TERRE HAUTE-- It's gotten to the point that when I hear of a tragedy, scandal or disaster, I find myself, after the initial shock, anger, or sadness wears off, worrying what those in government will do in response to the problem. Lawmakers and other government officials want to be seen to be doing "something" in the wake of a disaster, scandal or widely perceived problem. Unfortunately, the laws they pass often create new problems that will eventually result in new laws, and on, and on. One example of this may be in the current legislative steps being taken to combat the "methamphetamine epidemic" - the latest front in the government's decades-old war on drugs. [continues 987 words]
A letter writer on April 25 writes that liberals have increased crime and moral degradation in this country since their proclaimed "New Age." I cannot defend liberals, but the primary cause for increases in crime and moral degradation comes from a liberal social engineering program strongly embraced by conservatives: the drug war. To address the writer's specific issues, the drug war increases drug availability for schoolchildren, where students sell to peers. The drug war, a godless communistic ideology relying on same-sex rape under the supervision of law enforcement, spreads homosexuality, racism, violence and AIDS in the prison system. [continues 161 words]
Nearly a century since the humble poppy first blossomed as an enduring symbol of military sacrifice, Canada's soldiers find themselves shoulder-deep in flowers of a very different colour, striking a delicate diplomatic balance between policy and practicality. The opium poppies that blanket Afghanistan in spring are far different and a great deal more treacherous than the red Remembrance Day variety that bloom on city streets in November. [continues 883 words]
LAKEPORT -- The county accepted $175,000 in funding from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Tuesday, earmarked for the Lake County Sheriff's Office for the eradication of illegal marijuana. And in keeping with previous years when the funding has come up for approval, the Board of Supervisors was divided. Dist. 1 Supervisor Ed Robey pulled the item for discussion from the board's consent agenda. Items on the consent agenda are voted on all at one time by the board because they are expected to be routine and non-controversial. Robey took exception to the funding agreement, as he has for each of the 10 years he's been a supervisor. Usually, he said, he catches it before it's placed on the consent agenda and requests that it be a timed item. [continues 656 words]
Pinole: Council Tries To Balance Voters' Will And Federal Law, Saying Clubs 'Shall Be Allowed,' When Legal Without appearing to take sides in the standoff over medical marijuana between the state and federal government, the Pinole City Council has enacted what amounts to a ban on cannabis clubs. Under Pinole's ordinance, a medical marijuana dispensary or cooperative "shall be allowed," but "only if consistent with state and federal law." The state recognizes medical marijuana, but the federal government holds that marijuana is an illegal drug with no medical value. [continues 362 words]
PROVIDENCE -- With two months to spare, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted yesterday to make permanent a law that legalizes marijuana for medicinal purposes. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill today -- and is expected to approve it easily. Rhode Island became the 11th state to legalize medical marijuana last year; since then New Mexico has passed similar legislation. However, Rhode Island's pioneering move had an expiration date. The law has a built-in sunset clause for June 30, unless legislators make it permanent. [continues 602 words]
Or Will They Have the Courage to Legalize Medical Marijuana? Multiple sclerosis patient Julie Falco makes a compelling case that Illinois should legalize marijuana for medical uses. Three times a day, Falco eats a small marijuana brownie to relieve tingling, numbness, spasticity, bladder problems, insomnia and depression. Pot works so well she has tossed out her prescription drugs. "I'm in a better place physically, mentally and spiritually from taking this," she says. Falco, 42, recently testified for a bill that would legalize medical marijuana. A Senate vote could come as early as today. [continues 627 words]
I have voted "no" five times on the "medical marijuana" bill in Senate Committees and now on the Senate floor. I feel great compassion and concern for the Minnesota residents who believe that marijuana might help them to relieve their pain at the end of their life. Nonetheless, I cannot help them. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved marijuana for medicinal use; accordingly, doctors are prohibited from prescribing it, and pharmacists may not dispense it. There is no way for the terminally ill to obtain marijuana except from an illegal source. [continues 751 words]
Hanover -- A New Hampshire group pushing for changes to drug policy has placed an article on the Town Meeting warrant asking voters to allow the use of marijuana for medical purposes. The article states that Hanover police officers "are urged" not to arrest anybody over the age of 21 for marijuana possession if the person can "produce written certification," signed by a doctor, stating that the drug is for a therapeutic use. It would not apply to "distribution, cultivation, or sale" of the drug, nor to driving under the influence. [continues 507 words]
