It's a war that can't be won and even those who have been charged with cracking down on users agree there are better ways to deal with the issue Barry Cooper's new DVD, Never Get Busted Again, which went on sale over the Internet late last month, will probably not sell very well outside the United States, because in most other countries the possession of marijuana for personal use is treated as a misdemeanour or simply ignored by the police. [continues 869 words]
VICTORIA - Who would think that the most disturbing words I've seen in print for years would come from a Mountie? When people look back on these times, they will be baffled by our persistent stupidity when it comes to drugs. From alcohol in the '30s to crystal meth 70 years later later we keep trying to police addictions and abuse out of existence. In the process we have spent untold fortunes, bankrolled every organized crime group from the Mafia to bikers to Asian gangs and watched as more people suffered and died, more families were destroyed and more communities damaged. [continues 651 words]
This is not stuff of science fiction, preventing crime is easier than you think when statistics clearly identify who commits crime. All we need now is a government to focus in the right areas. What if instead of waiting for people to commit crimes, you identified and stopped them before they broke into your house or grabbed your mom's purse? That was the premise of a Tom Cruise flick of a couple of years ago called Minority Report. Future police were able to identify people on the brink of killing a spouse or committing some other crime - don't ask how - and sweep in for a preventive arrest. [continues 669 words]
To the Editor: It troubles me deeply to see the effects of cocaine and other destructive drugs on the community of Nelson. Anyone who has driven through the saddest streets of East Hastings can attest to the destructive nature of these drugs. Perhaps if more of the students in our schools in Nelson had actually been through those streets, they wouldn't be so quick to sniff anything that someone tells them they'll get off on. About 18 months ago I was horrified to see a group of teenagers from my school roll up to a party drunk and high on coke. In groups, they started beating the hell out of random teenagers who had done nothing to them and wanted no part in the violence. Four people ended up in the hospital, one with severe facial swelling and short term memory loss (from his face being stamped on by two boys while he lay on the ground unconscious) another with stitches in his head from being smashed with a hard object and another with a severe concussion and spinal injury. I was assaulted by two of them myself; and if it weren't for fast legs, police officers and guardian angels, I would have been laying in a hospital bed as well. [continues 132 words]
To the Editor: As I read the letters and articles in the paper on the pot issue, I really have a hard time not to become frustrated. It is a known fact that dope is grown and smoked all over the Kootenays. No matter where you go or walk it is out there. That said I now express where my frustration is. I don't give a crap about the Holy Smoke issue. As far as I'm concerned they are the least concern in this town or any other area. [continues 137 words]
Marijuana: Case against local culture shop owners takes a turn as lawyer takes similar course argued by abortion activist Henry Morgentaler The lawyer for Holy smoke co-owners Paul DeFelice and Alan Middlemiss, and associates Akka Annis and Kelsey Stratas, will use a defense employed by abortion activist Henry Morgentaler to acquit his clients of their drug trafficking and possession charges. While not acknowledging that his clients are guilty of trafficking or possession of a variety of marijuana, hashish, and psilocybin, Nelson lawyer Donald Skogstad said he plans to argue that their alleged trafficking of those substances was the "lesser of two evils". [continues 845 words]
To the Editor: When I read the article in NDN titled "Ten charged in drug probe" (Page 1, Tuesday, November 28, 2006) I couldn't help but notice a few interesting facts... Sgt. Bank, the officer behind "Operation Vista," says that investigating cocaine is harder and more time consuming than marijuana. Cocaine is not some magical substance...it is trafficked like any other drug. What Sgt. Bank is really saying is that it is easier to bust a pot user because generally they are compliant and harmless whereas cocaine dealers might be dangerous. [continues 235 words]
