Chronic Corner - Web 2.0 Cannabis Discussion » Medical Marijuana http://www.chroniccorner.net A Growing Encyclopedia Of Cannabis Information And The War On Drugs Sat, 17 May 2008 23:19:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 en Senate Approves Marijuana Dispensaries http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/senate-approves-marijuana-dispensaries.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/senate-approves-marijuana-dispensaries.htm#comments Sat, 17 May 2008 23:17:33 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/senate-approves-marijuana-dispensaries.htm Providence, RI — The Senate approved legislation yesterday that would create “compassion centers” where chronically ill patients enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program could openly purchase the drug.
Despite the 29-to-6 vote, the bill faces opposition in the House of Representatives and is not expected to become law this year.

“I would really have to have a sock over my head if I didn’t know that,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Rhoda E. Perry, D-Providence. The legislation is named in part for her nephew, Edward O. Hawkins, who died of complications from AIDS and cancer.

“What I think is important is to show movement,” Perry said of yesterday’s vote. “I think getting it out of a chamber is movement. It’s showing that there is a level of understanding and a level of acceptance.”

]]> Providence, RI — The Senate approved legislation yesterday that would create “compassion centers” where chronically ill patients enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program could openly purchase the drug.
Despite the 29-to-6 vote, the bill faces opposition in the House of Representatives and is not expected to become law this year.

“I would really have to have a sock over my head if I didn’t know that,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Rhoda E. Perry, D-Providence. The legislation is named in part for her nephew, Edward O. Hawkins, who died of complications from AIDS and cancer.

“What I think is important is to show movement,” Perry said of yesterday’s vote. “I think getting it out of a chamber is movement. It’s showing that there is a level of understanding and a level of acceptance.”
(more…)

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/senate-approves-marijuana-dispensaries.htm/feed Government-Supplied Marijuana Program Turns 30 http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/government-supplied-marijuana-program-turns-30.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/government-supplied-marijuana-program-turns-30.htm#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 02:56:27 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/government-supplied-marijuana-program-turns-30.htm USA — Each month Irvin Rosenfeld goes to his pharmacy and picks up a special prescription, supplied to him by the U.S. government: a canister containing roughly 10 ounces of marijuana in pre-rolled cigarettes.
Rosenfeld, a Boca Raton, Florida stockbroker, suffers from a rare illness called multiple congenital cartilaginous exostosis, a painful genetic disease that causes tumors to grow at the ends of his long bones, causing unbelievable pain. He is also one of four surviving patients receiving government-supplied medical marijuana, in a program that was closed to new applicants by President George H.W. Bush in 1992.

That program marks its 30th anniversary May 10. That’s right, our government has been supplying medical marijuana to a small number of patients — the program peaked at 34 approved participants in 1991 — for three full decades.

]]> USA — Each month Irvin Rosenfeld goes to his pharmacy and picks up a special prescription, supplied to him by the U.S. government: a canister containing roughly 10 ounces of marijuana in pre-rolled cigarettes.
Rosenfeld, a Boca Raton, Florida stockbroker, suffers from a rare illness called multiple congenital cartilaginous exostosis, a painful genetic disease that causes tumors to grow at the ends of his long bones, causing unbelievable pain. He is also one of four surviving patients receiving government-supplied medical marijuana, in a program that was closed to new applicants by President George H.W. Bush in 1992.

That program marks its 30th anniversary May 10. That’s right, our government has been supplying medical marijuana to a small number of patients — the program peaked at 34 approved participants in 1991 — for three full decades.
(more…)

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/government-supplied-marijuana-program-turns-30.htm/feed Inhaled Cannabis Reduces Central And Peripheral Neuropathic Pain, Study Says http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/inhaled-cannabis-reduces-central-and-peripheral-neuropathic-pain-study-says.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/inhaled-cannabis-reduces-central-and-peripheral-neuropathic-pain-study-says.htm#comments Fri, 09 May 2008 22:31:48 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/inhaled-cannabis-reduces-central-and-peripheral-neuropathic-pain-study-says.htm May 8, 2008 - Davis, CA, USA

Davis, CA: Cannabis significantly reduces neuropathic pain compared to placebo and is well tolerated by patients with chronic pain conditions, according to clinical trial data to be published in The Journal of Pain.

Investigators at the University of California at Davis, in conjunction with the University of California Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR), assessed the efficacy of inhaled cannabis on pain intensity among 38 patients with central and/or peripheral neuropathic pain in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Researchers reported that smoking low-grade (3.5 percent THC) and mid-grade (7 percent THC) equally reduced patients’ perception of spontaneous pain.

“[A] significant … reduction in [a 100-point visual analog scale of] pain intensity per minute was noted from both 3.5 percent and 7 percent cannabis compared to placebo,” authors wrote. “Separate appraisals using the patient global score and multidimensional [eleven-point neuropathic pain scale also] revealed that both active agents alleviated pain compared with placebo.”

Investigators added: “[N]o participant withdrew because of tolerability issues. Subjects receiving active agent endorsed a ‘good drug effect’ more than a ‘bad drug effect.’”

They concluded: “In the present experiment, cannabis reduced pain intensity and unpleasantness equally. Thus, as with opioids, cannabis does not rely on a relaxing or tranquilizing effect, but rather reduces both the core component of nociception (nerve pain) and the emotional aspect of the pain experience to an equal degree.”

The study is the second clinical trial conducted by CMCR investigators to conclude that inhaled cannabis significantly reduces chronic neuropathy, a condition that is typically unresponsive to both opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Commenting on the study’s the findings, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “With the results of each published study it becomes increasingly apparent why the US government has tried consistently to stonewall clinical research on the therapeutic effects of inhaled cannabis. Each new trial the Feds approve provides additional evidence undermining the government’s ‘flat Earth’ position that cannabis is without medical value.”

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org

Full text of the study, “A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of cannabis cigarettes in neuropathic pain,” will appear in the Journal of Pain.

  • No Related Posts
]]> May 8, 2008 - Davis, CA, USA

Davis, CA: Cannabis significantly reduces neuropathic pain compared to placebo and is well tolerated by patients with chronic pain conditions, according to clinical trial data to be published in The Journal of Pain.

Investigators at the University of California at Davis, in conjunction with the University of California Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR), assessed the efficacy of inhaled cannabis on pain intensity among 38 patients with central and/or peripheral neuropathic pain in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.

Researchers reported that smoking low-grade (3.5 percent THC) and mid-grade (7 percent THC) equally reduced patients’ perception of spontaneous pain.

“[A] significant … reduction in [a 100-point visual analog scale of] pain intensity per minute was noted from both 3.5 percent and 7 percent cannabis compared to placebo,” authors wrote. “Separate appraisals using the patient global score and multidimensional [eleven-point neuropathic pain scale also] revealed that both active agents alleviated pain compared with placebo.”

Investigators added: “[N]o participant withdrew because of tolerability issues. Subjects receiving active agent endorsed a ‘good drug effect’ more than a ‘bad drug effect.’”

They concluded: “In the present experiment, cannabis reduced pain intensity and unpleasantness equally. Thus, as with opioids, cannabis does not rely on a relaxing or tranquilizing effect, but rather reduces both the core component of nociception (nerve pain) and the emotional aspect of the pain experience to an equal degree.”

The study is the second clinical trial conducted by CMCR investigators to conclude that inhaled cannabis significantly reduces chronic neuropathy, a condition that is typically unresponsive to both opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Commenting on the study’s the findings, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “With the results of each published study it becomes increasingly apparent why the US government has tried consistently to stonewall clinical research on the therapeutic effects of inhaled cannabis. Each new trial the Feds approve provides additional evidence undermining the government’s ‘flat Earth’ position that cannabis is without medical value.”

For more information, please contact Paul Armentano, NORML Deputy Director, at: paul@norml.org

Full text of the study, “A randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial of cannabis cigarettes in neuropathic pain,” will appear in the Journal of Pain.

  • No Related Posts
]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/05/inhaled-cannabis-reduces-central-and-peripheral-neuropathic-pain-study-says.htm/feed Two Medical Marijuana Bills Introduced in House http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/two-medical-marijuana-bills-introduced-in-house.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/two-medical-marijuana-bills-introduced-in-house.htm#comments Fri, 25 Apr 2008 17:46:38 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/two-medical-marijuana-bills-introduced-in-house.htm Source: Bay Area Reporter

Washington, D.C. — Two bills introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives last week would put a serious dent into federal prosecution of medical use of marijuana and offer protection to patients who use it.
Representative Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts) is a leader on both measures, which were introduced April 17. The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act (HR 5842) would reschedule marijuana a from a Schedule I to a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The change would allow physicians to recommend use of marijuana under conditions set by state law.

The other bill, the Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults (HR 5843) would eliminate federal penalties for the possession of small amounts (up to 100 grams) or not-for-profit transfer of small amounts (up to one ounce, 28.3 grams) of marijuana. It would create a civil penalty of $100 for the public use of marijuana.

]]> Source: Bay Area Reporter

Washington, D.C. — Two bills introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives last week would put a serious dent into federal prosecution of medical use of marijuana and offer protection to patients who use it.
Representative Barney Frank (D-Massachusetts) is a leader on both measures, which were introduced April 17. The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act (HR 5842) would reschedule marijuana a from a Schedule I to a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act. The change would allow physicians to recommend use of marijuana under conditions set by state law.

The other bill, the Act to Remove Federal Penalties for the Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults (HR 5843) would eliminate federal penalties for the possession of small amounts (up to 100 grams) or not-for-profit transfer of small amounts (up to one ounce, 28.3 grams) of marijuana. It would create a civil penalty of $100 for the public use of marijuana.

(more…)

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/two-medical-marijuana-bills-introduced-in-house.htm/feed UMass Prof. Denied The Right To Study http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/marijuana-umass-prof-denied-the-right-to-study.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/marijuana-umass-prof-denied-the-right-to-study.htm#comments Wed, 23 Apr 2008 23:20:31 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/marijuana-umass-prof-denied-the-right-to-study.htm _Medical_Marijuana_RealTown UMass Prof. Denied The Right To Study
MA – Lyle Craker, Professor of Plant Science at UMass Amherst may be taking the Drug Enforecement Agency (DEA) to court after they denied his appeal to grow marijuana for medinal purposes.

Craker submitted his request in 2001, and was first rejected by the DEA in 2006. The DEA Chief Administrator initially ruled against issuing the license, only for a separate DEA judge to rule in favor. The final verdict will not be decided for another 18 months, however Craker plans to take the DEA to court in the event that they deny his license again.

“If the DEA administrator denies this, then we can go to court outside the DEA and then the DEA has to follow the court ruling,” he said. “The court makes their own decisions, so I don’t know if I’ll be denied. Who knows, this is ultimately a political decision.”

The DEA has repeatedly blocked attempts by scientists and researchers to grow marijuana in order to study its potential medical properties. A medical researcher was quoted as saying, “It is almost like the government is censoring our research at this point.” Even the second biggest medical association in the United States, the American College of Physicians, released a statement this year asking that more research be done on medical marijuana.

Craker adamantly believes that ill patients have a right to medicine that could potentially help them, and that clinical trials need to be done on that medication. “Have there ever been any clinical trials that actually demonstrate this [the claim that marijuana inhibits vomiting and is of medicinal value] better than a placebo? The answer is no, so that’s why you have to do research on it,” Craker said. “If clinical trials show there is no difference [in using marijuana for medical purposes] than giving somebody sugar water, then go ahead and keep it illegal.”

