cannabisnews.com: NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- February 17, 2005





NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- February 17, 2005
Posted by CN Staff on February 17, 2005 at 15:37:46 PT
Weekly Press Release
Source: NORML
Ohio Senate Passes Ominous "Drugged Driving" BillFebruary 17, 2005 - Columbus, OH, USAColumbus, OH: The Ohio Senate voted 30-1 yesterday to approve legislation (SB 8) criminally sanctioning any person who operates a motor vehicle if trace levels of marijuana or non-psychoactive marijuana metabolites (compounds produced from the chemical changes of a drug in the body) are present in their blood or urine.
NORML Senior Policy Analyst Paul Armentano strongly criticized the proposed legislation, which is scheduled to be debated in the House next week, arguing that it improperly defines and punishes sober drivers as if they are impaired. "Because marijuana's main metabolite, THC-COOH, remains detectable in certain bodily fluids, particularly urine, for days and sometimes weeks after past use, this legislation seeks to define sober drivers as if they were intoxicated," he said. "Someone who smokes marijuana is impaired as a driver at most for a few hours, certainly not for days or weeks. To treat all marijuana smokers as if they are impaired, even when the drug's effects have long worn off, is illogical and unfair."Similar laws classifying motorists who test positive for trace amount of illicit drugs or drug metabolites in their bodily fluids as criminally impaired have been enacted in twelve US states: Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Wisconsin.In January, a German law defining motorists with any detectable level of drugs or marijuana (THC) in their blood as per se impaired was struck down by the German Supreme Court as unconstitutional.For more information, please contact Paul Armentano of NORML at (202) 483-5500. Additional information on Ohio's proposed law is available online at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=6857541DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6448Cannabis Becoming A 'Minor' Offense In EU, Study SaysFebruary 17, 2005 - Lisbon, PortugalLisbon, Portugal: A growing number of European nations are amending their laws to treat the possession of small quantities of cannabis and other drugs as "minor" offenses punishable by non-criminal sanctions, according to a report released this week by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction in Lisbon."In the EU Member States, notwithstanding different positions and attitudes, we can see a trend to conceive the illicit use of drugs as a relatively 'minor' offense, to which it is not adequate to apply 'sanctions involving deprivation of liberty,'" the report concludes.Among EU nations, the Czech Republic, Italy, Portugal, and Spain have laws forbidding the incarceration of defendants found to be in the possession of small amounts of cannabis or other drugs, absent aggravating circumstances. Several other countries - including Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Luxembourg and the Netherlands - have enacted similar policies specific to cannabis possession.However, the EMCDDA report states the implementation of administrative, non-criminal sanctions for minor drug offenders has not cut down on the number of individuals cited for minor drug law infractions - noting that over 50 percent of all reported drug offenses in the EU are for drug use and/or possession only, primarily for cannabis. (For example, 86 percent of all drug offenses in France in 2001 were for marijuana, the report found.) Nevertheless, authors reported, "Even though the use and possession of drugs for personal use are among the majority of drug related offenses reported to the judiciary, indeed the courts seem to prefer treatment [or] other social support measures and to a certain extent sanctions not involving deprivation of liberty ... when simple use of drugs is not accompanied by aggravating circumstances."They concluded, "In these countries, prison sentences do not seem to be the most effective instrument to prevent (and punish) drug use."NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said that he found the EU's rejection of America's "Do Drugs-Do Time" drug policies encouraging, but added, "A policy that taxes and regulates cannabis in a manner similar to wine and other spirits is necessary if European nations are ever going to see a substantial reduction in the arrests and prosecutorial costs related to minor marijuana offenses."For more information, please contact either Allen St. Pierre or Paul Armentano of NORML at (202) 483-5500. Full text of the report, entitled "Illicit Drug Use in the EU: Legislative Approaches," is available online at: http://www.emcdda.eu.int/?nnodeid=7079DL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6447Ex-Cop To Ride Horseback Across US To Promote Drug Law ReformFebruary 17, 2005 - Los Angeles, CA, USALos Angeles, CA: A former police officer and founding member of the organization Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP) is embarking next month on a cross-country trek to raise awareness to the harms caused by criminal drug prohibition.Howard Wooldridge, a 16-year veteran of the Bath Township, Michigan police force, will be traveling by horseback from Los Angeles to New York City on a speaking tour promoting alternatives to current US drug policies. "By fighting a war on drugs the government has increased the problems of society and made them far worse," says Wooldridge. "A system of regulation rather than prohibition is a less harmful, more ethical and a more effective public policy."A coalition of national and grassroots drug law reform organizations, including Oklahoma NORML, the November Coalition, Americans for Safe Access, and Students for a Sensible Drug Policy, are assisting Wooldridge with his effort, which is scheduled to begin on March 5, 2005.For more information, please contact Norma Sapp of Oklahoma NORML at 405-321-4619 or email: ekco swbell.netDL: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6449Source: NORML Foundation (DC)Published: February 17, 2005Copyright: 2005 NORML Contact: norml norml.org Website: http://www.norml.org/NORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- Feb. 10, 2005http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20222.shtmlNORML's Weekly News Bulletin -- Feb. 03, 2005http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread20192.shtml
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Comment #47 posted by FoM on February 24, 2005 at 11:29:50 PT
California Considers Industrial Hemp Legalization 
NORML Alerts: California Considers Industrial Hemp Legalization Take Action Now! http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7091631&type=STDear Friends:NORML is pleased to announce that Assembly Bill 1147, an act to legalize the licensed cultivation of industrial hemp, has been introduced in the California Assembly. Now is the time to contact your state Assembly Member and urge him or her to allow licensed farmers to cultivate this important agricultural commodity.The United States is the only developed nation that fails to cultivate industrial hemp as an economic crop, according to a 2005 Congressional Resource Service (CRS) report. Hemp is a distinct variety of the plant species cannabis sativa that contains only minute (less than 1%) amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Farmers worldwide grow hemp commercially for fiber, seed, and oil for use in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including food.The aim of AB 1147 is to allow California to establish a licensed, statewide hemp industry and to authorize the University of California to conduct research on the production and processing of industrial hemp. The California Legislature passed similar bill in 2002, which was vetoed by then Governor Gray Davis. NORML is optimistic that this year's bill can pass as well, however, this bill will only receive serious consideration if California's elected officials hear an unmistakable message of support from their constituents.Please take two minutes of your time to write your Assembly Member and tell him or her how important it is that they support industrial hemp. NORML has created pre-written letters that you can send to your legislators by visiting: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7091631&type=STThank you for your help.Sincerely,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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Comment #46 posted by Hope on February 21, 2005 at 15:23:52 PT
Gary Johnson
Gov. Johnson's activities for the cause since he left office have been a huge disappointment.
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Comment #45 posted by FoM on February 21, 2005 at 12:37:50 PT
ekim
I did a search and can't find anything about what Gary Johnson might be doing today. Maybe he is into mountain climbing or health fitness. We know he enjoyed that type of activity.
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Comment #44 posted by ekim on February 21, 2005 at 11:58:28 PT
does anyone know what happen to this web site
http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread13119.shtmlGary Johnson open new web site for new foundation.
http://www.leap.cc/events
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Comment #43 posted by FoM on February 19, 2005 at 16:20:27 PT
afterburner
Please let me know if anything didn't work for you. I'm new at this techy stuff. I'm listening to Rust Radio using a head set. I don't know why I never tried to do this before. It's nice.
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Comment #42 posted by potpal on February 19, 2005 at 14:44:15 PT
rchandar
Funny! I've added 'em to the list...
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Comment #41 posted by rchandar on February 19, 2005 at 13:01:19 PT:
Sam S
it's so stupid--I mean, COME ON, WHAT A STUPID PIECE OF LEGISLATION!!! What about people who are trying to clean up, but it's still in their system??? Are they to be tried for "drug crimes" just because their insurance will only let them drive a car, and they've got kids to feed??? Nothing stops this legislation from being pure abomination, a smack in the face of any kind of democratic and free community that could exist.STUPID, STUPID, THIS BILL IS A STUPID BILL!!!--rchandar
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Comment #40 posted by rchandar on February 19, 2005 at 12:57:28 PT:
potpal
hey potpal--how about weed, CA and weedpatch, CA?--rchandar
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Comment #39 posted by FoM on February 19, 2005 at 09:08:26 PT
Hope
That is a hard question. Greendale is so different then anything that has ever been made. It's a trip thru music that has pictures if that makes sense by having a movie. When we saw Greendale live the first time when he came to the song BANDIT it was so true and impressed me the most. It's what the words say that mean so much to me. It was because it was perfect for the time because of the war. Does this help?
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Comment #38 posted by Hope on February 19, 2005 at 08:54:46 PT
FoM
Do you have a favorite at http://www.neilyoung.com/greendale_frames.html ?If you can choose just one! Hard question, I know.
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Comment #37 posted by FoM on February 19, 2005 at 08:09:53 PT
afterburner
You're welcome. It's good to see you! Enjoy!
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Comment #36 posted by potpal on February 19, 2005 at 07:50:19 PT
hemp for victory
Cannabis once was such apart of American life that whole towns were proud to where its name...Hempwallace, AR US
Hemp Swamp Brook, CT, US
Hempstead Brook, CT, US
Hemp Key, FL US
Hemp, GA US
Hemp Factory Branch, IL US
Hemp Ridge, KY, Shelby, US
Hemphill, KY, Letcher, US
Hemphill, LA US
Hempfield Lake, MI US
Hemphill Lake, MN US
Hemple, MO US
Hemp Hill, NH US
Hempstead, NY, Nassau, US
Hempstead, NY, Rockland, US
Hempstead Gardens, NY, Nassau, US
Hemp Patch Branch, NC, US
Hemphill Bald, NC, US
Hemphill Creek, NC, US
Hemphill Creek, NC, US (same name different town)
Hemphill Creek, NC, US (same name different town)
Hemphill Knob, NC, US
Hemphill Knob, NC, US (same name different town)
Hempfield, PA, US
Hemp Branch, SC, US
Hemphill Lake, SC, US
Hemp Fork, VA, US
Hemp Mill Branch, VA, US
Hemppatch Branch, VA, US
Hemppatch Mountain, VA, US
Hemp Hill Creek, WA, US
Hempel Creek, WA, US
Hempel Lake, WA, US
Hemphill, WV US
Hempton Lake, WI US
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Comment #35 posted by afterburner on February 18, 2005 at 23:45:00 PT
Let the Challenges Begin
"In January, a German law defining motorists with any detectable level of drugs or marijuana (THC) in their blood as per se impaired was struck down by the German Supreme Court as unconstitutional."We will continue to fight this BS in court until reason and humanity (and the Lord) prevail.
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Comment #34 posted by afterburner on February 18, 2005 at 23:40:37 PT
FoM, Thanks for the DVD/CDs 
It made my day yesterday even though I haven't had time to listen yet. I plan to tomorrow. Yesterday was one of the most stressful days of my life. Getting your package was a blessed end to an exhausting day.
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Comment #33 posted by afterburner on February 18, 2005 at 23:35:35 PT
RE Comment #15 posted by Patrick
Thanks, Patrick. Your reaction and logic exactly paralleled mine.Why is cannabis held to such an impossibly high standard? When opiates are routinely used for medical purposes and COX-2 drugs, like Vioxx, may be allowed back on the market even though they are known to cause heart attacks and strokes in some users. Even if cannabis *may* cause mental health problems for some users (and I am not convinced by any of the so-called evidence presented so far), why is total prohibition necessary? Why can't "the good outweigh the bad" for cannabis too.{It seems there will never be enough research to justify cannabis use as a medicine. We’ve had thousands of years of use with no death due to toxicity. But in headline news today... 
The painkiller Vioxx, pulled from the market last fall because of reported heart problems and strokes in users," could come back on sale if federal regulators conclude it and similar drugs have benefits that balance the risks. From msnbc.com today,{“…have benefits that balance the risks.” {And cannabis does not?}
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Comment #32 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 22:34:04 PT
Patrick
We have the Live in Berlin DVD. He sings a song called After Berlin in it and it was great. I don't think it's on any CDs though. His music is timeless. If you click the picture of Neil on the right it takes you to my web site I made. I thought you might appreciate seeing this.http://www.greendale.de/
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Comment #31 posted by Patrick on February 18, 2005 at 22:23:50 PT
Yes
And it seems like a land and a time long ago and far removed from now! But the music is timeless!
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Comment #30 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 22:11:54 PT
Patrick
You saw him in Germany! Wow that must have been unreal! They love him over there. 
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Comment #29 posted by Patrick on February 18, 2005 at 22:09:29 PT
Sorry its Neil not Heil
I must have been subliminaly linked to Germany. That's where I first saw him live!
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Comment #28 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 22:08:14 PT
Patrick
I'm listening to it too. I hope he tours again this year. He is really unbelievable to see and hear live. I told my husband today that since we saw our first Neil Young Concert in 2003 his music has left a good and big dent in my head! LOL! We've seen him live two times and that's just not enough for us. I'm glad you are enjoying it too.
