cannabisnews.com: Scores Rally To Legalize Pot










  Scores Rally To Legalize Pot

Posted by CN Staff on May 07, 2007 at 06:34:38 PT
By Sam LaGrone, Staff Writer 
Source: News & Observer 

Raleigh, NC -- A crowd of marijuana legalization supporters were high on advocacy Sunday afternoon.The 2007 Raleigh Marijuana Rally, March and Music Festival drew about 250 people to the grounds of the state Capitol to call for the legalization of medical marijuana. Ann Marie Hodges was there pushing legalization of the drug.
She suffers from Adult Onset Still's Disease, a rare form of arthritis that some patients say is made less painful by marijuana."I went from taking 15 medications a day to four," Hodges said.Jeff Badalucco, organizer for the N.C. Cannabis Association, said the event's goal was to "encourage a grass-roots movement," to raise awareness of the benefits of marijuana.This is the fifth year the loosely knit organization of advocates has gathered as part of the Global Marijuana March, held yearly in May.The event is the height of the North Carolina group's legislative outreach, Badalucco said."We're not the type of organization that has meetings, structures or dues," Badalucco said.Kicking off at "high noon," according to the event flier, the rally began with a march from the Capitol to Wake County Courthouse.Participants paraded down the mostly empty Raleigh streets with signs reading "Honk 4 Weed" and a depiction of the Statue of Liberty holding a marijuana leaf instead of a torch.At 2:30 p.m., the first of seven bands, H.O.W., a self-described "stoner metal" band, kicked into its set list, which included the songs "Trip, International Drug Trade" and "Left Side Twisted."Raleigh police escorted the parade. Police Lt. Doug Brugger said that there were no arrests and that protesters were peaceful and "well behaved."The rally was held on the south lawn of the Capitol and staged around a statue of Confederate- era Gov. Zebulon Baird Vance.H.O.W. and the next band, Git Lit, sang their pro-pot songs in front of an inscription of a Vance quote that read, "If there be a people on earth given a sober second of thought ... It is the people of North Carolina." Source: News & Observer (NC)Author: Sam LaGrone, Staff WriterPublished: May 7, 2007Copyright: 2007 The News and Observer Publishing CompanyContact: forum nando.comWebsite: http://www.newsobserver.com/CannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml 

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Comment #32 posted by Had Enough on May 09, 2007 at 07:23:58 PT
The Judge in #3
I wonder how many people the pot-smoking judge has sentenced to jail for pot.
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Comment #31 posted by afterburner on May 08, 2007 at 22:42:33 PT
Canadian Civil War on Cannabis Continues
Constitutional Challenge of Canada's Medical Cannabis Program,
Posted in In the Trenches by David Guard on Mon, 05/07/2007 http://tinyurl.com/29zkcv
"The ensuing court case and Constitutional challenge - which is taking place from May 9th-18th in B.C. Supreme Court, 850 Burdett Avenue - will establish that the federal medical cannabis program is violating the constitutional rights of critically and chronically ill Canadians by a) unnecessarily restricting access to the program; b) supplying an inadequate source of cannabis; and c) instituting arbitrary limitations on production and distribution."CN AB: PUB LTE: DARE Doesn't Work, The Fort Saskatchewan Record, (01 May 2007) 
http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v07/n568/a04.html?176
Russell Barth informs the skeptics.CN AB: Snoop Dogg Rule Interests Calgary, Calgary Herald, (05 May 2007) 
http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v07/n567/a06.html?176
More prohibitions piled on top of prohibitions.CN ON: Emery, Pot Paraders Demand Legalization, London Free Press, (06 May 2007) 
http://www.mapinc.org/newstcl/v07/n566/a06.html?176
Extradition trial soon come.
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Comment #30 posted by dongenero on May 08, 2007 at 08:42:32 PT

mbc, .....tsk senators
Sometimes you wonder if enough house cleaning is even possible in our Federal Government.
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Comment #29 posted by mai_bong_city on May 08, 2007 at 08:35:22 PT

tsk, tsk senators.
just a little more craziness. 
a pox on their houses. or something. http://tinyurl.com/2elj9r
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Comment #28 posted by dongenero on May 08, 2007 at 08:12:48 PT

The GCW
Thanks for the post on the BPG cycling team. I had not heard of them yet.
I would sure like to get one of those jerseys! Please post if you find a place to order them. They may be surprised how many they could sell. A little more $ for the budget of a regional team like this never hurts. Very good move on the part of BPG to pick up a cycling team sponsorship! 
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Comment #27 posted by whig on May 07, 2007 at 22:48:15 PT

