http://www.yahooka.com/forum/ Dedicated to Ken Gorman/Governor. A place to post up coming events, laws, news articles or special things you do for activism. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:09:44 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.yahooka.com/forum/images/ca_evo2_green/misc/rss.jpg http://www.yahooka.com/forum/ http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/153105-can-i-get-helping-hand-yahooka.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:14:40 GMT What are some good sources, preferably scholarly or academic, about drug war racism and the fact that it does nothing to curb crime except create it? Any books I should get? Good internet editorials that you know of? Im going to get Michael Rupperts book today at the library. The teach said a party website like Montanas green party and Ron paul is not credible:p Thanks for any help. What are some good sources, preferably scholarly or academic, about drug war racism and the fact that it does nothing to curb crime except create it? Any books I should get? Good internet editorials that you know of?

Im going to get Michael Rupperts book today at the library. The teach said a party website like Montanas green party and Ron paul is not credible:p

Thanks for any help. ]]> Cannabis Activism Rubix http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/153105-can-i-get-helping-hand-yahooka.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152980-medical-marijuana-pa-maybe.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 02:25:06 GMT saw this on a diff site, thought i would share it on here. Looks like pa might have a chance, i hope it passes November 9, 2009 - Chris Goldstein, Communications Director PhillyNORML WHO: Pennsylvania House Health and Human Services committee WHAT: Public Hearings on HB 1393, medical marijuana in PA WHEN: December 2, 2009 at 11AM in Harrisburg CONTACT: media@phillynorml.org Philadelphia - Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) is pleased to announce that the PA House of... saw this on a diff site, thought i would share it on here. Looks like pa might have a chance, i hope it passes

November 9, 2009 - Chris Goldstein, Communications Director PhillyNORML

WHO: Pennsylvania House Health and Human Services committee
WHAT: Public Hearings on HB 1393, medical marijuana in PA
WHEN: December 2, 2009 at 11AM in Harrisburg
CONTACT: media@phillynorml.or g

Philadelphia - Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) is pleased to announce that the PA House of Representatives Health and Human Services Committee will have hearings on HB 1393, The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.

Scheduled in Harrisburg on December 2, 2009 these will be the first public hearings on medical cannabis in the history of the Commonwealth.

On April 29, 2009 Rep. Mark B. Cohen, the Chair of the House Democratic Caucus, introduced the bill to legalize medical marijuana. HB1393 is solid legislation that would allow registered patients to grow six plants or purchase cannabis through Compassion Centers. A provision in the bill allows these medical cannabis sales to be taxed.

Representative Cohen has taken on the issue with courage, drive and a real understanding of patients needs. At a press conference at the bill's introduction Cohen said, "It's time to create a new, honest image for marijuana. One as a form of treatment that when prescribed by responsible doctors could help thousands of patients across this commonwealth."

Three newspaper Editorial Boards endorsed the bill immediately after it was introduced: The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Pocono Record and the Daily Review of Towanda.

The topic of medical marijuana has been well covered this year by local media. Rep. Cohen and spokespeople from PA4MMJ have appeared in television programs on the radio and in newspaper articles covering the issue.

The December 2nd hearings will feature PA patients who have the tremendous courage to tell their legislators about their personal experiences finding benefits from cannabis therapy. Medical professionals and other experts have contacted PA4MMJ and expressed their commitment to testifying at every stage of the legislation.

Volunteer advocates Derek Rosenzweig, Ed Pane and Chris Goldstein have been interacting with legislators including Representative Frank Oliver who chairs the twenty-six-member HHS committee. Overall reaction to the bill by elected officials has been positive and filled with curiosity.

PA4MMJ hosts a website that includes a detailed look at the legislation, medical marijuana information and action points for volunteers. The group is still seeking those patients and professionals who wish to testify.

