COLUMBUS - Ohio Sen. Tom Roberts, D-Dayton, unveiled details of the Ohio Medical Compassion Act on Tuesday, which if adopted, "would allow patients to use medicinal cannabis through a regulated system of quality health care." If enacted, Ohio would join 12 other states that have currently de-criminalized the use of medicinal marijuana. According to Roberts, the legislation would allow qualified patients and primary caregivers to use medicinal cannabis through a cardholder system. Tonya Davis, a medicinal marijuana user who assisted in drafting the bill, said that under the proposed legislation, only a patient with a medical condition or illness that is sufficiently serious or debilitating, and who has the approval of his or her medical practitioner, will be able to use cannabis. Davis suffers from a host of debilitating medical conditions, including domestic violence-induced scoliosis, and is confined to a wheelchair. [continues 452 words]
COLUMBUS -- State Sen. Tom Roberts wants Ohioans to be able to smoke marijuana legally to ease their pain. Roberts, D-Trotwood, is to unveil details of his proposed Ohio Medical Compassion Act at a press conference here on Wednesday, May 21. "Our laws should reflect the latest in medical research, which has shown that medical cannabis has a variety of benefits for treating pain, nausea and other symptoms related to a wide range of disease," Roberts said in a prepared statement. [continues 190 words]
For many students, there is more to hemp and the Ohio Hempfest than just the negative connotations surrounding it. "It's meant to just open people's eyes up to the fact that the use of hemp and any like products is not the evil thing that it's portrayed as being," said Students for Sensible Drug Policy vice president Zach Laver, a sophomore in plant biology. Ohio State's SSDP group is holding the 22nd annual Hempfest May 17 on the South Oval, which is focused on educating the public about drug policy. The tradition has grown larger every year, with 6,000 attendees in 2007 and at least 8,000 anticipated this year. [continues 519 words]
Weed, pot, hash, grass, hemp - all have been used as nicknames for marijuana. As studies increase, however, it turns out hemp and marijuana might not have as much in common as people think. While technically a single species, Cannabis sativa - better known as marijuana - has evolved over the years to present two very different plants: industrial hemp used for its fiber and typical marijuana harvested for its hallucinogenic properties. The question being debated is whether or not the agricultural benefits of hemp are enough to tip the scale in favor of legalizing production of the specific form of Cannabis sativa. [continues 425 words]
As legislators in Columbus move to outlaw the distribution of a hallucinogenic herb found on the Internet, an area law professor says purveyors of the plant unethically target teens and young adults. Salvia divinorum is a plant native to Mexico that recently has become an Internet sensation. Countless Web sites tout its mind-altering effects and encourage prospective customers to "take a ride." However what is not being revealed is the danger the plant poses to users - despite being legal. "Is this a harmless drug - no not at all," Tiffin University Criminal Justice Assistant Professor Jonathan Appel told The Evening Leader. "It is a very strong psychedelic drug." [continues 763 words]
MANSFIELD -- Local Ecstasy users could be taking their lives in their hands because of fake samples. "Not only are you not sure of what you're getting, but what dose," METRICH Commander Lt. Dino Sgambellone said. "It's like Russian roulette to me." More and more local samples have proven to be fake and have included such ingredients as meth and caffeine. Other samples have had "two new drugs we've never seen before," Mansfield police crime lab Director Tony Tambasco said. [continues 308 words]
DELPHOS - Throughout the counter-culture era, "Cheech and Chong" had "ganga" burning "up in smoke" as a war-weary nation laughed on. No longer solely associated with sandals and tie-dyed T-shirts, marijuana has transcended all social demographics. Adults and teens alike smoke it in "bongs" and fire up "blunts." Local police say the country's most popular narcotic is abused by those of various income brackets and social status. "Marijuana is fairly widespread in Delphos. I've always called it the 'universal solvent' because certain drugs seem to stay with certain demographics but marijuana transcends age, gender, race, profession, cultural background and so on," Delphos Police Sgt. Kyle Fittro said. [continues 1104 words]
Pain Sufferers Say It Has Medicinal Qualities A few hundred people gathered at Fountain Square on Sunday for a rally to support legalizing marijuana - a scene that played out in many U.S. cities this weekend. The crowd listened to music and speeches about why the drug should be legalized before marching to the federal building a couple of blocks away. Young and old sported hemp jewelry and shirts with the plant - all for a drug they said should be available to "those who need it and those who want it." [continues 473 words]