The GCW
I didn't notice the jerseys, I'm fairly tuned out to that kind of thing. I'll look for it next time I stop by. I doubt they'd sell racing gear, but who knows?BPG is one of the places you can go and smoke. I don't find it the most comfortable environment for that, for me personally, though others certainly do. Usually when I go in, I'm only there for a short time to pick up medicine and then go home. I think there are regular people who are there most every day because they have a lot of supportive services too.The patients' co-op in San Francisco is where I've found it more comfortable to sit and smoke, on occasion. It's a very different environment, not better or worse. The Oaksterdam dispensary I go to sometimes is strictly cash and carry, limited selection, but a quicker stop than BPG. All dispensaries I have been to do proper checking for patient authorization, and while they have different styles of operation I appreciate that they are all providing a valuable service for patients according to their needs.
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Comment #26 posted by whig on May 07, 2007 at 22:36:45 PT

Liveontheisland
Welcome to CNews. You're a DJ?
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Comment #25 posted by Liveontheisland on May 07, 2007 at 22:32:21 PT

typoo
over 53% of voters 18-24haha... l8r! 
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Comment #24 posted by Liveontheisland on May 07, 2007 at 22:29:36 PT

MBC
Hey man, sorry to hear of your pain, but you're not the only one. In reality, we're *all* suffering from freedoms stolen from us. Yes, there's tons of propaganda against marijuana, and corrupt politics and corporations, but this is life. I wish I could fix it, but by myself I can't. Seriously though, look at the changes already happening. In Colorado and Nevada, over 53% voted to decriminalize marijuana. That compared to only 35% of voters over 65With presidential candidate ... uh... i forgot his name... already talking about 'selling weed like alcohol', this is a clear victory for us. A realization of reality. The youth of today is *not* dumb, and we do *not* believe everything we here.... and we also see weed heads all the time. In Amsterdam, marijuana is an absolute non-issue. There's no problem... no one freaks out about it.... everyone just chills. Ahh... if only we were so lucky, right?It's harder here, though. It's majority vs. minority. In Holland, they don't have 300 million people like we do here. If America could collectively progress on the issue of marijuana... it's going to be major. I mean *major*. The only people who can do it is people like us... and that guy who called that presidential candidate on cnn... and everyone who reads this... we must know, when the time comes, where we stand. Hopefully... a maybe non-enlightened majority can enlighten themselves. I've been reading here for a few months... good to be a part of this really great place. Power to the people, I look forward to sharing ideas
http:/www.myspace.com/djloti
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Comment #23 posted by mai_bong_city on May 07, 2007 at 21:42:07 PT

about lyrica
thank you yanxor, i had no knowledge of lyrica, it was just desperation i guess but no, those would not be good side effects to have......
i am much better-off with cannabis, indeed. and they don't know how lyrica acts, from what i understand - only that it has something to do with the gaba receptors, which endocannabinoids seem to also interact with. 
i just don't get along with anything very .....synthetic. the natural plant is as perfect as it gets for me.
oh and - he's a she :)
goodnight and sweet dreams, friends.....thanks and ginormous blessings.
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Comment #22 posted by mai_bong_city on May 07, 2007 at 21:22:05 PT

wow...
i am immensely grateful for each and every one of you, truly.
all honor and peace,
mbc
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Comment #21 posted by Yanxor on May 07, 2007 at 21:14:52 PT

Dr. Ganj
How nice of you to offer psychological support to MBC - he can sure use someone to elevate his spirits - what with the awful healthcare system.
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Comment #20 posted by The GCW on May 07, 2007 at 21:01:19 PT

whig,
Did You see the jerseys, hat etc.?In bicycle racing, that is called a, kit.I heard they have a jersey hanging at BPG, perhaps above the safe.If You are there or hear of a way to purchase a team kit, plese let Me know.The GCW 
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Comment #19 posted by whig on May 07, 2007 at 20:35:09 PT

BPG
They have extremely good security, this is true. Also, they have good quality and selection.
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Comment #18 posted by whig on May 07, 2007 at 20:33:20 PT

Dr Ganj
Thank you.
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Comment #17 posted by afterburner on May 07, 2007 at 20:24:11 PT

Dr Ganj 
G --. B -...
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Comment #16 posted by Max Flowers on May 07, 2007 at 20:12:29 PT

Dr Ganj
Excellent (your helping MBC)! I was just about to post saying the same when I saw your post. I've helped before.MBC, reach out again when that runs out, and I can help too.cheers
MF
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Comment #15 posted by The GCW on May 07, 2007 at 19:56:43 PT

US CO: Smokin’ Fast     
US CO: Smokin’ Fast     Pubdate: May 14, 2007 
Source: Velo News (CO) Website: http://www.velonews.com/ Author: Kathie Reid Page: Page 84Vol: 36/NO.8 Note: Not printed on website edition; printed in news stand edition.Note: News stand copy includes photos of bike jerseys with cannabis leaf. Domestic team promotes medicinal marijuana clinic.When 17-year-old Logan Loader rolled up to the start line of the Sea Otter Classic circuit race, he noticed two spectators eyeing his team kit. He assumed the team logo drew their attention, and he was right. Pointing to the red medical cross with a marijuana leaf in the center, on asked, “So what’s that all about? Does everybody on the team smoke pop?”“Absolutely not,” Loader responded good-naturedly. The only junior member of the BPG-Montano Velo team then launched into the squad’s standard speech. He explained the team’s title sponsor, Berkeley Patients Group, is a medical cannabis clinic, based in Berkeley, California. The team’s mostly Cat. I and II racers, he added, are proponents of BPG’s mission to provide sick people with safe, affordable access to medical cannabis, but do not resemble Cheech or Chong.THAT LITTLE LEAFBPG took over title sponsorship of the team that was created in 2001 by Martin Thompson and Matt Willinger. Thompson owned RH Villa, a resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, that previously sponsored the team, and Willinger was a Cat. V.When BPG director Etienne Fontan indicated his interest in the title sponsorship, riders were nervous. “People were definitely afraid. They’re afraid of that little leaf,” Fontan said. Cannabis use is still considered illegal by the federal government; however, in 1996 California voters passed Proposition 215 that makes an exception for medical purposes. But the fear disappeared once riders learned about the clinic and got to know Fontan, a 37-year-old Gulf War veteran racing in his first year as a Cat. IV. Willinger, now a Cat. I and team assistant manager, explained that the riders didn’t disagree with the concept of medical cannabis. “The only concern was we’d scare away other sponsorship,” he said.“If potential sponsors don’t agree with some of the principles that we feel are correct and good for society,” Willinger explained, “then we don’t want them as a sponsor.”This season the “pot team” has already scored some results, including a sixth place overall finish by Brian Buchholz at the Central Valley Classic NRC event. But the team has remained true to its roots as a positive social force. Rob Evans, a business analyst for Apple, said that BPG’s main attraction is the camaraderie. “Everyone’s willing to sell out for each other,” Evans said.This selflessness has led to multiple team members scoring results, such as Jesse Mendonca’s recent win at the Tuolumne Township Criterium. But Buchhoz is clearly the team’s star. With seven top-10 finishes this season, three of those in NRC races, Buchholz might be the next team member to join a professional squad. Jamiel Danesh moved to Kodakgallery.com-Sierra Nevada from the team last year. And young Loader, after only a few weeks on BPG, is on his way to Europe for three months to race with a French junior development team, Sprinter de Nice, which has in turn sent riders to Saunter Duval-Prodder and Credit Auricle.COUGH, COUGHResults or no, the team takes some ribbing in the domestic peloton. “I guess riding by coughing is the most common,” Willinger said.Team member Sean McBride described a race where a spectators was smoking pot by the side of the course; “When the scent wafted onto the course, all of the sudden everybody in the peloton is all, “BPG! Is he with you?”While the team says the jibes have all been good-natured, they take the mission of BPG seriously. Christian Kearney, a high school math teacher and Cat. I racer, said PBG is run the way medical marijuana dispensaries should be. “The security is very tight there they’re very stringent about patient cards, and it’s just well-run and organized,” Kearney said. “They’re by-the books, not shady.”McBride said BPG and Fontan in particular are proactive in their communities, “so that the people who may or may not agree with their standpoint at least respect what they’re trying to do.”“There’s a lot of safety checks involved to make sure nobody’s scamming the system and just abusing the privilege.” McBride said. “And they do a lot of other stuff, for the patients; acupressure, massage and a hospice grogram. I’m happy to be a part of it.”Fontan has certainly heard his share of the jokes too, such as, do you guys give out samples from your sponsors?“I’m glad it’s met with humor, but at the same time, these guys have gotten results that deserve respect,” Fontan said. “They may ride by coughing in just, but in a while, they’ll be sucking wheel.”http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=96399663http://www.guikema.blogspot.com/

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Comment #14 posted by RevRayGreen on May 07, 2007 at 19:52:04 PT

should have pic's
of George enjoying his medicine at the park, after letting the off-duty Cop know exactly who he was, showed his paperwork and educated an uneducated off-duty former narcotics cop about the Government IND program, for the rest of us, he was the only one legally smoking in the park out in the open, very thankful for the out-of sight out of mind attitude the cop had.
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Comment #13 posted by FoM on May 07, 2007 at 19:25:01 PT

RevRayGreen 
Great pictures! Thank you!
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Comment #12 posted by RevRayGreen on May 07, 2007 at 19:08:51 PT

Iowa Represents 2007
here some pics of the Iowa GMM 2007 at the State Capitol......hoping to hvae some from Greenwood Park soon, where the atmosphere was quite peaceful, as in we pretty much had part of the park to ourselves, even the off-duty cop hired as a requirement to get the permits complimented us on how well behaved and respectful everyone was, not one incident or arrest.http://qchemp.tzo.com/Videos/IA2007GMM/ia2007gmm.htm
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Comment #11 posted by mayan on May 07, 2007 at 17:33:16 PT

