Massachusetts -- It would seem these are dark days for the medical-marijuana movement. In June, the Supreme Court ruled in Gonzales v. Raich that the feds can prosecute patients even in states with laws allowing prescribed use — a decision that would seem to be a definitive "no" on the subject handed down by the highest court in the land. White House drug czar John Walters even claimed the ruling "marks the end of medical marijuana as a political issue."
San Francisco Voters Do Not See Pot Clubs as Problem, Would Rather Legalize It, Says New Poll
A survey of likely voters in San Francisco conducted in August found that, despite a wave of negative publicity around medical marijuana dispensaries and busts by the DEA, a majority of San Francisco voters do not see the pot clubs as a problem.
Instead, 63% say they favor legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for general adult use like alcohol.
While there is still no real cure for cancer, every day researchers move a step closer to finding that cure. Twenty-five-year old Natalya Kogan, a Ph.D. candidate at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, working under the supervision of Prof. Raphael Meshulam, recently proved that extract from the cannabis plant is able to help heal cancer within the organism.
Kogan, who immigrated from the Ukraine 10 years ago, developed a new compound known as guinniodic cannabinoids, which is similar to several anti-cancer medications such as Daunomycin.
California -- It was unclear why there was no drum circle on the third floor of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday morning.
The dozen or so people assembled outside Courtroom One were certainly loud enough -- despite repeated exhortations by security guards to keep the noise level down -- and the top thing on their minds was smoking pot.
And these are people who take their weed seriously: pot lawyers, pot lobbyists, pot activists, pot smokers, a pot reporter and the requisite pot publicists -- a middle-aged assembly that ranged from besuited to bedraggled.
By Dean Beeby, Canadian Press Source: Canadian Press
Ottawa -- Health Canada's long-delayed plan to sell government-certified marijuana in drugstores appears to be back on track for early next year. The pilot project would stock medicinal pot in some pharmacies for use by authorized patients, making Canada only the second country after The Netherlands to allow easier access through drugstores.
Currently, 237 patients can get Health Canada's medical marijuana through Prairie Plant Systems Inc., which grows the weed in Flin Flon, Man., under a $5.75-million contract with the federal government. Thirty-gram bags of dried buds, costing $150 each, are couriered directly to patients or their physicians
CA Assemblyman Paul Koretz (42nd District) and former HIV/AIDS Commissioner Richard Eastman will convene the fourth meeting of the Los Angeles County Medical Marijuana Task Force in West Hollywood on Friday, September 30, 2005. The Task Force discusses issues related to medical cannabis implementation at the state and local level.
Assemblyman Koretz will address the Task Force at 12:30 PM. The meeting takes on new significance in light of the proliferation of new dispensing collectives, the recent Supreme Court decision, and the California Highway Patrol's recent policy change. Patients, caregivers, providers, and advocates are encouraged to attend and participate. The meeting is open to the public and refreshments will be served.
The Task Force meeting is sponsored by Americans for Safe Access and the Los Angeles Patients and Caregivers Group.
By Josh Richman, Staff Writer Source: Oakland Tribune
California -- More than two years after being convicted and sentenced for growing marijuana, Oakland's self-styled "Guru of Ganja" will make his appeal Tuesday for why even a slap on the wrist was too much.
Ed Rosenthal, a renowned pro-marijuana author, activist and cultivation authority, claims he never should have been convicted of three marijuana-growing felonies. The government claims he not only deserved conviction, but he also deserved at least two to five years in prison instead of his one-day, time-already-served sentence.
By Nancy Pasternack, Sentinel Staff Writer Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel
Santa Cruz -- He’s smoked pot since he was 14. Eighty-four-year-old George Van Vlaenderen’s early experiences with marijuana were in the mid-1930s, before its use was prohibited by federal law. Now, smoking the drug relieves eye pressure caused by his cataracts, the World War II veteran Navy pilot said.
He stood in the sunshine near a members-only smoking tent at the Wo/Men’s Alliance for Medical Marijuana gathering Saturday and shared his thoughts. Those who could legalize the drug, he said, have a vested interest in keeping marijuana illegal.
By Oct. 1, three medical marijuana dispensaries in Ashland and Cherryland could disappear like a puff of smoke.
The cannabis clubs, half of those currently operating in the unincorporated county, Thursday got orders to close down after failing to apply for permanent operating permits.
The letters were signed by Alameda County Sheriff Charles Plummer, who opposes marijuana sales dispensaries.