Lauren Blalock/ The Lantern OSU student Zach Germaniak listens as co-founder and retired captain Peter Christ spoke about Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. A "South Park" episode, women's suffrage and alcohol prohibition were only a few of the topics a retired police officer discussed Tuesday night during his plea to end the war on drugs. Peter Christ, formerly a captain in upstate New York, spoke at Stillman Hall, focusing on what he called a drug policy that does not work. [continues 459 words]
Stow -- Stow property owners now must disclose whether their homes were former methamphetamine labs during property transactions or face jail time. Property owners have to disclose such information to potential homebuyers and renters and anyone receiving property as a gift, per legislation Council passed April 24. Deputy Law Director Joe Haefner said property sellers are required to specify in writing whether their properties were former meth houses. Those who violate the ordinance would be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor and could face a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and a maximum fine of $1,000. [continues 332 words]
"Good news!" an excited student announced to a gathering of about 20 students: Issue 5 passed. Zach Germaniuk, president of Students for Sensible Drug Policy at Ohio State, had just arrived at a meeting sponsored by the group Sunday night at Stillman Hall. The news pleased Germaniuk, a senior in English, who announced the results with zest at the meeting. Although the meeting was to begin with a viewing of "Reefer Madness" and fundraising for the upcoming Hempfest, the Issue 5 news stole the show. [continues 390 words]
Madison Board Will Vote April 21 On Testing Employees Not Represented By The Teachers Union. MADISON TWP. -- Madison Local Schools may implement random drug testing for employees who are not represented by the teacher's union, according to a board meeting agenda. Madison board members will vote Monday, April 21, on a proposal to "authorize institution of a random drug testing program covering all employees who are not members of the Madison Education Association," according to the agenda for the 6 p.m. meeting to be held at the district's administrative offices. [continues 240 words]
GAMBIER - Kenyon College hosted a debate on Thursday on the subject of legalized marijuana. Representatives of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws argued to legalize marijuana while Mary Samuell of the Knox County Drug and Alcohol Freedom Center and Noel Alden, a criminal defense attorney, argued against. More than 100 students gathered in Gund Hall to watch the debate. Titled "Doobie Do or Doobie Don't" the event was sponsored by Kenyon Counselor Mike Durham and the student-based Alcohol and Drug Education Program Team. Durham said the purpose of the event was to bring both sides of the argument together and educate students on the issue. [continues 478 words]
Sunday is a day often reserved for catching up on some last-minute homework assignments. But this particular Sunday, April 20, some students will take the day off, relax with friends and smoke a joint - - or a bong. While the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws is usually active collecting signatures, screening films like "In Pot We Trust" and "Reefer Madness," and sponsoring live bands in their mission to legalize medical marijuana, they will be taking 4/20 off this year to relax with some of their like-minded friends. [continues 350 words]
Columbus- Ohio House lawmakers voted unanimously Tuesday to ban a psychoactive herb that can take smokers on a mind-bending psychedelic ride akin to LSD. Ohio is poised to become the sixth state to ban the plant - known as Salvia divinorum - putting the substance on par with marijuana as a drug that is illegal to purchase, possess or sell in any quantity. To become law, the measure needs to be approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Ted Strickland. Rep. Thom Collier, Republican of Mount Vernon, who sponsored the bill, called the obscure Mexican herb in the mint family "one of the most potent, naturally occurring psychoactive compounds." [continues 216 words]
Each day, Mike and Julie Preston head to work to accomplish the same goal - provide children the education and tools to live a drug-free life. Mike is one of the Ross County Sheriff's Office Drug Abuse Resistance Education officers, while Julie is the D.A.R.E. officer for Chillicothe City Schools and Bishop Flaget. The couple have been in law enforcement since 1995, but decided, at different times, to dedicate their police work to working with children. "It was being able to deal with people in a positive way instead of a negative way most of the time," Mike said. [continues 626 words]
LIMA - When Ruth Glover saw Jesse Lowe II recently standing alone on a street corner protesting drugs, she knew she would join him. "I told him, 'You don't have to stand alone. I'll be there with you,' " she said. Lowe certainly did not stand alone Saturday. At least 50 people at one point braved unlike-spring temperatures and periods of rain to gather on two corners at the intersection of Cole and North streets. A gathering earlier in the week in the south end of the city attracted just 15 people. [continues 474 words]
