cannabisnews.com: Tougher Paraphernalia Law Sought 





Tougher Paraphernalia Law Sought 
Posted by CN Staff on March 11, 2003 at 15:23:35 PT
By Steve Silverman, Pantagraph Staff 
Source: Pantagraph
Bloomington -- The small blue object attached to the key chain looks like a flashlight, but unscrew the top and it becomes a marijuana pipe.The flashlight pipe and other such objects -- pipes concealed in or made to look like pens, markers and even cigarettes -- are marketed for tobacco use. That means they can be sold legally, even though law enforcement officials believe they exist solely for drug use.
Now, Twin City officials are advocating a proposed law that would outlaw all objects "intended to be used as drug paraphernalia" as well as devices that a "reasonable person" would identify as drug paraphernalia. Broader definition State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said the proposal will help police and prosecutors by clarifying an ambiguous standard. He spoke at a news conference Monday at the McLean County Law and Justice Center."Whether individuals are using common household items like cardboard and aluminum foil to ingest illegal drugs or are using a manufactured pipe, this will enable our law enforcement officials to charge them for using drug paraphernalia," Brady said.McLean County State's Attorney Bill Yoder supports the proposal. He said it would close a loophole exposed by a 4th District Appellate Court decision that limited the legal definition of "drug paraphernalia" to items marketed for drug use."There's nothing that's marketed for drug use," Yoder said. "It's all marketed for tobacco use, so you couldn't prove a drug-paraphernalia case."Bloomington Police Lt. Tim Stanesa said police regularly are unable to arrest people who possess drug paraphernalia because the items weren't marketed for drug use."It's frustrating because most of the drug paraphernalia is of the homemade variety," Stanesa said.Jury consideration  Still, some devices commonly used for taking drugs also can be used for legal activities, such as smoking tobacco. If the law passes, juries in contested cases will have the final say on whether a particular item is drug paraphernalia.Brady said the law also could be used to stop stores from selling drug paraphernalia. Yoder said he'll have to review the final wording of the measure, if it becomes law, before determining how to apply it.Possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a mandatory $750 fine. Sale of drug paraphernalia is a Class 4 felony that carries a penalty ranging from probation to three years in prison.Brady said he expects the House to vote on the proposal in the next two to three weeks.The proposal is supported by various law enforcement groups, including the Illinois Sheriff's Association and the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police.The proposal is House Bill 1208.Source: Pantagraph, The (IL)Author: Steve Silverman, Pantagraph Staff Published: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 Copyright: 2003 The PantagraphContact: bwills pantagraph.comWebsite: http://www.pantagraph.com/CannabisNews Paraphernalia Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/paraphernalia.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help




Comment #20 posted by JR Bob Dobbs on March 12, 2003 at 16:03:15 PT
Well
It's a good thing the liars at the FDA said tobacco isn't a drug, or this whole thing would be a whole lot more confusing than it already is!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #19 posted by FoM on March 12, 2003 at 07:25:02 PT
i420 
I can't work on CNews because I don't know how too. CNews is maintained by Matt Elrod from Mapinc. I can make web pages but when it comes to CNews it is way to complicated for me to even begin to figure out. Sorry I can't help you.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #18 posted by i420 on March 12, 2003 at 04:58:40 PT
FoM
Fom PLease turn the html tags back on!!!!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #17 posted by i420 on March 12, 2003 at 04:57:29 PT
Go figure...
Its been clear to use for decades when it has been used and has residue then it becomes paraphanalia until then it has no intended use. McLean County State's Attorney Bill Yoder supports the proposal. He said it would close a loophole exposed by a 4th District Appellate Court decision that limited the legal definition of "drug paraphernalia" to items marketed for drug use."There's nothing that's marketed for drug use," Yoder said. "It's all marketed for tobacco use, so you couldn't prove a drug-paraphernalia case."Bloomington Police Lt. Tim Stanesa said police regularly are unable to arrest people who possess drug paraphernalia because the items weren't marketed for drug use."It's frustrating because most of the drug paraphernalia is of the homemade variety," Stanesa said.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #16 posted by afterburner on March 11, 2003 at 23:16:30 PT:
Politicians Are Backpeddling under Backlash.
