cannabisnews.com: Ottawa Can't Ban Good Medicine





Ottawa Can't Ban Good Medicine
Posted by CN Staff on August 14, 2002 at 09:52:47 PT
By Jonathan Kay, National Post 
Source: National Post 
In an inconspicuous Toronto storefront shoehorned into a row of grubby take-out restaurants, a group of activists, AIDS victims and chemo cases are methodically sapping Ottawa's will to enforce its idiotic marijuana laws. It's one thing to put people in jail for smoking a substance less dangerous than alcohol or tobacco. It's another to imprison them for buying medicine.About half of Canadians support legalizing marijuana. But that option is too radical for the feds' taste. 
So last month, Justice Minister Martin Cauchon floated a halfway-house measure known as "decriminalization": Get caught with pot for personal consumption and you'd merely pay a fine. But Cauchon is way behind the curve. The real movers are people like Neev (first names only, for obvious reasons), founder of Toronto's Cannabis As Living Medicine, known to its members as CALM.The idea of "medicinal marijuana" was once seen as a scam made up by potheads. But that's changed in recent years, as blue-ribbon studies have found that marijuana provides effective relief from a range of serious conditions -- especially the severe nausea and appetite loss associated with chemotherapy and AIDS wasting syndrome. A watershed came three years ago, when Richard Brookhiser, Senior Editor of the ultra-conservative National Review, wrote in The New York Times that he used pot to battle testicular cancer.At CALM, you can meet people suffering from every ailment under the sun. Last Sunday, I talked with Dan, who has Crohn's disease in his duodenum. After he eats, a wave of acid sometimes washes over the damaged organ, and the pain is intense. Marijuana, the mild-mannered 20-something tells me, has been his miracle drug. With a joint at the ready, he can even brave the odd slice of pizza.Then there's Kathy, who came all the way from her home in Kitchener, Ont., to buy a few grams of "California Orange." Several years ago, Kathy had her large bowel removed. To get through the agony that accompanies digestion, she started pumping about 10 vials of doctor-prescribed morphine into her veins every day. But when she's got good weed, she can get by on a fifth of that. "It's changed my life," she told me. "I can wake up, smoke half a joint, have some toast and start the day without my head in the toilet."Like several hundred other sick Canadians, Kathy's been awarded the legal right to smoke marijuana by federal health officials. But she's caught in a Catch-22: There is still no legal pot source in Canada -- which means, despite her right to possess and consume, she still breaks the law every time she buys it. So does CALM by selling it to her.Snipped: Complete Article: http://www.nationalpost.com/search/site/story.asp?id=A3A9CE0A-8A6B-41D6-88AD-3D3CE3A47EEBNewshawk: François C.Source: National Post (Canada)Author: Jonathan Kay, National Post Published: Wednesday, August 14, 2002Copyright: 2002 Southam Inc.Contact: letters nationalpost.comWebsite: http://www.nationalpost.com/Related Articles & Web Site:CALMhttp://www.cannabisclub.ca/ `Medicine' Seized in Bust of Pot Club http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13744.shtml Justice Minister Nixes Legalizing Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13735.shtmlCanada: There's a Funny Smell in the Airhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13490.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #44 posted by BGreen on August 14, 2002 at 23:07:27 PT
If YOU were shocked, FoM
I don't know whether my sensitive soul can take it.DISCLAIMER: The preceding statement was presented as a joke, solely for entertainment purposes. Any resemblance to an actual person or persons was unintentional, and no offense was meant to anyone. No animals were harmed during the creation or the presentation of this comedic work.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #43 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 22:57:43 PT
Wait til you check out the articles on Colombia 
I just posted two articles and the one from the Washington Post shocked me.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #42 posted by Industrial Strength on August 14, 2002 at 22:55:50 PT
just like
in the movie blow.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #41 posted by BGreen on August 14, 2002 at 22:53:32 PT
Prisons ARE Schools, Industrial Strength
Non-violent cannabis users are sent there to be hazed and initiated almost daily, and taught to be criminals by the best in the business.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #40 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 22:38:33 PT
Article about Prisons in America
This is from the Economist U.K.America may want to rethink a system that creates so many hardened criminals.A Stigma That Never Fades
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread13748.shtml
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #39 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 22:10:48 PT
My 2 Cents
I can't believe I talked this much today but I want to say one more thing about how I feel about prisons, crime and punishment. When I was in my 20s we had this huge mental health hospital near by. One day it closed. I wondered why and what did they do with all the patients? Most prisons have people who really shouln't be there but should be in a mental hospital getting help but prison is the only place to put them. Prisons now house the mentally ill along with hardened criminals. We don't care for the mentally ill we lock them up. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #38 posted by Industrial Strength on August 14, 2002 at 21:40:58 PT
I think
