cannabisnews.com: Pot Policy Scandalizes Drug Czar
Pot Policy Scandalizes Drug Czar
Posted by CN Staff on June 16, 2002 at 08:13:22 PT
By Mindelle Jacobs -- Edmonton Sun
Source: Edmonton Sun
The U.S. drug czar, John Walters, got on his soapbox last week at a Montreal conference and railed on about the dangers of marijuana. He's an embarrassment south of the border to everyone who supports a rational approach to drug abuse. Now Canadians know he's a wingnut as well. It must drive Washington crazy that Canada liberalized its drug laws to allow patients with certain conditions to smoke pot. It must scandalize Uncle Sam that Ottawa is a - gasp - drug dealer growing official marijuana in a heavily fortified underground bunker in Manitoba.
American officials are probably breaking out in hives at the thought that Canada might decriminalize - or even legalize - pot. Walters attempted to set the record straight at the international meeting of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence. It's time to crank up the war against marijuana, he told delegates. Pot is dangerous, he warned. Of the 4.3 million Americans suffering drug addiction, 65% are dependent on marijuana, he declared. Health experts, however, will tell you that pot isn't particularly addictive. And there's a big difference between true clinical dependence and sporadic drug-related problems. Pot dangerous? I anxiously await the statistics that show smoking marijuana kills people. Why, let's see, the two drugs that kill the most people are the legal ones - tobacco and alcohol. Marijuana a gateway to hard drugs? That myth was debunked by medical experts long ago. But since when do government ideologues listen to scientists? Walters must be just apoplectic over Canada's open-minded approach to medical marijuana. "We have the most sophisticated and capable medical system in the history of humankind," he told the conference crowd. "Smoked marijuana is not likely to be a modern medicine." For some seriously ill people, however, pot prolongs life and alleviates pain. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine of the respected U.S. National Academy of Sciences reported that for patients who don't respond to other medications, marijuana is effective in treating pain, nausea and the wasting syndrome caused by AIDS. Oh, those pesky scientists. How dare they hamper U.S. government efforts to convince an increasingly skeptical world that pot really is the demon weed! Walters was gracious enough to say that Canada can formulate its own drug control strategy. "We respect that," he said. I may be cynical but I wouldn't put it past Uncle Sam to lean on Ottawa in a bid to scuttle any attempts at liberalization of our drug laws. Others share my concern, including Bruce Mirken, of the Marijuana Policy Project, a U.S. group that wants pot decriminalized and made available for the sick. "I think (the U.S.) is scared to death that not just Canada but other countries are going to make some serious changes in their policies ... that will leave the U.S. even more nakedly alone and isolated in our demonization of marijuana," says Mirken. The Criminal Justice Policy Foundation, which is pressing for reform of U.S. drug laws, also suspects that Washington is trying to influence Canada's drug policies. "There are certainly people in the U.S. government who would be happy to try to bully Canada," says foundation president Eric Sterling. "The issue of drugs is so beguiling to American politicians ... that their good judgment of how to deal with their neighbour has been lost." The war on drugs has been lost on all fronts, he says. Drug prices are down, purity is up and the battle against pot is squandering resources that could be used to help millions of people addicted to heroin and cocaine, he says. Unfortunately, he adds, the more "loopy things" Walters says, the less likelihood kids will heed credible anti-drug education. Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB) Author: Mindelle Jacobs -- Edmonton SunPublished: June 16, 2002 Copyright: 2002 Canoe Limited PartnershipContact: sun.letters ccinet.ab.ca Website: http://www.fyiedmonton.com/htdocs/edmsun.shtmlRelated Articles & Web Sites:Marijuana Policy Projecthttp://www.mpp.org/Criminal Justice Policy Foundationhttp://www.cjpf.org/Canadian Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/can.htmInclude U.S. in Drug Discussions, Panel Hearshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13120.shtmlDrug Czar Wants Tougher Stance Against Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13116.shtmlDrug Czar Visits Canada Wants Tougher War on Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13109.shtml
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Comment #26 posted by DrGreenthumbs on June 20, 2002 at 09:06:47 PT:
John Walters
Being polite to American politicians is the right way to go. Afterall, they are a powerful group, I mean, look at what they have done in their own country. They have increased crime so that Police Unions can hire more Police. With more police comes more problems. Police and government employees are responsible for the majority of drug crime. They help import and export it, they have created large schools that we call prisons so that criminals can meet and exchange ideas on how to beat the system.This of course, results in an increase in crime, an increase in criminal ingenuity and the bottomline is that it creates more violent crime. As people end up in jail and have a hard timer finding employment after they get out, it is natural that they revert back to criminal means to support themselves.Yes, the American Politicians we all disrespect are powerful and mean. The end goal is to provide job security for politicians by ensuring that there are enough jobs for large unions and Public Servants. The American people, despite being mostly nice, are not that intelligent. It is obvious that George Bush was not properly elected, it is obvious that the War on Drugs has been a failure and it is obvious that the United States feels that it is beyond reproach in its attitudes toward Africa, the Middle East and South America. With all of this being obvious to many, especially Canadians and Europeans, why are Americans contrent to lie back and take the constant erosion to civil rights that they fought Great Britain for. Taxation without representation...now they have developed into a despotic power with uinlimited Miltary and Financial backing...is it just me, or does anyone else feel feel like goose-stepping and shouting "Zeig Heil, Dubbya!"
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Comment #25 posted by E_Johnson on June 17, 2002 at 20:16:03 PT
BGreen, it's true, we're non-modern
Modern medicine will never accept smoked marijuana. Modern medicine is due for replacement. Modern society is due for a replacement. People think that the obvious winner of a battle between modern society and marijuana could only be modern society. But I just don't think the winds of destiny are blowing in that direction.
How many modern medicines produce ailments that are only treatable with marijuana? Cancer and AIDS patients are seeking marijuana because modern medicine saves their lives by killing them less slowly than their disease. Non-modern marijuana has become necessary for so many people because it softens the lethally toxic side effects of modern medicines designed and distributed by modern means in a modern economy.These people who threaten us with the weight of modern destiny are not able to figure out for themselves that marijuana culture is on the rise BECAUSE the limitations of the modern program are showing up in a visible way in medicine, science, politics, economics, and in social organization overall.Marijuana is in some ways the destiny of modern society.So to say that modern medicine will never accept smoked marijuana could be a bit like pissing in the wind for modern medicine.Consider it a different kind of piss test from the ones we're used to.
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Comment #24 posted by hempity on June 17, 2002 at 10:29:10 PT
open letter from bcmp to John Walters ondcp
Quebec City, Qc.
June 12 2002John Walters,
Office of National Drug Control Policy
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500Dear Mr. Walters,On behalf of the Marijuana Party, allow me to welcome you to Quebec city.
To make your stay more enjoyable we have taken the liberty of selecting
some brochures for you from the local tourism bureau. As you may already
know, there are several interesting things to do and places to see in
Quebec City and we hope this information will help you find your stay here
most memorable.As a Canadian, it is always a pleasure to greet tourist to our fabulous
country, particularly when it comes to our neighbors from south of the border.We would however ask of you to kindly respect our laws and customs while
traveling here and hope you will refrain from pursuing any activities that
might undermine our sovereignty in dealing with the issue of illegal drugs.With all respect to the people of the United States, who are more than
welcome to visit our country, we must inform you that the US' drug policy
is however not welcome in Canada.Had this policy been shown to be effective in addressing problem drug use,
we may have been more receptive, but given its failure, we feel it would be
inappropriate for Canada to engage on a similar path at this time.The illegal drug issue in Canada is, and should remain, a domestic one,
particularly in the case of marijuana, which is produced and consumed
within our borders.In addition, several of our friends and colleagues from the USA share our
opinion that US' drug policy is in fact a source of greater harm then that
of the behavior it seeks to prevent.I sincerely hope these comments will not be misinterpreted as an affront to
American international interests but rather that they will be taken as a
friendly gesture towards greater cooperation between our countries on other
important international issues.That said, if there is anything we can do to help you experience the local
culture, we are your disposal and would be happy to show you around town.Most Sincerely,
Marc-Boris St-Maurice
Leader,
Le Parti Marijuana Party810 Rachel St. East, Suite 100
Montreal, Quebec
514-528-1768******************************************************
* *
* Drug Policy Central - CCC Forum *
* http://www.drugpolicycentral.com/phpBB/index.php
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Comment #23 posted by dimebag on June 17, 2002 at 09:21:06 PT
The Peoples Country
This is the Peoples country, and soon the people will be taking it back. Oh so very soon. Once we got the Idea in our head, it could never go away. We know no freedom too big or too small. We shal fight for our rights, our freedoms and we will counquer. Even if we have to say "Fuck You, FED GOV. we dont need you" We have our own people to rely on, to get our back when we need it. You looked out for your best interests, now its our turn. The Fed Gov. should be there to Protect the people from outside intruders and terrorists. We dont need a Fed Government to tell us what to do. We already have state gov. Let the States Decide what they are going to do. And then Let the people choose where they want to live in their country. We Dont Need A Federal Government to arrest its own people for smoking weed, Distribution of Weed, or any other narcotic. Let Our People GO!!!Dime.
