cannabisnews.com: Rhode Island Launches Medical Marijuana Program










  Rhode Island Launches Medical Marijuana Program

Posted by CN Staff on March 31, 2006 at 12:44:52 PT
By M.L. Johnson, Associated Press Writer 
Source: Associated Press 

Providence, R.I. -- Rhode Islanders suffering from illnesses such as cancer and AIDS can begin applying for cards that let them legally use marijuana. Rhode Island became the 11th state to legalize medical marijuana in January. The law became effective Friday, when the state Health Department filed regulations with the Secretary of State's office, said Carol Hall-Walker, a health department spokeswoman.
The Medical Marijuana Program gives people with debilitating illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis and glaucoma, photo identification cards that let them grow up to 12 marijuana plants or buy 2.5 ounces of marijuana to relieve their symptoms. They also can designate someone to grow or buy marijuana for them.The program does not provide people with marijuana, and the law does not make it legal to sell marijuana in Rhode Island.The state law also does not protect medical marijuana users from prosecution under federal law.The Health Department's regulations say that Rhode Island residents who want to use medical marijuana must:-- provide certification from a Rhode Island physician that says marijuana may mitigate their symptoms and the potential benefits of using marijuana outweigh any health risks;-- pay a $75 fee with a check or money order. People who receive Social Security or Medicaid only pay $10; and-- get approval from their parent or legal guardian if they are under age 18.Patients can get applications for identification cards online or at the state Health Department office in Providence. Twenty-four applications were mailed Friday to people who had requested them, Hall-Walker said.The department has 30 days to verify the doctors' certifications and approve or deny applications. It must issue a photo identification card within five days of approving an application.The Medical Marijuana Program will end on June 30, 2007 unless the General Assembly renews it. Legislators passed the law over Gov. Don Carcieri's veto.On the Web:Rhode Island's Medical Marijuana Program: http://www.health.ri.gov/hsr/mmp/index.phpSource: Associated Press (Wire)Author: M.L. Johnson, Associated Press WriterPublished: March 31, 2006Copyright: 2006 Associated Press Related Articles: Registration Date in April for Marijuana Usehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21634.shtmlMedical Marijuana is Victory for Patients http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21456.shtmlCannabis Law Leaves Open Key Questionhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread21453.shtml