PhillyNORML and PA4MMJ hosted a series of medical marijuana information seminars over the summer and held a candlelight vigil was held in front of Independence Hall on July 11th. Awareness and fundraising events for HB1393 are planned throughout the winter. Pennsylvanians For Medical Marijuana ]]> Cannabis Activism ChiefBongWater http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152980-medical-marijuana-pa-maybe.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152849-redding-charity-turns-down-pot-dispensarys-food.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 10:03:37 GMT "And I will raise up for them a plant of renown,
and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land,
neither bear the shame of the heathen any more."
~ Ezekiel 34:29

Redding Charity Turns Down Pot Dispensary's Food
US CA: Record Searchlight (Redding, CA) 06 Nov 2009

A Christian ministry that feeds homeless people in Shasta County is saying "no thanks" to an offer of free food from a medical marijuana collective, much to the chagrin of its co-owner.

"It doesn't make any sense to me," said Joe Munday, who, with his wife, Gina, owns The Green Heart medical marijuana collectives and dispensaries in Anderson, Shasta Lake and Mount Shasta. "Everybody I've told so far about this thinks it's absolutely ridiculous."

Munday, who said his three businesses have been holding food drives for about the past month, called Redding Loaves and Fishes on Wednesday after seeing that organization's TV commercials seeking donations.

He said he eventually spoke on the telephone to a man named Chris, who originally seemed receptive to his offer of the free food.

But, he said, that man called back about 30 minutes later and turned it down.

"He said, 'My pastor and I have been praying on this, and we don't want to accept your food,' " Munday said. continued...

Blasphemy

"In the later times,
some shall speak lies in hypocrisy
commanding to abstain from meats
which God hath created to be
received with thanksgiving of them
which believe and know the truth."
~ Paul: 1 Timothy 1-4



The psychedelic secrets of Santa Claus
by Dana Larsen (18 Dec, 2003)

Modern Christmas traditions are based on ancient mushroom-using shamans.

Although most people see Christmas as a Christian holiday, most of the symbols and icons we associate with Christmas celebrations are actually derived from the shamanistic traditions of the tribal peoples of pre-Christian Northern Europe.

The sacred mushroom of these people was the red and white amanita muscaria mushroom, also known as "fly agaric." These mushrooms are now commonly seen in books of fairy tales, and are usually associated with magic and fairies. This is because they contain potent hallucinogenic compounds, and were used by ancient peoples for insight and transcendental experiences. continued...

Kaneh Bosm: Cannabis in the Old Testament

"This would be the best of all possible worlds,
if there were no religion in it."
-- John Adams, in a letter to Thomas Jefferson

]]> Cannabis Activism DdC http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152849-redding-charity-turns-down-pot-dispensarys-food.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152767-breckenridge-colorado-legalized.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:30:32 GMT Legalized (http://www.drugwarrant.com/2009/11/legalized/) Link (http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/21515178/detail.html) Image: http://www.drugwarrant.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/breck-300x284.jpg BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. — The skiing town of Breckenridge voted Tuesday night by a margin of nearly 3 to 1 to legalize the adult possession of marijuana. Breckenridge voters passed Measure 2F, which removes criminal penalties from the town code for the private possession of up... Legalized

Link



BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. — The skiing town of Breckenridge voted Tuesday night by a margin of nearly 3 to 1 to legalize the adult possession of marijuana.

Breckenridge voters passed Measure 2F, which removes criminal penalties from the town code for the private possession of up to one ounce of marijuana by adults 21 and older. The ordinance also removes criminal penalties for the possession of bongs, pipes and other drug paraphernalia.

It passed 73 percent to 27 percent.

Colorado Ski Town Decriminalizes Marijuana
Breckenridge residents voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana and paraphernalia under town law. Unofficial results show 71 percent of voters approved the initiative.

Breckenridge Voters OK Marijuana Decriminalization


Gabby Thomas is one of the supporters that has been out on the streets of Breckenridge in the past week encouraging people to vote for measure 2F. (Photo by Mark Fox)

Setting priorities
Perhaps the leaders of California’s law enforcement community, that has spent so much time and money fighting against any kind of reform of marijuana laws, would be willing to explain this:

]]> Cannabis Activism DdC http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152767-breckenridge-colorado-legalized.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152759-maine-can-legally-have-dispensaries.html Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:51:23 GMT Third state in the Union!!! Third state in the Union!!! ]]> Cannabis Activism Bearsy http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152759-maine-can-legally-have-dispensaries.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152680-uk-drug-czar-fired-view-marijuana.html Fri, 30 Oct 2009 21:51:59 GMT Cannabis row drugs adviser sacked

The UK's chief drugs adviser has been sacked by Home Secretary Alan Johnson, after criticising government policies.