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Comment #22 posted by R-Earing on June 17, 2002 at 07:53:35 PT:
Flin Flons troubled crop
PPS-The growing contractor is a credible and diligent company.They pioneered a lot of techniques for getting exotic crops to market in extremely difficult conditions (-60 degree celsius windchill,they're growing greenhouse roses). Their expertise and knowledge of pot is as good as any PURELY THEORETICAL growers.They were not allowed to have any "experienced" growers as employees or consultants or they could not have received the contract-that was by federal stipulation. In spite of this they knocked out a reasonable crop.Considering the feds are involved aren't you a little suprised it worked at all?On the issue of seeds.The U of Miss. schwag farm refused to cough up the standardized med weed seeds.(Good) PPS was forced to accept seized commercial seeds.As we are all aware-genetic quality varies VERY widely.Starting from bagseed,possibly from unstable varities,would be a challenge to any gardener who wanted to produce a stable repeatable crop.They did have genomic testing and chromatography,but these are outweighed by lack of experience.So they did produce a crop,which they say, is testing high above the specs the government set for the contract.The med users were told by then health minister Alan Rock that they could expect spring delivery.When a cabinet shuffle occurred,the new minister of health dashed all hope by saying that since the crop was unstandardized it was not being released to patients,but only (possibly) to some research studies.This announcement was alarming and unexpected.It has and will cause a wave of exempted patients to go to court to demand access to the federal supply(or force open cultivation instead).A multi-plaintiff suit is enroute to the supreme court already.Remember that the Ontario court set a summer supply deadline or the countrys' drug laws would be struck down as unconstituional.There looks to be no way that the feds will be able to table legisaltion in time to meet this deadline.The government is in full damage control mode over its seriously crooked patronage spending.Long story short-PPS grew a reasonable crop for a bunch of newbies.The feds changed the rules at halftime.The courts are going to be forced to strike down the current laws.The gov't will then be able to credibly claim "WE did not legalize it,the COURTS did." Everybodys' happy.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on June 16, 2002 at 23:14:09 PT
It Was Interesting
That wasn't a very large space to be costing that amount of money. They grew them in a soil mixture it looked like. I believe their intentions were good but it didn't work and if it's true that if they weren't able to get a stable medical marijuana program in force marijuana would be legalized. Maybe only decriminalized but they didn't meet the obligation so they should have to honor the changing of the law. I'm done for the day but wanted to comment while it was still fresh in my mind. I'm sure the news will pick up tomorrow.
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Comment #20 posted by BGreen on June 16, 2002 at 22:56:23 PT
Flin Flon or Flim Flam
That was hilarious seeing those people running around in their white lab coats, masks, and hard hats, trying to look like mad scientists creating this "controversial" "Level 7 security (two levels above handling the e-bola virus)" medicine.First off, why are they growing all of their plants from seeds? Cloning is very effective and doesn't take a genius, and since they were working in an 18' by 18' room, you'd think they'd better utilize their space by not having their "experts examine the plants upon maturity to determine the sex" and throwing out the males.I wasn't impressed at all with those experts. I'm much more of an expert, plus I get to enjoy my work AND enjoy my work (wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more, say no more.)Now ... where do I get one of those nifty lab coats?
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on June 16, 2002 at 22:47:05 PT
Saw The Whole Thing Now
It was good but I can't believe they went to so much trouble to do it way down over a thousand feet in the ground. They drug test employees too. He did say it's a great place to go to work or close to that. The leaves were very delicate and thin. What type of lighting were they using? How about them calling it the Rock Garden? That was good. It wasn't negative I don't think. Where is the marijuana now? Will they ever release it or is it getting ruined? What a terrible waste if after all that hard work the marijuana never makes it to those who need it.
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Comment #18 posted by BGreen on June 16, 2002 at 22:42:51 PT
Old Wives Tales?
"Smoked marijuana is not likely to be a modern medicine."I watch The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, and similar networks, and I've seen them using leaches to save tissue that wouldn't have been saved by any other method.Sometimes newer ain't better.
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Comment #17 posted by BGreen on June 16, 2002 at 22:18:29 PT
The first story about the Coast Guard
is the kind of thing I hate to see. Talking about terrorists, then firing on that fishing boat, saving us from those "50 pound bales of marijuana" terrorists.
