cannabisnews.com: Former Resident To Bring Marijuana Message Home Former Resident To Bring Marijuana Message Home Posted by CN Staff on July 19, 2002 at 10:14:56 PT By Ken Goze, Staff Writer Source: Pioneer Press Online At a time when medical marijuana advocates are struggling to change laws across the country, Paul Peterson believes that battle has been fought and won in Illinois. Peterson, a former Wilmette resident, has dedicated himself to legalizing pot for treatment of glaucoma and many other disorders, but says he found the answer in an obscure section of the Illinois Criminal Code. He is trying to pressure the state into using the law, which apparently allows marijuana use under certain conditions. He plans to present his case at a 7 p.m. presentation on Wednesday at the Wilmette Public Library auditorium, 1242 Wilmette Ave. “I mean to bring Illinois in as the 10th state to have a medical marijuana program under a state law that’s been hidden,” Peterson said. “My focus is on medical marijuana with the statute already here.” 1971 legislation Peterson, a former attorney, said the law has been on the books since 1971, when the state’s Cannabis Control Act was rewritten. Most of that law, then and now, outlaws possession, sale and manufacture of marijuana, but creates an exemption for research purposes. Peterson believes it also was meant to allow ongoing treatment for people with certain illnesses. According to Section 11 of the act, “...such authorization shall issue without unnecessary delay where the department finds that such a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches has certified that such possession, production, manufacture or delivery of such substance is necessary for the treatment of glaucoma, the side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy in cancer patients or such other procedure certified to be medically necessary.” Whether patients were ever granted such permission from the state is unclear. In letters Peterson received from Illinois Department of Human Services officials, no cases were cited, but he believes there may have been an active program in the late 1970s. In 1983, a state drug commission was abolished in a restructuring, but the law has remained on the books. Research has provided few clues about the law’s exact intent or how a doctor and patient would get clearance to use marijuana, said Bryan Brickner, president of the Illinois chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Brickner is scheduled to appear at the Wednesday program. “We actually have a law student from John Marshall. He’s been doing some free work for us. The more he looks into it, the less there is. It’s a part of the law that’s just dormant,” Brickner said. Peterson said he intends to pursue the matter through a lawsuit. Medical advocates Medical marijuana advocates say decades of experience and a growing body of science show the drug to be useful in glaucoma, nausea from cancer chemotherapy, AIDS wasting and muscle spasms from diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Other uses are under investigation. In many cases, patients turned to marijuana after conventional therapies failed them. In most cases, they are breaking the law. Nine states have laws allowing for medical use, mostly through voter initiatives, but it remains illegal under federal law, and authorities have raided “buyers clubs” set up for patients in California. Brickner noted the federal government at one time did have a program which supplied marijuana to a handful of patients. That program was never expanded, but several of those patients still receive a monthly allotment of marijuana cigarettes. Law enforcement officials and a number of scientists have opposed medical marijuana use on several grounds. They maintain that newer pharmaceutical drugs are better than marijuana. They also cite the potential cancer and respiratory problems caused by smoking and the risks of drug abuse. Cannabis educationMedical use advocates also face the criticism that they are using the issue as a wedge to allow recreational pot use. Brickner said he has no hidden agenda — his organization has long favored decriminalizing use and possession by adults. Britain last week reclassified marijuana and ended arrests for simple possession. “I've felt what we’re doing is educating people on cannabis. If you can have a conversation about medical use, it changes the way people think about marijuana,” Brickner said. “That’s what the big fear is. The feds have been playing up this big scare for 60 years.” Peterson came to the issue through his own use of marijuana as a treatment for attention-deficit disorder. He said he first used the drug in the 1970s but came to see it in the past few years as a treatment for racing thoughts and anxiety. “I never got high. All it did was to calm me down and take away the anxiety I had,” he said.Legal troubles Peterson’s involvement in the issue has led to a complicated legal battle with the Illinois Supreme Court over his future as a lawyer. According to a disciplinary complaint filed by the court’s Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission, Peterson admitted to criminal conduct, possession of marijuana, in an unsolicited June 2001 letter to the commission. In another count, the commission alleges that Peterson, who focused in workers’ compensation law, threatened another lawyer with disciplinary charges to gain an advantage in a civil matter. Finally, the commission also has challenged his fitness to practice based on an evaluation by a psychiatrist. Peterson was placed on an interim suspension in December and has fought the charges. He said he had only informed the other attorney of charges which had been filed, and was not threatening. He also believes he has a legitimate medical exemption for marijuana use under Illinois law. Peterson said he realizes his presentation style and writings can be “blippy” and take a satirical or absurd approach. He has published a series of articles dealing with the issues and carrying titles such as “The Zine for Men and Women in Black.” He also sent materials on