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  Groovy National Product 

Posted by CN Staff on January 17, 2007 at 13:28:21 PT
By E.R. Bills 
Source: Fort Worth Weekly 

Texas -- Oh beautiful for spacious skies, for emerald waves of cannabis . . . . OK, I’m sorry. I couldn’t help it. It’s just the first thing that came to mind when I heard “pot” had finally hit the big time in this country. According to public policy analyst Jon Gettman, marijuana is now America’s largest cash crop.
In a report released in December, Gettman concluded that the United States produces 10,000 metric tons of wacky-tobacky annually. That’s an estimated $35 billion worth of “weed,” “reefer,” or “ganja.”And we thought the war in Iraq was going badly. We’ve been losing the war there for only a year or so. We’ve been losing the War on Drugs for 20 years.Legions of folks are going to fret and shake their heads in disbelief. But hey, it’s no big deal. So what if we produce five times as much weed as the wheat we harvest, three times as much reefer as the hay we make, and one and a half times as much as ganja as the corn we grow. We’re capitalists, baby. And pot is the current heavyweight of our “fruited” plains. It’s just the way of things. Our amber waves of grain simply got downsized.I know what you’re thinking. This isn’t acceptable. We’ve gotta put a stop to this. I commend your resolve, but it may be misplaced.I don’t smoke pot. It was never my thing. But I’ve known a few folks that were partial to it, and they weren’t bad people. They didn’t hurt anybody or push anybody around. And they weren’t belligerent or out of control or a danger to themselves.I can’t say that for many of the drinkers I know. If you overindulge in pot, you laugh too much and drive slow. If you overindulge in alcohol, you get loud and rambunctious and run people off the road.Ever hear of someone choking to death on their own vomit because of pot poisoning? Alcohol is a hundred times more dangerous than pot. And the nicotine in a cigarette is much more addictive. So why agonize over homegrown bud?It even has medicinal properties. Marijuana alleviates the nausea caused by chemotherapy and helps reduce weight loss caused by AIDS. It eases the chronic pain that’s associated with multiple sclerosis and cancer. It reduces the debilitating effects of glaucoma. Researchers are finding new productive uses for marijuana all the time.Of course it’s also been proven to impair memory, diminish attention span, and retard cognitive processes, but that doesn’t make it any more hazardous than television.According to recent Census Bureau data, the average American spends four hours in front of a tv per day. If you plop yourself down in front of the tube for four hours every day, you’re at least as unproductive as a pothead. And you probably get the munchies. And you probably have no particular urge to accomplish anything of consequence. So what’s the difference between a television addict and a pot smoker?At least potheads are paranoid. Television addicts nod along with everything they see on the tube. I’d rather hang out with a burned-out dope-smoker than a feeble-minded tube rube any day.Truth be told, every dime bag could have a silver lining. Fewer and fewer folks want American beef. And no one seems interested in buying our cars. If pot was legalized, regulated, and taxed, it could turn into a real cash cow. It could turn out to be something that people around the world are more interested in buying than our guns. And if fewer folks had our guns, we’d have less dictators to depose.In fact, if pot replaced weaponry as our most profitable export, the wars would probably be over. The world would be safer, and our economy could be based on something besides blood or oil.Dude. How excellent would that be?Note: If we dropped the drug fight, we’d only be losing one war at a time.E.R. Bills is a Fort Worth-based freelance writer.Source: Fort Worth Weekly (TX)Author: E.R. BillsPublished: January 17, 2007Copyright: 2007 Fort Worth WeeklyContact: feedback fwweekly.comWebsite: http://www.fwweekly.com/Related Articles:Transcript: Why Not Cash in on Marijuana Crops? http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22461.shtmlGroup Calls Marijuana State's Top Cash Crophttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22460.shtml 

