cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- February 10, 2005 NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- February 10, 2005 Posted by CN Staff on February 10, 2005 at 15:36:45 PT Weekly Press Release Source: NORML 2005 Marijuana Law Reform Legislation Introduced In States NationwideFebruary 10, 2005 - Washington, DC, USAWashington, DC: Over a dozen state legislatures will be debating proposals to liberalize state marijuana penalties this spring. Already, several state bills to depenalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal use and/or to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana under a physician's supervision have been introduced, and several more are pending. Below is a summary of this year's more prominent state legislative proposals. Medical MarijuanaBills to legalize the use of medicinal marijuana by qualified patients are currently before the legislatures of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico and Tennessee. In Texas, lawmakers are also debating a proposal to allow medicinal cannabis patients to raise an affirmative defense of medical necessity at trial. Next week, legislation protecting medical cannabis patients from state prosecution is scheduled to be introduced in Alabama and Ohio, while similar bills are anticipated to be introduced in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.DecriminalizationTo date, two states are considering bills to remove criminal penalties for the possession of minor amounts of marijuana. In New Hampshire, House Bill 197 seeks to remove marijuana from the state's "Controlled Drug Act" so that individuals found in possession of cannabis will no longer face criminal penalties. The bill is currently before the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, where it is scheduled to be heard next week. In Texas, lawmakers are considering legislation, House Bill 254, to reduce the penalties on the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a Class C misdemeanor. If passed by the legislature, individuals charged with simple marijuana possession will face a ticket and a fine in lieu of criminal prosecution.For detailed information on these state bills or other related legislation, or to receive legislative "action alerts" and/or to send letters in support of marijuana law reform, please visit: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6435Science Refutes Latest Marijuana And Cognition ClaimFebruary 10, 2005 - Washington, DC, USAWashington, DC: Research published this week in the journal Neurology speculating that marijuana's effects on the cerebrovascular system may bring about residual cognitive deficits in longtime users is not supported by the majority of available clinical evidence.Numerous prior reviews of marijuana's potential impact on neurocognitive performance include:A 2003 meta-analysis published in the Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society that "failed to reveal a substantial, systematic effect of long-term, regular cannabis consumption on the neurocognitive functioning of users who were not acutely intoxicated;"A 2002 clinical trial published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal that determined, "Marijuana does not have a long-term negative impact on global intelligence;"A 2001 study published in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry that found that long-term cannabis smokers who abstained from the drug for one week "showed virtually no significant differences from control subjects (those who had smoked marijuana less than 50 times in their lives) on a battery of 10 neuropsychological tests." Researchers added, "Former heavy users, who had consumed little or no cannabis in the three months before testing, [also] showed no significant differences from control subjects on any of these tests on any of the testing days;"A 1999 clinical trial published in the American Journal of Epidemiology that found "no significant differences in cognitive decline between heavy users, light users, and nonusers of cannabis" over a 15-year period.More recently, a study published last fall in the journal Psychological Medicine examining the potential long-term residual effects of cannabis on cognition in monozygotic male twins reported "an absence of marked long-term residual effects of marijuana use on cognitive abilities."In addition, a scientific review published earlier this month in the journal Current Opinion in Pharmacology concluded, "There is little evidence ... that long-term cannabis uses causes permanent cognitive impairment. ... Overall, by comparison with other drugs used mainly for 'recreational' purposes, cannabis could be rated a relatively safe drug."For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre or Paul Armentano of NORML at (202) 483-5500.DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6434Cannabis To Be Tested As Crohn's Disease TreatmentFebruary 10, 2005 - Munich, GermanyMunich, Germany: Researchers at the University Hospital of Munich have begun the first ever clinical patient trial examining the efficacy of cannabis extracts as a treatment for Crohn's disease, according to a press release issued by the hospital. Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the intestine, characterized by severe abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss.Clinical research published last year by the Max Planck Institute for Psychiatry in Munich found that cannabinoids prevent an experimental inflammation of the colon in animals. Researchers in Italy had previously speculated that modulating "the endogenous cannabinoid system could provide new therapeutics for the treatment of a number of gastrointestinal diseases," including gastric ulcers and Crohn's disease.For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Senior Policy Analyst, at (202) 483-5500.DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6433Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: February 10, 2005Copyright: 2005 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- Feb. 03, 2005http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20192.shtml NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- Jan. 27, 2005http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20168.shtmlCannabisNews -- NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #22 posted by rchandar on February 12, 2005 at 13:12:28 PT: jose menendez 350 JOINTS A WEEK????That's a LOT of smoke, 50 joints a day!!! Anyone out there that can do that and still be coherent???--rchandar [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 11, 2005 at 18:17:05 PT ekim You're welcome. Thank you for telling us what Dr. Weil said. I went and got the link.Health & ScienceAndrew Weil Talk of the Nation, February 11, 2005 Medical Dr. Andrew Weil's best-selling books have done much to bring concepts such as alternative medicine, homeopathy and holistic healing into the medical main stream. Guest:Andrew Weil, author of Health and Healing, The Marriage of the Sun and Moon, The Natural Mind, Natural Health and Natural Medicine. Director, Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona.http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4495607 [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by ekim on February 11, 2005 at 18:13:01 PT Thanks FoM . today on NPR -- Dr. Weil said that cannabis should be legal. As it is such a non toxic substance. He went on to say that alterternitve medicine coupled with traditional meds will be the thing of the future. As more and more people are calling for less toxic drugs. He said a gram of fish oil extract is good for depression. http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by mamawillie on February 11, 2005 at 16:28:25 PT Chicago? What's the climate in Chicago like? I'm going there soon and was planning to send a care package (medicinal) ahead of me.... but I would just do without if it is a witch hunt. Thanks for any info.... [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on February 11, 2005 at 12:53:40 PT Off Topic: SJW Better The Prozac Herb Is 'Better Than Drugs at Treating Depression' By Jeremy Laurance, The Independent February 11, 2005In Germany, where St. John's wort is a prescription drug, it outsells Prozac by four to one. One drawback is that St. John's wort interacts with several prescription medicines to reduce their effectiveness. Paxil has been at the center of allegations that it causes agitation at the start of treatment.A specially prepared extract of the herb St. John's wort is at least as effective in treating depression as the powerful antidepressant drug Paxil and has fewer side-effects, a study has indicated.St. John's wort has long been known as an effective herbal treatment for mild depression, but the latest study is the first to suggest that it may have equal effectiveness with one of the biggest-selling pharmaceutical treatments for moderate to severe depression. Better Than Paxil Researchers who asked 301 people with depression to take part in the trial found that half of those given St. John's wort for six weeks reported an improvement in their symptoms, compared with only one third given Paxil.Neither group knew which drug they were taking, but those given Paxil also reported more side-effects.Paxil has been at the center of allegations that in some patients it causes agitation at the start of treatment and withdrawal effects in those trying to come off it.An investigation by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Authority concluded last year that it should be avoided in mild depression, because of the side-effects. The authority ordered a ban on its use in patients under 18.The study is published in the online version of the British Medical Journal. The researchers from Germany say: "Our results support the use of [St. John's wort extract] as an alternative to standard antidepressants in moderate to severe depression, especially as it is well tolerated." More Study Needed They add that the drug should be assessed for long-term treatment, because many patients suffer chronic depression and the "favorable ratio between efficacy and tolerability" of St. John's wort makes it an "interesting option" in these patients.In recommendations issued in December, the UK's National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) said that given the well-known side-effects of such drugs, including anxiety, insomnia, headaches and stomach complaints, alternative treatments should be considered for people with mild depression.NICE recommended that counseling including cognitive behavioral therapy should be considered. But the Royal College of GPs said the shortage of counselors and psychotherapists meant this was impractical. "GPs often feel they have little choice but to prescribe antidepressants," a spokesman said.In Germany, where St. John's wort is a prescription drug, it outsells Prozac by four to one.One drawback is that St. John's wort interacts with several prescription medicines to reduce their effectiveness. Copyright: 2005 The Independenthttp://www.technewsworld.com/story/news/40531.