cannabisnews.com: California Takes a Hit California Takes a Hit Posted by CN Staff on September 04, 2006 at 06:34:14 PT By Stephanie Nehmens, Assistant City Editor Source: Daily Aztec California -- For some San Diegans, legally obtaining marijuana was easy in the last three years - until San Diego's Drug Enforcement Administration raided and shut down all marijuana dispensaries in July. Senate Bill 420 was passed in 2003 as an amendment to the 1996 Proposition 215, which allowed California doctors to write medical marijuana recommendations. SB 420 also allowed patients and their caregivers the right to grow marijuana for medicinal, non-profit uses, as long as they had an identification card. Some San Diegans interpreted the law differently, growing supplies for many patients. More than 30 "medical marijuana" dispensaries opened in San Diego County since the law was passed. The laws were written for patients who suffer from illnesses such as cancers, HIV and AIDS.However, Damon Mosler, division chief of the San Diego County district attorney's Major Narcotics Unit, said his department and the DEA, through research involving undercover police buying marijuana, discovered that the bulk of the dispensaries' customers were people between 20 and 30 years old, or even younger, who were having prescriptions written out for them for excuses such as minor pain and surfing injuries. Mosler is currently suing four doctors for allegedly issuing questionable marijuana recommendations. "We were seeing many students from San Diego State and other schools getting recommendations for minor headaches or minor pain," Mosler said. "It's hard to believe that people are so sick at 20 years old that they need medicinal marijuana."The dispensaries have been under the scrutiny of the DEA and Narcotics Unit since last July, when the departments began raiding stores and warning the owners to shut them down. This July, the DEA raided and shut down all of the dispensaries in San Diego County, he said. San Diego County does not support marijuana use, as it is illegal under federal law, and is suing the state of California for trying to impose the identification card requirement on San Diego County.County officials said they feel that requiring an identification card to buy the drug is a step toward legalizing marijuana, Mosler said. Medical marijuana patients have now joined the lawsuit - as their supply will be more difficult to obtain. "Nowhere in this lawsuit were the patients represented," said Margaret Dooley, coordinator for the San Diego Drug Policy Alliance. "So three organizations - the DPA (which co-wrote Proposition 215), Americans for Safe Access and the American Civil Liberties Union - filed a motion to intervene."We wanted to add defendants to the existing lawsuit. We won the motion, so we asked for the county to also sue us so that patients, providers and co-operatives (several patients who grow and share marijuana together) could also be represented."Mosler argues that only 3 percent of the dispensaries' customers have illnesses stated in Proposition 215, and the rest are not legitimate medical marijuana patients. The next hearing for the county's case against the state and advocate groups will be heard by Superior Court Judge William R. Nevitt Jr. in a San Diego civil court and is scheduled for Nov. 16, according to: http://www.medicalmj.org/Note: San Diego County brings state to court.Source: Daily Aztec, The (San Diego State, CA Edu)Author: Stephanie Nehmens, Assistant City EditorPublished: September 5, 2006Copyright: 2006 The Daily AztecContact: letters thedailyaztec.comWebsite: http://www.thedailyaztec.comRelated Articles & Web Sites:Drug Policy Alliancehttp://www.drugpolicy.org/Americans For Safe Accesshttp://www.safeaccessnow.org/Ruling Lets ACLU, Others Join Suit http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22044.shtmlPatients Get OK To Oppose MMJ Challengehttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22040.shtmlGet The Pot To The Patientshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22020.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #34 posted by FoM on September 05, 2006 at 16:47:05 PT Dankhank It will be interesting to see the direction it takes. It is definitely a cutting edge series. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by Dankhank on September 05, 2006 at 16:36:57 PT oh yea ... FoM,I think you nailed it, it came to me while watching the second show, too.It was inevitable, likely why the DEA was brought into it ...No doubt it really happens ...It will be interesting to see it unfold ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by FoM on September 05, 2006 at 15:57:07 PT Dankhank About Weeds last night. I think Nancy is going to use her husband against her competition. I hope it doesn't go that way but it could. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by afterburner on September 05, 2006 at 15:22:42 PT FoM You have mails. I'm home all evening. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by Dankhank on September 05, 2006 at 14:52:39 PT missed ... written recommendationit ain't easy trying to outthink prohibitionists ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by FoM on September 05, 2006 at 14:48:57 PT Whig Self sacrifice? I guess I don't understand what that means very well. It isn't easy trying to follow in His footsteps and it would take self sacrifice to truly walk in the Spirit I suppose. The fruits of the Spirit aren't easily attained in my opinion. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by Dankhank on September 05, 2006 at 14:36:32 PT I agree ... but,seem that lack of "legalese" has contributed to the Loopholes you speak of ...If not stated, then that is what opens to "interpretation."Cops are the ultimate bureaucrats ... they follow the "law" and are able to skate through the "gaps" as they please.It's kinda like "Simon Says" in that the cops should only do what is lawful while performing their stated task, and have no latitude to "interpret" the gaps. Therefore, it seems to me, we must tell them exactly what they can and can't do with the utmost of precision we are able to achieve.A brief and succinct law is surely desirable, but, likely not possible for the reasons stated earlier.My candidate for a model law would be:"The Medical use of Cannabis is to be treated identically to the administration of any other medical precedure as to diagnosis and treatment. Federal Law prohibiting the prescribing of Cannabis, a doctor's recommendation of efficacy is all that is required for a patient to use it." [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by whig on September 05, 2006 at 13:53:15 PT FoM You take a good meaning, but I don't think Pastor Marsh means self-control. He really means denial, self-sacrifice, suffering for the sake of obedience. And he projects it by commanding others suffer for the same cause. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on September 05, 2006 at 13:17:16 PT Museman and Dankhank Museman, I like simple yes or no answers. The more we word something the more ways it can be twisted to mean something totally different. Dankhank, I hope something good happens for your state. I hope someday we will have a chance to vote on MMJ in my state too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by FoM on September 05, 2006 at 13:12:33 PT Whig About self denial and the Pastor I think of it more as self control. Self control is a fruit of the spirit. That means when a person who calls him or herself a follower of God that they need to exercise self control and not hate those who don't think like they do. That is self denial ( not expressing emotions against something or someone ) but self control is a much better way of saying it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by whig on September 05, 2006 at 12:28:39 PT gw in particular More Marsh, I just thought of global_warming when I read back our discussion.http://marshianchronicles.com/?p=703 [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by Dankhank on September 05, 2006 at 12:25:29 PT Could be ... Prop 215 was brief and succinct ...required SB 420 to "flesh it out"It's possible that this OK bill is an amalgam of those two and any other "needed" points deduced from them and/or other state initiatives.It seems clear to me that short and sweet is not necessarily a panacea.Cost to register is $20.I don't think we have the answer, yet. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by museman on September 05, 2006 at 11:50:49 PT #21 Common sense is the highest sophistication one can possibly achieve. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on September 05, 2006 at 08:05:40 PT Dankhank Oh my it seems so complicated. The longer rules are the more loopholes and then that will mean more lawyers and court. I want a yes or a no vote. I am very basic. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by afterburner on September 05, 2006 at 07:01:30 PT Different Drummer CN ON: PUB LTE: Regulate Marijuana Sales, The Chronicle-Journal, (29 Aug 2006) http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v06/n1181/a11.html?176"Jail is a very blunt instrument with which to instill respect for the law." Judge, North of 60: Different Drummer [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by dankhank on September 04, 2006 at 22:32:00 PT well ......... 