the issue to various state offices, but he says the writings were meant intended to be tongue-in-cheek, not delusional. He has spoken at the “College of Complexes,” a free-speech forum in Chicago, and also began a run for state representative in the 9th District as a Libertarian Candidate, but later withdrew. The court heard his case in April, and he is awaiting a ruling. Sanctions can range from censures to suspensions and disbarment, which is usually a permanent bar to practicing law. Commission officials said the court also can place an attorney on inactive status due to disability, which would allow for a future return to practice. “I know I'm doing the right thing,” Peterson said. Newshawk: Paul Petersen -- http://www.illinois-mmi.org/Source: Pioneer Press Online (IL)Author: Ken Goze, Staff WriterPublished: July 18, 2002Copyright: 2002, Digital Chicago Inc.Website: http://www.pioneerlocal.com/Contact: http://www.pioneerlocal.com/cgi-bin/ppo-emailIllinois Medical Marijuana Initiative http://www.illinois-mmi.org/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #15 posted by BGreen on September 12, 2002 at 13:22:40 PT charlyne Welcome to CannabisNews.com. We definitely share your views. Make sure you tell everybody you know to come to this website and learn from it. We need to get all the cannabis users together into an unstoppable mass. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by charlyne on September 12, 2002 at 13:01:16 PT: its all good I think what you are doing is great. I think it should all together be legalized. not only does it help the medically needy it also helps the envirment. their ya go save a piece of land. we could replace huge cotten fields with cannibis. our constitution was written on hemp paper, there ya go save a tree. alcahol is legal and it tends to make people violent and agrissive. and it kills your liver.WE LIVE in america as long as you dont hurt anybody else it should be legal.exspecialy if it's so helpful inso many ways. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by paul peterson on July 19, 2002 at 21:14:34 PT: PLEASE LET PIONEER PRESS KNOW HOW GOOD THIS IS Pioneer Press is owned by the Chicago Sun Times newspaper. Today a guy told me that the Sun Times ran an editorial supportive of the British decriminalization plan. That probably is why the Sun Times people endorsed Pioneer Press' coverage of my event. They need to hear from many people that are supportive of this area of inquiry. Then I can hope to increase coverage, both prior to the event and after. If the response is as positive as I envision, I am hopeful that the Sun Times will run a bigger piece, which might just help me to convince these "Lawyer police" types that this thing is too visible for them to hope to hide their own crimes (I CALL IT FRAUD, PERJURY, MAIL FRAUD, and I have proof!). The FBI & DOJ have tried to look the other way, thinking that no one will listen to the rants of a former "pot head" and they are safer forgetting about this thing. However, today I just got a letter (get this) FROM ASA HUTCHINSON, apologizing for his inability to come to "debate me" (I could get real paranoid or delusional, and think that is because they are "watching" my every move with the keystroke, and they knew I had gained the reservation for the Library gig, and wanted to ensure damage control in case I said ASA never responded, etc., or it could be that he knows the nationwide clamour is starting to build, so as not to alienate me here in Illinois, that might just become a pivotal "10th state" after all?).At any rate, wish me luck, I will report back to you people as to how the event goes, and thanks for everyone else out there that is fighting this battle, in small ways, maybe, but keep tuned in to this vital linkage, the internet that is, THE ANSWER TO THE WAR ON DRUGS, and thanks for listening! PAUL PETERSON, from the 10th State, here in the Land of Lincoln! 312-558-9999 http://ILLINOIS-MMI.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 19, 2002 at 18:23:18 PT Cannabis Astrology Lesson.... Good news is associated with the Sun and Jupiter conjunct in the sign of 'the people' Cancer! July 4th is the U.S. birthdate, and this conjunction start a new 12 year cycle for the U.S. and the public specifically. Todays good news relates to Jupiter (the courts, legal system,as well as happiness, freedom) and the Sun, the most powerful influences in our solar system. This is how we predict things astrologically. Everything is based on cycles. It looks like legalization is imminent or revolution or both. America was born with this particular conjunction in our chart and is also why we love the military and war so much. Everything has two sides, this being the downside of a very lucky and generally good thing. So celebrate today as the beginning of a new wave of good cannabis related news, such as in Nevade currently and the U.K. Prohibition will soon be history, as the stars deem it so, as we are made of stars, aren't we! dddd: what new wave band were you in? I was in'The Pills' (Arizona), did you tour, play Madame Wongs, Filty McNasteys, FM Station, Bogarts, Whiskey a go go, Dobbs place on Sunset, just curious, can't wait for a C-News Jam! Looks like it'll be sooner than later! Back to my birthday BC Vaporizor! Peace! NM [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on July 19, 2002 at 15:54:09 PT idbsne1 You noticed between the terrible news about the child's murder and the stock market crash comes the marijuana segment and it was like putting a very bright story between two dark stories. It made it really, really shine! [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by idbsne1 on July 19, 2002 at 15:41:09 PT I'm smiling... that way right now, FoM... I totally know what you mean!!!.....I feel GREAT!!!!!!!!!Yay California!!!!!!! Go Nevada!!!!!!!!!!Britain!!!!!!!!! Hopefully Canada!!!!!!!!!!!Go PAUL!!!! This will be a good weekend....best wishes to everyone!!!!You know we might be able to have that BBQ/smokeout with all the Cnews family....It'd be even better if we converted to Rastafarian and went to the Federal Building on Wilshire and lit up right in the Marines' faces.. (no disrespect to our armed services) wouldn't that be just FUN!!!!!idbsne1 [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on July 19, 2002 at 14:05:55 PT JSM I just sent Nicholas a quick email and told him what I thought of the show. Robert Maginnis even smiled a little at the end. You know how a person can smile when they know the fight is almost over? That's what I saw. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by JSM on July 19, 2002 at 13:53:18 PT To: FOM I too saw this segment. McGinnis looked heartless and even Buchanan seemed sympathetic for medicinal use. Great ruling by the California courts - it is making a very strong impression nationwide. Go California and go Neveda!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by VitaminT on July 19, 2002 at 13:15:50 PT Here's a snail mail protest I will be sending Southwest Airlines Customer Relations P.O. Box 36647 - 1CR Dallas, Texas 75235-1647RE: Employee Denise Kemal fired for telling the truth! I've recently learned that your Airline has chosen to terminate the employment of Denise Kemal for having acknowledged her use of Marijuana. Her acknowledgement, was part of sworn testimony in a court in San Diego, CA. I commend Ms. Kemal for her honesty even in the face of what I believe are overly harsh and unjust laws against peaceful, productive citizens. In my opinion, these laws and your business practices in support of the War against Marijuana are cynically intended to interfere with the lives of millions of otherwise law abiding citizens and I for one am no longer willing to behave in a business-as-usual manner. I would likely understand your actions had Ms Kemal been found to be providing Marijuana to children other than her own, or perhaps endangering the lives or safety of others by working while actually being impared. To my knowledge this is not the case! To add weight to my protest, I'm now informing you that I will personally deprive your company of the revenue that you would have otherwise have derived from my travel. My plans were as follows: 1) A Christmas trip to San Francisco via Oakland, CA. This was to be a personal vacation to visit a friend, the cost of the same trip last December was about $225.00 round trip from Houston.2) Trips to both Dallas and St Louis for business purposes, I'm not a business owner but I am responsible for booking my own travel and no one cares what airline or even what mode of travel I choose. Together these two trips would probably cost between $300.00 and $400.00 airfare only. I also wish to tell you that since 1988 I have not flown any airline other than Southwest, It will probably cost me a little more to book other accomodations but as a matter of principle it's worth it to me. I know my protest will not ammount to much for such a large corporation as SWA but it's what I know I can do to protest your actions needlessly depriving a trusted employee of her livelyhood.There has been noise on the internet calling for a general boycott of SWA, I choose to do only what I have stated in this letter but please be aware that I will be following this story and will evaluate my options as time goes on. If I feel the need to extend my action I will certainly do so. I will also, in good conscience, inform others of my decision that they may choose to express their feelings directly to you on this issue.Sincerely, [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 19, 2002 at 13:02:13 PT Paul I wanted to say good luck to you! [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on July 19, 2002 at 12:52:03 PT It Was Awesome! The program was great!All I can say right now is oh my oh my and thank you God! [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on July 19, 2002 at 12:37:08 PT Heads Up! Heads Up This is late because I had my computer off because of a bad storm. I don't know if it will air or not but here is the alert!MEDIA ADVISORY JULY 19, 2002FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEKEITH STROUP VS. BOB MAGINNIS: LIVE TODAY ON MSNBCNORML Executive Director Keith Stroup will debate Family Research Council's Robert Maginnis regarding the California State Supreme Court ruling on medicinal marijuana on MSNBC's "Buchanan and Press" today, July 19th 3:30 PM/EST. The program airs from 2:00-4:00 PM/EST.Check your local listings or: http://www.msnbc.com/news/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by p4me on July 19, 2002 at 11:30:21 PT It is time to email pot-tv again “I know I'm doing the right thing,” Peterson said.I am with you on that statement, Brother Paul.Medical use advocates also face the criticism that they are using the issue as a wedge to allow recreational pot use. This crap really gets me. The argument must be that we have to stop medical marijuana because it will hasten the legalization of marijuana that is going to happen. Anyone with any sense should see that marijuana is going to be legalized in this country at some time or relegalized if you prefer.So we should punish people that really need medicine for chronic conditions so that we may have our absurd laws stand longer to the benefit of the Fascist Conglomerates of America? I think not. What Congress and Dim Son are doing is killing people. Murder is my word. How long will the educated put up with rule by the corrupt with the support of the ignorant? It is a house of cards that will fall when the courts have to agree that marijuana is by no means a Schedule 1 Narcotic. The Schedule One Lie has got to be killed and then the house of cards will fall. I just cannot imagine why the pole that holds the whole circus tent up has not been removed by court action.Anyway, congratulations Paul in getting published. Now, please explain to me when someone is charged with having a Schedule One Narcotic, they cannot say "Well, while I am here in court, let's talk about the Schedule One Lie."1,2 [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by The GCW on July 19, 2002 at 10:22:43 PT Alright Paul. Keep up the hard work. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment