cannabisnews.com: NORML's News Bulletin - June 7, 2001 










  NORML's News Bulletin - June 7, 2001 

Posted by FoM on June 08, 2001 at 07:47:01 PT
Nevada Defelonizes Pot Possession 
Source: NORML 

Carson City, NV: State legislators overwhelmingly approved legislation this week to dramatically reduce Nevada's toughest-in-the-nation marijuana law and authorize pot's medical use. Nevada's legislature is the first in 24 years to eliminate jail time and criminal records for minor marijuana offenders, and the ninth state since 1996 to legalize the use of medical marijuana under a doctor's supervision.
 "Assembly Bill 453 was crafted to do three things," said sponsor Christina Giunchigliani (D-Las Vegas). "Implement the will of the people; provide compassionate medical aid to the chronically ill, and establish a rational drug policy focused on treatment - not jail."  Giunchigliani's proposal, which now awaits action by Gov. Kenny Guinn (R), reduces penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana from a felony (punishable by up to four years in jail) to a fine-only misdemeanor for first and second-time offenders. No criminal record shall be imposed on offenders until their third offense. Eleven states have similar marijuana decriminalization laws.  Nevada is the only state that currently defines first-time possession of even one marijuana cigarette as a felony offense.  Assembly Bill 453 also legalizes the use of medical marijuana by patients who have their physician's approval to use it. State voters approved a constitutional amendment in 1998 and 2000 mandating the legislature to legalize the use of medicinal marijuana. Giunchigliani's bill allows qualified patients to grow up to seven marijuana plants for medical purposes and establishes a confidential patient registry. Additionally, it allows patients who possess amounts greater than those specified by law to raise an affirmative defense of medical necessity before a jury.  "The State of Nevada, as a sovereign state, has the duty to carry out the will of the people of this state and regulate the health, medical practices and well-being of those people in a manner that respects their personal decisions concerning the relief of suffering through the medical use of marijuana," legislators affirmed in the measure's preamble.  A separate provision added to the bill requires the Nevada School of Medicine to "aggressively" seek federal approval to implement a medical marijuana distribution program in which both marijuana and marijuana seeds would be made available to patients.  Governor Guinn has ten days to sign the bill, which will take effect October 1, 2001.  For more information, please contact Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director, or Paul Armentano at (202) 483-5500.Complete Title: State Eliminates Jail, Criminal Record for Minor Offenders; Legalizes Medical Marijuana for Seriously IllMedical Uses Approved: Lawmakers OK Marijuana Bill http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9973.shtmlMedical Marijuana, Defelonization Approved http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9966.shtmlSenate Subcommittee Backs Medical Marijuana Bill http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9951.shtml Medical Marijuana Pioneer Passes Away at 53:Glaucoma Patient Received Government Pot for 25 Years.  Sarasota, FL: Robert Randall, a glaucoma patient who made history in the mid-1970s by becoming the first person to attain legal access to marijuana for medicinal purposes, passed away at his home Saturday. He was 53 years old.  Randall developed glaucoma as a teenager and was told by doctors that he would likely lose his eyesight by his mid-twenties. Randall began smoking marijuana to combat his illness after learning of studies demonstrating that THC temporarily lowered intraocular pressure. He was arrested in Washington, DC for marijuana cultivation, but defeated the charges by successfully arguing the defense of medical necessity. He later petitioned the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for access to a legal supply of medical marijuana. The FDA granted him access in November 1976, and later established the Compassionate Investigational New Drug (IND) program to supply him and others with unfettered access to promising yet unapproved drugs like marijuana. Randall had been receiving monthly shipments of medical marijuana cigarettes from the federal government for 25 years.  He never lost his eyesight.  In 1981, he founded the Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics (ACT), a non-profit organization dedicated to legalizing medical pot. ACT's efforts were instrumental in persuading legislatures in several states to implement medical marijuana research programs during the 1980s for qualifying cancer and glaucoma patients. In the early 1990s, Randall established the Marijuana AIDS Research Service (MARS), which helped AIDS patients apply for federal access to marijuana through the IND program. The federal government closed the program to new applicants in 1992.  Seven patients continue to receive medical marijuana from the federal government.  NORML extends its sympathies to the friends and family of Robert Randall.Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics http://marijuana-as-medicine.org/Robert C. Randall Dies; Won Right To Marijuana http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10000.shtmlR. Randall: Medicinal Pot Activist http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9991.shtmlMan in Medical Pot Case Dies http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9970.shtmlPoll: Americans Strongly Favor Treatment Over Jail for Drug Offenders:  Washington, DC: Seven out of ten Americans believe that first and second-time drug offenders should receive treatment instead of jail time, according to an ABC NEWS.com telephone poll released yesterday. The poll reflects the public's noticeable shift away from traditional get-tough approaches frequently espoused by Congress.  "Americans demand a cease-fire in the war on drugs," said NORML Foundation Executive Director Allen St. Pierre. "They support legalizing medical marijuana; they oppose sending pot smokers to jail, and they prefer treatment instead of incarceration for other minor drug offenders."  Last November, California voters overwhelmingly approved a state initiative mandating treatment in lieu of incarceration for non-violent drug offenders. Arizona voters endorsed a similar proposition in 1996. Additional drug treatment initiatives will likely appear on the ballot in Florida, Michigan and Ohio, ABC NEWS.com reported.  The most recent survey was conducted by telephone among a random sample of 1,024 adults. The poll follows a March 21 survey released by the Pew Research Center that found 74 percent of Americans think the drug war is unwinnable.  For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director, at (202) 483-8751. NORML's News Bulletin - May 31, 2001http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread9932.shtmlCannabisNews NORML Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml

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Comment #18 posted by tdm on June 09, 2001 at 16:35:27 PT:
dan b title
Dan, I like Dan B. Ph.D. for the same reason I like seeing Ethan Russo, M.D.It lends legitimacy and diversity to the forum. It's not self aggrandizing, it's just a fact of who you are. Wear it proudly.tdm
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Comment #17 posted by arcturus on June 09, 2001 at 01:54:31 PT
I like...
Ph.Dan. I think dddd used it once. Actually Dan B., Ph.D sounds great. Dan B., Ph.DThat's the kinda name that we like to see.Dan B., Ph.DA collegue of his I am proud to be.You're a truly good guy to ask our opinions first man. Wear it with pride!Arcturus
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Comment #16 posted by Dan B on June 09, 2001 at 00:55:54 PT:
Thanks for Letting Me Know . . .
Okay, here's the tally: 4 in favor of some sort of "Ph.D." or "Dr." designation, 1 against, and 2 quite positive, but basically neutral. Thanks to everyone who responded. Since the general consensus seems to be in favor of "Dan B, Ph.D.," that's what it'll be the next time you see me. (Sorry, greenfox. I appreciate your comments--your reasoning is why I hesitated on this for so long--but the majority also have good arguments, and I said I'd be democratic. No hard feelings, I hope. And, don't worry; I don't plan to get all holier-than-thou over this. I value everyone in this forum, and I wouldn't dare do anything to jeopardize the friendships made here. I might argue a point into the ground, but I'll always try to do so with respect)Pontifex, my field of study is English, emphasis on creative writing (poetry). Thanks for asking. :O)Thanks again, everyone.Dan B, Ph.D.
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Comment #15 posted by dddd on June 08, 2001 at 22:26:37 PT
I'm in the dark too?
It would not be unusual for me to forget posting a comment,butI'm not sure I know what you are referring to CS.????or maybe meand FoM both missed something????d?d?d?d
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Comment #14 posted by FoM on June 08, 2001 at 21:45:05 PT
I'm Confused CongressmanSuet
Hi CongressmanSuet,I don't know what you mean? You lost me. I don't see where you or dddd commented in this thread. Am I missing something? Let me know when you have time. If there's a glitch I would like to know.
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Comment #13 posted by CongressmanSuet on June 08, 2001 at 21:40:18 PT
Hey Fom...
What happened to dddd and myselfs comments?
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Comment #12 posted by freedom fighter on June 08, 2001 at 20:08:41 PT

