case you need to lean on someone during all this, but know that I'm so with you in spirit, as are many of your friends here. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by Celaya on March 06, 2009 at 11:11:19 PT FoM That was scary! I'm glad things worked out the way they did. I hope your husband has a speedy and full recovery! [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 10:43:40 PT Hope I haven't heard anything yet. I'm waiting for a call. I've been worried about him for a while now. He would get ashen and just look bad and lose energy. The hospital is about 140 miles from here. Our friend that took him up this morning is going to call as soon as he knows anything. His wife will be off work and at my house within a couple of hours.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Widow_makerUpdate: Our friend called and he is in Intensive Care now. He had a heart attack on the treadmill. They put two stents in and he should be ok. They called the one area of the heart a widow maker.If this hadn't happened the way it happened he probably would have died. I thank God for this miracle! [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by Hope on March 06, 2009 at 10:07:44 PT Oh my gosh... I'm praying, Martha. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 08:50:27 PT Just a Comment If I disappear for a few days I thought I should let you know why. My husband went up to the VA hospital for a cardiac stress test. A friend of ours drove him up. He had an episode and is getting a heart catheterization now. They might need to do open heart surgery. Say a little prayer if you pray for us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by runruff on March 06, 2009 at 08:30:54 PT It is human nature..... ....to gravitate toward pleasure. We desire to do what is pleasurable again and again. I think over all this is a human trait we do not want to lose!Karma trumps dogma! [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by josephlacerenza on March 06, 2009 at 08:20:47 PT OT Bozesplosion Did any of you hear about the explosion here in Bozeman Mt? There was a huge gas explosion in downtown. It took out 5 buildings and almost leveled an entire city block!! No one seems to be seriously hurt, although there is still one person missing. Just an up date. Pictures etc. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by dongenero on March 06, 2009 at 08:09:08 PT Walter's article #14 Reminds me of a quote I read from A. Lincoln commenting on a published article:"I've never seen so many words fit into so small an idea." [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Celaya on March 06, 2009 at 07:27:40 PT CanadianGangaman That's an interesting statement coming from a "gangaman." I hope you got runruff's point. Much depends on your definition of abuse, but you are obviously casting an impossibly huge net. Are you saying that EVERY regular consumer of marijuana is abusing? That's what it sounds like. That is pure prohibitionist position. i.e. 'All use is abuse.' Please clarify. Also, marijuana is unique among recreational drugs in many ways. One is, that unless you smoke 24/7, you don't build a tolerance to it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by runruff on March 06, 2009 at 07:06:38 PT Please don't perpetrate the myth! I'm sorry to say, but television DOES have a rather large risk of abuse. I'm not saying that its addicting, if someone wants to quit using at any point they can, but abuse is only an eventual stage of use.I'm sorry to say, but automobiles DOES have a rather large risk of abuse.I'm sorry to say, but sugar DOES have a rather large risk of abuse. I'm sorry to say, but sex DOES have a rather large risk of abuse. I'm sorry to say, but greed DOES have a rather large risk of abuse. I'm sorry to say, but law enforcement DOES have a rather large risk of abuse.I'm sorry to say, but marriage to a drinker DOES have a rather large risk of abuse.Im sorry to say, but having an older brother DOES have a rather large risk of abuse. Get my point???? [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by CanadianGanjaman on March 06, 2009 at 06:52:43 PT Celaya Im sorry to say, but cannabis DOES have a rather large risk of abuse. I'm not saying that its addicting, if someone wants to quit using at any point they can, but abuse is only an eventual stage of use.The humans ability to build resistance to chemicals will forever be the friend and enemy of the user. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by runruff on March 06, 2009 at 05:57:46 PT Breaking news! Johnny Pee hospitalized for methane poisoning!The doctor reported that Mr. Pee has had his head up his rectum for so long that he is suffering from methane poisoning! [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by runruff on March 06, 2009 at 05:53:02 PT Drug Legalization Isn't The Answer? What a long winded, drawn out, wordy, statistic filled, one sided, I was great at my job, I am an American hero, fascism works, we need a big brother [him], low consciousness, low vibe, head in that proverbial dark place, IDIOT!!!!Few will read this drivel! [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 06, 2009 at 05:19:33 PT One More Time For Old Time Sake By John WaltersMarch 6, 2009Drug Legalization Isn't The AnswerURL: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123630239109047197.