BUCYRUS -- In the old days, all students had to worry about in school were the three Rs. In the 21st century they have to pass proficiency tests, graduation tests and drug tests. There's no studying and no extra credit necessary for the last one, but plenty of help is available for those who fail it. "The whole purpose if they get caught is to get the kids help," Bucyrus athletics director Tom Jeffrey said. "There are consequences, yes; Just like there are in life." [continues 1092 words]
BUCYRUS -- The U.S. Supreme Court said in its ruling on a case from Vernonia, Oregon, that testing student athletes for drug use violates neither the U.S. Constitution, nor more specifically the Fourth Amendment's prohibition of random or suspicionless searches. High school junior Tyler Carter isn't a Constitutional attorney, but he agrees. He plays football, basketball and baseball for Bucyrus High School, which has screened all students in extra-curricular activities for three years. "I don't think it's unfair," Carter said. "I just think it's the right thing, and I think everyone should start doing it." [continues 541 words]
I am highly irritated with the Tarika Wilson story. I do have sympathy for her family and am deeply sorry that it took a death of a human being to bring attention to the terrible drug problem. But the fact that we want to blame the police officer for so-called "murdering" her is beyond upsetting to me. This man has served for the Lima community for 30 years, and that should be accounted for. If this man is put in jail, I fear it will make other officers think twice before firing and could possibly cost their lives and lives of others. [continues 65 words]
LIMA - A city leader and community activist is telling everyone to "wake up" while warning the criminal justice system is drifting down the same path that led to the fatal police shooting of a woman during a January drug raid. Police and others in the community have operated in the same way that created the conditions that led to the shooting of 26-year-old Tarika Wilson, a mother of six, inside her East Third Street home Jan. 4, said Fifth Ward City Councilman Tommy Pitts. [continues 553 words]
Nothing Found at John Marshall, but 'Strong Message' Delivered Police and security officers have begun making random sweeps of Cleveland schools in search of drugs. The first sweep came Thursday at John Marshall High School. School security officers, city police and two drug-sniffing dogs went through lockers for two hours while students were kept in their classrooms. No drugs were found, but schools security chief Lester Fultz said he is more interested in making a point than making arrests. "The goal is to send a very strong message in terms of what is not allowed in the buildings," he said. "We were not disappointed that we didn't find anything." [continues 227 words]
307 Arrests Made Since Restructuring 18 Months Ago; 39 Arrests This Year Nearly 18 months ago, the Portage County Drug Task Force was restructured under the guidance of the Portage County Sheriff's Office after financial constraints led to many departments withdrawing from the group. Since then, the task force has made 307 arrests, 39 so far this year, said Portage County Sheriff Duane Kaley. Consisting of members from seven departments within the community "the sheriff's office, the Portage County Prosecutor's Office, and the Aurora, Garrettsville, Kent, Ravenna and Streetsboro police departments " the task force is continuing its mission of driving drugs out of Portage County, Kaley said. [continues 451 words]
DOWNTOWN AKRON - Summit County Council paved the way at its March 17 meeting for a new task force that will examine the issue of properties that have been used as methamphetamine labs. Councilman Jon Poda (D-at large) introduced legislation creating the Summit County Methamphetamine Property Awareness Task Force. He said he sees the task force as a way for the county to identify what is currently happening to homes, apartments and other buildings that once were the site of illegal drug manufacturing operations. [continues 493 words]
More people were booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center in 2006 than in 2002 and more of them had multiple charges filed against them. But - with the exception of those charged with very serious crimes - inmates did not stay in jail as long. The findings were among many released Tuesday in a study aimed at finding ways to reduce the county's jail population. It is unclear how much of the decline in the length of stay was because of rehabilitation and intervention programs and how much was because of early releases. [continues 520 words]
ONTARIO -- All student drivers and those involved in extracurricular activities will be subject to random drug testing beginning next school year. The Ontario Board of Education approved the resolution Tuesday, giving the Drug Testing Exploration Committee permission to continue its work. "It was really nice to hear all the support from the board members," substance abuse coordinator Veronica Cain said. "We want to stress that the purpose for this testing is not to catch and punish students. We want to be a part of the solution. "Ultimately, it will still be up to the students and their families to follow through." [continues 102 words]
Change: It seems to be the mantra of not only the Democrats, but Sen. John McCain as well. He has picked up the chant, too, pointing out his maverick reputation. But the central question remains: What will real change amount to? Health care for all our citizens, winning the war on terror, a better break for the middle class, no more dependence on foreign energy? Even if all these things happen, will it amount to any kind of real change? Will you still be worried if you have to use a cash machine late at night? Will there still be gang violence if we all have health care? Will you still worry that your kids are in a dangerous place trying to score some weed? Will people still be afraid to sit on their front porch without getting hit by a stray bullet? [continues 203 words]
OU Associate Director of Health Promotion Terry Koons' assertion that "smoking marijuana is more physically harmful than smoking cigarettes" is discredited ("Depending on Whom You Ask, Pot's Harmless or Hazardous," The NEWS, Feb. 21) since nobody has died due to cannabis in over 5,000 years of documented use compared to over 1,000 Americans who die daily due to cigarette use. When citizens actually ask knowledgeable and honest people, we find out that cannabis is a relatively safe God-given plant that should be re-legalized for responsible adults. So, why doesn't Terry Koons speak the truth about marijuana's effects? Stan White Dillon, Colo. [end]
The neighborhood where Patrolman Derek Owens was fatally shot Friday was among the first that police targeted after Mayor Frank Jackson directed them to aggressively crack down on crime. Owens and his partner were doing routine patrol work and were not part of the teams targeting gun and drug crime announced by Jackson this year. Still, the blocks around East 102nd Street and Parkview Avenue -- where the shooting occurred -- are among the worst in the area, said 4th District Commander Roy Rich and Councilman Kenneth Johnson. [continues 364 words]
Officers Asked To Come Forward LIMA, Ohio - The Lima chapter of the NAACP yesterday called for the indictment of all officers involved in the Jan. 4 raid of a biracial woman's home during which she was shot and killed by a city police officer. "If I commit a crime, and five of my friends are with me, I'm getting charged, they're getting charged, bottom line," said Lima's NAACP President Jason Upthegrove. Tarika Wilson, 26, was shot twice, and her 1-year-old son was wounded when the Lima Police Department's SWAT team raided her Third Street home, using a "no-knock" search warrant. [continues 240 words]
This is a letter of support for C. David Warren for Athens County prosecutor. During the establishment of Bridge Builders in Trimble Township, we had requested someone to come to our meetings and listen to our concerns about the growing drug problem that we witnessed in the Trimble Township area and Athens County. We love our families and care about our community, school district and our youth. We are very concerned about the unnecessary deaths, crime and suffering that have been occurring. [continues 184 words]
(Pseudonyms were used for every source in this piece, since they're talking about and engaging in illegal activities.) Ohio University students say that potent marijuana is easy to find in Athens, but it's not always cheap. "It's just really easy to get good weed here," OU undergrad Chester Copperfield said while using marijuana with three friends during an interview on Tuesday. Copperfield and his friends estimated that 75 to 80 percent of OU students use marijuana at least occasionally. [continues 513 words]
A woman who was the key to a federal drug case against a Zanesville police officer has been charged with lying to investigators. The Cincinnati Division of the FBI released a statement today saying that Amanda Novaria, 26, of Roseville, is in custody of the Guernsey County sheriff's office on other charges, and is to go before a judge in U.S. District Court in Columbus this afternoon to face the federal charges. Novaria had previously said she exchanged phone calls and text messages with Donald Peterson, 33, who was then a Zanesville police officer. Peterson, his wife and three others were, as a result of Novaria's statements, all federally charged with distributing a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. [continues 81 words]
In 1991, shortly after his 22nd birthday, Lee Lucas became an undercover agent for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. He quickly built international drug investigations stretching from his Miami base to the Bahamas, Brazil, Bolivia and beyond. Over the next five years, in every major case the long-haired undercover operative and son of a Cleveland cop worked, there were charges of deceit, perjury, missing drugs and money, questionable associations with criminal informers and allegations that sting operations he orchestrated were rife with fraud. [continues 642 words]
