PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION
We the People…of the United States…in order to form a more perfect union…establish justice…insure domestic tranquility…provide for the common defense…promote the general welfare…and…secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity…do ordain and establish the Constitution of the United States of America.
WE THE PEOPLE
Enjoy the 40th Annual Smoke in.
Who do you think created Sacred herb?
“The Lord said unto me, ‘I will take my rest and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs.”..Isaiah 18:4-5
“And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.”.. Ezekiel 34:29 a healing plant… On either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare 12 manner of fruits, and yielding her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelations 22:1-2
Genesis…1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose SEED is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
Genesis 1: 12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:26 And God said, let us (do I note a plural here?) make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
“The hemp plant (scientific name : cannabis, slang: marijuana) is one of the many useful herbs “yielding seed after its kind” created and blessed by God on the third day of creation, “and God saw that it was good.” He gave hemp for people to use with our free will. The Bible predicted some herb’s prohibition…”Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall speak lies in hypocrisy…commanding to abstain from the meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth…. Paul: 1 Timothy 4:1-3
Cannabis was used 13 ways: clothing, paper, cord, sails, fishnet, OIL, sealant, incense, FOOD!!!!( Oh my God, we could feed everyone on earth!!) And in ceremony, relaxation and medicine. For so the Lord said unto me, “I will take my rest and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs. For afore harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches.” Isaiah 18:4-5
So, and we read we learn that Jesus(Sananda) said to keep church and state apart. “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be God’s.” Luke 20:25…and we have seen, it was God, not government, who gave man the herbs to use. And it was government that put Jesus to death.
Read the truth for yourself. I learned all this at http://www.Biblegateway they have concordances for the King James, the American Standard, and four or five other translations. Check out http://www.equalrights4all.org/religious/bible.htm
That poster is positively awesome. Any chance of, potentially, getting a nice, high-resolution JPEG of it?
[Editor’s note: To inquire, check with the principal organizers of the event re posters and higher resolution graphics: http://www.smoke-in.org/drupal/%5D
Wow did not know about this. Needed more coverage. I would have made the trip to support. I just hope everyone realizes that your newer activists need a heads up to make things like this stronger. Set a date 2 years in the future and lets figure out a march on Washington. I know it seems expensive and ridiculous but if we could make it happen it would be amazing.
[Editor’s note: This is the event’s 40th year, so if you want to attend, it is always on July 4th. However, the FOJ Smoke-in can’t be conflated into a major national pro-cannabis rally as the US Park Service will not provide the needed permits because the national mall is already overflowing with 400,000-600,000 there to have a family-oriented celebration of the country’s Independence Day.
Also, based on the past experiences of civil, reproductive and gay/lesbian rights rallies in Washington, DC, these rallies cost millions to produce for the: permits, staging, sound equipment, security details, rent-a-potties, mass transportation, food/water, etc….
As cannabis consumers donate so few dollars annually to reform groups like NORML, it will some time before a reform group will raise and spend millions on a massive Washington, DC pro-reform rally. There are billionaires these days who give millions annually to some reform groups (ACLU, DPA and MPP), but these groups are very hesitant to spend any funding on public rallies at all, instead favoring the non-grassroots approach (some call ‘grasstops’) where the money flows to lawyers, consultants, public relations groups and employees, leaving the grassroots part of the cannabis law reform movement to fund and convene the public rallies.]
It’s 7 hours of your life. Now, do you want to remember, for the rest of your life until the day you die, that those 7 hours were the time you almost did something great? Or do you want to remember those seven hours as the time that you did achieve something great?
Being that I live nowhere near DC, this 24 hour or so notice does me no good. I know many people commenting in various NORML blogs in the past have talked about doing a smoke-in at DC or asked if there was any such thing in existence already. How about a bit more lead time? Then again, my fault for not using the Google.
9 Gail….Manny here….Good work….Good faith.
“Keep the faith baby!”
I didn’t notice Genesis IX:3…where our creator reaffirms his gift of Manna as Holy Sacrament for CDXX Communion. Here’s a little tid-bit. The U.S. Constitution was written on hemp, as was all the founding documents. Our flag “OLD GLORY” was made of hemp.
We are getting closer to finding out who “MY EVIL BROTHER” is. Come on! Let’s flush him out! The greatest trick he ever pulled off is “MAKING US BELIEVE HE DOESN’T EXIST.” Well! he does exist…
and…we need to put him in “THE LIGHT.”
P.S.
GOD AND THE FOUNDING FATHERS…..July 4, 1776
There’s no better thing you can do for a country but to give it a useful plant…HEMP. After all…Bibles are written on hemp…and…Rebellion against tyranny is obedience to God.
Weed shoould be legal…..Itz the only “drug” that you can smoke raw and uncut….cant do that with cocaine…meth…herion…X…..the list goes on and on…..Dont forget you can even overdose off to much Advil….Thats suppose to be good for headaches…..Well what more can I say….4eva for the smoke session….Do the world a favor and let us SMOKE IN PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
O yeah and finally….HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY MY FELLOW SMOKERS AND AMERICANS! I don not know you posters or the any of the NORML staff but i wish you nothing but good things on this the Generals favorite day. Times are tough BUT WE STILL THE ASS KICKINESS COUNTRY IN THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD! If this gets postd in time all who can toke a fat one with general at 4:20 Ks. time. Mikey if you lookin at norml posts today i wont be home till three i think. PS come over and burn one after work i got some shit calld trainwreck!
I cant drop everything now and drive 12 hours to DC, I could have had I planed for it. Guys this is the kinda stuff we have to be on the ball about, we cant let a chance like this pass and thats what we just did. We need to plan ahead better and get info out faster.
This is a disaster anouncing this on the 3rd for the 4th, what were they thinking?
[Editor’s note: 1) NORML is not a sponsor of the event and was belatedly asked to promote it just a few days before the event; 2) The Fourth of July Smoke-in has been going on for 40 years….for those who want attend next year’s Washington, DC ‘Smoke-in’, they should be in contact with the promoters of the event (http://www.smoke-in.org/drupal/) and/or make sure you’re subscribed to an RSS news feeder from Google, etc…this way, most any marijuana-related news finds its way into your ‘in’ box.]
[Editor’s note: This is the event’s 40th year, so if you want to attend, it is always on July 4th. However, the FOJ Smoke-in can’t be conflated into a major national pro-cannabis rally as the US Park Service will not provide the needed permits because the national mall is already overflowing with 400,000-600,000 there to have a family-oriented celebration of the country’s Independence Day.
Also, based on the past experiences of civil, reproductive and gay/lesbian rights rallies in Washington, DC, these rallies cost millions to produce for the: permits, staging, sound equipment, security details, rent-a-potties, mass transportation, food/water, etc….
As cannabis consumers donate so few dollars annually to reform groups like NORML, it will some time before a reform group will raise and spend millions on a massive Washington, DC pro-reform rally. There are billionaires these days who give millions annually to some reform groups (ACLU, DPA and MPP), but these groups are very hesitant to spend any funding on public rallies at all, instead favoring the non-grassroots approach (some call ‘grasstops’) where the money flows to lawyers, consultants, public relations groups and employees, leaving the grassroots part of the cannabis law reform movement to fund and convene the public rallies.]\\
that’s bullshit NORML.
we don’t need $$ to show up to WASHINGTON WITH JOINTS IN HAND AND DEMAND CHANGE. we need people. FUCK THE PERMITS.
[Editor’s note: No permits from the US Park Service and DC police, no rally. Otherwise, NORML (and very likely all other drug policy reform organizations) will not be involved in anarchy-filled, unfocused, unorganized illegal street protests to ‘reform’ cannabis laws.]
We must keep up this fight against out of control Cannabis laws at all cost. We must throw all our blood and treasure in for this just cause. We must take back our FREEDOM and LIBERTY now!
feds are happy its time to bust some dope-smokers heads ..smoke in wont work it takes rifles and molotov cocktails to deal with these prohibitionist.good luck wear your helmets hippies
Hey NORML ppl, i have had this idea for some time. Will you give some thought to setting up a Voluntary Marijuana Tax account. NORML could be the custodian of the Voluntary Tax, and hold it in escrow, awaiting an end to the federal ban.
Extortion of sorts. But I wonder how it would look, with our voluntary tax account in the millions and growing. Let’s put an ad in all the cannabis magazines calling out to all the smokers, send us a $5 per ounce you smoke. This will show our lawmakers how many ounces we are consuming, and it will also grow to immense proportions if we can get the word out.
Signs in all the shops… ads in the magazines, billboards?
thoughts anyone?
[Editor’s note: 1) well under 1% of cannabis consumers in the US donate money to pro-cannabis law reform organizations, so it would appear unlikely that any greater percentage of cannabis consumers will voluntarily send a reform group like NORML a small percentage from their cannabis purchases, 2) sending such a payment and receiving a financial transaction where both parties acknowledge that the transaction was derived from illegal contraband could make both parties subject to arrest or criminal indictment, and 3) NORML does not want to ‘escrow’ donations (donations are used for programs and reform activities).
In the 1980s a less-than-reputable cannabis law reform organization used to place advertisements in publications like High Times soliciting reformers to send them like $10 now, and when they make cannabis legal, they’d send the donor an ounce of high grade ganja. In this same vein, NORML does not want to escrow donors’ resources as a p.r. stunt for ‘voluntary’ pre-payments on taxes for cannabis, at a time when there is zero public support for cannabis legalization in the Congress or executive branch; or even in California where Ammiano’s legalization bill is still without a single co-sponsor.
While a creative idea Samuel, reformers have much more work to do educating and persuading the American public and their elected officials about the need to end cannabis prohibition.]
When Pushed and Shoved, we have Pushed back. Its not the time to rest. Its time to Push. If everyone truly wants to see this through, now is the time to get on the streets. Do no be ashamed. Be PROUD and SHOW it! I use Pot and I am Proud! Don’t obviously break the law but we have the same rights as every other Proud American. If we don’t act now we will earn the name of lazy stoners…LETS PROVE THEM WRONG!!!
here’s another one for the website…
hardworking american dollars wasted buying something they can grow in their back yard…
personally, i waste nearly $4k a year on something i should be able to grow for free… how’s that for a Green Economic Stimulus? If all the cannabis consumers in America had an extra $4k a year that wasn’t going to drug cartels…
another counter… trees saved by industrial hemp…
i bet a counter for Califorinan tax dollars wasted on untaxed, prohibitied marijuana, v. taxes that could have been collected if it were legal. … and in this hour of their great budgetary need, if NORML were sitting on an escrow account with billions of Voluntary State of Califorina Marijuana Tax… you’d be a powerful lobby indeed! … a couple of strategically placed billboard counters in Key Cities could swing policy.
‘As cannabis consumers donate so few dollars annually to reform groups like NORML’
Sorry we donate so few funds.
[Editor’s note: If just 1% of cannabis consumers were involved in their own liberation, donated to groups like NORML, et al, then the funding would be in place for multimillion dollar public protests, national ad campaigns, constant impact litigation in the state and federal courts, state initiatives, etc…otherwise, the cannabis law reform movement (not including NORML) derive most of their donations from one or two billionaires. The future of cannabis law reform, if the near past serves as prologue, is not based on what cannabis consumers want in the way of reforms–but on the wants and strategies of the billionaires.
Is it possible to have a genuine social reform movement funded by elite billionaires, with little to no investment (or sacrifices made) from the stakeholder community clamoring for desperately needed law reforms?
NORML believes that the best and most enduring changes in cannabis law reform are derived from grassroots-oriented reforms driven by the stakeholders’ themselves. Women, African-Americans and Gay/Lesbian freedom movements were largely fueled by the stakeholders’ needs for reform–not the needs of elites. Cannabis law reformers may want to look to the ready lessons learned from prior social movements.]
Allen,
The failure of the “respectable” Marijuana policy/advocacy community in Washington to support the 40th Annual DC Smoke-In left this wonderful event woefully underattended, and a major opportunity to be sympatico with the new Obama Administration was lost in the process.
It was a terrific free seven hour concert, and we had the best place in Washington to see the fireworks, ‘Up Close & Personal’. Given that there are hundreds of thousands of MJ users in the National Capital Region, the turnout was disgraceful. Had 25,000 or so shown up in Lafayette Park for the legalization rally, it would have had more political impact than everything else ever done in MJ advocacy, put together.
Of course, CapitalPride drew 300,000+ GLBT supporters to turn out 6/14 on Pennsylvania Avenue and got not a single line of coverage from the Washington Post the next day. Then again, they didnt give it any political edge to be newsworthy, either…
It NORML, MPP, etc. were to pitch in next year and help them do it RIGHT, we might start seeing some movement at the national level in our direction.
#40….
There are numerous reasons why the so-called ‘respectable’ reform groups neither actively promote or participate in John Pylka’s ‘Smoke-in’.
NORML was a major sponsor of the event until 1998 when 1) it became self-evident there was no Fourth of July ‘Coalition’…as for all an intent purposes, the FOJ Smoke-in is totally controlled by one person (John Pylka), and he is ‘difficult’ to work for apparently all the ‘respectable’ reform will not work with him–not just NORML, 2) NORML’s board and lawyers sought to change the name of the event in the 1990s from ‘Smoke-in’ (which encourages law-breaking which non-profit organizations [501.c3] really can’t do), 3) to actually have a ‘coalition’ of reform groups involved, 4) stop conflating the event into a pro-drug legalization rally (ie, stop focusing on Ibogaine, etc…).
If an actual coalition of reform organizations were to exist, the event changed its name and stop being the poorly organized pet project of one activist, I can see NORML, MPP, DRCNet, DPA, ASA, Votehemp, FAMM, CJPF, ACLU, etc…readily getting back and actively involved with the event, but not if the event continues to be the product of one person (with no budget or genuine organizing skills). Again, most of these groups used to participate in this event, but, along with NORML, have all dropped out because of the lack of organization, and total control asserted by the permit holder.
