cannabisnews.com: Cities Uneasy With Pot Shops Cities Uneasy With Pot Shops Posted by CN Staff on July 05, 2004 at 09:02:59 PT By Kim Minugh -- Bee Staff Writer Source: Sacramento Bee A burly man stands in front of a small house in Colfax and keeps watch over a nearly empty parking lot. He has one charge: to ward off the gawkers, the gazers, the dealers, the ill-intended. With its wraparound porch and small-town location, the quaint building belies the controversy surrounding the business taking place inside. This is a medicinal marijuana dispensary, the result of a vague state law that allows such stores to operate but lacks clear guidelines on how local officials can regulate them. The tightly run Golden State Patient Care Collective in Colfax is hardly the image conjured up by Rocklin officials last month when they responded to an inquiry about opening a store there.They considered adopting operating rules similar to those enacted recently in Roseville, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove and Auburn, but ultimately decided in an emergency meeting to prohibit the dispensaries altogether.Medical marijuana experts believe Rocklin's action is unprecedented in California.City officials said they fear a so-called pot shop would attract crime and blight and run counter to Rocklin's image as a family-friendly suburb.Police Chief Mark Siemens told the City Council members that Roseville has had problems with its store and discouraged them from allowing one in Rocklin. He warned that residents might see street dealers loitering outside, thieves attacking patients leaving the store, and illegal sales or marijuana use nearby - predictions the Roseville and Colfax store owners and police say are not coming true.Siemens acknowledged Proposition 215, passed in 1996, protects from criminal prosecution patients whose doctors recommend marijuana use. But Siemens said voters were misled about medicinal marijuana.Snipped: Complete Article: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/cities.htmSource: Sacramento Bee (CA)Author: Kim Minugh -- Bee Staff WriterPublished: Monday, July 5, 2004Copyright: 2004 The Sacramento BeeContact: opinion sacbee.comWebsite: http://www.sacbee.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Medicinal Cannabis Research Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/research.htmRocklin Bans Medical Pot Salehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19029.shtmlRoseville Plan Would Limit New Pot Shopshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18877.shtmlMedical Pot for Sale in Colfaxhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread18786.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #19 posted by Schwenker420 on July 08, 2004 at 18:48:42 PT: Relating to Comment #7 "...Smith said. "Look at other countries where there are legalized drugs. It's not going well there. It's just asking for trouble and putting ourselves in a real bad spot."..."I laugh so hard when i read this. I mean how can this cop...which learns that human nature is unpredictable, predict it? I mean he compares another country that's probably half way across the world to ours. I don't get it how on earth can he predict what will happen here if marijuana is legalized, unless if it is?I have met alot of people in my life and about 80% of them smoke weed. Honestly ask yourself this how many people smoke a joint and beat up thier wives? none...you never hear of it becuase it..it doesnt happen...to the best of my knowledge. I hear stories of drunk individuals serverly injuring thier wives or thier children everyday. This cop Smith neglects what he hears becuase he seems like he doesnt want to get into trouble for speaking for legalization of weed. Which is understandable becuase i wouldn't want to lose my job i've worked so hard for. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on July 06, 2004 at 14:20:15 PT Thanks Virgil I wasn't sure. I've said before I don't understand all this stuff. [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Virgil on July 06, 2004 at 14:18:28 PT Comment13- It is a vote in the House This is a vote in the House of Representatives which means that Kerry and Edwards will not have to say or do anything. If we cannot unseat any of the people that vote against this, then what can we do as a movement? With gerrymandering, it is to be expected that 98% of the incumbents will be re-elected. We have to be able to shoot some of these bastards out of office or we will all just be ignored. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by cloud7 on July 06, 2004 at 11:14:42 PT ... "Medical marijuana dispensaries in Colfax and Roseville aren't producing the problems that police had once feared."And the suprise from CNews regulars is deafening. I dont suppose the logical leap to recreational marijuana dispensaries not producing the problems once feared will be made, do you? [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on July 06, 2004 at 10:57:21 PT AP: News in Brief from Northern California July 6, 2004COLFAX, Calif. (AP) - Medical marijuana dispensaries in Colfax and Roseville aren't producing the problems that police had once feared.Local leaders worried the pot shops could attract criminals and illegal drug users, but say that hasn't happened.Roseville, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove and Auburn all adopted operating rules that seem to be working. But Rocklin banned the shops completely - a ban believed to be a first in California.In Colfax, the Golden State Patient Care Collective employs a security guard to stand watch over the quaint building with the wraparound porch where marijuana is distributed.The uncertainty surrounding such locations are the result of a vague state law that lets such stores operate without clear guidelines on how local officials can regulate them.Rocklin's city council enacted its 45-day emergency ordinance after Police Chief Mark Siemens warned that residents might see street dealers loitering outside, thieves attacking patients leaving the store, and illegal sales or marijuana use nearby.The council will consider a permanent ban July 13.But Roseville and Colfax store owners and police say the dire predictions are not coming true in their communities.Roseville's Capital Compassionate Care dispensary opened in January and has prompted some calls, but "nothing of major significance," said Roseville Police Capt. Dave Braafladt. Medical Marijuana Information Links [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by E_Johnson on July 06, 2004 at 10:33:14 PT OT but related Woman killed in front of empty police stationOCALA, Florida (AP) -- A community college professor was shot to death in front of an empty police station by her husband, who then committed suicide, police said.Debra Allen Vazquez, 50, had driven to police headquarters to get help, but all officers were on assignment at the time, authorities said. [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by FoM on July 06, 2004 at 10:16:21 PT A Question About Kerry and Edwards Will they have to state their opinion about what is happening tomorrow in Washington D.C. concerning Medical Marijuana?Urgent MPP: Congress to Vote to Defund the DEA's Medical Marijuana RaidsJuly 5, 2004The Marijuana Policy Project needs one minute of your time. Would you please take a quick action that could have a huge impact on medical marijuana policy nationwide?Please visit http://www.mpp.org/DD/action.html today and use MPP's easy online system to urge your U.S. representative to support the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment when it comes to the House floor for a vote on Wednesday, July 7.If you're going to send only one e-mail this year to stop the war on medical marijuana users, now is the time.The Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment, introduced by U.S. Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA), would bar the U.S. Justice Department from raiding, arresting, or prosecuting patients who use medical marijuana in compliance with state law.Over the past three years, the federal government has boldly and unremorsefully raided seriously ill patients (and their caregivers) who are using medical marijuana in compliance with their states' laws. You can help bring an end to these DEA raids -- and subsequent arrests and prosecutions -- by visiting http://www.mpp.org/DD/action.html to urge your U.S. representative to support the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment when it comes to the House floor for a vote this week.This is only the second time in history that the U.S. House of Representatives will vote on this amendment. In July 2003, congressional observers were surprised when the amendment garnered 152 votes, falling short of passing by only 66 votes.This year, we can win!Since last year, there have been numerous positive developments related to medical marijuana: Vermont became the ninth state to protect medical marijuana patients from arrest and prison; groups such as the United Methodist Church, the American Nurses Association, and both the Medical Society of the State of New York and the Rhode Island Medical Society have endorsed MPP's medical marijuana bills; and Federal courts have granted injunctions and issued rulings undercutting the federal government's war on medical marijuana.With this momentum behind us, we are within reach of winning a medical marijuana victory in the U.S. House of Representatives ... which would be our first victory ever in Congress.How can we win?To win, we need you to visit http://www.mpp.org/DD/action.html right now, to urge your U.S. representative to vote for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment during consideration of the federal