Archived News
Posted January 15, 2012 by Quietus
[i]By Anne Saker, The Oregonian[/i]
April 15, 2010, 6:18PM
[img]http://media.oregonlive.com/portland_impact/photo/jackhererjpeg-243302c2d3531bff_large.jpeg[/img]
[sub]Jack Herer (left) with Dennis Peron (right), founder of the Cannabis Buyers Club, in San Francisco in 1996.[/sub]
Writer and activist Jack Herer, whose 1985 book "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" ignited the modern marijuana legalization movement, died Thursday from complications from a September heart ...
April 15, 2010, 6:18PM
[img]http://media.oregonlive.com/portland_impact/photo/jackhererjpeg-243302c2d3531bff_large.jpeg[/img]
[sub]Jack Herer (left) with Dennis Peron (right), founder of the Cannabis Buyers Club, in San Francisco in 1996.[/sub]
Writer and activist Jack Herer, whose 1985 book "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" ignited the modern marijuana legalization movement, died Thursday from complications from a September heart ...
Posted January 15, 2012 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Craig R. McCoy, Nancy Phillips, and Dylan Purcell - Inquirer Staff Writers[/i]
The city's new district attorney and the state Supreme Court are moving to all but decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use in an effort to unclog Philadelphia's crowded court dockets.
Under a policy to take effect later this month, prosecutors will charge such cases as summary offenses rather than as misdemeanors. People arrested with up to 30 grams of th...
The city's new district attorney and the state Supreme Court are moving to all but decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use in an effort to unclog Philadelphia's crowded court dockets.
Under a policy to take effect later this month, prosecutors will charge such cases as summary offenses rather than as misdemeanors. People arrested with up to 30 grams of th...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
Meeting began: 7:47PM
12 people in attendance
[u][b]I. PhillyNORML News and Status[/b][/u]
[b]A. Treasurer's report[/b]: Current financial assets are at $3401.56.
[u][b]II. Open Discussion, Introductions[/b][/u]
Interest was expressed in starting a new chapter of NORML at Bucks County Community College.
[u][b]III. Old Business[/b][/u]
[b]A. PA4MMJ / HB1393 Campaign [/b]
[list]
[li]HHS committee of House of Reps. will have another hearing somet...
12 people in attendance
[u][b]I. PhillyNORML News and Status[/b][/u]
[b]A. Treasurer's report[/b]: Current financial assets are at $3401.56.
[u][b]II. Open Discussion, Introductions[/b][/u]
Interest was expressed in starting a new chapter of NORML at Bucks County Community College.
[u][b]III. Old Business[/b][/u]
[b]A. PA4MMJ / HB1393 Campaign [/b]
[list]
[li]HHS committee of House of Reps. will have another hearing somet...
Posted January 15, 2012 by Quietus
[i]BATTLE CREEK, Mich. (WZZM)[/i] - Now that medical marijuana is legal in Michigan, can an employer fire a worker who tests positive for the drug?
WalMart says it can, so it did.
"I was terminated because I failed a drug screening," says former WalMart employee Joseph Casias.
In 2008, Casias was the Associate Of The Year at the WalMart store in Battle Creek, despite suffering from sinus cancer and an inoperable brain tumor.
At his doctor's recommendat...
WalMart says it can, so it did.
"I was terminated because I failed a drug screening," says former WalMart employee Joseph Casias.
In 2008, Casias was the Associate Of The Year at the WalMart store in Battle Creek, despite suffering from sinus cancer and an inoperable brain tumor.
At his doctor's recommendat...
Posted January 15, 2012 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]Written by Cliff Kincaid Sunday, 07 March 2010 20:03[/i]
The left says he was a right-winger; the conservatives say that he was a leftist. What is abundantly clear, from reading his Internet commentaries, is that Pentagon shooter John Patrick Bedell was a psychotic pothead. He hated a government that he believed was standing in the way of his desire to use, grow and glorify marijuana. He virtually worshipped the drug. "I'm a cannabis enthusiast," he proclaimed.
In terms...
The left says he was a right-winger; the conservatives say that he was a leftist. What is abundantly clear, from reading his Internet commentaries, is that Pentagon shooter John Patrick Bedell was a psychotic pothead. He hated a government that he believed was standing in the way of his desire to use, grow and glorify marijuana. He virtually worshipped the drug. "I'm a cannabis enthusiast," he proclaimed.
In terms...
Posted January 15, 2012 by Quietus
[i]By MOLLY HOTTLE[/i]
The Iowa Board of Pharmacy on Wednesday unanimously recommended that the Legislature legalize marijuana for medical uses.
In a 6-0 vote, the board also called for lawmakers to change the classification of marijuana to a Schedule II drug. Such drugs have the potential for abuse but also have accepted medical uses.
The board's action makes it the first state pharmacy panel to take such a stance before either legislators or voters took steps to lega...
The Iowa Board of Pharmacy on Wednesday unanimously recommended that the Legislature legalize marijuana for medical uses.
In a 6-0 vote, the board also called for lawmakers to change the classification of marijuana to a Schedule II drug. Such drugs have the potential for abuse but also have accepted medical uses.
The board's action makes it the first state pharmacy panel to take such a stance before either legislators or voters took steps to lega...
Posted January 15, 2012 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]PITTSTON, PA (wvia)[/i] - Should marijuana be available to Pennsylvanians who suffer from cancer, AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses? [b]We will discuss this issue on the next State of Pennsylvania Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. on WVIA-TV.[/b]
Recent testimony before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (www.youtube.com/pa4mmj) supports the practice of using marijuana as a safe and effective means to manage the pain of grave disease as well as subsequent treatments. Our l...
Recent testimony before the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (www.youtube.com/pa4mmj) supports the practice of using marijuana as a safe and effective means to manage the pain of grave disease as well as subsequent treatments. Our l...
Posted January 15, 2012 by Quietus
[i]By Joel Warner in Follow That Story, MarijuanaFri., Feb. 12 2010 @ 2:29PM[/i]
[img]http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/assets_c/2009/03/michael%20lee-thumb-250x166.jpg[/img]
Michael Lee's lab, Genovations, was raided yesterday by the DEA.
We recently wrote about how a DEA raid at Full Spectrum Laboratories, a Denver medical marijuana testing facility, was triggered by the lab applying for an analytical lab licensure through the DEA. Now DEA agents have hit another ...
[img]http://blogs.westword.com/latestword/assets_c/2009/03/michael%20lee-thumb-250x166.jpg[/img]
Michael Lee's lab, Genovations, was raided yesterday by the DEA.
We recently wrote about how a DEA raid at Full Spectrum Laboratories, a Denver medical marijuana testing facility, was triggered by the lab applying for an analytical lab licensure through the DEA. Now DEA agents have hit another ...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
Action alert for all members: Sign the [url=http://criminaljustice.change.org/actions/view/demand_cbs_reverse_decision_declaring_pro-marijuana_ad_too_political]PETITION[/url]!
We need 5,000 signatures. As of this writing, we are at 3,241. Media who pick and choose what their audience sees based on some outdated, insane 'morality' which often times is against the true morals and interests of the media entity in question, should be punished. CBS thinks people shouldn't do ma...
We need 5,000 signatures. As of this writing, we are at 3,241. Media who pick and choose what their audience sees based on some outdated, insane 'morality' which often times is against the true morals and interests of the media entity in question, should be punished. CBS thinks people shouldn't do ma...
Posted January 15, 2012 by anonymous professional
[i]By PETER JACKSON Associated Press Writer[/i]
Updated: 01/29/2010 10:09:18 PM EST
HARRISBURG, Pa. - In the first debate of Pennsylvania's gubernatorial campaign, the four Democratic candidates for governor jousted Friday night over some of the hottest issues at a gathering sponsored by labor unions and citizen activist groups.
Questions posed by some of the roughly 300 people at the first Pennsylvania Progressive Summit illuminated differences among the candidates on...
Updated: 01/29/2010 10:09:18 PM EST
HARRISBURG, Pa. - In the first debate of Pennsylvania's gubernatorial campaign, the four Democratic candidates for governor jousted Friday night over some of the hottest issues at a gathering sponsored by labor unions and citizen activist groups.
