March 31st, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Medical Marijuana, News
No Comments
AMARILLO, Texas — Drug enforcement continued to enforce unfair drug laws with zeal in Texas, arresting an HIV patient using marijuana to treat his illness. Jurors deliberated less than 15 minutes Tuesday before reaching a not guilty verdict for Tim Stevens, 53, whose attorney used the defense that marijuana use was a necessity to treat nausea and vomiting. Thank god the people of this country still have common sense.
According to Stevens’ attorney Jeff Blackburn, it’s the first successful use of the necessity defense in a Texas marijuana case, and can hopefully sway juries in the future to show their compassion in such unfair situations. "I think this verdict will help send a message to lawmakers to catch up with the way ordinary people really think," Blackburn said. "I think it’s important."
→ continue reading
March 29th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Opinion
No Comments
It is time to listen to Barney Frank. Marijuana has been illegal in the United States for 71 years now, and few if any positive benefits have come from marijuana prohibition. A little over a week ago Barney Frank declared that he would be introducing a bill to congress to decriminalize marijuana on a national level. Below are some points I made in an earlier post on what the 5 main arguments are for decriminalizing marijuana.
Marijuana Is A Non-Toxic Medicine – It is undisputed among the medical community that marijuana contains medicinal value to patients of multiple degenerative illnesses, and the American College Of Physicians (ACP) told the government just last month to back off states that have approved medical marijuana, as well as demanding further research be done. (ACP Endorsement)
→ continue reading
March 26th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: News
No Comments
Less than a week after its passing in the New Hampshire House, Deputy Drug Czar Scott Burns alleged that New Hampshire House Bill 1623, which would decriminalize the possession of 1/4th ounce, would legalize the “manufacturing” and “distributing” of “over 90 marijuana joints.” These numbers are ludicrous, and illustrate how the Drug Czar’s office will lie through their teeth to keep anti-marijuana propaganda afloat. In reality, 1/4th oz (7 grams) would produce 7-15 joints at a maximum.
To top that off, the New Hampshire bill does not decriminalize the sale of marijuana what so ever, and it would still be illegal to possess marijuana in a car. It seems that the second it is announced that the case for decriminalizing marijuana will come before congress for the first time in a quarter century, the Drug Czar and his staff are starting to get worried about job security.
Those interested should read my recent post on the Top 5 Reasons Marijuana Laws Need Reform
March 25th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Random
No Comments
This map is based off of the site visitor statistics to Chronic Corner. The darker the shade of green, the more visitors that have come from that state. Most of the states that have already decriminalized marijuana (California, Texas, New York) have the most visits. Could this be an indication of what states would support the upcoming federal legislation to decriminalize marijuana?
March 25th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Medical Marijuana, Opinion
No Comments
Marijuana Is A Non-Toxic Medicine – It is undisputed among the medical community that marijuana contains medicinal value to patients of multiple degenerative illnesses, and the American College Of Physicians (ACP) told the government just last month to back off states that have approved medical marijuana, as well as demanding further research be done. (ACP Endorsement)
Marijuana For The Economy – Although marijuana and hemp are fundamentally different, both are currently illegal to cultivate and both hold much potential for our struggling economy. Hemp is a great alternative to plastics and textiles in many industries, as well as having a high yield-per-acre for ethanol production (more than corn). Marijuana, on the other hand, is the biggest cash crop in the United States that is not taxed. We lose an estimated $42 billion a year (article) to marijuana prohibition alone, with $10 billion going to law enforcement and $32 billion in lost tax revenue (don’t be surprised to see double that number to double in the case of legalization). At a time our economy is struggling, we need all the new streams of revenue we can get.
Marijuana Prohibition Is Destroying Lives – Unlike the Drug Czar John Walters’ anti-marijuana commercials tells you it is marijuana prohibition that is destroying lives. In 2006 almost 800,000 people were arrested on marijuana related charges, with about 730,00 being for mere possession. Due to limited funding, pro-legalization organizations don’t have the money to air ads on the story of Will Foster, Weldon Angelos, or any of the other victims on the marijuana policy project’s victims page.
The People Want It – In the Barney Frank article referenced above, even Frank acknowledges that politicians are way behind the public in their support for marijuana. I suggest anyone that is interested in the statistics of support for decriminalization check out this article. 47% Of Americans admit to trying marijuana at least once, 80% support its medical use, and 76% support decriminalization for personal use.
Civil Liberties – There seems to be something fundamentally wrong and unconstitutional about the government regulating drugs in the first place. At the very least, many, including US Rep. Barney Franks feel that the matter should be left up to the states (article). Frank also made a comment on the show Real Time about how many believe that decriminalizing or legalizing pot would be sending the message of “pot is ok” to children. He asked if you would rather send them the message “we are hypocrites”.
In conclusion, I hope you will at least rethink your position on marijuana, and read some of the sources I have provided. , From protecting our civil rights, to easing the pain of an aids patient, or saving an 18 year old kid from getting rejected for financial aid, there are many benefits that both decriminalization and legalization will bring. The only way the laws will change is through education and taking action. To e-mail your district US Rep. in support of Barney Franks planned legislation you can contact them through a quick and easy e-mail form here.
March 24th, 2008 by Peter Bonginelli
filed under: Uncategorized
No Comments
Hello readers of Chronic Corner and supporters of the cause to legalize marijuana use in America! Your continued support is appreciated and is a crucial part of getting the discussion on marijuana legalization back on the table. As always, Chronic Corner is looking for avid activists and supporters to write their own inspiring content for the blog, and your suggestions are always welcome. Please email any suggestions or comments to chroniccorner@gmail.com. Several of the articles that I have published have reached the Digg and Stumbleupon front pages in the past few days, and have exposed the cause of Marijuana legalization to thousands of people. No change can happen without the will of the people, so lets show America our will! I am very pleased that the congressman of my hometown in MA Barney Frank was the one to submit the new bill to congress in an effort to decriminalize marijuana! -Peter Bonginelli Cannabis Activist
Loading ...