You say you want 25,000 in Lafayette Park next FOJ? Well that is not ever going to happen unless groups like NORML are involved, as clearly the more isolated the organizer of the FOJ Smoke-in has become since the late 1990s from the other reform organizations, a once great public rally for cannabis law reforms continues to shrink in size and stature.
NORML stands ready two blocks from the White House to partner on the event. But there must be a partnership and serious commitment for organizing forged before NORML’s staff and volunteers will invest time and members’ donations into a FOJ protest rally in DC. In my own personal view, any functional Fourth of July Hemp Coalition will invite a few of the principal organizers from the Seattle Hempfest and Boston Freedom Rally to be involved as their pro-reform events attract over 250,000 supporters annually.
Social movements advance on the shoulders of organized citizens, not on the cult of personality or on the inabilities of some to work in concert with other like-minded individuals and organizations.]
Hi Gail (#9) I just woke up and your blog is my inspiration for the day (week, month, year…)
Your biblical quotes are beautiful and many, many people are beginning to realize that church and state laws are supposed to be separated.
Thanks for spreading the ‘word’ in the Lord’s name. Amen.
Wendy in Good ‘ole Utah
25,000 in Lafayette Park is still a drop in the bucket. 100,000 wouldn’t make any difference either. A million might get some attention. But ultimately, you have to VOTE OUT ALL POLITICIANS who do not support legalization. Plain and simple.
Tell your candidates that you are voting based on one issue and one issue only. If they don’t support it, they don’t get your vote.
If they say they do support legalization, put a “proverbial gun to their heads” to make sure they hold up their end of the bargain. Make them promise to take action on legalization as their first order of business upon election. And if they don’t,use that “proverbial gun” and force them to resign IMMEDIATELY.
The prohibition of cannabis is the greatest fraud ever perpetrated on the American people. The subsequent brainwashing of the American people is only going to change by force. You don’t ask a baby to give you back the Draino bottle, you TAKE IT AWAY!!!!! We can no longer ask the prohibitionists for our right to toke back, we have to TAKE IT AWAY from them!!!!!!!
I hope every state in the union rapidly jumps on Rhode Island’s bandwagon. I really don’t see how the federal enforcement (ridiculous, hypocrites that they are) could lock millions of people up for growing plants for whatever reason. As long as we all stick together from now on the inevitable changes are there. Our First Amendment Right guarantees freedom of religion, speech, the press, and rights to assemble peaceably and petition the government. The truth is self-evident – and united we stand! I won my federal/local rights by purposely getting caught on several occasions with a tiny amount of homegrown. It was finally laughed out of court and I might have set precedent at least for people in Utah. I wonder what would happen if millions of people filed their civil suits against this gnash. Homegrown is never transported and someone like myself can just as easily be scoped out if ever a true offense occured against another person(s). I sit here quietly day after day and mind my own business. The invasion of my privacy years ago is actually under Elorriaga vs. Tooele County. My maiden name is Wendy Warr. A $2.5 million Judgement of Default was entered and signed on my behalf. Maybe God wants me to put my story out here right now to help the powers that be understand the severity of this hemp revolution. In my opinion weed is already legal and always has been. It is the over-zealot powers that be that are the criminals. Yes, I have some tiny plants of schwag outside at the moment. O-o-o-h, big bad Wendy! Does anyone think they’ll come and get me today? No, I’m dear friends with most of the law enforcement now. I know that they truly understand me. Time marches on and so do we soldiers of truth. Amen.
Thanks again to Allen St. Pierre for showing us all the correct way to support this issue. Cooler heads and the truth are on our side. Most rational people realize the “War on Drugs” is a terrible failure. If you study the history of this law you will understand why it has failed. Any law that is based on racial prejudice and greed by a few wealthy and powerful people is ultimately bound to fail. The most discouraging aspect of this whole thing is that only 1 percent of cannibus consumers contribute to organizations like NORML. And we wonder why prohibition has lasted over 70 years. It is time to stand up for our constitutional rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Write to your elected officials and send your hard earned money to NORML or VOTEHEMP or however you choose to represent you. Get involved. You will be a better American for it.
I had been banging the drum on this for the past couple of months. If I had seen any serious rallying going on by NORML or MPP I would probably have made plans to head down, but in my situation, I’m over 50 and don’t know anyone personally who smokes pot or is even in favor of it, so for me to go down there by myself and deal with huge crowds in an unfamiliar place, well, there was so little publicity on this that I wasn’t even sure it was going on.
I felt this would have been a huge boost for the legalization cause to have throngs of pot smokers descend on DC. We have so much momentum right now, this seems like a huge opportunity that was just lost.
NORML, what gives? You guys are so on top of everything else, why was this event left to dry up?