Pot Crusaders Moving Through Court System A new - and indictable - charge was levied against Holy Smoke Culture Shop co-owner Alan Middlemiss Monday for trafficking in marijuana. Middlemiss and fellow Holy Smoke owner Paul DeFelice were in Nelson court Tuesday as their court case proceeded. It was Middlemiss' first appearance. "None of these charges allow a jury trial," said the duo's lawyer Donald Skogstad. "It has to be indictable because of the quantity, but it's still exclusive jurisdiction of a provincial court judge." [continues 556 words]
To the Editor: I just finished reading the Roger Pratt letter entitled, "The great marijuana cover-up," in today's paper (NDN, Thursday Sept 21, 2006) and had to respond immediately. Almost 10 years ago, I suffered a serious head injury in an MVA. Five years after that, I was sleeping about 10 hours a week, was suicidally depressed, unable to work and was consuming anywhere between 20 and 30 thousand dollars a year in prescription drugs. About $1,000 was out of pocket, the rest was payed for by the Canadian taxpayer. [continues 156 words]
To the Editor: Re: The Great Marijuana Cover-Up Many of your readers do not like the bust at Holy Smoke. I have long wondered how effective marijuana is for medical usage. In my travels I have asked several Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) what they think about it. None of them endorsed its usage. One explained it to me this way: In TCM we sometimes use very toxic substances, such as snake venom. In such cases it is important to carefully monitor the dosages and measure the effects upon the patient. Marijuana is a toxic substance and the same precautions should be followed. In TCM the doctors seek to bring balance to the person. Is the patient too yin or too yang? Is the patient too hot, too cool, too damp or too dry? Marijuana is strongly yin. Why would a competent doctor prescribe or sell marijuana to a patient who is too yin, too hot and too dry? The opposite is indicated. [continues 451 words]
To The Editor: The current conflict between the city police and local potheads strikes me as a struggle between the hard of thinking and the hard of hearing. The cops evidently haven't heard that the laws of Canada do not rigidly apply to The Republic of Kootenay. We pay the Crown her taxes and in return we expect to be left alone, to dream our own dreams instead of passively sucking in the American Nightmare via CNN and CBC. Of course this dulls our intellectual capacity so that we find it harder and harder to tell the difference between a Republican and a Democrat, a George Bush and a Steven Harper, an authoritarian cop and a little fascist. [continues 74 words]
Without even visiting the Vancouver site, Canada's health minister has made decisions regarding its future based on politics; clearly it's time for the Harper Tories to dig their heads out of the sand It's frustrating to watch the Harper government fumble and stumble over the future of Vancouver's safe-injection site. After months of waffling - and with less than two weeks before the site's licence expired - Health Minister Tony Clement said he still couldn't make up his mind. Instead of granting the three-year licence extension sought for the Insite centre, Clement stalled. The centre can keep going until he makes a decision by end of next year, he said. [continues 654 words]
Holy Smoke Culture Shop co-owners Paul DeFelice and Alan Middlemiss will have to wait a little longer for their day in court. Sporting his customary dreads and smile on his face, DeFelice sauntered up to Nelson courthouse August 22 where he was met by his lawyer Donald Skogstad and told his bail conditions would be varied by the end of the week. "Our lawyer and prosecution have already worked out something and apparently we have to sign something in a couple of days and then after that our only condition of bail is not to knowingly be in the presence of marijuana," said DeFelice. [continues 378 words]
Dear Editor, Since a lot of that cold wind comes from the USA (Letter: 'Hang Your Head John Dooley', Aug. 8, 2006), it is worth mentioning, We down here have similar problems with the violently armed and powerful cannabis prohibitionists, lacking in common sense. Cannabis prohibition and persecution which allows governments to cage humans for using a God-given plant, has got to halt. Re-legalizing cannabis/hemp/kaneh bosm/the tree of life, or what ever You wish to call it, would also be Biblically correct since God indicated He created all the seed bearing plants saying they are all good on literally the very 1st page of the Bible (see Genesis 1:11-12 and 29-30) Stan White Dillon, Colorado [end]