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on June 16, 2002 at 21:38:42 PT
BGreen
I didn't see the whole thing but it really showed how they plant, tend and the purpose of the marijuana being grown. It was interesting. They said they use sterilized seeds and that's not possible. This must have been taped when the flin flon mine was just getting up and running. The buds were small like one of the first pictures that were released last year. I'll watch it at 1 to catch what I missed.I just registered so I will be able to post on Bill Maher's board. I haven't received my confirmation email yet but I think I will post something over there in the future. Bill Maher seems fascinated with his new web site and that's great.http://www.billmaher.tv
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Comment #15 posted by BGreen on June 16, 2002 at 21:22:23 PT
Thanks for the Info
It'll be better than rewatching my tape of Gene Simmons on P.I.Even my wife was yelling at the TV!
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on June 16, 2002 at 19:44:09 PT
Heads Up - Travel Channel 1AM ET Tonight
We just watched the travel channel and they toured the Flin Flon Mine. It will be on again at 1 AM ET Tonight!
Restricted Zones
Travel 'round the world to explore those sites and secrets unaccessible to the everyday tourist. From the Goodyear Blimp Eagle to a secret marijuana crop owned and operated by the Canadian Government, get the inside scoop on these "restricted zones." TRV 1:00 AM Travel Channel Presents Restricted Zones
http://travel.discovery.com/schedule/episode.jsp?episode=785120000
http://travel.discovery.com/schedule/schedule.jsp?channel=TRV&date=today
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Comment #13 posted by Lehder on June 16, 2002 at 19:31:16 PT
Overheard at the Whalebone Tavern
It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have
dishonored by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice;
ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of
mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and
like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money. Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not
possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have
not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least
care for the good of the Commonwealth?
--Oliver Cromwell
http://www.bilderberg.org/land/index.htm
The Levellers
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Comment #12 posted by xxdr_zombiexx on June 16, 2002 at 17:19:52 PT
Question
what portion of the collective problem labeled as "terrorism" is fueled by the war on drugs?People want to kill us because our government screws so many people, undermines other countries, and ..well..just look at Colombia..."All Wars are based in deception" Sun Tzu
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Comment #11 posted by MikeEEEEE on June 16, 2002 at 16:55:06 PT
The sad truth is
In the future, if not already, other countries will be laughing at US drug policy.
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Comment #10 posted by Rev Bookburn on June 16, 2002 at 14:23:47 PT:
Walters for Unemployment!
The good news is that some countries value freedom, democracy, science and rational thinking enough to disallow themselves to be influenced by US policies. Let us hope that Canada, Holland and other nations continue in their present directions. It truly reveals what ho's public officials are for corporate interests and for those who represent hysteria over 'moral' issues when they appoint extreme wingnuts to prominent positions. Walter's is unworthy of representing the public in any way. It is almost comedy that he is sent to other nations to speak. Perhaps he can soon be employed by Mad TV. More good news is that fewer people seem to be buying the lies and myths of those who govern. It seemed like after 9/11, people were convinced that W. Bush had a brain and was not a criminal and that the 'war on drugs' equaled the war on other peoples' terrorism. Now more people are less in shock and less vulnerable to propaganda central. Now we need to see Walters and a few dozen other very whacked associates in the Bush regime heading for the unemployment line.- Rev Bookburn
Radio Volta
Rev Bookburn- Radio Volta
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Comment #9 posted by Zero_G on June 16, 2002 at 12:44:35 PT
Dank Hank
Drug Czar is about the most vile epithet I could think of.
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on June 16, 2002 at 12:42:48 PT
DankHank
You're very welcome. Have a nice day!
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Comment #7 posted by Zero_G on June 16, 2002 at 12:22:54 PT
Wingnuts and Harlequins
"Repent Harlequin, said the Ticktockman!"Harlan Ellison's wonderful story about conformism and rebellion.
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Comment #6 posted by Dankhank on June 16, 2002 at 12:14:55 PT:
In defence of Wingnuts...
I must say that Wingnuts of the world are outraged and insulted that any would equate a rabid, fear-generating, lie-promulgating, evil-promoting, pain and suffering-enhancing example of what is WORST about freedom and are here, represented by ME, demanding an immediate apology and instant redesignation of said malodorous machinator of myriads of misdirection and misinformation with a name that more accurately describes the depths of putrid perversity it descends to in pursuit of its unholy, inhuman objective.Any Ideas?????To quote Harlan Ellison, (badly), "Repent, said the Tictockman!"PS, thanks FOM ...
Hemp N Stuff ...