A steady stream of people, all of them claiming to have a painful and debilitating illness, arrived yesterday at O'ahu's first clinic devoted to signing up patients for the state's medical marijuana program.
The downtown clinic, which is run by the nonprofit Hemp and Cannabis Foundation from Portland, Ore., opened its doors yesterday with 25 people hoping to be certified. Another 25 people have appointments today.
Source: Truro Daily News (CN NS) By John Christianson
TRURO -- Trafficking charges against two Nova Scotia men were stayed Tuesday in provincial court, leaving the ownership of 500 grams of marijuana in legal limbo.
John Thomas Cook, 40, of 750 Old Sambro Rd., came to Truro prepared to argue that charges of possession of marijuana and possession for the purposes of trafficking would not hold up in court because of legal precedents in other provinces.
By Michael Krawitz, Columnist Source: Collegiate Times
Virginia -- A classic question of morals, ethics and philosophy: Would you rather be a righteous man in prison or an immoral man lavished with accolades and riches? This classic conundrum is quite evident today if you pay close attention.
For example, a group of nuns travel to the terrorist-training School of Americas in Fort Benning, Ga., each year to protest and often get arrested. I would call those nuns righteous prisoners. Real life is most often less cut-and-dry than philosophy class and the moral decisions we make are often heavily colored by the many variables of our lives.
Medical Cannabis Laws Have No Negative Impact On Teen Use, Study Says September 8, 2005 - Washington, DC, USA
Washington, DC: The passage of state laws authorizing the use of medical cannabis has not led to an increase in the drug's recreational use among young people, according to a report issued this week by the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP).
By Kenneth Ofgang, Staff Writer Source: News-Enterprise
California -- Firing an employee who tests positive for marijuana does not violate the Fair Employment and Housing Act, even if the employee can show that he uses marijuana for medicinal purposes under Proposition 215, the Third District Court of Appeal ruled yesterday.
The court rejected Gary Ross’ claim that because the initiative protects his right to physician-approved marijuana use as treatment for lower back strain and muscle spasms, his employer’s refusal to accommodate his use of the drug constituted discrimination on the basis of disability and a violation of public policy
By Alok Jha, Science Correspondent Source: Guardian Unlimited
United Kingdom -- Scientists have unveiled an unlikely weapon in the battle against the bulge: cannabis. More specifically, one of its key ingredients, which has been found to suppress appetite.
Anyone who has ever inhaled will know the feeling: an inescapable desire to eat everything in sight, a state called the munchies. It stems from the action of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), one of the active ingredients in cannabis, on specific appetite-control receptors in the brain. The chemical also causes the body to lay down more fat.
By Todd Zwillich Source: United Press International
Washington, D.C. -- Teens in the handful of states allowing medical marijuana are no more likely to use the drug than those in other states, according to a study released Tuesday.
The study shows widespread reductions in marijuana use have occurred generally at the same rate among all the states, including those allowing medical use.
Two of San Francisco's better-known medical pot clubs have been put on notice by The City as officials grapple with the burgeoning industry amidst growing neighborhood protests.
The Green Cross in the Mission must make major changes to regain its permit and the Mendo Healing clinic may not relocate to Potrero Avenue while The City's current moratorium is in effect, city planning officials have ruled.
United Kingdom -- Researchers from Imperial College London are looking for volunteers to test whether cannabinoids, the active ingredient of cannabis, can be used to alleviate the sensation of breathlessness caused by illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The team are looking for volunteers aged between 50 and 70, who don't have breathing difficulties.
By Vanessa McCray, Record-Eagle Staff Writer Source: Record-Eagle
Traverse City -- Jay-walkers, beware.
A citizen-driven attempt to make medical-marijuana use the "lowest law enforcement priority" could be brought before city voters in November. City clerk Debbra Curtiss verified the signatures of 623 city residents who signed a petition to make marijuana possession, delivery or use by a medical patient the "lowest law enforcement priority of the city."
Virginia -- The Virginia Nurses Association, representing some 80,000 nurses, have recently reconfirmed their support for Medical Cannabis and are continuing their support for immediate legislation legalizing its medical use.
The Virginia Nurses Association (VNA), representing 80,000 Nurses, at their October 2004 VNA Delegate Assembly, resolved that:
"The Virginia Nurses Association will continue to support legislation that would legalize the medically prescribed use of cannabis/Marijuana for the purpose of relieving pain and distressful symptoms of acute, chronic, or incurable illness."
