cannabisnews.com: N.M. Bars Drug Charge When Overdose Is Reported N.M. Bars Drug Charge When Overdose Is Reported Posted by CN Staff on April 05, 2007 at 08:26:08 PT By Ralph Blumenthal Source: New York Times New Mexico -- Struggling with an epidemic of drug fatalities, New Mexico has enacted a groundbreaking law providing immunity from prosecution for people who come forward to help drug users suffering overdoses.The act, signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Bill Richardson, prevents the authorities from prosecuting on the basis of evidence “gained as a result of the seeking of medical assistance.” It also protects drug users themselves from prosecution if the process of seeking help for an overdose provides the only evidence against them. The legislation, which was popularly known as the 911 Good Samaritan bill, is the first of its kind in the nation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.In a statement yesterday, Mr. Richardson, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, said: “I have always been committed to prevention and rehabilitation of drug users. If we can encourage people to save themselves or others from a drug-related death or trauma, then we should do that. This bill will encourage families and friends of addicts to seek medical care and prevent their loved one from dying.” The action was praised by the Drug Policy Alliance, which works to ease drug penalties. The group said New Mexico had the worst overdose problem in the country, with about one death a day. “Whatever it takes to get people to call 911 to save lives,” said Tommy McDonald, a spokesman for the group in Washington. It was the second drug measure signed in two days by Mr. Richardson. On Monday, he signed a medical marijuana bill that allows patients who are H.I.V. positive or who have diseases including AIDS, cancer, glaucoma or multiple sclerosis to relieve pain with marijuana, under a doctor’s supervision.The governor lobbied strongly for the medical marijuana bill, which he said could hurt his presidential prospects but was “the right thing to do.”The Samaritan bill, introduced by State Senator Richard C. Martinez, a Democrat and a retired magistrate judge from Espanola, also provides that in the event of a drug prosecution based on outside evidence, the act of seeking aid for someone suffering an overdose “may be used as a mitigating factor” in a defense.Complete Title: New Mexico Bars Drug Charge When Overdose Is Reported Source: New York Times (NY)Author: Ralph BlumenthalPublished: April 5, 2007Copyright: 2007 The New York Times CompanyContact: letters nytimes.comWebsite: http://www.nytimes.com/Related Articles & Web Site:Drug Policy Alliancehttp://www.drugpolicy.org/ New Mexico Approves Medical Use of Marijuanahttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22836.shtmlRichardson Signs Medical Marijuana Bill http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22835.shtmlApplaud Lawmakers for Medical Pot Billhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread22768.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #66 posted by FoM on April 06, 2007 at 07:13:17 PT Hope I am glad you are hopeful. Sometimes I am afraid to say anything because those on the right side of politics are so grumbly and angry so I smile inside and keep it to myself. [ Post Comment ] Comment #65 posted by FoM on April 06, 2007 at 07:06:47 PT Off Topic: Nancy Pelosi and Scarves Maybe this bothers me and no one else but Nancy Pelosi is or was Catholic. I never entered a catholic church without my head being covered. We wore uniforms so we didn't need to buy clothes for school so we bought pretty scarves to wear when in church. This is a very old tradition and she was only showing respect and I don't know why people got upset with it. That's all.http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/06/AR2007040600029.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #64 posted by Hope on April 06, 2007 at 00:02:36 PT I'm so hopeful... that I've had to really fight myself lately to keep from busting out in predictions. Predictions don't mean much to me, anymore. Just let me see the end of their travesty. Soon.Halleleujah. Let the lovers of prohibitions stop hurting people, and start helping instead, like this new New Mexican bill that Richardson just signed...or perhaps, they can just start minding their own business and not everyone else's so much. [ Post Comment ] Comment #63 posted by Hope on April 05, 2007 at 23:53:24 PT I'm hopeful. Though being still (listening), FoM. and watchful."Yes we are winning but it seems that some people aren't hopeful like I am and I don't know why." I'm delighted with Richardson's actions. He's trying to make things better, looks to me like. I'm delighted. [ Post Comment ] Comment #62 posted by Hope on April 05, 2007 at 23:48:48 PT Comment 47 Lol!That's could be true.:0) [ Post Comment ] Comment #61 posted by Hope on April 05, 2007 at 23:25:25 PT Dan, Comment 2 I agree. [ Post Comment ] Comment #60 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 20:55:38 PT The Internet Really Is Our Voice Obama's High-Tech Operation Helps Raise MoneyInternet contributions play major role By Andy ShawApril 5, 2007 - Senator Barack Obama's presidential campaign took in more than $400,000 on the internet in the last 24 hours after revealing he raised $25 million in the first quarter of 2007. Thursday afternoon ABC7 got an inside look at the campaign headquarters. Complete Article: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=politics&id=5187338 [ Post Comment ] Comment #59 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 19:48:56 PT It may be too early If you don't want to make accusations, or don't have particular suspects in mind, carry on. [ Post Comment ] Comment #58 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 19:41:08 PT mayan You've been studying 9/11 for years, do you have an accusation to make as to any particular person, or persons other than and including those who may have hijacked airplanes, who caused through intentional acts the death of Mychal F. Judge? [ Post Comment ] Comment #57 posted by ekim on