To the editor: I have heard a lot of criticism of the Nelson City Police in the last few weeks. It is my belief that the call to investigate Holy Smoke came from on high and is closely associated to the federal conservative government (Prime Minister Steve Harper) and intervention from the D.E.A. (United States). We are seeing an alarming increase in the adoption of an American style of democracy, one which erodes civil liberties and freedoms in an effort to control the populace. We only have to look at Harper's recent positions regarding same-sex marriage, medical marijuana, mandatory minimums, Canada's participation in America's dirty work abroad, Israel and his blatant attacks on the freedom of the press. [continues 218 words]
To the Editor: Regarding the Holy Smoke arrests, both police and mayor (who is the police board chair), have indicated they are simply enforcing the law. As a seven year resident of the downtown core I have noted regular inconsistency in law enforcement and in the instance of Holy Smoke a prejudicial illogic. Which laws are enforced and to what extent should be based on the degree of public good realized. A serious example of conscious lack of enforcement is over-service of alcohol in local licensed establishments. I have observed young people leaving a popular local establishment, literally projectile vomiting then driving vehicles away! I have called the city police regarding this. One officer was honest enough to state clearly that police would not wait outside bars at closing time to prevent the intoxicated from driving. He explained there were only two officers after midnight and arresting a drunk driver would take one off the beat for four hours of paper work. [continues 502 words]
POT BATTLE: High profile culture shop owners may soon return to Herridge Lane store busted earlier this summer. Holy Smoke Culture Shop co-owners Paul DeFelice and Alan Middlemiss will have to wait a little longer for their day in court. Sporting his customary dreads and a smile on his face, DeFelice sauntered up to Nelson courthouse Tuesday morning where he was met by his lawyer Donald Skogstad and told his bail conditions would be varied within a few days. "It turned out that it wasn't a first appearance to enter pleas or anything like that. We didn't even have to appear," said DeFelice "Our lawyer and prosecution have already worked out something and apparently we have to sign something in a couple of days and then after that our only condition of bail is not to knowingly be in the presence of marijuana." [continues 607 words]
To the Editor, Re: Letter "Drug Crusaders listen up", NDN August 15, 2006. Ms. Lorusso begins here letter with outrageous and atypical stories about children and adults' pot use but provides no support for them. The Canadian Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs, after much research, has concluded in the Cannabis: Summary Report, Sept. 2002, that: "Clearly, current approaches are ineffective and inefficient. Ultimately, their effect amounts to throwing taxpayers money down the drain in a crusade that is not warranted by the danger posed by the substance. It has been maintained that drugs, including cannabis, are not dangerous because they are illegal but rather are illegal because they are dangerous. This is perhaps true of other types of drugs, but not of cannabis. We should state this clearly once and for all, for public good: it is time to stop this crusade." [continues 274 words]
POLICE CRACKDOWN: Controversial businessmen are trying to have restrictive conditions lifted so that they can carry out more normal life; prepared to argue freedom of religion Holy Smoke owners Paul DeFelice and Alan Middlemiss are expected, to make their first appearance in Nelson court Tuesday. DeFelice, arrested July 15, and Middlemiss, arrested August 16, originally had court dates in the fall. Both men were charged with two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance dating back to June 2 and July 13 respectively. The co-owners of the Holy Smoke Culture Shop were each given a separate set of conditions that they hope to have varied in court Tuesday. [continues 589 words]
To the Editor: Open letter for Nelson City Police Detective Sgt. Steve Bank. I am a 16-year-old girl and have lived in Nelson for a total of 11 years. Nelson is, no doubt in my mind, a very unique town. It could be Nelson's clash of cultures, diversity of people, or just its secluded location that makes Nelson, Nelson. Recently, the local culture shop, Holy Smoke, was raided by the city police. It's no mystery as to what was being sold there, but it's been a thriving business for as long as I can remember. [continues 254 words]
To the Editor Open letter to Mayor John Dooley. I start with a quote from a local newspaper I read. "Nelson Mayor John Dooley said he supported the police action over the weekend, noting he has heard complaints from city residents and businesses about the operation." As a Nelson resident, a successful business owner and home owner, you will not be receiving my vote come election time. I will cast my vote for someone who encourages and protects the freedoms of Nelson's citizens and does not simply succumb to the voices of those few residents and businesses who complained. [continues 106 words]
