cannabisnews.com: Medical Marijuana: Is Nation Going To Pot? Medical Marijuana: Is Nation Going To Pot? Posted by CN Staff on October 19, 2003 at 08:47:50 PT Editorial Source: Republican The Bush administration's efforts to ban the medical use of marijuana may have just gone up in smoke. The Supreme Court last week let stand a ruling that bars the federal government from punishing doctors who recommend it to their patients. This should clear the path for Congress to reclassify marijuana, allowing for its use when prescribed by a doctor. Doctors should decide whether pot is good or bad for a patient, not the Bush administration's lead man in the war against drugs, who wouldn't know an ulcer from heartburn. President Bush's drug czar, John P. Walters, who believes medical marijuana will turn the U.S. into a nation of potheads, rails against doctors who prescribe pot as passionately as he does against drug lords who grow coca in the jungles of Colombia. The hospital room of a cancer patient should not be made a battlefield in this nation's unsuccessful war on drugs, nor should the doctor who treats the patient be treated as an enemy soldier. The refusal of the justices to even hear the federal government's challenge should send a signal to anyone who thinks that marijuana invariably leads to abuse of more dangerous drugs. There is no evidence of that. Studies by the federal Institute of Medicine, the American Medical Association and the New England Journal of Medicine recognize the benefits of marijuana when prescribed by a doctor to relieve pain and nausea. We hope this opens the door to the doctor's office for tens of thousands of ill people who might benefit. Federal law categorizes marijuana as a "schedule 1" drug under the Controlled Substances Act, but it is clearly time that Congress amended the legislation. Lawmakers are sensitive to the political ramifications of such a change, but we doubt a majority actually believes that medical marijuana undermines the nation's war on drugs. It is worth repeating that the United States has the best hospitals, the finest doctors and the most modern medicines in the world, but its views on marijuana are primitive. The sky will not fall, nor will the nation go to pot if doctors are able to give ill patients some relief from the symptoms of their diseases or treatments. Source: Republican, The (MA)Published: October 19, 2003Copyright: 2003 The RepublicanContact: letters repub.comWebsite: http://www.masslive.com/republican/Related Articles & Web Site:Walters vs. Conant No. 03-40 - PDFhttp://freedomtoexhale.com/walters.pdfRuling Doesn't Protect Medical Marijuana Sellershttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17611.shtmlU.S. Stonehearted on Medical Pot http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17603.shtmlCourt Hands Victory To Backers of Medical Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17579.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #22 posted by ekim on October 19, 2003 at 22:20:02 PT this part should be new paragraph Event list for LEAP..Referenced: by the GCW but it would be nice if LEAP was at the TownMeeting with Dennis that would be a Meeting of the minds. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on October 19, 2003 at 22:17:31 PT ekim Kucinich has such a pleasant smile. That tells me a lot about a person. I wish him luck. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by ekim on October 19, 2003 at 22:07:43 PT FoM see Dennis will be at Town Meeting:) A50 thank you for posting and being so polite. would you ck to see if SSDP is close to you, notice the events for LEAP officer and Kucinitch are in NH good start for debate with John Walters, which school will step up. maybe a50 you could have the debate at your school. no GOP member is stepping up to challenge the Pres. only Dennis Kucinitich has said he will change the Fed law against Med Cannabis-----thus the debate with jpee and dennis. a50 the questions you have asked are kicken. and the replies back at you rock. keep going . mikeABOUT SSDP -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- http://www.ssdp.org/ Mission Statement: Students for Sensible Drug Policy is committed to providing education on harms caused by the War on Drugs, working to involve youth in the political process, and promoting an open, honest, and rational discussion of alternative solutions to our nation's drug problems.http://www.kucinich.us/schedule.htmOctober 22 New HampshireOctober 23 FloridaOctober 24 New HampshireOctober 25 New HampshireNovember 4, 20037:00 p.m.Boston, Mass. Rock the Vote Presidential Town Meeting Faneuil Hall Event list for LEAP..Referenced: by the GCW;http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n1472/a09.html Cited: Law Enforcement Against Prohibition http://www.leap.cc/ IN THE BIBLE http://www.leap.cc/events/events.phpOct 19 03 1st Unitarian Church of Albuquerque 09:30 AM Peter Christ Albuquerque New Mexico USA LEAP speaker and retired Police Captain speaks from the pulpit about the failure of drug prohibition. Oct 20 03 History of the Media Class: Media and Reporting on Drug Prohibition--- 07:30 AM Jack Cole Hampton New Hampshire USA Winnacunnet High School, Hampton, New Hampshire [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by gloovins on October 19, 2003 at 21:57:25 PT Alien50 Dont forget to mention all Industial hemp threatens,Big Oil, Phamarmo and the Cigs/Liquor industry.Definitly worth a mention: Hempcar.org [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by Drexl on October 19, 2003 at 16:49:05 PT ASA If you want to talk to an activist. This is the phone #, for Americans for safe access now, www.safeaccessnow.org (1 510 486 8083). You will find front line activists there, ask for Steph or Hillary. Good luck. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by DeVoHawk on October 19, 2003 at 16:33:36 PT: Aliens50 You mentioned Kansas and conservative so Baker University came to mind immediately.Question 14. Marijuana prohibition can not be morality based or we would not lock up people who consume an herb that is good according to God (Genesis 1:12). I never once read Jesus espousing the beauty of caging human beings for thought crimes.Marijuana prohibition is akin to thought crimes. You get high and you have thoughts the Neo-conservatives do not like.Question 12. How would the economy benefit. Marijuana sells for the price of gold yet it goes untaxed. Billions of dollars a year untaxed. We pay for the police, judges, public defendants, prison guards, parole officers, drug testing under the current method. People grow under lights inside wasting electricity. Hemp requires no pesticides so it cuts down on pollution. Hemp could be used for fuel perhaps curtailing wars that are fought over oil. Hemp would spawn new jobs and industry adding to the tax base. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by global_warming on October 19, 2003 at 14:20:35 PT Some More Answers This person making such a solicitation, sounds like a shill, a phed, with such slanted an uninformed questions, one has to see, that the people that have the govn't hijacked are at the ends of their legal ropes,.. So they are slurring for ideas, which they will use to their advantage,..1. How do you view Marijuana’s niche in our culture today?Insignificant, the law enforcement people and the govn't wastes too much of our tax dollars in this ignorant war against its own people..2. What role does Marijuana play in American drug abuse? Less than McDonalds race for the fattiest burger..3. What is the current public opinion about Marijuana’s use? It should be legal, responsible adults should not be harrased or dragged into the legal system, for the choices of stimulants they use.4. Are you aware of Canada’s attempt to research the Cannabis issue through the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs? How valid is their research and do you agree with their recommendations? What criticisms of the report have you heard?I agree 200%, don't fprget the opinion of the Shafer Commision..5. Why should Marijuana legalization be considered? What are the fears surrounding such an initiative.There are little to no fears from the public, ask the liquir industry, the drug industry, the prison industry..6. How successful have past attempts to change the nation’s legislative stance on Marijuana been?Poor, due to the fact that most people are easily decieved into believing that "most people are incapable of making an adult decision", and through this deception, most people think that the violence in this world will be accelarated through drugs and other stimulants, 7. What health risks are associated with Marijuana’s wide range of uses?So far no person has died from smoking the green weed, 8. How can Marijuana be used medicinally and what research is being done to support its use?There is not much research being done, because the govn't will not allow it, they have dismissed every study's results to date, this is a really stupid question, for a person who is asking such a question, and hoping to find genuine amswers,they should have done a "little" research before they ask such a question, 9. Could you comment on the stigmas attached to Marijuana use? Where do these stigmas come from? Why or why aren’t they valid perceptions?One could buy into the black jazz or lazy mexican idea, but more likely, the stigma has been propogated by the government, the right hand of organized criminals..10. What are the valid risks and benefits of the Marijuana industry and culture surrounding it?Life is not guranteed, life is a gift from the myterious universe, every thing, drug, food, carries a risk, some people are allergic to aspirins, peanuts, wheat...the list is very long, yet life goes on, and we can buy peanuts..as for culture..the prison culture should be included in this discussion..11. What problems or solutions would be created through regulated growth, distribution, and taxation of the drug?This question just suggest that the "rich and famous" want to get richer on the backs of people who want to smoke the weed, remember, the weed is a weed, it can be grown almost anywhere..12. How would our economy benefit from regulation of Marijuana?Little to non, see above answer..13. How would the world and foreign governments react to America legalizing Marijuana?They would breath a sigh of relief, finally, the zerp tolerant puritans are coming to their senses..14. Many disapprove of Marijuana use because of moral and