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Comment #39 posted by FoM on April 02, 2006 at 18:26:51 PT
E-Dispensary: Cannabis at the Capitol 
Hello Seekers of Fairness, Peace, and Compassion,Cannabis at the Capitol is one week away. So is the State of Washington's persecution of Compassionate Coalition Vice President Peter G. Keyes. And NORML alerts us to a disturbing new bill in California. Peter G. Keyes Interview: April 3rd: Compassionate Coalition Vice President Peter G. Keyes will be interviewed on Air America, 1320 AM, at 8:00am, on Monday, April 3rd, on the Morning Retort show, featuring Andy Sims and Scott Forrington. Peter will speak about the upcoming Cannabis at the Capitol festival, as well as current medical marijuana topics. If time permits, Peter will take questions from callers. Although local in nature, the conversation will be broadcast worldwide on http://www.kctc.com/From the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws:Assembly Bill 2673 seeks to make it a criminal offense in California for any person to operate a motor vehicle if any measurable level of THC, an active compound in marijuana, is present in their blood. Because THC may remain detectable at low levels in the blood of heavy cannabis users for up to 1-2 days after past use, and perhaps even longer if more sensitive testing technology is used, this legislation risks improperly criminalizing sober drivers as if they were intoxicated. Someone who smokes marijuana is impaired as a driver at most for a few hours; certainly not for one or two days. To treat all marijuana smokers as if they are impaired, even when the drug's effects have long worn off, is illogical and unfair.In addition, California already has effect-based laws on the books targeting and prosecuting drivers who operate a motor vehicle "under the influence" of illicit drugs. Under Section 23152 of California's Vehicle Code, motorists face up to six months in jail if they drive "under the influence of a drug." By contrast, AB 2673 seeks to create a new crime of "drugged driving" that is divorced from impairment, and that would jail motorists for simply having consumed an illicit substance at some prior, unspecified date.That is why NORML is asking you today to contact members of the Assembly Public Safety Committee, which will be holding hearings on this measure on Tuesday, April 4, and tell them that you oppose AB 2673. For your convenience, contact information for the Committee and a pre-written letter opposing AB 2673 is included below.Sincerely, Paul Armentano Senior Policy Analyst NORML | NORML FoundationAssembly Public Safety Committee http://www.assembly.ca.gov/acs/newcomframeset.asp?committee=57Leno, Mark (Chair) State Capitol Room 3146 Sacramento, CA 94249 916-319-2013 Assemblymember.leno assembly.ca.govLa Suer, Jay (Vice Chair) State Capitol Room 5160 Sacramento, CA 94249 916-319-2077 Assemblymember.Lasuer assembly.ca.govCohn, Rebecca State Capitol Room 3160 Sacramento, CA 94249 916-319-2024 Assemblymember.Cohn assembly.ca.govDymally, Mervyn State Capitol Room 3132 Sacramento, CA 94249 916-319-2052 Assemblymember.dymally assembly.ca.govGoldberg, Jackie State Capitol Room 2003 Sacramento, CA 94249 916-319-2045 Assemblymember.Goldberg assembly.ca.govSptizer, Todd State Capitol Room 2111 Sacramento, CA 94249 916-319-2071 Assemblymember.spitzer assembly.ca.govDear Assemblymember ____________,I am writing you today to urge you to reject Assembly Bill 2673, an act to amend Section 23152 of the California Vehicle Code.We all support the goal of keeping impaired drivers off the road, regardless of whether the driver is impaired from alcohol or other drugs. However, AB 2673 is poorly drafted, and seeks to create a new, driving-related offense that is divorced from driver impairment. If passed, this measure would potentially criminalize cannabis consumers including those tens of thousands of patients who use cannabis in accordance with state law who operate a motor vehicle, even when the individual is neither under the influence nor impaired to drive.Assembly Bill 2673 seeks to make it a criminal offense in California for any person to operate a motor vehicle if any measurable level of THC, an active compound in marijuana, is present in their blood. Because THC may remain detectable at low levels in the blood of heavy cannabis users for up to 1-2 days after past use, and perhaps even longer if more sensitive testing technology is used, this legislation risks improperly criminalizing sober drivers as if they were intoxicated. Someone who smokes marijuana is impaired as a driver at most for a few hours; certainly not for one or two days. To treat all marijuana smokers as if they are impaired, even when the drug's effects have long worn off, is illogical and unfair.In addition, California already has effect-based laws on the books targeting and prosecuting drivers who operate a motor vehicle "under the influence" of illicit drugs. Under Section 23152 of California¹s Vehicle Code, motorists face up to six months in jail if they drive "under the influence of a drug." By contrast, AB 2673 seeks to create a new crime of "drugged driving" that is divorced from impairment and that would jail motorists for simply having consumed an illicit substance at some prior, unspecified date. While Californians certainly do not wish to condone illegal drug use, it's also clear that this proposal seeks to misuse the state's traffic-safety laws to target illicit drug use in general. In short, there is no need for this additional legislation.Lastly, it's premature for California lawmakers to be considering the establishment of zero tolerance "drugged driving" thresholds when legislative action on this matter is pending from Congress. Before the close of 2006, the US Department of Transportation and US Department