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Comment #27 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 21:55:31 PT
Hope
I remember how upset he was because it was his first new car and they trashed it. He didn't even do drugs. 2000 e-mails wow. I don't get any spam but I use Yahoo accounts and when one slips in I report it as spam and then it never comes back again.
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Comment #26 posted by Hope on January 18, 2007 at 21:23:33 PT
No, FoM.
You haven't told me before about that happening to Tim. I'm sorry it happened. It's difficult to take, that in this country, our government can do things like that to us and get away with it.UNREASONABLE search and siezure and destroying personal property of citizens are part and parcel of the War on Drugs.I haven't got your e-mail yet. I was only out of pocket a few days and the spam is coming in in multiples. I've deleted over two thousand pieces of e-mail in the last couple of hours. I guess I'll get your e-mail after all the spam gets through coming in.
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 19:11:00 PT
Hope
That would be hard to watch. Did I ever tell you when my son years ago was driving back to visit from California with a friend that when he got over the border and I think it was Arizona that they got stopped and they tore his car apart. They didn't find any drugs but the police said that because he was in a fancy red firebird and had California plates they thought they would be running drugs? They wrecked the interior of his car too.PS: I sent you back an e-mail.
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Comment #24 posted by Hope on January 18, 2007 at 19:03:31 PT
Today,
while traveling, I saw the police had pulled over a car full of young black men, and in the freezing drizzle and rain, they were being forced to unload their car for a search. America. Dang. It makes me sick.
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Comment #23 posted by Hope on January 18, 2007 at 19:01:19 PT
Hey, FoM!
I've sent you some e-mail.This Kucinich appointment is something I'm excited to check out. What his power will be and what changes he can make and all that. It's really got me hopeful.
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 18:42:40 PT
Hope
It's good to see you and it really is good news about Dennis Kucinich getting that position. I wonder if he would be the one to help pick a drug czar if we need one if that time comes.
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Comment #21 posted by Hope on January 18, 2007 at 18:31:10 PT
Kucinich's appointment to oversee ONDCP
Wonderful news. I'm so hopeful about it.
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Comment #20 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 14:02:39 PT
Toker00
I found this link on the Daily Kos and thought you might want to share it with others if you don't have it already.http://www.dailykos.com/http://action.progressivestates.org/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=6499
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Comment #19 posted by Toker00 on January 18, 2007 at 11:18:00 PT
You nailed that, Max.
Is this for real? What seemed impossible a few days ago is now within the grips of reality? Kucinich should demand that the DEA IMMEDIATELY suspend violations of States Rights. Even if a state votes to LEGALIZE cannabis outright. It would just take one state to create a landslide end to Cannabis Prohibition. Toke. 
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Comment #18 posted by Max Flowers on January 18, 2007 at 10:12:18 PT
Jackboot sphincters tightening nationwide
By this time tomorrow those federal thugs raiding the L.A. dispensaries will all have heard about Kucinich. I hope they all have a sick feeling in their guts knowing that their jobs may be in jeopardy. This news has got to become the #1 topic of conversation in jackboot thug locker rooms everywhere. I hope they lose LOTS of sleep worrying about their thieving livelihoods. (In all reality though they'll probably all just transfer over to the DHS without missing a beat and keep on violating people's rights, with only the ostensible reason changing.) 
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Comment #17 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 09:01:59 PT
A Question
I would love to go to the convention next August but I don't know if anyone can go. Has anyone every been to a Democratic National Convention that could tell me if normal folks are allowed or are only people in politics allowed?http://www.denverconvention2008.com/
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 07:27:06 PT
Off Topic: Good News for College Students
Democrats Slash College Loan Interest Rates by Half http://theapp.appstate.edu/content/view/1846/42/
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Comment #15 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 05:55:29 PT
Toker00
You never push you just help! Thank you so much!
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on January 18, 2007 at 05:54:06 PT
Taylor121
I don't think anyone could be better, if that position is as powerful as it seems, then Dennis Kucinich and thank God he is a Democrat! Go Dennis! What great news to wake up to. Thanks!
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Comment #13 posted by Wayne on January 18, 2007 at 05:33:13 PT
Re: #8
Hallelujah! This is exactly the sort of change I've been praying for. I wish Mr. Kucinich the very best in his new endeavours. Praise the Lord and pass the water bong!
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Comment #12 posted by Had Enough on January 18, 2007 at 05:26:29 PT
Words and music by John Kay - Steppenwolf
1968http://play.rhapsody.com/steppenwolf/livesteppenwolf/dontsteponthegrasssam?didAutoplayBounce=true
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Comment #11 posted by Had Enough on January 18, 2007 at 05:12:12 PT
Re: #8
This is good. 
Kucinich keeping tabs on Drug Czar. What a cool thing. 
Kucinich would like to end the drug war, dissolve the DEA, ONDCP, and that creepy position of Drug Czar... (not only liars, but also an illegal operation, paid for by us). 
Mark Souder is a rabid "Bush Drug Warrior" looking for a chest to get a medal pinned on him. And he's outa there... Yippee yai aye. 
Take that Mr. Bush, along with a line of coke, a doobie, and what the hell, follow up with a half bottle of Jim Beam. (After all he is 'All American.') 
 