Several Convicts Might Be Let Out Soon Under New Cocaine-Sentencing Rules The number of crack-cocaine dealers and users who could be released early from federal prison has nearly doubled from initial estimates, local officials now say. Last year, the U.S. Sentencing Commission announced new, retroactive sentencing guidelines for the drug offenders that could mean early release for 224 federal inmates who were sentenced in the U.S. District Court for southern Ohio, which includes Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. [continues 462 words]
MANSFIELD, Ohio -- A real-life version of "The Shawshank Redemption" is playing out in this blue-collar town where the 1994 prison movie was filmed. Federal judges, acting on an unprecedented request from a prosecutor, have freed 16 Mansfield residents from prison because of an undercover drug investigation that turned into a law-enforcement scandal. U.S. Attorney Greg White of Cleveland said their convictions for selling crack cocaine were tainted by an informant who admits framing innocent people. Mr. White does not call the Mansfield defendants innocent, but he says the cases against them were built on lies. He said he had to let them out of prison because they were wrongly convicted. [continues 2021 words]
LEAVE it to trendsetter California to push the outer limits of the medical marijuana envelope. Literally. A handful of businesses in Los Angeles have installed vending machines in their stores that dispense envelopes containing small amounts of pot to patrons with state-issued cards authorizing use of marijuana for medical purposes. The development is sure to pit the Golden State against federal drug laws once again, but sooner or later, state and federal authorities will have to resolve this issue. California is among 12 states that have legalized marijuana for medical use. But under federal law, any kind of marijuana use is illegal and state laws that make exceptions to ease the suffering of a variety of medical conditions are not recognized [continues 209 words]
A lack of scientific consensus on the possible medical benefits and health risks of marijuana may contribute to the public's wildly different perspectives on the drug. Nearly a third of students at Ohio University report using marijuana at some level, and many see it as less harmful than other recreational drugs, despite contradictory medical evidence, according to the OU Department of Health Promotion. Terry Koons, associate director of Health Promotion, said that marijuana, like alcohol (and increasingly unlike tobacco), is viewed by many as socially acceptable, despite its health risks. Despite popular opinion, however, smoking marijuana is more physically harmful than smoking cigarettes, he said. Marijuana smokers tend to hold the smoke in their lungs longer, exposing them to more carcinogens, and marijuana is also generally unfiltered when smoked, again increasing the carcinogen exposure. [continues 731 words]
Toledo Police Chief Mike Navarre Said The Facts Are Simple: Drugs Fuel Crime. Eliminate the drugs, he said, and crime decreases. "The vast majority of crime is related to illicit drugs," Chief Navarre said. "It all comes back to feeding those drug habits." That's why in 2006, Chief Navarre and Deputy Chief Don Kenney, who oversees the department's investigative services division, stepped up enforcement against illegal drug trafficking. Since then, police have increased drug search warrants, taken more guns off the streets, and increased the number of drug-related felony charges - all factors Chief Navarre credits for a decrease in overall crime. [continues 411 words]
Marijuana Found In Worthington Police'S Search Of Cars In Parking Lot Drug-sniffing dogs helped police confiscate marijuana and related paraphernalia yesterday morning from a handful of student vehicles at Thomas Worthington High School. The drug sweep was conducted at the request of the administration and students, Worthington police said. "We had had several drug-related incidents over at the school," Sgt. John Slaughter said. "The school thought it was a good idea. They discussed it apparently with the student council, had meetings with them and came to the conclusion this might be a good idea." [continues 220 words]
Landlords can move quickly to get rid of tenants they suspect are dealing drugs or breaking the law in other ways. The difficult part is proving it to a judge during an eviction hearing. Police and the landlord had long suspected drugs were being sold at 1766 S. 8th St. before Wednesday, when neighbor Matthew Edblom was fatally stabbed confronting people at the duplex. A man was shot dead outside the same South Side address in December. The landlord, Philip Reynolds of Orient, told The Dispatch it would have been difficult to evict the several occupants because the tenant on the lease, one woman, always paid the rent on time. [continues 540 words]