of Health and Human Services will be issuing to Congress "recommendations for developing a model statute for states relating to drug impaired driving," including: - "Threshold levels of impairment for illicit drugs"; - "Practicable methods for detecting the presence of illegal drugs"; - "Penalties for drug impaired driving."At a minimum, the California Legislature should wait until Congress has weighed in on this issue before moving forward with this poorly drafted legislation.While driving under the influence of illicit and licit substances is obviously a serious problem, AB 2673 neither addresses the problem nor offers a legitimate solution. Therefore, I urge you to reject AB 2673.Sincerely,Your Name National Compassionate Coalition Meeting: April 5th: The National Compassionate Coalition will meet on Wednesday, April 5th, at 7pm, at 1512 "C" El Camino, in Sacramento, California. Agenda topics include: Cannabis at the Capitol planning, updates on the Benjamins and Damon Frach of Solano, the Clarks of Sacramento, Raich, Costa, and more. This group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. For information please contact Nathan Sands at 916-709-2483. http://www.compassionatecoalition.orgPeter G. Keyes Court Support: April 10th: Medicinal cannabis patient (I.B.S.), tireless advocate and Vice President of Compassionate Coalition Peter G. Keyes will be in court facing Judge Charles Delaurenti at 10:15am, on Monday, April 10th at the King County District Court, 601 S.W. 149th Street, in Burien, Washington. Peter is facing up to 90 days in jail for possession of a misdemeanor amount of cannabis, even though he had a valid California doctor's recommendation at the time of arrest. Officer Leonard, the arresting agent, is expected to testify at this pre-trial hearing. http://www.compassionatecoalition.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=50904th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics in Santa Barbara: April 6-8 Sponsored by Patients Out Of Time http://www.medicalcannabis.com/ http://www.medicalcannabis.com/conference.htmCompassionate Coalition Presents: CANNABIS AT THE CAPITOL A Medical Marijuana Rally Sunday, April 9th, 2006 California State Capitol, West Steps Sacramento, CA 12 noon-6 p.m. Free AdmissionFeaturing Speakers:Bruce Mirken - Marijuana Policy Project Communications Director, San Francisco http://www.mpp.orgEddy Lepp - Medicinal Cannabis Cultivator, Federal Defendant, Lake County http://www.eddysmedicinalgardens.comMike & Valerie Corral - Wo/men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana Co-founders, Santa Cruz http://www.wamm.orgNathan Sands - Compassionate Coalition Chairman of the Board, SacramentoBarbara MacKenzie - Shelter From the Storm Co-Founder, San DiegoOmar Figueroa - Attorney Specializing in Cannabis Law, San FranciscoFrank Lucido, M.D. - Family Physician, Berkeley http://www.altogether.com/drfrankRyan Landers - Compassionate Coalition Government Affairs Director, SacramentoTony Bowles - President of California Marijuana Party, San Francisco http://camjp.org/Mel Sterling - Clinical Professor of Medicine, UC Irvine, Medical Director, Palliative Care Team, St. Joseph Hospital, OrangeLynnette Shaw - Libertarian Candidate Lt. Governor, Fairfax http://www.voteshaw.infoKris Hermes - Legal Campaign Director, Americans for Safe Access to Medical Marijuana, Oakland http://www.safeaccessnow.orgAnd Music:Cedar Matyola - Flamenco Guitar http://www.sacflamenco.com"Daycare" the Rock Band http://www.myspace.com/daycareD.J. Wokstar Spinning Reggae, Dancehall and Ganja TunesCompassionate Coalition is an all-volunteer, non-profit, educational organization. We defend the rights of patients to have safe access to medical marijuana. Your generous contributions enable our work to continue. We will press forward with the struggle for fair, compassionate treatment of sick and dying people. Please make a donation today at: http://www.compassionatecoalition.org/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=22&MMN_position=115:115Thank you for your continued support.Sincerely, Peter G. Keyes Vice President Compassionate Coalition http://www.compassionatecoalition.org
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Comment #38 posted by FoM on April 01, 2006 at 14:35:48 PT
 runderwo 
Here are two related articles about the Immune System.UCSF Study Finds No Harm to HIV+ Patients:
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17093.shtmlMarijuana Use Does Not Accelerate HIV Infection:
http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17092.shtml 
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Comment #37 posted by runderwo on April 01, 2006 at 13:55:12 PT
reply
Does anyone ever bother reviewing the literature when promoting the results of their new study? I mean, when it obviously contradicts previous findings, there should be an explanation for that.http://www.druglibrary.org/SCHAFFER/hemp/medical/can-babies.htm"Comparing the two groups, the neonates of mothers who used marijuana showed better physiological stability at 1 month and required less examiner facilitation to reach an organized state and become available for social stimulation. The results of the comparison of neonates of the heavy-marijuana-using mothers and those of the nonusing mothers were even more striking. The heavily exposed neonates were more socially responsive and were more autonomically stable at 30 days than their matched counterparts. The quality of their alertness was higher; their motor and autonomic systems were more robust; they were less irritable; they were less likely to demonstrate any imbalance of tone; they needed less examiner facilitation to become organized; they had better self-regulation; and were judged to be more rewarding for caregivers than the neonates of nonusing mothers at 1 month of age."And this is funny too:"in theory, cannabinoid use could increase HIV levels by impairing the immune response or by interfering with the activity of protease inhibitors."In theory? You mean in wild speculation? That is, since cannabis has never been shown to do either of these, to my knowledge.
