tagged w/ Cannabis legalisation
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STIRLING – Central Ontario’s hemp decortication facility took a huge step closer to reality recently when three foreign investors pledged more than $2-million to join a company here in processing the crop.
Cannabis hemp production would create a new TRILLION dollar global industry, revive rural farmlands, end poverty, and create thousands of green jobs...and Save Mother Earth from the greenhouse effect.
Educate yourself.
http://www.jackherer.comSTIRLING – Central Ontario’s hemp decortication facility took a huge step... more
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The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, better known as S119 to state legislatures, passed Feb. 23 in the New Jersey Senate. For the bill to come into effect, the New Jersey Assembly must vote to pass it, but the date of their vote is undetermined.
Will New Jersey become the 14th medical cannabis state?The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, better known as S119 to state... more
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Its budget meltdown has California taking a look at legalizing marijuana as a means to revive its depleted treasury. But common sense, not economic need, should persuade Americans it's past time for a sober look at our mad "reefer madness" laws.Its budget meltdown has California taking a look at legalizing marijuana as a means to... more
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The first poll, conducted last week by Rasmussen Reports, has 40 percent of Americans in support of legalizing the drug and 46 percent opposed.
Are you one of the 40 percent? If not, why?The first poll, conducted last week by Rasmussen Reports, has 40 percent of Americans... more
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With the US economy crashing around us, new legislation introduced in California that would legalize pot could not only provide the government much needed tax revenue, but also save billions on enforcement.With the US economy crashing around us, new legislation introduced in California that... more
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If it accomplished nothing else, the recent rumpus over a gold-plated athlete's bong hit brings into sharp relief the need for a national, rational gut-check about America's drug policy.
But when?
We are, after all, a little busy at the moment. Struggling to hold onto our jobs, our homes, our automobiles. Our 401ks. Our children's lunch and college money. At the moment, forty-six million Americans without health insurance pray to make it through another day without stepping in front of a bus or being laid low by catastrophic illness. Energy needs and the environment vie unendingly for our attention. Terrorism, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan may have been reduced, temporarily, to background noise, the result of primal economic fears, but national security concerns still loom large.If it accomplished nothing else, the recent rumpus over a gold-plated athlete's... more
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Speaking at a press conference on Feb 25 with DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, and reiterating a position made by the White House following DEA raids in California on February 4, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told reporters that ending federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries "is now American policy."Speaking at a press conference on Feb 25 with DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, and... more
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Last week, Edwin Stratton, appeared in magistrates court to defend himself on a charge of cannabis cultivation. He had refused a caution on arrest.
His legal defence was put together by Casey Hardison and he was represented by Darryl Bickler in court.
He is running a brilliant and innovative defence claiming that the Government is abusing its power by unlawfully discriminating against those who are in possession of drugs that have been criminalised.
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3. The abuse:
a. The defendant believes that the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 c.38 (“the Act”) is being applied to him in an arbitrary and discriminatory manner based on historical and cultural factors that lack a consistent and objective basis contrary to Article 14 and within the ambit of other convention rights. This denies equal protection to the defendant, alleged to be engaged in property activities with “controlled drugs”, as defined by s2(1)(a) of the Act, with respect to analogous persons engaged in the identical property activities with the dangerous or otherwise harmful drugs alcohol and tobacco.
b. The Government’s Position:
"The Government's policy is and has been to regulate drugs which are classified as illegal through the 1971 Act and to regulate the use of alcohol and tobacco separately. This policy sensibly recognises that alcohol and tobacco do pose health risks and can have anti-social effects, but recognises also that consumption of alcohol and tobacco is historically embedded in society and that responsible use of alcohol and tobacco is both possible and commonplace".
c. The Government’s position admits discrimination on the grounds of legal status and property within the ambits of Article 1 of the First Protocol, “protection of property”, Article 8 respect for private life, inter alia. More, the Government’s position includes errors of law and fact.
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Edwin is a part of a campaigning network known as the nascent DEA (Drug Equality Alliance). Individuals can register their support by visiting www.drugequality.org - the group is seeking to achieve one million site hits this year to illuminate support for a much needed transformation of the impasse causing so much harm to people who use drugs of all kinds.Last week, Edwin Stratton, appeared in magistrates court to defend himself on a charge... more
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by Shannon Kari (22 Sept, 2008)
Is marijuana illegal? You decide: www.ThePotLawHasFallen.ca
There may be no legal prohibition against possession of cannabis in Ontario if a Superior Court judge upholds an earlier finding in an ongoing challenge to the medical marijuana laws. Health Canada is asking Justice Eva Frank to overturn a ruling last year by a provincial court judge in Toronto who found there was no law against possession, because the medical marijuana scheme was still unconstitutional.
A provincial court ruling is not binding on other judges in the province, as it would be if it is by a Superior Court judge. The federal government has conceded that if Judge Frank finds that the medical marijuana scheme is invalid, then the prohibition against simple possession also cannot stand. But it argued in court on Friday that its "entrenched policy" of providing a supply of cannabis to medical users complies with previous rulings by the Ontario Court of Appeal on this issue.
Health Canada has been making "a good faith effort with its legal supply," said government lawyer Lisa Csele. She suggested provincial court Justice Howard Borenstein made legal errors last year when he concluded that a government "policy" to supply marijuana to medical users through Prairie Plant Systems Inc. was not sufficient, and dismissed charges against Clifford Long, a Toronto man arrested with $40 worth of cannabis.
"Reasonable access is now dependent on policy, not law," wrote Judge Borenstein. The judge based his ruling on a 2003 Ontario Court of Appeal decision that struck down some sections of the government's medical marijuana regulations because authorized users had to obtain their medicine on the black market.
The court gave the federal government options to fix the problem, by allowing compassion clubs or becoming the sole supplier for medical users. The changes "can easily be implemented with dispatch, simply by regulation," said the Court of Appeal.
Health Canada responded by re-enacting some of the unconstitutional restrictions, including a prohibition on a designated producer growing for more than one user. It also entered into the contract with Prairie Plant. It is estimated that only about 20% of the more than 2,000 authorized users in the country get their marijuana from Prairie Plant, in part because of complaints about the quality and the price charged by Health Canada.
Ms. Csele urged Judge Frank to look at all of the government's actions when deciding if it has done enough to comply with the Court of Appeal's ruling in 2003.
"What about the potential for arbitrary change [in the policy]," Judge Frank asked.
"There is no evidence people are not receiving their marijuana," Ms. Csele responded. If the federal government does not provide an adequate supply, then medical users could launch a court action, she said.
The government must enact formal regulations that recognize its responsibilities, said Corbin Cawkell, who represents Mr. Long. "A policy is not enough," said Mr. Cawkell. The ruling by Judge Borenstein is one of a number of decisions in the past eight years to declare aspects of the medical marijuana regulations unconstitutional.
- Article from National Post, Monda September 22, 2008
For court cases and decisions that back up the argument prohibition has no force and effect, see www.ThePotLawHasFallen.caby Shannon Kari (22 Sept, 2008)
Is marijuana illegal? You decide:... more
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This weekend, thousands of demonstrators from Boston and beyond converged at Boston Common to show their support for "Question 2," a proposition on the Nov. 4 ballot that would effectively decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Massachusetts.
Decriminalization of marijuana would certainly free up millions of dollars for a needy law enforcement system. But decriminalization means more to the commonwealth than just freed-up funds and relaxed laws regulating the drug; it means preventing thousands of talented citizens from being from losing career opportunities because of frivolous criminal records.
For nearly a century, the federal government has vilified and outlawed marijuana, and only recently has the practice of anti-marijuana propaganda and prohibition come under individual state scrutiny.
Recreational use of marijuana was brought to the United States by Mexican immigrants in the early 1910s. Then, much like today, Mexican immigration faced prejudice. Marijuana became associated with those who brought it, and politicians acted to stop the encroaching what one PBS documentary called the "marijuana menace."
Since that time, the drug has faced increasing pressure and political condemnation, and is currently listed as a "Schedule I" - the most severe - substance by federal law, along with such mind-bending substances as LSD and heroin. This headstrong policy history has lead to millions of marijuana-related arrests and billions of tax dollars spent on enforcement.
Currently, a first-time offender of possession of the drug - in any amount - faces up to six months incarceration and/or a $500 fine in Massachusetts. This is more lenient than the federal law, which stipulates up to a year behind bars and a $1000 fine, but laws still provide for imprisonment to those who possess the plant. Moreover, the commonwealth still has mandatory sentencing laws, all but guaranteeing a trip to jail for otherwise law-abiding, peaceful citizens.This weekend, thousands of demonstrators from Boston and beyond converged at Boston... more
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Outside the University of Colorado Police Department on Monday, cheers erupted from a crowd of marijuana advocates — some of whom were dressed as giant pot leaves — when a student was given back medical marijuana that police took from him in May.
“I wish I had a chance to talk to the officers who said I’d never get this back,” said CU sophomore Edward Nicholson, 20, who’s a medical-marijuana cardholder in Colorado.
CU police confiscated about 2 ounces of marijuana from Nicholson in his residence hall last spring, even though the then-freshman has a card legally certifying him to hold and administer the drug to his brother. Nicholson said his brother suffers from chronic, debilitating pain from football injuries and has been prescribed marijuana to help deal with the discomfort.[more]Outside the University of Colorado Police Department on Monday, cheers erupted from a... more
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LANSING -- Michigan voters will decide Nov. 4 whether they want their state greener. Not with an environmental plan, but with the leaves of medical marijuana. Proposal 1 would establish marijuana as a legal remedy for some illnesses.
Comment #1 posted by ekim on September 21, 2008 at 13:44:28 PT
last sentence wrong "grow unspecified amounts
4. Protections for the Medical Use of Marihuana. http://stoparrestingpatients.org/initiative.html Sec. 4. (a) A qualifying patient who has been issued and possesses a registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marihuana in accordance with this act, provided that the qualifying patient possesses an amount of marihuana that does not exceed 2.5 ounces of usable marihuana, and, if the qualifying patient has not specified that a primary caregiver will be allowed under state law to cultivate marihuana for the qualifying patient, 12 marihuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility. Any incidental amount of seeds, stalks, and unusable roots shall also be allowed under state law and shall not be included in this amount.
LANSING -- Michigan voters will decide Nov. 4 whether they want their state greener.... more
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Patricia Schwarz
September 18, 2008
Boston Globe (MA)
I would like to throw my whole-hearted support behind Adrian Walker in his crusade against marijuana. Marijuana is much more dangerous than people realize.
For example, recent government studies have shown that marijuana users are able to uproot and demolish entire city blocks when they're high.
More than 100,000 potheads celebrated Hempfest in Seattle last month. Has anyone heard from Seattle since then?
The truth is, the potheads destroyed the entire city. Marijuana has reduced Seattle to a pile of rubble, and the media are covering it up.
Just ask Adrian Walker. He knows the truth, and he's not afraid to tell it.Patricia Schwarz
September 18, 2008
Boston Globe (MA)
I would like to throw my... more
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After supporters of a plan to decriminalize marijuana cried foul over their opponents’ fundraising tactics yesterday, a powerful group of law enforcement officials and religious leaders stood before the State House and denounced the proposal as "dangerous" and "insulting."
Question 2, if passed, would reduce possession of up to an ounce of marijuana to a civil offense punishable by a small fine, rather than an arrest that straps simple offenders with criminal records and — according to backers of the plan — crowds prisons.
According to the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, the Massachusetts District Attorney Association and its team of Question 2 opponents raised funds for their campaign before official recognition by the Office of Campaign and Political Finance.
CSMP campaign manager Whitney Taylor said such actions make yesterday’s show of force a nonfactor and called remarks by opponents "scare tactics."
"I’m surprised in the first place that they broke the law," said Taylor, who has filed complaints.
Among those opposed to the initiative are all 11 of Massachusetts’ district attorneys, Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino. Those on the front line, however, were there to deliver their shots at the proposal.
"To see all the young black boys I’ve had to bury ... because of drug-related violence," said Rev. William Dickerson of the Greater Love Tabernacle in Dorchester. "Show me how marijuana can improve someone’s judgement, how it can bring families together, how it can curb the violence that plagues our society. I’d like to see it."
Suffolk County DA Daniel Conley and Middlesex County DA Gerry Leone both detailed recent cases involving marijuana-related crimes and pinned marijuana as a gateway drug that can lead offenders to more serious crimes.