spending bill that funds the U.S. Justice Department (and the DEA). You must let your U.S. representative know that this vote is important to you.It only takes one minute.Please visit http://www.mpp.org/DD/action.html and enter your zip code (which will identify your U.S. representative). A prewritten message will be available. You can strengthen the message's influence by personalizing it. A final click on the "submit" button will automatically send it to your U.S. representative.You can also call your U.S. representative's office through the Capitol switchboard. Just give the switchboard operator your city or zip code, and you will be connected to your U.S. representative's office:202-225-3121 877-762-8762 (toll-free)Here's a sample of what to say when you reach your U.S. representative's office:"Hi, my name is _______________, and I vote in ____________(city). I'm calling to ask Representative ________________ to vote on July 7 for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher [pronounced ROAR-ah-BAH-ker] amendment to the Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations bill. This amendment would bar the Justice Department from raiding patients who use medical marijuana in compliance with their states' laws."If you've read this far and still haven't clicked on the link, please click it now: http://www.mpp.org/DD/action.htmlYou can also help by forwarding this e-mail to friends and family who want to see medical marijuana patients freed from the fear of arrest and imprisonment. Tell them to act now!Remember, last year, it was a success just to be able to get a vote on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. This year, we can actually win!Rob Kampia Executive Director Marijuana Policy Project Washington, D.C.http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread19136.shtml#4 [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Nuevo Mexican on July 06, 2004 at 09:44:12 PT Nader will have no effect, Edwards is perfect! Ralph is out, nada, zip, no effect this time, and I voted for him last time, happily, and knowing my vote for him would have no effect on the outcome of the last election.It didn't. But Ralph is being used openly this election for the Repugs agenda, and Ralph, just can't fess up to being used.60 million dollars for F9-11 in two weekends! Fahrenheit 9-11, see it now, and take all your friends and family, and the neighborhood kids (the R-rating is not being widely enforced) will make Kerrys' election a slam-dunk. Then we will re-shape Kerry in the image of 'Reformer', as he won't get any slack from Outraged Dems, libs, and independents. And bush-hating Repugs! He won't get away with standing for the 'status quo', and I predict him doing an resurected Al Gore, once he has been elected. A Postitive, Optimistic view is warranted, as anyone but bush is an improvement. But once expectations are raised, the Dems like to lower them don't they. And they will. But with disasterous effects.After looking at Kerry for the last year, Edwards is much easier to look at, if you hold you nose while he supports the war, is pro-death penalty, anti-Cannabis etc. But these guys in particular can have their minds changed.The Dems will be back, to save the economy, if nothing else. But the job Americans are expecting them to do will overwhelm them, as they throw their hands up in the air and say: Aren't you happy we're not bush and cheney?Not if you are emulating them!The massses (duh-m-asses) have waken from their slumber, and the Dems will have to perform, or they will suffer the slings of sharpened arrows and a newly informed electorate.Back to the 'landslide':If this happens, the Dems will really have a 'mandate', and when Michael attacks the drug war, which he will, the Dems will have to abandon the War on some drugs.Watching the Repugs squirm today over the selection of Edwards makes me feel very good, as they know they are in 'deep do-do' and have pulled out the 'Kerry really wanted McCain' line, and thank God, McCain makes Edwards look 'Christ-like'!The timing of this announcement bodes well 'Astrologically', and that is always the bottom line for me, as looking at Kerry and Edwards charts provide me with the real 'scoop' on these two. One is a 'Full-Mooner, Kerry, and the other, Edwards, is a New-Mooner, and those are the two most powerful times for one to enter the vehicle known as 'the body'.This is a cross-over team, made in Heaven to get Repugs, and former non-voters to get involved in the overthrow of bush, which is what this election amounts to.Edwards Chart is more Presidential at this time, which tells me Kerry may not last, and Edwards chart has alot in common with Clinton and Bush, (which are very similiar by the way, as both are full of shite) and tells me he could end up President easily, for whatever reason.Go to Astroworld.us for more in-depth, politial Astrology, and