cannabisnews.com: Colorado, California Leading The Way in Reform
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Colorado, California Leading The Way in Reform
Posted by CN Staff on October 04, 2009 at 17:24:26 PT
By Dale Rodebaugh, Herald Staff Writer
Source: Durango Herald
CO -- Colorado has joined California to become one of only two states that have a semblance of a medical-marijuana distribution system, the executive director of National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) said this week.“But the difference is stark and profound,” Allen St. Pierre said in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C. “We fought for the rights in California, but the rise in Colorado was immediate.”
Thirteen states allow the use of marijuana medicinally, but except for Colorado and California, the others operate on what St. Pierre called a “self-preservation system.” Authorized users are on their own to grow or buy their cannabis, he said.Reform of marijuana laws is coming – slowly but inexorably, St. Pierre said. He cited the Obama administration’s decision to sic federal agents on marijuana distributors only when they violate state as well as federal law. The sale of marijuana for medical purposes remains against federal law.Two states, New Mexico and Rhode Island, have approved laws sanctioning the sale of medical marijuana, St. Pierre said. These winds of change could sweep California, Massachusetts and Texas into following suit to regulate and tax the substance, he said.“In past administrations, such action would have triggered a rocket ride straight to the U.S. Supreme Court,” St. Pierre said.The change in official attitude mirrors public opinion, St. Pierre said. Polls find 75 percent of people favor the use of marijuana for medical purposes and, by almost the same margin, the decriminalization of marijuana use.The wide acceptance of cannabis by the public is reflected in the Showtime television series “Weeds” – which just ended its fifth season – that follows the adventures of a widowed California housewife who is the neighborhood source for marijuana.It’s no wonder the show takes place in California – where 2.5 million to 3 million people use marijuana medicinally, St. Pierre said.The state has 1,400 to 1,800 marijuana dispensaries, including kiosks in the Los Angeles Basin that operate 24 hours a day, he said.Oregon has cashed in on marijuana, charging 24,000 to 26,000 medical pot users $150 a year for an identification card, St. Pierre said. By The Numbers The latest (July 31, 2009) Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment report on medical marijuana shows:• Since June 1, 2001, when it began operation, the Medical Marijuana Registry has received 13,102 applications for identification cards to buy or grow marijuana for medicinal use. Twenty-nine applications were denied, 18 cards have been revoked, 1,751 cards have expired and 210 cardholders have died, leaving 11,094 holders of valid identification. • More than 800 physicians have signed certifications of need for applicants. • Seventy-three percent of applicants are men, and the average age of all applicants is 41. Six card holders are minors (younger than 18).• Fifty-five percent of cardholders live in the Denver metro and Boulder areas. • In Southwest Colorado counties, there are 111 cardholders in La Plata, 25 in Archuleta, 31 in Montezuma and eight in Dolores. San Juan County is one of five in which there are fewer than three card holders. • Ninety percent of applicants say severe pain is one of the reasons they need marijuana. Twenty-seven percent – the second-most cited reason – said they have muscle spasms. Severe nausea – No. 3 – was cited by 23 percent. • The health department has refused to add Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, asthma and bipolar disorder to the list of debilitating illnesses that can qualify a patient to use marijuana.Three identification–cardholders have been convicted of marijuana-related offenses.– Dale RodebaughSource: Durango Herald, The (CO)Author: Dale Rodebaugh, Herald Staff WriterPublished: Sunday, October 04, 2009Copyright: 2009 The Durango HeraldWebsite: http://durangoherald.com/URL: http://drugsense.org/url/QLKWRXkKContact: http://durangoherald.com/write_the_editor/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml
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Comment #9 posted by greenmed on October 06, 2009 at 18:47:04 PT
God Bless Jack Herer!
It was many years ago that I ordered three copies of 'The Emperor Wears No Clothes' (1990 or maybe 1995 edition - I have both). Weeks went by, then a couple of months, and I began to wonder whether I would ever receive the books. Eventually I followed up with a note explaining that I very much wanted the books, as I was planning to send copies to my state representatives (and keeping one for myself). A little later I got a note back apologizing for the wait, explaining that there had been a delay with the printing, and that I should receive the books soon. A package did soon arrive with not three, but packed solid with about a dozen copies, and a hand-written note apologizing for the delay and expressing the hope that the information would be useful for the cause and bring about change (paraphrasing).That kind and generous act did, in fact, have a tangible effect. My state delegate introduced a hemp bill and did much well-received p.r. for hemp as a replacement crop for tobacco, using talking points familiar from 'The Emperor.' The other copies found good homes, too.From the Introduction to the 1990 edition:We have already won the day; only no one knows it yet.That was true then, but more and more are realizing it now, thanks in large part to the efforts of meta-activists like Jack Herer and Captain Ed Adair.God Bless Jack Herer!
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on October 06, 2009 at 16:05:34 PT
Hope
So much of the reform movement seems hollow to me. Jack and a few others fill a spot in my heart that keeps me going. 
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Comment #7 posted by Hope on October 06, 2009 at 15:53:06 PT
God Bless Jack Herer!
I agree!The man has been a gift and a blessing to mankind and humanity. I'm very thankful for Jack Herer and all he has accomplished, and while I suspect there is a finer life on the other side of this one... I'd like to keep him in this one for a good while longer because this one does matter and he's helped everyone a lot here in this one... and I want him to have the joy of seeing that "New Day" with us that we are all striving for here in this realm. I really do.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on October 06, 2009 at 14:56:40 PT
Sinsemilla Jones 
God Bless Jack Herer! 
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Comment #5 posted by Sinsemilla Jones on October 06, 2009 at 14:31:52 PT
Good to hear Jack's out of the coma!
Thanks Storm for the update!God Bless Jack Herer!
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Comment #4 posted by ChristenMitchell on October 06, 2009 at 11:10:17 PT:
Doctor Referrals
Pretty amazing news in Boulder - The word is the the Peoples Clinic has reversed its long standing up-tight policy on Medical Cannabis Referrals - the Homeless Shelter now makes accommodations for patients - &, grab your hats, Veterans Administration Hospital Doctors on getting on board
Quotetopia
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Comment #3 posted by Hope on October 05, 2009 at 19:18:49 PT
Jack Herer
Sounds good. Sounds really good.
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 05, 2009 at 18:58:14 PT
Storm Crow
It sounds promising about Jack. I hope he makes a good and speedy recovery. 
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Comment #1 posted by Storm Crow on October 04, 2009 at 21:41:22 PT
A little news abou Jack Herer's condition.........
While running around the various forums, I found this...http://www.thecannacabana.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18511&page=4Posted by GoldenStateSaturday, October 03, 2009Jack has been moved out of ICUHi. This is Jeannie Herer. I will try to keep everyone up-to-date on Jack's condition. I've been really busy with Jack and don't have my computer with me and haven't figured out how to update his website (www.jackherer.com) on the loaner computer yet.Jack's awake and out of ICU. He's not talking yet or moving around much. He starts physical therapy on Monday.I just want to thank everyone so much for all the prayers and good wishes. They really seem to be working. Progress will probably be slow so please keep it up.People have been asking if there is a way to donate money to help Jack. An account has been set up at the U.S. Bank at:Emanuel Hospital Office
220 N Stanton
Portland, OR 97227
(503) 275-7280Just tell them you would like to donate to Jack Herer.Thanks everybody.Love,Jeannie Herer
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