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Comment #27 posted by Patrick on February 18, 2005 at 22:02:49 PT
Thanks FoM
Heil Young is just what I needed! I broke out my harmonica and played along to that last song!
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Comment #26 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 21:49:06 PT
Off Topic For Entertainment Purposes Only
For thse who enjoy Neil Young Rust Radio is playing this weekend. Just put this link in Windows Media Player and your off and enjoying some good live music.http://rustradio.org:8000/
From The Rust List
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Comment #25 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 19:28:23 PT
Breaking News: MMJ Bill Clears Senate Panel
  
 February 18, 2005SANTA FE -- A Senate committee has endorsed a measure to allow the medical use of marijuana under a program run by the Department of Health.The Public Affairs Committee heeded the pleas of people with cancer, AIDS and other illnesses to approve the legislation today.The Health Department would license producers to provide the marijuana, which would be grown in secure facilities.Patients whose doctors recommended it would apply to the department and, if approved by a review board, be registered to possess the drug.It would be restricted to patients with cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, certain spinal cord damage, epilepsy and HIV-AIDS.Senate Judiciary Chairman Cisco McSorley, an Albuquerque Democrat, says marijuana can help some seriously ill patients keep food down and therefore gain strength.Copyright 2005 Associated Presshttp://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=2971403
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Comment #24 posted by Dankhank on February 18, 2005 at 18:35:36 PT
driving studies on the web
DOT HS 808 078  http://www.druglibrary.org/schaffer/Misc/driving/driving.htm  short version ...DOT HS 808 939  http://www.netaxs.com/~sparky/policy/cannabis-alcohol-1.htm DOT HS 809 020 Copies of this or any other report can be obtained by contacting or faxing requests to NHTSA, NTS-21, Office of Communications and Outreach, Media & Marketing Division, 400 Seventh St., SW, Washington, DC 20590; FAX: (202) 493-2062.DOT HS 809 642  http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/injury/research/StateofKnwlegeDrugs/StateofKnwlegeDrugs/DOT HS 808 065  http://www.taima.org/en/driving.htm
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Comment #23 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 12:08:50 PT
Medical Marijuana Introduced in Rhode Island 
 Take Action Now! http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7025401&type=STDear Friends:NORML is pleased to announce that Senate Bill 710, The Rhode Island Medical Marijuana Act, which would legally protect medical marijuana patients, has been introduced in the Rhode Island Senate. Now is the time to contact your state elected officials and urge them to stop arresting medicinal marijuana patients.Last year efforts to legalize medical marijuana made great strides in the State Legislature, gaining both legislative support as well as endorsements from numerous state health organizations. NORML is confident that this year's bill will receive legislative hearings and has a realistic chance of passing into law. An identical companion bill is pending in the Rhode Island House. NORML will keep you informed as these bills make their way through the legislature.Senate Bill 710 seeks to ensure that medical marijuana patients who grow and possess cannabis will no longer have to fear arrest or prosecution from state law enforcement. However, this bill will only receive serious consideration if Rhode Island's elected officials hear an unmistakable message of support from their constituents.Please take two minutes of your time to write your state Senator and tell him or her how important it is that they support medical marijuana. NORML has created pre-written letters that you can send to your legislators by visiting: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7025401&type=STThank you for your help.Sincerely,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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Comment #22 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 10:36:54 PT
URGENT: Medical Marijuana Hearing TODAY in NM 
WHAT: Medical Marijuana Bill To Receive Hearing Today!WHERE: New Mexico Senate Public Affairs Committee State Capitol Santa Fe, NM 87501WHEN: February 18, 2005This afternoon, February 18, the Senate Public Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on Senate Bill 785, which would enact statewide legal protections shielding seriously ill patients who use marijuana therapeutically from state prosecution.If you have not done so already, please take a moment today to write your Senator and tell him or her to support Senate Bill 785. Pre-written letters are available online from NORML at: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=6953171&type=STIn addition, if your Senator serves on the Public Affairs Committee, it is vital that you call him or her TODAY, and voice your support for medical marijuana. The committee is expected to vote on this proposal immediately following the hearing.The following Representatives serve on the Public Affairs Committee:Dede Feldman (D-NM 13th), Chair - (505) 986-4482 Mary Jane M. Garcia (D-NM 36th), Vice-Chair - (505) 986-4726 Stuart Ingle (R-NM 27th) - (505) 986-4702 Gay G. Kernan (R-NM 42nd) - (505) 986-4274 Steve Komadina (R-NM 9th) - (505) 986-4377 Steven P. Neville (R-NM 2nd) - (505) 986-4266 Gerald P. Ortiz y Pino (D-NM 12th) - (505) 986-4380 Mary K. Papen (D-NM 38th) - (505) 986-4270 James G. Taylor (D-NM 14th) - (505) 986-4862If you are a student and you are interested in becoming more actively involved in the campaign to legalize medical marijuana in New Mexico, the Drug Policy Alliance New Mexico office will be holding a student lobby day in support of Senate Bill 785 on Tuesday, February 22. If you are interested in participating, please contact Gabrielle Guzzardo at 505-983-3277.Thank you again for your support of NORML's legislative efforts in New Mexico.Regards,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on February 18, 2005 at 08:33:35 PT
I Agree With Dankhank
Potpal I post news that I feel is as close to what is happening currently in mostly the USA. I think we have many people who read the articles that are busy people with their jobs and want to know what is happening on the issue of Cannabis. Reading links to other articles is fine with me. 