Dan, my friend
Call yourself whatever you may wish..I only can admire for what you are as a person.As a human being..I have never met you but I do feel like I have known you all my life. May the liberty bite anyone who never havee might experience the freedom..I know you know what freedom and liberty and justice does mean to any human being wither he/she may be a friend or a fake friend or a foe.\/With alot of respect..In name of liberty..peace be with your family..
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Comment #11 posted by SWAMPIE on June 08, 2001 at 20:02:30 PT

DOC DAN B.M.C........
Although it could sometimes be misconstrued,that your title is:Dan B.PHD,I believe that a certain amount of self-respect goes with that title.You are allowed to flaunt it a bit,as you have gone to great lenngths to earn it.As long as you don't try to act like someone"holier than thou",use it!I commend you for your humility,but you DO make a difference at this forum,and you should be treated with the respect that you deserve!How about:Dr.Dan B.M.C.?Not to align with the rappers,but it sounds good!LOL Sincerely,SWAMPIE
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Comment #10 posted by lookinside on June 08, 2001 at 19:55:32 PT:

dan, i think...
your choice of online name is personal...i changed nicks 3times before i hit on "lookinside"(i've been "look" onlinefor 7 years now) the others were close to what i was after,but this nick fits my personal view of ME...if the Ph.D.fits, wear it...you earned it...it's part of your selfimage...also, it IS lyrical...(a great reason..it sticks inpeople's memories)
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Comment #9 posted by ekim on June 08, 2001 at 19:25:57 PT:

25 years of Fed. grown cannabis
Randall had been receiving monthly shipments of medical marijuana cigarettes from the federal government for 25 years.He never lost his eyesight.Please Sundance Film Festivel make a movie of this mighty Warrior. Like Dick Cowan says Freedom has nothing to fear from the truth. 
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Comment #8 posted by Pontifex on June 08, 2001 at 12:57:42 PT:

My vote's for the Doctor
Dear Dan B,Greenfox makes some valid points -- labels can be deceiving (e.g., "High-grade Cambodian marijuana"). However, I think one of the most compelling aspects of our movement is our diversity.Our broad coalition of legalizers includes M.D.s, Ph.D.s, truck-axle repairmen, horse fanciers, undergraduates, cranky retirees, and software engineers like myself -- just for a start. Why not advertise that diversity in our names, when appropriate?Cannabis legalizers "look like America". If we can showcase our diversity enough to prevent just one more Cheech-and-Chong headline, isn't it worth it?I vote for "Dan B, Ph.D." Besides, it's lyrical.And by the way -- what was your field of study?
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Comment #7 posted by Toker00 on June 08, 2001 at 12:56:59 PT

You earned it, Doc.
I like DanB Ph.D. I feel it lends credibility to the cause, dude. Plus, you earned it, so display it with pride.Peace. Realize, then Legalize.
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Comment #6 posted by TroutMask on June 08, 2001 at 12:42:27 PT

Join NORML
Join www.norml.org for $35 and get a free t-shirt! Wear it proudly whenever you can. I got mine!-TM
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Comment #5 posted by greenfox on June 08, 2001 at 12:02:21 PT