"But polls show that as many as 70 per cent of Canadians now favour decriminalization, and sources report that Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has made up his mind to let the legislation proceed."The Latest Weed In The Canada-U.S. Garden http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread15615.shtml
Posted by CN Staff on March 03, 2003 at 07:12:30 PT
By John Ibbitson 
Source: Globe and Mail The above quote from 9 days ago indicates that Prime Minister Jean Chrétien has made up his mind. He has the power as leader of the Liberal Party to demand that the members of the Liberal Caucus vote as he dictates. However, vocal minorities, like Focus on the Family and other prohibitionists, are furiously lobbying politicians, like Dan McTeague and apparently even Paddy Torsney, in an attempt to stop decriminalization. The majority (70%) must not remain silent. The time for letters to the editor and direct correspondence with your Member of Parliament and the Prime Minister himself is NOW! I have already written to the Prime Minister on his website. Please don't let this opportunity pass you by. Contact the PM http://pm.gc.ca/default.asp?Language=E&Page=Mailroom&Sub=ContactthePMlove and peace,afterburnerego destruction or ego transcendence, that is the question.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #15 posted by FoM on March 11, 2003 at 22:11:37 PT
Focus on the Family
That is the problem! When people believe strongly in their own personal religion that is fine but when they put their views on society then that is when they step over the line of what is right and what is wrong in my opinion. I hope people are watching the video.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #14 posted by FoM on March 11, 2003 at 22:00:15 PT
Thank You afterburner 
I'm watching it now! Thank goodness for Pot-TV!!!
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #13 posted by afterburner on March 11, 2003 at 21:53:12 PT:
FoM: Good News
The 360° Vision program from 6.Mar.2003 on Vision TV is now available at Pot-TV:Cannabis and Spirituality
http://www.pot-tv.net/ram/pottvshowse1825.ramMichael Patriquen and Steven Kubby's stories about prohibiting use of MMJ to Canadian and US prisoners is also included as well as the comments on Steven Kubby's Immigration hearing.Transcript of the 360° Vision show:Does God approve of getting high? http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread15671.shtml#2ego destruction or ego transcendence, that is the question.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #12 posted by FoM on March 11, 2003 at 21:05:51 PT
Virgil
I just lost my post so I'll try again. This time I'll save it first. Thank you for explaining. I don't want to be a minister but I do have my own beliefs. My husband and I were in Chicago in all the heavy traffic going every which way and I thought how could God be with every person in every car and not get confused. That's how I think. Since that is beyond me I know that everything is beyond me when I try to figure out issues concerning faith. What is right for me might not be right for anyone else. I find it easier to let God be God and I'll just be me. I hope this makes sense.Since 4/20 is Easter the only thing I know that will be happening is the NORML Conference in San Francisco. Most people spend Easter with their families at least people that I know do. Maybe something more will be going on but I haven't heard about anything yet.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #11 posted by Truth on March 11, 2003 at 20:51:01 PT
ULC
You can become ordained for free on the internet at the ULC site.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #10 posted by Virgil on March 11, 2003 at 20:35:16 PT
Universal Life Church
http://www.ulc.org/I became a minister in the Universal Life Church by mailing $5 to Modesto, California in 1975. It was on television because being a minister in the Church made a person eligible to marry people. Some guy said that religion is what you believe and who knows your beliefs better than you, therefore you are the best minister to present your personal religion.FoM, do you think there will be some news about events surrounding the upcoming date of 4/20. It is my belief that cannabis use is an act of civil disobedience in the face of unrational tyranny and 4/20 is a day of mourning and celebration. My belief says that to obsess on making money only to fund the imprisonment of people that inflict no harm on anyone else is enablement. Everyday is a holiday until prohition ends and the best job is no job. A patriots duty is to starve the economy and find the value of a thrifty meal.Now who can represent my beliefs better than me? There is really no such thing as an atheist because my definition of God comes from the first definition in the unabridged Oxford Dictionary. Now think how much thought went into putting the first definition to the word, god, in the dictionary. It is a brilliant definition- the ultimate reality. How can a person not believe there is an ultimate reality and how could there really be an atheist?I used to read right much on religion including the book by Bill Moyers covering the series he did with Joseph Cambell that inspired Lucas in his Star Wars Series. When Busch goes around acting like God's representative on earth I just think someone should tell our disillustioned egomaniac-"May the farce be with you."There you have it and if you want to share your views the Universal Life Church says you are a qualified minister with only a fee for registration standing in your way of being ordained.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #9 posted by FoM on March 11, 2003 at 20:00:47 PT
SoberStoner
What's the ULC? I would like to see a board for those who believe that Cannabis has spiritual qualities. Doesn't Christians for Cannabis.com have a message board? I don't get out and about on the web much. I need to focus on news so when there isn't news I do other things at home. We have many new people since you've been here. People are registering everyday and some post put some just read which is fine. People will go and new people come. That's the way message boards work. I really appreciate CNews now more then ever but I also know it will be very hard to bring good change for quite a long time. We were almost there then 9-11 and all that has happened since then. One problem makes another problem and so on. I know Ron is good with message boards but I don't understand them. Do you have a web address in mind? It's fun to learn html and I'd be more then glad to help you when you start. I taught myself so I know anyone can learn if I can. 