The best thing the government could do is turn prison into school. If you go to prison, being educated is mandatory. It also doesn't make sense to make jobs unobtainable with a criminal record. If they educated kids better in the first place, there wouldn't be so many people in prison.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #37 posted by canaman on August 14, 2002 at 21:36:03 PT
the problem I see with 3 strikes
is using simple sound bite answers for complex actions. It's easy for politicians to be tough on crime. Doesn't sound as good to be fair on crime.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #36 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 21:32:13 PT
Industrial Strength
I agree. That's why time should go by after a tragedy so that important things like you just said don't get left out in a flurry of emotion.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #35 posted by Industrial Strength on August 14, 2002 at 21:27:08 PT
three strikes
I think the three strikes laws are a good idea if only certain things wern't crimes. If you eliminate selling drugs as a crime, I have no problem with giving real criminals only so many chances. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #34 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 21:22:03 PT
Industrial Strength
That's the real issue. That's the problem. When it hits home we can lose our perspective. Many laws have been made based on events that caused someone emotional pain like MADD. The 3 strike laws were to get dangerous people off the street but put small time criminals away for life instead in many instances. I firmly believe laws should not be made during a certain good length of time after something horrendous happens and perspective returns. Laws shouldn't be made during a person grieving time. That's just my opinion though.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #33 posted by Industrial Strength on August 14, 2002 at 21:14:33 PT
it's a really tricky issue
Like Prime said, if it was someone in your family...You would want to enact the swiftist, most primal, barbaric justice imaginable, but when you look at it from a detached point of view, isn't prison enough? Who's to say...Everyone has a family though. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #32 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 21:08:09 PT
Prime 
I understand. We form our opinions based on where we are coming from at that particular time. I'm not an activist against the death penalty but I don't think it will help by killing another person. Life in prison can be a fate worse then death and if punishment is what is wanted life in prison will accomplish that.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #31 posted by Prime on August 14, 2002 at 21:02:27 PT
Off Topic... FOM...
I changed my opinion about the death penalty for a slightly different reason.I guess I feel that we as society should set an example, not react with more violence. I punch you, you punch me etc. Killing killers doesnt solve anything, and only makes us look barbaric. Now I will say that if the circumstances were personal, i.e., a family member of mine is murdered, I withhold the right to change my opinion again 8^). I also dont think the penalty for killing a cop should be any different than killing anyone else.Man I must be getting old. Or maybe its like Mr Walters says, I'm a sick marijuana addict in some bizzare spacial vector perpetuating social deviance through my inherent desire to hear the truth. No, I'm not stoned...  yet.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #30 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 20:08:10 PT
Thanks p4me
That's the article I was looking for just the other day. I know your right. I've been waiting for them to honor it too!I couldn't remember the title but it is in the CC article so I typed it in the search tool and finally found it.Law Against Marijuana Struck Down in Ontario
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread6581.shtml
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #29 posted by p4me on August 14, 2002 at 19:59:15 PT
I don't know how to tell you this...
....but, just because I could not see Walters lips moving on the NPR broadcast, does not mean he was not lying. Here let me tell you about our Household Survey where we send government goons out to people's houses and ask them if they use drugs. I never once heard Walter's mention the word freedom. The hell with Walter's. Why doesn't he come to any town hall in America and let real people have at him for a couple of hours? Why- because he doesn't want to be called a murderer, a traitor, or a liar, or a caveman?"Tell us about the Sheay Report under Nixon?" they might ask. It seems the prevailing attitude is that the Ontario Supreme Court gave the Canadian one year to make a workable system for cannabis as a result of the Terry Parker case. Which is exactly right, but come the July 31st that was here a couple of weeks ago would have been two years. Here is a link to the article that appeared at CannabisCulture on 8/01/00 telling of the case: http://www.cannabisculture.com/cgi/article.cgi?num=1635So, we are at two years and two weeks and the courts have let the first deadline wither on the vine as the people watch and wonder what is really going on.1,2 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #28 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 18:47:36 PT
Off Topic Back at Ya, Prime 
I've been for the death penalty and against it at different times in my life and at this point I feel that life without parole is a sufficent punishment for murder. The reason why is there is always some doubt in most murder cases and mistakes have been made. I don't want to think that our system kills anyone that is innocent and since that is almost impossible to be sure in many cases life without parole is what I believe is the right thing to do. That way society is protected and we don't have innocent blood on our hands. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #27 posted by Prime on August 14, 2002 at 18:30:58 PT
Softball Interview...