COLUMBUS - Two former officers have agreed to testify against a third officer who is facing federal drug charges. Former Zanesville Police Officer Trevor Fusner and Genesis HealthCare Systems Police Officer Chad Mills have reached plea deals with the federal government, which will result in at least 10 years in prison for the pair. The two will testify against former ZPD officer Sean Beck, who is still facing charges, and any other law enforcement officials who are engaging in illegal activities, according to the plea agreement. [continues 616 words]
So, you've been busted for using marijuana at Ohio University. Take a deep breath and look at the facts before you get too paranoid. If you're just a recreational user, your predicament may not be as bad as you think. You're going to have to keep your head straight and know your rights, so here's a simple rundown of what you can expect to happen after being caught with pot at OU. Possessing and using pot is illegal and against OU's Code of Student Conduct, but the penalties that most recreational users face when they're caught aren't as harsh as they would be on many campuses or in most other states. [continues 825 words]
ONTARIO - Ontario substance abuse coordinator Veronica Cain was asked Wednesday night if students are using cocaine and heroin. "We do have kids from our school using cocaine and heroin," Cain said, along with alcohol, tobacco and marijuana. A 14-member panel exploring a random drug testing policy for Ontario students sought input during a 90-minute meeting Wednesday nigh at the high school. Panel members provided a list of concerns expressed on forums (including the News Journal's Web site). Posters asked who would be tested, how to finance testing, privacy issues, safety concerns, etc. The panel plans to submit its findings to the board of education on March 11. [continues 232 words]
COLUMBUS - The city will re-evaulate the termination of former officer Donald Peterson after the U.S. Attorney's Office was granted a motion to dismiss federal drug charges against him and four others. The charges were dismissed Friday against Peterson, his wife Serritha, Steven Gibson, Gary Moody and Shelly Tyson. Peterson was fired from the Zanesville Police Department in January after being indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute crack, five counts of selling or distributing morphine, Oxycodone and crack, and one count of conspiracy to distribute crack, morphine, Oxycodone and other controlled substances. [continues 887 words]
I'm writing about: "Marijuana legalization debate turns heads on campus" (Jan. 28th). It seems to me that the wrong question was asked. The question should be: Should marijuana remain completely untaxed, unregulated and controlled by criminals? Because marijuana is now illegal, it is sold only by criminals (criminals who often sell other, much more dangerous drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine). And they often offer free samples of the more dangerous drugs to their marijuana customers. Thus creating the so-called "gateway effect." [continues 63 words]
Before legalizing drugs, the following serious economic impact must be considered: Thousands of drug dealers would be unemployed, as would be those engaged in the manufacturing process and smuggling of drugs. Those receiving unreported discretionary income from those in the drug trade -- mainly law enforcement officials responsible for enforcing laws against the manufacturing, sale and the use of illegal drugs such officials as police, judges, customs officials border control agents, etc. -- would be losing a viable source of their income, which might affect their discretionary spending on luxury goods, future retirement and overall style of living. [continues 125 words]
Mansfield- They returned to the city where they were betrayed, feeling bitter and filled with hatred for the man who put them in prison. In the past 10 days, a group of men have left prisons across the country and headed back to Mansfield. They were convicted in a massive drug conspiracy that collapsed Jan. 25 when a federal judge dismissed 15 cases. Each spent 2 1/2 years behind bars because of an informant's pyramid of lies. They call the time in prison "wasted years." As they struggle to mend their lives, their elation at being released is slowly giving way to the fear that they are marked men, easy targets for police who want to send them back. [continues 915 words]
Editor, the Gazette: As a retired Michigan police officer who fought in the trenches of the drug war, I understand the citizen wanting to give up on my profession. He sees a drug house and no police busting it. Please understand the problem is not the police. We are working hard every day and we have busted thousands of drug houses. The policy of drug war/prohibition is the root problem. There is so much money to be made, a new drug house pops up as fast as we close one. Ending drug prohibition would eliminate every drug house in Ohio. That is the only proven solution to drug houses. Howard Wooldridge Frederick, Md. [end]
Inside Ohio