pretend you know the 'lingo', as the more you read these excellent posts', the more you will see how the planets shape our future, and 'osmosis' will set in, as you slowly begin to understand how to 'read between the lines, so to speak'!Then go to SmirkingChimp.com and read Dr. xxxZombiexxxs' posts, as Cannabists' are everywhere! My, how things have changed in four years! Get ready for the ineveitable arrests' of Bush, Cheney, Wolfie, and Rummy!It will happen, if they don't take Adolfs' cowardly route first!I suggest we take the next few months and hold the Democrats accountable for the lack of opposing the war, a criminal act if their ever was one, and threaten to withhold our votes if they don't distance themselve from bushes position. I want bush out, but the lesser of evils doesn't make me happy, unless we HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE!!! That is what we should do now that we know who the candidates are, their stands, and their shortcomings.Which we can, with the help of Michael Moore, radicalized Democrats, Nader-leaning Greens and Independents, and disgusted crossover Repugs!Check out the comments from veiwers of F-911 at Michael Moores website, and read what Republican viewers of the film have to say, and you will see why Michael has bush running scared! www.michaelmoore.com [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on July 06, 2004 at 07:42:53 PT Information on Edwards Stand on Marijuana I'm glad that I don't put faith in politics but the courts. Bush could win and I know that because of Nader. I'm resigned to 4 more years of Bush. I hope the courts keep ruling in our favor. That's how we will win I believe.John Edwards on Drugs: http://www.issues2000.org/2004/John_Edwards_Drugs.htmMPP on Edwards: http://www.mpp.org/candidates/guide/edwards.htmlASA on Edwards: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=863 [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by westnyc on July 06, 2004 at 06:39:59 PT Yup - Same ole thing! Does anyone here think that Kerry will eventually go after the Independent and the Democratic voters; or, is he going to continue reaching-out to the Republican voters in his hope of winning? One thing for sure, Kerry and especially Edwards will do absolutely "nada" when it comes to cannabis - medically, recreationally, logically, or realistically - they will continue and quite possibly take the WOD to new heights!"To hell with-em I say - Ima votin Nader." [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by RasAric on July 06, 2004 at 06:07:55 PT John Edwards Kerry's running mate....sigh* Ladies and Gentlemen... get ready for another 4 years+ of business as usual. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by runruff on July 06, 2004 at 05:49:08 PT: The O'Reilly dog and pony show. I saw Montel on the O'Reilly Show. O'Reilly is a showman and should not be taken seriously. He tried to talk over Montel and Montel had to talk at the same time as O'Reilly in order to say anything. I see the O'Reilly Factor as a tv version of the National Inquirer for the right. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by global_warming on July 05, 2004 at 17:11:20 PT re;More problems-hubbs "Scarbrough believes that by legalizing marijuana and having government control over the growth and distribution, it will make the drug harder for minors to obtain by taking it off the street. He also believes that once legalized, those selling marijuana to minors should face stiff penalties along with those who grow large quantities of marijuana.""Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith said using marijuana is opening the door to other problems and that marijuana is a gateway drug..."It's pretty well documented that everybody who does marijuana does not progress onto hard drugs, but people who have become addicted to meth and cocaine, without many exceptions, have started with marijuana," Smith said... Right now, the No. 1 drug problem in the country is alcohol, Smith said. But unlike marijuana, alcohol is only in a person's system for a brief time where as THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, is proven to stay in the system for days. Its effects create the potential for impaired performance at work and behind the wheel, Smith said..."There is no way, no how, I would ever endorse legalization," Smith said. "Look at other countries where there are legalized drugs. It's not going well there. It's just asking for trouble and putting ourselves in a real bad spot.""It's just asking for trouble and putting ourselves in a real bad spot"...What is this terrible spot Mr. Smith, that you would have to empty your foul prisons of simple minded youths that "you" so passionately insist should be in prison, that you would have to come to some "modern" sense of reason, maybe even some "soul" or shudder the thought-Christian compliance with what most civilized humans have evolved towards??Sherrif Smith, you are neither a doctor or priest, your baseless moralizations, will fall on the ears of the faithfull, and roll off the surface of ignorance.This anger of yours is founded on "ignorance" and you and your kind will suffer the darkness of hell, as the nails in the flesh of Jesus, so will you reflect in Gods eternity this disgrace that you offer, may God help your blinded soul, to "see" and may you find grace and salvation.