MARIJUANA CLAMPDOWN: Alan Middlemiss voluntarily disrobes during arrest; pot advocate says culture shop crew looking forward to day in court. Holy Smoke Culture Shop co-owner Alan Middlemiss was arrested at the Nelson City Police (NCP) Detachment Wednesday night, a month after business partner Paul DeFelice was busted and the store raided as part of a wider police investigation on the alleged drug trade in Nelson. Middlemiss was charged with two counts of trafficking in a controlled substance on July 13. He said he went to the police station to check on his legal status when he was told that he had a warrant for his arrest. [continues 621 words]
To the Editor: With respect to the emotional letter from the teacher in Nelson, "Drug Crusaders Listen Up," what dignity results from closing one's eyes and ears to the facts about marijuana? Certainly cannabinoids have indisputable anticarcinogenic, neuroprotective and pain-relieving effects. Furthermore, since anandamide is a naturally occurring substance in all human brains that is very similar to marijuana's active ingredient THC, most people get high every day, whether they admit it or not. In fact, none of the anecdotal examples listed in the letter approach the harm associated with deadly alcohol, tobacco or pharmaceutical poisons that are legally peddled, taxed and consumed without risk of incarceration absent some other crime. [continues 53 words]
To the Editor: Re: Nicole Larusso "Drug crusaders listen up," (NDN letters, August 15, 2006) I would like to respond to Ms. Lorusso's obvious and laudable concern for the children. As Ms. Lorusso's letter clearly indicated, it is true that our children currently have greater access to "illegal" drugs than they do to tobacco and alcohol. And it is also true that neither she, nor anyone else, has the right to dictate what an adult may or may not decide to put into his or her body. [continues 117 words]
To the Editor: Letter writer and teacher Nicole Lorusso misses the point about legalization. She says "I will tell you I am saddened by the impact of marijuana on the young adults in my school". No one arguing for legalization wants kids to have access to marijuana, nor do we want pot vending machines in schools. Keeping kids off drugs is one of the major reasons for legalization. Police can spend all their time keeping children off drugs as opposed to the present reality where they spend most of our dollars keeping adults off drugs - unsuccessfully at that. [continues 151 words]
To the editor: I am always amazed when people try to regulate human behavior. What makes people think that they can tell others what to do, what is right and what is wrong? There are cannabis activists including myself that are trying to promote the idea that responsible adult consumption of cannabis is harming no one. Yet people like Nicole Larusso "Drug crusaders listen up," (NDN letters, August 15, 2006) want to lump all cannabis users into one group and portray us as all as being irresponsible and deserving of some kind of punishment. It kind of reminds me of Nelson's dog by-law. [continues 172 words]
To the Editor: I wish to comment on the latest efforts by Nelson City Police to rid Nelson of cannabis and Holy Smoke. First of all I want to go on record as stating I am disappointed with the priorities of the police in regards to the targeting Holy Smoke. Sgt. Steve Banks claims that only he, his partner and the chief, (whom orchestrated the failed 1997 raid on Holy Smoke) were in on "operation vista." He also claims that it is not political. [continues 403 words]
To the Editor I am disgusted by the daily onslaught of letters suggesting how cannabis lovers are being maltreated, and should be given " the dignity they deserve." (Cantwell, NDN August , 2006). Let's evaluate the deservedness of dignity. Where is the dignity in children afraid to go home because their parents are drug addicts who spend food and housing money on drugs? Where is the dignity in a 13 year old being expelled from school because he couldn't make it through the day without leaving for a bathroom break to smoke up? Where is the dignity in a 14-year-old dropping out of school because her only motivation for getting up in the morning is the opportunity to smoke? Where is the dignity in a 15-year-old coming to his 8:30 a.m. class with glassy red eyes indicating he is already high? Where is the dignity in a 16-year old mother leaving her baby alone, yet again, because she needs to get high? Where is the dignity in a Grade 12 student thinking she can't make it through her exam without smoking weed? Where is the dignity in the 18-year old parents hot-boxing their room while their infant sleeps beside them? Where is the dignity in a 14-year old being dragged naked behind a car and left for dead after a drug deal goes bad? Where is the dignity in a 15-year-old entering a three-month detox program because he made the move from "soft" gateway drugs to those with greater power to destroy? [continues 226 words]
To the editor: I have a few comments that I would like to make regarding the recent bust at the Holy Smoke. We have always believed that cannabis smokers in the community and visitors to this city should be given the dignity they deserve. Whether or not you believe it or not cannabis smokers are represented in every economic, class, race and religious strata of our community. These fine people give Nelson the vibrant colour that attracts people from around the world. People visiting want to share in that beauty and Holy Smoke adds to that attraction. We offer a sacred space in which an adult over 19 years of age may consume their own sacrament. This eliminates downtown core, street level consumption...a sign of respect for the others who may not like the fragrance of cannabis smoke. A smell that we happen to love! [continues 236 words]
To the Editor, Sgt. Steve Bank of the Nelson City Police claims that the decision to bust Holy Smoke was his and his alone. If true, why is a major change in police policy being dictated at the level of a police sergeant? Holy Smoke has been operating since 1997, and, apart from a bust in 1998, has been tolerated by the police up to now, when Sgt. Bank presumptuously decided that the policy should change. I do not believe, as he claims that he has the community on his side. [continues 69 words]
To the editor: The recent arrest of Holy Smoke proprietor Paul DeFelice represents the chilliest of winds blowing through North America's most pot progressive city. Despite the sweltering heat, it is a most unwelcome wind that raises serious questions about the relationship between police and politics in Nelson. The dogs in the street know about Holy Smoke. It is a quiet but distinctive part of the fabric of Nelson life. It represents the triumph of reason over mendacity. Holy Smoke is a symbol of the community's rejection of decades of public lies about marijuana. That colourful old house on the embankment signifies our acceptance that there are better ways to deal with the issue than through the brute force of criminal law. [continues 300 words]
No further arrests have been made in the Nelson City Police's investigation into the city's alleged drug trade. Sgt. Steve Bank, who is leading the investigation, declined to give a timeline for further arrests. On July 19, Bank said that about a dozen arrests were imminent and he hoped the investigation to be wrapped up within a month. "I've been on holidays so nothing has happened," said Bank on Thursday. "I'm [now] preparing all my files and forwarding them to the federal prosecutor and waiting for arrest warrants." [continues 419 words]
To the editor: When the term "controlled substance" is used in simplistic reference to a complex, naturally occurring medicinal plant like cannabis, it comes off as uninformed. Cannabis use is virtually as common as caffeine globally, and by not progressively legalizing it - as if assuming an inherent right to legislate the bounty of Nature, we flatly deny the "elephant in the living room" that most can plainly see. As misrepresented and beneficial as the sacred cannabis plant is - short of wasting more public resources on busying ourselves with the nature of popular, established venues such as our local Holy Smoke Culture Shop - it's time to respectfully acknowledge that this multi-faceted, valuable flora is worlds away from being a "controllable substance". Jade Giesen Nelson, B.C. [end]
HOLY SMOKE RAID: Weekend arrest of Holy Smoke co-owner is just one part of local force's ongoing investigation Nelson City Police say the July 15 raid on Holy Smoke Culture Shop and arrest of co-owner Paul DeFelice is part of a wider undercover police investigation into the Nelson drug trade allegedly involving at least three other establishments in Nelson and about a dozen individuals. "It was just a probe into the drug trade and it was in hotels and bars and licensed premises around town and part of that was the Holy Smoke," said Detective Sgt. Steve Bank. [continues 601 words]