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by knightsmanx on March 06, 2009 at 00:51:06 PT: A little off-topic thing It's not ethical and not the way to do it, but I would really wanna see what would happen if you fed all the senators/congressmen/house of reps some special brownies without their knowing and then in the right amount of time bringing up the marijuana reform to them. Really I think that whole thing would be hilarious. Half of them spacing out, another quarter crackin jokes left and right, and the final quarter turning their pen around in their hand cause they think it's awesome. The whole thing would make me rofl all night. :) [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by EAH on March 05, 2009 at 22:31:00 PT: Devilish Details The "high potential for abuse" comment is so annoying, perpetuating that idea hinders reform efforts. Feinstein's comment says more the I bet she realizes. That's because to to reform marijuana law but continue to keep it a cramped little box, which is the unstated sentiment, is the devil she is talking about. People like her will allow themselves to dragged into some kind of reform, but because she just doesn't get it and is a typical calculating politician, Reform she would support would hardly be any reform at all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by fight_4_freedom on March 05, 2009 at 21:32:47 PT George the Cat : RIP Sorry to hear about the loss Mykey. I bet he lived a good life inside the dispensary. I'm sure he got lots of love and attention there.One of our local papers is doing an article on some of our local MMMA compassion clubs tomorrow. And a local news station is planning on doing some kind of report. I think they're planning on checking out the meeting. (which I will be attending :) Our local clubs are about to take a giant step tomorrow with that media exposure. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by Celaya on March 05, 2009 at 21:21:22 PT FoM Yes. Thank Gaia, the Republicans were not able to pull off another theft! I think if they had, a lot of people would be leaving the country. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by mykeyb420 on March 05, 2009 at 21:00:08 PT off topic about George the Cat Here is a web page for George the cat,,,feel free to sign the guest book if you like. George was a very well liked mascot of a cannabis club in San Francisco for many years. Even the dogs liked him as he like the dogs too. George the cat [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by The GCW on March 05, 2009 at 20:57:49 PT FoM, I don't know. It's the 1st time I saw it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on March 05, 2009 at 20:56:40 PT Celaya I want to move forward but I don't seem to think we have one way of going about it yet but we are slowly getting there. If McCain would have won we would still be exactly where we have been for the last eight years. It's nice to have a little hope again. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Celaya on March 05, 2009 at 20:47:14 PT A Guideline? FoMI agree that marijuana needs to be rescheduled. I also think that now is the time for government AND the corporations to acknowledge the truth that recreational marijuana consumption is the far safer alternative to alcohol. If not now, when? They should also acknowledge that one hundred million Americans have smoked pot. The only correct thing to do is reduce marijuana restrictions to no more than those of alcohol.HopeThanks. One of the reasons I became a marijuana reformer was to speak the truth. It irks me when some reformers disseminate the Kool-Aid.This country has got to make the leap to reason with recreational drugs. The biggest step is for all to realize alcohol and tobacco are the drugs causing the most damage, while marijuana, hardly any. It's time for Truth to take the stage again. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Hope on March 05, 2009 at 19:09:01 PT Celaya I agree. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on March 05, 2009 at 19:07:46 PT The GCW Is that really her name? [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by The GCW on March 05, 2009 at 18:56:17 PT Thought I'd share this, At the Washington Square News, contact page, the name of the Managing editor is: Mary Jane Weedman managing nyunews.comhttp://www.nyunews.com/infopages/contact [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on March 05, 2009 at 18:29:58 PT Just My Thoughts Reschedule marijuana to at least III and then approach Congress to change the Federal Law is what I think. If it would be rescheduled first lower the penalties to reflect a Schedule III substance. I think that would be faster then trying to change the Federal Law but I could be wrong. It's really about connecting the dots. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Celaya on March 05, 2009 at 18:15:00 PT Please! This is a good example of how medical marijuana people drive me up a wall so often. Scott Imler says:"marijuana is a substance with a high potential for abuse"Why does he have to say that? It most certainly DOESN'T have a high potential for abuse. It appears he follows the prohibitionist party line only to make gains for medical marijuana.The only way this statement could have any basis in reality would be if ALL marijuana use is considered "abuse." That's absurd, of course. Alcohol is far more more intoxicating and impairing AND it is addictive. But we don't call ALL the people who drink it alcohol abusers. So, with the much less harmful substance of marijuana, it is even MORE true the vast majority of use is not abuse. About the only way you could abuse marijuana is if you smoked all day, every day. 99.9 percent of marijuana consumers don't.This is why, when it comes to "medical" marijuana, I say ALL use is medical use. It really makes me sick to hear "reformers" spouting this garbage.It's just a plant. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment