Legitimizing Ganja

[DdC]

Nation’s First Government Office to Provide Medical Marijuana
Directly to Patients Established by Santa Cruz, California City Council
ACLU Press Release November 8, 2005 SANTA CRUZ, CA
CONTACT: media@aclu.org
posted by FoM on November 08, 2005

ACLU Argues City Has Constitutional Right to Opt Out
of Enforcing Federal Medical Marijuana Prohibition Scheme

The nation’s first-ever government office tasked with providing medical marijuana directly to patients will likely be established today by the Santa Cruz City Council, the American Civil Liberties Union said. The action is designed to test states’ constitutional right to opt out of enforcing the federal government’s medical marijuana prohibition scheme. “This ordinance represents our city’s sincere attempt to responsibly implement state medical marijuana laws,” said Santa Cruz Mayor Mike Rotkin, a co-sponsor of the ordinance. “We want to help medical marijuana patients obtain their medicine while also protecting them from the undesirable consequences of an unregulated black market.”
continued... http://www.aclu.org/DrugPolicy/DrugPolicy.cfm?ID=19367&c=81

The proposed ordinance is available at:

Attorney General Lockyer’s opinion may be viewed at:



Santa Cruz!

Santa Cruz Okays City-Run Marijuana Distribution By Brendan Coyne
Source: NewStandard November 09, 2005 Santa Cruz, CA  
The city council of Santa Cruz, California on Tuesday passed for the second time an ordinance paving the way for the nation's first-ever government-run medical marijuana distribution program. A portion of the ordinance would hold off enactment until federal courts resolve current cases dealing with the issue. Under the measure, the Santa Cruz city government will set up an Office of Compassionate Use that will handle procuring and storing marijuana and dispense it to "qualified patients" under California's nearly ten-year-old Compassionate Use Act.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21287.shtml

Ferndale To Vote on Medical Marijuana By Bill Laitner
Detroit Free Press Staff Writer November 03, 2005

Medical Pot Appears Headed for Victory in Ferndale
By Gina Damron & Bill Laitner
Detroit Free Press November 08, 2005 Ferndale, Michigan
Voters likely voted for marijuana and against alcohol by the glass in two southern Oakland County cities. A Ferndale proposal to allow the medical use of marijuana apparently passed and one in Oak Park to allow sales of alcohol by the glass likely failed.
Ferndale Councilman Mike Lennon said that, with most precincts reporting, city officials believed the proposal passed. If so, the city joins Detroit and Ann Arbor, which in 2004 approved allowing marijuana for medical use.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21280.shtml



Pot Proposal Passes; Alcohol Plan Doesn't
By Gina Damron & Bill Laitner
Detroit Free Press November 09, 2005 Ferndale, Michigan
Light up, but don't drink up. Those were voters' verdicts in neighboring Ferndale and Oak Park. A Ferndale proposal to allow the medical use of marijuana passed, 1,894-1,222. And a proposal in Oak Park to allow sales of alcohol by the glass, according to unofficial results, failed 3,184-1,869 with all but some of the absentee ballots counted.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21281.shtml

Michigan Cares

Summary of Local Efforts

Traverse City passed a medical marijuana initiative by 63% in November 2005.
Ferndale passed a medical marijuana initiative by 61% in November 2005.
Detroit passed a medical marijuana initiative by 60% in August 2004.
Ann Arbor passed a medical marijuana initiative by 74% in November 2004.

City OKs Marijuana Proposal By Christine Finger
Source: Record-Eagle November 09, 2005 Traverse City, Michigan
Laura Barber's voice quivered with emotion after she heard Traverse City voters supported a measure to make medical marijuana use a low law enforcement priority.
"I'm just absolutely overwhelmed," said Barber, whose Coalition for Compassionate Care spearheaded the citizen petition drive to put the issue on Tuesday's ballot.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21283.shtml



BCMP Featured at Drug Policy Alliance International Conference
On November 9 – 12, the US-based Drug Policy Alliance (drugpolicy.org) will be hosting its bi-annual International Drug Policy Conference in Long Beach, California. The Alliance is the largest drug policy reform organization in the US and has been responsible for significant policy reform at the federal, state and city levels. The DPA electronic newsletter is a major source of international drug policy information and well worth subscribing to.
F U L L S T O R Y http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/4579.html

Symposium Explores War on Drugs By Alex Lebowitz

Drug Policy To Be Eyed in L.B. By Felix Sanchez
Press-Telegram November 10, 2005 Long Beach, CA 
The latest legal efforts against medical marijuana, and the media's recent focus on methamphetamine, are among the key topics to be discussed at the 2005 International Drug Policy Reform Conference beginning today in Long Beach.
The three-day conference is being sponsored by the New York-based Drug Policy Alliance, which advocates legalizing medical marijuana and is seeking a change in the way the United States deals with drug addicts.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21291.shtml

Votes Make Pot ID Cards Free in Butte By Roger H. Aylworth
Chico Enterprise-Record November 09, 2005 Oroville, CA
Medical marijuana ID cards will be free in Butte County, and the process could cost the county thousands of dollars. Tuesday the Board of Supervisors turned down a request by the county Department of Public Health to establish a $56 fee for people applying for the pot cards.
However, turning down the fee request didn't mean the cards wouldn't be issued. It means the county - and by reference the taxpayers - will be picking up the bill.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21289.shtml

7/8/2005 State Suspends Issuing Medical Marijuana ID Cards



Pot Law Compromise Would Exempt Repeat Offenders By Alan Scher Zagier
Associated Press November 09, 2005 Columbia, Mo.  
A compromise proposal to change a voter-approved marijuana possession law would prevent certain repeat drug offenders and those convicted of other crimes from taking advantage of the new law's lenient sentencing guidelines. An ordinance passed by Columbia voters in November 2004 requires police to treat those possessing up to 35 grams, or 1 1/4 ounces, of marijuana as low-level misdemeanor offenders. Pot owners now avoid arrest and only face municipal court fines of no more than $250 - a punishment essentially equal to that associated with a speeding ticket.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21288.shtml



Mile High Controversy By Daniel Boniface
Source: Boulder Weekly November 10, 2005 Colorado
With the passage of Initiative 100, Denver voters make more than a statement about marijuana reform. Attitudes about cannabis seem to be changing in America, and nowhere is it more evident than in the Mile High City. Responding to the argument that marijuana is a safer alternative to alcohol when it comes to recreational drugs, voters approved Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative 100 earlier this month, making Denver the first city in the country to wipe out all penalties for possessing less than one ounce of herb for citizens over 21.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21292.shtml

Safer Choice

Pot Considered 'Murder Weed' in 1937



Denver Goes Up in Smoke By Susie Orr
Central Florida Future November 09, 2005 Colorado  
Denver residents gave new meaning to the nickname "Mile High City" last week when they voted on Initiative 100: the decriminalization of marijuana. Passing with 54 percent of the vote, Initiative 100 states that if over the age of 21, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana is legal within city limits. However, state and federal laws override, and according to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, "State law is state law - this is more symbolic. It's not going to have an effect on how we enforce our laws."
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21290.shtml

Denver Is First City To Legalize Pot By Stephanie Simon
Los Angeles Times November 03, 2005 Denver
Bring on the jokes about the Mile High City. Denver on Tuesday became the first city in the nation to wipe out all criminal and civil penalties for adults caught possessing a small amount of marijuana. About 54% of voters supported a ballot measure legalizing possession of less than an ounce of pot by individuals 21 and over.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21260.shtml

All Eyes on Denver’s Marijuana Laws
Editorial Minnesota Daily November 03, 2005 Denver 
On Tuesday voters in Denver approved the possession of an ounce or less of marijuana for its residents who are older than 21. The new measure follows a medical marijuana law in the state and takes a step beyond laws in other cities that make enforcing such possession the lowest law-enforcement priority. Proponents of legalizing marijuana for recreational use claim the drug is safer than alcohol, and even go so far as to say it will decrease alcohol-related car accidents and crime such as domestic abuse and street violence because adults have a choice as to which drug to use.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21259.shtml

High Hopes for Marijuana Debate
Rocky Mountain Collegian November 03, 2005 Colorado
Rocky Mountain high usually refers to altitude. Not anymore. Denver voters passed I-100, which legalized the adult possession of small amounts of marijuana. While other cities such as Seattle and Oakland, Calif. have set up laws making adult pot use a low police priority, Denver has become the first city to legalize adult pot possession of one ounce or less.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21258.shtml



To Voters, Issue was Freedom of Choice By Sarah Langbein
Rocky Mountain News November 03, 2005 Denver, Colorado 
What were Denver voters thinking when they passed an initiative to legalize small amounts of marijuana? Were they too consumed with the munchies to think clearly? Was the voting booth so smoke-filled that they couldn't see the ballot? The jokes rolled in Wednesday - like the joints - as Colorado and the rest of the country learned that a day earlier Initiative 100 actually won, allowing adults to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana. Television reports cashed in with Denver's slogan, saying that voters truly put the "high" in Mile High.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21257.shtml

Denver Votes To Legalize Marijuana Possession By Patrick O'Driscoll
Source: USA Today November 03, 2005 Denver 
Voters here approved making Denver the first major city to legalize small amounts of marijuana, but the mayor warned that state law still makes possession of the drug illegal. "OK of pot issue gives new meaning to Mile High City," said Wednesday's headline in the Rocky Mountain News. The measure, which passed Tuesday with 54% of the vote, says adults 21 and older may possess up to an ounce of marijuana without penalty in the city.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21255.shtml

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world; indeed,
it's the only thing that ever does -- Margaret Mead


Colorado Medical Marijuana certificate

City Must Enforce State Pot Law
Editorial: Rocky Mountain News November 07, 2005
Mason Tvert, the executive director of the group that put the initiative on the ballot, insists Denver authorities should respect voter wishes and stop charging anyone under the state law, too.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21276.shtml

County To Sue State Over Medical Marijuana Laws

Rocky Mountain High By Joe DiPietro



Not a Legalized High, but Sensible Spending By Ben Bleckley
Source: Rocky Mountain Collegian November 07, 2005
Colorado -- Marijuana is considered an illegal substance by state and federal law. There seems to be some change of public sentiment in Denver however, whose citizens passed I-100, legalizing the possession of up to one ounce of cannabis for those 21 years and older. The issue narrowly passed 53 to 46 percent. Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER), which pushed for the passage of a ballot issue in last years ASCSU election, was a force behind the Denver issue.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21272.shtml

Pot Measure Wafts To Victory By Alan Gathright
Rocky Mountain News  November 01, 2005
Denver, Colorado -- A measure that would legalize adult possession of small amounts of marijuana in Denver was approved by voters Tuesday, following a heated campaign that saw pot backers accused of exploiting residents' fear of crime. The measure was leading by more than 7,000 votes with just over 100,000 votes counted when the Rocky Mountain News called the contest.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21252.shtml



Marijuana Measure Stirs Controversy By Alan Gathright
Rocky Mountain News November 01, 2005
Colorado -- Denver voters went to the polls Tuesday to decide whether to legalize adult possession of small amounts of marijuana after a heated campaign saw pot backers accused of exploiting residents' fear of crime. The central theme of Initiative 100, the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative, is that adults should have the right to legally choose marijuana, because it's a safer alternative to booze, which supporters argue — citing national and local studies — fuels violence, deadly car wrecks, collegiate binge-drinking and alcoholism.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21250.shtml

Zero Tolerance DUID Laws Don't Deter "Drugged Driving"
NORML November 9, 2005 - Linkoping, Sweden
A six-year-old Swedish law prohibiting motorists from operating a vehicle with any detectable level of a controlled substance in the driver's blood has not reduced incidents of drugged driving, according to data published in the December issue of the journal Traffic Injury Prevention.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21285.shtml

The 'Virtues' of Ganja

[DdC]

'60s are for Sale, and Denver's Buying By Mike Littwin



Where There´s Smoke By Adam Bulger
Hartford Advocate November 11, 2005 Connecticut  
A new store in New Britain is trying to change the way we think about head shops. Larry Goodwin, the owner of Snot Locker in New Britain, hates the term "head shop." Standing behind the counter of his store, among his stock of organic hemp balm, scales, fake soda can stash spots, pipes, bongs and hookahs, Goodwin insisted that he isn't running a head shop. And, surprisingly, I found myself agreeing with him.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21294.shtml

CannabisNews Paraphernalia Archives


A few daisies would look nice in these ¨glass vases.¨

Homegrown By John Adamian
Hartford Advocate November 11, 2005 

Connecticut´s Gary Higgins wins loads of hipster fans, 30 years after the original release of his dope-tinged debut, Red Hash. Admittedly, it's a journey from total obscurity to hipster fame, which is usually a kind of sanctified semi-obscurity anyway, but singer and musician Gary Higgins' story is still an unusual one. Maybe the most astonishing part of it is that Connecticut's homegrown freak-folk revival icon has simply been at it all along. And he's ready for his close-up, if anyone is interested in any of his recent music.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21295.shtml

Gary Higgins: Red Hash: Pitchfork Review


Thirty years later, Gary Higgins comes out of his rural solitude to critical acclaim.

[zero]

The whole Denver thing is misleading.

Even though its legal here by the city laws, we can and will still be prosecuted under state and federal law.
_________________
www.shoutwire.com
www.spikedhumor.com

"I understand that fear is my friend, but not always. Never turn your back on fear. It should always be in front of you, like a thing that might have to be killed."

[DdC]

Ya think these lil piglets come trained out of the box? Ours acted pig headed at first, then we got another head one. Same with the DA. You elect em, or not. If they don't obey city law then sue and boot em out. The county, state and fed oinkers can still raid activists and those too sick to run. But funding is too sparce to go after individual tokers minding their own business and still have enough to shove down their own pockets. Remind them of who the hell pays their paychecks. Just don't do it while sparking one up and blowing toke smoke up their snouts.
DdC



"One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Liberalizing Marijuana Laws
Enables Police To Focus Efforts On More Serious Crimes, Study Says

[DdC]

State Initiative Next Step for Marijuana Backers By Alan Gathright
Rocky Mountain News December 29, 2005 Colorado
Marijuana advocates vowed from the Capitol steps Wednesday to put a statewide measure legalizing adult pot possession on Colorado's November ballot and mobilize an army of voters to pass it. The statewide campaign is fueled by outrage over Denver authorities' rejection of Initiative 100, said Mason Tvert, campaign director for the initiative's sponsor, Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21421.shtml

Officials Sniff at Bid To Legalize Marijuana By Bill McKeown
Gazette December 29, 2005 Colorado
Two top law enforcement officials in the Pikes Peak region think proponents of a statewide initiative to decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana will not find much support here. The group Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, or SAFER, held a news conference Wednesday at the state Capitol to announce plans to seek voter approval to legalize possession of an ounce or less of marijuana
for those 21 years or older.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21419.shtml

The 'Virtues' of Pot
Vote Yes on initiative I-100
Reduce family and community violence in Denver
Alcohol use makes domestic violence 8 times more likely. . .
Marijuana use does not.

Safer Choice * Change The Climate



Pot Measure Rolled Out at Capitol By Alan Gathright
Rocky Mountain News December 28, 2005 Colorado
Marijuana advocates vowed today to put a statewide measure legalizing pot possession on the November ballot and mobilize an "army of new voters" to pass it. Mason Tvert, campaign director of Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation (SAFER) said the campaign is fueled by frustration over Denver authorities' rejection of Initiative 100, which Denver voters passed Nov. 1, ostensibly making it legal for adults to possess up to one ounce of pot.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21418.shtml

Pro-Got Group Aims at State Law in '06 By Alan Gathright
Rocky Mountain News December 28, 2005 Colorado
The same pro-pot group that persuaded Denver voters to approve a measure legalizing adult marijuana possession in the city is now firing up a statewide campaign to place an identical initiative on Colorado's fall 2006 ballot. The group, Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, plans to hold a news conference this morning outside the State Capitol announcing the launch of the effort. The statewide "Colorado Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative," seeks voter approval to make it legal for people 21 or older to possess 1 ounce or less of weed.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21417.shtml



Pro-Pot Group Seeks State Vote By Christopher N. Osher
Denver Post December 28, 2005 Colorado
Just two months after persuading Denver voters to legalize possession of small amounts of marijuana, proponents today will announce plans for a similar statewide initiative. The group Safer Alternative for Enjoyable Recreation, or SAFER, will hold a news conference in front of the state Capitol today to announce its filing of a proposed 2006 statewide ballot initiative.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21416.shtml

Grass Roots By Douglas Brown
Denver Post December 27, 2005 Colorado
They car pool in Crestmoor, read bedtime stories in Washington Park, and when they're away from the kids, these Denver moms sometimes retrieve the hidden baggie, pack a pipe or roll a joint, and smoke a little weed. "It slows me down," says a Washington Park 40-something mother of a 10-year-old daughter. "It's a nice, relaxing, low-key thing." One Denver psychologist, the 46-year-old mother of a young child, smokes because it helps her find "that space that is so about me and not about being a parent."
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21414.shtml