More Misc.
In support of Ron Paul and all of the other presidential candidates who are not being rammed down our throats by the criminal establishment media, I declare that it's time WE decide who will be president rather than being told who the president will be...Corporate Media Censor Ron Paul's Debate Success:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/may2007/070507ronpaul.htmMySpace Censoring Ron Paul Supporters *WATCH IN FULL SCREEN*:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehhj-0JsKmAPoll Shocker: Only 2% Don't Care About Barrett's Job:
http://mujca.com/pollshocker.htmTHE WAY OUT IS THE WAY IN...Take Action on May 11! 
http://911blogger.com/node/8397Why does NIST hide the long straight gash in WTC7?
http://infowars.net/articles/may2007/070507NIST.htmBarbara Olson’s Alleged Call from AA 77: A Correction About Onboard Phones:
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article17659.htm9/11 WAS AN INSIDE JOB - OUR NATION IS IN PERIL:
http://www.911sharethetruth.com/
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Comment #10 posted by Dr Ganj on May 07, 2007 at 17:27:42 PT

MBC
Mai Bong~There comes a time when it is obvious expedient medical assistance is necessary.
Please send me an e-mail on my anonymous account.
I will assist you.All the best,Dr. Ganjjawans30781 mypacks.net 
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Comment #9 posted by Yanxor on May 07, 2007 at 16:25:12 PT

MBC
Looking at some of the side-effects of Lyrica - which is a schedule V drug - patients who are perscribed this would be better off with pot - I mean dizziness, blurred vision, dysarthria and kidney stones? How the hell is that a better medication? And why aren't the people that maintain this status quo lined up and shot?
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Comment #8 posted by mai_bong_city on May 07, 2007 at 14:20:32 PT

sorta' OT but yet, not.
with mom's day approaching, and to do with medical marijuana and the price we pay....http://tinyurl.com/2x282e

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Comment #7 posted by mai_bong_city on May 07, 2007 at 14:12:22 PT

thanks y'all
thank you FoM and dongenero.
it helps.peace,
mbc
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Comment #6 posted by dongenero on May 07, 2007 at 13:46:59 PT

mai-bong-city
Sorry to hear you are suffering.I hope you are able to find relief soon. The people responsible for the lack of access to cannabis and other pharmaceuticals your doctor recommends are taking good health and access to medicine for granted.The reality of pain and illness is far different from what they suppose.Good luck mai-bong, we're thinking about you.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on May 07, 2007 at 13:01:04 PT

MBC
That is really wrong. I am so sorry. 
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Comment #4 posted by mai_bong_city on May 07, 2007 at 12:32:18 PT

oh the insanity.
so, recently my medicine has been - disrupted, let's say - and my doctor decided maybe this new drug lyrica might be of some use, something, anything, at this point. it might help the nerve pain, but it won't stop the muscle spasms and other symptoms - but i'd take what i could get.
so i march on down to my local pharm, and get this - thanks to the federal government and medicare part d catering more to drug companies and insurance than patient well-being - i can't get that prescription filled for about three weeks while we wait for 'approval' from some bottom-line man.
no matter what my doctor thinks is best. no matter my medical records showing everything else has been tried - no matter that i'm in agony already, which i wouldn't have been if my regular medicine hadn't been - disrupted. 
so no medical pot, and i can't even get a legal prescription for a drug for nerve pain filled for maybe a month.
what kind of world is this?
oh but yeah - they're happy to give me a month's worth of fentanyl, despite severe allergic reaction to narcotics - a lethal dose of an addictive synthetic narcotic is okay - but be damned if we'll help you feel better. suffer and die, stoner. 
that's what it feels like, to this day. despite any progress, i just wonder if the world will ever....justify our existence and the existence of such miraculous nature.

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Comment #3 posted by mai_bong_city on May 07, 2007 at 12:21:27 PT

here comes da' judge.
so a judge gets caught smoking a joint on a park bench, and all he gets is a little time off?
unreal. there is no logical, sensical world.
and all the news photos of paris hilton smoking joints in public, while she's facing jail time for DUI and suspended license.
ow, my head.http://www.tmz.com/2007/05/07/pot-judge-hashes-out-apology/http://www.tmz.com/2007/05/07/paris-rolls-again/
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Comment #2 posted by Hope on May 07, 2007 at 12:07:55 PT

MOSCOW POLICE CRACK DOWN ON MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n570/a08.html?397
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on May 07, 2007 at 12:02:23 PT

Initial Reports on the Global Marijuana Marches
http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle_blog/2007/may/07/initial_reports_on_the_global_ma
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