-gw [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on July 05, 2004 at 17:09:12 PT Heads Up: Montel Williams Coming On O'Reilly I wasn't sure but they just announced it and I wanted to pass it on! [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on July 05, 2004 at 14:10:45 PT hubbs That particular newspaper is another snipped source. I'll leave it posted here unless I get told I can't have it posted in full. Then I'll try to snip it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by hubbs on July 05, 2004 at 13:59:16 PT FoM: Post and Delete? Another good soul versus ignorant LEO ...http://www.thespectrum.com/news/stories/20040630/localnews/748671.htmlMan leads Utah effort to make marijuana legalBy PATRICE ST. GERMAINpatrices thespectrum.com LAVERKIN -- Back in January, LaVerkin resident Ken Scarbrough started the Utah chapter of the U.S. Marijuana Party. The organization has chapters in 28 states and has the goal of removing all penalties for adults 21 and older who choose to consume cannabis in a responsible manner.Scarbrough believes that by legalizing marijuana and having government control over the growth and distribution, it will make the drug harder for minors to obtain by taking it off the street. He also believes that once legalized, those selling marijuana to minors should face stiff penalties along with those who grow large quantities of marijuana.If controlled by the government, Scarbrough said, taxes charged on the drug would help pay for needed programs and education."The tax money raised could be used for new schools and furnishings and other items to help childrens' education," he said. "Every day, you hear of important programs, music, sports and arts closing due to the lack of funding. The revenue brought in by legalization could solve most of these problems."But while Scarbrough argues that the United States is losing its war on drugs, which is one reason to legalize marijuana, Steve Urquhart, R-Dist. 75, begs to differ."I don't think we are failing on the war on drugs," he said. "I think it should remain illegal."Washington County Sheriff Kirk Smith said using marijuana is opening the door to other problems and that marijuana is a gateway drug."It's pretty well documented that everybody who does marijuana does not progress onto hard drugs, but people who have become addicted to meth and cocaine, without many exceptions, have started with marijuana," Smith said.Right now, the No. 1 drug problem in the country is alcohol, Smith said. But unlike marijuana, alcohol is only in a person's system for a brief time where as THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, is proven to stay in the system for days. Its effects create the potential for impaired performance at work and behind the wheel, Smith said."There is no way, no how, I would ever endorse legalization," Smith said. "Look at other countries where there are legalized drugs. It's not going well there. It's just asking for trouble and putting ourselves in a real bad spot."Scarbrough said the FBI statistics show 698,000 cannabis related arrests last year and 89 percent of those arrests were for simple possession - not sale or cultivation.New drug policies have especially affected women. Statistics, Scarbrough said, show that one in three women in prison are serving sentences for drug-related crimes.Once released from prison, Scarbrough said those in jail for drug-related issues are denied financial aid and have difficulty obtaining employment."Why are non-violent marijuana growers sent to jail for life while murders and rapists are still eligible for benefits?" Scarbrough said. "Families are split up when parents are charged all because of a parent's association with a plant."Scarbrough also said the drug has medicinal purposes which help to alleviate pain and suffering in the seriously ill and help chemotherapy patients overcome nausea and vomiting. He also said marijuana is the only anti-convalescent that works for epilepsy.Smith said he isn't sure that there aren't already the medicines in existence that have the same effects on illnesses that marijuana does.Urquhart said the medicinal use of marijuana is pretty far outside the range of medical practices.Although Scarbrough said the risk is low for marijuana use and that it is the common drug of choice for millions of mainstream Americans, who are otherwise law abiding individuals, he