 
Don't be such an ass Sam… Don't step on the grass Sam... You've been telling lies so long, some believe they're true...
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Comment #10 posted by Toker00 on January 18, 2007 at 04:01:12 PT
Not pushing politics, just action.
 It's Time for Democrats to Just Say No on IraqGeorge Bush's super-hyped speech calling for escalation in Iraq was a political disaster. The American people now overwhelmingly oppose Bush's handling of the war (72%), oppose Bush's escalation plan (61%), and want to bring all our troops home in 2007 (56%).These polls are terrifying to Republicans - their own pollster told them "if U.S. boots are still on the ground in Iraq and U.S. blood is still being spilled there at the end of the year, the GOP disaster in 2008 will eclipse 2006." Even Bob Novak predicts an "electoral catastrophe."Please send this message to your Representatives:
End War Funding, Begin War Investigations
http://www.democrats.com/peoplesemailnetwork/90________________Presidential Candidates Should Take the LeadThe 2008 Presidential campaign is in full swing, and the Democratic candidates want our support.Let's tell them what they must do to earn it!1. Deny all funds for Bush's escalation
2. Support immediate redeployment of U.S. troops, to be completed by the end of 2007 using the funds already appropriated
3. Oppose the $100 billion "Supplemental" appropriation in March and any other bills to extend the U.S. occupation of IraqWe are keeping track of the positions of all the candidates here:
http://www.democrats.com/democrats-iraq-scorecardYou can click on the name of each candidate and email our three principles. They are listening to us very carefully - let's speak up!________________March and Lobby in Washington on January 27th, 28th, and 29thCome to Washington, D.C., on January 27. Join in the march for peace being organized by United for Peace and Justice, and impeachment events on January 28th being planned by Progressive Democrats of America.Make appointments now to meet with your Congress Member on January 29th to demand impeachment and peace. Get organized with others in your Congressional District.TIP: Buy a dozen or more Impeachment Shirts, bring them to D.C., sell them at a profit, and pay for your trip.________________Sign Up for Lobby Day NowRegister now for the UFPJ Congressional Advocacy Day (lobby day) January 29, 2007March to the Capitol on J27 -- march into your Rep. and Senators' offices on J29!
Register Here:
http://www.unitedforpeace.org/modinput4.php?modin=121Plan to spend three days in D.C. On Saturday, march. On Sunday, take part in workshops and training sessions on peace and impeachment. Meet with fellow activists from your state and congressional district and prepare for Monday. On Monday, lobby your Congress Member and Senators for two things:
1. No more funding for this war.
2. Investigations of the justification for and conduct of this war._________Print Out a Flyer and Make CopiesClick image for flyer in Word. Blank areas on right are for you to fill in local info.Wage Peace on war. END CANNABIS PROHIBITION NOW!
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Comment #9 posted by fight_4_freedom on January 17, 2007 at 22:15:46 PT:
Taylor
That is some huge news! I'm sure we'll be hearing a lot more in the coming days about this one.Once again, there is hope.
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Comment #8 posted by Taylor121 on January 17, 2007 at 22:02:58 PT
Kucinich to take over Souder's position over Czar
It ain't Ethan Nadelmann as Drug Czar, but I'll take it.Rep. Dennis Kucinich has been named chairman of the Domestic Policy Subcommittee of the House Government Reform Committee, giving him jurisdiction over the Drug Czar's office. Oversight of ONDCP was previously conducted by the non-defunct Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources Subcommittee, chaired by rabid drug warrior Mark Souder.In short, the responsibility of overseeing ONDCP has effectively been transferred from Congress' most reckless drug warrior to its most outspoken drug policy reformer.Full Article here: 
http://stopthedrugwar.org/speakeasy_main/2007/jan/17/huge_news_dennis_kucinich_to_chaRep. Dennis Kucinich has been a strong proponent of drug policy reform in the past even suggesting marijuana be taxed and regulated!
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Comment #7 posted by SoberStoner on January 17, 2007 at 21:26:18 PT
Effects of the drug war in mexico...
I dont know if this link is good or not but I thought it was an interesting look into how badly Mexico's drug war has destroyed that country and semi-related to this article.. It specifically mentions cannabis farmers as the cause a few times, with a mention to how the US is the biggest market for the crops. All I wonder is..if it were legal here, what would happen to the drug lords there?http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N17335761.htm
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on January 17, 2007 at 19:35:06 PT

News Article on Raids
City of West Hollywood Officials Decry DEA Raids on Five Marijuana Dispensaries January 17, 2007 09:52 PM Eastern Time WEST HOLLYWOOD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--City of West Hollywood officials reacted swiftly today to news that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had raided and shut down five medicinal marijuana dispensaries located in West Hollywood. “The City of West Hollywood has had a long-standing commitment to the compassionate use of medical marijuana for those persons who are facing catastrophic illnesses,” said City Manager Paul Arevalo. The DEA’s enforcement of federal drug laws against the dispensaries conflicts with Proposition 215, a ballot measure approved by the California voters in 1996 decriminalizing the use of medical marijuana. The following five marijuana dispensaries located in West Hollywood were raided by the DEA today: 7828 Santa Monica - Alternative Herbal Health 7825 Santa Monica - Medical Marijuana Pharmacy 7901 Santa Monica - West Hollywood Caregivers 8464 Santa Monica - California Cannabis Pharmacy
 