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by siege on February 11, 2005 at 07:45:08 PT Decriminalization Uncle Senator said the dominos are starting to fall. Well it looks like ASA'S push on HHS has the legislatures in a BIND and they are going to fall in line, it will be BIG when it gos down. We have come a long ways baby. The criminal penalties. will evaporate soon, there will be simple possession in every state before long. The legislatures have just lost the war and they can not do any thing to stop it and the Pharmaceuticals are pushing the other way trying to stop it.""The bill is currently before the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee,"" where it is scheduled to be heard next week. In Texas, lawmakers are considering legislation, House Bill 254, to reduce the penalties on the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana to a Class C misdemeanor. If passed by the legislature, individuals charged with simple marijuana possession will face a ticket and a fine in lieu of criminal prosecution.I think this is further then it has been in in the passed, expect for the Law juged from the DEA. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by jose melendez on February 11, 2005 at 04:13:21 PT hit it I hope you sue them for unlawful restraint of trade and get your law license back, PaulPeterson. Congratulations on your store's success! - - -http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20050211/HTAYLOR11/TPHealth/ Will the real dopes in this marijuana-use study please stand up?How much marijuana does a research volunteer need to smoke to demonstrate that dope is bad for your brains? Apparently, up to 350 joints a week.In a study financed by the U.S. government, scientists measured blood flow in the brains of volunteers who smoked different amounts of weed. So-called "light users" smoked from two to 15 joints a week; moderate users toked 17 to 70 joints per week; and heavy users puffed away at from 78 to 350 joints per week.The researchers found regular pot use narrows blood vessels and restricts oxygen and other nutrients from getting to the brain, possibly explaining why dope seems to impair memory. Furthermore, heavy dope-users still had restricted blood flow a full month after they stopped smoking up."This study unequivocally shows that marijuana has adverse effects on the brain," said Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, which commissioned the research. "You really do not want to jeopardize the circulation [of blood] in the brain."But the scientists found that "light users," who smoked seven to 11 joints a week, showed no lasting ill-effects from their habit. Their blood flow returned to normal within a month of quitting.In an interview, Dr. Volkow acknowledged that those who experienced the more serious effects did smoke "huge, huge, huge doses." And even some of the so-called "light-users" smoked up on a daily basis. But she insisted the study is realistic. "There are people who are taking these unbelievably huge quantities of drugs."Still, it's hard to take a study seriously when the participants have to almost chain-smoke joints in order to produce negative clinical results. This is one study the occasional pot smoker can safely forget about. Those who took part in the study certainly won't be able to remember it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by paulpeterson on February 10, 2005 at 22:16:08 PT Illinois DOES scare Barfwell She has good reason to fear Illinois right now. We now stand at 10 villages that have unilaterally "decriminalized" possession of 10 grams or less (some have a lower threshhold). The police I have spoken with over the years here are very receptive and cooperative. Why, in 2001 I spoke with my home chief of police about medical marijuana and he abruptly refused to bust people to jail anymore-once he was calmly advised of the myriad medical properties.In Wilmette, Illinois right now I make a tea from "live hemp" (being almost without THC but still the full plant complements of cannabinoids/terpinoids/flavonoids). Since this tea is a RELIGIOUS SACRAMENT I can not charge for it in my health food store (it is a "free will offering").The tea stops migraine headaches cold-anxiety? very effective. If a person were to have THC already in his system (from whatever source, that is) he gets a buzz. This is consistent with the literature-some cannabinoids can pull THC out of your fat stores. A brain cancer guy with facial spasms had great relief. It makes a great "withdrawal" tea (you know, when you get wiggy because you can't find Ricky's number). It absorbs through the skin when mixed with ground wet flax seed (Omega 3 does the magic entry dance). I am even speaking with some police about diverting bust weed to a large scale Alzheimer's screening in local old folk homes-It worked in 20 minutes to alleviate my friend's diagnosed symptoms. Over and out [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on February 10, 2005 at 19:32:54 PT ekim I deleted the two posts for you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by ekim on February 10, 2005 at 18:47:17 PT souder now holding hearing with jpee C-Span 2 http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by The GCW on February 10, 2005 at 18:42:43 PT Just outside of Chicago, is a little place called Illinois.Political battleground.We haven't lost a game; all the ballot questions to legalize cannabis medicinally have overwhelminly passed.Batter up.Barthwell, Souder, Bush, Ashcroft, all of You; into the duggout after the piss test before You hurt someone.Hot dogs, cold beer, pretzels and brownies. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by kaptinemo on February 10, 2005 at 18:36:24 PT: My Mother died of Crohn's complications Her last moments in this life were spent in helpless, pitiable, heart-wrenching agony that only death could relieve. My Father hasn't been the same man, since. And if the study proves the anecdotal information correct, then the antis may find themselves in court one day, answering to all those who've lost loved ones to theis terrible, ignominious disease for the sake of preserving their faux moral purity. Not to mention all those who've lost family and friends to glial cell brain cancer, MS, Parkinson's, etc. that more anecdotal evidence shows The Herb has salutary effects upon.The antis have much to atone for..."Vengeance is MINE", saith the Lord. "I shall repay." Or as my old instructors pounded into me, "What comes around, goes around." I hope I'm still around to see you *squirm* in the docket... [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by mayan on February 10, 2005 at 18:21:38 PT Illinois From the first article on the bulletin...Bills to legalize the use of medicinal marijuana by qualified patients are currently before the legislatures of Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey, New Mexico and Tennessee. In Texas, lawmakers are also debating a proposal to allow medicinal cannabis patients to raise an affirmative defense of medical necessity at trial. Next week, legislation protecting medical cannabis patients from state prosecution is scheduled to be introduced in Alabama and Ohio, while similar bills are anticipated to be introduced in Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island and Wisconsin.For some reason the prohibitionists are extremely worried about Illinois. All indications have Barthwell as a pharmaceutical company puppet and she is certainly making her rounds there. Let's make our voices heard there! Urge legislators to support H.B. 407 this session: http://www.mpp.org/IL/action.htmlIllinois Legislature Considers Medical Marijuana - Ask your Representative to support HB 407! http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=6951791THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...'Popular Mechanics' readies major hit piece against 9/11 skeptics: http://www.indybay.org/news/2005/02/1720145.phpThe 9/11 WTC Fires: Where's the Inferno? http://www.whatreallyhappened.com/wtc_fire.htmlThe Shattered Glass (...and the milk it spilled) http://rense.com/general62/shat.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by sixtyfps on February 10, 2005 at 18:20:41 PT US and THEM I don't know who else has read Charles Whitebread's 1995 speech at the California Judges Association Conference, but it really did something for me. Nice logical progression.The Sociology of Prohibition: http://www.pipes.org/Articles/history.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on February 10, 2005 at 18:15:36 PT Interesting News Article Cannabis Munching Cows To Get Change of Diet in Alpine State:http://weird-news.news.designerz.com/cannabis-munching-cows-to-get-change-of-diet-in-alpine-state.html?d20050210 [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by sixtyfps on February 10, 2005 at 17:33:41 PT urbandictionary is down with the sound http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=the+drug+warhttp://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=drug+testinghttp://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=war+on+drugs [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on February 10, 2005 at 17:22:14 PT MSNBC at 10 PM ET TONIGHT ON TV Thursday, 10 p.m. ETDid the CIA order a plane carrying American missionaries to be shot down? Did they then try to cover it up? Our government says it no longer wants to investigate, but Joe says he's not stopping until he finds the truth. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036789/Related Articles: Probe Dropped of CIA's Role in Plane's Downing: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20202.shtmlCompensation Offered for Plane Shot Down: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12303.shtmlMillions Sought From U.S. in Plane Downing: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12076.shtmlU.S. Shares Fault In Peru Incident: http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10482.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by sixtyfps on February 10, 2005 at 17:11:58 PT ekim A time zone on the Scarsbourgh event would be helpful for the rest of us ;) [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by The GCW on February 10, 2005 at 16:49:01 PT DRUG-WAR FOLLIES In America, you can be convicted for rape, murder or drunk driving and still qualify for federal aid -- as long as you didn't smoke pot. http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n241/a02.html?397(Isn't that well put?)Barthwell (remember Barthwell?) supports such ills.Debate! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by ekim on February 10, 2005 at 16:42:27 PT joe scarsbourgh 10 pm cia cover up MSNBC has more on the missionarys plane being shot down in Peru. http://www.leap.cc/events [ Post Comment ] Post Comment