Questions posed by some of the roughly 300 people at the first Pennsylvania Progressive Summit illuminated differences among the candidates on...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Storm Crow
How this [url=http://www.phillynorml.org/forum/index.php?topic=1085]list[/url] came about-
[i][b]"If the truth won't do, then something is wrong!"[/b][/i]
Those were the furious words of my grandfather to my Mother. I had walked in from joyfully stuffing my face with red raspberries in the garden, straight into "war zone"! My gentle grandfather in a fury, his hand raised! Mom was just beginning to shrink back away from him. They saw me and qui...
[i][b]"If the truth won't do, then something is wrong!"[/b][/i]
Those were the furious words of my grandfather to my Mother. I had walked in from joyfully stuffing my face with red raspberries in the garden, straight into "war zone"! My gentle grandfather in a fury, his hand raised! Mom was just beginning to shrink back away from him. They saw me and qui...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Quietus
PA ponders medical marijuana
New Jersey is poised to become the next state to allow marijuana use for medical purposes. It took advocates years to push the bill through the General Assembly - and the result is a compromise that would create the most restrictive medical marijuana law yet. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania lawmakers just kicked off their debate last month. For the Health and Science Desk, Taunya English reports on worries from opponents and one patient's story.
Wal...
New Jersey is poised to become the next state to allow marijuana use for medical purposes. It took advocates years to push the bill through the General Assembly - and the result is a compromise that would create the most restrictive medical marijuana law yet. Meanwhile, Pennsylvania lawmakers just kicked off their debate last month. For the Health and Science Desk, Taunya English reports on worries from opponents and one patient's story.
Wal...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Ellen Leyva[/i]
[url=http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=7171423]Watch the video[/url]
LAGUNA WOODS, Calif. -- It's the last place you might expect to find hundreds of people smoking pot: But seniors living at the Laguna Woods Village retirement community -- also known as "Leisure World" -- have formed a non-profit, patient-run medical marijuana collective.
Golf is a way of life at Laguna Woods Village, also known as "Leisure World."
[url=http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=7171423]Watch the video[/url]
LAGUNA WOODS, Calif. -- It's the last place you might expect to find hundreds of people smoking pot: But seniors living at the Laguna Woods Village retirement community -- also known as "Leisure World" -- have formed a non-profit, patient-run medical marijuana collective.
Golf is a way of life at Laguna Woods Village, also known as "Leisure World."
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By ASA Medical & Scientific Advisory Board Member Jahan Marcu[/i]
As a member of ASA's Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, I've been actively engaged in pursuing further evidence of the medical efficacy of cannabis-based medicine. Some of this work occurred while I was working at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute (CPMCRI), and yesterday the findings of that work were published by the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. With this stud...
As a member of ASA's Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, I've been actively engaged in pursuing further evidence of the medical efficacy of cannabis-based medicine. Some of this work occurred while I was working at the California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute (CPMCRI), and yesterday the findings of that work were published by the peer-reviewed journal Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. With this stud...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[b]Ep. 109 - i on PA episode[/b]
[url=http://www.pahouse.com/mediacenter/ionpa/IOPA.asp?strNm=12252009_episode]See the video[/url]
[i]i on Pennsylvania is a biweekly video podcast of public policy issues in Pennsylvania.[/i]
Imagine living in constant pain and discomfort from a debilitating disease or the side effects of powerful prescription drugs. The safest relief you can get is from the controlled use of medical marijuana, but you could get arrested. Should it be l...
[url=http://www.pahouse.com/mediacenter/ionpa/IOPA.asp?strNm=12252009_episode]See the video[/url]
[i]i on Pennsylvania is a biweekly video podcast of public policy issues in Pennsylvania.[/i]
Imagine living in constant pain and discomfort from a debilitating disease or the side effects of powerful prescription drugs. The safest relief you can get is from the controlled use of medical marijuana, but you could get arrested. Should it be l...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Penny Coleman, AlterNet. Posted December 29, 2009.[/i]
Medical marijuana may have a host of advantages over other treatments for traumatized vets, but the VA won't even study its efficacy.
"There's a lot of things I'm passionate about, but getting a prescription for my marijuana from the VA is probably at the top of my list. I'd be like a kid waiting up for Santa if I thought he might be bringing me one of those. Haha!"
On top of a...
Medical marijuana may have a host of advantages over other treatments for traumatized vets, but the VA won't even study its efficacy.
"There's a lot of things I'm passionate about, but getting a prescription for my marijuana from the VA is probably at the top of my list. I'd be like a kid waiting up for Santa if I thought he might be bringing me one of those. Haha!"
On top of a...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Derek Rosenzweig[/i]
Consistent with previous polls, medical marijuana remains an idea that Pennsylvanians support. Today, Quinnipiac Univeristy Polling released the results of its latest poll of PA politics and issues. Directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., Quinnipiac conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research.
Polling shows a total 59% in favor of medical marijua...
Consistent with previous polls, medical marijuana remains an idea that Pennsylvanians support. Today, Quinnipiac Univeristy Polling released the results of its latest poll of PA politics and issues. Directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., Quinnipiac conducts public opinion surveys in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and the nation as a public service and for research.
Polling shows a total 59% in favor of medical marijua...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By BRIAN THOMPSON[/i]
A judge reversed course today, allowing a man on trial for possession of 17 marijuana plants that he was growing during the summer of 2008 to testify about his medical condition.
Judge Robert Reed had earlier ruled that defendant John Ray Wilson could not present a defense based on this medical condition.
But then, after taking the stand in his own defense today, and after multiple conferences among the lawyers and the judge, Wilson was a...
A judge reversed course today, allowing a man on trial for possession of 17 marijuana plants that he was growing during the summer of 2008 to testify about his medical condition.
Judge Robert Reed had earlier ruled that defendant John Ray Wilson could not present a defense based on this medical condition.
But then, after taking the stand in his own defense today, and after multiple conferences among the lawyers and the judge, Wilson was a...
Posted December 08, 2009 by phillynormlmedia
[i]12/8/09 from Chris Goldstein[/i]
[url=http://whyy.org]WHYY Philadelphia[/url], one of the nations largest public radio-tv outlets, is hosted an interactive web-chat on the topic of medical marijuana Tuesday December 8, 2009. Guests included PA4MMJ's spokesman Chris Goldstein and Edward M. Marsico Jr. President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and District Attorney for Dauphin County. The session was hosted by WHYY Health and Science Reporter Taunya English. A replay o...
[url=http://whyy.org]WHYY Philadelphia[/url], one of the nations largest public radio-tv outlets, is hosted an interactive web-chat on the topic of medical marijuana Tuesday December 8, 2009. Guests included PA4MMJ's spokesman Chris Goldstein and Edward M. Marsico Jr. President of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and District Attorney for Dauphin County. The session was hosted by WHYY Health and Science Reporter Taunya English. A replay o...
Posted April 29, 2010 by phillynormlmedia
When PhillyNORML/PA4MMJ put out the call for written submissions on HB 1393 one of the nation's foremost experts on medical cannabis responded: Paul Armentano of National NORML.
Paul is also the co-author of the recent book [url=http://www.amazon.com/Marijuana-Safer-Driving-People-Drink/dp/1603581448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259964681&sr=8-1][i]Marijuana is Safer[/i][/url].
Here is his written testimony in full, as submitted to the PA House Health and Human Ser...
Paul is also the co-author of the recent book [url=http://www.amazon.com/Marijuana-Safer-Driving-People-Drink/dp/1603581448/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259964681&sr=8-1][i]Marijuana is Safer[/i][/url].
Here is his written testimony in full, as submitted to the PA House Health and Human Ser...
Posted April 29, 2010 by mymedimar
I attended yesterday's meeting in Harrisburg, and as always was prepared to be opened minded on both sides of the issues. I am sure it is no wonder that I thought the points raised by 1393 supporters were much stronger than those presented by its detractors.
First off, for all of you stoners out there let me clarify that this is for medicinal purposes only. You may consider this legislation "gateway" legislation for generalized legalization, but those pure...