54 (3) The amount of marijuana retained for alleviation of the qualifying patient does not55 exceed an adequate supply.seems reasonable, but elsewhere it states max 5 ounces ... shouldn't that be up to the doctor, in consultation with the patient?126 prosecute, a dismissal of charges, or an acquittal. However, no law enforcement agency127 seizing live plants as evidence is responsible for the care and maintenance of such planso: cops are allowed to seize plants and absolved of any requirement to care for the plants.Can a med user be a caregiver for another user?Those stuck out ...may be more ... it's late and I will say good night ...Peace to all who would care ... [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on September 04, 2006 at 21:10:43 PT Dankhank I can't absorb all the details. What do you think? [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Dankhank on September 04, 2006 at 20:59:01 PT How does this one look? I spotted a couple of things I wouldn't mind a little different, but it's commendable what DP OK is doing ...Subject: [Drug-Policy-OK] Med. Marijuana:OKC 9/9/06 Message-ID: Med. Marijuana Supporters,The Oklahoma Compassionate Care Campaign: Legislative Committee will be meeting Sat. Sept. 9, 2:15 pm - 4:45 pm, at the Edmond Public Library, 10 S. Boulevard, Edmond, Oklahoma.The meeting will completely focus on coming to a consensus about the wording of the proposed legislation contributed by DPFOK member L. Bonnell.All medical marijuana supporters are welcome to participate in thisdecision making process. Please review the proposed legislation,which I have pasted below, and bring your suggestions to the meeting.Potential patients and doctors are urged to attend this meeting. If you can't make the meeting, please forward all comments to howzkeepa yahoo. comCampaign phone number: 405-714-1236Peace 2 ya, Jeff Pickens DPFOK:Cannabis CommitteeOKLAHOMA COMPASSIONATE CARE CAMPAIGN'S PROPOSED LEGISLATION State of Oklahoma ____________ _________ ______ SESSION HOUSE BILL NO. ____________ _______ OR SENATE BILL NO. ____________ ______ Introduced by: 1 FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to provide for certain medical uses of marijuana.2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA3 Section 1. Terms used in this Act mean:4 (1) "Adequate supply," an amount of marijuana jointly possessed between the qualifying5 patient and the primary caregiver that is not more than is reasonably necessary to6 assure the uninterrupted availability of marijuana for the purpose of alleviating the7 symptoms or effects of a qualifying patient's debilitating medical condition.8 However, an adequate supply may not be construed to mean more than five ounces9 of usable marijuana;10 (2) "Debilitating medical condition," any of the following:11 (a) Cancer, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus,12 acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or the treatment of these conditions;13 (b) A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or its treatment that14 produces one or more of the following:15 (i) Cachexia or wasting syndrome;16 (ii) Severe pain;17 (iii) Severe nausea;18 (iv) Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy; or19 (v) Severe and persistent muscle spasms, including those characteristic of20 multiple sclerosis or Crohn's disease; or21 (c) Any other medical condition approved by the Department of Health pursuant22 to administrative rules in response to a request from a physician or potentially23 qualifying patient;24 (3) "Marijuana," as defined in 63 O.S. § ________;25 (4) "Medical use," the acquisition, possession, cultivation, use, distribution, or26 transportation of marijuana or paraphernalia relating to the administration of27 marijuana to alleviate the symptoms or effects of a qualifying patient's debilitating28 medical condition. For the purposes of this subdivision, the term, distribution, is29 limited to the transfer of marijuana and paraphernalia from the primary caregiver to30 the qualifying patient;31 (5) "Physician," any person who is licensed pursuant to ___ O.S. § _____;32 (6) "Primary caregiver," any person, other than the qualifying patient and the qualifying33 patient's physician, who is eighteen years of age or older who has agreed to undertake34 responsibility for managing the well-being of the qualifying patient with respect to35 the medical use of marijuana. In the case of a minor or an adult lacking legal 36 capacity, the primary caregiver shall be a parent, guardian, or person having legal37 custody;38 (7) "Qualifying patient," any person who has been diagnosed by a physician as having39 a debilitating medical condition;40 (8) "Usable marijuana," the dried leaves and flowers of the plant Cannabis family41 Moraceae, and any mixture or preparation thereof, appropriate for the medical use of42 marijuana. The term does not include the seeds, stalks, and roots of the plant;43 (9) "Written certification, " the qualifying patient's medical records or a statement signed44 by a qualifying patient's physician, stating that in the physician's professional opinion,45 the qualifying patient has a debilitating medical condition and the potential benefits46 of the medical use of marijuana would likely outweigh the health risks for the qualifying patient.47 Section 2. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, the medical use of marijuana by a48 qualifying patient is permitted, but only if:49 (1) The qualifying patient has been diagnosed by a physician as having a debilitating50 medical condition;51 (2) The qualifying patient's physician has certified in writing that, in the physician's52 professional opinion, the potential benefits of the medical use of marijuana would53 likely outweigh the health risks for the particular qualifying patient; and54 (3) The amount of marijuana retained for alleviation of the qualifying patient does not55 exceed an adequate supply.56 Section 3. The provisions of section 2 of this Act do not apply to a qualifying patient under57 the age of eighteen years, unless:58 (1) The qualifying patient's physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of the59 medical use of marijuana to the qualifying patient and to a parent, guardian, or person60 having legal custody of the qualifying patient; and61 (2) The parent, guardian, or person who received the explanation consents in writing to:62 (a) Allow the qualifying patient's medical use of marijuana;63 (b) Serve as the qualifying patient's primary caregiver; and64 (c) Control the acquisition of the marijuana, the dosage, and the frequency of the65 medical use of marijuana by the qualifying patient.66 Section 4. The authorization for the medical use of marijuana in this Act does not apply to:67 (1) Any medical use of marijuana that endangers the health or well-being of another68 person;69 (2) Any medical use of marijuana:70 (a) In a school bus, public bus, or any moving vehicle;71 (b) In the workplace of the qualifying patient's employment;72 (c) In any school or on any school grounds;73 (d) At any public park, public beach, public recreation center, recreation, or youth74 center; or 75 (e) Any other place open to and frequented by the public; and 76 (3) Any use of marijuana by a qualifying patient or primary caregiver for any purposes77 other than medical use pursuant to this Act.78 Section 5. Any physician who issues any written certification shall register the name,79 address, patient identification number, and other pertinent identifying information of the80 patient issued a written certification with the Department of Health.81 Section 6. Any qualifying patient shall register with the Department of Health. Such82 registration is effective until the expiration of the certificate issued by the physician. Every83 qualifying patient shall provide sufficient identifying information to establish the personal84 identity of the qualifying patient and the primary caregiver. Every qualifying patient shall85 report any change in information within five working days. No qualifying patient may have86 more than one primary caregiver at any given time. The department shall issue to the87 qualifying patient a registration certificate and shall charge a fee of twenty dollars to be88 deposited in the state general fund.89 Section 7. Any primary caregiver shall register with the Department of Health. No primary90 caregiver may be responsible for the care of more than one qualifying patient at any given91 time.92 Section 8. Upon an inquiry by a law enforcement agency, the Department of Health shall93 verify whether the subject of the inquiry has registered with the department pursuant to this94 Act and may provide reasonable access to the registry information for official law95 enforcement purposes.96 Section 9. The Department of Health may require that all written certifications comply with a97 designated form.98 Section 10. Written certifications are valid for only one year from the date of signing.99 Section 11. Nothing in this Act may be construed to require insurance coverage for the100 medical use of marijuana.101 Section 12. If the qualifying patient and the primary caregiver strictly complied with the102 requirements of this Act, either or both may assert the medical use of marijuana as an103 affirmative defense to any prosecution involving marijuana under Oklahoma law.104 Section 13. No qualifying patient or primary caregiver not complying with the permitted105 scope of the medical use of marijuana may be afforded protection against searches and106 seizures