April 05, 2007 at 19:07:01 PT here ya go Comment #16 posted by whig on April 04, 2007 at 22:25:53 PT wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mychal_F._Judge http://blog.leap.cc/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #56 posted by mayan on April 05, 2007 at 18:28:15 PT whig Could you please elaborate? [ Post Comment ] Comment #55 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 18:12:57 PT mayan This is a real investigation of 9/11.Who killed Mychal Judge? [ Post Comment ] Comment #54 posted by mayan on April 05, 2007 at 17:46:04 PT Republican Party They are all richer and more powerful than they were seven years ago. Anyway, it doesn't even matter if that party does die because the same powers that control them now control the democrats. If you have to sell your soul to be president then what good are you to the people even if you win? A government for sell to the highest bidder is a government that will represent that bidder and that bidder only.If the democrats wanted to stop the Iraq war and prevent the Iran war they could just organize a REAL investigation of 9/11. WHERE ARE THEY??? Anyone care to answer that one? They will likely stall until there is another attack and then it will be too late for all of us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #53 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 16:45:54 PT whig I think I care so much this time because it's the last chance I will have to ever help change a direction that would matter to me. If we are fortunate and get a good Democrat in power by the time 8 years is up nothing political will interest me because my life will probably be what it will be no matter who then becomes President. [ Post Comment ] Comment #52 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 16:32:18 PT FoM I don't really care what the Republicans do, if it isn't Ron Paul all of their other candidates are poison and they will be the ones swallowing it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #51 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 16:14:11 PT whig The Republicans aren't interested in Ron Paul. They want Giuliani or Romney it seems. How much money did Ron Paul raise? I say that because for now money from contributors determines popularity. How old is Ron Paul? I believe that by the time a person hits 65 they shouldn't be in a position that has trouble relating to our up and coming young adults. They are our future and they need to be included if we want them to get involved in our political system. [ Post Comment ] Comment #50 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 15:58:08 PT FoM If the Republicans want to salvage any shred of their party at a national level they should support the nomination of Ron Paul. I'll say that much. I don't agree with him and I know you don't, but he has principles and he's not a member of the criminal class. [ Post Comment ] Comment #49 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 15:13:16 PT whig I'll do my best not to have a heart attack. Yes we are winning but it seems that some people aren't hopeful like I am and I don't know why. It is almost like they don't even consider the Democratic Party. I have always leaned toward the Democrats but it was Robert Kennedy being murdered in 68 ( I was just getting interested in politics. I was 21 ) that made me stop caring and since then we haven't had a northern Democrat. That's a heck of a long time. That's almost 40 years! [ Post Comment ] Comment #48 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 14:59:56 PT FoM Don't have a heart attack! We need you. And besides, we're winning. [ Post Comment ] Comment #47 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 14:59:01 PT whig Pressure is for those your age. Pressure at my age means having a heart attack! LOL! [ Post Comment ] Comment #46 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 14:56:01 PT FoM I don't mind putting on the pressure though. :) [ Post Comment ] Comment #45 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 14:53:27 PT Whig I really am sure he will say something. He has good timing I believe. [ Post Comment ] Comment #44 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 14:44:00 PT FoM I don't think he can afford to wait long, I'm seeing a Richardson surge that will overtake him if he doesn't get out in front of it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #43 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 14:41:43 PT One More Comment I don't think they would call it a town meeting but something else. Maybe just a college rally. [ Post Comment ] Comment #42 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 14:37:22 PT Whig He will say something before this is over. It just isn't high priority for most of the people who like Obama. When he gets down to talking to College Students when they have town meetings he will comment I am sure. [ Post Comment ] Comment #41 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 14:31:11 PT FoM Yes, I am saying the drug law comment didn't say anything. He didn't say what he was for at all. It wasn't intended against what you believe, it's that Obama won't make a statement that is clear enough to understand, so I don't know what he would do and I cannot support someone that won't support us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #40 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 13:58:16 PT whig Do you mean the drug law comment says nothing to you? If so it isn't clear to me either. I am defensive about my developing political views so I'm sorry if you weren't telling me I am wrong in my beliefs. I have been reading and watching Obama very closely and I like him. [ Post Comment ] Comment #39 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 12:27:29 PT whig It doesn't have to say anything to you because I am saying how I see it and I shared it. That's all. [ Post Comment ] Comment #38 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 12:24:58 PT Yeah Richardson has impressed me The fact that Richardson went out of his way to lobby for medical marijuana speaks strongly to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #37 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 12:24:30 PT Here's how I see it President in 2007 should be Nancy Pelosi. [ Post Comment ] Comment #36 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 12:23:25 PT Taylor I like Obama too. I think he means well. I want him to succeed. I just think Richardson has demonstrated more courage and support for us. [ Post Comment ] Comment #35 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 12:22:39 PT FoM That doesn't say anything to me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #34 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 12:22:37 PT Interesting FoM That seems pretty positive, but not specific. Also to whig, I'm not against Richardson at all. I just really like Obama. He has charisma or something. [ Post Comment ] Comment #33 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 12:18:03 PT Taylor121 So far this is the only thing I have heard him mention about drug laws. I don't know if he was talking about legal or illegal drug laws though.Excerpt: Folks are complaining about the quality of our government, I understand there's something to be complaining about. I'm in Washington. I see what's going on. I see those powers and principalities have snuck back in there, that they're writing the energy bills and the drug laws. Obama's Selma Speechhttp://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2007/03/obamas_selma_speech_text_as_de.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #32 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 12:17:25 PT I believe Any politician afraid to address our issue, is not going to be free to address it once in office. [ Post Comment ] Comment #31 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 12:16:09 PT Taylor That would be a good point if Richardson had done harm in office. Obama has experience too. Just not as much. And he hasn't proven himself to us yet. [ Post Comment ] Comment #30 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 12:14:36 PT Lack of experience Maybe it's a good thing that he isn't experienced. I'm kind of tired of the "experienced" politicians. [ Post Comment ] Comment #29 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 12:12:37 PT Obama I think he'd make an excellent vice presidential candidate. He doesn't have close to the experience of Richardson to be president. [ Post Comment ] Comment #28 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 12:10:52 PT FoM The Republican party is destroyed. [ Post Comment ] Comment #27 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 12:03:48 PT Yeah, I'm not one issue I'm not a one issue voter, and I respect you for supporting Obama for other issues. In fact, I would say he is my favorite Democratic runner-up besides Richardson and would become my favorite if he would make a statement about medical marijuana.With that said, I'm not a one issue voter, but drug policy weighs heavily on me. The candidate would have to get nearly everything else right if they rejected sound drug policy. [ Post Comment ] Comment #26 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 11:58:59 PT whig I don't think that Governor Richardson can beat a Republican. He isn't even on the radar barely. I don't want 8 more years having a Republican as President. It's been way to hard to handle with Bush.It will be either Clinton or Obama unless something really radical or different happens. [ Post Comment ] Comment #25 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 11:54:49 PT Ala: Medical Marijuana Bill Debated In Committee Jeremy Gordinier, NBC-13 Web EditorThursday, April 05, 2007 MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- The Medical Marijuana Act was proposed by Representative Laura Hall (D) of Huntsville. The act would authorize the use of Marijuana for qualifying patients who have a debilitating medical condition and would require the regulation of Medical Marijuana as a controlled substance. It was submitted to the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.Copyright: 2007 Media General, Inc.http://www.nbc13.com/gulfcoastwest/vtm/news.apx.-content-articles-VTM-2007-04-05-0017.html [ Post Comment ] Comment #24 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 11:53:00 PT FoM Can I ask, if Obama doesn't address our issue before the primaries, will you still support him over Richardson? This is a hard thing for me to understand, although I could certainly agree if Richardson was very bad for some other reason, but he's actually been very good at everything he's done as far as I can tell. [ Post Comment ] Comment #23 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 11:21:26 PT Taylor121 One time you mentioned that you were not a one issue person concerning a Party. I am following Obama because I too am not a one issue person. [ Post Comment ] Comment #22 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 11:18:10 PT About The Austin Chronicle Article It's posted now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #21 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 11:14:32 PT I'll Post It I'll hold my nose and post it. That's all I can muster up about this union. [ Post Comment ] Comment #20 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 11:08:39 PT Yeah I don't get it FoM It's just a style of writing. *shrug* You can censor news however you like, but I still don't get why that article is so bad. [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 11:07:20 PT I agree FoM he seems compassionate But I still haven't seen him come out and say it, and until I do, I have no faith in any politician. Heck, George W. said that he would allow states to decide on the medical marijuana issue before he was elected. Then he turned out to be extremely hostile towards our issues.I think that we should all be cautious on any Democrat or Republican before we give our support. Remember, Clinton arrested medical marijuana patients too. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by OverwhelmSam on April 05, 2007 at 11:05:30 PT FoM Is there something wrong with the analogy? [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by OverwhelmSam on April 05, 2007 at 11:01:52 PT The ONDCP Doesn't Know It Yet But, we've already won.NORML, SAFER, SSDP, MPP, DPA and other organizations sponsor initiatives to reduce marijuana penalties for students at univercities accross the country. Even students at other colleges become aware of the marijuana prohibition debate.Every student who leaves college to pursue a career are knowledgeable about the government's fraudulent claims about marijuana, and the peoples right to possess and use marijuana if they so chose.Every student is breifed on the government's marijuana ban as they enter the work force. These are ultimately the people who will change the law.Walters, you have already lost. Let it go already. [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 11:01:16 PT OverwhelmSam I saw it but I couldn't bare to post it after reading this part. I posted it on the link to the last article.Excerpt: I know, it's pretty stunning, but it would seem that Barr – who dumped the GOP last year to join the Libertarians – has had a come-to-Jesus moment, and in part, the MPP says, Barr will be lobbying to gain for D.C. residents the right to enact a medi-pot law. http://cannabisnews.com/news/22/thread22837.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 10:56:04 PT Taylor121 I think Obama will not be hard on marijuana if he is elected. I like to study people. When we went to the CSNY Freedom of Speech Tour last summer I remember thinking if heaven will be full of people like those that were there it would be a great place.I see the same thing when I see the pictures of Obama's supporter. By the way the Austin, Texas Rally had 20,000 people! http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/group/ObamaHQ/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by OverwhelmSam on April 05, 2007 at 10:51:40 PT FoM Have you seen this article?http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/column?oid=oid%3A463093 [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by OverwhelmSam on April 05, 2007 at 10:47:56 PT Brilliant This law creates a huge chink in the armor of marijuana prohibition. Similar laws in other states will soon follow. Now all we need is an event that goes for the sweet spot, and prohibition will be dead.In other news, Barr works for MPP now. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 10:36:12 PT By the way This NM law is fantastic. I'm highly impressed with it. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by Taylor121 on April 05, 2007 at 10:35:34 PT Obama I too am very curious about his position on drug war related issues, in particular medical cannabis. On the Republican side we have: Ron Paul- 100% with us (drug war at least)On the Democratic side we have: Bill RichardsonI don't know how Hillary feels about taxation/regulation, medical marijuana, and decrim. Anyone have any info on all these candidates? [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 10:19:15 PT whig I'm glad Mrs. Whig likes Obama too. He seems very sensible so I think he will look at our issue closely. I also believe that our formative years (teen) carry over often into adult life as far as our values go. He spent those years in Hawaii (Cannabis and Hawaii go hand in hand at least back in those days) and that to me is a good thing. [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 10:07:20 PT FoM I really hope you're right about Obama, my wife likes him too. I need to know if he is with us, and if he just expects us to support him without some proven act of support for us, that cannot happen for me. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 10:00:58 PT whig I haven't made a page or posted any banners on a page for Obama but I will if he says something good about marijuana and the law. He will be at colleges so I know the question will come up. Everything he has ever done will be used against him and that worries me but hopefully people will see where it will be coming from when it happens.I really like Obama. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 09:50:22 PT Cannabis helps break cocaine addiction http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7112 [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 09:47:13 PT Also He reportedly has twice as many donors, and more small contributions.Bill Richardson is still practically invisible at the media level right now, but that can change quickly. Having this become a friendly dialogue between candidates is a nice change. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 09:45:42 PT Obama Good news that he is raising money enough to compete with Hillary Clinton, making her no longer the automatic assumptive front-runner. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 09:40:03 PT Dan B I am very pleased with what I see happening in the Democratic Party. I really am starting to have a little hope now but I am realistic. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by whig on April 05, 2007 at 09:39:39 PT Harm Reduction Thank you again, Bill Richardson.That is two for two, and I didn't even see this one coming. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Dan B on April 05, 2007 at 09:25:42 PT The Turnaround I have to like a guy like Bill Richardson. Here's a guy who seems to have seen the light when it comes to the drug war. As I recall, he ran on a platform that specifically said he was against many of the reforms that were proposed by his predecessor, Gary Johnson. Now, he has signed at least two bills that sound almost exactly the same as some of the measures that Johnson was unable to get through a very hostile state congress. Maybe there's something about the water in the governor's mansion. It sure seems like something there gets people to start thinking rationally about our irrational drug policies.Way to go, Bill! You may be the only candidate in either party that is worthy of my vote for president.Dan B [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by FoM on April 05, 2007 at 09:24:03 PT Off Topic Coke and Speed Increase Stroke Riskhttp://psychcentral.com/news/2007/04/05/coke-and-speed-increase-stroke-risk/ [ Post Comment ] Post Comment