First off, for all of you stoners out there let me clarify that this is for medicinal purposes only. You may consider this legislation "gateway" legislation for generalized legalization, but those pure...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]Sarah Arbogast Staff reporter - 5:23 PM EST, December 2, 2009[/i]
HARRISBURG, PA - The push for legalizing marijuana for medical use moves into Pennsylvania.
Lawmakers, patients, and health experts gather at the state capitol to push for House Bill 1393. The proposal would give seriously ill patients across the state access to marijuana.
"With having progressive MS, the drugs I was on did damage to my heart. At the time I didn't have the choice of me...
HARRISBURG, PA - The push for legalizing marijuana for medical use moves into Pennsylvania.
Lawmakers, patients, and health experts gather at the state capitol to push for House Bill 1393. The proposal would give seriously ill patients across the state access to marijuana.
"With having progressive MS, the drugs I was on did damage to my heart. At the time I didn't have the choice of me...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[b]It was standing room only as those for and against lined up to deliver tales and pleas.[/b]
[i]By Amy Worden - Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau[/i]
HARRISBURG - The heart-wrenching stories came from both sides.
A Pittsburgh man testified of wishing he could have used pot to ease his dying mother's "excruciating pain." Parents of drug-addicted children said the last thing the state should do is join the 13 others that allow medical use of marijuana.
[i]By Amy Worden - Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau[/i]
HARRISBURG - The heart-wrenching stories came from both sides.
A Pittsburgh man testified of wishing he could have used pot to ease his dying mother's "excruciating pain." Parents of drug-addicted children said the last thing the state should do is join the 13 others that allow medical use of marijuana.
Posted April 29, 2010 by phillynormlmedia
11/26/09 - PA4MMJ is pleased to report that the AIDS Law Project sent in their comments for the HB 1393 legislative hearings next week. Here they are in full. - [i]Chris Goldstein and Derek Rosenzweig[/i]
[url=http://www.aidslawpa.org/]http://www.aidslawpa.org/[/url]
COMMENTS ON HB 1393 SUBMITTED BY: [b]AIDS LAW PROJECT OF PENNSYLVANIA[/b]
The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania supports clients and others affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic by urging the passing of HB 1393, the ...
[url=http://www.aidslawpa.org/]http://www.aidslawpa.org/[/url]
COMMENTS ON HB 1393 SUBMITTED BY: [b]AIDS LAW PROJECT OF PENNSYLVANIA[/b]
The AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania supports clients and others affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic by urging the passing of HB 1393, the ...
Posted April 29, 2010 by RxxY
[i]November 10th, 2009 By: Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director[/i]
The Schedule I federal classification of cannabis - which states that, by law, the marijuana plant and its natural compounds have "no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States" - has long since passed the point of farcical. Nevertheless, defenders of the so-called 'Schedule I lie' have possessed, for nearly 30 years, one prestigious ally that they could always rely on to endorse their absurd po...
The Schedule I federal classification of cannabis - which states that, by law, the marijuana plant and its natural compounds have "no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States" - has long since passed the point of farcical. Nevertheless, defenders of the so-called 'Schedule I lie' have possessed, for nearly 30 years, one prestigious ally that they could always rely on to endorse their absurd po...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]November 9, 2009 - Chris Goldstein, Communications Director PhillyNORML[/i]
[b]WHO[/b]: Pennsylvania House Health and Human Services committee
[b]WHAT[/b]: Public Hearings on HB 1393, medical marijuana in PA
[b]WHEN[/b]: December 2, 2009, 11:00 AM
[b]WHERE[/b]: Room 140, Main Capitol, Pennsylvania Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA
[b]CONTACT[/b]: media@phillynorml.org
Philadelphia - Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) is pleased to announce tha...
[b]WHO[/b]: Pennsylvania House Health and Human Services committee
[b]WHAT[/b]: Public Hearings on HB 1393, medical marijuana in PA
[b]WHEN[/b]: December 2, 2009, 11:00 AM
[b]WHERE[/b]: Room 140, Main Capitol, Pennsylvania Capitol Building, Harrisburg, PA
[b]CONTACT[/b]: media@phillynorml.org
Philadelphia - Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) is pleased to announce tha...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]Punishment for drug sales within 1,000 feet of schools has unintended consequences
By Holly Herman
Reading Eagle[/i]
A Berks County judge called for immediate action from legislators to repeal a law allowing prosecutors to seek mandatory sentences for drug dealers selling within 1,000 feet of a school.
"We cannot continue to fill up the prisons with nonviolent people who sell marijuana," Judge Linda K.M. Ludgate said. "We are in a state budget cr...
By Holly Herman
Reading Eagle[/i]
A Berks County judge called for immediate action from legislators to repeal a law allowing prosecutors to seek mandatory sentences for drug dealers selling within 1,000 feet of a school.
"We cannot continue to fill up the prisons with nonviolent people who sell marijuana," Judge Linda K.M. Ludgate said. "We are in a state budget cr...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By DEVLIN BARRETT (AP) - 36 minutes ago[/i]
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws, under new policy guidelines to be sent to federal prosecutors Monday.
Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict complian...
WASHINGTON - The Obama administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws, under new policy guidelines to be sent to federal prosecutors Monday.
Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict complian...
Posted April 29, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
Tuesday, May 12, 2009CONTACT: Megan Chiplock <chiplock@temple.edu> 215-707-1731
In lieu of curing a debilitating disease, the next best thing scientists can do is slow its progression and create better treatments.
Armed with a $1.5 million National Institutes of Health grant, Temple researchers are studying more effective ways to treat multiple sclerosis. A...
Posted May 23, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
With the PA budget being finalized within the next week, and [url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2009&sind=0&body=H&type=B&BN=1393]HB 1393[/url] hearings soon to be scheduled, PhillyNORML and Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana seriously need funds. We do what we can with our own money, and that which we raise through T-shirt and lighter sales, but to make a real impact on the community we need more. To that end, we are going to raise $5,000 to g...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Quietus
[i]ARCATA, Ca.[/i] - Washington Post: American Mom-and-Pop Marijuana Growers Are Cutting Into Profits of Foreign TraffickersStiff competition from thousands of mom-and-pop marijuana farmers in the United States threatens the bottom line for powerful Mexican drug organizations in a way that decades of arrests and seizures have not, according to law enforcement officials and pot growers in the Unit...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Ken Wolski, RN, MPA, Executive Director CMMNJ[/i]
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ) was pleased to see that all three candidates for governor of New Jersey said that they support medical marijuana. Democrat Jon Corzine, Republican Chris Christie and Independent Chris Daggett all agreed to sign a medical marijuana access law [url=http://www.njn.net/newspublicaffairs/coverage/09governorrace/debate1001.html]during a debate Thursday[/url]. According to [url=htt...
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ) was pleased to see that all three candidates for governor of New Jersey said that they support medical marijuana. Democrat Jon Corzine, Republican Chris Christie and Independent Chris Daggett all agreed to sign a medical marijuana access law [url=http://www.njn.net/newspublicaffairs/coverage/09governorrace/debate1001.html]during a debate Thursday[/url]. According to [url=htt...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Quietus
[i]By Kelly Jerome and Traci L. Weisenbach[/i]
Published: Monday, October 5, 2009 12:30 PM EDT
BAD AXE - It is rare that a person of interest in connection to a marijuana raid would, against attorney advice, speak to local media. But, Jeffery David Ellis, of Livonia, said he wants his story told for two reasons.
First, he said he did nothing wrong.
Second, he wants his possessions returned, including marijuana from the 34 mature plants found in the bas...
Published: Monday, October 5, 2009 12:30 PM EDT
BAD AXE - It is rare that a person of interest in connection to a marijuana raid would, against attorney advice, speak to local media. But, Jeffery David Ellis, of Livonia, said he wants his story told for two reasons.
First, he said he did nothing wrong.
Second, he wants his possessions returned, including marijuana from the 34 mature plants found in the bas...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Anna McCarthy[/i]
Today was day one of three at NORML's 38th Annual Conference, which is being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel off of Union Square. NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, is a non-profit that has been trying to convince the world about marijuana's miracles since 1970. The theme this year, "Yes We Cannabis," evokes an already tried and true slogan, and a poster for the conference even features a rendering of President ...
