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Ten Lessons of Psychedelic Psychotherapy by Neil M. Goldsmith, Ph. D
1. Each drug has a specific effect.
2. Setting can strongly constrain and influence outcome.
3. Mindset can scuttle a beautiful context or transcend a hellish one.
4. In general, dose can determine whether it is a mild or extreme experience, although it is often
less important than setting and mindset.
5. Preparation, expectations and knowledge can enable lasting value.
6. Ritual can transmit prior wisdom and guide successful practice.
7. Support from experienced guides reduces fear and increases benefit.
8. Re-entry to a supportive socio-cultural/community context helps retention.
9. Accompanying depth psychotherapy (if needed) and ongoing spiritual practice offer the main
opportunity for lasting growth.
10. A revised world view is both a requirement for and a result of integrated psychedelic practice. 1. Each drug has a specific effect. 2. Setting can strongly constrain and influence outcome. ... more -
If Cops Really Oppose Sending Minor Pot Offenders To Jail
If Cops Really Oppose Sending Minor Pot Offenders To Jail, Then Why Do They Vehemently Oppose Efforts To Keep Us Free?
Voters in Massachusetts will decide this November on Question 2, which seeks to replace criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana with a civil fine of no more than $100. Polls show that nearly three-out-of-four voters back the measure.
Who opposes it?
That's an easy one. Who else?
Pardon me if I’m confused. On the one hand, you have law enforcement claiming that nobody goes to jail for pot possession. On the other hand, you have law enforcement actively opposing any and all efforts to reform America’s marijuana laws so that, in fact, nobody would actually go to jail for pot possession.
Question: Why do cops vehemently oppose measures that seek to comport the law in line with what they claim is already standard prosecutorial practice?
Is the answer:
a) The cops are full of it; people go to jail for violating marijuana laws all the time.
b) If cops stopped arresting minor pot offenders they wouldn’t know what else to do with their time.
or c) Most cops really believe marijuana consumers are “dirt bags” and “losers” who belong in jail.
Answer: Take your pick!
[more] If Cops Really Oppose Sending Minor Pot Offenders To Jail, Then Why Do They Vehemently Oppose Efforts To Keep Us Free? ... more -
Usa. Marijuana vs. malaria - ADUC Droghe - Notiziario Quotidiano
Alcuni componenti non cannabinoidi della marijuana posseggono importanti proprieta’ anti batteriche contro la malaria, lo stafilococco aureo e altri batteri resistenti alle normali medicine.
La ricerca, pubblicata sulla rivista Phytochemistry e condotta dall’Universita’ del Mississippi (National Center for Natural Products Research) rivela che undici componenti (non cannabinoidi) della cannabis posseggono qualita’ contro la malaria e contro un comune parassita della pelle, e che alcuni hanno anche qualita’ anti infiammatorie e anti ossidanti.
Il direttore della NORML, Paul Armentano, ha dichiarato: “Questo si intende quanto si parla di marijuana terapeutica, ossia l’efficacia, provata, dell’intera pianta a fini medici. Non si intende nulla di piu’ e nulla di meno”.
E' la seconda ricerca in poco tempo che conferma le proprieta' antibatteriche della cannabis. Alcuni componenti non cannabinoidi della marijuana posseggono importanti proprieta’ anti batteriche contro la malaria, lo stafilococco... more -
Massachusetts: Three Out Of Four Voters Favor Marijuana
Boston, MA: Nearly three out of four Massachusetts voters support a statewide ballot initiative that seeks to decriminalize the possession and use of small amounts of cannabis by persons age 18 or older, according to a Channel 7 News/Suffolk University poll of 400 registered voters.
Seventy-one percent of respondents said that they would vote "yes" on the November ballot measure, which would replace criminal penalties for the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana with a civil fine of no more than $100. Only 22 percent of respondents opposed the proposal.
Among respondents over 65 years of age, 70 percent said they backed decriminalization.
The strong poll numbers indicate that the measure "is all but certain" to pass in November, the poll's authors declared in a press release.
If voters approve the measure this fall, Massachusetts would be the first state to enact the decriminalization of marijuana since Nevada's legislature did so in 2001 and the first to do so by voter initiative.
Currently, twelve states have enacted versions of marijuana decriminalization -replacing criminal sanctions with fine-only penalties for minor pot violators.
Michigan voters will also decide on a separate statewide initiative this November that seeks to legalize the medical use of cannabis for qualified patients. If enacted, Michigan will become the thirteenth state since 1996 to authorize the legal use of medical cannabis, and the ninth state to do so by voter initiative.
For more information, please contact NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre at (202) 483-5500, or visit the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy. Boston, MA: Nearly three out of four Massachusetts voters support a statewide ballot initiative that seeks to decriminalize the posses... more -
On the Common, they like the grass
The distinct odor of burning incense - among other things - hung in the air over Boston Common yesterday afternoon during the 2008 Boston Hemp Fest.
A large crowd gathered, its members enjoying the warm, sunny weather and the diverse offerings of food vendors as they debated political ideas or simply relaxed on the grass.
"I tell you, it's eclectic. From getting things like nice tie-dye shirts to getting, like, say, falafels and things like that," said Lee Litif 44, of South Boston, who was decked out in tie-dyed clothes himself, along with sunflower-rimmed sunglasses. "It's utopia; it really is."
Litif was happy to express his support for an upcoming ballot question that would decriminalize marijuana possession in the state.
"No doubt. I'm for legalization of marijuana. Legalize gay marrage and legalize abortion, regardless," he said.
Supporters of both Question 2, the marijuana measure, and Question 1, which would eliminate the state income tax, were out in full force with literature, stickers, and even free fresh fruit to try to lure people to their side.
Arthur Torrey, a libertarian from Billerica, was handing out literature to passersby from a booth. Across the way, a group of socialists were handing out their materials.
"We agree on a lot of social issues," he said.
A number of people were smoking marijuana and some could be seen inhaling substances from balloons. Police reported making six arrests, but officials last evening did not have specifics on the charges.
Police were not visible walking through the crowds, but flashing blue lights on the perimeter of the Common reminded everyone that they were in the vicinity.
Before providing information on the arrests, Officer James Kenneally, a police spokesman, said the Hemp Fest was "rather orderly."
Globe correspondents Padraig Shea and Caitlin Castello contributed to this report. John Guilfoil can be reached at jguilfoil@globe.com The distinct odor of burning incense - among other things - hung in the air over Boston Common yesterday afternoon during the 2008 Bos... more -
Jeffrey Kongslie: Just say 'no' to WAMMfest medication
This coming Tuesday, Santa Cruz City Council members will once again be faced with deciding if the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical Marijuana WAMM should be granted an exemption to the non-smoking policy for San Lorenzo Park. The stated need for this exemption is to allow members to "utilize their medication" during a festival intended to raise funds and awareness for the organization. I urge the Santa Cruz City Council to oppose this exemption.
While I support the mission of WAMM and I recognize that there are people who legitimately use marijuana for medicinal purposes, I do not believe that sanctioning the use of our public spaces for this purpose, and the likely recreational drug use that will accompany it, is consistent with our goals as a community.
The city of Santa Cruz has invested significant taxpayer resources in ridding San Lorenzo Park, and the adjacent neighborhoods, of chronic drug use so that these spaces are again welcoming to the broader Santa Cruz community, especially families. For the city to then "open the floodgates" to this use for one day seems greatly at odds with its policies the other 364 days of the year.
While the event organizers hope to restrict the use of marijuana to a specific area, it was well-documented by the media that this was not enforced last year. It is not the intent of WAMM to host an event that is a destination for recreational marijuana users, but this trend was also documented by the media. I fear that while WAMM has good intentions, their goals and mission might be compromised by others with different goals. Remember, the 4/20 event at UCSC started out as a small student activity that has now grown to include hundreds of recreational drug users from across the Bay Area.
A concern that has not been addressed are where these "medicated" individuals go after the event. They are now under the influence of a controlled substance. Do they get in their cars and drive? Do they go downtown, just over the bridge? We have also invested significant resources in getting drug use out of our downtown area, and I fear this event will undermine those efforts as well.
Recently my aunt passed away after a brief and intense battle with cancer. During her treatments, she used marijuana medicinally and it was the only thing that enabled her to deal with the side effects. I firmly believe that it is right to have compassion for people with terminal or serious chronic conditions, whose suffering can be lessened by the use of marijuana. But there are more practical ways to express that support. I hope WAMM will rethink its approach to this event, with the understanding that there are community members who support their goals but cannot see the logic of lifting the smoking ban in the park.
I hope that our community leaders will consider the health and well-being of the entire community and our goals for the use of our public spaces when casting their votes on Tuesday.
Jeffrey Kongslie is the co-owner of Vinocruz, a downtown business, and serves on the city's Downtown Commission. This coming Tuesday, Santa Cruz City Council members will once again be faced with deciding if the Wo/Men's Alliance for Medical ... more -
Pot rally has cops fuming
Marijuana legalization advocates openly smoked pot at the annual Boston Freedom Rally on Boston Common yesterday, spurring arrests by Boston police.
“It’s one thing to protest the illegality of marijuana, that itself isn’t illegal,” said James Kenneally, BPD spokesman. “People have the right to free expression, but it’s another thing to smoke marijuana, which is an illegal narcotic, during the protest.”
The annual Boston Freedom Rally - described by organizers as “the largest marijuana reform gathering on the East Coast” - drew hundreds of stoners, activists and vendors to the park. They spent the bright, sunny afternoon touting their support for Question 2, which will appear on the ballot in November and would replace criminal penalties for possession of up to 1 ounce of marijuana with a fine of no more than $100.
“It’s a thing where we can unite for a cause to legalize weed, man,” said Howlin’ Jack Boone, 27, of Waltham, lead singer of the rally’s headline band, Graveyard BBQ. “This year we’re hoping for decriminalization, next year it’ll be a celebration.”
The Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition co-sponsored the event, along with the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
“We’re close to winning the first major battle with Question 2, and MassCann won’t stop until it’s legal, regulated and taxed,” said Steven Epstein, co-founder of the coalition.
Yesterday’s rally was “a combination of education and activism,” said Allen St. Pierre, NORML executive director.
Or, as guitarist “Brown Bag” Johnson of Graveyard BBQ put it, “We’re fighting against the man, burning the rope and having a good time.”
The arrests ruined the mellow mood for some participants.
“It’s a real fear. When they arrest you, it’s quick and swift,” said pot enthusiast Rachel Elorrisa, 29, of New Hampshire who admitted to “lighting up” before the rally. “Police are out here in street clothes, and when they arrest, you have to sit in that holding area all day.” Marijuana legalization advocates openly smoked pot at the annual Boston Freedom Rally on Boston Common yesterday, spurring arrests by ... more -
Face Off: Should Marijuana be Legalized? Yes - Opinion
Why is marijuana illegal? Once upon a time, there were several "facts" that made it seem obvious why it should be, but many of those "facts" are simply myths, and ridiculous ones at that.
Myth 1: Marijuana can cause dangerous, psychotic behavior.
Perhaps the most ridiculous of the myths; it is possibly the main reason for its prohibition. Marijuana was demonized and portrayed as a dangerous substance that would make you lose your mind. In fact, marijuana has some medicinal benefits and is less harmful than most of the side effects caused by prescription drugs.
Myth 2: "The War on Drugs" has been incredibly successful in putting away those terrible marijuana users.
Really? If you see successful as spending billions in tax dollars to incarcerate 37 million non-violent drug offenders, then sure. But, Jeffrey Miron, professor of economics at Harvard, says the legalization of marijuana would generate a tax revenue of $6.2 billion annually if taxed similar to alcohol and tobacco. We would also save $7.7 billion in government expenditure.
Some drug offenders serve more time than child molesters, and it costs between $20,000 and $30,000 per person per year to keep them in prison. I believe our tax dollars and our law enforcement would serve better purposes elsewhere and considering the state of our economy, that tax revenue might be a much-needed boost.
Myth 3: If legalized, there would be an increase in marijuana use, especially among youth. Use of most substances, including alcohol, is more prevalent among teenagers and 20-somethings. These are the people that are prone to experimentation, legal or not. Getting in trouble for underage use of legalized marijuana would be much less detrimental to teenagers' futures than sticking them with a misdemeanor or felony offense for the rest of their life.
Also, advertising would undoubtedly be restricted just as it is for cigarettes and alcohol, so no marketing for kids.
No Joe Camel, no Mary Jane.
In the Netherlands, the sale of marijuana is tolerated. The number of users did increase after more shops started selling it, but according to a recent World Health Organization survey, after that increase, Americans continue to use more marijuana than the Dutch.
Myth 4: Increase in use would mean more health problems. Marijuana smoke does contain carcinogens like cigarettes, but it tends to be used much less to achieve the desired result. The National Institute of Health's statistics show that 400,000 people die a year in cigarette-smoking related deaths. Yet, it also shows that there is no record of any marijuana related death in known history. These are some of the facts, and they are why I support the legalization of marijuana.
I'm not even a user, but I think people should educate themselves on the facts of this, or any issue, before drawing conclusions based on hearsay. In my opinion, the pros outweigh the cons in this case. Why is marijuana illegal? Once upon a time, there were several "facts" that made it seem obvious why it should be, but many ... more -
What If We Legalized All Drugs?
How does a $50 billion boost to the US economy sound? Not bad? Well, what about all the new addicts we could see pop up on the streets? Theoretically, it's all possible.
Every year, about 2 million people in the U.S. are arrested for drug offenses, including using or selling marijuana, heroin, cocaine or methamphetamine. About a third of the country's prisoners are held on drug charges or for crimes attributed to drug abuse.
But what if we legalized all street drugs?
More kids would decide to try drugs "just once," and more would get hooked. Some lives would be ruined. But other lives would be saved. Gang murders would fall sharply. Thousands of people now in jail would be free to find work and feed their families. We'd save billions on the war on drugs, and a new drug industry would create jobs and loads of taxable revenue.
More in the article. How does a $50 billion boost to the US economy sound? Not bad? Well, what about all the new addicts we could see pop up on the streets... more -
Marijuana ingredient may fight bacteria
Marijuana may be something of a wonder drug — though perhaps not in the way you might think.
Researchers in Italy and Britain have found that the main active ingredient in marijuana — tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — and related compounds show promise as antibacterial agents, particularly against microbial strains that are already resistant to several classes of drugs.
It has been known for decades that Cannabis sativa has antibacterial properties. Experiments in the 1950s tested various marijuana preparations against skin and other infections, but researchers at the time had little understanding of marijuana's chemical makeup.
The current research, by Giovanni Appendino of the University of the Eastern Piedmont and colleagues and published in The Journal of Natural Products, looked at the antibacterial activity of the five most common cannabinoids. All were found effective against several common multi-resistant bacterial strains, although, perhaps understandably, the researchers suggested that the nonpsychotropic cannabinoids might prove more promising for eventual use.
The researchers say they don't know how the cannabinoids work, and whether they would be effective as systemic antibiotics would require much more research and trials. But the compounds may prove useful sooner as a topical agent against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, to prevent the microbes from colonizing on the skin. Marijuana may be something of a wonder drug — though perhaps not in the way you might think. ... more -
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition Becomes Latest Victim of Government
LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST PROHIBITION BECOMES LATEST VICTIM OF GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP
By LEAP
Retired police detective, Howard Wooldridge, representing Law Enforcement Against Prohibition ( LEAP ), was ousted from the National Asian Peace Officers Association ( NAPOA ) Conference in Crystal City because he was representing a view contrary U.S. government policy.
LEAP is a 10,000-member organization of police, judges, prosecutors, DEA & FBI agents, and others who know ending drug prohibition will reduce death, disease, crime, and addiction, while saving billions of our tax dollars each year.
On Tuesday ( 8-26-2008 ) acting under pressure from unnamed federal officials, Reagan Fong, President of the NAPOA, insisted on the immediate removal of LEAP from the conference vendor roster. It appears that some of the event's other exhibitors took exception to the LEAP message and put pressure on the event organizer to expel LEAP from the event. While the incident was civil and took place prior to the second day's session it represents a serious violation of Constitutional rights as cited within the First Amendment.
Federal agency representatives manning booths at the conference included DEA, Federal Air Marshals, NCIS, and Coast Guard. The prior day LEAP's spokesperson had visited the DEA booth and described the agent as "decidedly unhappy" with an opposing viewpoint. In sharp contrast at 37 national and international law enforcement Conferences where LEAP has been allowed to exhibit, 80 percent of booth visitors agreed with LEAP's stance for ending this failed drug war.
As for the Crystal City NAPOA incident, the appearance of impropriety is almost as bad as the real thing. LEAP has attempted to establish contact with Mr. Fong, NAPOA President, to confirm the details of the incident but we have received no response so we can only conclude it is blatant censorship originating from a judgmental "Big Brother" mentality. LEAP believes that this group owes us an apology. We ask that Mr. Fong identify the individual, agency or group that lobbied for our eviction from the event.
If this was an independent effort then he or she was acting outside the scope of authority and should receive administrative punishment for unprofessional actions. If this action was sanctioned by upper level management then the managers need to explain their behavior in an open forum. If this was sanctioned official action by the U.S. Government it is a serious matter which requires serious and immediate attention.
For more information about LEAP, visit http://www.leap.cc/
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake LAW ENFORCEMENT AGAINST PROHIBITION BECOMES LATEST VICTIM OF GOVERNMENT CENSORSHIP By LEAP ... more -
Holy Anointing Oil Saves Diabetic's Legs from Amputation after Gangrene
Holy anointing oil saves diabetic's legs from amputation after gangrene.
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Chong’s country dreams
Had he stayed in Alberta, Tommy Chong might just well be a country and western performer today.
“But, I don’t think I’d be alive, I’d be dead of alcoholism,” said Chong, who grew up in Edmonton and Calgary before finding fame south of the border.
“I was never a singer, I didn’t think I could sing,” he said on the phone from his Halifax hotel room yesterday. “When I do sing, it is country. It’s the only music that makes me feel like I really belong.”
Chong — one half of the hippie-stoner group Cheech and Chong — is in Halifax with his wife, Shelby, for three nights of shows at Yuk Yuk’s. He was on stage last night and will be back on tonight and tomorrow.
It was music that opened the comedic doors for Chong. He was playing in a blues band and signed to Motown when he made the switch to comedy.
“I had a love of comedy all my life,” said the former cast member of That ’70s Show. “Even before high school, I always had a best friend. I was always part of a comedy team. We would be doing silly things.
“When I was with Motown, the bass player and I were kind of like a comedy team.”
Chong realized he was more into comedy when he would haunt the improv clubs in Chicago more than the blues joints. He later teamed up with Cheech Marin in Vancouver, a partnership that produced a number of films and comedy records.
Chong said his recent troubles in the U.S., which saw him sentenced to nine months for selling bongs and other drug paraphernalia online, was due to his Cheech and Chong days.
“The Bush people declared war on the counterculture. They blamed the counterculture for stopping the Vietnam War, and I think they were afraid we would cause mischief with the Iraq War. So, it was a preemptive strike.”
Chong, who recently released a biography, said it was an enlightening experience for him going to jail — the best thing that could have happened.
“It turned me bitter toward the justice department, but in prison I realized there are forces in the universe that will take care of people that do wrong,” he said.
“The same force will protect me.” Had he stayed in Alberta, Tommy Chong might just well be a country and western performer today. ... more -
Eddy Lepp Gets A Speedy Trial
SAN FRANCISCO -- In an unanticipated turn of events, the bust of the world’s largest medical marijuana grow has developed into one of the shortest trials in federal court.
Opening arguments in the United States v. Charles “Eddy” Lepp were delivered yesterday morning to a freshly assembled jury. The judge gave her own speech as well, outlining the procedures in the trial, the elements of the charges, and various reflections on the importance of jury service. The government then proceeded to call all of its witnesses and present all of its exhibits. And when it was finally done, it was almost time for lunch. This approach is a novel one for the government. The prosecution in federal medical marijuana trials is typically vigorous, with witness testimony that spans a full week or more. With this case, however, it’s as though someone has suddenly pushed the turbo button.
The years of pre-trial legal wrangling weren’t exactly fast, but they did have plenty of twists and turns. For instance, Lepp came an inch shy of a key victory when the judge threw out the search warrant that was used against him in August 2004. The bubble burst on that hope, however, when the prosecutor successfully argued that law enforcement agents didn’t need a valid warrant to seize tens of thousands of plants from Lepp’s field. Deciding that issue alone took over a year and the testimony of several witnesses, those watching the case were expecting the same pace for the trial. Instead, the proceedings have whizzed by in a surreal blur.
According to the prosecutor, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hall, the reason for the acceleration is that the defense has stipulated two crucial facts: that the seized plants were marijuana and that they were grown on land owned by Lepp. Such stipulations remove the need for some witnesses, like those who testify about chains of evidence and laboratory test results. However, these omissions alone do not explain the brevity and the bareness of the government’s case. “We’ve boiled it down,” Hall explained to the jury during his opening statement. Indeed they have…and it seems that not much is left.
Hall’s case has focused almost entirely on the events of a single afternoon – August 9th, 2004 – when three local sheriffs took an impromptu joyride through Lepp’s field in the northern California town of Upper Lake. The sheriffs supposedly made the trip in order to observe the large marijuana crop that was said to be growing alongside Highway 20, but it ended up being much more than a quick drive. Things began to go awry when the little squad aroused the suspicions of onlookers, and it ended with the sheriffs claiming they were chased down and assaulted by people from Lepp’s property.
By all appearances, the sheriffs were mistaken for trespassers…and, as Hall described the incident, it was easy to understand why. After all, the sheriffs did enter Lepp’s property without permission, while out of uniform and riding in an unmarked truck. They proceeded to drive slowly down a private dirt road that ran along the perimeter of the field, visually appraising the crops as they went. They soon attracted shouted inquiries from people in the field, but the sheriffs simply ignored the questions put to them about who they were and why they were there. Two men in a sedan then started following them along the dirt road, eventually getting the truck to stop by passing it and then hitting their brakes. The sheriffs responded by leaping out of the truck with guns drawn, shouting, “Lake County Sheriff’s Department!” and ordering the sedan’s occupants down to the ground. SAN FRANCISCO -- In an unanticipated turn of events, the bust of the world’s largest medical marijuana grow has developed into one of ... more -
O.C. reacts to new medical marijuana rules
Dave Lucas, who in April retrieved a little more than 30 grams of seized purple Urkel marijuana and smoking pipes from Huntington Beach police, said he disagrees with some of the guidelines.
Lucas, who uses marijuana for post traumatic stress disorder, said he believes dispensaries should be able to squeak out some profit.
"A lot of pharmaceutical companies do," Lucas said. "None of them are nonprofit."
Contact the writer: 714-445-6688 or ccarcamo@ocregister.com Dave Lucas, who in April retrieved a little more than 30 grams of seized purple Urkel marijuana and smoking pipes from Huntington Beac... more -
Alberta's reefer madness hitting new highs
As Albertans go, they outnumber Catholics, smokers, Edmontonians, voters and overweight folk -- though a massive intake of potato chips might soon balance out the latter.
They're pot smokers, and a new study by Health Canada shows a staggering -- and presumably peckish -- 45.3% of Albertans have inhaled marijuana, with 34.7% returning for a regular hit of weed.