Taylor said there is no link between marijuana use and criminal activity, except under the current law itself.After supporters of a plan to decriminalize marijuana cried foul over their... more
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BOSTON — A group supporting more lenient marijuana laws is trying to turn another law involving campaign financing against their opponents — the state's district attorneys.
The Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy, which supports a ballot referendum that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot, filed campaign finance complaints yesterday against organizations and individuals opposing their ballot question, including the Massachusetts District Attorney Association.
The complaints, filed with Office of Campaign and Political Finance and the Attorney General's office, allege that opponents of the marijuana ballot question committed 14 infractions of fundraising laws and another violation of campaign laws by allegedly publishing false statements.
"I find it quite egregious that people whose sole job is to uphold the law chose to break the law for political campaign means," said Whitney Taylor, the executive director of the pro-marijuana committee.[more]BOSTON — A group supporting more lenient marijuana laws is trying to turn... more
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Keith Saunders
September 18, 2008
Boston Globe (MA)
Adrian Walker's argument in opposition to the decriminalization of cannabis rests on an old, racist stereotype — namely, the assumption that drugs affect minorities differently (more negatively and thus posing more danger to society) than whites ("A question of possession," City & Region, Sept. 15).
The fact that we refer to cannabis as "marijuana" in legislation is a legacy from 1930s prohibitionists framing its use in racial terms, linking the plant to Mexicans.
The current law allows police officers discretion in the degree of enforcement. They may handcuff and arrest; they may issue a citation to appear before a magistrate; or they may just tell the offender to dispose of the cannabis. All options are legal.
I've lived and taught in Boston since 1993, and I can attest that college students' use is handled "in-house," while their working-class Roxbury neighbors are given a criminal record.
An arrest record is far more of an impediment to obtaining a job, housing, or keeping a family together than marijuana possession.
Under the decriminalization policy, enforcement of cannabis laws would be more uniform, more prevalent, and more just.Keith Saunders
September 18, 2008
Boston Globe (MA)
Adrian Walker's argument... more
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BOSTON — Some of the state’s leading law enforcement officials, including Worcester District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. and Worcester County Sheriff Guy W. Glodis, yesterday ripped into the ballot proposal to lower penalties for marijuana possession, arguing that use of marijuana leads to harder drugs and violent crime.
But proponents of the referendum that would eliminate criminal penalties for marijuana and reduce personal possession to a civil offense with a $100 fine, accused critics of using “scare tactics” and untruths in an attempt to defeat the measure.[more]BOSTON — Some of the state’s leading law enforcement officials, including... more
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A few weeks back, Berwyn Heights mayor, Cheye Calvo, was the subject of a no-knock warrant served on his home after a package addressed to his wife was delivered to his home. During shipping, drug dogs searched for and discovered 32 pounds of marijuana in that package. Police delivered the package dressed as FedEx deliverymen and were instructed to leave the package on the porch by Calvo’s mother-in-law. A few weeks back, Berwyn Heights mayor, Cheye Calvo, was the subject of a no-knock... more
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According to Polish Radio, a campaign to loosen the marijuana laws is underway in Poland.
A petition to the Ministry of Justice requesting the legalization of marijuana for personal use has already been signed by hundreds of people, including drug rehab specialists and members of Monar, a nonprofit group that works with addicts, the HIV/AIDS positive, and the homeless.
Now, would-be legalizers are trying a new tack: direct contact with members of parliament (MPs). "Cannabis canvassers" recruited via the Internet have been paying visits to politicians in an effort to win them
over, and it seems to be working. The canvassers have already collected the signatures of five MPs, including former health minister Marek Balicki.
Legalization of personal possession (or decriminalization) would be a step forward for Poland. Under current law, possession of even small amounts of marijuana is a serious criminal offense.
Poland became a member of the European Union on 1st May 2004 and has a population of around 38 million people.
Should the quest for decriminalisation be successful, Poland joins the Czech Republic, Holland, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, European states which have decriminalised cannabis in varying degree's over the last few years with the only noteable exception being Holland, which decriminalised the personal possession and use of cannabis over 30 years ago and as a result, now has one of the lowest drug user counts not only in Europe, but in the entire world.
According to Polish Radio, a campaign to loosen the marijuana laws is underway in... more
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