Only 3 callers, and 2 were strict prohibitionists.Walters was spewing so many lies, so fast, I couldn't keep up. I'm sure his "Addiction Studies" are accurate, just like every other piece of disinformation that has been disseminated by the US gov about the WOD over the last few years.Off Topic...I used to be pro death penalty. Not anymore. Texas murdered another one today. The guy was 19 when he shot an undercover cop during a drug deal gone bad in Dallas.He had no idea the guy was a cop. The war on drugs claims another victim.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #26 posted by Sam Adams on August 14, 2002 at 18:16:39 PT
Walters
I think I prefer McAffrey - Walters is a boring liar, almost Clinton-esque in the way he just drones on and on until you can't even remember what point he was making.In my state, the percentage of people seeking drug treatment that claimed MJ as the primary drug was 4% (in each of the last 2 years). I read that on the FBI website!!!One bummer about the drug war is how it really accentuates the complete lack of any principle in today's leaders. All that nonsense about being honest and doing the right thing has been completely swept off the table in favor of greed, lying, hypocrisy, and did I say greed?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #25 posted by mayan on August 14, 2002 at 18:05:57 PT
Jack Herer...
Herer will be speaking at the upcoming Seattle Hempfest, so he is obviously doing better.unrelated - Donahue BREAKS 9-11 CONSPIRACY STORY!!! Please send this on & act now!
http://www.rumormillnews.net/cgi-bin/config.pl?read=22083My Country Right Or Wrong - Questioning September 11th - Part IV:
http://www.mycountryrightorwrong.net/mcrow4.htmThe End of the Bush Cabal? More Consolidation of Money and Power:
http://almartinraw.com/column67.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #24 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 17:47:09 PT
Toker00
I don't think Jack's health would be up to it. He had a stroke and I'm not sure how his health is but it probably would be hard for him. He has a lot to say though.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #23 posted by Toker00 on August 14, 2002 at 17:39:42 PT
I know someone they need to have a debate with.
Jack Herrer. Now THAT'S the man we need to get on the soap box. I haven't checked his site, lately. How is his health, these days, if anyone knows?Peace. Realize, then Legalize.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #22 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 17:09:25 PT
canaman
We need more debates. John Walters opposite Governor Johnson would be good. Steve Kubby up against about anyone would do fine too.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #21 posted by canaman on August 14, 2002 at 16:49:25 PT
FoM I'm disappointed with NPR too...
They gave Walters a place where he could spew his propaganda with nobody there to question his 'facts'    Yeh it would be nice if he would debate the people he writes off so casually. Like Gary Johnson or Steve Kubby ect. But the czar doesn't debate he issues proclamations Hopefully NPR will do better in the future?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #20 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 16:21:44 PT
schmeff 
That's what it was lip service.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #19 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 16:19:12 PT
canaman
I don't know why this program didn't settle right but it didn't. It hit on important issues but it said things that I don't believe are true. How can we find out why people are in treatment for marijuana. Why would a person need treatment? Even Governor Johnson said marijuana users don't need treatment. I would think we should be able to find out why people go to treatment don't you?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by schmeff on August 14, 2002 at 16:16:37 PT
Walter's vs Democracy
You're right FoM, Walters did pay some lip service to the idea that if enough people decide we need to change MJ laws, we will probably have to change them. :(I get the feeling he knows that it won't happen soon enough to put his job in jeopardy.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 15:42:04 PT
schmeff 
I never heard so much double talk in a long time if ever. It was like the program was trying to be fair but it didn't have a good positive explanation of why jailing marijuana people is wrong. Jail, forfeiture, and treatment. People that get treatment for marijuana must be coerced by getting busted.PS: Didn't I hear Walters say that we are a democracy or something like that and we would listen if the polls were in our favor but he said they weren't but they are.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by canaman on August 14, 2002 at 15:41:42 PT
The Czar speaks with forked tongue
He's not against 'democracy' he wants to help the 'children'. Here...look at my left hand while I pick your pocket with my right. He's a con artist. He would never get away with it in a real debate.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by schmeff on August 14, 2002 at 15:32:40 PT
Walter's parting words
And I'm paraphrasing:Normal people who use drugs and don't get addicted (in other words, 'responsible users') are the vector by which the disease of addiction is spread. You can't contain the disease without targeting the vector.This guy is brilliant, and has led me to a new epiphony!!!The cure for cancer...and you saw it first on CNews:If we eliminate what cancer infects/infests, there will be no cancer.Doo your dooty, eliminate yourself - save Mr. Walters the trouble.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 15:20:31 PT
What a Difference
I listened to a program that was from Canada a while ago and it was great but this was way different. Walters said that if the people supported change in the laws it would be considered but the majority don't. I haven't seen a poll that the statistic have been against reforming marijuana laws. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 14:42:25 PT
This is My States Laws on Marijuana
You all might want to check your laws for your state too.http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4557
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 14:27:10 PT
It's On Now! Thanks!