pertaining to the misapplication of the medical use of marijuana.107 Section 14. No person is subject to arrest or prosecution for simply being in the presence or108 vicinity of the medical use of marijuana as permitted under this Act.109 Section 15. No physician is subject to arrest or prosecution, to be penalized in any manner,110 or to be denied any right or privilege for providing written certification for the medical use111 of marijuana for a qualifying patient, if:112 (1) The physician has diagnosed the patient as having a debilitating medical condition,113 as defined in this Act;114 (2) The physician has explained the potential risks and benefits of the medical use of115 marijuana, as required pursuant to this Act;116 (3) The written certification is based upon the physician's professional opinion after117 having completed a full assessment of the patient's medical history and current118 medical condition made in the course of a bona fide physician-patient relationship;119 and120 (4) The physician has complied with the registration requirements of section 5 of this121 Act.122 Section 16. Any marijuana, paraphernalia, or other property seized from a qualifying patient123 or primary caregiver in connection with a claimed medical use of marijuana under this Act124 shall be returned immediately upon the determination by a court that the qualifying patient or125 primary caregiver is entitled to the protections of this Act, as evidenced by a decision not to126 prosecute, a dismissal of charges, or an acquittal. However, no law enforcement agency127 seizing live plants as evidence is responsible for the care and maintenance of such plants.128 Section 17. Any person who makes a fraudulent misrepresentation to a law enforcement129 official of any material fact or circumstance relating to the medical use of marijuana to avoid130 arrest or prosecution is guilty of the crime of Making False Declarations to a Police Officer,131 22 O.S.§ _____.132 Section 18. Any physician who makes a fraudulent misrepresentation to a law enforcement133 official of any material fact or circumstance relating to the issuance of a written certificate is134 guilty of the crime of Making False Declarations to a Police Officer, 22 O.S.§ _____. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by lombar on September 04, 2006 at 17:37:22 PT A ww2 vet There is a mall nearby with a few retirement homes around it. Many elderly people around. One fellow, lost a leg, rides around on one of those electric scooters. One day I was talking to him and he was telling me about when he was in Germany, how he took a belt buckle off a dead German soldier and he showed it to me.. written on the back was "Gott Mitt Uns". "God is with us" The DEA song reminded me of that... [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by boballen131313 on September 04, 2006 at 17:16:29 PT: Song of the DEA agent Thank God for the prohibition of a plant! Aint no needles aint no chemicals aint no crazy hopheads trying to kill me! Thank God for the prohibition of cannabis! Kind people i meet and beat... no need to fear no more Thank our God for the law! Easy days and Easy money No sweat if its a pot bust! Thank our Prohibitionist God that sent us the vile apple in Paradise... Its okay with our God to make plants illegal! Thank God for our Jobs and sweet life through abusing the sick and jailing the weak! Thank God God is on our Side! Thank God Thank God for Prohibition!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by freewillks on September 04, 2006 at 15:07:26 PT The Big ? How many of the MMJ users in Cali are creating problems? How many more MMJ DUI's are you seeing? How many more homeless are they seeing becouse of MMJ users? Why have we not seen any major spike in crime becouse of MMJ users, despite it being legal for 10 years? Where is the end of the world and all the bad things that MMJ was told to be? Why did the sky not fall in Califorina? Why is abortion wrong, but removing a plant from the face of the earth OK? Why do we continue Prohibition? [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by Wayne on September 04, 2006 at 14:33:38 PT gw #5: Honest Abe "A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded."That's amazing, for a man who suspended habeus corpus and took away the states' rights to secede, and yet even HE had his limits. Those limits would be a very refreshing change these days. Even after the assaults he made on Constitutional rights, I bet he would still be shocked at the way the U.S. is being run today. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Sam Adams on September 04, 2006 at 13:38:10 PT Alaska Random note - maybe it was already posted here and I missed it - Governor Jerkovski of Alaska (Murkowski) lost the Republican primary on 8/25, coming in third place with 19 percent of the Republican vote. no further comment! [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by OverwhelmSam on September 04, 2006 at 12:56:28 PT So If Medical Cannabis Is Too Confusing Push for outright legalization for adults in California. Once passed, obtaining medical marijuana will not be an issue for the easily confused authorities. You would think they would get tired of it all. I guess their hate for a weed keeps them going. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by global_warming on September 04, 2006 at 12:33:43 PT Glory To God Each breath, thought and feeling is a gift from God.If by some chance, you truly do not believeIn a Higher Power, a Higher Existence,Then, you can bow to your ownershipYour indenture and slavery [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by global_warming on September 04, 2006 at 12:00:41 PT and then Our generation is the first ever to have made the search for self-awareness a crime, if it is done with the use of plants or chemical compounds as the means of opening the psychic doors. But the urge to become aware is always present, and it increases in intensity as one grows older.from...http://tinyurl.com/ec5j9 [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by global_warming on September 04, 2006 at 11:36:21 PT Imagine That "However, Damon Mosler, division chief of the San Diego County district attorney's Major Narcotics Unit, said his department and the DEA, through research involving undercover police buying marijuana,.."A Major Narcotics Unit, sniffing into our civil rights, yup, go for it Damon Mosler, I can see you Damon Mosler, 'hiding in the shadows, lurking, why some one might consider you a stalker, some crazy pedophile, whose rewards are an easy and just end. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by charmed quark on September 04, 2006 at 11:35:02 PT Why would recreational users go to this trouble? Maybe the guy's innuendo is correct, but if so, I find it confusing as to why it would be soGetting a medical recommendation and then buying cannabis from a dispensary is an expensive way to go. You have to pay to go to a doctor to write the recommendation, and if you register you have to pay more - probably about $300 for both. Then, from what I've heard, the cost of cannabis at dispensaries is a good bit higher than street pot - although they generally take care to make sure that the cannabis at dispensaries is organic and free from mold and other contaminants that would be trouble for an immune suppressed person. And many try to have types that are good for specific conditions.Why would a recreational user go through that trouble? As I understand it, a recreational users with a small amount of pot, similar to the amount you would buy at a dispensary, is highly unlikely to be bothered by the police. In fact, from what I've heard, medical patients are more likely to be bothered because the SD police seem to be targeting people at the dispensaries. In either case they aren't going to arrest you, just take away your medicine.Medical users go though all this trouble because many need a very steady and consistent supply; many don't know how or are physically unable to buy it on the street; and many want to feel they are legitimate. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by mayan on September 04, 2006 at 11:17:04 PT Doctor Mosler "We were seeing many students from San Diego State and other schools getting recommendations for minor headaches or minor pain," Mosler said. "It's hard to believe that people are so sick at 20 years old that they need medicinal marijuana."Thanks for your expert medical opinions, Dr. Damon Mosler. What, you're not a Doctor? Whoops!THE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...THE CONSPIRACY TO REWRITE 9/11: Conspiracy theorists insist the U.S. government, not terrorists, staged the devastating attacks: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/09/03/INGR0KRCBA1.DTLWhy NIST hasn't Answered its own Questions: http://www.scholarsfor911truth.org/Why-NIST-hasn't-Answered-its-own-Questions.htmlFather Of 9/11 Victim Says Government Ran Attack As Media Hit Pieces Continue: http://prisonplanet.com/articles/september2006/040906ranattack.htm9/11 Truth: Traitors & Patriots (video): http://infowars.net/articles/September2006/040906Truth.htmHow Could They Plant Bombs in the World Trade Center? http://www.911blogger.com/node/2487Why The World Trade Towers "Must come down!" A BRIEF TECHNICAL SUMMARY, WHY: http://redlineav.com/tsg.deposition.contd.2.html9/11 - The Sacred Horror - When The New World Began, Americans Gained A New Faith: http://www.coastalpost.com/06/09/23_a_.