Alameda, CA Closes Door on Medical Marijuana
November 14th, 2008 by Perry
Alameda County, CA just became the most recent city to close the door on medical marijuana, passing a 45-day moratorium on the expansion or establishment of dispensaries. The move comes in response to the “Purple Elephant,” a dispensary which opened on Webster St., a busier part of town.
City officials claimed the owner “snuck through” the permitting process by only writing that he was seeking to open a “retail operation.” Although why not ask a question when you see the name Purple Elephant, if you’re so concerned?
Some 14 years later, a new generation of county supervisors is still sorting through its options. For example, in July, the board agreed to allow licensed dispensaries in unincorporated Alameda County to carry hashish, but would not allow these same dispensaries to carry food made with marijuana.
The move is no doubt intended to give local legislators time to find a legal way to remove the Purple Elephant and create a lasting ban. Again, the vague wording of Prop. 215 continues to cause confusion and harassment of legitimate business owners.
NORML Extends Deadlines for $10,000 Ad Contest
November 14th, 2008 by Perry
Stoners do like to procratinate.
So it shouldn’t be any surprise NORML has extended the submission deadline for flash animation and video entries for their ad contest until January 15, 2009. Contest rules and submission guidelines are available here.
Washington, DC: Want to express your outrage at America’s draconian marijuana policies - and win thousands in cash too?
What a great idea, counter the propaganda, with propaganda, and try to win $10,000. Not a bad idea. To give you an idea of what to submit, check out a clip from last year’s winner.
South Dakota Faces Growing Meth Problem
November 14th, 2008 by Perry
Like many states across the country, methamphetamine abuse is even becoming a problem in South Dakota, the United States’ 48th most populated state, according to a recent editorial by the Native American Times.
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) recently started a bi-partisan effort in the state to raise awareness of the problems associated with the drug, which is also seeing a disproportionate rise in usage among the youth of its Native American population and in schools.
The Time is Right for Marijuana Law Reform
November 13th, 2008 by Perry
According to recent blog posts by NORML, never before has there been a more perfect time to push for marijuana law reform.
The election of Barack Obama, coupled with Democrat control of both the House and the Senate, presents a unique and critical opportunity for federal marijuana law reform.
A good point, and remember… electing a good politician is only half the battle. You still have to stay on top of them in hopes they don’t get too politician-y on you. Don’t forget, people liked Bush at one time too and now his approval rating is in the low 30s range.
Being the helpful and forward-thinking organization they are, NORML created three prepared statements you can send here, directly to the new administration… Something we touched on earlier in another recent post.
The statements prepared by NORML:
Statement #1: President Obama must uphold his campaign promise to cease the federal arrest and prosecution of (state) law-abiding medical cannabis patients and dispensaries by appointing leaders at the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the US Department of Justice, and the US Attorney General’s office who will respect the will of the voters in the thirteen states that have legalized the physician-supervised use of medicinal marijuana.
Statement #2: President Obama should use the power of the bully pulpit to reframe the drug policy debate from one of criminal policy to one of public health. Obama can stimulate this change by appointing directors to the Office of National Drug Control Policy who possess professional backgrounds in public health, addiction, and treatment rather than in law enforcement.
Statement #3: President Obama should follow up on statements he made earlier in his career in favor of the decriminalization of marijuana by adults by calling for the creation of a bi-partisan Presidential Commission to review the budgetary, social, and health costs associated with federal marijuana prohibition, and to make progressive recommendations for future policy changes.
[img via Flickr/Vincent Brown]
Boy Arrested for Delivering Fake Drugs
November 13th, 2008 by Perry
In Port St. Lucie, Florida, police arrested a local boy, 15, for pretending to sell marijuana to his friend.
The elder boy said he was going to play a trick on his friend. He said he had a bag of parsley that he was going to make his friend think was marijuana.
The 15-year old boy was arrested on a charge of possession of a counterfeit controlled substance with the intent to deliver, when he was found by police during school hours. Apparently stupidity is no longer a charge on the books in Florida.
Allow Your Voice to Be Heard
November 13th, 2008 by Perry
Barack Obama wants to hear what you have to say.
As his transitional team prepares for the next four years in office, he has set up a website to hear your thoughts on what he’s doing or what he should be doing when sworn in.
It’s a simple, easy way you can become involved in the political scene. By sending an e-mail to www.change.gov, you’re in direct contact with president-elect, or at least one of his staffers, so send along your thoughts or causes and allow your voice to be heard.
RIP: Mitch Mitchell, Drummer of Jimi Hendrix Experience [1947-2008]
November 13th, 2008 by Perry
Yesterday, the last chapter closed on one of the most influential bands in rock-n-roll history. Mitch Mitchell, former drummer and last surviving member of the original Jimi Hendrix Experience lineup, passed away at age 61.
While the original JHE was only around for about 3 and a half years, they produced numerous classics like “Hey Joe”, “Purple Haze”, “Foxy Lady”, “Fire”, “Little Wing”, “Spanish Castle Magic”, “All Along the Watchtower” and “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” to name a few.
While the tracks were remembered for Hendrix’s blazing guitar licks, Mitchell’s jazz-infused drum style was a trademark, and really stands out in songs like “Crosstown Traffic” and “Spanish Castle Magic.”
I can still remember the first time I heard Jimi Hendrix Experience. I probably played the CD about 20 times in a row, amazed by the amount of music produced by just Jimi, Mitch and bassist Noel Redding.
Redding passed away five years ago from complications of cirrhosis. Hendrix died in 1970 due to a sleeping pill overdose under circumstances that are still debated today. Mitchell was found in his hotel room in Portland while participating in the Experience Hendrix Tour, which matched up artists who played with Hendrix with artists influenced by him. Mitchell reportedly looked frail in recent months, and while an autopsy has yet to determine cause of death it is believed to be of natural causes.
Netherlands Passes Ban on Mushrooms
November 13th, 2008 by Perry
Mostly an import from Hawaii, Ecuador and Mexico, the hallucinogenic, “magic mushrooms” are now banned in the Netherlands. Mushrooms have been freely available for years in the country.
The ban was passed due to outrage over a French girl, 17, who jumped from a bridge to her death while under the influence of mushrooms. The move seems to come as a wave of reform is being pushed by the local leaders who hope to clean up the image of the nation.
Amsterdam city council supports the government’s ban, hoping it will change the general perception of the city as a mecca for drug users and the sex industry.
Shop owners have claimed the ban will result in hundreds of jobs being lost and are planning protest marches.
A Dutch magic mushroom customer said:
Sunday lunch just won’t be the same. I always used the mushrooms in my stew for friends. They produce a nice relaxing glow, much better than alcohol.
Most definitely.