The 2007 federal government statistics place supposedly clean-cut, law-and-order Alberta as the second-most stoned province, just behind hippy-infested B.C., where 37.4% of citizens are repeat tokers of Cannabis sativa.
Cannabis sativa, for those who've avoided cultural contact for the past 40 years, is a psychoactive herb that generally produces pleasant emotions ranging from giddiness to well-being in smokers while stimulating hunger.
Before you start packing your bags, determined to leave this wasted western Babylon behind, take note that Alberta and B.C. aren't anomalies when it comes to dope consumption.
Just under a third of Canadians, or 32.2%, have smoked pot more than once, with another 6.9% admitting to at least trying marijuana.
Even in Newfoundland, the least cannabis-prone province, 26.4% of citizens have smoked up more than once.
It's reefer madness, no matter what side of the bong you're sitting on.
Albertans who morally support the law of the land will be horrified to think nearly half of their neighbours and co-workers are drug users, smoking from a secret stash of illegal narcotics.
Those who morally oppose the law of the land will be aghast over a justice system that labels nearly half of Albertans as criminals.
Professor Geraint Osborne, a social science/humanities researcher at the University of Alberta, is part of the latter camp -- he feels marijuana laws no longer reflect the society they are meant to protect.
"We have to start distinguishing between use and abuse of marijuana, as we do with alcohol," said Osborne.
"There are people who will abuse any substance, and others who will use that substance responsibly, and our policy has to change to address this issue."
Osborne says the sheer number of citizens who are breaking the law by smoking marijuana shows society has changed since cannabis was outlawed a century ago -- and yet users are still officially a criminal threat.
"That's why the majority are in the closet on this issue," he said.
"These are middle-class adults with kids and responsibilities, and they are not criminals at all."
The continued legal condemnation of marijuana users, according to Osborne, is the root of organized crime's interest in the drug and illegal activity connected with it.
"It's no different from bootlegging during prohibition."
For those who might be sitting on the fence over marijuana's legal and social status, hearing a university professor's sober opinion is a refreshing change, even if it reflects what many out-of-the-closet smokers have been saying all along.
Too often, the legalize-weed proponents come off as total waste-heads -- but the new numbers, suggesting widespread use by more than a third of Albertans, prove chronic smokers are to marijuana what the chronic drunk is to alcohol.
Someone whose life is consumed by a drug is not a worthy spokesman for change.
The majority of Alberta users, judging by the lack of giggling and bloodshot eyes in our offices and work spaces, are capable of handling marijuana the way they handle alcohol.
Whether you smoke it or not, agree with it or otherwise, the Health Canada study offers a clear message -- marijuana can be commonly used without harming society as a whole, just like alcohol.
If it wasn't the case, Alberta would be struggling to survive as a productive province.
For the majority of users, marijuana is a recreational treat, just like an occasional beer, or glass of wine.
And there are more than 1.2-million Albertans who've enjoyed it.
Make that 1.2-million criminals. As Albertans go, they outnumber Catholics, smokers, Edmontonians, voters and overweight folk -- though a massive intake of potato chip... more -
‘Blunt' ban under review to cut down on drug use
When Sylvia Quinton sees individually-wrapped cigars for sale at local gas stations, it feels like a tacit acceptance of the fact that somebody is going to be smoking marijuana.
"We need new laws to address the popular youth drug culture in the county," said Quinton, whose group, Suitland Life Development Corp., is lobbying the county to ban so-called "blunt" cigars from area stores.
But ask national policy experts, and they'll say a ban is just blowing smoke.
"This is very likely going to fail abjectly, like most other efforts to thwart the free market," said Allen St. Pierre, director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in Washington, D.C., who said there is little evidence suggesting that the number of smokers will decrease.
This fall, the Prince George's County Council will decide whether it's worth a try anyway, as they consider banning sale of tobacco products normally associated with marijuana use from most stores, gas stations and liquor stores. County law already bans the sale of rolling papers, which are primarily used to make cigarettes by wrapping tobacco in the paper.
Supporters of the measure include family groups and community activists who say selling cheap cigars encourages illegal drug use. If police or county inspectors catch a store selling the products, they could face a $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail if the bill passes.
The bill was introduced in June at the request of County Council Chairman Samuel H. Dean (D-Dist. 6) of Mitchellville. He did not return calls for comment. A council committee will review the legislation when it resumes meeting next month.
Nicknamed for the "Philly Blunt" brand, the cigars are usually cheap, sometimes flavored and have a tough outer shell that can be emptied out and filled with marijuana.
According to the county police department, 1,621 people were arrested in 2007 for drug possession. More than 1,200 of those cases were for marijuana.
A spokesman for the department declined to comment on the latest bill, saying the department had not seen the legislation.