said alcohol and tobacco, which are both legal, have serious consequences."I have buried several friends that drank themselves to death," Scarbrough said.Smith said the number one drug problem in America is alcohol but unlike the prohibition of alcohol, Urquhart doesn't think marijuana would have the same supporters for lifting prohibition."You can make the exact same arguments for alcohol and efforts to make it illegal didn't work, but I don't think the war on drugs is failing like prohibition failed," Urquhart said. "There was more mainstream acceptance of alcohol prohibition and I don't think marijuana is part of mainstream culture in Utah."Scarbrough said it is time for the cannabis community to take a stand and let the government know that they will no longer sit back and watch them steal their homes and children because they chose to ingest something that is far less harmful to the user than alcohol or tobacco."I don't believe the government has the right to tell me what I can and cannot do with my own body," Scarbrough said. "Far more harm is caused by marijuana prohibition than by its use." Man leads Utah effort to make marijuana legal [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by global_warming on July 05, 2004 at 13:29:31 PT More Problems 16:03 7/5/2004"City officials said they fear a so-called pot shop would attract crime and blight and run counter to Rocklin's image as a family-friendly suburb."Seems a bit of a contradiction-Family Friendly, yet intolerant of sickness and terminal illness, cancer, MS and all those nasty things we never talk about."Police Chief Mark Siemens told the City Council members that Roseville has had problems with its store and discouraged them from allowing one in Rocklin. He warned that residents might see street dealers loitering outside, thieves attacking patients leaving the store, and illegal sales or marijuana use nearby - predictions the Roseville and Colfax store owners and police say are not coming true..Siemens acknowledged Proposition 215, passed in 1996, protects from criminal prosecution patients whose doctors recommend marijuana use. But Siemens said voters were misled about medicinal marijuana."Here we have the classic example of how a law enforcement officer, a person who is viewed as a leader in our community, openly expressing his dislike for what the states population has clearly voted to allow. How does this proposition 215 effect him, he is neither sick or dying, yet he has such a strong and negative opinion on this subject. It's probably coincidental that much of his law enforcement power is built upon this tragic "war on drugs", which in reality translates into a war on people, a war that has developed such diabolical weapons to sniff out, peek behind closed doors, see through walls, examine in infinite detail, your urine, hair, blood, and other general profiles, of what an american should not be. This man is hopelessly lost in a mire of confusion, that he has no way of understanding. This man clings to the past, the past that thoughtlessly created the "laws" that govern our 21st century. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by sam adams on July 05, 2004 at 11:30:07 PT This article "he said the conflict between state law and federal law, which says any sale or use of marijuana is illegal, puts cities in an awkward position."I'm so sorry the city of Sacramento has been put in an "awkward sitation". Imagine how "awkward" it feels when your whole existence is suffering from chronic pain - and jack-booted thugs are sent to hunt you 365 days a year for cutting down a plant to treat the pain.Alas, those poor, confused bureaucrats, they're suffering more, poor people. My heart goes out to them. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Virgil on July 05, 2004 at 11:21:12 PT Gaining perspective- applying the cannabis eye Stevia was mentioned in 8 Weeks to Optimum Health by Dr. Weil. I was reading on the Internet about disease being caused in acidic bodies, where a healthy body should be slightly alkaline. I saw Stevia mentioned in the list of alkaline foods which is opposite of what you might think because it is a natural alternative to sugar and sugars are on the acidic side. This paragraph is mainly to present the idea that ph in the body is important in some people’s view and that vegetable oils like hemp oil are acidic. It is a small thought on hemp that I have not read here before.I say that cannabis adds depth to a person’s way of seeing things. It might be called a different perspective. A person with one eye can see, but he lacks the perspective to give sight depth. I think that is what studying Stevia can do for the cannabis perspective.Everyone knows the problems with obesity and the fact that sugar has no nutritional value. It makes you think that if drugs that have no medical value are prohibited, then foods that have