Today was day one of three at NORML's 38th Annual Conference, which is being held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel off of Union Square. NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, is a non-profit that has been trying to convince the world about marijuana's miracles since 1970. The theme this year, "Yes We Cannabis," evokes an already tried and true slogan, and a poster for the conference even features a rendering of President ...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]by Edward Pane, CAC Diplomate, CCS[/i]
Editor's note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of PCB.
On April 30, 2009, Rep. Mark Cohen introduced House Bill 1393 to the Pennsylvania legislature, Pennsylvania's entry into the arena of other states which have either legalized or are in the process of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. The short title is, "An Act providing for the medical use of ma...
Editor's note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily those of PCB.
On April 30, 2009, Rep. Mark Cohen introduced House Bill 1393 to the Pennsylvania legislature, Pennsylvania's entry into the arena of other states which have either legalized or are in the process of legalizing marijuana for medical purposes. The short title is, "An Act providing for the medical use of ma...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Pallidus127
At a Las Vegas news conference today, the Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada announced details of a $10,000 challenge to the people of Nevada. MPP-NV will pay $10,000 to anyone who can disprove three statements of fact that demonstrate that marijuana is objectively and unquestionably safer than alcohol.
The challenge, announced by MPP-NV manager Dave Schwartz with a large mock check for $10,000, kicks off a long-term public education campaign regarding the relative harms of mari...
The challenge, announced by MPP-NV manager Dave Schwartz with a large mock check for $10,000, kicks off a long-term public education campaign regarding the relative harms of mari...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Quietus
SAN FRANCISCO -- The leaders of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML, urged medical marijuana supporters Thursday to further spread the message of cannabis' health benefits.
And spirits were certainly high.
For the first day of its 38th annual three-day conference, NORML activists and leaders talked about the increased public support for medical marijuana, as well as recreational use.
The conference continues through Saturday ...
And spirits were certainly high.
For the first day of its 38th annual three-day conference, NORML activists and leaders talked about the increased public support for medical marijuana, as well as recreational use.
The conference continues through Saturday ...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Quietus
[i]By Nyier Abdou/The Star-Ledger[/i]
September 30, 2009, 12:30AM
His bedroom bears all the telltale signs: the distinct, lingering odor of marijuana, the rolling papers tossed carelessly on the desk, a pile of lighters stashed in a bedside table. Christiane Oliveri pulls open her son Michael's desk drawer and there it is, plain as day -- nearly half a pound of marijuana.
Michael, 25, who suffered deep depression as a child due to the onset of debilitating muscula...
September 30, 2009, 12:30AM
His bedroom bears all the telltale signs: the distinct, lingering odor of marijuana, the rolling papers tossed carelessly on the desk, a pile of lighters stashed in a bedside table. Christiane Oliveri pulls open her son Michael's desk drawer and there it is, plain as day -- nearly half a pound of marijuana.
Michael, 25, who suffered deep depression as a child due to the onset of debilitating muscula...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Roger Parloff, senior editor, September 11, 2009: 4:20 PM ET[/i]
Medical marijuana is giving activists a chance to show how a legitimized pot business can work. Is the end of prohibition upon us?
(Fortune Magazine) -- When Irvin Rosenfeld, 56, picks me up at the Fort Lauderdale airport, his SUV reeks of marijuana. The vice president for sales at a local brokerage firm, Rosenfeld has been smoking 10 to 12 marijuana cigarettes a day for 38 years, he says.
That'...
Medical marijuana is giving activists a chance to show how a legitimized pot business can work. Is the end of prohibition upon us?
(Fortune Magazine) -- When Irvin Rosenfeld, 56, picks me up at the Fort Lauderdale airport, his SUV reeks of marijuana. The vice president for sales at a local brokerage firm, Rosenfeld has been smoking 10 to 12 marijuana cigarettes a day for 38 years, he says.
That'...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
I have no idea how this one slipped by, but it's awesome to hear nonetheless! The full letter can be found at http://www.jspan.org/docs/cohen_hb1393.pdf.
In recent weeks, State Representative Mark Cohen (D-202) introduced medical marijuana legislation in the House of Representatives. The bill is closely modeled after one in New Jersey which passed the state Senate and awaits a vote in the House. New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram said the bill, allowing those suffering from A...
In recent weeks, State Representative Mark Cohen (D-202) introduced medical marijuana legislation in the House of Representatives. The bill is closely modeled after one in New Jersey which passed the state Senate and awaits a vote in the House. New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram said the bill, allowing those suffering from A...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Arthur Caplan and Brian Gralnick[/i]
Perhaps you know a Pennsylvanian suffering from multiple sclerosis, glaucoma or AIDS, or someone who is struggling to work up an appetite because of the nausea they suffer from chemotherapy. Beyond the difficulty these people face in dealing with these debilitating conditions, what would you say ought to be done if there were a beneficial, very affordable medicine that these patients needed but that they could not obtain in a safe and legal w...
Perhaps you know a Pennsylvanian suffering from multiple sclerosis, glaucoma or AIDS, or someone who is struggling to work up an appetite because of the nausea they suffer from chemotherapy. Beyond the difficulty these people face in dealing with these debilitating conditions, what would you say ought to be done if there were a beneficial, very affordable medicine that these patients needed but that they could not obtain in a safe and legal w...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
House Bill 1393, the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, was introduced by Representative Mark B. Cohen on April 29, 2009. It was assigned to the Health and Human Services committee on April 30th, where it remains. This fall, HB 1393 will be discussed in at least two committees - the House Health and Human Services Committee, and the Majority Policy Committee, which is seated by Democrats this term.
The Democratic Policy Committee will be discussing drug laws in general, and will...
The Democratic Policy Committee will be discussing drug laws in general, and will...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
I wanted to let everyone know about an event that our allies in Harrisburg are doing. During the annual Happy Valley March at Penn State, Medical Movement will have tables set up and will be passing out information about HB 1393. Please if you're out there, show your support by stopping by and helping them pass out [url=http://www.phillynorml.org/documents/hb%201393%20flyer%2020090802.pdf]literature[/url], which you can download and print to help us spread the word.
[b]THE MEDICA...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By: MANASEE WAGH - Bucks County Courier Times[/i]
The words "marijuana" and "cannabis" can conjure up images of drug addicts and criminal behavior.
That's why the eight people attending a seminar about the drug at the Levittown branch of the Bucks County Public Library said they didn't want to reveal their names to the newspaper.
But Saturday's two-hour seminar by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or...
The words "marijuana" and "cannabis" can conjure up images of drug addicts and criminal behavior.
That's why the eight people attending a seminar about the drug at the Levittown branch of the Bucks County Public Library said they didn't want to reveal their names to the newspaper.
But Saturday's two-hour seminar by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]The Associated Press - Posted: 08/13/2009 02:59:18 PM PDT[/i]
LOS ANGELES - A task force of federal and local authorities raided two medical marijuana dispensaries and arrested the owner but gave no immediate explanation of how state law may have been violated.
Jeffrey Joseph, 40, was arrested Wednesday for investigation of possessing more than 50 pounds of marijuana for sale, authorities said.
Searches of his Topanga Canyon home and dispensaries in Marina del...
LOS ANGELES - A task force of federal and local authorities raided two medical marijuana dispensaries and arrested the owner but gave no immediate explanation of how state law may have been violated.
Jeffrey Joseph, 40, was arrested Wednesday for investigation of possessing more than 50 pounds of marijuana for sale, authorities said.
Searches of his Topanga Canyon home and dispensaries in Marina del...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]New Jersey is taking the lead. Will we follow?
By Brendan Skwire Posted Aug. 9, 2009[/i]
Last week I bellied up in my local dive and bumped into "Barry," a pothead and occasional dealer who lives in my neighborhood.
"Dude, can I just tell you what a moron I am?" he said, as he waved a few bucks in the air trying to get the barmaid's attention. "Really. Even when I try to do the right thing, it just gets all messed up."