[Editor’s note: See prior comment re NORML’s involvement in the FOJ ‘Smoke-in’ from NORML’s director Allen St. Pierre. The individual who procures the permit to hold the event every year since the late 1980s arguably squanders the opportunity to work with a dozen or more pro-reform lobbying groups, but chooses no to. These protests events, if they are to be at all successful, self-evidently need to be done in cooperation with other groups who actually have infrastructure (staffs, webpages, listservs, social networking pages, etc…), not out of a personal labor of love, or parochial wants–which is what the FOJ ‘Smoke-in’ has become since all the other reform groups (including protest-loving High Times Magazine) ceased promoting it. Again, it is not as if NORML is not fond of protest or street theater, but that does not mean that the organization will partner with every organizer of every pro-reform protest. NORML’s, ACLU’s, ASA’s, DPA’s, MPP’s DRCNet’s, SSDP’s, doors are open, 9-6/M-F, anytime the permit holder of the event wants to actually work with the full time lobbying groups.
Otherwise, as anyone can try to get a permit on the FOJ to hold a 10,000-20,000 person rally (with the numerous other FOJ events going on in DC, while the national mall can hold hundreds of thousands, because of the overcrowded nature of the day, the US Park Service will only provide permits for space that will hold 10-20K; on the FOJ there is no lawful way to hold a million person rally), groups like NORML, et al can procure their own permit and convene a well organized rally, with major speakers and musical acts–that will attract larger crowds, media attention, and hopefully, some policymakers’ attention.
To a degree this is what happened for about 5 years (from 1997-2002), when a group of even less organized cannabis law reformers (fancying themselves more radical than the organizer of the ‘Smoke-in’) from the DC suburbs held a competing FOJ ‘Smoke-in’ (on the other side of the White House, on the Ellipse). Both rallies were poorly attended and marginalized in the media.
The most expedient manner to make next year’s FOJ event bigger and better is for the individual who procures the permit is to work cooperatively with his natural, and resourceful allies]
To those who claim senior citizenship.
If I told you that I was born before penicillin was a “wonder drug” would that give you any indication that
age has nothing to do with the curse of prohibition.
Hell! Abraham Lincoln had the most powerful statement against prohibition.
There’s nothing new here! In fact ask anyone of my era
what the hell the “War against the squares” was all about. Where do you think the phrase “FUCK OFF” came from. Of course…we also had “ROCK’N’ROLL” as our national anthem, and the “BIKINI” as our battle flag.
But…what we had more than anything was “ATTITUDE.”
“ATTITUDE WAS OUR EXCALIBER” and we won that war with
it.
Our minds are the best weapon we possess, and the truth
is our ammunition. So here’s my “ATTITUDE”…Cannabis
is an old person’s blessing…and…if you don’t believe that…perhaps I’ll see you again, as I did in the good old days…and you can “FUCK OFF” again. I’m
sure your mind is just as prohibited now as it was then…even more so because…I know from personal experience that you are ‘STUCK IN YOUR WAYS.”…and…
“YOU ARE THE PRISONER OF YOUR OWN MIND.”
SENIORS FOR PROHIBITION NEED NOT APPLY
Okay, points well taken on the FOJ rally. What would be the best way to get more people to support NOEML? Pot smokers outnumber gun rights activites at least 2:1, so if everyone who supported legalization were to donate to NORML, how much more powerful would we be than the NRA?
With the collective momentum of everybody in the US, in fact, in the world, we could ovecome marijuana prohibition before the year’s out.
So all you potheads and pot dealers need to be paying/charging a surtax on to the pot you buy/sell and donate that to NORML. We don’t need NORML to set up a mock-tax structure. Just do it yourselves…
[Editor’s note: As the ol’ saying goes: All politics are local. If a person who wants to help reform laws has the proverbial dollar in their hand, 90 cents of it should be used locally. Cannabis consumers who want prohibition to end need to:
-join or purchase products from groups like NORML
-join one of the 150 NORML chapters, or found one if there is not one close by (www.norml.org/chapters)
-lobby local, state and federal policymakers
-only elect anti-prohibition policy makers
-contact local and national media to accurately report on cannabis, and the effects of cannabis prohibition
-attend pro-reform conferences, rallies, protests and seminars
Cannabis freedom is within sight, but the stakeholders in reform have to be leading the charge.]
hey, i have that same poster hanging up in my living room! i got it from some members of norml at a marijuana march back in may. that’s just cool to see my poster on the website. too bad i can’t go. =(
1. Nearly 800,000 users are arrested each year, and over the last ten years nearly 10 million Americans have been arrested for the drug. Is it really worth our tax dollars to house a laid back pot smoker in prison.
2. All the combined law enforcement- judiciary-penal systems see legalization as a threat to their jobs, and also scientists who receive government grants to research marijuana fear losing grant money.