THE WAR ON DRUGS: Saturday night arrest once again shines the spotlight on controversial Herridge Lane shop Nelson City Police raided Holy Smoke Saturday evening and arrested Paul DeFelice, one of the controversial culture shop's three owners. DeFelice was charged with trafficking and possession of a substance and spent four hours in lock-up while police conducted a search of Holy Smoke. DeFelice is not permitted within 50 metres of the store. "It was a bit frightening at first because this unmarked SUV just came barreling straight at me. I was almost being run down on Herridge Lane, said DeFelice, who was alone at the Holy Smoke store when the police tracked him down. "Then about four, maybe five cops - I couldn't quite keep track of them - all jumped out at once. It instantly turned into a Trailer Park Boys scene." [continues 954 words]
According to a new study, drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse cost Canada billions of dollars each year. It's time to invest in programs that have already shown they save lives and money Somebody tried to break into my car this spring, hammering a screwdriver into the lock and then tugging enthusiastically on the front passenger window. I count myself another victim of our drug policy. The attempted crime took place on a lovely residential street across from Government House, where Lt.-Gov. Iona Campagnolo lives. [continues 661 words]
WINLAW VS OTTAWA: Paddy Roberts Promises Appeal Of His Case Aimed At Keeping Justice Department Out Of His Private Charge Against Pot Seed Seller Mark Emery A Winlaw man is vowing to continue his fight against Ottawa in a bid that could make or break the Bush administration's plans to extradite B.C. pot seed king Marc Emery to face charges in the U.S. Paddy Roberts says he and Nelson lawyer Don Skogstad will be appealing a B.C. Supreme Court judge's decision to dismiss a motion that would have barred the federal attorney general from taking control of a conspiracy case Roberts has launched against Emery and two co-accused. The trio are facing extradition to the States on charges of conspiracy to launder money and distribute marijuana and marijuana seeds. Conviction on the charges would carry a sentence of at least 12 years. [continues 455 words]
To the editor: With all the nonsense circulating about Marc Emery I think it about time some very basic facts are stated. Mr. Emery is an alleged drug dealer. He allegedly sells illegal narcotics at a substantial profit. Giving credit where it is due, Mr. Emery has been successful at his profession. If indeed he has made 15 million dollars allegedly dealing drugs, he is a major league dealer. I have listened to Mr. Emery call himself "an exemplary Canadian" and anyone who seeks to incarcerate him a "Nazi." That he can say these things with a straight face is amazing. [continues 117 words]
To the editor: Re: Decision in pot king case delayed I am a Federal Medical Marijuana License Holder who is also married to one, and I am appalled at the conduct of both the former Justice Minister, and now Vic Toews. Here are the twists in this story. 1) Health Canada has informed numerous license holders and applicants that they could get seeds from Emery Seeds. Including me. 2) Emery and dozens of others across the country sold seeds for over eight years. Seeds are still easily available online, and in many stores. [continues 184 words]
It will be tomorrow or more likely next week before Winlaw's Paddy Roberts learns the fate of his case against B.C. marijuana king Marc Emery. A Supreme Court judge has reserved his decision on the local man's attempts to keep the federal attorney general out of the high profile case, which is garnering national media attention. On Monday, at a hearing held in Nelson, Vancouver Supereme Court Justice Robert Crawford denied the Crown's request that the day's hearing be closed to media and the public. [continues 366 words]
B.C.'s Pot King: Federal Attorney General wants today's hearing closed to media and public; local lawyer arguing AG has no place in the case A surprise last-minute request from Ottawa has stirred up yet more drama in a Slocan Valley man's effort to charge B.C. pot king Marc Emery with conspiracy to break U.S. he is wanted on charges of conspiracy to launder money and distribute marijuana and marijuana seeds. Winlaw resident Paddy Roberts and his lawyer Don Skogstad are trying to keep the federal Attorney General out of the case, which Roberts says the AG wants to stay. The move would clear the way to Emery's extradition. [continues 260 words]
In a complicated judicial scenario embroiling Canada's attorney general and the U.S.led war on drugs, a Slocan Valley man is pressing charges against B.C. marijuana advocate Marc Emery. Acting as a private citizen, Winlaw's Paddy Roberts is charging Emery with conspiracy to violate the U.S. criminal code by selling marijuana seeds by mail across the border. Emery, dubbed B.C's Prince of Pot, is facing extradition to the U.S. on charges of conspiracy to launder money and distribute marijuana and marijuana seeds. Conviction on the charges would carry a sentence of at least 12 years. Two others are co-accused. [continues 792 words]