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Comment #20 posted by potpal on February 18, 2005 at 08:30:14 PT
one on topic
http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/375/rejectedbills.shtml 
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Comment #19 posted by Dankhank on February 18, 2005 at 08:21:25 PT
pain in neck ...
Potpal, no prob. here.Most of us in here agree on most things, and while wanting to "stay on task" as FOM like to say ... :-), we want to know about many things ...
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Comment #18 posted by potpal on February 18, 2005 at 08:08:21 PT
For the children...
http://www.alternet.org/story/21294/Just let me know if I'm becoming a pain in the neck with these kinda ot things...I'll refrain if so.
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Comment #17 posted by cannaman on February 18, 2005 at 08:06:39 PT
Ohio
Everyone go to Ohio plant as many clones and bring all the smoke you can, let's flood the state with ganja everybody!! See how they like that he said as he smoked a fatty!
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Comment #16 posted by Dankhank on February 18, 2005 at 08:05:59 PT
Drugged Driving ...
We keep going 'round with this one, can some folks in Ohio travel to the Capital and sit down with some pols that have a reasonable attitude on this?Points to make should include ...Marinol/Dronabinol is the pill form of a synthetic preparation of Tetra Hydra Cannabinol that is almost always viewed as too strong for most people to use comfortably. The pill is available in 5, 10 and 25 mg doses. It is prepared in a sesame-oil suspension to prevent it being ground up and misused.Is there a reason why Marinol is designed to frustrate abuse and Oxycontin, Vicodin ... et al are not?One of the makers of Marininol, UNIMED Phamaceuticals, has this information in it's medical pdf file:WARNINGS 180
Patients receiving treatment with MARINOL® Capsules should be specifically warned not to drive, operate machinery, or engage in any hazardous activity until it is established that they are able to tolerate the drug and to perform such tasks safely. Additionally, the Department of Transportation has commissioned many "Drugged Driving Studies" over the years and will send anyone copies of the studies if they ask for them. Following, please find and study these publications to learn what the federal Government has already learned.---------------------------------------------------------DOT HS 808 078 "Marijuana and Actual Driving Performance" Final Report, Nov. 1993 Conclusions on page 108 of the copy I received from the NHTSA are interesting and informative. A sample : "It is possible to safely study the effects of marijuana on driving on highways or city streets in the presence of other traffic." "Drivers under the influence of marijuana tend to over-estimate the adverse effects of the drug on their driving ability and compensate when they can; e.g. by increasing effort to accomplish the task, increasing headway or slowing down, or a combination of these." DOT HS 808 939 "Marijuana, Alcohol and Actual Driving Performance" July 1999 Conclusion on page 39 midway of paragraph 5.1 of the copy I received: The addition of the new data, (for marijuana), broadens the range of reactions that may be expected to occur in real life. This range has not been shown to extend into the area that can rightfully be regarded as dangerous or an obviously unacceptable threat to public safety. DOT HS 809 020 "Visual Search and Urban City Driving under the Influence of Marijuana and Alcohol" March 2000: Conclusion 1 on page 24 of the copy I received. "Low doses of marijuana taken alone, did not impair city driving performance and did not diminish visual search frequency for traffic at intersections in this study." 