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by global_warming on September 04, 2006 at 11:12:56 PT Honest Abe said Honest Abe"Prohibition will work great injury to the cause of temperance. It is a species of intemperance within itself, for it goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a man's appetite by legislation, and makes a crime out of things that are not crimes. A Prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded."Abraham Lincoln (1809-65), U.S. President. Speech, 18 Dec. 1840, to Illinois House of Representativeshttp://deoxy.org/prohib1.htm [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by global_warming on September 04, 2006 at 10:40:45 PT it seems that the prohibitionist mindset never res rests..http://tinyurl.com/0Drugs leader says cannabis warnings a 'sign of times'THE Capital's alcohol and drugs chief has described a new police policy of issuing warnings to adults found in possession of cannabis as a "sad reflection of society".Lothian and Borders Police are issuing warnings to over-16s found in possession of cannabis worth £15 or less instead of charging them and handing them over for prosecution.The force is trialling the pilot scheme in West Lothian in a bid to cut down on the amount of time small crimes take up in court.Tom Wood, chairman of Action on Alcohol and Drugs in Edinburgh, said: "I recognise it as a pragmatic response to the amount of cannabis that is around at the moment. It is a sign of the times really and is a sad reflection of society."So far, police have issued 23 warnings to people in West Lothian caught in possession of the drug. If they are caught in possession for a second time they would face charges and an appearance in court.Drugs campaigners have said that the scheme is sending out the wrong message to young people and will add to the confusion that the reclassification of cannabis to a Grade-C drug has caused.The scheme follows on from a decision by all of Scotland's police forces to introduce adult warnings for minor first-time offences such as urinating in public or low-level breaches of the peace, in a bid to lighten the load on courts and prosecutors.The change in policy comes as new figures show a huge increase in the number of people detained in Lothian hospitals with mental and behavioural problems attributed to cannabis.-----------------------------------------re: The change in policy comes as new figures show a huge increase in the number of people detained in Lothian hospitals with mental and behavioural problems attributed to cannabis.One has to wonder what these behavioural problems attributed to cannabis truly are. Not wanting to drink alcohol and not supporting the loud brayings at sports events is not my idea of behavioural problems, seeking peace instead of war is also not my idea of behavioural problems.gw [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by goneposthole on September 04, 2006 at 09:17:39 PT ah, geesh, come on have a heart. I have known twenty year olds that have had cancer and died.It's hard to believe there are people who actually think that cannabis is somehow really bad for you.They're in for a rude awakening when it comes time to meet their maker.He won't be so gentle on their narrow minds and hardened hearts.Those prohibitionists will have hell to pay someday. Too bad, this old world could be such a respite for all humans, and all we have is a worthless US gov that hasn't a clue.Three percent, eh?Did you know that 95 percent of Fords are still on the road?The other five percent made it home.The so-called 'powerful' had better lighten up on the good folks that inhabit this earth. Nothing lasts forever. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Truth on September 04, 2006 at 08:49:18 PT Mosler Mosler argues that only 3 percent of the dispensaries' customers have illnesses stated in Proposition 215, and the rest are not legitimate medical marijuana patients.What part of "or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief." dosn't he understand?Mr. Mosler appears to be either deceptive or sadly misinformed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Wayne on September 04, 2006 at 06:47:24 PT 'California Takes A Hit' I HATE it when they use stupid titles like this. It makes the whole thing seem like a joke.This is a direct imposition by the federal government on state sovereignty and the rights and wishes of the citizens. I would just like to say to our subservient media that this ISN'T a joke.I ask, will they still be using those stupid titles when those poor San Diego MMJ patients start dying by the multitudes? I can see it now... "MMJ Patients Take a Huge Hit". Makes me sick... [ Post Comment ] Post Comment