Quinton, whose group lobbies for drug-free communities, said banning blunts is the next step in clamping down on drug use.
"Over the years, we've addressed issues of underage alcohol and cigarettes," she said. "Our kids have moved on."
Banning blunts has had a mixed track record so far. Both Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia have passed laws banning the sale, though a court in Pennsylvania last year invalidated the law there.
Attempts to apply the blunt ban across Maryland failed this year in the General Assembly over protests that it infringed on legal tobacco use. If Prince George's passes the ban, it would be the first county in the state to do so.
"This is an environmental strategy," said Quinton, who said the change would raise community "norms and perceptions."
"Anything's worth a try," she said. "At least it will put it on our radar."
Quinton compared the law to recent national changes that require people buying certain kinds of over-the-counter medicine to submit their driver's license, since the chemicals can be used to manufacture methamphetamine.
But it hasn't worked, St. Pierre said.
"Methamphetamines are just available now," said St. Pierre. "Now you and I just have to go through this nitwittery to buy something over the counter. …While it's certainly well-intentioned, the citizen in the free market pays the price primarily." When Sylvia Quinton sees individually-wrapped cigars for sale at local gas stations, it feels like a tacit acceptance of the fact that... more -
Cannabis: police seizures show drop in drug's strength
The potency of cannabis gathered in police seizures has dropped, new official data reveals, casting doubt on one of the government's key arguments for reclassifying the drug from class C to class B.
Figures collected by the Forensic Science Service and seen by guardian.co.uk show that the potency of herbal cannabis, which includes the strong "skunk" strain, has dropped from 12.7% to 9.5% since 2004, when it was first moved from class B to the less serious class C.
This means that samples collected by the police are now weaker than when David Blunkett, the then-home secretary, downgraded the drug in 2004.
According to the figures the level of THC - the main psychoactive ingredient - in herbal cannabis was 12.7% in 2004, 13.5% in 2005 and 11.3% in 2006, before dropping to 9.5% in 2007, the year covered by the latest figures. Cannabis resin, a milder form, has decreased in strength from 3.4% to 2.6% between 2004 and 2007.
The FSS said the figures were not representative and were from too small a sample.
But David Porteous, a criminology lecturer from Middlesex University, said: "This information suggests that, in the time that it has been a class C drug, usage levels of cannabis have fallen and so has its strength. These findings make a mockery of the decision to re-reclassify cannabis and of the government's wider claim to base policy-making decisions on scientific research.
"Furthermore they call into question the validity of other controversial and publicly criticised government claims regarding drug policy, for example the link between cannabis and mental illness or the legitimacy of our current classification system."
Announcing the regrading of the drug in May, home secretary Jacqui Smith told the Commons that the potency of marijuana had "increased nearly threefold since 1995".
A spokesman for the Home Office said that the home secretary's assertion was based on a report from May this year entitled Home Office Cannabis Potency Study 2008. This report gave the median potency of sinsemilla (stronger strains such as skunk) as 15%, that of other herbal cannabis as 9%, and that of resin as 5%. No statistics for 1995 were given.
Another Home Office report, from April this year, also using FSS figures, casts further doubt on Smith's assertion. It says the strength of sinsemilla, intensively grown cannabis, rose from 5.8% in 1995 to 10.4% in 2007, less than a twofold increase. The strength of other forms of herbal cannabis was 3.9% in 1995 and 2.6% in 2007, a drop.
The FSS is a government organisation that supplies forensic science services to ministerial departments, government agencies and police forces. It released the new figures seen by guardian.co.uk earlier this month.
A spokeswoman for the FSS said that the figures seen by guardian.co.uk were "unlikely to be an accurate representation of THC in cannabis across the board as not all samples submitted to the FSS are routinely analysed for THC content. The FSS database also does not distinguish between sinsemilla cannabis and imported herbal cannabis."
She said the FSS had been involved in the May 2008 report used by Smith to make her decision. "The FSS participated in an in-depth study of THC content for the Home Office in partnership with other forensic agencies, and this is likely to be more representative of actual cannabis strength." The potency of cannabis gathered in police seizures has dropped, new official data reveals, casting doubt on one of the government... more -
Billionaire champions pot reform
BOSTON — A measure that would decriminalize minor marijuana-possession cases is on the ballot in Massachusetts largely because of one man: billionaire financier and liberal activist George Soros.
Of the $429,000 collected last year by the group advancing the measure, $400,000 came from Soros, who has championed similar efforts in several states and spent $24 million to fight President Bush's 2004 re-election bid. The Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy needed about $315,000 of that just to collect the more than 100,000 signatures that secured a spot on the ballot, according to campaign finance reports reviewed by The Associated Press.
"All of us owe George Soros a great deal of gratitude," said Keith Stroup, founder of NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.