http://www.npr.org/totn3.smil
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by goneposthole on August 14, 2002 at 13:44:38 PT
TCC
site URL:
http://www.torontocompassioncentre.org/index2.htm
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 13:34:32 PT
About Message Forum
WebX doesn't work so I put it on my page. At least you can get into the board from here this way if you want.Thanks CorvallisEric!http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/npr.htm
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by CorvallisEric on August 14, 2002 at 13:25:29 PT
No, try this
http://www.npr.org/programs/totn/
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 13:14:57 PT
Is This It?
http://www.npr.org/totn3.smil
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by CorvallisEric on August 14, 2002 at 12:55:15 PT
NPR discussion board - comment 4
To get to the page, copy (ctrl C) the full link (starts with "http" and ends with "14b2") and enter it (ctrl V) in the place where you enter URL's in the browser.
Or maybe there's a way for someone to enter the whole link here, I don't know how.
The show is the 1st hour of the 2-hour "Talk of the Nation" with Neil Conan, which was on from 11am to noon pacific. To hear it, use the link in comment 6 and select "Talk of the Nation" - will be up today after 6pm eastern as FoM said.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by kaptinemo on August 14, 2002 at 12:41:37 PT:
FoM, go here
http://www.npr.org/audiohelp/progstream.html for the choce of stream methods
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by FoM on August 14, 2002 at 12:13:26 PT
Cannabis Crusader 
I can't figure out how to get the audio program. Usually a program says click here for audio but it says the show will be able to be heard after 6 pm et tonight. You can tell audio and video are new to me.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by Cannabis Crusader on August 14, 2002 at 11:44:08 PT
also
Discussion board on NPR about marijuana laws... http://yourturn.npr.org/cgi-bin/WebX?50 165.BGhladdta7s.1 .1dd014b2
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by Dark Star on August 14, 2002 at 11:38:14 PT
A Challenge
Dark Star is worked up enough now to start throwing light plumes out of the insurmountable gravity.The DEA must be behind this bust of the compassion club in Toronto, as I can't believe that Canadian authorities would be so misguided to initiate this considering how things are going up there.I know an investigational journalist who will pursue the story if we can find additional evidence (beyond the cocaine case that was thrown out of court in Canada due to the DEA breaking Canadian law). So, here's your chance, amateur gumshoes! What can we dredge up to break the case?
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by Cannabis Crusader on August 14, 2002 at 11:35:56 PT
NPR
NPR is running a segment on marijuana laws. Just thought everyone might want know.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by Naaps on August 14, 2002 at 11:16:02 PT
A Timely and Good Article
I especially enjoy the barbs “…sapping Ottawa’s will to enforce its idiotic marijuana laws…” or from snipped portion, “it’s only a matter of time before Canada’s dumbest law is history.”This certainly is a timely article, Jonathan Kay reports that at CALM, sick people are getting good medicine, and he is struck by “the total absence of any of the pathologies we’re taught to associate with drug use.” Probably, after Mr. Kay made his visit, and was writing the story, the police were planning and then raided the club.Is this Martin Cauchon’s vision? Busting compassion clubs because ”endorsing marijuana use might inflict harm on society and lead to greater problems." Mr. Justice Minister, you can make positive changes, or allow the continued persecution under your ‘brave’ decriminalization move. Canada needs to legalize the cultivation and distribution of cannabis, inadequate half measures, pandering to police agencies and the freaks of the people control industry doesn’t cut it.  
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment