cannabisnews.com: Reefer Reform





Reefer Reform
Posted by CN Staff on October 02, 2006 at 06:38:42 PT
By Ann K. Williams, Staff Writer
Source: Santa Monica News
California -- The war on drugs came down to the grassroots level when supporters of Measure Y squared off against local police on the enforcement of marijuana laws in Santa Monica in a debate on CityTV. Comparing current drug laws to the Prohibition laws of the 1920’s, advocates of the proposed municipal code ordinance that would make adult personal use of marijuana the police’s lowest enforcement policy see their campaign as part of a larger response to a national policy they call “indefensible.”
“Over the last 35 years, the United States has been involved in one of the most massive public policy failures in our history. It’s called the war on drugs,” said Bill Zimmerman, chairman of Americans for Medical Rights, a medical marijuana lobbying group based in Santa Monica.The federal government has spent “billions of dollars, jailed millions of people, and at the end of 35 years, we find more drugs in circulation in our society,” Zimmerman said.But the police officers who defended Santa Monica’s current drug enforcement policy kept their vision closer to home.Calling the proposed ordinance “a solution looking for a problem,” Sergeant Jay Trisler, chairman of the Santa Monica Police Officers Association, said that citations for adult personal use of marijuana are already a low priority, and, unless convicted of additional offenses, violators get off easily with a citation and a $100 fine. Further, Trisler said that codifying the priority below “barking dog calls” and report calls -- in which officers gather information but there’s no crime in progress -- will interfere with the department’s ability to guarantee the “quality of life” that Santa Monica residents have come to expect.The debate bounced back and forth, between global policy issues such as racism and laws in Seattle and Oakland to the nitty-gritty of actual cases in which Santa Monica Police used neighbors’ calls about suspicious smells to zero in on felons.Michael Gray, author of “Drug Crazy,” an indictment of the federal government’s war on drugs, challenged Sergeant Mohamed Marhaba of the Police Activies League -- a center that works with local at-risk youth.“The problem, Mohamed, I think, is the racial component,” said Gray. Black youth are three times as likely to be caught, four times as likely to be convicted and five times as likely to be imprisoned as white youth, although the same percentage in each group uses marijuana, he said.“If that can be described as anything other than a race war, I don’t know how you do it,” Gray said, adding that current national and state laws give the police “the ability to arrest someone at will.”Zimmerman added that Santa Monica’s $100 fine is just the tip of the iceberg. Students who are cited lose their federal student loans, and families can be evicted from subsidized housing if one of their members runs afoul of the marijuana laws.“They could keep those benefits if they simply followed the law,” Marhaba shot back.Gray and Zimmerman cited similar laws on the books in Seattle, Oakland and West Hollywood, and said they’re working out well.“I think the make-up of this city is unique and I’m not too sure we can compare it to the other cities,” Marhaba responded. “Crime is at an all-time low since the 1950s,” added Trisler. “We take pride in our service orientation,” Trisler said. “Having this go down lower than a parking citation is not what the community is going to want.”As the debate focused in on the particulars of the ordinance, both sides agreed that it would require police to respond to every other request for service before checking out suspicions of indoor pot smoking.“I would much rather see the police department taking some of those report calls for crimes like burglary than busting some of my friends for smoking a joint in the privacy of their homes,” Zimmerman said.But it’s not that simple, the officers rejoined. In one case, a neighbor’s complaint led to an arrest of an armed dealer who took his four-year-old niece driving with him when he made his drug sales rounds. In another recent example, complaints by business owners led to the discovery of 175 pounds of marijuana, grown hydroponically in a storage facility across the street from a public school. Had the officers had to wait while they responded to “barking dog” calls, the evidence might no longer have been there, they said.Both sides went back and forth on the issue -- proponents of the ordinance saying Measure Y would in no way interfere with making such arrests, while opponents argued that it would.As the argument went on, it went through a logical warp in which the officers said that no matter what, they’d still cite violators of the state’s marijuana laws, even if they couldn’t respond as quickly as they’d like, while the measure’s advocates claimed that ultimately, it would slow down police efforts.“This ordinance doesn’t prevent the person being arrested,” Tisler said. “All it does, it just makes our response a little lower.”“But it’s going to make it less likely the person’s going to be arrested,” responded Zimmerman.The debate wound down with competing appeals to community values. The ordinance “will appeal more to law-abiding citizens than law-breaking citizens,” said Zimmerman.“We don’t consider someone smoking a joint in the privacy of his home a law-breaker, and we don’t believe that most of the voters in Santa Monica consider such people law-breakers either,” he said.Perhaps because of his job, Marhaba sees the community from a different angle.“I don’t know that this is a message that we really want to send to our children that smoking marijuana is not a big deal,” he said. “Marijuana is not purchased from a vending machine…the drug deal is involved in a trade that is illegal.”Measure Y “is a bad example to give to our children…a dangerous measure for our safety.”The debate was co-sponsored by CityTV, the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica Education Fund and the Center for Governmental Studies. CityTV will be making its election programming available with prime time airings on cable channel 16, 24/7 airings on cable channel 75, video-on-demand on Time Warner Cable, and on its election website http://www.smvote.org/ Source: Santa Monica News (CA)Author: Ann K. Williams, Staff WriterPublished: October 2, 2006Copyright: 2006 surfsantamonica.comContact: mail surfsantamonica.com Website: http://www.surfsantamonica.com/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #27 posted by FoM on October 03, 2006 at 17:43:59 PT
Mayan
I mentioned to my husband last night that this will be a very interesting month of news. Look at the gas prices now. How's Iraq these days? The war on terrorism is their strong point but not Iraq. It's a shame we couldn't buy extra gas now and save it because the lowering of the price will turn around after elections. Manipulation is the name of this game.
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Comment #26 posted by mayan on October 03, 2006 at 17:35:27 PT
FoM
Regarding Limbaugh and Drudge. So they are going after those who are going after sexual predators and pedophiles? Watch their ratings plummet even further. There is absolutely no defense. No defense. They know they're done for and are more desperate than at any time since the Bush neo-cons stole Florida! It will be interesting watching the entire GOP implode over this. I hope there's not another "terror attack to take Foley off the headlines.
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Comment #25 posted by whig on October 03, 2006 at 08:56:17 PT
Just in
Gonzales says that the DOJ is just starting to "gather facts" and is not opening a formal investigation at this time.Child molesters.
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Comment #24 posted by whig on October 03, 2006 at 05:38:47 PT
My ongoing take on Foleygate
Which really needs to become Fumigate.Judge the tree by its fruit:
http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/10/02/judge-the-tree-by-its-fruit/Every one of them is a hypocrite:
http://cannablog.wordpress.com/2006/09/30/every-one-of-them-is-a-hypocrite/
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Comment #23 posted by Max Flowers on October 03, 2006 at 00:07:56 PT
Fair and balanced?
Interesting what Fox News' two headlines are about Foleygate right now:Hastert Defends Rep. Foley HandlingandFormer Colleagues Pick Replacement as Foley Seeks HelpAren't those being pretty "kind"?
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 19:28:38 PT
Weeds
Once again Weeds was good. So many twists in this series. Next week Showtime will be open and everyone that has cable should be able to see it.
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 18:54:48 PT
Mayan
I have already heard on the news how Limbaugh and Drudge are critical but not of preying on a young person but of those that are upset about it. What about the children hey?
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Comment #20 posted by mayan on October 02, 2006 at 18:27:49 PT
Foley-Gate
There is no way out for the Grand Old Pedophiles. If they try to cover this up it will just backfire. The media is going to have a feast with this and there is nothing the neo-cons can do about it...Foley's Behavior No Secret on Capitol Hill:
http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=2514770Foleygate: ABC hints that more shoes will drop: 
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2006/10/2/185441/972Republican Leaders Must Reconvene Congress, Give Sworn Testimony, Or Resign Over Page Scandal:
http://www.buzzflash.com/articles/contributors/443
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 18:18:36 PT
A Question
How many black people are in prison? Poverty and lack of concern by those in political power, that could help bring jobs into the areas where they are needed but don't, will make very poor inner city people commit crimes. Survival becomes more powerful then obeying laws.
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Comment #18 posted by mayan on October 02, 2006 at 18:07:51 PT
LarryH
The cannabis laws were racist from their inception and still are. No "race card" is needed to prove it. A fact is a fact.
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 17:44:51 PT
More on Measure Y
Santa Monicans for Sensible Marijuana Policy: http://voteyesony.com/Full Text of Measure Y: http://www.sensiblesantamonica.org/Fulltext.htm
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 17:40:22 PT
The GCW
Thanks for the poll. I voted. I want a paper trail. I just don't understand why we can't have a paper trail with all the money this administration is spending on the invasion and continued occupation of Iraq.
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Comment #15 posted by The GCW on October 02, 2006 at 17:20:06 PT
Another POLL
Do you trust the new electronic voting machines?YesNohttp://www.summitdaily.com/apps/pbcs.dll/frontpage--Less than 10% trust them...And here in Colorado, where this poll is located We will be using them for voting on Amendment 44...
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Comment #14 posted by whig on October 02, 2006 at 16:40:07 PT
LarryH
Are you here to advocate racist propaganda?
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 16:26:58 PT
Well Global_Warming
All I can say is have a good one. LOL!
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Comment #12 posted by global_warming on October 02, 2006 at 16:06:57 PT
hey fomme
"Shall the Municipal Code be amended to: state that City police shall make law enforcement related to adult, personal use of marijuana the lowest enforcement priority,.."Excuse me while I get another "drink", and have to pee,..
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Comment #11 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 15:43:29 PT
More on Measure Y
Lowest Enforcement Priority for Adult, Personal Use of MarijuanaCity of Santa MonicaInitiative Ordinance - Majority Approval Required http://www.smartvoter.org/2006/11/07/ca/la/meas/Y/
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Comment #10 posted by LarryH on October 02, 2006 at 15:40:37 PT:
GIVE ME A BREAK...
" The problem, Mohamed, I think, is the racial component,said Gray. Black youth are three times as likely to be caught, four times as likely to be convicted and five times as likely to be imprisoned as white youth, although the same percentage in each group uses marijuana"”  (That's because black youths are probably 3 times, if not more likely to be unemployed, AND breaking other laws, besides marijuana laws.),
 (If people live in government housing, are getting a welfare check, or stamps or any assistance whatsoever, and are NOT holding down a job, then they should NOT have the right to smoke weed. I Don't think it matters if it gets decriminalized, those of us who have jobs will still be subject to random testing and therefore , most likely fired for a positive result. While certain elements of society are sitting on their rears all day getting high,watching the mailbox for their check, and crying racism.) Not only that, but he says "YOUTHS", NOT ADULTS. Let's put down the bong for a second and FOCUS. The laws are unjust!!, but don't try to throw in the racist card, that just demeans the whole movement.
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Comment #9 posted by Celaya on October 02, 2006 at 15:39:26 PT
global warming
"it is cost prohibitive, but also so destructive of the 'freedoms' that were so bitterly fought for by so many good Americans."That is true in more ways than you may imagine. The abuses and destruction of freedom perpetrated by the WOD were instrumental in softening the public up to accept the even greater attacks on our freedom in the so-called "War On Terror."Who would have thought 30 years ago, that the president would fight for his right to kidnap and torture folks and the people would stand by and do nothing?Much of the blame for our loss of indignation comes from the decades of being pushed down that path with our current prohibition.Who would have imagined 30 years ago, that we would have to urinate in a cup to get a job? If Americans don't wake up soon, the American Dream will be lost forever.
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Comment #8 posted by global_warming on October 02, 2006 at 15:30:14 PT
information
from a controversial site...WeBeHigh exclusive marijuana travel guideStoner guide to marijuana pricesMarijuana stoner guideeBeHigh's Marijuana ToolbarPrice comparison
 
 
TehranUpdated: 6/3/2005Smoking tolerance level [1= very illegal 5=virtually legal]: 4.5Legislation: Iran has a very interesting policy towards buds - planting marijuana is legal if planted for food purposes because in Iran Iranians still eat the seeds just like sunflower seeds, and there are also companies in Tehran that draw the oil from the seed and sell it legally.The punishment for possesion of marijuana is a fine of Iranian Rials 10000 (US $1.25)for every gram in your possesion and as long as you have less than 10-15 grams they will not even hassle you. Please always use common sense and caution and remember a smile is better than a frown.Law Enforcement: Smoking it though is technically illegal but enforcement is next to nothing. You can walk anywhere in Iran and puff away and no one will have any idea that you are smoking weed. Most people here smoke hash or opium so smoking weed is considered as OK.Where to buy Marijuana in Iran: You can find Hash at any park in any Iranian city and just walk up to the young bored looking types hanging out. Always bargain!!!Marijuana prices and Brands in Iran : Marijuana Prices1. Indica Variety High Potency 2-3 Dollars per gramYour Ad Here
2. Sativa Variety High Potency 3 Dollars per gram
3. Indica Variey Low Potency 1-2 Dollars per gramIn Iran people smoke more Hash than Marijuana but that trend seems to be changing as better weed enters the market.Hash Prices1. Afghani 2 Dollars per gram
2. Pakistani 2 Dollars per gramCountry: IranTime Zone: UTC/GMT +3:30 hoursDialing codes: + 98 (Iran) Area code: 21http://www.webehigh.com/city/detail.php?CITYID=TehranThinking about Colorado and Nevada and River City...
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Comment #7 posted by global_warming on October 02, 2006 at 14:45:38 PT
Cold Turkey
“Over the last 35 years, the United States has been involved in one of the most massive public policy failures in our history. It’s called the war on drugs,” said Bill Zimmerman, chairman of Americans for Medical Rights, a medical marijuana lobbying group based in Santa Monica...The federal government has spent “billions of dollars, jailed millions of people, and at the end of 35 years, we find more drugs in circulation in our society,” It is going to be difficult to wean those drug warriors off their perceived goal of saving the world, 35 plus years of misinformation, lies and greedy power is a lot to shake off, but this cannot continue, not only because it is cost prohibitive, but also so destructive of the "freedoms" that were so bitterly fought for by so many good Americans.I figure, if the Russians can admit that Communism is a failed experiment, good Americans can admit that this war on drugs or more accurately stated, war on people who use drugs, is not only a failure, but a shameful disgrace that is best put behind us, so that "We the people may start to address the real problems of this world, our world.It is time for a change here in America, yes sir right here in River City.
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on October 02, 2006 at 13:51:07 PT
observer
Is this an old article? It says it is for today's date. I don't remember this from before but it doesn't appear they have updated the link in the article since 04. I'm sorry if this is old news.
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Comment #5 posted by observer on October 02, 2006 at 12:09:31 PT
Reefer ...
Reefer ... Madness Hypnosis and "Reefer Madness"
http://drugpolicycentral.com/bot/pg/propaganda/reefermindcontrol.htm(The article itself is several years old, but illustrations and mpg clips from the movie, and some mp3 sound clips have been added.)
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Comment #4 posted by The GCW on October 02, 2006 at 11:06:30 PT
POLL
Do you think marijuana should be legalized?YESNONO OPINION---80% say yes...http://www.theranger.org/VOTE
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Comment #3 posted by kaptinemo on October 02, 2006 at 10:25:34 PT:
Upton Sinclair is laughing his arse off
“The problem, Mohamed, I think, is the racial component,” said Gray. Black youth are three times as likely to be caught, four times as likely to be convicted and five times as likely to be imprisoned as white youth, although the same percentage in each group uses marijuana, he said. “If that can be described as anything other than a race war, I don’t know how you do it,” Gray said, adding that current national and state laws give the police “the ability to arrest someone at will.”To which, the best that the prohibs can do in reply is: “They could keep those benefits if they simply followed the law,” Marhaba shot back.Sergeant Marhaba is exhibiting exactly what Sinclair wrote about when he said: "It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his job depends on not understanding it." 
 
I am assuming that Sergeant Marhaba is African-American; the article doesn't specify. Even if he is not, he is still a member of a minority group. It has been explained to him that the drug laws are in fact a component of a race war. Which makes Sergeant Marhaba a supporter of the very drug laws crafted on the basis that he was somehow a subhuman, unworthy of consideration as a person and a citizen. He supports a law that was designed to hurt him and his people. So what does that make him?
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Comment #2 posted by ekim on October 02, 2006 at 08:15:13 PT
if your up in Oregon listen to Howard in a hour
Oct 2 06 Nancy Stapp Show, KOPT, 1600 AM 09:25 AM Howard Wooldridge Eugene Oregon USA 
 Listeners of the Nancy Stapp Show on KOPT, 1600 AM, Eugene, Oregon, will be treated to the wisdom of Board Member Howard Wooldridge when he phones in to talk to Nancy about the absolute failure of drug prohibition. The interview is scheduled for 15 minutes, but many times LEAP speakers are asked to stay longer due to the call in interest of the listeners 
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #1 posted by mayan on October 02, 2006 at 07:00:59 PT
Unjust Law 
“They could keep those benefits if they simply followed the law,” Marhaba shot back.Nevermind that the law is racist and unjust. It is our duty to oppose unjust laws!In other news, right on cue...Missing Link Atta “Martyrdom” Video Appears Five Weeks Before Election:
http://kurtnimmo.com/?p=584
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