General Discussion on page 22 . Previous on-the-road studies have also demonstrated that subjects are generally aware of the impairing properties of THC and try to compensate for the drug's impairing properties by driving more carefully (Hansteen et al, 1976; Casswell, 1979; Peck et al, 1986; Robbe 1994). DOT HS 809 642 "State of Knowledge of Drug Impaired Driving" Sept 2003: Experimental Research of Cannabis, page 41 midway: "The extensive studies by Robbe and O'Hanlon (1993), revealed that under the influence of Marijuana, drivers are aware of their impairment, and when experimental tasks allow it, they tend to actually decrease speed, avoid passing other cars, and reduce other risk-taking behaviors." DOT HS 808 065 "The Incidence and Role of Drugs in Fatally Injured Drivers" Oct. 1992 In discussing the "Distribution of Ratings on Driver Responsibility" Table 5.12 page 64 of the copy I received, paragraph (p.65); "Responsibility, drugs and alcohol, third paragraph, "the following appears: "Note that the responsibility rates of the THC-only and Cocaine-only groups are actually lower than that of the drugfree drivers. Although these results too are inconclusive, they give no suggestion of impairment in the two groups. The low responsibility rate for THC was reminiscent of that found in young males by Williams and colleagues (1986).” This study is remarkable in it's propensity to attack itself as inconclusive. Forensic Science Review Vol. 14, Number One/Two, Jan 2002, surely must be the reference of note regarding metabolic functions and where the THC goes following ingestion. This review discuses THC and it's metabolites; THCCOOH, 11-OH-THC to mention the most discussed. Location and type of measured quantities of these and other metabolites should be easy to use to determine if a driver is "stoned" or was stoned yesterday, or last week. Mention was made of a man who had measurable levels of metabolites sixty-seven days after ingesting Cannabis. 
Chap IX paragraph D, "Summary" appears to be of two minds. While stating: "Studies examining Cannabis' causal effect through responsibility analysis have more frequently indicated that THC alone did not increase accident risk …" it continues optimistically suggesting that further exhaustive research may rebut that. 
All of the studies agree that combining Cannabis with any other drug, such as Alcohol ... a major deleterious effect on driving skills, as is benzoates with Cannabis … it rapidly becomes evident that Cannabis in combination with any number of other drugs is not to be desired, but that Cannabis and Cocaine alone in all six studies have the smallest perceived safety risk of all the drugs and drug combinations tested and against drug-free drivers.	
Thank You for taking the time to review this material and I must comment. It is mind-boggling to some, how the government and legislatures are of two minds about the “War on Some Drugs.”  The legislature harasses, locks up and generally ruins hundreds of thousands of families every year for a perceived threat that is not supported in the government studies conducted supposedly to give guidance to legislators, and the rest of America, regarding what is a threat or not.
	
Sir, I ask you to task your staff to order those studies from NHTSA and have someone review them.  My observations are accurate, but we all insist on verification.
 
					Sincerely 
------------------------------------------------------------Other Questions to ask legislators could include:If a person is using Marinol and is stopped and tested, will a statement that a prescribed medicine is responsible for the "failure" prevent that person's incarceration?Should a person from a state that has a Medical Cannabis Program fly to Ohio on business, use no Cannabis while in Ohio, be stopped, tested and "fail" the test, be incarcerated? Oregon has 10,000+ Americans enrolled in their Medical Cannabis program. Are they ALL subject to arrest if driving in Ohio with metabolites in their bodies?Should a person who has QUIT using Cannabis recently be subject to incarceration if driving, stopped and tested?There are more questions that can be asked, but I'm out of ideas for now ...Peace and educate ..................
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Comment #15 posted by Patrick on February 18, 2005 at 06:59:47 PT
Got to love it!
It seems there will never be enough research to justify cannabis use as a medicine. We’ve had thousands of years of use with no death due to toxicity. But in headline news today... The painkiller Vioxx, pulled from the market last fall because of reported heart problems and strokes in users, could come back on sale if federal regulators conclude it and similar drugs have benefits that balance the risks. From msnbc.com today,“…have benefits that balance the risks.” And cannabis does not? It must be money and greed and control freaks that keep this prohibition going when you can get poison pills that kill but a healing herb ranks right up there with terrorists, murderers, pedophiles, and any other evil you want to attach to it.30-1? So what you are saying is I have still have a chance? My favorite line from Dumb and Dumber. Perhaps FDA means Federally Dumb Agency.