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Comment #4 posted by Zero_G on June 16, 2002 at 09:37:32 PT
Meanwhile in Mexico
While our wingnut spins in Canada, consider this news from south of the border.from: http://www.drcnet.org/wol/241.html#chihuahuaBorder Governors to Discuss Chihuahua Marijuana Legalization The administration of Chihuahua, Mexico, Governor Patricio Martinez has launched a study of marijuana legalization in the Mexican border state most widely known for the violent drug running organizations based in its largest city, the border town of Ciudad Juarez, across the Rio Grande River from El Paso. The move comes after discussions on the topic during an April meeting of the governors of the Mexican border states of Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamulipas, and leads the way to putting the topic on the agenda of the Commission of Border Governors, which includes both Mexican and US governors. The governors will meet later this month. Gov. Martinez was already pumping up the idea of marijuana legalization at last year's border governor's conference in Tampico, Mexico, last June, when in a sign of independence from drug war orthodoxies, the governors issued a statement calling for drug use and the drug traffic on the border to be viewed primarily as a public health -- not crime -- issue. At that time, he said: "This should be studied, analyzed, and looked at to see what the people want and what the effects are from a different perspective that considers not only their prohibition, but also in given time their approval for medical purposes or rehabilitation or other reasons. We need to study all aspects of drug use, especially marijuana." Despite the failure of his cross-border colleague, New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, to get a marijuana decrim bill passed this year, Martinez has not lost his ardor for the cause. "We, the border governors, have asked different institutions to study the issue of legalizing drugs," Martinez told a Mexico City newspaper. "Until now, what's been done hasn't worked because the use of drugs continues to grow, despite the war that has been launched." While Martinez spoke about drugs in general, the study his administration has launched is looking only at the consequences of legalizing marijuana. The weed is so common in the border region, a Martinez spokesman told the Dallas Morning News, and efforts to curb it have failed so badly, that the governor had to look at the legalization option. "We're studying the issue of legalizing marijuana from addiction to economics and everything in between," said spokesman Fernando Medina. "The governor has said that despite the countless offensives launched as part of the war against drugs, smuggling and drug use continue to grow. It's an issue we really need to study." Not surprisingly for those who follow Mexico, the idea of legalizing marijuana has some support. The idea of legalizing marijuana in Chihuahua has so far been endorsed by Sen. Elias Moreno, president of the Commission on Health and Public Safety and Rep. Gregorio Urias, co-coordinator of a banking industry trade group and a member of the Commission on Public Accounts and Loans. As well, Mexican social and political groups, some of which participated in Million Marijuana Marches in Mexico City last month, are coming on board. Among them are the Mexican Society for the Study of Cannabis, the Multiforo Alicia, a coalition of social and political organizations, some of which are linked to the Zapatistas, and the faculty of philosophy and letters at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City. The DEA is not amused. Osvaldo Amado, agency spokesman in El Paso, told the Morning News legalization would make the agency's job all the more difficult. "If it were to happen, the impact would be tremendous because it would put the whole burden on us," said Amado. "It would be very difficult for us. We just don't have the resources to deal with something like that." It is a big business. Last fiscal year, DEA agents seized 184,000 pounds of pot in the El Paso sector alone, while Customs agents working the same sector seized 306,000 pounds in the same period. That is approaching a half-million pounds at El Paso alone, and that's only what got caught. Almost a century ago, Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa led US troops on a fruitless chase through Chihuahua as his soldiers sang border ballads about the weed. The famous tune "La Cucaracha" was one of them. "The cockroach can't walk because he doesn't have any marijuana to smoke," goes the famous line, although it loses something in the translation. Is a Pancho Villa Cannabis Cafe coming to Ciudad Juarez? Stay tuned. *******************************************Come to think of it, wingnuts are useful. So are asses. Drug Czars, however, are quite damaging.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on June 16, 2002 at 09:19:17 PT
Happy Father's Day
Hi Everyone especially Dads,The news is slow and I wanted to wish all you Dad's out there in cyberspace a Happy Father's Day!
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Comment #2 posted by p4me on June 16, 2002 at 09:01:19 PT
Bad math
I am guilty of typing without fully thinking. In comment 1 I should have said Walters would be 67% an ass with my estimate.Anyway, I will say no more today except this one line because it is a good line. You can tell Walters is lying because his lips are moving.1,2
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Comment #1 posted by p4me on June 16, 2002 at 08:56:52 PT
One guess as to my opinion
MJ is going to become legal in this country because it is the people's medicine and people like what it can do for them. And if the only reason for its legalization were that it would be a sensible alternative to alcohol, that would be enough.In 20 years I say alcoholism will be down 50% in part to legalized marijuana and if I need statistics there are plenty of people that make up propaganda numbers so I am assured of being right. The only real problem is how to justify that Walters is only half an ass. I guess if you average this article that says he is a complete ass and Walters opinion of himself that is an average of 50%. But if you add my estimate you are down to 33% again.1,2
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