3. Pharmaceutical companies lobby against legalization because even though they know the medical benefits they cannot patent marijuana so they lose money. They want to be able to pay their ten million dollar bonuses to their executives, and they can’t do that if the common person can grow their medication.
C. Marijuana may be addictive, but you are not going to overdose or experience crazy side effects such as rashes, vomiting, internal bleeding, or even death like you can from vicodin, oxycontin, or percocet which are classified as opiates, or basically the legal form of heroin
1. I have met many people who have become dependent on one of the three drugs listed above, and it is a horrific sight if they run out of meds.
2. Then once the person is addicted to these opiates and they decide they need help, the doctor sends them to a methadone or suboxone clinic for treatment.
3. Now the problem is the patient is hooked on methadone or suboxone. It is a joke.
4. The patient now has a $275.00 a month habit to support. 200 for the prescription and 75 for the doctor. So why is marijuana illegal again?
How can I get involved in a group like NORML. Above is a portion of a speech I have wrote that I am doing for college. I want to stand up for our rights as Americans. It is crazy that it is still illegal when it can be excellent treatment for several ailments that are treated with drugs that can kill you. What is wrong with the government. I agree with many of Obama’s decisions so I hope he agrees in his head with my view on this. I do believe with 60 Dems our chances of legalization are better than ever. The legalization of marijuana should be one of the top issues in politics right now because it could fix the economy. We as supporters need to address this more as well. Why should our money go to drug cartels when it could be recycled right here at home.
[Editor’s note: The best way and easiest ways to get involved with NORML are to:
-join the organization (annually, or via monthly donations)
-join or start a NORML chapter in your region
-attend NORML-related events
-make sure you’re on NORML’s listserv
Also, there are over a dozen other pro-cannabis law reform organizations that need public support.]
Are there any petitions that actually mean something circulating right now to support legalization.
[Editor’s note: One can argue there are no online petitions that matter at all. That the only petitions that actually matter are the ones circulated to collect the needed signatures to place a binding voter initiative on the ballot. Those efforts are underway for the 2010 vote in states like FL (medical cannabis), ME (medical cannabis), NV (legalization), OR (legalization) and AZ (medical cannabis)]
#49 Manfor Mantis Says:
July 6th, 2009 at 10:03 am
“To those who claim senior citizenship…” RE:
– Manny,
— Though I’m still relatively young,
every day I’m alive, I’m getting older…
yet, I’m doing all I can, to forestall aging…
– Through the gift of phytocompounds,
which the Creator wisely-placed in
all plant-life,
SPECIFICALLY-MADE for this purpose…
To renew the body, mind and spirit…
– I claim NEUROGENESIS…
“….Our minds are the best weapon we possess,
and the truth
is our ammunition.” RE:
– This…
reminds me about… Ephesians 6:10-19,
specifically,
verse 12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenly places.
“So here’s my “ATTITUDE”…Cannabis
is an old person’s blessing…” RE:
– Manny,
It definitely is….
– Cannabinoids PROMOTE neurogenesis…
(the growth of NEW nerve-cells),
as well as alleviating / reversing so many
degenerative-conditions occurring, as one gets older.
(According to numerous studies, including
Journal of Clinical Investigation’s
research on cannabinoids…).
– No other plant should be
regarded as useless, either…
– I believe that EVERY plant
mentioned by God
in the Book of Genesis…
(ALL of them…by definition of the word “every”),
As having specific medical / nutritional application…
– As unbelievable as it may sound to some…
(Even naturally-grown tobacco,
when consumed by VAPORIZER…
improves cerebral acetylcholine-levels…
KEY to improved memory and mental alertness…)
54 Neurogenesis1:29 Specifically verse 12
I refer to rulers of darkness, spiritual hosts of wickedness as “Lords of the Modern World” and “My Evil Brother,” as the Chairman of the Board.
One can give a country, no greater a gift, than a useful plant.
Dear Editor: I was just wondering how many members strong NORML is. I have always told my friends, if everyone signed their names and gave $1 – in other words, m i l l i o n s….
The $2.5 million Judgement of Default was entered and signed on my personal behalf several years ago…from our local county government.
I guess that is the real reason that all of my officer friends know that they owe it to me. No, not the money, I didn’t really want it either. But the principals sure are still there and stronger than ever before because it is today and not twelve years ago.
I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I face no harm or detriment in my life about pot any longer. It was a pretty turbulant few years for my children and I but we have healed and survived the storms.
The NORML Conference after all will likely have all of the wonderful people from Washington D.C. NORML at the San Francisco meeting. I mean, gee, just how close of human linkage do we need here? It sounds to me like all of the bases are covered. Wendy.
The poster is ridiculous! This is EXACTLY the kind of thing that’s keeping marijuana from being legalized. The artist has taken something that ALL OF US (users or not) hold dear, and has perverted it into “drug culture art”.
This loud, “IT’S OUR RIGHT” mentality is what’s gotten nowhere if you ask me. If we want to see change, we need to effect change, in a language that everyone can understand. Squares cannot understand our national bird smoking pot, and the POW flag perverted into hippie-esque propaganda. I’m ashamed to be a part of the movement sometimes.
I’ve always wondered something. If the marijuana laws get changed, and it becomes legal, what happens to NORML? What happens to High Times? Because when you can go to the store and buy an ounce of really nice Kush, why would you buy a magazine about it? I don’t see many tobacco magazines in convenience stores. And centerfolds of buds are nowhere near as beautiful as the real thing! If you can go buy the real thing, why buy pictures?
[Editor’s note: Post cannabis prohibition groups like NORML will either fold up their tent and cease to exist, or some of the staff and archival material maybe needed to found a cannabis trade organization.
In Washington, DC and the state capitals, if an industry, service or product is taxed, there is a trade group or association who logically represents their interests, usually in opposition to greater government restrictions or higher taxation rates.
Post alcohol prohibition, one can find lobbying for their interests today before govt via The Century Council, Beer Whole Salers Association and Spirits Council, etc…]
Liberty or Death:
I’m in the Darkness now. I feel disconnected to my spirit. What else can I describe when my waking dreams stay still. Dreams that are meaningless with out liberty. I’ve given up on fighting; I’ve given up on desire: All this, because I know that they only want to take from me.
I’m tired of waiting for freedom, I’m tired of seeing red instead of green. I want to lash out towards my enemies. My restraint, my liberty lost to my love. I know it’s greed that keeps me from her (Jane), my spirit guide.
I’ve dream of the day I can go for a walk outside. The day I can be open to my neibors and to the officers who serve. I’m not a bad person. I’m not guilty. My passion is caged in darkness. While others praise leaders of Red, my leaders of green are jailed abused and discarded. This is how I feel…..
The WAR is obvious, the war is on me. I had no start in it. I feel as if I was part of Islam just trying to survive… Just waiting for them to stomp my door down and finish me, to liberate me to my Lord. Maybe if I went to Jail, at least then I would be in the LIGHT. This darkness is Fail.
Hi Cholland #58 You have a neat name…I’ve never heard of Your Name before.
I’m sorry you are in the darkness of depressions. The oppression is causing that within us.
Try to lighten up (there’s that intended pun again) in your mind. Force that old depression back into its rightful dark corner and then try to leave it there.
When I do this it becomes easier day after day and I know without a doubt that MJ helps…we all know THAT fact. So hang in…time and truth marches on. Peace.
Wendy
58 Cholland………..my dear fellow
Are you a soldier in this war?
Do you serve God and your country?
In your darkest hour…can you not find the light by opening the door?
It’s up to you…but…know this…we are many…and
…you are a part of us. Think good thoughts…and…
“HANG ON TIGHT” my friend…it’s going to be a wild ride to victory. Why do I say victory…because…
it’s “ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE”…and the fight is just beginning…and…we need you in it.
54 Neirogenesis1;29………..Manny here!
“THOUGH I’M STILL RELATIVELY YOUNG”
You’re only as young as you feel. My friend…there’s only one way to stay young…and…that’s to
“think young.” A little Preparation-H under your eye lids is a good trick. Ya!!!! it’s never to serious to inject a little humor. After all…all humor is derived from tragedy. We must never lose our sense of humor. Besides…if the prohibs find out that we are laughing our asses off at them…”boy are they going to be pissed.” Well!…”Fuck’em if they can’t take a joke.”
I think a peaceful gathering is neat but kind of from the 1960’s.
It is almost 2010 and it all seems so classy to me – this presence among us.
Nice word – among means by; witnin or into the midst or number of.
We are the majority and therefore rule. Quite simple all along…h-m-m-m. But of course By God we are no longer silent! A-a-a-Men. Amen.
P.S. There’s one thing I learned along time ago…
“Never laugh at someone who is trying to be serious.”
It invokes a violent uncontrollable reaction.
If we keep laughing at them…with complete indifference…maybe we will get them pissed off enough to make a “terrible mistake.” When they make that mistake…which “all uncontrolled anger” creates in a closed mind, like they have done in the case of Bob, we can jump all over them, as we are doing now.
We just have to beat them down with there own shit!
Here’s another thing we can do. When we look at ourselves in the mirror in the morning, or any time for that matter…just take a good look at ourself and say…”WE’RE WINNING…HA! HA! HA…AND…TAKE THAT WITH YA…you! you! you! prohib!”
57 beau says:
“This loud, IT’S OUR RIGHT, mentality is what’s gotten us nowhere if you ask me.”
