cannabisnews.com: A Win for Medical Marijuana A Win for Medical Marijuana Posted by CN Staff on October 30, 2002 at 18:58:07 PT Editorial Opinion Source: New York Times A federal appeals court in California this week struck an important blow for medical marijuana, and for the First Amendment. It held that the government cannot revoke the licenses of doctors who recommend marijuana to their patients. The federal government should now abandon its misguided policy of targeting doctors and sick people to fight marijuana use.The ruling gives new life to the medical marijuana initiative, also known as Proposition 215, which California voters passed in 1996. The law permits seriously ill people to use marijuana on the advice of their physicians, and it says that doctors may not be punished for recommending marijuana to their patients. Shortly after it became law, the federal government announced it would use its authority under the Controlled Substances Act to revoke the prescription licenses of doctors who recommended marijuana to a patient.The appeals court rightly held that the policy strikes at "core First Amendment interests of doctors and patients," by interfering with doctors' ability to give honest and candid medical advice. If the government wants to go after those who buy and sell marijuana, it should go after them directly and not suppress protected speech as a back-door means of enforcing drug laws.The decision, in addition to vindicating the speech rights of doctors and patients, should prompt federal and state governments to reconsider their policies on medical marijuana. The war on drugs surely has better targets than cancer patients and terminally ill people who use marijuana, on the advice of doctors, to reduce their pain.Source: New York Times (NY)Published: October 31, 2002Copyright: 2002 The New York Times Company Contact: letters nytimes.com Website: http://www.nytimes.com/ Related Articles & Web Site:Conant vs. Walters in PDF http://freedomtoexhale.com/conant.pdfMedical Marijuana Wins a Court Victory http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14594.shtmlCourt Protects Doctors' Pot Discussions http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14592.shtmlCourt Protects Doctors Who Recommend Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14591.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #18 posted by DANA on October 31, 2002 at 20:15:47 PT ...Why is CNews so popular?... ......I have no objections to whatever the adjustments of the guidelines are...BUT,,I have some theories as to why this site has so many visitors.....I think it has alot to do with some of the heated debates,and contraversial events that have sprung up here.......It is indeed,quite a delicate matter for those who would be in charge of monitoring the appropriateness of posts here...It seems to me that there could be a risk of diminishing the rich diversity of those who comment here.....The things that could be construed as "relevant",or "on/off topic",are vulnerable to many interpretations.......For instance,,take song lyrics,and the posts concerning music....In a way,anything to do with rock and roll,is relevant to drugs,or Marijuana,,,but on the other hand,such things may be considered to be too far 'outside',the boundaries of the discussions.....I am confident that this whole guidelines advisory thing is well intentioned,,but none the less,,it is somewhat spooky...Any time people see restrictive modifications,,it will either cause them to attempt to challenge the 'rules',, or it will cause them to be more hesitant in speaking out.(?)...concerning financial concerns........."Cannabis News is the most popular cannabis specific news clipping site on the web, bar none. It is also a HUGE site,and thus more costly than many to support. I have not asked FoM if we could put the Donations Thermometer graphic on the Cannabis News homepage, but perhaps I should. Would you all who use this service object?"..Here's my two cents,,,I would have no real big objections to unobtrusive "thermometers",or whatever things that are necessary to further our cause,,,BUT,,I think that such additions should be added in a careful manner... ..In my old stubborn opinion,,"in your face",donation banners,or graphics,,would tend to degrade the down home ,simple,, uncomplicated nature of this site.....Jamming visitors for donations should be done in a most prudent,and minimal way. "Bottom Line: It is not the intent of the guidelines to change the character of Cannabis News in any substantial way."..I am confident,that there are only good intentions at work here,and I salute you Richard,and all the people who work to make all the things happen...I'd send money if I had it,but times are tough.......However,,,I would be glad to volunteer to assist in any way I could........I would love to be on the 'Comments and Postings Review Board.",,but there could be some conflict of interests,if I had to review one of my own 'off topic-ish' ramblings....hope all this helps......I went way beyond my "two cents" worth.....I think that the slogan should be changed to "Two Bucks Worth"..JAH Shine On You!....Keep on Keepin' On..............................Respectfully.......d [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by FoM on October 31, 2002 at 18:10:57 PT Thanks Richard I'm making a page of my own from your links but giving credit to Debra and DPC for a job well done! Thanks!http://www.drugpolicycentral.com/hosting/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by Richard Lake on October 31, 2002 at 17:44:40 PT: Note West coast medical cannabis activists and lawyers for patients are recommending that patients and concerned folks put the appeals court document in the hands of doctors and their organizations. The concurrence by Judge Kozinski is filled with examples of why doctors should be able to recommend cannabis when appropriate, links to websites, and quotes from doctors and patients.The opinion is now a webpage at http://www.mapinc.org/conantvswalters.htm Just Judge Kozinski's concurring opinion is at http://www.mapinc.org/kozinski.htm and the entire document as a high quality printable .pdf file (34 pages, 78k) - an exact copy of the document provided by the court - is at http://www.mapinc.org/conantvwalters.pdfThanks to Debra Harper of the Drug Policy Central Web Design, Hosting and Internet Services team http://www.drugpolicycentral.com/hosting/ for creating the pages. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on October 31, 2002 at 15:11:59 PT Thank You Dr. Russo and Richard When I started doing Cannabis News I wanted it to be a web site where people would appreciate news about Cannabis to read and learn and hopefully help bring change but not be a place where people nit pick at one another. I get depressed when that happens. When I'm depressed it's hard for me to keep my news focus. I consider Cannabis News in many ways like my home. If anyone came to my home I would expect they would treat me, my husband and home with respect. That's all I want. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by Ethan Russo MD on October 31, 2002 at 14:57:25 PT: Right On! I vote yes to all. We can do this right, and still really enjoy it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by Richard Lake on October 31, 2002 at 14:53:30 PT: About the guidelines, etc. Friends,The guidelines were developed thru discussion between FoM and myself, and are based on wording used by the list managers of many of the DrugSense email lists.FoM believed there was a need for clearer guidelines than just the note at the bottom of the page. We will link the guidelines in to the homepage when Matt Elrod has a chance (he is the only guy around who understands the code that keeps this whole thing running).The need for FoM to delete more off topic posts led to the guidelines. She spends her days keeping this thing going, getting to know you all personally, and selecting the stories she believes you will most want to read and comment on. Please give her a break, 'cause she makes it happen.The guidelines reflect what has always been the goal of Cannabis News. They are not designed to say that it would be inappropriate to say something about Bill Maher and something he is doing, for example. The guy is on our side!On the other hand, posting links to sites that clearly promote drug use could, in the end, bring this whole effort down. Folks who donate to support the costs seldom approve of promoting drug use, but they do support changing policies or laws. So if you wish this site to go away, well....Friends, the concern for the funding to support this and some 80 other websites hosted by DrugSense is real. Because, I suspect, of the drive to support initiatives like in Nevada, and other funding requests, the sustaining donations from folks like you are down this year substantially from the amounts received last year.We must raise at least $30,000 to keep everything running until major funding grants come in towards the end of the first quarter of next year. We have put a graphic showing the progress towards that goal at http://www.drugsense.org/As you can see, we have past the $5,000 mark in just a couple of weeks, but we still have a good way to go.Cannabis News is the most popular cannabis specific news clipping site on the web, bar none. It is also a HUGE site, and thus more costly than many to support.I have not asked FoM if we could put the Donations Thermometer graphic on the Cannabis News homepage, but perhaps I should. Would you all who use this service object?Bottom Line: It is not the intent of the guidelines to change the character of Cannabis News in any substantial way.Richard Please help keep CNEWS going! Donate! [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on October 31, 2002 at 13:12:03 PT Current Time Poll Results - Now Over 90,000 Votes Should Marijuana Be Legalized?Yes -- 85.6%Yes, but only medically -- 3.2%No -- 11.3%Total Votes So Far -- 90,566Please Vote: http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101021104/ What's New in Drug Policy Reform [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Morgan on October 31, 2002 at 08:08:33 PT Six degrees of seperation I understand why we need these guidelines, as without them, this page could easily spin out of control.But, I think it will be difficult to discern what is "off topic" when it comes to the issue of Cannabis. I feel for the moderators in having to make these decisions. It'll be like having to herd cats. The government knows all too well how difficult it is to control independant thinkers, especially those fueled by ganja.I see it as the very center of this spiderweb we call reality. Politics, war or peace, medicine, agriculture, entertainment, fuel, fabric, education, law, ... is there a subject that cannabis does not enter into?Maybe we should start a game of "six degrees of seperation". Instead of using Kevin Bacon, we can use Cannabis. I think that most of the time, it will take less than six degrees to find a connection. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by DANA on October 31, 2002 at 07:53:12 PT ..Change could be good....(?).. .Dankhank.....all we can do is hope for the best.......you have been here a long time..probably longer than me. Changes will happen.......We know who we are,and what we are doing...People will always disagree....I've even disagreed with Kaptinemo........Kap and Observer both got in my face the first times I posted here,under previous nom de plumes.,,,and I'm quite sure you have been shocked and disturbed by some of the loudmouth reckless cyber-mayhem that the 4d family was involved with.You said; ..."I believe that this site WILL change, and only time will tell if I'm correct.".....nope,,you dont need time to tell if you are correct...This site will change,,but I'm confident it will remain bearable.....The bigger worry,(to me),is the coming changes in INTERNET ACCESS...I will never stop finding a way to say what I wanna say here,,,but the times are coming when the entire internet will be influenced,and controlled by those entities who own the access!I agree,,things will change,but we need to hope for the best...I'm quite sure that a whole lot of people visit this site because of the way it is....This site is a special place,,and it will remain special,,or I will retire with 4q,at FoMs' Retirement Home for Old Hippies!.....P.S.....I really hated saying that ;;;".all we can do is hope for the best,," ..;"but we need to hope for the best...", . ....sickeningly wussy,,,and untrue....expect the worst!...It will happen,,and it will be no suprise...and then,,if the worst doesnt happen,and you were wrong,,it's easy to admit you were wrong,,because everyone will be excited about how good things are..(?)....I like you Dankhank....you are somewhat bitter and realistic...these are traits that I admire and respect!..........d [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by Morgan on October 31, 2002 at 07:35:48 PT New York Times? I smell something too. A change in the wind due to public pressure and the belated acknowledgement of the inevitable future. They're slowly retreating (only to the line of medical marijuana though...right now), with the hope that when prohibition is finally repealed, the public's short term memory will excuse them from being the leading proponents of this giant scam, and they'll retain their power. Classic politics.I...for one...will not forget. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by lag on October 31, 2002 at 07:04:21 PT Am I reading correctly? Sure, I am just a common lurker, but if "off-topic" discussions and asides and what not are really going to suffer close scrutiny...like that comment about Bill Maher...this site is definitely going to change for the worse. But, maybe that is what is best for the site...I know that it will make it less enjoyable to visit. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Dankhank on October 31, 2002 at 05:21:04 PT: Difficult??? DANA wrote:..Anyway,,,I urge,whoever it is who will have the difficult job of being in charge of monitoring,and assessing the posts here,,to keep in mind that even though this site is about Cannabis,and drug policy issues,,I think that there should remain a wide margin of freedom to wander briefly into other topics..........dHey DANA, In practice it is never difficult for self-appointed monitors to make decisions ... it's inherent in the desire to HAVE a monitor. I believe that this site WILL change, and only time will tell if I'm correct. Hemp N Stuff [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by DANA on October 31, 2002 at 00:23:46 PT ..Posting Guidelines.. ...Why not post the new "guidelines",at the bottom of the page where the red;;"So everyone may enjoy this service and to keep it running, here are some guidelines:....",thing is?..I assume there are some new influences involved with the management of CNews,and I think that is good....BUT,,, ....Even though I can understand the new,enhanced "guidelines",,and the reasons for imposing them,,,I think it will be a sad day when occassional off-topic posts are subject to deletion..........Alot of the good things that have happened here over the years,are related to the esoteric,and freelance flavors of those who contribute...There have been many times,when abrasive,offbeat,contraversial postings have sparked wonderful and robust discussions.....And I can remember alot of times,when off topic,offbeat posts have led to positive things.,(to be fair,negative too sometimes)...Anyway,,,I urge,whoever it is who will have the difficult job of being in charge of monitoring,and assessing the posts here,,to keep in mind that even though this site is about Cannabis,and drug policy issues,,I think that there should remain a wide margin of freedom to wander briefly into other topics..........d [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by DdC on October 30, 2002 at 23:37:12 PT Legalise Posters http://www.subvertise.org/theme.php?theme=LEGALIZEMay Day is Jay Day http://www.subvertise.org/img_med/286.jpg Subvertise [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by Richard Lake on October 30, 2002 at 21:26:05 PT: CANNABISNEWS POSTING GUIDELINES CANNABISNEWS POSTING GUIDELINES:Please stay on topic. Drug policy issues only with an emphasis on cannabis issues.Always ask yourself if it will benefit the discussion before posting a message.No links to websites or pages which are offensive or advocate drug use rather than drug policy reform.No personal attacks or put-downs. If you must correct the rule should be criticize in private praise in public.No ad hominem or personal attacks on drug policy reform individuals or organizations.We expect vigerous but civil discussion of the issues raised by the news items posted here. But we also expect the discussion to be respectful of a wide range of opinions.No soliciting of funds or advertising without the permission.Do not post a private message from someone else to cannabisnews without their express knowledge and approval.The consequences for violating these guidelines may range from a simple reminder or deletion of your post, to blocking your access to this website. FoM and DrugSense managers will make final decisions. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on October 30, 2002 at 21:05:12 PT The C-I-R-C-L-E Could be both! Bill Maher is coming on on The Tonight Show. I miss seeing him and he will be doing a little stand up. Thought I'd mention it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by The C-I-R-C-L-E on October 30, 2002 at 21:02:14 PT I smell something... Is that change in the wind?(Or did someone open a jar of fine cannabis...) [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 30, 2002 at 20:54:59 PT Current Time Poll Results - Over 80,000 Votes! Should Marijuana Be Legalized? Yes -- 84.7% Yes, but only medically -- 3.1% No -- 12.2%Total Votes So Far -- 80,956Please Vote: http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101021104/ What's New [ Post Comment ] Post Comment