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Comment #36 posted by jose melendez on April 01, 2006 at 12:48:35 PT
Re: Jerry Sisson
See also:http://cannabisnews.com/news/21/thread21596.shtml#31
Criminalize Prohibition
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Comment #35 posted by FoM on April 01, 2006 at 11:49:14 PT
JustGetnBy
You can contact me the same way Toker00 did. Maybe she won't care and I can post her address but I should ask.
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Comment #34 posted by FoM on April 01, 2006 at 10:41:39 PT
JustGetnBy 
This address was posted by Jerry on this link and it is very close to the address Linda gave me. I believe this address will work fine. I need to contact Linda and ask her how we can share this information. I worry about posting addresses. http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19149.shtml#19
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Comment #33 posted by JustGetnBy on April 01, 2006 at 10:29:00 PT
Jerry's Commisary
FOM/Toker00  I don't wish to intrude on anyones privacy, but if money sent to Jerries wife would benefit him, I would like to do that.Some simple instruction would on how too would be great.             Peace
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on April 01, 2006 at 09:37:50 PT
Max Flowers 
Too Much! LOL!
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Comment #31 posted by Max Flowers on April 01, 2006 at 09:30:01 PT
The Cannabis Whisperer
I should market myself as the Cannabis Whisperer. I have the same kind of relationship with cannabis plants that that guy Cesar has with dogs. They listen to me and let me know what they want and need, and I know how to provide it and they obey me.If you don't prune them and train them and show them who's boss, they grow out of control and get all unruly. Before you know it, they're trying to rush in front of you when someone knocks on the door, and we can't have that...!
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on April 01, 2006 at 09:23:59 PT
Toker00
Building is quite a craft. My nephew is 30 and he is so good. He makes me very proud. I actually never had much contact with him before late last year and he will be working on our place two days a week weather permitting once we get started. He is just like the both of us which makes it really cool. So I'm getting to know him and watch him do what he does so very well. He is very expensive but he is worth it and it helps his family. When he puts in an 8 hour day you can see how much he accomplishes in a short time. Life can be really good sometimes. 
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Comment #29 posted by Toker00 on April 01, 2006 at 09:08:41 PT
Then I am weird, too.
Once I learned the craft, I learned to love the smell. But until I had diciplined myself to the craft, I didn't like it too much, because it only meant hard work. lol. Now it is second nature. Good luck with your new construction. Toke.
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on April 01, 2006 at 08:56:38 PT
Toker00
That is their address. She said they live so far out in the country they have a PO Box. Today is a nice rainy spring day and we have work to do inside so I turned off the crazy news and we are watching Neil Young Live at Red Rocks. I love being able to turn off news and watch a concert. Music is my peace of mind. Music challenges me to think deeper then I would normally. That's one of the reasons I love Neil Young and other good rock type musicians. We had to do a closing yesterday on the phone with JP Morgan Chase Bank and then go to a lawyer to finish it all up. I really get scattered when we have to do stuff like that but it's done now. We will be starting construction soon. We are only going to work a few days a month and take it slow and count pennys very closely. I love the smell of new two by fours and lumber. I'm weird I know. LOL!
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Comment #27 posted by Toker00 on April 01, 2006 at 08:44:46 PT
I concur.
I'm expecting to make it out to Linda Sisson. Is this correct?Toke.
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on April 01, 2006 at 08:19:35 PT
Toker00 
I think cutting out the middle man will benefit Linda and Jerry so much better.
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Comment #25 posted by Toker00 on April 01, 2006 at 06:57:22 PT
Wait a minute.
Have I accidentally created a new word? PROHIBION. How about PROHIBIAN? One who prohibits God's gifts. The ULTIMATE prohibitionist.Toke.
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Comment #24 posted by Toker00 on April 01, 2006 at 05:45:49 PT
And....
You might try talking to them about ending cannabis PROHIBITION, too.Toke.
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Comment #23 posted by Toker00 on April 01, 2006 at 05:44:01 PT
Thanks, FoM.
He'll get one more check at the commissary from me, but the rest will be going to Linda's address. Sorta cuts out the middle man, huh?Have a great weekend, all you wonderful folks. Please talk to someone this weekend about ENDING CANNABIS PROHIBION!!Wage peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
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Comment #22 posted by Had Enough on April 01, 2006 at 05:12:17 PT
Polls
Poll in comment #7Should this man's bongs and pipes be returned to him? Choice Votes Percentage of 6885 Votes Yes, he was acquitted. 5764 - 84% No, they are drug paraphernalia. 1121 - 16% 
 