no nutritional value should be prohibited too. Then again, prohibition is not the answer for such things in a wannabe free society.Stevia is a plant with use in Uruguay for 1500 years. It is hundreds of times sweeter than sugar, but without calories. China must now grow some, but it is considered inferior by the author I read. Some old literature I read said that 50% of the sweetening in Japan comes from Stevia and it is used in their diet drinks and sugarless chewing gum and such. They have 30 years experience on a broad scale and if there were problems with its use, you would think the Japanese would act to correct the problem. I have read very little on Stevia, but I know I will not use aspartame from here on out and I must cut down on sugar. Probably later on today I will buy some as I feel it an appropriate action to change my diet for better health. Stevia was submitted to the FDA and tuned down on safety issues derived from a (intentionally) flawed study that put the rubber stamp of disapproval on it by the corporate rulers. It would be resubmitted and it is now allowed for personal use as long as it is not marketed as a sugar substitute. It is banned in processed foods that would give it scale and might lead to widespread use like in Japan.We know that cannabis is a miracle plant and some would say Stevia is a miracle for the problem we have with sugar. It has proven safety over 1500 years in Uruguay and a generation of use in Japan alone, with many in the US having experience with it. There is a parallel in the disapproval by the US gooberment that adds to a cannabis perspective.Read this and see if the attitude of the Stevia supporters is not similar to cannabis supporters. From http://www.holisticmed.com/sweet/stv-alert.txt -Current Status of Stevia Mark D. Gold ------------------------ October 3, 1995Stevia is widely used as a sweetener in Japan (~40% of the sweetener market), Brazil, South Korea, Paraguay, and a number of other countries. There has never been a report of an adverse reaction linked to the use of Stevia.In the early and mid 1980s, Stevia was growing in popularity. During the last part of the 1980s, the FDA began seizing Stevia from health food manufacturers without adequate explaination. In 1990, Food Processing magazine had an insert about stevia. Approximately 200 manufacturers including all of the major food manufacturers showed interest in using Stevia in the manufacturing of their products. In 1991, the FDA banned the importation of Stevia intended for use in foods. This ban was reportedly at the request of NutraSweet (owned by Monsanto) which produces a toxic artificial sweetener called aspartame. This action, a clear violation of the law which allows any product with a history of safe use before 1958 to be automatically approved, kept manufacturers from using stevia and kept NutraSweet from having to compete with a safe, "natural" sweetener.In 1992, the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) petitioned the FDA to declare use of Stevia as GRAS (Generaly Recognized As Safe). The AHPA provide hundreds of documents showing that Stevia had been commonly and safely used before 1958, and thus met the requirements for GRAS status. In July, 1992 the FDA rejected the AHPA petition. When asked how much more information was needed, the FDA responded "Well, this may sound flippant, but we'll know it when we see it." (Translation: No matter what you provide we're not going to approve stevia to compete with artificial sweeteners.)After exchanges of letters and a meeting, the FDA demanded information that they do not have the authority to request and they demanded information based on proposed regulations that they did not pass. Still, in the spirit of cooperation, the Herbal Research Foundation provided additional information requested about the safety and use of stevia.In December 1993, the FDA again disallowed the filing of the AHPA petition for approval of Stevia. This meant that public comment on the petition by qualified experts could not take place and that stevia would not be approved.In September 1995, the FDA adjusted their "Import Alert" to allow for the importation of Stevia *only* if it is clearly marked that it is intended to be used as or in dietary supplements. This will tend to permit personal use, but keep food manufactuers from using Stevia in their products until they can be secure in their supply for all intended uses.Thus, the FDA is still in clear violation of the law (which, by the way, means nothing to the FDA when it comes to protecting their "clients," i.e., Monsanto/ NutraSweet), but at least it is a small step in the right direction.Below is a copy of the updated Import Alert. The FDA's statements about the inadequacy of Stevia's safety testing is irrelevant and ridiculous. See petitions to the FDA. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment