Showing posts with label anti-prohibition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anti-prohibition. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
UPDATE on HB 2165: A Bill to Decriminalize Cannabis
See Finally, A Good Idea regarding the Decriminalization bill.
As predicted, The Texas House of Representatives failed to pass the popular HB 2165, claimed to be the most comprehensive and full repeal of marijuana prohibition proposal in the country (June 6, 2015 NORML).
On we march.
The Green Association for Sustainability
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Finally, A Good Idea! MARIJUANA DECRIMINALIZATION BILL FILED BY REPUBLICAN IN TEXAS LEGISLATURE!
FROM NATIONAL NORML
CLICK THIS LINK TO GO TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE AND SEND LETTER TO TEXAS LAWMAKERS!http://salsa3.salsalabs.com/o/51046/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=15834
Texas: Lawmaker Files Legislation To Strike Marijuana-Related Offenses From the Criminal Code
Republican David Simpson has pre-filed legislation, House Bill 2165, to remove marijuana-related offenses from the Texas criminal code.
“Nearly a century ago, the Texas legislature made a mistake in judgment based on misinformation and unfortunate motivations," Rep. Simpson said in letter to lawmakers urging them to co-sponsor his legislation. “Due to this mistake a relatively benign plant was made illegal to grow, possess, and sell in Texas.”
Passage of Rep. Simpson’s bill would end each of these marijuana-related prosecutions in the Lone Star State. “Repealing prohibition of the plant will result in savings of millions of dollars currently being spent in the name of the war on drugs,” Simpson said. “[It] will end the destruction and disruption of thousands of lives caused by the heavy penalties for those who use the plant, and will restore freedom and dignity to all Texans.”
While passage of HB 2165 is unlikely, its intended purpose is arguably to stimulate a discussion among Texas lawmakers. The conversation is long overdue. A review of state-by-state marijuana possession arrest data by the ACLU reports that some 75,000 Texans are arrested annually for pot violations – the second highest total of any state in the nation.
Enter your zip code below to contact your state Representative and urge them to support marijuana law reform. You can also voice your support for separate legislation seeking to decriminalize marijuana possession penalties here.
Additional information on these and other pending efforts is available from NORML’s Texas chapter network. Find your local chapter here.
“Nearly a century ago, the Texas legislature made a mistake in judgment based on misinformation and unfortunate motivations," Rep. Simpson said in letter to lawmakers urging them to co-sponsor his legislation. “Due to this mistake a relatively benign plant was made illegal to grow, possess, and sell in Texas.”
Passage of Rep. Simpson’s bill would end each of these marijuana-related prosecutions in the Lone Star State. “Repealing prohibition of the plant will result in savings of millions of dollars currently being spent in the name of the war on drugs,” Simpson said. “[It] will end the destruction and disruption of thousands of lives caused by the heavy penalties for those who use the plant, and will restore freedom and dignity to all Texans.”
While passage of HB 2165 is unlikely, its intended purpose is arguably to stimulate a discussion among Texas lawmakers. The conversation is long overdue. A review of state-by-state marijuana possession arrest data by the ACLU reports that some 75,000 Texans are arrested annually for pot violations – the second highest total of any state in the nation.
Enter your zip code below to contact your state Representative and urge them to support marijuana law reform. You can also voice your support for separate legislation seeking to decriminalize marijuana possession penalties here.
Additional information on these and other pending efforts is available from NORML’s Texas chapter network. Find your local chapter here.
Rep. Borris Miles
District: SH-TX146
Phone:(512) 463-0518
Fax:(512) 463-0941
Email:borris.miles@house.state.tx.us
The Green Association for Sustainability
Monday, August 22, 2011
DEPENDENCE vs ADDICTION in Cannabis Users
Is Pot Addictive?
The answer to this question has eluded mankind for nearly one hundred years!
Prior to that, marijuana was not illegal, nor considered an addictive or harmful substance; at least, not by the U.S. government’s standards. Alcohol was the bane of society in the early 1900’s as prohibitionists marched in the streets, many of them quietly addicted to Opioid Tonics freely available from the corner druggist.
As with anything, the answer to the question depends on the presumed definition.
Addiction is a psychological state in which the object of addiction can be any number of drugs, actions, or substances. Calling cannabis addicting in this context is NOT telling the truth, but is a trick of semantics in a society where food has become the most common and dangerous addiction.
Dependence is a physical state in which the object of dependence causes enough physical distress as to make the user continue their addiction even through obvious deleterious consequences. Nicotine has been cited as causing the greatest dependence in humans.
Cannabis does not cause physical addiction or create a physical dependence. There are no dependency-causing chemicals in Cannabis. Any physical discomfort felt by a cannabis user on cessation is psychological.
Although Cannabis can cause psychological addiction, so can any substance or human action: Prohibiting marijuana for a psychological addiction is like criminalizing dice for gambling disorders.
Unlike opiates (Heroin, Morphine), cocaine (Crack), benzos (Xanax), nicotine, and alcohol, Cannabis carries no risk of physical addiction, and has no substances that create a physical addiction. A psychologically addicted user may report anxiety upon "withdrawal"; any "withdrawal" symptoms are purely psychological. Although many studies have proved this, the argument of addiction is one of semantics and medical terminology, as well as ICD-9/10 (Diagnosis) coding.
Cannabis cannot create the condition of "drug dependence"; however, cannabis can create "drug abuse", as can a can of hairspray and a package of bath salts.
Prohibition has not stopped the use, recreational or medical, of marijuana. Cannabis is freely trafficked into the United States from Mexico by violent, dangerous and warring cartels. Although billions have been spent, US Federal forces such as the DEA, INS, and ICE have been unsuccessful in stopping the influx of low-grade cannabis into the United States. This “Schwag” has no medicinal value, and is cheap and widely available and easy to get, especially for the young. Even IF the Feds got their way, and all of the progress in medical cannabis was reversed, the cartels will assure that their brand of blood stained pot is on American streets. Wouldn’t it be better if the sick, suffering, and dying had access to clean, quality Cannabis, safely and transparently available, and prescribed specific to symptomology?
The Green Association for Sustainability
K. Rojas,
BLS, MLS, CPC
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
DR. OZ The Truth About Marijuana?
On Wednesday, July 27, 2011, DR. OZ (NBC) addressed the issue of Medical Marijuana. Intending to “tell the truth” about marijuana, the show addressed several issues regarding the scientific, social, and legal issues surrounding medical marijuana. In summing up the show, Dr. Oz called on those states that have passed medical marijuana initiatives to implement them, citing states like New Jersey and Maryland, who have not implemented dispensing regulations.
Although I applaud these efforts, Dr. Oz did not achieve his intent of telling the truth. I found the two statements below especially disturbing.
MARIJUANA:
“…SHOULD NOT BE PRESCRIBED FOR ANXIETY, INSOMNIA, PTSD, OR STRESS”
“…IS ADDICTING…”
1. Cannabis Sativa (White Widow, Haze) has a high ratio of THC to CBD, both cannabinoids, that creates a more "cerebral" effect compared to the heavier opiate like effect of Cannabis Indica. Medicalization has bred out much of the "paranoia" associated with Sativas, and most strains found in dispensaries are a blend of Indicas and Sativas, with Indicas being the most prevalent. In addition, Indicas are easier to grow, heartier, and produce more product per plant than the 12-20 foot spindly Sativa plants. Cannabis Indica has been proven efficacious in treating anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and other stress disorders.
2. Cannabis does not cause addiction or create a physical dependence. Addiction is a psychological state in which the object of addiction can be any number of drugs, actions, or substances. Calling cannabis addicting in this context is NOT telling the truth.
Although Cannabis can cause psychological addiction, so can any substance or human action: Prohibiting marijuana for a psychological addiction is like criminalizing dice for gambling disorders.
Unlike opiates (Heroin, Morphine), cocaine (Crack), benzos (Xanax), nicotine, and alcohol, Cannabis carries no risk of physical addiction, and has no substances that create a physical addiction. A psychologically addicted user may report anxiety upon "withdrawal"; any "withdrawal" symptoms are purely psychological. Although many studies have proved this, the argument of addiction is one of semantics and medical terminology, as well as ICD-9/10 (Diagnosis) coding.
Cannabis cannot create the condition of "drug dependence"; however, cannabis can create "drug abuse", as can a can of hairspray and a package of bath salts.
Prohibition has not stopped the use, recreational and medical, of marijuana. The illegal Cartels will make certain that the sick, suffering, and dying will have access to Cannabis; it would be much better if it were available safely and transparently, and provided specific to symptomology.
The Green Association for Sustainability
Although I applaud these efforts, Dr. Oz did not achieve his intent of telling the truth. I found the two statements below especially disturbing.
MARIJUANA:
“…SHOULD NOT BE PRESCRIBED FOR ANXIETY, INSOMNIA, PTSD, OR STRESS”
“…IS ADDICTING…”
1. Cannabis Sativa (White Widow, Haze) has a high ratio of THC to CBD, both cannabinoids, that creates a more "cerebral" effect compared to the heavier opiate like effect of Cannabis Indica. Medicalization has bred out much of the "paranoia" associated with Sativas, and most strains found in dispensaries are a blend of Indicas and Sativas, with Indicas being the most prevalent. In addition, Indicas are easier to grow, heartier, and produce more product per plant than the 12-20 foot spindly Sativa plants. Cannabis Indica has been proven efficacious in treating anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and other stress disorders.
MARINOL is the trade name of synthetic THC. It is available in 2.5, 5, and 10 mg. capsules. It was released as a generic in 2009, under the name "Dronabinol". Unfortunately, this did not lower the price much. A dosing schedule of 5 mgs. three times a day, or 90 capsules per month, would cost approximately $600.00. Few insurance companies cover this medication, and even fewer physicians prescribe it.
Marinol can be very effective for intractable nausea and vomiting. It also helps with cachexia, allowing ill patients to maintain their weight. It is ONLY THC, however, whereas Cannabis contains many different cannabinoids. Especially notable is the lack of CBD (Cannabidiol). Depending on the ratio of THC to CBD, CBD alters the THC effects. High CBN levels compared to THC produces the pain relieving and muscle relaxing effects that are looked for in medical strains. High THC with Low CBN levels is what produces the unwelcomed side effect of anxiety or paranoia. Many dispensaries offer "High CBN" strains for patients looking for specific medicinal properties.
By itself, Dronabinol is specifically effective, but does not have the range of medicinal relief found in inhaled marijuana. For those seeking relief for these specific symptoms, a prescription model that combines dronabinol with marijuana, may reduce the amount of inhaled cannabis while increasing appetite and reducing nausea and still offering pain relief. The financial costs, however, make the use of Dronabinol restrictive, especially when plant cannabis is legally available at a much lower cost.
2. Cannabis does not cause addiction or create a physical dependence. Addiction is a psychological state in which the object of addiction can be any number of drugs, actions, or substances. Calling cannabis addicting in this context is NOT telling the truth.
Although Cannabis can cause psychological addiction, so can any substance or human action: Prohibiting marijuana for a psychological addiction is like criminalizing dice for gambling disorders.
Unlike opiates (Heroin, Morphine), cocaine (Crack), benzos (Xanax), nicotine, and alcohol, Cannabis carries no risk of physical addiction, and has no substances that create a physical addiction. A psychologically addicted user may report anxiety upon "withdrawal"; any "withdrawal" symptoms are purely psychological. Although many studies have proved this, the argument of addiction is one of semantics and medical terminology, as well as ICD-9/10 (Diagnosis) coding.
Cannabis cannot create the condition of "drug dependence"; however, cannabis can create "drug abuse", as can a can of hairspray and a package of bath salts.
Prohibition has not stopped the use, recreational and medical, of marijuana. The illegal Cartels will make certain that the sick, suffering, and dying will have access to Cannabis; it would be much better if it were available safely and transparently, and provided specific to symptomology.
The Green Association for Sustainability
Friday, May 20, 2011
MEDICALIZATION IN ARIZONA: Medicinal Marijuana - No Easy High
According to a local newspaper in Pinal County, Arizona, securing medicalization was only part of the battle to bring medical marijuana to Arizona. There are still physicians who are resistant to writing prescriptions for medical marijuana, although the article mentions that physicians can and probably will write for Marinol, the pharmaceutically available THC. Not in any way a substitute for whole plant cannabis, Marinol can be effective for nausea; however as with other oral nausea pharmaceuticals, the difficult task remains of having to ingest medication while vomiting intractably.
Another issue in the Arizona medicalization law, as well as ALL medicalization laws, is the restriction on growing and harvesting personal use plants. Delaware's medicalization this month saw a complete restriction on private grows, forcing patients into clinics or other state or Big Pharma regulated and run organization. Last year, four other states medicalized without the right to grow in order to pass a medicalization bill. Arizona's law states that a medical marijuana patient can only grow 12 plants IF THEY LIVE MORE THAN 25 MILES FROM THE NEAREST DISPENSARY. Although I understand that some restrictions on growing may be necessary in large urban areas to avoid crime or other undesireable sequelea, such restrictions should be specific and definitively defined so that those who are able to grow safely and securely, can do so. How far they are from a dispensary should be less important than where the grow area is located, i.e., in a school zone or a business district may not be such a good idea. In Rural areas, and those who live on and own larger lots, for example, should have the right to grow.
The issue of growing is an important issue and right that should not be denied. Voters who are over-eager to pass medical marijuana bills are agreeing to let the state control their ability to grow the plant, giving up an inalienable right, and giving control to the government and big Pharma.
A small ray of understanding emerged in the article when it was reported that one interviewed physician, Dr. Hill, admits that because of the existance of cannabis receptors in humans, it is probable that humans evolved with the cannabis plant, and have been using it for thousands of years. Still, Dr. Hill, an oncologist, states he will not prescribe cannabis to his patients, even though he knows through experience that it does help cancer patients, citing possible Federal retribution, and reflecting the fear factor that the Federal Government can retaliate.
Although reformers are frustrated at physician's fear and refusal to prescribe, the doctors have good reason to be afraid: This is not the first time that the government has tricked them when it comes to cannabis. In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act allowed physicians to prescribe cannabis to their patients, provided they submitted the proper tax fees and paperwork. In practice, the requirements were extremely precise and difficult, and even the smallest error would result in large fees, loss of license, and even incarceration. The American Medical Association recommended then that physicians do not prescribe Cannabis, and claiming loudly there after that cannabis was considered to have "no medicinal benefit." They have been perpetuating this lie for nearly 75 years.
To read the article in full go here:
http://www.mapinc.org/newsnorml/v11/n264/a02.html
Another issue in the Arizona medicalization law, as well as ALL medicalization laws, is the restriction on growing and harvesting personal use plants. Delaware's medicalization this month saw a complete restriction on private grows, forcing patients into clinics or other state or Big Pharma regulated and run organization. Last year, four other states medicalized without the right to grow in order to pass a medicalization bill. Arizona's law states that a medical marijuana patient can only grow 12 plants IF THEY LIVE MORE THAN 25 MILES FROM THE NEAREST DISPENSARY. Although I understand that some restrictions on growing may be necessary in large urban areas to avoid crime or other undesireable sequelea, such restrictions should be specific and definitively defined so that those who are able to grow safely and securely, can do so. How far they are from a dispensary should be less important than where the grow area is located, i.e., in a school zone or a business district may not be such a good idea. In Rural areas, and those who live on and own larger lots, for example, should have the right to grow.
The issue of growing is an important issue and right that should not be denied. Voters who are over-eager to pass medical marijuana bills are agreeing to let the state control their ability to grow the plant, giving up an inalienable right, and giving control to the government and big Pharma.
A small ray of understanding emerged in the article when it was reported that one interviewed physician, Dr. Hill, admits that because of the existance of cannabis receptors in humans, it is probable that humans evolved with the cannabis plant, and have been using it for thousands of years. Still, Dr. Hill, an oncologist, states he will not prescribe cannabis to his patients, even though he knows through experience that it does help cancer patients, citing possible Federal retribution, and reflecting the fear factor that the Federal Government can retaliate.
Although reformers are frustrated at physician's fear and refusal to prescribe, the doctors have good reason to be afraid: This is not the first time that the government has tricked them when it comes to cannabis. In 1937, the Marihuana Tax Act allowed physicians to prescribe cannabis to their patients, provided they submitted the proper tax fees and paperwork. In practice, the requirements were extremely precise and difficult, and even the smallest error would result in large fees, loss of license, and even incarceration. The American Medical Association recommended then that physicians do not prescribe Cannabis, and claiming loudly there after that cannabis was considered to have "no medicinal benefit." They have been perpetuating this lie for nearly 75 years.
To read the article in full go here:
http://www.mapinc.org/newsnorml/v11/n264/a02.html
Kimmarie
"...the rport of my death was an exaggeration." -- Mark Twain
Monday, May 16, 2011
NORML: The Five Worst States to Get Busted With Pot
One more reason to, RIGHT NOW, send a letter to your state representative regarding Texas HB 548 and HB 1491!
TEXAS LANDED AS NUMBER TWO on Paul Armentano's latest list of the top five worst states to get busted in. Oklahoma was number one, probably because of the laws that allow for life sentences for simple possession. Texas takes the number two spot due to the fact that the state arrests more of it's citizens on drug charges than any other state.
Add to that the insult that 97% of these arrests are for possession only, and we have some of our best citizens locked up for no good reason...and I know for a fact that the Houston Police have much better things to do than arrest people for a gram of Kind or a dime-bag of schwag...like having group target practice on the lone "he-was-armed" robber.
For the full article by Mr. Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, click here:
Bookmark: http://blog.norml.org/2011/05/16/alternet-the-five-worst-states-to-get-busted-with-pot/
And while you're there, check out what's happening in Texas Legislative Session 82
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB1491
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB548
TEXAS LANDED AS NUMBER TWO on Paul Armentano's latest list of the top five worst states to get busted in. Oklahoma was number one, probably because of the laws that allow for life sentences for simple possession. Texas takes the number two spot due to the fact that the state arrests more of it's citizens on drug charges than any other state. Add to that the insult that 97% of these arrests are for possession only, and we have some of our best citizens locked up for no good reason...and I know for a fact that the Houston Police have much better things to do than arrest people for a gram of Kind or a dime-bag of schwag...like having group target practice on the lone "he-was-armed" robber.
For the full article by Mr. Armentano, Deputy Director of NORML, click here:
Bookmark: http://blog.norml.org/2011/05/16/alternet-the-five-worst-states-to-get-busted-with-pot/
And while you're there, check out what's happening in Texas Legislative Session 82
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB1491
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB548
Saturday, December 12, 2009
LIFT ON SEP PROGRAM FUNDING BAN
See also: http://www.mapinc.org/alert/0419.html and 1000 Feet
ADVOCACY AND ACTIVISM DO WORK: The Media Awareness Project, Drug Policy Alliance, and other advocacy groups can claim success in their recent campaign that disclosed the restrictive fine print in the original spending bill to appropriate federal funds to needle exchanges, including a letter writing campaign.
StoptheDrugWar.org posted breaking news just after 2:00 today that in a Saturday morning Subcommittee vote, the Senate Committee endorsed a spending appropriates bill that would lift a 21-year old ban on federal funding of Needle Exchange Programs, WITHOUT the restrictive language preventing SEP's within 1000 feet of "just about anywhere" --see Drug Policy Alliance news release ; See Dave Borden's take here.
In a second major victory, Congress also lifted their restriction on a medical marijuana bill that was passed by D.C. voters 10 years ago, but held from becoming law by Congress. This is a two-fold victory, in that it also sets a precedent for Congress to ease on the "micromanagement" of the District residents. After a long wait, DC residents will finally have access to medical marijuana.
ADVOCACY AND ACTIVISM DO WORK: The Media Awareness Project, Drug Policy Alliance, and other advocacy groups can claim success in their recent campaign that disclosed the restrictive fine print in the original spending bill to appropriate federal funds to needle exchanges, including a letter writing campaign.
StoptheDrugWar.org posted breaking news just after 2:00 today that in a Saturday morning Subcommittee vote, the Senate Committee endorsed a spending appropriates bill that would lift a 21-year old ban on federal funding of Needle Exchange Programs, WITHOUT the restrictive language preventing SEP's within 1000 feet of "just about anywhere" --see Drug Policy Alliance news release ; See Dave Borden's take here.
In a second major victory, Congress also lifted their restriction on a medical marijuana bill that was passed by D.C. voters 10 years ago, but held from becoming law by Congress. This is a two-fold victory, in that it also sets a precedent for Congress to ease on the "micromanagement" of the District residents. After a long wait, DC residents will finally have access to medical marijuana.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Houston Pain Clinics
With great urgency, the Houston news machine has been churning out stories about the area’s pain management clinics. First “breaking” with “Are Some Houston Pain Clinics Prescription Pill Mills?” , (See www.click2houston.com) the rest of the media jumped on the bandwagon. Is this “breaking news” or is it free publicity for these clinics?
Pain management clinics have been operating in Houston for years, and they will continue to operate, for as long as there is a demand, and there will always be a demand. And those that didn’t know about them before, now know not only that they exist, but the media has kindly shown us, step by step, how to obtain drugs through these clinics. Should parents of experimenting young adults be thanking the media or cursing it?
According to click2houston.com, the DEA is now investigating these clinics, and have suspended ONE physician license. Yet thousands have now learned of these clinics, and see them as a legal way to get illegal drugs and make some money, too.
The problem is that pain treatment is a necessary and integral part of medical management, and is a legitimate, respected, and essential field of medicine. Millions of people suffer with intractable chronic pain, preventing them from working. Many end up in poverty, on disability, and still in pain. Pain management can allow many to return to work and lead a more normal life.
The media’s focus on these pain management clinics may create awareness of a problem; however it is the wrong problem. Some of these clinic doctors may be mildly concerned about the DEA, and it is true that there are doctors that line their pockets at the expense of their patients’ health. Knock them down and another doc-in-the-box will just pop up.
Rather than stigmatizing and prejudicing all pain management practices, the media should give equal time to those clinics that are legitimately practicing chronic pain medicine, that combine state of the art medicine with social support.
Pain management clinics have been operating in Houston for years, and they will continue to operate, for as long as there is a demand, and there will always be a demand. And those that didn’t know about them before, now know not only that they exist, but the media has kindly shown us, step by step, how to obtain drugs through these clinics. Should parents of experimenting young adults be thanking the media or cursing it?
According to click2houston.com, the DEA is now investigating these clinics, and have suspended ONE physician license. Yet thousands have now learned of these clinics, and see them as a legal way to get illegal drugs and make some money, too.
The problem is that pain treatment is a necessary and integral part of medical management, and is a legitimate, respected, and essential field of medicine. Millions of people suffer with intractable chronic pain, preventing them from working. Many end up in poverty, on disability, and still in pain. Pain management can allow many to return to work and lead a more normal life.
The media’s focus on these pain management clinics may create awareness of a problem; however it is the wrong problem. Some of these clinic doctors may be mildly concerned about the DEA, and it is true that there are doctors that line their pockets at the expense of their patients’ health. Knock them down and another doc-in-the-box will just pop up.
Rather than stigmatizing and prejudicing all pain management practices, the media should give equal time to those clinics that are legitimately practicing chronic pain medicine, that combine state of the art medicine with social support.
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