]]> _Medical_Marijuana_RealTown UMass Prof. Denied The Right To Study
MA – Lyle Craker, Professor of Plant Science at UMass Amherst may be taking the Drug Enforecement Agency (DEA) to court after they denied his appeal to grow marijuana for medinal purposes.

Craker submitted his request in 2001, and was first rejected by the DEA in 2006. The DEA Chief Administrator initially ruled against issuing the license, only for a separate DEA judge to rule in favor. The final verdict will not be decided for another 18 months, however Craker plans to take the DEA to court in the event that they deny his license again.

“If the DEA administrator denies this, then we can go to court outside the DEA and then the DEA has to follow the court ruling,” he said. “The court makes their own decisions, so I don’t know if I’ll be denied. Who knows, this is ultimately a political decision.”

The DEA has repeatedly blocked attempts by scientists and researchers to grow marijuana in order to study its potential medical properties. A medical researcher was quoted as saying, “It is almost like the government is censoring our research at this point.” Even the second biggest medical association in the United States, the American College of Physicians, released a statement this year asking that more research be done on medical marijuana.

Craker adamantly believes that ill patients have a right to medicine that could potentially help them, and that clinical trials need to be done on that medication. “Have there ever been any clinical trials that actually demonstrate this [the claim that marijuana inhibits vomiting and is of medicinal value] better than a placebo? The answer is no, so that’s why you have to do research on it,” Craker said. “If clinical trials show there is no difference [in using marijuana for medical purposes] than giving somebody sugar water, then go ahead and keep it illegal.”

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/marijuana-umass-prof-denied-the-right-to-study.htm/feed Rhode Island: Medical Marijuana Shops? http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/rhode-island-medical-marijuana-shops.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/rhode-island-medical-marijuana-shops.htm#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:24:00 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/rhode-island-medical-marijuana-shops.htm Rhode Island became the eleventh state to adopt legal medical marijuana in 2006, however it still remains illegal under federal law. This week Rhode Island lawmakers will hear a proposal that would expand that legislation, allowing nonprofit businesses to dispense medical marijuana to licensed patients. “Compassion Centers,” as they would be called, would be allowed to dispense up to 2.5 ounces of the drug every 15 days to a patient or their caregiver.

The major flaw Rhode Island’s current medical marijuana law faces is that it never specifies where a patient can obtain the drug, as it still remains illegal to sell marijuana in Rhode Island. This legislation aims to fix that, providing a safe and reliable source of the drug, and cutting out the need to meet with violent drug dealers.

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]]> Rhode Island became the eleventh state to adopt legal medical marijuana in 2006, however it still remains illegal under federal law. This week Rhode Island lawmakers will hear a proposal that would expand that legislation, allowing nonprofit businesses to dispense medical marijuana to licensed patients. “Compassion Centers,” as they would be called, would be allowed to dispense up to 2.5 ounces of the drug every 15 days to a patient or their caregiver.

The major flaw Rhode Island’s current medical marijuana law faces is that it never specifies where a patient can obtain the drug, as it still remains illegal to sell marijuana in Rhode Island. This legislation aims to fix that, providing a safe and reliable source of the drug, and cutting out the need to meet with violent drug dealers.

  • No Related Posts
]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/rhode-island-medical-marijuana-shops.htm/feed Michigan: Marijuana Initiative On The Ballot http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/michigan-marijuana-initiative-on-the-ballot.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/michigan-marijuana-initiative-on-the-ballot.htm#comments Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:25:39 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/michigan-marijuana-initiative-on-the-ballot.htm Michigan – The fight for Medical Marijuana in Michigan took a huge step forward this week. As of Monday the state elections panel certified that 377,975 signatures have been collected backing the plan. Only 304,000 signatures are needed to get the initiative on the ballot, should legislators fail to act on the legislation within 40 days.

The initiative would allow doctors to prescribe Marijuana for medical conditions, and protect patients from state prosecution. Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oregon have already taken it a step further and decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Getting caught in these states results in simply a ticket and no legal action. While Michigan’s initiative doesn’t provide as much leniency, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

]]> Michigan – The fight for Medical Marijuana in Michigan took a huge step forward this week. As of Monday the state elections panel certified that 377,975 signatures have been collected backing the plan. Only 304,000 signatures are needed to get the initiative on the ballot, should legislators fail to act on the legislation within 40 days.

The initiative would allow doctors to prescribe Marijuana for medical conditions, and protect patients from state prosecution. Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oregon have already taken it a step further and decriminalized small amounts of marijuana. Getting caught in these states results in simply a ticket and no legal action. While Michigan’s initiative doesn’t provide as much leniency, it is definitely a step in the right direction.

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/04/michigan-marijuana-initiative-on-the-ballot.htm/feed Jury Shows Compassion For Medical Marijuana Patient http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/jury-shows-compassion-for-medical-marijuana-patient.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/jury-shows-compassion-for-medical-marijuana-patient.htm#comments Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:23:18 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.nanobotics.info/2008/March/jury-shows-compassion-for-medical-marijuana-patient/ 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."

]]> 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."

(more…)

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/jury-shows-compassion-for-medical-marijuana-patient.htm/feed Top 5 Reasons The Marijuana Laws Need Reform http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/top-5-reasons-the-marijuana-laws-need-reform-1.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/top-5-reasons-the-marijuana-laws-need-reform-1.htm#comments Tue, 25 Mar 2008 07:17:14 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.nanobotics.info/2008/March/top-5-reasons-the-marijuana-laws-need-reform/ HearMe Video Web Conferencing http://www.norml.org/relegalize 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.

]]> HearMe Video Web Conferencing http://www.norml.org/relegalize 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.

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/top-5-reasons-the-marijuana-laws-need-reform-1.htm/feed US Rep. Barney Frank Files Legislation To Decriminalize Marijuana http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/us-rep-barney-frank-files-legislation-to-decriminalize-marijuana.htm http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/us-rep-barney-frank-files-legislation-to-decriminalize-marijuana.htm#comments Sun, 23 Mar 2008 07:14:07 +0000 Peter Bonginelli http://www.nanobotics.info/2008/March/us-rep-barney-frank-files-legislation-to-decriminalize-marijuana/ **Edit To Article - If You would like to support this cause further, please take 5 minutes out of your day and e-mail your representative in congress at https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml. The form is quick and easy, I completed my e-mail in less than 5 minutes.

Congressman Barney Frank, representing the 4th district of Massachusetts, plans to file legislation this week that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of Marijuana on the national level.  Frank, who filed a bill to decriminalize marijuana as a member of the Massachusetts legislature, believes that the Federal Government unfairly targets medical marijuana patients in California, and believes that drug laws should be left up to the states.  Frank also asserts that the public doesnot generally support the current marijuana laws and that the federal government should not have a law in the books which doesn’t make sense to most of the public.

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]]> **Edit To Article - If You would like to support this cause further, please take 5 minutes out of your day and e-mail your representative in congress at https://forms.house.gov/wyr/welcome.shtml. The form is quick and easy, I completed my e-mail in less than 5 minutes.

Congressman Barney Frank, representing the 4th district of Massachusetts, plans to file legislation this week that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of Marijuana on the national level.  Frank, who filed a bill to decriminalize marijuana as a member of the Massachusetts legislature, believes that the Federal Government unfairly targets medical marijuana patients in California, and believes that drug laws should be left up to the states.  Frank also asserts that the public doesnot generally support the current marijuana laws and that the federal government should not have a law in the books which doesn’t make sense to most of the public.

Sponsors:

Keep in touch with friends and family. Get your Free trial of Paltalk Scene for video messaging and chat.
Rhapsody Order Path - Get a 14-Day free trial to Rhapsody Unlimited then pay only $12.99 per month. (more…)

]]> http://www.chroniccorner.net/2008/03/us-rep-barney-frank-files-legislation-to-decriminalize-marijuana.htm/feed