8921 Sunset - West Hollywood Center for Compassionate Healing Just last night the West Hollywood City Council introduced an ordinance establishing permanent regulations to mitigate the impacts of medical marijuana dispensaries, following a two-year moratorium. “The DEA raids came as a complete surprise to the City,” said Arevalo. “It is regrettable that the federal, state and local governments cannot work together on this issue.” The City of West Hollywood has been a long-standing supporter of the use of marijuana that is prescribed, dispensed and used for medicinal purposes. West Hollywood is home to a disproportionately large percentage of seniors afflicted with a variety of chronic illnesses, and people with HIV and AIDS, for which medicinal marijuana diminishes suffering. Here are comments regarding today's DEA action from two West Hollywood City Councilmembers: "The state of California voted to allow marijuana for medical purposes," says West Hollywood City Councilmember Abbe Land. "The City of West Hollywood along with other cities across the state have established regulations to govern the dispensing of medical marijuana, so that people whose lives depend on this drug can be assured of safe access to their medicine. The DEA should spend their time going after dispensaries that are not operating in accordance with local ordinances, as well as unscrupulous doctors who write illegitimate prescriptions," she continued. "Today's actions again demonstrate the skewed priorities of the Bush administration and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration," says West Hollywood City Councilmember Jeffrey Prang. "Providing safe access to medical marijuana for those living with serious and often painful illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, cancer and other terminal diseases is something this City supports. We have worked closely with our community to insure these establishments operate safely and comply with the spirit of Proposition 215 adopted by the voters of California," he continued. Contacts 
City of West Hollywood
323-848-6431
Fax: 323-848 6561
Tamara White
Public Information Officer
twhite weho.org
or
Helen J. Goss, Esq.
Director, Public Information and Prosecution Services
hgoss weho.org 
 
 Copyright: Business Wire 2007 
URL: http://tinyurl.com/36fmke
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on January 17, 2007 at 18:47:37 PT

Wayne
I believe that day will come. 
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Comment #4 posted by Wayne on January 17, 2007 at 18:25:35 PT

you know...
"Fewer and fewer folks want American beef. And no one seems interested in buying our cars. If pot was legalized, regulated, and taxed, it could turn into a real cash cow."Mr. Bills may have just struck a chord with me. He's absolutely right... we Americans don't manufacture the best quality ANYTHING in the world anymore. We don't make appliances or clothes anymore. Our cars are shit. But we HAVE always grown the best crops. We've got some of the best citrus fruit in the world. We could run our industries and infrastructure just on the amount of corn and soybeans we produce. Beer brewers will tell you that American barley and wheat is by far superior to any other. We should emphasize this point more often. If we were allowed to grow cannabis on a national scale, we would undoubtedly be the best at it. And granted, some right-wingers out there might cringe at the idea of growing the best pot...but at least it's more constructive than producing the best weapons. At least you don't have to destroy something by using cannabis (except the product itself, of course!).
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Comment #3 posted by mayan on January 17, 2007 at 18:11:46 PT

The Main Reason
In fact, if pot replaced weaponry as our most profitable export, the wars would probably be over. The world would be safer, and our economy could be based on something besides blood or oil.That's likely the main reason cannabis remains illegal. The military industrial complex that Eisenhower warned Americans about has control now and they aren't about to relinquish it. Perpetual war is their cash cow.In unrelated news, Ron Paul continues to risk his life for America...Aaron Russo Announces Full Support Of Ron Paul:
http://rense.com/general75/arrp.htmI have to agree with Aaron Russo. We should all unite behind Rep. Paul and put aside our partisan differences. He is the only hope we have to save Our Constitution.More on our only hope...Rep. Ron Paul - America's Braveheart:
http://rense.com/general75/paul.htmThe Irrelevance of Military Victory - by Rep. Ron Paul:
http://www.antiwar.com/paul/?articleid=10330This must be a bad joke...Congress to Send Critics to Jail, Says Richard Viguerie: 
http://tinyurl.com/2h3ljz
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Comment #2 posted by FoM on January 17, 2007 at 16:30:37 PT

DPFCA: 11 Raids Confirmed 
 
  
We just talked to the DEA and they confirmed that 11 raids are being conducted in the L.A. area. They will be issuing a press release later today.Look out for further updates.- Rebecca-- 
Rebecca Saltzman
Field Coordinator
Americans for Safe Access
p (510) 251-1856 x 308
f (510) 251-2036
www.safeaccessnow.org
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Comment #1 posted by Toker00 on January 17, 2007 at 14:18:09 PT

Dude,
like, Totally Excellent!Toke.
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