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Comment #14 posted by siege on February 18, 2005 at 06:54:16 PT
visit
Some of these efforts at balance can involve some even more volatile issues under the influence of prescription drugs 
I test positive for marijuana 
so what happen when I go To call on socially FoM and get stop for being from out of state I go to jail and don't have drugs with me. I have to spend money to get out of jail and an att. and it  $%^ up the visit, It has gone down the tube. and a waist of there states money, and my time.
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Comment #13 posted by Sam S on February 18, 2005 at 06:24:50 PT:
drugged driving
Why don't we just do a drug test every month on every citizen in the U.S. When marijuana metabolites are found, execute the individual. That way the right wing wacko fundamentalists would get their way. I just wonder how they would feel when half their family and friends are all of a sudden dead.Actually, I really do believe that these senators in Ohio should suffer something horrible like cancer or aids or blindness. What detestable idiots.Sam S
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Comment #12 posted by potpal on February 18, 2005 at 06:23:01 PT
prescription drugs
How many people out there drive under the influence of prescription drugs? All they have is a warning, may cause drowsiness...just a new pogrom aimed at cannabis users. The ed drugs, you'd think, would be a problem, there'd be the potential of steering and shifting interference for one thing...boom tish. Anyway, one goes down (Illinois), two pop up (Ohio, Minnesota)...way to go. Earlier, I didn't mean to imply that science is bad (mad). Cheers.
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Comment #11 posted by mayan on February 18, 2005 at 04:53:32 PT
jfrolang
You said, "If you're driving sober, nobody would have any reason to suspect anything."Unless you have allergies and your eyes are red or the k-9 smells the day-old cheeseburger on your floorboard and goes nuts and they then find your month old roach or the cop runs your plates and notices prior possession charges or the cop thinks your a stoner because of your Grateful Dead t-shirt,dreadlocks,ear-rings,etc. or the cops just plain wants to phuck with you just because he can. Just what constitutes "reasonable suspicion" is at their discretion. This bill is aimed primarily at cannabis users because the pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries are threatened by this plant. They stand to lose big money and the progress we've made since 1996 hasn't gone unnoticed by them. They're not really concerned about recreational cannabis...that's just their excuse to keep medical cannabis and industrial hemp illegal. If they were truly concerned for our safety they would ban liquor,cigarettes,most prescription drugs,Ben & Jerrys,etc. SHADOW OF THE SWASTIKA - The Real Reason the Government Won't Debate Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Re-legalization:
http://www.sumeria.net/politics/shadv3.htmlHere are some cannabis related items...Medical marijuana patient detained after bill sinks in state committee: 
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2005/02/18/news/state/1006009.txtMedical marijuana users look to change law: 
http://www.pantagraph.com/stories/021805/new_20050218019.shtmlHouse rejects medical marijuana bill:
http://www.nwherald.com/MainSection/local/282646868317539.phpPot shots still part of Tommy Chong’s humor: 
http://www.thenewstribune.com/ae/story/4609370p-4282950c.htmlAnd some unrelated items...The Second Wave - New Books, New Groups Fuel Smoldering 
Resurgence Of 9/11 Skeptics Movement:
http://rense.com/general63/9911skep.htmEcstasy trials for combat stress: 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,12271,1416073,00.htmlExperts see military draft as inevitable:
http://www.delawareonline.com/newsjournal/local/2005/02/17expertsseemilit.html
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Comment #10 posted by john wayne on February 18, 2005 at 00:08:53 PT
meaningless law?
that all depends on what triggers a drug test. Fatality? Accident? Ticket? A dog thinks your car looks interesting?
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Comment #9 posted by jfrolang on February 17, 2005 at 22:44:01 PT
I don't agree with it,
But I feel like it's a meaningless law. If you're driving sober, nobody would have any reason to suspect anything.I guess it does make life more miserable for those that are found with a dimebag, they'd be brought in for 'analysis'. What ever happened to sobriety tests? Next they'll be wanting to do hair sample tests and say you've been driving high for six months.
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Comment #8 posted by ekim on February 17, 2005 at 20:49:42 PT
howard dean why oh why have you forsaken me
ptsdisorder for compassion
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Comment #7 posted by Taylor121 on February 17, 2005 at 20:33:20 PT
Welcome to prohibition
Welcome everyone. YES! Come on dance people be happy this is our society.