&...
By Brendan Skwire Posted Aug. 9, 2009[/i]
Last week I bellied up in my local dive and bumped into "Barry," a pothead and occasional dealer who lives in my neighborhood.
"Dude, can I just tell you what a moron I am?" he said, as he waved a few bucks in the air trying to get the barmaid's attention. "Really. Even when I try to do the right thing, it just gets all messed up."
&...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
BOULDER, Colo. (AP) - A medical marijuana user has been acquitted of charges that he possessed more of the drug than allowed by state law.
A Boulder County jury acquitted Jason Lauve, 38, Thursday of a felony drug possession charge and lesser charges of possessing marijuana and marijuana concentrate.
The Louisville man was charged with possessing 17 times the permitted amount of marijuana the state allows for medical purposes - 2 ounces and no more than six plants.
A Boulder County jury acquitted Jason Lauve, 38, Thursday of a felony drug possession charge and lesser charges of possessing marijuana and marijuana concentrate.
The Louisville man was charged with possessing 17 times the permitted amount of marijuana the state allows for medical purposes - 2 ounces and no more than six plants.
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By: Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director [/i]
For some 35 years the United States federal government has been [url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-armentano/what-your-government-know_b_108712.html]well aware[/url] that cannabis possesses potent [url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6814]anti-cancer[/url] and [url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7008]anti-tumor[/url] properties. And for the past three years, government-funded researchers have speculated that these qualities may...
For some 35 years the United States federal government has been [url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-armentano/what-your-government-know_b_108712.html]well aware[/url] that cannabis possesses potent [url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6814]anti-cancer[/url] and [url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7008]anti-tumor[/url] properties. And for the past three years, government-funded researchers have speculated that these qualities may...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]by Jennifer Golson/The Star-Ledger [/i]
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP -- A Somerset County man won't be able to use multiple sclerosis as a defense for the 17 marijuana plants police found growing behind his house, a Superior Court judge ruled today.
A claim of personal use simply does not apply to the charges against Franklin Township resident John Ray Wilson, Judge Robert Reed said, following a hearing today in Somerville.
Wilson, 36, is accused of first-degr...
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP -- A Somerset County man won't be able to use multiple sclerosis as a defense for the 17 marijuana plants police found growing behind his house, a Superior Court judge ruled today.
A claim of personal use simply does not apply to the charges against Franklin Township resident John Ray Wilson, Judge Robert Reed said, following a hearing today in Somerville.
Wilson, 36, is accused of first-degr...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]July 24th, 2009 By: Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director[/i]
[Editor's Note: Do an online search on 'marijuana' and 'legalization'. One word: momentum. Further evidence is found today with the front page story about medical cannabis and the 'NORMLization' of cannabis in general in America's business newspaper of record. The article partly profiles NORML board member Dale Gieringer and former NORML director Richard Cowan.
BTW,...
[Editor's Note: Do an online search on 'marijuana' and 'legalization'. One word: momentum. Further evidence is found today with the front page story about medical cannabis and the 'NORMLization' of cannabis in general in America's business newspaper of record. The article partly profiles NORML board member Dale Gieringer and former NORML director Richard Cowan.
BTW,...
Posted May 23, 2010 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]July 23rd, 2009 By: Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director [/i]
Yes, we know that the Drug Czar is [url=http://tinyurl.com/252ofy]required by law to lie[/url], but given the abysmally low standards set by Gil Kerlikowske's [url=http://tinyurl.com/cwnzvb]predecessor[/url] we certainly [url=http://tinyurl.com/c7cuuy]expected better[/url] than this.
Yes, we know that the Drug Czar is [url=http://tinyurl.com/252ofy]required by law to lie[/url], but given the abysmally low standards set by Gil Kerlikowske's [url=http://tinyurl.com/cwnzvb]predecessor[/url] we certainly [url=http://tinyurl.com/c7cuuy]expected better[/url] than this.
[b]Drug czar: Feds won't support legalized pot[/b]
via The Fresno Bee
[img]http://www.cannabis-studyhouse.c...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By [url=http://tinyurl.com/lg9vcc]JESSE McKINLEY[/url]
Published: July 22, 2009[/i]
OAKLAND, Calif. - Perhaps only in the sometimes hazy world of medical marijuana could higher taxes be considered good news.
But sure enough, supporters of medical [url=http://tinyurl.com/nvw9cq]marijuana[/url] were pleasantly pleased Wednesday after Oakland voters overwhelmingly approved a huge tax increase - 15 times the former rate - on sales at the city's handful of permitted medi...
Published: July 22, 2009[/i]
OAKLAND, Calif. - Perhaps only in the sometimes hazy world of medical marijuana could higher taxes be considered good news.
But sure enough, supporters of medical [url=http://tinyurl.com/nvw9cq]marijuana[/url] were pleasantly pleased Wednesday after Oakland voters overwhelmingly approved a huge tax increase - 15 times the former rate - on sales at the city's handful of permitted medi...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By The Editors of the New York Times[/i]
[img]http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/07/15/opinion/15pot.480.jpg[/img]
A New York Times article on Sunday discussed the debate over whether more and more potent types of cannabis affect the levels of addiction to the drug. This particular issue has become part of the larger debate over whether marijuana should be legalized or decriminalized.
Antidrug activists say that if the drug is legalized, more people will...
[img]http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/2009/07/15/opinion/15pot.480.jpg[/img]
A New York Times article on Sunday discussed the debate over whether more and more potent types of cannabis affect the levels of addiction to the drug. This particular issue has become part of the larger debate over whether marijuana should be legalized or decriminalized.
Antidrug activists say that if the drug is legalized, more people will...
Posted October 18, 2009 by freedomisgreen
Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) and PhillyNORML participated in a medical marijuana awareness event on Saturday July 11, 2009.
PA State Rep Mark B Cohen, The Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and the sponsor of the Compassionate Use Act HB1393, joined supporters who gathered at 5th and Market Streets around 9PM. "Medical Marijuana is an idea whose time has come," Cohen said.
The historic location looks at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and ...
PA State Rep Mark B Cohen, The Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and the sponsor of the Compassionate Use Act HB1393, joined supporters who gathered at 5th and Market Streets around 9PM. "Medical Marijuana is an idea whose time has come," Cohen said.
The historic location looks at the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and ...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Chris Goldstein 7-15-09[/i]
[b]INTERVIEWER[/b]: Are you still on the board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)?
[b]BILL MAHER[/b]: You know, that's a good question. I haven't had much contact with them in recent years. I was a little disillusioned. I've always said, one of the reasons there's been so little progress on the marijuana front is that what the movement needs more than anything is some kick-ass, take-no-...
[b]INTERVIEWER[/b]: Are you still on the board of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)?
[b]BILL MAHER[/b]: You know, that's a good question. I haven't had much contact with them in recent years. I was a little disillusioned. I've always said, one of the reasons there's been so little progress on the marijuana front is that what the movement needs more than anything is some kick-ass, take-no-...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]CBS News Examination Finds Prescription Drugs Are Seen as Bigger Threat Than Marijuana by Government, Non-Profit Groups[/i]
(CBS) This story was written by Elizabeth Sprague as part of a new CBSNews.com special report on the evolving debate over marijuana legalization in the U.S. Click here for more of the series, Marijuana Nation: The New War Over Weed.
Over the several years, without many people realizing it, the U.S. government has changed the focus of it...
(CBS) This story was written by Elizabeth Sprague as part of a new CBSNews.com special report on the evolving debate over marijuana legalization in the U.S. Click here for more of the series, Marijuana Nation: The New War Over Weed.
Over the several years, without many people realizing it, the U.S. government has changed the focus of it...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[center][b]Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (www.pa4mmj.org) and the Medical Movement (www.MedicalMovement.com) Present:[/b][/center]
[size=16pt][b]Statewide[/b] Candlelight Vigils Announced for Medical Marijuana in PA[/size]
On July 11th 2009, PA4MMJ (Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana) will be participating in awareness events in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia. These simultaneous candlelight vigils for medical marijuana access in Pennsylvania will remember...