If the measure is approved in November, Massachusetts would become the 13th state to lift or ease criminal penalties on marijuana possession. The proposal would make having an ounce or less of the drug a civil offense punishable by a $100 fine.
A spokesman for Soros referred questions to Ethan Nadelmann, executive director of the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance. Soros' efforts to ease penalties for drug crimes have come through the alliance, where he is a member of the board of directors.
Nadelmann said Soros feels the war on drugs is draining money and resources that could be better spent.
"He
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thinks the (ballot question) is a responsible initiative to reduce the overreliance on criminal justice sanctions in dealing with marijuana," Nadelmann said. "Marijuana should not be a priority of the criminal justice system."
Soros is credited with putting financial muscle behind many of the state initiatives easing marijuana laws — beginning with a 1996 California ballot question to allow marijuana use for medical purposes. From 1996 to 2000, Soros backed medical marijuana questions there and in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Nevada and Maine.
More recently he has focused on criminal justice reform efforts including pushing a proposal in California this year that would prohibit sending drug offenders back to prison for parole violations unless they commit a new felony, have a violent or serious record, or are considered high risk by prison officials.
He has also contributed to Barack Obama, Hillary Rodham Clinton and Joe Biden and has helped support a group running ads opposing Republican John McCain.
Soros's wealth was estimated at $8.8 billion by Forbes magazine last year. He was also the second-highest-paid hedge fund manager last year at $2.9 billion.
Critics say marijuana decriminalization sends the wrong message to young people — that using drugs carries few consequences. Not only are there health risks associated with marijuana, they say, but users often end up moving on to more dangerous illegal drugs.
Middlesex District Attorney Gerard Leone said the marijuana being sold on the street these days is more potent than that sold three decades ago.
"Decriminalizing marijuana is a slippery slope and sends the wrong message," he said. "Compounding this is the fact that users of marijuana are 10 times more likely to be injured, or injure others, in automobile crashes."
Leone said marijuana possession is already treated less stringently in the courts than other drugs.
The question has been criticized by others in law enforcement and drug education groups like DARE-Massachusetts — but according to the secretary of state's office, opponents haven't created a group to raise money to fight the question.
A whopping 72 percent of Massachusetts' voters favored the ballot question and 22 percent opposed it, according to a WHDH-TV/Suffolk University poll of 400 registered conducted from July 31-Aug. 3. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points. BOSTON — A measure that would decriminalize minor marijuana-possession cases is on the ballot in Massachusetts largely because of one ... more -
POLICE DRUG CRACKDOWN CLAIMS ICONS
NIMBIN'S Hemp Bar will close its doors on August 29 and the future of the Nimbin Museum is unclear after police issued a letter to the land owners of both buildings requesting they evict their tenants.
The letters were issued from the NSW Crown Solicitor's Office and evoke powers under the NSW Restricted Premises Act, 1943.
"The application is based on Detective Sergeant Smith's reasonable grounds to suspect that a drug is unlawfully sold or supplied on or from the premises ... and is likely to be sold again," the letter said.
One letter was presented to Judy Hales who is a member of the Nimbin Community School cooperative. The cooperative owns what is locally known as the 'tomato sauce building' and is home to the HEMP Embassy and the Hemp Bar.
Mrs Hales told The Northern Star a community school meeting was held that was open to members of the public, and it was decided they would act upon the letter.
"People were concerned about the fate of the building and didn't like to be placed under that threat," she said.
"People were also concerned about what would happen to the community sschool and its assets."
Mrs Hales said the people who ran the Hemp Bar agreed to vacate the building, saying it was 'in the best interests of the community, not just the community school'.
A similar letter is believed to have been served on the owner of the Nimbin Museum building.
The building is owned by a company associated with Sydney man, Richard Andary, who has never even been to Nimbin, according to museum founder Michael Balderstone.
The Northern Star contacted Mr Andary who declined to comment beyond saying the matter was with his solicitors.
At another meeting at Nimbin yesterday, Mr Balderstone said he would step aside if there was a way the community could take responsibility for the museum.
"I'm happy to leave if the museum can survive," he said. "I've had a lot of criticism for not stopping it (the dealing in the museum). A lot of people have said I'm too soft because I don't like seeing young boys locked up in jail.
"Since the MardiGrass we have really worked our butts off, and in the Hemp Bar I know for a fact there has been no dealing in there, and still they've done this, which is very disappointing. What happened to community policing?"
Nimbin resident Neil Pike said the museum was 'the heart of Nimbin'.
"It would be a tragedy if the museum didn't survive as a cultural icon and centre," he said.
"There is a certain amount of illegal activity happening, there is no doubt about it, but most of the crime in this town comes from alcohol." NIMBIN'S Hemp Bar will close its doors on August 29 and the future of the Nimbin Museum is unclear after police issued a letter t... more
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