The Wonderful, crazy, internet
Dan:My thoughts are simply this: I think that you should not alter your alter-persona. The internet is a forum where no one has a face. In my opinion, it's better that way. Why? Think about it. What is the very thing we are fighting? The lables, the misconceptions of being a "pot head". Alas, a place where dabble-type roustabouts such as ourselves can come and be heard, loud and clear. Weather for ill or better, labels provide a sense of "attachment" to a certain group or ideal. However, when we are just ourselves- no letters, tags, or labels attached, our message can be heard unfiltered. In it's "raw form" if you will.My example is this: If I grow a strain and call it "Northern Lights #5" (even if it isn't), you will expect quality based on the label I have choose for the pot. Even if it's brown, brick-weed schwag, you will still assume (until you see and smell it, at least ;)) that it's the bomb. However, if i hand you some homegrown and just call it "pot", you will be neutral to it. It will have no allure until you smell it, taste it, smoke it. And the point? If that homegrown is the bomb, (as mine always is,) then you will not NEED a label- the pot speaks for itself. How?well, it's .. green and kind of course. :)sly in green, FOXY in kindgreenfox
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Comment #4 posted by FoM on June 08, 2001 at 10:43:37 PT

Yes Dan!!!
Yes Dan,You have worked hard for the title and I think you should. People who are seriously active in drug policy reform issues aren't a bunch of scatter brains ( my husband would disagree though LOL! )One thing I know is that a title never gives a person a right to feel they are better then anyone else and you know that but I want to mention how I feel about it.Some people's talents are not scholastic. Mine sure weren't! Give me a barn full of horses and cut me loose was my thing!As long as we remember that wisdom is being able to be all things to all people then we've got it right in my opinion.I'm proud of you!
What's New Drug Policy Reform
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Comment #3 posted by Dan B on June 08, 2001 at 10:20:58 PT:

Poll
While I try to not place too much emphasis on polls, I'm glad to see the results of the ABCNEWS poll mentioned above. I think we can safely say that the fact ABCNEWS actually reported the results of the poll is a step in the right direction. And here's another poll for you to consider. Jorma Nash, in an earlier post, wrote the following to me:finally, dan, i do have another suggestion for you.i remember you saying after your dissertation that, (here, i found it:) "Around here, I think I'll stick to Dan B (sans "Dr.")."okay. first off, 1) i have no business telling you what your online handle should or shouldn't be, period.2)You also said "I hesitated to mention the accomplishment..." many in your position do not hesitate in the least. Your genuine humility in this matter is refreshing.3) i'm self-educated and am not usually impressed with titles in the least.however.it is a common stereotype that proponents of re-legalizationcan't spell ph.d, much less earn one.i remember how happy i was when i saw a post from "Dr. Russo, M.D." for the time.it says a lot: yes, i'm a doctor; no, i don't consider this issue a joke.so i would ask you to consider how a "Dan B, Ph.D" or whatevermight enhance the legitimacy of this forum.nothing to do with pompousness or oneupmanship on your part.and again, it's really none of my business what you call yourself, just an idea i had.-----------------------------------jorma nashHow about it, folks? Should I go ahead and change my name to Dan B, Ph.D.? Post your comments on the subject here, please. If you prefer just "Dan B," I'll keep it. If you prefer "Dan B, Ph.D." I'll change it. If you'd prefer some other variant (like "Dr. Dan B," for example), please feel free to let me know that, too. I'll consider all comments and make a democratic decision based on the consensus.Thanks.Dan B (at least for now)
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Comment #2 posted by jeffrey snyder on June 08, 2001 at 08:52:52 PT:

THERE MAY BE A WE THE PEOPLE AFTER ALL
I AM VERY HAPPY TODAY. NAVADA WAS OLDSCHOOL HARDCORE ON POT AND NOW THIS MOVE. IF YOU HAVE NEVER DONE ANYTHING FOR THE CAUSE, NOW IS THE TIME. WE THE PEOPLE ARE ON A SLOW ROLL.
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Comment #1 posted by Dank Hank on June 08, 2001 at 08:15:11 PT:

Truly Amazing
What great news, assuming the Gov. will sign the bill.No sense of that from the article, but no comment that he has stated that he won't.The dyke is leaking .. the tide of legalization is coming through.
HEMP n STUFF
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