Charges Won't Be Filed Against Three People at This Time; More Not-Guilty Pleas Entered A boisterous group of about 60 protesters advocating for medical marijuana rights gathered outside the San Luis Obispo County Courthouse on Tuesday chanting for "safe access" and hoisting signs - including one that read, "It's medical, not criminal." The protesters were calling for the dismissal of charges against a dozen people arrested in late December after an investigation by the county's Narcotic Task Force into alleged mobile marijuana dispensaries. [continues 548 words]
I'm sitting in a chill wind on the corner as people stream by on their way to or from the Bellingham Farmer's Market and it's threatening rain. I observe and am open to conversation but few stop to sign my petition. The rejection is starting to get to me and I gain a new-found respect for the young traveler making his way across an indifferent America. I have had better luck in friendlier environments, like near the Food Co-op, or outside Uisce on St. Patrick's day. I have collected better than 400 signatures personally, and met a lot of very nice people. [continues 573 words]
I am a criminologist and professor of criminal justice. I have evaluated this topic (medical marijuana) considerably. One issue The Sun's article does not address: Cops may be against legalization -- not so much due to their being overwhelmed, but consider this -- what other crime does the law enforcement community make a profit from? With drugs (including marijuana), the police can take possession of all monies and associated properties and use them or auction them for the benefit of the agency. In times of short money supply, why would they want to give up their only source for this? Of course that is a bad argument from a public perception point of view so a supporting argument like it causes us problems will hold more sway for supporters of maintaining illegality. It seems this issue is more about money than rights health or liberties as guaranteed by the constitution. Palmyra [end]
Free Speech Violated, Schlesinger Rules Jacksonville can't enforce a local law requiring organizers to pay for insurance and police protection at outdoor festivals because it is unconstitutional, a federal judge has ruled. The ruling, spurred by a lawsuit filed by promoters of last year's Hempfest, called the city's permitting process for such events an improper restriction on the right to freedom of speech. Until the city fixes the law, which means including the option to appeal a denied permit, U.S. District Judge Harvey Schlesinger ruled it can't be enforced. [continues 543 words]