Professor David Nutt, head of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, criticised the decision to reclassify cannabis to Class B from C.

He accused ministers of devaluing and distorting evidence and said drugs classification was being politicised.

The home secretary said he had "lost confidence" in his advice and asked him to step down.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD) is the UK's official drugs advisory body.

Following his sacking, Prof Nutt told the BBC he stood by his claim that cannabis should not be a Class B drug, based on its effects.

He described his sacking as a "serious challenge to the value of science in relation to the government".

MARK EASTON'S UK
“ We are witnessing a collision between science and politics - there may be significant fall-out ”
Mark Easton BBC's home editor

And he denied that he had been trying to undermine the government's policies on drugs.

"I am disappointed because, to be honest, all I was trying to do was help. I wasn't challenging the government," said the former adviser.

"We can help them. We can give them very good advice, and it would be much more simpler if they took that advice rather than getting tangled up in other sorts of messages which frankly really do confuse the public."

Prof Nutt said he was not prepared to "mislead" the public about the effects of drugs in order to convey a moral "message" on the government's behalf.

Earlier this week Prof Nutt used a lecture at King's College, London, to attack what he called the "artificial" separation of alcohol and tobacco from illegal drugs.

The professor said smoking cannabis created only a "relatively small risk" of psychotic illness.

Phil Willis MP, chairman of the science and technology select committee, said he would write to the home secretary to ask for clarification as to why Prof David Nutt had been sacked "at a time when independent scientific advice to government is essential".

"It is disturbing if an independent scientist should be removed for reporting sound scientific advice," he said.

Public concern over the links between high-strength cannabis, known as skunk, and mental illness led the government to reclassify cannabis to Class B last year.

In the past, Prof Nutt has also claimed that taking ecstasy is no more dangerous than riding a horse.

In a letter, the home secretary wrote: "I cannot have public confusion between scientific advice and policy and have therefore lost confidence in your ability to advise me as chair of the ACMD.

"I would therefore ask you to step down from the Council with immediate effect."

In his reply, Prof Nutt said he was "disappointed" by the sentiments expressed by Mr Johnson.

He added: "Whilst I accept that there is a distinction between scientific advice and government policy there is clearly a degree of overlap.

"If scientists are not allowed to engage in the debate at this interface then you devalue their contribution to policy making and undermine a major source of carefully considered and evidence-based advice."

'Disgraceful' decision

Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said the sacking had been "an inevitable decision" after Prof Nutt's "latest ill-judged contribution to the debate".

But Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Chris Huhne said the decision to sack the adviser had been "disgraceful".

"What is the point of having independent scientific advice if as soon as you get some advice that you don't like, you sack the person who has given it to you?" he said.

Mr Huhne said if the government did not want to take expert scientific advice, it might as well have "a committee of tabloid newspaper editors to advise on drugs policy".

Similarly, Claudia Rubin from Release - a national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law - said the expert should not have been penalised.

Cannabis reclassification

"It's a real shame and a real indictment of the government's refusal to take any proper advice on this subject," she said.

And Prof Colin Blakemore, professor of neuroscience at Oxford University and former chief executive of the Medical Research Council, said the government could not expect experts who serve on its independent committees not to voice their concern if the advice they give is rejected.

"I worry that the dismissal of Prof Nutt will discourage academic and clinical experts from offering their knowledge and time to help the government in the future," he said.

Possession of Class B drugs carries a maximum sentence of five years in jail while possession of Class C drugs carries a maximum sentence of two years imprisonment.

In 2004, then Home Secretary David Blunkett had approved the reclassification of cannabis from Class B - which it had been since 1971 - to Class C.

But in 2008, Jacqui Smith announced that she would reverse the 2004 decision and put cannabis back into category B.

The decision was taken despite official advisers recommending against the change.

Ministers said they wanted to make the move as a precautionary measure.
Story from BBC NEWS:
BBC NEWS | UK | Cannabis row drugs adviser sacked ]]> Cannabis Activism LetsPlayYourWay http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152680-uk-drug-czar-fired-view-marijuana.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152554-daily-shows-best-war-drugs-moments.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:24:32 GMT The Daily Show's Best War on Drugs Moments
Oct 23 2009
Jon Stewart's Daily Show puts together a compilation of their greatest Drug War moments. (Unfortunately not available in Canada - damn you Comedy Central!)

]]> Cannabis Activism DdC http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152554-daily-shows-best-war-drugs-moments.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152548-minnesota-court-rules-bong-water-illegal.html Sun, 25 Oct 2009 03:35:43 GMT Dump out that bong water

The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that police can include the entire weight of bong water that tests positive for the presence of a drug when computing the amount of drug possession.

The case involved meth, but you can imagine that they’ll immediately start using it to jack up the amounts for pot possession as well. One cup of water weighs just over 8 ounces.

In a sharply worded dissent, Justice Paul Anderson said the majority’s decision “does not make sense, and borders on the absurd.” He said it isn’t consistent with what the Legislature intended when it wrote the state’s drug laws. And he blasted Rice County authorities for charging Peck with such a serious crime.

"Fanaticism consists in redoubling your efforts
when you have forgotten your aim."
-- George Santayana, "The Life of Reason"

Minnesota Court Rules Bong Water Illegal
Bong water can count as a controlled substance, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled Thursday in a decision that raises the threat of longer sentences for drug smokers who fail to dump the water out of their pipes.

"We.. say that on the medical evidence available,
moderate indulgence in cannabis has little ill-effect on health,
and that decisions to ban or legalise cannabis
should be based on other considerations."
The Lancet,
vol 352, number 9140, November 14 1998



Pot Accounts For 75% of Police Seizures by Jeremiah Vandermeer
Many Canadians think police don't pay much attention to marijuana, and instead focus on busting people for "hard drugs". Think again.

Cutting money to health services will not cut services…
let’s try that with jails and police? by Kirk Tousaw
Re: B.C. health cuts no harm to services: minister

Facts and statistics that relate to police priorities by David Malmo-Levine
I went through the Vancouver Public Library's "Police Brutality" files a while back (I think they have been discontinued by now - budget cuts) and picked out a few quotes ... and rather than have this stuff go to waste in some corner of my archives I thought I would share it with all of you!

]]> Cannabis Activism DdC http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152548-minnesota-court-rules-bong-water-illegal.html http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152504-statement-made-dea-regarding-dojs-new-policy-pertaining-medical-marijuana.html Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:06:58 GMT "OCT 22 - The Department of Justice recently issued guidelines regarding the use of federal resources in investigations and prosecutions in states that have passed laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued the following statement:

“DEA welcomes the issuance of these clarifying guidelines pertaining to the use of federal investigative and prosecutorial resources in states that have enacted laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

"These guidelines do not legalize marijuana. It is not the practice or policy of DEA to target individuals with serious medical conditions who comply with state laws authorizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Consistent with the DOJ guidelines, we will continue to identify and investigate any criminal organization or individual who unlawfully grows, markets or distributes marijuana or other dangerous drugs. Those who unlawfully possess firearms, commit acts of violence, provide drugs to minors, or have ties to other criminal organizations may also be subject to arrest.

"As these guidelines point out, marijuana remains a top revenue source for the Mexican drug cartels that are wreaking havoc in Mexico and along the Southwest Border. Accordingly, DEA will continue to disrupt and dismantle these drug trafficking organizations.”

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News from DEA, Domestic Field Divisions, New York City News Releases,10/22/09


Opinions? Thoughts? ]]> Cannabis Activism SublimeStylez http://www.yahooka.com/forum/cannabis-activism/152504-statement-made-dea-regarding-dojs-new-policy-pertaining-medical-marijuana.html