cannabisnews.com: Marijuana Should Be in The Toolbox





Marijuana Should Be in The Toolbox
Posted by CN Staff on October 19, 2004 at 08:16:52 PT
Editorial
Source: Great Falls Tribune 
I-148 — Allowing the use of marijuana under medical supervision by patients with certain medical conditions.Our position: YesBest known as an illicit recreational drug, marijuana also is medically beneficial to some patients with debilitating medical problems.
Unfortunately, concerns associated with the illegal use of marijuana to get high — and there are plenty of them — cloud the issue.But the drug's benefits are well documented for people suffering from cancer, glaucoma, AIDS and other diseases or conditions that bring on severe pain, nausea or seizures.As the National Academy of Sciences reported in 1999: "Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting, and all can be mitigated by marijuana."For the record, we do not support the blanket legalization of pot.Much of the marijuana available now is far stronger and more addictive than it was 20 or 30 years ago. And we are well aware of its reputation as a gateway to even more dangerous drugs.We do, however, support giving doctors every tool possible in treating patients.If attempts to pharmaceutically isolate the active ingredients in marijuana resulted in a little pill that worked as well, we'd all be much happier.So far, that hasn't happened.That's why I-148 supporters here are pushing a measure similar to that passed by voters in nine other states.Doctors would certify that a patient would benefit from marijuana. That patient would be registered by the state and allowed to grow, possess and use their own marijuana.Patients would get ID cards so that law enforcement could easily distinguish those legitimately using the drug.Anyone who steps outside of the strict guidelines of the law, would be subject to full criminal prosecution.The U.S. Supreme Court just agreed to hear a California case challenging the right of the federal government to prosecute patients who use marijuana.California maintains that the feds do not have the right to interfere with state laws passed to protect or help its citizens. At least three other states have signed onto the suit.In Montana, we have the benefit of looking at states where marijuana already is legal for medical purposes.According to a report from the General Accounting Office, most law enforcement agencies in those states report no increase in crime or problems because of the laws.And a study in California shows that teen use of marijuana actually dropped since the state passed its medical marijuana law eight years ago.We support this initiative to give doctors and patients more legal options for beneficial treatment. Source: Great Falls Tribune (MT)Published: October 19, 2004Copyright: 2004 Great Falls TribuneContact: tribcity sofast.netWebsite: http://www.greatfallstribune.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Montana Careshttp://montanacares.org/Their Lips are Movinghttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19643.shtmlVoting on Pot Issuehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19629.shtmlDeputy Drug Czar Opposes Legalizing Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19612.shtmlDrug Czar Stumps Against I-148http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19609.shtml
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Comment #16 posted by The GCW on October 22, 2004 at 09:31:33 PT
The Great Falls Tribune, 
This Trib. doesn't put the actual newspaper's letters to the editor on it's website paper.So it is hard to know what gets published...The newsroom at the G. F. Trib. indicates they have received many letters about this. 
 
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on October 22, 2004 at 08:09:02 PT
Paul
You're welcome. One small step at a time change is coming. 
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Comment #14 posted by paulpeterson on October 22, 2004 at 01:26:49 PT
FoM
Mission accomplished. Thanks for the "credit", since Ken couldn't squeeze in the name. (I think I am the "advocate" the Northfield people are noting). I'm up to 9 towns so far (not including Chicago, yet). I'll send this article to another 15 chiefs for their review. That should help to soften up a few more "dry" towns. I will, of course, keep you appraised as to the status down here at ground zero. Paul
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on October 20, 2004 at 21:12:07 PT
Paul
If you see the article please let me know or post a link. I'd sure appreciate it. I will check again too. 
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Comment #12 posted by paulpeterson on October 20, 2004 at 21:08:42 PT
FoM
I just checked the site too, it probably won't be up until tomorrow. Thanks for watching. Paul
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 20, 2004 at 07:31:37 PT
Paul
I searched the site but didn't find anything so far. I'll look again later on.
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Comment #10 posted by The GCW on October 20, 2004 at 07:00:02 PT
TODAY / Oct. 20, in Montana:
DEBATE COVERS ISSUES OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA ACT An open-forum debate between Paul Befumo of the Medical Marijuana Policy Project of Montana and Rep. Jim Shockley ( R-Victor ) examining the Montana Medical Marijuana Act, I-148, will be open to the public at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, in the Strand Union Building ballrooms on the Montana State University campus. 
 Cont.http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v04/n1478/a05.html?165885
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Comment #9 posted by paulpeterson on October 20, 2004 at 05:12:44 PT
FoM
Go to www.pioneerlocal.com to check and see if my local paper is indeed printing a story about the five towns in Northern Illinois that have already decriminalized WELL IN ADVANCE OF THE CHICAGO ANNOUNCEMENT a month ago.Wilmette, Kennilworth, Winnetka, Glenview & Niles will be quoted as to reasons, time and results from their actions.
I just spoke with the chief of police of Northfield (rather conservative in fact) and he advise that an ordinance is already in the works. I've already paved the way for the State's Attorney's cooperation with Chicago.This new article, if it does in fact, run, will give important public support for Chicago's movement. Now, with another village being added just in time for Chicago's decision, it looks like a strong trend.And please, just look at those villages already in my rebel held zone-the biggest buck and most politically savvy zone in the state. (Actually, with the highest per-centage of college bound youth around ie: the feds shot themselves in the foot when they did that school loan forfeiture bit!).Just checking in, please get this article posted if it does, in fact, print. Thanks PAUL 
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on October 19, 2004 at 21:06:00 PT
John Tyler
That was a good article. I only wish they would have mention more about marijuana then they did. 
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Comment #7 posted by John Tyler on October 19, 2004 at 20:31:15 PT
post traumatic stress 
In the Washington Post today there was an article about people suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. The article was discussing medication used to help the patients be able to forget the trauma so they could get on with their life and let the healing take place. I didn’t notice the meds they were talking about but it wasn’t the one we discuss here which could be effective in helping PTS suffers get their life back together. 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on October 19, 2004 at 17:34:56 PT
Update: Ashcroft v. Raich Supreme Court Briefs 
Ashcroft v. Raich Supreme Court Briefs Filed October 13, 2004  Hello Everyone,This is a media update on the Ashcroft v. Raich medical cannabis Supreme Court case. This is not a press release.As you know the Ashcroft v. Raich case is moving fast through the court system. The Ashcroft v. Raich case will be heard before the United States Supreme Court on November 29, 2004 at 10:00 am, in Washington D.C. Our briefs were filed on October 13, 2004. Hello Everyone,As you know the Ashcroft v. Raich case is moving fast through the court 
system.The Ashcroft v. Raich case will be heard before the United States Supreme Court on November 29, 2004 at 10:00 am, in Washington D.C. Our briefs were filed on October 13, 2004. Timeline of Ashcroft v. Raich.
  