[size=16pt][b]Statewide[/b] Candlelight Vigils Announced for Medical Marijuana in PA[/size]
On July 11th 2009, PA4MMJ (Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana) will be participating in awareness events in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg and Philadelphia. These simultaneous candlelight vigils for medical marijuana access in Pennsylvania will remember...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
June 24th, 2009 By: Allen St. Pierre, NORML Executive Director
If there were ever a year to attend [url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7877]NORML's national conference[/url], this is it.
[b][url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7877]NORML 2009: Yes We Cannabis![/url]
September 24-26, 2009
Grand Hyatt Hotel
San Francisco[/b]
There has never been a greater cultural, media or political zeitgeist to re-legalize cannabis than right now. Indeed, ...
If there were ever a year to attend [url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7877]NORML's national conference[/url], this is it.
[b][url=http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=7877]NORML 2009: Yes We Cannabis![/url]
September 24-26, 2009
Grand Hyatt Hotel
San Francisco[/b]
There has never been a greater cultural, media or political zeitgeist to re-legalize cannabis than right now. Indeed, ...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
FOR IMMDIATE RELEASE 6/16/09
The National Lawyers Guild Philadelphia Chapter has endorsed [url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2009&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1393&pn=1714]HB1393[/url], legislation to enact a regulated medical marijuana program in PA.
In a letter written to Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) and the bill's sponsor Rep. Mark B. Cohen, the NLG stated, "...
The National Lawyers Guild Philadelphia Chapter has endorsed [url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2009&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1393&pn=1714]HB1393[/url], legislation to enact a regulated medical marijuana program in PA.
In a letter written to Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) and the bill's sponsor Rep. Mark B. Cohen, the NLG stated, "...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
Massachusetts Democrat Barney Frank, along with over a dozen cosponsors, reintroduced legislation in Congress today to strengthen legal protections for state-authorized medical marijuana patients.
The bill, entitled [b]the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act of 2009[/b], seeks to amend the discrepancy between federal law and the laws of over a dozen states that have enacted regulations governing the therapeutic use of cannabis.
Thirteen states - Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, M...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
The federal government has said it intends to honor state laws legalizing medical marijuana, but organizations in the state's marijuana program are still worried about federal raids.
Attorney General Eric Holder, the head of the country's Justice Department, answered questions Friday about whether local growers have to worry about the feds.
New Mexico is one of 13 states where medical marijuana is legal. One state-approved grower is on the verge of dispensing the drug to Al...
Attorney General Eric Holder, the head of the country's Justice Department, answered questions Friday about whether local growers have to worry about the feds.
New Mexico is one of 13 states where medical marijuana is legal. One state-approved grower is on the verge of dispensing the drug to Al...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
By Larissa Theodore, Times Staff
Published: Sunday, May 17, 2009 11:47 PM EDT
A Pennsylvania legislator has introduced a bill that would allow the sick and suffering to legally use small amounts of marijuana for medical purposes.
State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Philadelphia, said he introduced the bill because it seemed, after talking to people, that marijuana had a legitimate use in easing the pain and suffering of patients diagnosed with life-threatening or painful illnesses. For...
Published: Sunday, May 17, 2009 11:47 PM EDT
A Pennsylvania legislator has introduced a bill that would allow the sick and suffering to legally use small amounts of marijuana for medical purposes.
State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Philadelphia, said he introduced the bill because it seemed, after talking to people, that marijuana had a legitimate use in easing the pain and suffering of patients diagnosed with life-threatening or painful illnesses. For...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
State Rep. Mark Cohen, D-Phila., introduced legislation (H.B. 1393) at the end of April that would allow the use of medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.
Few subjects stimulate the heated discussion legalizing a drug vilified for decades as a gateway to further drug abuse can cause.
But Cohen is right to say the time has come to recognize a need to expand options for health care and help alleviate patient suffering.
Medical cannabis, (commonly referred to as “...
Few subjects stimulate the heated discussion legalizing a drug vilified for decades as a gateway to further drug abuse can cause.
But Cohen is right to say the time has come to recognize a need to expand options for health care and help alleviate patient suffering.
Medical cannabis, (commonly referred to as “...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Sean McDonnell
Philadelphia Drug Policy Examiner[/i]
Pennsylvania State Representative [url=http://www.pahouse.com/cohen/]Mark B. Cohen[/url] (D) introduced legislation late last month that would legalize medicinal marijuana in Pennsylvania. The bill, [url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2009&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1393&pn=1714]HB 1393[/url], would allow doctors to legally presc...
Philadelphia Drug Policy Examiner[/i]
Pennsylvania State Representative [url=http://www.pahouse.com/cohen/]Mark B. Cohen[/url] (D) introduced legislation late last month that would legalize medicinal marijuana in Pennsylvania. The bill, [url=http://www.legis.state.pa.us/CFDOCS/Legis/PN/Public/btCheck.cfm?txtType=HTM&sessYr=2009&sessInd=0&billBody=H&billTyp=B&billNbr=1393&pn=1714]HB 1393[/url], would allow doctors to legally presc...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
By Sam McManis
smcmanis@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, May. 17, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 1I
Sparked anew by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's call for the state to study the legalization of marijuana, both sides in the smoldering pot debate point to research to bolster their positions.
Such recitation of conflicting marijuana studies can be manipulated and selected buffet-style to serve whatever political and health agenda is being touted.
Even governmenta...
smcmanis@sacbee.com
Published: Sunday, May. 17, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 1I
Sparked anew by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's call for the state to study the legalization of marijuana, both sides in the smoldering pot debate point to research to bolster their positions.
Such recitation of conflicting marijuana studies can be manipulated and selected buffet-style to serve whatever political and health agenda is being touted.
Even governmenta...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Derek Rosenzweig, Co-Chairman PhillyNORML[/i]
Hundreds of supporters marched with PhillyNORML and Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) in the Global Cannabis March Saturday May 2, 2009 on South Street.
Citizens seeking to decriminalize, legalize and reform marijuana laws called for an end to the failed policy of cannabis prohibition by marching to Second St. and Lombard St. at Headhouse Square.
As participants gathered at Broad and South Streets around...
Hundreds of supporters marched with PhillyNORML and Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana (PA4MMJ) in the Global Cannabis March Saturday May 2, 2009 on South Street.
Citizens seeking to decriminalize, legalize and reform marijuana laws called for an end to the failed policy of cannabis prohibition by marching to Second St. and Lombard St. at Headhouse Square.
As participants gathered at Broad and South Streets around...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]Wednesday, April 29, 2009
By Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette[/i]
HARRISBURG -- A state legislator from Philadelphia said today it's time to get rid of the decades-old negative image surrounding marijuana and replace it with "a new, honest image."
How? By legalizing the use of small amounts of marijuana for medicinal purposes, such as reducing pain for sufferers of cancer or multiple sclerosis, helping people with glaucoma and assist with insomnia ...
By Tom Barnes, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette[/i]
HARRISBURG -- A state legislator from Philadelphia said today it's time to get rid of the decades-old negative image surrounding marijuana and replace it with "a new, honest image."
How? By legalizing the use of small amounts of marijuana for medicinal purposes, such as reducing pain for sufferers of cancer or multiple sclerosis, helping people with glaucoma and assist with insomnia ...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By TOM JOYCE
Daily Record/Sunday News
Updated: 04/19/2009 12:54:30 AM EDT[/i]
A couple of years ago, Charles Homan was driving by some apartments that he and his wife owned. He spotted a tenant they were trying to evict walking down the stairs outside.
Homan pulled over and started screaming at her. She retreated into the apartment.
He stood out on the lawn for a long time, screaming, cursing and waving his arms as his outpouring of anger became ever...
Daily Record/Sunday News
Updated: 04/19/2009 12:54:30 AM EDT[/i]
A couple of years ago, Charles Homan was driving by some apartments that he and his wife owned. He spotted a tenant they were trying to evict walking down the stairs outside.
Homan pulled over and started screaming at her. She retreated into the apartment.
He stood out on the lawn for a long time, screaming, cursing and waving his arms as his outpouring of anger became ever...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]The time to act is now[/i]
New Jersey and Pennsylvania should join 13 other states in finally legalizing medical marijuana to allow seriously ill patients to potentially benefit from its use.
After years of debate, the movement got a big boost in Trenton last month when the state Senate approved a bill that would allow medical use of marijuana. It is the first time such legislation has emerged from committee. A full vote is still needed by the Assembly, but Gov. Corzine ...
New Jersey and Pennsylvania should join 13 other states in finally legalizing medical marijuana to allow seriously ill patients to potentially benefit from its use.
After years of debate, the movement got a big boost in Trenton last month when the state Senate approved a bill that would allow medical use of marijuana. It is the first time such legislation has emerged from committee. A full vote is still needed by the Assembly, but Gov. Corzine ...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
Reported by: Eric Scheiner
[url=http://pahomepage.com/content/video/?watch=1&cid=76442]WATCH THE VIDEO[/url]
Wednesday, Mar 25, 2009 @07:51pm EST
WILKES-BARRE-- State Rep. Mark Cohen is hoping to put forth a bill next month that would legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Cohen says there is enough scientific evidence and enough public support to get the measure passed.
Cohen believes legalizing the drug for medical purposes would help treat patients of ...
[url=http://pahomepage.com/content/video/?watch=1&cid=76442]WATCH THE VIDEO[/url]
Wednesday, Mar 25, 2009 @07:51pm EST
WILKES-BARRE-- State Rep. Mark Cohen is hoping to put forth a bill next month that would legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. Cohen says there is enough scientific evidence and enough public support to get the measure passed.
Cohen believes legalizing the drug for medical purposes would help treat patients of ...
Posted October 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
PHILADELPHIA. State Rep. Mark Cohen said Wednesday that he will introduce a bill as soon as next month to legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.
Cohen said he decided to have the measure drafted after he was interviewed for a story in Wednesday's Metro about legalizing marijuana to help the city and state overcome budget problems and getting almost all positive responses on Facebook, PhillyBlog and elsewhere.
"It's easier when you have public support to ...
Cohen said he decided to have the measure drafted after he was interviewed for a story in Wednesday's Metro about legalizing marijuana to help the city and state overcome budget problems and getting almost all positive responses on Facebook, PhillyBlog and elsewhere.
"It's easier when you have public support to ...
Posted July 18, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]By Peter Mucha, Inquirer Staff Writer[/i]
If some legislators get their way, marijuana could help ailing New Jerseyans - and help what's ailing California.
Legalizing and taxing California's supposedly biggest cash crop - pot - could add more than $1 billion a year to California's coffers, according to backers of a proposal put forward yesterday in Sacramento.
The idea would fly in the face of federal law, which bans the recreational use of mari...
If some legislators get their way, marijuana could help ailing New Jerseyans - and help what's ailing California.
Legalizing and taxing California's supposedly biggest cash crop - pot - could add more than $1 billion a year to California's coffers, according to backers of a proposal put forward yesterday in Sacramento.
The idea would fly in the face of federal law, which bans the recreational use of mari...
Posted July 18, 2009 by ActionMatt
by Dr. Phillip Leveque - Salem-News.com
Dr. Phillip Leveque spent his life as a Combat Infantryman, Pharmacologist, Forensic Toxicologist and Physician.
(MOLALLA, Ore.) - I was asked by a healthcare professional at the Portland VA Hospital if I would help PTSD Veteran Victims to get permits to use legalized medical marijuana. I already had some Veteran patients from WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
The doctors and other healthcare professionals had heard from a sprinklin...
Dr. Phillip Leveque spent his life as a Combat Infantryman, Pharmacologist, Forensic Toxicologist and Physician.
(MOLALLA, Ore.) - I was asked by a healthcare professional at the Portland VA Hospital if I would help PTSD Veteran Victims to get permits to use legalized medical marijuana. I already had some Veteran patients from WWII, Korea and Vietnam.
The doctors and other healthcare professionals had heard from a sprinklin...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
On Wednesday 2/18/2009, Richard Bonnie appeared on WHYY's "Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane" to discuss decriminalization of marijuana, among other things. [url=http://www.whyy.org/podcast/021809_100630.mp3]Listen to the MP3[/url] of Hour One.
Info:
Michael Phelps, Olympic gold medallist, will not face charges after a photograph showed him using a marijuana pipe. His case raises the question of the ambivalent relationship our country has with this drug. Our guests...
Info:
Michael Phelps, Olympic gold medallist, will not face charges after a photograph showed him using a marijuana pipe. His case raises the question of the ambivalent relationship our country has with this drug. Our guests...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
A DEA raid on three Westside medical marijuana dispensaries has generated outrage from supporters, some of whom had expressed hope that the federal government would halt such actions once Barack Obama took office.
On Tuesday, three different groups of DEA officers simultaneously served search warrants to the dispensaries about noon, said Sarah Pullen, a DEA spokeswoman.
"I can't get into details as to the probable cause behind the warrants except for the fac...
On Tuesday, three different groups of DEA officers simultaneously served search warrants to the dispensaries about noon, said Sarah Pullen, a DEA spokeswoman.
"I can't get into details as to the probable cause behind the warrants except for the fac...
Posted May 17, 2009 by 1puffer
from Drug War Chronicle, Issue #567, 1/9/09
The DEA has rejected yet another petition seeking to remove marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), this one from Iowa-based marijuana reformer Carl Olsen. It is only the latest petition rejection by the agency in a glacially-paced struggle to reschedule marijuana that has been going on since 1972.
But Olsen and other advocates of the rescheduling tactic say that is to be expected, and the rejection is on...
The DEA has rejected yet another petition seeking to remove marijuana from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), this one from Iowa-based marijuana reformer Carl Olsen. It is only the latest petition rejection by the agency in a glacially-paced struggle to reschedule marijuana that has been going on since 1972.
But Olsen and other advocates of the rescheduling tactic say that is to be expected, and the rejection is on...
Posted May 17, 2009 by 1puffer
By David H. Kerr
Tuesday December 30, 2008, 5:38 AM
Should pot be legal, Yes or No? My answer - maybe. We have to think beyond the one dimensional drama of whether to make pot legal or to keep it illegal.
The fact is that there are many other legal drugs with far more potency than pot and these are often subject to dangerous abuse. This should concern us. The fact that these drugs can be obtained legally doesn't make them any less deleterious. In fact, prescriptio...
Tuesday December 30, 2008, 5:38 AM
Should pot be legal, Yes or No? My answer - maybe. We have to think beyond the one dimensional drama of whether to make pot legal or to keep it illegal.
The fact is that there are many other legal drugs with far more potency than pot and these are often subject to dangerous abuse. This should concern us. The fact that these drugs can be obtained legally doesn't make them any less deleterious. In fact, prescriptio...
Posted May 17, 2009 by 1puffer
[i]Contempt of court charges filed[/i]
Sandra T. Molina, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/29/2008 05:33:27 PM PST
LOS ANGELES - Medical marijuana advocacy group Americans for Safe Access filed legal briefs Monday accusing the city of Montebello of contempt of court for refusing to return medical marijuana wrongfully seized more than four years ago.
On Oct. 15, 2004, local police seized marijuana plants, growing equipment, and personal correspondence from the Montebello hom...
Sandra T. Molina, Staff Writer
Posted: 12/29/2008 05:33:27 PM PST
LOS ANGELES - Medical marijuana advocacy group Americans for Safe Access filed legal briefs Monday accusing the city of Montebello of contempt of court for refusing to return medical marijuana wrongfully seized more than four years ago.
On Oct. 15, 2004, local police seized marijuana plants, growing equipment, and personal correspondence from the Montebello hom...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
By DEREK HARPER Statehouse Bureau, 609-292-4935
TRENTON - Gov. Jon S. Corzine said Tuesday that he supports and would sign a bill allowing medicinal marijuana use, but added that economic issues are his top priority.
"I don't think that we ought to be having fights on issues that don't go to the heart of the needs of a broad majority of folks," Corzine told reporters Tuesday afternoon. "I think that this is one that if it can be moved expeditiously ...
TRENTON - Gov. Jon S. Corzine said Tuesday that he supports and would sign a bill allowing medicinal marijuana use, but added that economic issues are his top priority.
"I don't think that we ought to be having fights on issues that don't go to the heart of the needs of a broad majority of folks," Corzine told reporters Tuesday afternoon. "I think that this is one that if it can be moved expeditiously ...
Posted May 17, 2009 by
[i]Return of Legal Cannabis Not Pre-empted by Federal Law[/i]
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a landmark decision yesterday in which California state courts found that its medical cannabis law is not preempted by federal law. The Supreme Court's decision in Garden Grove v. Superior Court means that federal law does not prevent state and local governments from implementing medical cannabis laws adopted by voters or state legislatures. In short: federal law does not override st...
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a landmark decision yesterday in which California state courts found that its medical cannabis law is not preempted by federal law. The Supreme Court's decision in Garden Grove v. Superior Court means that federal law does not prevent state and local governments from implementing medical cannabis laws adopted by voters or state legislatures. In short: federal law does not override st...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
[i]Stash seems to have been intended for buried shaman to use in the afterlife[/i]
Nov 27, 2008 01:23 PM - Dean Beeby
OTTAWA ? Researchers say they have located the world's oldest stash of marijuana, in a tomb in a remote part of China.
The cache of cannabis is about 2,700 years old and was clearly ``cultivated for psychoactive purposes," rather than as fibre for clothing or as food, says a research paper in the Journal of Experimental Botany.
The ...
Nov 27, 2008 01:23 PM - Dean Beeby
OTTAWA ? Researchers say they have located the world's oldest stash of marijuana, in a tomb in a remote part of China.
The cache of cannabis is about 2,700 years old and was clearly ``cultivated for psychoactive purposes," rather than as fibre for clothing or as food, says a research paper in the Journal of Experimental Botany.
The ...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
By Dana Johnson
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Opinions
There is one campaign promise that President-elect Barrack Obama made that will easily be overlooked if America does not hold him to his word.
Obama promised to cease the federal arrest and prosecution of law-abiding medical cannabis patients and dispensaries by appointing leaders at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney General's office who will respect...
Issue date: 11/20/08 Section: Opinions
There is one campaign promise that President-elect Barrack Obama made that will easily be overlooked if America does not hold him to his word.
Obama promised to cease the federal arrest and prosecution of law-abiding medical cannabis patients and dispensaries by appointing leaders at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney General's office who will respect...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
By Brandon Keim - November 19, 2008 | 1:39:24
Everybody knows a forgetful stoner, but research suggests that low doses of marijuana could be good for memory, and even help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
When given a compound similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, rat brains displayed reduced levels of inflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. The drug also stimulated the production of proteins associated with memory formation and brain cel...
Everybody knows a forgetful stoner, but research suggests that low doses of marijuana could be good for memory, and even help prevent Alzheimer's disease.
When given a compound similar to THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, rat brains displayed reduced levels of inflammation associated with Alzheimer's disease. The drug also stimulated the production of proteins associated with memory formation and brain cel...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
The Associated Press
Article Launched: 11/11/2008 03:24:20 PM PST
SEAL BEACH, Calif. - Seal Beach has voted to ban medical marijuana stores, although state law permits the sale of pot to people with a doctor's prescription.
The City Council passed the ban Monday night. Eight other cities in Orange County also have moratoriums or bans on pot stores.
Another city, Laguna Woods, recently passed a law permitting the dispensaries.
Using marijuana ...
Article Launched: 11/11/2008 03:24:20 PM PST
SEAL BEACH, Calif. - Seal Beach has voted to ban medical marijuana stores, although state law permits the sale of pot to people with a doctor's prescription.
The City Council passed the ban Monday night. Eight other cities in Orange County also have moratoriums or bans on pot stores.
Another city, Laguna Woods, recently passed a law permitting the dispensaries.
Using marijuana ...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
Jordana Huber, Canwest News Service - Published: Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Canadians prescribed marijuana to treat illness will have more choice in where to buy their drugs after a court ruling Monday that ends the federal government's monopoly on supplying medical marijuana to patients.
Justice Department lawyers had sought to appeal a lower-court ruling that granted licensed producers the right to grow marijuana for more than one patient.
But the Federal C...
Canadians prescribed marijuana to treat illness will have more choice in where to buy their drugs after a court ruling Monday that ends the federal government's monopoly on supplying medical marijuana to patients.
Justice Department lawyers had sought to appeal a lower-court ruling that granted licensed producers the right to grow marijuana for more than one patient.
But the Federal C...
Posted May 17, 2009 by Derek Rosenzweig
By BEN LEUBSDORF
Associated Press Writer
DETROIT (AP) ? Michigan may become the latest state to let some severely ill patients use marijuana to treat pain, nausea and other symptoms.
If the Nov. 4 ballot proposal is approved, Michigan law would allow doctors to recommend marijuana for patients with cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS and other conditions the state agrees are covered under the law.
Those patients would register with the state and could legally ...
Associated Press Writer
DETROIT (AP) ? Michigan may become the latest state to let some severely ill patients use marijuana to treat pain, nausea and other symptoms.
If the Nov. 4 ballot proposal is approved, Michigan law would allow doctors to recommend marijuana for patients with cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS and other conditions the state agrees are covered under the law.
Those patients would register with the state and could legally ...
4-29-2009: Today, Pennsylvania Rep. Mark Cohen (D-Philadelphia), along with six co-sponsors, has introduced legislation to make Pennsylvania the fourteenth state to legalize the physician-supervised use of cannabis. As introduced -- House Bill 1393, The Barry Busch Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act of 2009 -- would allow state-authorized patients to possess and cultivate cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The measure also seeks to allow for the state-licensed distribution and sale of medical marijuana by authorized 'compassion centers.' Rep. Cohen, along with members of PhillyNORML and Western PA NORML (collectively Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana), introduced the state's first-ever medical marijuana bill at a press conference on Wednesday, April 29. For several months, PhillyNORML has worked behind the scenes with Rep. Cohen's staff to draft this important legislation. You can read media coverage of the news conference here. It is believed that Rep. Cohen's forthcoming bill will face stiff opposition in the Pennsylvania legislature. That is why we need you to contact your state representative and urge him or her to support HB 1393. Please consider a donation to PA4MMJ to help us fund this campaign.
3-19-2009: PA State Representative Mark Cohen has declared that he will introduce medical marijuana legislation in Pennsylvania as soon as next month. Check out the story at PhillyNORML.org.
11-05-2008: With Barack Obama's win of the US Presidency, patients and caregivers in medical marijuana states will no longer have to worry about raids by the DEA. Early next legislative session we will try to get our bill introduced.
2-15-2008: The American College of Physicians backs marijuana for medical uses. With over 120,000 members across the nation, they are the second largest physician's group in the US. The ACP released a 13 page position paper, making a broad case for medical marijuana.
10-10-2007: PA4MMJ gets some publicity in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Every guest caller in this program was pro-medical, and all of the guests on the show were pro-medical. There was no confusion, and the gentlemen I had the opportunity to converse with were both very well read on the subject. (Story here | See the Video)
9-17-2007: PA4MMJ is almost finished creating the Bill which we will attempt to introduce. We should expect to be done this stage within a few weeks to a month, and will then start meeting with our sponsor(s) to get it introduced and passed. Thank you for your continued support and patience!
7-11-2007: Barry Edward Busch, 58, passed away July 11, 2007 at Crozer Chester Medical Center, Upland, Pa. Born in Chester he was a long term resident of Brookhaven, Pa, and Upland, Pa. He was a graduate of Sun Valley High School in 1966, also a paralegal certification from Widner. He was a retired political activist, and a former employee of Pathmark, Aldan Rug Mill, and a magizine editor. A member of Keystone Alliance, Act-Up Foundation, and Aids Awareness Group. He was instrumental in drafting the countries first work place "Right to Know Law". Founder of American Spirit, and a pioneer in the social justice movement. A veteran of the Army Reserve. Barry was the campaign coordinator for PA4MMJ, and his presence will be sorely missed; however, our resolve has not weakened. We will continue to fight for legal access to medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.