cannabisnews.com: Controversial Marijuana Ad Has Both Sides Talking Controversial Marijuana Ad Has Both Sides Talking Posted by CN Staff on November 20, 2003 at 12:28:02 PT News Story Source: KRNV A month long ad campaign comparing Nevada teen drug use to that of teens overseas seems to be raising a few eyebrows.The commercial has brought the marijuana issue back into public awareness but many are not clear as the message the ad is sending. News 4's Melissa Santos spoke with advocates on both sides of this issue and asked them to clear the smoke behind the ad's message. News 4 showed the commercial to some Truckee meadow residents and then asked for their input. Many said they liked the ads and thought it promoted an anti drug message, but does it really? The ad claims that 67 percent of Nevada high school seniors are using marijuana and compares it to 28 percent usage among teens in the Netherlands. The ad credits strict regulations on Marijuana and it's usage in the Netherlands for the decreased teen usage. But the ad does not sit well with some."MPP (Marijuana Policy Project) has about that much credibility with me and should with the voters of the state of Nevada, because last time they were here there were references that they said, or printed, or put out, or put in their ads that was not truthful," says Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick.The Marijuana Policy Project lead the campaign behind last November's ballot question number nine, which would have legalized the possession of less than three ounces of marijuana. The measure was defeated by a margin of approximately 60 percent to 40 percent. "What we saw in that vote was that people were voting based on assumptions, many cases, and not the truth," says MPP's communication director, Bruce Mirken. Their website, stopteenuse.com, has many different studies that look at, in their words, "dispelling the myth of marijuana." Like one from the World Health Organization that compares marijuana with alcohol and tobacco use. "The fact is that there is a great deal of data showing that, in many ways, pot is certainly not something that kids should use, in fact, it is less addictive, less toxic, less dangerous then alcohol and tobacco," Mirken claims. Gammick disagrees and questions the groups statistics. "This is not a debate or a look at alcohol. Last time I checked it was legal, it is not for people under the age of 21, and last time I checked tobacco was legal, so we're not talking those, we are talking about controlled substances."But Gammick and Mirken do agree on one thing. "Our current laws are not working or affective in keeping young people from smoking marijuana," says Mirken. "We're not winning the battle against drugs. I've said that time and time again. The approach we're taking is not the one at all," says Gammick. Gammick also mentioned that if the numbers are correct, he would like to see statistics on other drugs teens in the Netherlands are using. The adds will run until the end of November. MPP will then look back at the responses and decide what kind of political moves to make if any.Newshawk: Paul Armentano - http://www.norml.org/Source: KRNV (NV)Published: November 20, 2003Copyright: 2003 WorldNow and KRNVWebsite: http://www.krnv.com/Related Article & Web Sites:Stop Teen Usehttp://www.stopteenuse.com/Marijuana Policy Projecthttp://www.mpp.org/Smokin' Airwaves - Reno News & Review http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17839.shtmlCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #8 posted by Had Enough on November 20, 2003 at 19:41:06 PT THE poll News 4 Online Poll Should marijuana be legalized in Nevada? Thank you for participating in our poll. Here are the results so far. Yes 74% No 26% [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 20, 2003 at 17:13:31 PT mayan You're right we always kick butt on polls! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by mayan on November 20, 2003 at 17:10:28 PT Thanks, FoM! Is it just me or does it seem like we always kick butt in these online polls?Should marijuana be legalized in Nevada? Here are the results so far... Yes 73% No 27% [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Cannabis Enthusiast on November 20, 2003 at 15:12:03 PT Cookie shipment leads to $1 million pot bust "Olson said authorities hope to destroy the marijuana within 30 days."I wonder how they "destroy" marijuana these days? Cookie shipment leads to $1 million pot bust [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by kaptinemo on November 20, 2003 at 13:41:38 PT: Someone needs to get a copy of Al Franken's latest book to Mr. Gammick.The title will be about as far a commentary on his remarks as necessary:"Lies and The Lying Liars Who Tell Them."*"MPP (Marijuana Policy Project) has about that much credibility with me and should with the voters of the state of Nevada, because last time they were here there were references that they said, or printed, or put out, or put in their ads that was not truthful," says Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick.*Unless I am mistaken, Mr. Gammick has just called every employee of MPP a liar. Would you care to expand upon those statements, Mr. Gammick? In what particular(s) was the information incorrect? He's a lawyer, right? He ought to know what the definition of libel is: http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=libelli·bel Pronunciation Key (lbl) n. 1) A false publication, as in writing, print, signs, or pictures, that damages a person's reputation. 2) The act of presenting such material to the public.I stand corrected; he's committed both libel AND slander as hs remarks were made verbally. You know, if every anti who has called us reformers 'liars' were sued for libel & slander, this would end very quickly. In a fair court the proofs behind the origin of cannabis prohibition would be brought into clear view, destroying the anti in a heartbeat. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by BigDawg on November 20, 2003 at 12:57:51 PT Show me! "MPP (Marijuana Policy Project) has about that much credibility with me and should with the voters of the state of Nevada, because last time they were here there were references that they said, or printed, or put out, or put in their ads that was not truthful," says Washoe County District Attorney Dick Gammick.I'm all ears. You made the claim. Now back it up with facts.Ummm, I don't hear anything.... [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on November 20, 2003 at 12:38:09 PT Press Release From Americans For Safe Access ASA: Call Campaign Targets Congressmen Voting Against Medical Marijuana Call Campaign Targets Congressmen Voting Against Medical Marijuana All Registered Voters in Four House Districts Getting Calls from Patient, Juror:http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=79For the first time, a medical marijuana advocacy group is going after Congressmen where they live. Beginning this morning, every registered voter in four House Congressional districts will receive a phone call about their Representative’s opposition to an amendment that would have stopped federal raids on medical marijuana patients and providers. Over 600,000 voters will be called during the week.The recorded messages feature either a medical marijuana patient describing her plight or one of the jurors who recanted their verdict in the Ed Rosenthal medical marijuana cultivation case. Both explain that the House member voted to continue the current policy -- despite polls showing 80% of Americans support medical marijuana -- and ask that voters spread the word. The campaign targets Representatives Wally Herger (R, CA 2nd), Elton Gallegly (R, CA 24th), Joe Baca (D, CA 43rd), and David Wu (D, OR 1st).“We’re sure the congressmen are so busy with other matters that they don’t realize how important the suffering of everyday people is to their constituents,” said Steph Sherer, Executive Director of Americans for Safe Access, the organization sponsoring the calls. “We’re educating the voters about the Congressmen’s record, so those voters can educate their Congressmen about compassion.”For more information, contact William Dolphin (510) 919-1498, asa williamdolphin.comPlease contact your representative and let them now about this campaign. http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=676To ensure Americans for Safe Access can continue this work, please become a member today http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?list=type&type=10 Steph ShererExecutive DirectorAmericans for Safe Access http://www.safeaccessnow.org1678 Shattuck Ave. #317Berkeley, CA 94709phone: 510-486-8083fax: 510-486-8090 [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on November 20, 2003 at 12:30:25 PT News 4 Online Poll News 4 Online Poll Should marijuana be legalized in Nevada? Please Vote: http://www.krnv.com/ [ Post Comment ] Post Comment