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Comment #21 posted by afterburner on March 31, 2006 at 23:07:59 PT
#17 Taylor121 - Ohio Targets Sober Cannabis People
"Global ganja culture should now be going on the offensive. We have the prohibitionists on the run, we have momentum and public opinion on our side, and we must articulate a vision of how we want our culture and our plant defined in the new millennium."- Dana Larsen, Editor of Cannabis CultureCounter counter-attack of the prohibitionists in Ohio. Speak out Ohioans. Speak out cannabis lovers. Share your vision with your neighbors.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 17:58:37 PT
Toker00
I could send the address to you but here we go again how? If you have whigs, DankHank or Hope's email they could give you my address. I have an idea. Check out this page and use this e-mail.
Neil Young: Heart of Gold
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Comment #19 posted by Toker00 on March 31, 2006 at 17:54:23 PT
Thanks for the info, FoM.
I wish I had thought to send it to her address. Is that info privy?Toke.
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 17:51:58 PT
Taylor121 
I know. Paul told me yesterday. My husband has been drug testing for 13 years. It's really an annoyance.
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Comment #17 posted by Taylor121 on March 31, 2006 at 17:36:02 PT
Ohio Drugged Driving
After approval by the State Senate and House, a bill that bans "drugged driving" is set to become law in Ohio, RAW STORY has found.http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/Ohio_passes_drugged_driving_law_0331.html
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 17:20:52 PT
Toker00
I talked with Linda a couple of days ago. We talked about the commissary and I said when we could send more money I wanted to send it to her. She knows what Jerry needs and that way I know that the money is going where I want it to go to her and Jerry. There is a possibility that he might get moved to a west coast prison but it's only an if. I haven't written back because I was sick but I did do what Jerry asked in his letter and had his page put on CNews front page. 
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Comment #15 posted by Toker00 on March 31, 2006 at 17:16:03 PT
Has anyone heard from Jerry?
Just checking. Toke.
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Comment #14 posted by mayan on March 31, 2006 at 17:05:33 PT
JR Bob Dobbs
From the linked article you posted...A jury found Doles not guilty and the charges were dismissed.It sounds like a simple case of theft. The Gillette, Wyo.
authorities who stole his property should return it or be arrested immediately. Doles should consider a lawsuit.Thanks for the poll, JR!THE WAY OUT...David Ray Griffin: Theologian scoffed at 9/11 conspiracy theories, then looked closer:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/03/30/NSGB3HTBQ61.DTL&hw=griffin&sn=001&sc=1000HEY CHARLIE SHEEN, WAKE UP!
http://www.copvcia.com/free/ww3/033006_charlie_sheen.shtmlActor & Director Ed Asner Shares 9/11 Concerns:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/march2006/310306asnershares.htmVenezuelan Government To Launch International 9/11 Investigation:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/march2006/310306launchinvestigation.htmSurvival of Firemen in North Tower Collapse Corroborates Use of Demolition Charges:
http://www.greaterthings.com/News/daily/2006/03/30/6600920_WTC_survivor_wind/Cheney Has a Slip of the Tongue:
http://www.911blogger.com/2006/03/cheney-has-slip-of-tongue.htmlPentagon Exit Hole Part II
http://rense.com/general70/bhole.htm9/11 Classes Now In Session:
http://www.yourbbsucks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9271
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 16:57:40 PT
ekim
Here it is on my personal page. I don't have control of changing any banners on CNews.http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/dp.htm
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 16:53:31 PT
ekim
I have a link on my FTE page but not on CNews. We have a banner for this site. I think they work together. http://stopthedrugwar.org/index.shtml
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Comment #11 posted by ekim on March 31, 2006 at 16:48:46 PT
good going FoM
is there a link to the Schaffer Library here on c/news
i was reading this on a comment at www.drugwarrant.com and it is very informative.http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/Library/studies/studies.htm
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Comment #10 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 16:45:32 PT
ekim
 Working with horses most of my life using similar technics worked wonders.Cesar's web site.http://www.dogpsychologycenter.com/
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Comment #9 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 16:42:46 PT
ekim 
I really like the Dog Whisperer. 
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Comment #8 posted by ekim on March 31, 2006 at 16:37:38 PT