Controversial Pot Billboard Goes Up

Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative
WHEREAS, according to the National Institutes of Health, an average
of 317 Americans die annually as the result of alcohol overdoses; and
WHEREAS, there has never been even a single fatal marijuana overdose
recorded in the medical literature, as noted by the British Medical Journal in
September 2003; and
WHEREAS, according to U.S. Department of Justice, “About 3 million
crimes occur each year in which victims perceive the offender to have been
drinking at the time of the offense. Among those victims who provided
information about the offender’s use of alcohol, about 35% of the
victimizations involved an offender who had been drinking”; and
WHEREAS, extensive research, documented in official reports by the
British government's Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs and the Canadian
Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, among others, shows that -- unlike
alcohol -- marijuana use is not generally a cause of violence or aggressive
behavior and in fact tends to reduce violence and aggression;
WHEREAS, it is the intent of this ordinance to have the private adult use
and possession of marijuana treated in the same manner as the private adult
use and possession of alcohol;
NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF DENVER



Marijuana Madness
Editorial San Francisco Chronicle December 29, 2005
American law enforcement has a proud tradition of courageous souls standing up
against corrupt and dangerous criminal elements. Think Eliot Ness, the federal
agent who prosecuted Al Capone, or Frank Serpico, the New York cop who at great personal risk exposed dirty cops within his department. Then think about the new focus of American law enforcement -- marijuana -- and ask yourself if the expense of arresting, prosecuting and jailing offenders makes sense.
Read More... http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread21422.shtml

The 'Virtues' of Ganja



Legitimizing Ganja

Fascism 101: Fed Ganja Monopoly Challenged

The Failed War on Pot Users
USA -- In 2004, law enforcement officials arrested 771,605 people
for marijuana violations, according to federal statistics.

Remember The Failure of Prohibition

"Marihuana leads to pacifism and communist brainwashing"
Federal Bureau of Narcotics Chief Harry J. Anslinger, 1948

Fans Too Relaxed for Fights

Cannabis Helps Keep Fans Calm

Basketball Riots in L.A., Soccer Thugs in Europe

Euro 2000 Soccer Violence Could Vanish in a Puff

California Cops Go To Pot

"Cannabis can be used on an episodic but continual basis
without evidence of social or psychic dysfunction.
In many users the term dependence with its obvious connotations, probably is mis-applied... The chief opposition to the drug rests on a moral and political, and not toxicologic, foundation"
The USA Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy 1987

Legalise Cannabis To Cut Heroin Addiction



Pot Less of a Cancer Risk Than Tobacco

TOBACCO USE AND IMPOTENCE

If you smoke, you're playing Russian roulette with your sexual function.
Dr. John Mulhall, Director, Center for Sexual Health, Loyola University Medical Center

There's absolutely no question about it. It causes it very commonly.
Dr. Culley Carson, Urology Department Chairman, University of North Carolina

If you smoke, you're about twice as likely to have erectile dysfunction.
Dr. John McKinlay, New England Research Institute

Smoking is clearly hazardous to your erection.
Dr. Lawrence Levine, Rush Medical Center, Director of Male Sexual Function Program

I feel confident that smoking does and can cause impotence.
Dr. Randolph Smoak, Chair, Board of Trustees, American Medical Association



Marijuana May Live Up To Be The Elixir of Life

Cannabis smokers 'number 163 million worldwide'

Hypocrisy & Double Standards


1948 Ronald Reagan, Chesterfield Cigarette Color Advertisement

Marijuana and Sex



Marijuana has been used in one form or another across many different cultures as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years. Marijuana has been used in India for at least 3,000 years to increase libido and conquer impotence.

Marijuana and Sex: A Classic Combination

Ancient tantrists and modern researchers agree:
pot and sex are two great things that go together

Ganja and Sex

Marijuana: the ultimate sex drug by Chris Bennett

Alcohol is far more harmful than marijuana,
both to the user and to the society,
and Denver citizens are fed up with a system that punishes them
for choosing to use a safer substance.
It is time our government stops driving people to drink
and allow them to make the safer choice.

DENVER LEGALIZES MARIJUANA 53% - 46%!
Denver became the first city in the nation to make the private use of marijuana legal for adults 21 and older as an alternative to alcohol, a far more harmful drug. By 10.45 p.m. Tuesday night, with 100% of the votes tallied, the Alcohol-Marijuana Equalization Initiative had passed 53.49% YES to 46.51% NO.

[indicaspice]