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Comment #6 posted by ben on February 17, 2005 at 20:24:45 PT
The real Corruption
30 to 1 unbelievable I guess its okay to have all state approved metabolites In your system such as morphine, demerol, oxycontin, vallium and on and on we go. But watch out for that joint you had a month ago. The branding phase of our people are being stepped up in the good old free USA.
lose your lisence lose your job, become a criminal,go to jail, work for the state for free to compete with the third
world labour.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 18:35:29 PT
mayan
It's bad isn't it. How bad is it? I'll tell you how bad it is.I went horse and buggy shopping today!No not really. Sometimes I have to laugh or I'd cry.
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Comment #4 posted by mayan on February 17, 2005 at 18:31:49 PT
Ohio
It's bad enough that the presidential election was stolen in Ohio and the vast majority of Ohio legislators failed to put up anything resembling a fight. Now they are trying to turn Ohio into a police "state". Scumbags.
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 17:16:13 PT
WKBN: Covering Ohio: Medical Marijuana Bill
February 17, 2005
 
 
 
 
 State Senator Bob Hagan (D-Youngstown) today introduced a bill that would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana to terminally ill patients or patients with debilitating medical conditions.“This bill is about helping seriously ill and debilitated Ohioans get access to a treatment that will help them,” Senator Hagan said. “I’m not trying to legalize marijuana. I just believe that allowing people to suffer needlessly when there is an effective drug out there to ease their symptoms is unconscionable.” “This, sensible, humane bill is modeled after successful laws that are working well in 10 states, with overwhelming support from both the public and the medical community," said Neal Levine, director of state policies for the Marijuana policy project in Washington, D.C. "No one battling a serious illness should have to fear arrest and jail for using a treatment recommended by their doctor." "Cannabis has been proven to be an effective medicine and this bill will protect patients and doctors. Hopefully this bill will pass and the sick and dying can finally be taken off the battlefield in the war on drugs," said Joseph Zoretic, president of the Ohio Patient Action Network. The proposed legislation would allow doctors to recommend marijuana therapy to patients under the following circumstances:The physician provides a statement that a full assessment has been made of the patient and the patient has a medical condition that would benefit from marijuana therapy. 
The physician provides the patient with information about the benefits and possible risks of smoked marijuana use and the patient signs a waiver stating they understand the risks. The patient suffers from one or more of the following conditions or symptoms: HIV/AIDS and other wasting diseases, epilepsy, glaucoma, Multiple Sclerosis, muscle spasticity, cancer, cachexia, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Crohn’s disease, nausea and chronic pain.
  
 
 
 
 Copyright 2000 - 2005 WorldNow and WKBN. 
 http://www.wkbn.com/Global/story.asp?S=2965492
Ohio Patients Network
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Comment #2 posted by potpal on February 17, 2005 at 16:41:54 PT
whazitgonnabe?
A healing herb put here by 'you know who'...or leave it up to the (mad) drug scientist...(talk about designer drugs)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4275695.stmGive pot a chance.Aloha.
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on February 17, 2005 at 15:39:22 PT
Minnesota Senate Considers Medical Marijuana 
Take Action Now!http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7015361&type=STDear Friends:NORML is pleased to announce that Senate File 488, a bill to protect bonafide medical marijuana patients from criminal arrest and state prosecution, is currently pending in the Minnesota Senate, Health and Family Security Committee. Now is the time to contact your state Senator and urge him or her to co-sponsor this important legislation.The use of marijuana as medicine is a public health issue; it should not be part of the war on drugs. Modern science suggests that cannabis is a valuable aid in the treatment of a wide range of clinical applications. These include pain relief, particularly of neuropathic pain (pain from nerve damage); nausea; spasticity; glaucoma; and movement disorders. Marijuana is also a powerful appetite stimulant, specifically for patients suffering from HIV, the AIDS wasting syndrome, or dementia. Emerging research suggests that marijuana's medicinal properties may protect the body against some types of malignant tumors and act as neuroprotective agents. That it why, according to a recent national survey of U.S. physicians conducted for the American Society of Addiction Medicine, nearly half of all doctors with opinions support legalizing marijuana as a medicine.To deny patients access to an effective medication in order to "send a strong message to kids" against drug abuse is needlessly cruel, and improperly interferes with the relationship between a patient and his or her physician. We already allow the medical use of many drugs, such as cocaine and morphine, which can be abused in a non-medical setting. Basic compassion and common sense demand that we allow the seriously ill to use whatever safe medication is most effective.If you have not done so already, please take two minutes of your time to write your state Senator and tell him or her how important it is that they support this important legislation. NORML has created pre-written letters that you can send to your Senator by visiting: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=7015361&type=STThank you for your help.Sincerely,Kris Krane, Associate Director NORML
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