anyone watch Cesar 
the Dog Wisperer on Dir TV Ch 248 at 8pm i feel he has much to teach most of us humans.i will be going to the Power-Shift.org conference on Sat.
http://www.minorml.org
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Comment #7 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on March 31, 2006 at 15:58:41 PT

Poll
Should the owner of a head shop acquitted on drug paraphernalia charges get his inventory back? Or should they be destroyed?83% say give 'em back. The poll is still open.
http://www.wgal.com/news/8386081/detail.html
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Comment #6 posted by Max Flowers on March 31, 2006 at 14:40:20 PT

Great news
Despite RI being a tiny state, it is in a part of the country where things get noticed in a big way. And they are taking notice of this in D.C., I assure you! Senators and congresspersons:  Ignore this development at your own peril.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 14:39:08 PT

Sam Adams 
This is how I look at the fertility issue. If a couple is having problems conceiving and they have been checked out and everything seems ok then eliminate cigarettes, alcohol, get a good amount of rest, and don't worry. I was only able to have one child and I didn't drink. I didn't smoke marijuana but I did smoke cigarettes. 
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Comment #4 posted by Sam Adams on March 31, 2006 at 14:34:03 PT

fertility
Ok, here we go again. Fact: the patients who have used MJ more had lower success with fertility treatments. I'm not disputing that! However, this is CORRELATION, not CAUSATION.By itself, this little factoid is almost completely worthless. I'm going to take a wild guess that people who use MJ probably use alcohol at a higher rate than the general public. I wonder, do they exercise as much? Do they smoke cigs at a higher rate that general population? Do they eat as well? Take multivitamins? Have more stress?If they put out a study that CONTROLS for all these other factors, they'll have proved causation, and they'll have delivered a piece of useful health information to the world.Until then, all they've done is issue a obviously politically-driven piece of nonsense.I'm sure they could have correlated dozens of different pieces of information with fertility success. How much do want to bet that college-educated people did better than non-college grads? Oh my god! Go to college or you won't be able to have kids!

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Comment #3 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 14:12:16 PT

Pakistan News Service 
Marijuana Use Does Not Accelerate HIV Infection Saturday April 01, 2006 
 
 ISLAMABAD: Short-term cannabis use does not seem to adversely affect CD4+ cell counts or viral loads in HIV -infected patients, according to a report published in the August 19th issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine. 
In HIV-infected patients, marijuana has been used as an appetite stimulant and as a treatment for the nausea associated with some antiretroviral agents. However, concern has been raised that such therapy could have a harmful effect on disease status, because in theory, cannabinoid use could increase HIV levels by impairing the immune response or by interfering with the activity of protease inhibitors. Previously it was shown that short-term marijuana use did not influence nelfinavir metabolism. Although marijuana use did produce a drop in indinavir levels, this fall was small and unlikely to be clinically meaningful. However, it still remained unclear whether cannabinoid use had an effect on viral load or CD+ cell counts. To investigate, Dr. Donald I. Abrams, from the University of California at San Francisco, and colleagues assessed the outcomes of 67 HIV-infected patients who were randomly assigned to use marijuana cigarettes, cannabinoid capsules, or sugar pills (placebo) three times daily for 21 days. All of the patients had been receiving the same antiretroviral regimen, which included indinavir or nelfinavir, for at least 8 weeks before the study began. More than half of the subjects in each group had undetectable viral loads throughout the study, the researchers note. Although not statistically significant, marijuana and cannabinoid use were actually associated with a slight drop in viral load compared with placebo use. Marijuana and cannabinoid use did not produce a drop in CD4+ or CD8+ cell counts. In fact, compared with placebo use, treatment with these agents was actually associated with a slight increase in cell counts. The results suggest that short-term cannabinoid use is not unsafe for patients with HIV infection, the authors note. "Further studies investigating the therapeutic potential of marijuana and other cannabinoids in patients with HIV infection and other populations are ongoing and should provide additional safety information over longer exposure periods," they write. Copyright: PakTribune.com Pvt Ltd 2003-2004http://paktribune.com/news/index.php?id=139255
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 14:08:24 PT