Federal Building, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco. We will meet in front of our Federal Building and walk to our 9th Circuit Court of Appeals at 7th & Mission.
The issue of lack of agency jurisdiction has been filed in our Northern California federal district court as well in our Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in two marijuana cases, US v. Landa and US v. Alden. Other prisoners are filing motions similar to the one attorney Allison Margolin developed in the Landa case.
Colorado -- The Oak Creek Town Board passed a resolution in support of medical marijuana three weeks ago. On Thursday night, the Hayden Town Board discussed a similar resolution.
The resolutions are part of a plan to drum up local support for medical marijuana after the U.S. Supreme Court decided in June that federal laws trump medical marijuana laws on the books in 10 states, including Colorado. Colorado voters voted in favor of medical marijuana in 2000.
JAMA Commentary Calls For Marijuana's Rescheduling September 1, 2005 - Chicago, IL, USA
Chicago, IL: Cannabis provides therapeutic relief for patients and should be reclassified by the federal government to allow for its legal use as a prescription medicine, according to a commentary in the August 17 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
Chief Bratton proposes ending zero tolerance of past drug use and bad credit. Some fear that lower standards would bring problem officers.
By Wendy Lee Times Staff Writer
August 29, 2005
Struggling to lure more officers, the Los Angeles Police Department is joining a growing number of law enforcement agencies across the nation in considering less stringent recruitment rules.
Police Chief William J. Bratton said he was drawing up the proposed changes, which would end the LAPD's zero-tolerance rule toward past marijuana use and make it easier for the department to hire people with bad credit histories.
By Karen Holzmeister, Staff Writer Source: Daily Review
California -- There wasn't a stampede this week to apply for three potentially lucrative medical marijuana dispensary permits in unincorporated areas. Only three of the six current cannabis clubs turned in applications by Tuesday's late afternoon deadline.
Three applications for three permits does not mean automatic approval. Alameda County Sheriff's Capt. Stephen Roderick said Wednesday that a team of county administrators will review the permits during the next month and then recommend which — if any — applicants should receive a permit.
By Karen Holzmeister, Staff Writer Source: Oakland Tribune
California -- Is Alameda County being too nosy when it asks medical marijuana dispensary permit applicants for the names of ex-spouses, former in-laws, driver's license information and even if they have work-related pensions?
That's what some cannabis club owners in unincorporated areas claimed as Tuesday's application deadline for three prized dispensary permits approached.
By Karl Fischer, Contra Costa Times Source: Contra Costa Times
California -- Contra Costa health officials will soon offer an identification card to medical marijuana users to help local law enforcement distinguish them from people illegally carrying the drug.
The Health Services Department "is working on the very early stages of developing this policy," said Francie Wise, director of the county's communicable disease program. "We're going to be talking with all the people involved to make sure that when we issue a card, everyone understands what it is for and what it means."
Win Rolling Stones Tickets! Hear Paul Krassner speak! Dunk the Mayor and more...
The Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana (WAMM) will hold its third annual WAMMFest on Saturday, September 10th at the San Lorenzo Park Benchlands from 10:00am to 5:00pm.
Music, food, arts and crafts, education and kids' fun booths -- admission is free.
Paul Krassner, 60's political activist, writer and philosopher/humorist will speak. Three Rolling Stones tickets will be raffled off. Both Mayor Mike Rotkin and Santa Cruz City Council member Emily Reilly will take a shift in the dunking booth.
By Felix Doligosa Jr., Rocky Mountain News Source: Rocky Mountain News
Colorado -- Along with feeling redemption, Timothy Haas was also feeling queasy today as he picked up a plastic bag containing half an ounce of marijuana at the Denver Police Department.
"I just want to go home and lie down," Haas said. "The marijuana will calm me down." Denver police returned the marijuana to Haas after authorities confiscated the drugs a month ago. Haas is prescribed to use medical marijuana for post traumatic syndrome and post concussion syndrome.
Evil Iraqi pushers try to get our boys hooked on super strength cannabis
By Helen Morgan And Simon Atkinson
EVIL Iraqi drug lords are targeting vulnerable British troops with super-strong cannabis, The People can reveal.
Dozens of susceptible squaddies are becoming hooked on the drug as they try to cope with the appalling stress of a conflict that has already killed 92 of Our Boys.
The troops are constantly looking over their shoulders for bloodthirsty terrorists or suicide bombers, while living in 40C temperatures thousands of miles from their loved ones back in Britain.