http://www.angeljustice.org/article.php?list=type&type=13October 13, 2004. Angel Raich filed her Merits Brief in the United States Supreme Court for the Respondents.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/Ashcroft%20v%20Raich%20Respondent%20Brief.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from the Institute for Justice.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/The%20Institute%20for%20Justice%20Amicus%20Brief.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from Constitutional Law Scholars.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/Constitutional%20Law%20Scholars%20Amicus%20Brief.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from the State of California; Washington; and Maryland. http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/California%20Washington%20and%20Maryland%20Amicus.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from the State of Alabama; Louisiana; and Mississippi. http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/Alabama%20Louisiana%20and%20Mississippi%20Amicus%20Brief.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from Lymphoma Foundation of America; HIV Medicine; Association of the Infectious Diseases Society of America; American Medical Students Association; Dr. Barbara Roberts; and Irvin Rosenfeld.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/Medical%20Evidence%20Supreme%20Court%20Amicus%20Brief.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Pain Relief Network, California Medical Association, AIDS Action Council; Compassion in Dying Federation; End-of-Life Choices; National Women's Health Network; Global Lawyers 
and Physicians; and AUTONOMY, Inc.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/California%20Medical%20Assoc%20Leukemia%20and%20Lymphoma%20Society.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from the California Nurses Association and DKT Liberty Project.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/California%20Nurses%20Association%20and%20DKT%20Liberty%20Project%20Amicus.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from Marijuana Policy Project and Rick Doblin, Ph.D.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/Marijuana%20Policy%20Project%20and%20Rick%20Doblin%20Phd%20Amicus%20Brief.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from the National National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML); The NORML Foundation; the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; and 
Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/NORML%20and%20NA%20of%20Criminal%20Defense%20Lawyers%20Amicus.pdfOctober 13, 2004. Amici Curiae Brief filed in Support of Respondents from the Reason Foundation.http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/Reason%20Foundation%20Supreme%20Court%20Brief.pdfIf you would like to read John Ashcroft's briefs or any of the other briefs in the Raich v. Ashcroft or the Ashcroft v. Raich case please go to: http://www.angeljustice.org/article.php?list=type&type=11To learn more about the plaintiff's in Ashcroft v. Raich or to look at our photo gallery's please visit our website at 
http://www.angeljustice.org Thank you for signing up to receive updates.If you would like to schedule a media interview the plaintiff's or their attorneys please call Lisa Chen or Simon Aronoff at Fenton Communications 415-901-0111.Compassion and Justice,
Angel McClary Raich
angel raich-v-ashcroft.com
510-764-1499 Message Phone
Angel Raich vs. Ashcroft News
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on October 19, 2004 at 16:57:04 PT
sukoi 
Thank You! Everyone is getting on board. That's great news!
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Comment #4 posted by sukoi on October 19, 2004 at 16:11:05 PT
Take a look
I just ran across this:On Wednesday, October 13, 2004, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) and Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) filed an Amicus Curiai brief in the Ashcroft v. Raich medical marijuana case pending before the U.S. Supreme Court.http://www.medicalmarijuanaprocon.org/pdf/MAPSRaich.pdfI found it here:http://medicalmarijuanaprocon.org/
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Comment #3 posted by ekim on October 19, 2004 at 09:04:56 PT
anyone good at writing proposals
What's a $25,000 idea? 
 Ideas Happen.msn.com
 http://www.mtv.com/onair/schedule/index.jhtml?date=20041018&time=21&submit=Go#
     You tell us.Ideas Happen is a forum for pitching and funding great ideas. Last year, 12 people won $25,000 each to make their idea a reality. This year, it could be your turn.We're currently accepting entries until October 20th, 2004. To get cracking, check out the 3 categories your idea could fit in (entrepreneur, self-expression or community) then head to "Pitch" and go for it.If you decide not to pitch an idea for your shot at $25,000, you can still view entries and weigh in to determine who rounds out our daily top 10 lists
 
http://www.aammi.org
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 19, 2004 at 08:47:26 PT
Sam
I'll second that too. I decided to mute the tv and turn on my good music! LOL!
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Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on October 19, 2004 at 08:41:41 PT
Great idea!
It IS a good idea to throw a spare bowl in the toolbox, those long repair jobs are always boring & a quick toke or two would liven up the tedious work a little. Some good music always makes home repair go faster as well.
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