Medical Marijuana Program Regulations Filed
For Immediate ReleaseMarch 31, 2006Contact: Carol Hall-Walker 401-222-2589 The Rhode Island Department of Health has taken steps to implement the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) as directed by the General Assembly. The Edward O. Hawkins and Thomas C. Slater Medical Marijuana Act was enacted on January 3, 2006. The regulations were filed with the Secretary of State today and the application is available online at http://www.health.ri.gov/hsr/mmp/index.php or people may get an application at Room 104 of the Department of Health at 3 Capitol Hill, Providence RI, 02908.Only Rhode Island-licensed physicians will be able to issue a certification of eligibility. To be registered as a medical marijuana program participant, qualifying patients must submit their physician’s written certification form stating the qualifying patient’s debilitating medical condition or conditions. “Debilitating medical condition” means cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Hepatitis C, or the treatment of specific conditions., including chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that produces one or more of the following: cachexia or wasting syndrome; severe, debilitating, chronic pain; severe nausea; seizures, including but not limited to those characteristic of epilepsy: or severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease; or agitation of Alzheimer’s disease; and any other medical condition or its treatment approved by the Department, as provided for in section 21-28.6-5 of the Rhode Island General Laws.Once the card is issued the patient and/or caregiver may possess a limited amount of marijuana without violating state law. The law does not alter federal statutes and regulations prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana. Patients and their registered caregivers must have a registry identification card on them. There is an application fee of $75.00, unless the applicant can show evidence that he or she is a recipient of SSI or Medicaid, at which point the fee will be reduced to $10.00. The Department of Health is only able to take checks or money orders, not cash or credit cards. The Department has 30 days to verify and approve the application. For more information, go to: http://www.health.ri.gov/hsr/mmp/index.php or call 401-222-2828 during regular business hours from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  Rhode Island Department of Health • 3 Capitol Hill • Providence RI 02908 
Voice: 401-222-2231 • Fax: 401-222-6548 • TTY: 711 • 
A Rhode Island Government Website • Copyright: 1998–2006 http://www.health.ri.gov/media/060331a.php
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on March 31, 2006 at 13:44:29 PT

Marijuana Use Affects Fertility Treatment Outcomes
Staff and AgenciesBy Will Boggs, MD March 31, 2006NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The likelihood of a good outcome of fertility treatment is reduced if either the man or the woman uses marijuana, compared with couples that don‘t use it, the results of a new study suggest. If these study findings are confirmed by additional research, we would recommend that physicians tell couples to not use marijuana for at least one year before starting fertility treatment, Dr. Hillary S. Klonoff-Cohen from University of California, La Jolla, told Reuters Health. Klonoff-Cohen and colleagues investigated the possible effects of marijuana use on the outcomes of 221 couples who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) or gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT) treatment for infertility. The findings are published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. At least 10 percent of men and women smoked marijuana in the year before the fertility procedure, the authors report, and 3 percent of women and 0.5 percent of men reported smoking marijuana the day before the procedure. Longer marijuana use over a woman‘s lifetime reduced the number of eggs that could be retrieved and the number of embryos that could be transferred, the results indicate. Women who smoked marijuana during the year before the procedure had 25 percent fewer eggs and about one fewer embryo transferred, compared with women who didn‘t smoke marijuana during that year, the researchers note. Similarly, marijuana smoking by the man during the year before the procedure was associated with approximately one fewer embryo transferred, the report indicates. Any lifetime use of marijuana by both partners was associated with a 19 percent decrease in eggs retrieved, compared with couples who never smoked marijuana. Furthermore, Klonoff-Cohen‘s group found that if the man or the woman had ever used marijuana, their infant had a significantly lower birthweight, compared with individuals who had never used marijuana. This effect seemed to increase with higher or more recent marijuana use. "Marijuana has been implicated with low birthweight, although the results are inconsistent," Klonoff-Cohen commented. However, this is the first report of a relationship between marijuana use by the father and low infant birth weight, so our findings need to be verified by larger studies. "We are currently evaluating the effect of marijuana use on intracytoplasmic sperm injection patients," Klonoff-Cohen added. SOURCE: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, February 2006. Copyright: 2006 Reuters Health
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