religious beliefs. Do you feel that fears based on moral and religious judgment are valid?Not at all, their fears are groundless and they who belive such nonsense should awaken to thier bases of morality,..15. Do you feel that current programs to prevent drug abuse such as D.A.R.E and ONDCP media campaigns are effective? How would you change the programs or would you recommend their cancellation?Your use of these names only further suggests to me that you know more than you suggest, these programs are a waste of taxpayer moneys, these programs are merely the tools that the prohibitionists have fostered to further their agenda, as a Christian, I know many christian folks that go into life, into the most poor areas to bring joy and comfort, not threats and brutish force, but the helping hand of the common folk..the message they bring to our children is one of hope and understanding, the message that dare and the ondcp bring is of violence and incarceration, Remember to VOTE [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by jose melendez on October 19, 2003 at 14:20:26 PT oh by the way Many of the people who post here without using their names are quite credible, eloquent and even outspoken and entertaining. If you're looking for willful ignorance, denial and circular reasoning, interview Joyce Nalepka. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by jose melendez on October 19, 2003 at 14:12:55 PT AFAIK, the most credible is Doc Russo I'll be glad to help you find some of the answers, my habit is to try and make sure I've got verifiable sources. You should know I consider myself more idiot than savant, and I type with three fingers on my right hand and my two left thumbs ;)Of the few who use their real name here, I'd say the most credible and knowledgeable would be Dr. Ethan Russo. He's really busy with things like sublingual whole cannabis extract spray, legally manufactured in the UK by a company called GW Pharmaceuticals. Apparently, Bayer AG has a contract with them or some such.If Dr. Russo has the time, do ask him to explain to you about THC and CBD, there's some very interesting things there that blows out of the water any contention that cannabis has no medical value.You might want also want to contact Mark Emery, Steve and Michelle Kubby, Steve Tuck, Loretta Nall, Richard Lake, Mark Greer . . . ok I guess that's a lot of people already. I'll try and find you some stats that show that anti-drug ads generally are ineffective or actually increase youth use rates, especially of "harder" drugs. Read the link at comment#1 [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on October 19, 2003 at 13:58:51 PT EJ Achieving Potential When I read your comment it made me think of how young folks need to achieve their potential. If we can't take the time to figure out what a childs possible potential is then we will fail them as a society. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on October 19, 2003 at 13:55:18 PT aliens50 I don't have any email contact for CNews. You could use that I am the owner of CNews rather then my name if that will do. My sister asked me once why we weren't having town meetings etc. because she is on an enviormental project for her town and before I could answer her she said I know because of fear of arrest. She said that is so unfair but understands how it has kept us held back for so long. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by E_Johnson on October 19, 2003 at 13:53:25 PT We should teach Good Life Education I think we don't teach kids how to have good lives, we teach them how not to have bad lives, and that misses the point IMHO.So we tell kids not to do drugs. Then they get obese. Or they get eating disorders. Or they hook up with the wrong people.I think it needs to be more positive. I think that if we teach kids how to identify a good life, how to aspire to a good life, how to achieve a good life, then a lot of negative behavior, a lot of different addictions, can be dealt with at once. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by aliens50 on October 19, 2003 at 13:43:47 PT: Great quote I will use that as a quote in my paper because I agree totally. Adolescents and teenagers know the difference between false propoganda and the truth and all that has been taught is a very skewed message. Would it be possible to quote you? I would need your name to do so, and I could quote you as the webmaster and news administrator on cannabisnews.com. Just a thought, if not, that's ok too.Thanks, Eric [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by FoM on October 19, 2003 at 13:31:34 PT aliens50 15. Do you feel that current programs to prevent drug abuse such as D.A.R.E and ONDCP media campaigns are effective? How would you change the programs or would you recommend their cancellation?My answer is I believe in drug education but I believe the answers to drug use questions must always be honest. If honesty isn't in the education program then it will not work. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by aliens50 on October 19, 2003 at 13:01:28 PT: Thanks FoM Thank you FoM, good idea. Now I'm looking for someone who has some credibility on the issue, or even a MJ activist (as I could state it) who wouldn't mind an interview and who has a good information base. Jose, would that be you? Anyone who believes their opinions need to be shared, let me know! You could be in my research paper.Thanks, Eric [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on October 19, 2003 at 12:52:53 PT aliens50 I think Jose's idea sounds good. There are many intelligent people who contribute to CNews and they would do better then me. I try very hard to keep my eyes on what is happening in the news at the current time. I try hard not to put them together. I feel I can stay fair if I keep that way of thinking. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by aliens50 on October 19, 2003 at 12:48:43 PT: Good point. . . Thanks Jose. I still need a phone interview, but here are my questions. And FoM, if I could interview you, you wouldn't have to answer every question, but those you feel relevant. Thanks again to anyone who can help. I'm also tring to find statistics that I can site on how much money the U.S. could save and divert to useful harm-reduction programs through ending the drug war and regulation/taxation of the drug.1. How do you view Marijuana’s niche in our culture today?2. What role does Marijuana play in American drug abuse?3. What is the current public opinion about Marijuana’s use?4. Are you aware of Canada’s attempt to research the Cannabis issue through the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs? How valid is their research and do you agree with their recommendations? What criticisms of the report have you heard?5. Why should Marijuana legalization be considered? What are the fears surrounding such an initiative.6. How successful have past attempts to change the nation’s legislative stance on Marijuana been?7. What health risks are associated with Marijuana’s wide range of uses?8. How can Marijuana be used medicinally and what research is being done to support its use?9. Could you comment on the stigmas attached to Marijuana use? Where do these stigmas come from? Why or why aren’t they valid perceptions?10. What are the valid risks and benefits of the Marijuana industry and culture surrounding it?11. What problems or solutions would be created through regulated growth, distribution, and taxation of the drug?12. How would our economy benefit from regulation of Marijuana?13. How would the world and foreign governments react to America legalizing Marijuana?14. Many disapprove of Marijuana use because of moral and religious beliefs. Do you feel that fears based on moral and religious judgment are valid?15. Do you feel that current programs to prevent drug abuse such as D.A.R.E and ONDCP media campaigns are effective? How would you change the programs or would you recommend their cancellation?Thanks, Eric [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by jose melendez on October 19, 2003 at 12:35:05 PT alien50 Why not just post the questions here? Surely you'll get enough answers in this forum to get started. Anything we say here can be verified for accuracy, and we always have the opportunity to revise and extend our remarks . . . [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by aliens50 on October 19, 2003 at 12:30:35 PT: FoM I'm trying to get a hold of the San Francisco DA and possibly the Kansas NORML chapter head for interviews. I'm hoping to get multiple interviews, however, and would still appreciate one with you. I could post or email you my questions, but for my interview to be valid (as explained by my professor), it must be in person or over the phone. I would choose the latter of course. I hope I'm not infringing on your time, but I know that your information would be helpful and I'm sure spur more ideas for me to write about. Thanks, Eric D. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on October 19, 2003 at 12:18:35 PT aliens50 Thank you for considering me. I do news and think alot about how change will come but as far as ideas I'm not sure. Have you thought of contacting one of the organizations that are actively working towards bringing change? [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by aliens50 on October 19, 2003 at 12:09:22 PT: FOM: Urgent Hi, of course you don't know me, but I have been an activist for some time now. I'm currently a freshman in college and I'm writing a research paper on marijuana policy suggesting the legalization of marijuana as the best approach to public policy. I go to a conservative school and I hope to have a convincing and supportive paper. I also need an interview and I was hoping that I could interview you. You have a great deal of experience on the subject and obviously see all the news about the issue. Your help would be greatly appreciated. I have about 10-15 questions and if your willing, I need to interview you as soon as possible. I would appreciate your help very much. Thanks again, Eric D. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on October 19, 2003 at 11:05:53 PT About The Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics Dr. Russo sent me this information and I put it on a web page. Here it is.Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics: A Requiem by Ethan Russo: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/journal.htm [ Post Comment ] Post Comment