Despit A Decent Case By Firefighters, The Approach Being Taken By The Liberals Will Not Stem The Growth Of Marijuana Production Because It's A Supply And Demand World You can understand firefighters' concerns about marijuana grow-ops. Almost 10 per cent of building fires in Surrey last year were in grow- ops, says Chief Len Garis, and many were particularly dangerous to fight. In a normal house fire breakers trip and kill the power supply. But in some grow-ops, jerry-rigged electrical systems mean firefighters encounter live wires as they fumble blindly through smoke-filled rooms and tangles of equipment. [continues 662 words]
Politicians can get as tough as they want on guns, but if that's the primary approach by our leaders then the killings are going to continue The Conservatives, Liberals and New Democrats are falling all over themselves to get tough on gun crime. And both parties are missing the real problem. To deal with guns, you have to deal with gangs. And to deal with gangs, you need to make the drug trade less profitable. Nothing that has been proposed by the parties will do that. [continues 675 words]
Conservative Leader's Plan Lacks Any Real Substance And Would Not Result In Change It's hard to take seriously any politician who calls for mandatory minimum sentences. That's what Stephen Harper did on his first campaign stop in B.C., casting himself as the non-nonsense sheriff from an old Western. It's time get tough on crime, especially drugs, said Harper. No conditional sentences, an end to harm reduction efforts like safe injection sites and mandatory minimum sentences for people who sell heroin, cocaine and crystal meth. [continues 667 words]
To the editor: If I believed the Rolling Stone article, retirement in the Nelson area would be my goal. Point of fact, I am researching Canadian communities in search of the most progressive, pot friendly area in which to retire. I love the arts even opera and (blush) ballet. Russell Stocks should wake up to the fact that cannabis represents many great opportunities; the industries to which marijuana can be utilized are a fact and growing daily. Nelson would be a great place to live if The Rolling Stone article is true. Windsor West Marijuana Party Canada [end]
Press From Pot: City's Top Cop Says Article Could Draw ' Wrong Demographic For Wrong Reasons' Nelson community leaders and law enforcement officials aren't particularly pleased with the way the city's been portrayed by Rolling Stone magazine. But some are leaning towards the "any press is good press" analogy in a bid to put a more positive spin on a story that implicates the Heritage City region as the source for millions of dollars worth of marijuana trafficked by a young gang of smugglers based out of Coeur D'Alene Idaho. The gang reportedly trafficked $38-million worth of pot before they were arrested and jailed. [continues 899 words]
To the Editor: It isn't just Nelsonites (Nelsonites Watching Pot King Marc Emery's U.S. Saga, NDN Aug. 4, 2005); there are also many Americans watching that do not support America's discredited cannabis laws. It is regrettable to witness the United States persist in this anti-Christian activity, attempting to prohibit, persecute and exterminate cannabis and the cannabis culture. George Bush's dream to cage Emery for selling plant seeds is pathetic and uncivilized and must not be allowed. Stan White Dillon, Colorado [end]
The Marc Emery pot seed case makes little sense and Canadian officials had the power to ensure that it didn't reach this point. Do the crime, do the time. That's a fair starting point for looking at the plight of Marc Emery, Vancouver's high-profile marijuana activist. The Americans have come gunning for Emery - with the help of Canadian police and prosecutors - and want to take him across the border and lock him up for a long time. [continues 687 words]
To the Editor: Re: "Nelsonites watching Pot King Marc Emery's U.S. saga" front page NDN, Thursday, August 4, 2005. Those who know me would hardly accuse me of being left-wing or an advocate of street drug usage. But the latest action of the U.S. angers me,as I am sure it does many others. We are familiar with American bullying in the matter of softwood lumber, in their overreaction to one case of mad cow disease, and their arrogant attempt to build a power generating plant just over our border near Sumas. But this latest aggression by American DEA authorities leaves me speechless - first that they would try this nonsense on a Canadian citizen, and secondly that our own police and politicians would allow it. [continues 408 words]