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #8 posted by SoberStoner on March 11, 2003 at 19:41:19 PT
Thanks FoM
I actually grew up in peoria..I went to Limestone High and liked to refer to myself as a Limestoner even though I never smoked in High School(ironic isnt it?) altho we also called the Morton Potters the Potheads :)I havent been posting lately, and I see a few names I remember, and unfortunately, I dont see others I used to look forward to seeing, but I've been trying to keep as active as I can for the cause. I have been trying to research starting a website about cannabis based religions, as my personal beliefs are that cannabis truly is a gift from the Creator..I was ordained by the ULC a few months ago so I could create an organization from my beliefs, altho I dont need anyones stamp of approval for me to know my religion is a REAL religion, because it is my personal religion, but I have lived in fear of speaking out for my own beliefs because of the persecution of our culture. I was talking to my wife this weekend, and I began to have some concept of how Jews may have felt in late 30's Germany. The WO(S)D is almost worse. Except we have a voice. We have each other. The web will be our freedom for those of us that cant have it in the 'land of the pee'. However, for all high and mighty intents, I am clueless about webhosting and even more clueless about html coding. I do however, know someone who can set me up with a good message board system, so hopefully once i find a good host OUTSIDE the US (so the Dept of INJustice can only block access, not remove the site) I will be able to at least have that for all people and myself to discuss their views in a free forum. Oh and FoM, thank you for everything you've done. I know it is hard watching the news all the time, honestly, I stopped coming for a few months because all the bad news was too much to bear. However, you've stayed and kept this site going. You are a true patriot and I am always glad I found this site, even if I dont like the news on it.By the way..LOVE the preview post function:)SS
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #7 posted by pokesmotter on March 11, 2003 at 18:51:09 PT:
not far from bloomington
i am going to school here in peoria, and i was shocked to see my state making a fool of itself. our po-lease should be busting violent criminals.peoria is about 30 min east of bloomington/normal.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #6 posted by puff_tuff on March 11, 2003 at 18:49:41 PT
Off Topic
State wastes billions on drug treatment, commission says By Don Thompson
ASSOCIATED PRESS.....The bulk of the state's spending goes for services like health care, foster care, police and prisons, education and child welfare, with a fraction for treatment and prevention.... http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20030311-1718-ca-drugtreatment.html
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #5 posted by FoM on March 11, 2003 at 18:45:20 PT
SoberStoner
First of all I want to say hello and it's good to see you. What you said was very interesting to read. We have come a long way in a very short time and where we are going isn't nice to think about. I try to stay up about issues but this war is so wrong and I don't know how it has gone this far and it brings me down. Wars that are fought should have a good reason and a strong chance of success. I don't see that happening. I see the world turning on us. We have such an ego and all egos are good for are nothing. We (the USA) are not God but we act like we are. Money can do about anything but that's not true either. Values where have they gone? Maybe it's too late but maybe it isn't but I am prepared that the world as we've known it might never be the same again. It's over now. That's how I feel. Maybe tomorrow I will feel more positive but day after day there is no letting up on this passion to go to war.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #4 posted by SoberStoner on March 11, 2003 at 18:24:01 PT
Ahhh mother murphy's..a history lesson
Ladies and Gentlemen, Let me take you on a journey to the past. As a young man, I attended Illinois State University in Normal. For those that don't know, Bloomington and Normal are in essence the same town, except you literally cross a street and the laws (and police) change. Normal was still a dry town (No alcohol..EVER) up until the mid 70's. Normal police are famous for their poor treatment of any students at the college. They view any sort of change as bad, all kids are punks and must be punished appropriately. So, what was a fresh faced kid to do at college in a socially repressed town like that? Why, go across the street and get blasted out of my mind, drinking alcohol until i passed out at 4am..Then I discovered Mother Murphy's. Mothers was famous in the central illinois area as being the only 'head shop' around within 300 miles. It was THE place 'those stoner kids' always talked about in the halls of high school.What was Mother's like? It was fantastic..They had some of the most beautiful glass work I have ever seen. A lot of their work was custom-made, and the love put into each piece showed. I fell in love with all glasswork the first time I laid eyes on a custom 4 and a half foot hooka that brought tears to my eyes..and anyone else that looked at it. It was a true work of art. They also had some of the coolest posters and a lot of good music available for purchase. And now it's going to be run out of town, thanks to Glorious Leader and his servants. I no longer live in central illinois, and havent for a few years, so I dont know if Mother's is indeed the place targeted by this latest attack of the war on americans. I am outraged that our government is attacking peace loving profitable businesses while people end sentances with, "if we're still here in a few weeks." and constantly wonder where (not if) we'll be attacked again.The last few weeks have opened my eyes even farther to the ways of Glorious Leader and his minions, and the utter feelings of futility and frustration breeding amongst my fellow true Americans. The anger is rising, and war drums are howling. If Glorious Leader decides to ignore the world and the citizens that didnt elect him, what will the first battle be? US military against Iraq, or the world against the US, or the citizens against the government? Hug your family, tell all the people you love that you DO love them. We are at a flashpoint in history. May your God (whatever or whoever it may be) bless you and protect you all. Peace and Love.SS
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #3 posted by mayan on March 11, 2003 at 18:10:26 PT
Bad News...
Mexico: 5 Drug Agents Killed
http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n384/a11.html?397Could the "war on some drugs" be a greater failure? Yes it can, but only if it continues! This is what happens when you make a substance illegal...you make it worth it's weight in gold. Too many livelihoods depend on the enormous amounts of money made from the illegal drug trade(on both sides of the law). Tell me, drug-warriors...is it worth it? How many lives must be lost in this futile attemp to legislate someones version of morality? Does the end justify the means? The end is nowhere in sight.
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #2 posted by mayan on March 11, 2003 at 17:56:54 PT
Bizarre, Indeed...
"Whether individuals are using common household items like cardboard and aluminum foil to ingest illegal drugs or are using a manufactured pipe, this will enable our law enforcement officials to charge them for using drug paraphernalia," Brady said.This is primarily aimed at cannabis users! It is strange how this article fails to mention the words "marijuana" or "cannabis", isn't it? This war being waged on a culture is extremely unpopular & is going to backfire bigtime! Jury nullification may soon be the norm when it comes to any trial involving cannabis! Enter the revolution...Second US diplomat quits over war:
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/03/11/1047144951200.htmlSenior Australian intelligence officer quits over Iraq:
http://abc.net.au/news/australia/act/metact-11mar2003-6.htmConservative MP is the first to resign over the Iraq crisis: 
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article2035.htmBlair may face Labour call to quit over Iraq:
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5013611.htmlBush and Blair face diplomatic disaster:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2834723.stmBrits Backing Out?
http://64.176.94.191/article2050.htmUS can go without Brits: Rumsfeld
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,6115087%5E1702,00.htmlKaminski's Best 9/11 Sites - 4th Edition:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/HL0302/S00024.htm9/11 Prior Knowledge/Government Involvement Archive: http://www.propagandamatrix.com/archiveprior_knowledge
[ Post Comment ]


Comment #1 posted by AlvinCool on March 11, 2003 at 16:59:13 PT
How bizzare
"Whether individuals are using common household items like cardboard and aluminum foil to ingest illegal drugs or are using a manufactured pipe, this will enable our law enforcement officials to charge them for using drug paraphernalia," Brady said.With that mindset all papers would become illegal. In fact cigars would also become paraphernalia, as they could be hollowed out for blunts. I guess if they arrested you on your john and you had marijuana in your pocket they could say that while you claim you were just going for a wipe, they felt you were about to roll all the paper off and use the cardboard for your "fix". No toilet roll is safe from the "evil weed" wiper err eh... user.Sorry guys I just couldn't resist.
[ Post Comment ]


Post Comment