With all due respect…who the fuck asked you? Take the board out of your ass. I do however, respect your right to say that, and would give my life defending your right to do so. Are you sure you’re on the right web-site? I think the editor’s words to you were too kind…but…there’sno such thing as a “STUPID QUESTION.” If you’re ashamed to be apart of the movement…at any time…well! good luck to you.
Hey ‘ya ‘ole hippie anyway (just kidding) Manny, you remind me of my dear brother Danny Rest His Soul.
He died of cancer. He used to say, “fuck ’em if they can’t take a joke” and “farm out!” He was an incredible guy; I loved him alot and will always miss him. The alcohol and tobacco took Danny’s life. He had been a Medic in the Army stationed in Fort Ord, California near Monterey. He said that all there was to do when he got off shift was go have a beer; that began his disease when he was in the Army. He got orders to go to Vietnam but the war stopped in the nick of time. He missed going by about two days.
When I was in tenth grade he and I and a cousin of ours took off down the Highway 1 Coast of Cal. I lived in San Gabriel in the 1970’s near Pasadena and Hollywood.
I am a Utahn/Californian/Coloradian/Nevadian/American.
God Bless The U.S.A.
With all due respect…who the fuck asked you?
——
With all due respect, I wasn’t answering a fuckin question. Just stating the fact that I think it’s stupid the way most who are in favor of legalization have to act like kids about it. It does no one any good. You know, it was the hippies in the 60s, with all their “unconventional” words and actions that got pot demonized in the first place. If those people would have chilled out a bit and not taken everything to DC to “put it in the face” of our leaders, maybe pot would be legal today. But no, they wanted to show the world how different they were. They wanted the world to SEE (HEY, LOOOK AT MEEEEE) just how peaceful, and open minded, and enlightened they were. But they were mostly kids, acting like kids, and thanks to their behavior, which was considered very weird and scary by the squares of the day, pot got the blame.
Nowadays, the powers that be joke about pot and pot smokers. They have for years. I call it the Cheech and Chong effect. These guys watched the movies back in the day, and thought they were funny (because they were). Now, while they are more educated and not as apt to personally “demonize” pot itself, they still don’t like the “in your face”edness of the user. Many probably would not have a problem with legalization, if their collleagues weren’t making jokes with them about it. One politician will say to another (in best Tommy Chong voice) “Hey man, you wanna get high man”? and the other politician giggles just a little and says “yeah man, let’s toke our big old giant bong man”, and then they both giggle a little. They see EVERY marijuana user as Cheech and Chong. To them, we are mainly used as joke fodder. And the more people who act just like the stuff of their humor get in their face with it, the more they will resist.
However fun ridiculing drug users may be, it shouldn’t be at the cost of other things. The government could reduce crime and cost of enforcement/imprisonment, and even make money off the taxation of pot.
Anyway, while I’m sure they could find something else to joke about, the list is getting smaller and smaller. They can’t joke about sex anymore. They can’t joke about religion or race. Joking about gays and homosexuals is out (unless of course, you are a gay politician, in which case, it’s apparently acceptable). But it’s still ok for them to joke about drug users.
As long as drug users continue to publicly act stupid (you know, like wearing a soldiers jacket over your tie dye potleaf design shirt and holding up a peace sign, while smoking a joint on a grassy knoll with two topless women standing behind you while you pose for a photo, all the while thinking to yourself “how symbolic of me”), politicians will continue to make jokes about them, and the rest of us users, who are normal people, will continue to be stereotyped as morons.
[Editor’s note: Some activists are rabid for public rallies. Others, not so much.]
Wendy…it seems as though…common traits are easily recognizable. I’m always told I look, and sound like someone’s relative. By the way, I was a Navy medic, and that’s a huge club. As a matter of fact, I lived on Balboa Island (Newprot Beach) in the X decades (1960-1980), so I’m for sure a “beach rat” (hippie). Las Vegas has always been my second home…since its creation, long, long before it became Disneyland.
I’m a native Southern Californian, bronze skinned surfer boy, Class of ’57…so you could imagine how this Hawaii issue is chomping at my emotions. I imagine “Duke” is eating it in heaven. That’s no joke…but…fuck’em anyway…for messin’ with Paradise.
I know all of your haunts from here to there…all good. There’s a lot of Wendys on the beach. Do you have a surfer name? Do you want a surfer name?
So…we’re on the same waive length…especially where God is concerned. I declare my Faith…”A HOT ROCK GENESIST.” It is based on Genesis I:11,12 where God creates “Manna” for us… Genesis I:29,30,31 where God gives “Manna” to us…Genesis IX:3 where God reaffirms his gift of “Manna” to us.
Ya know Wendy…”Manna” is the Holy Sacrament for CDXX Communion. It is my/our religious right. If everyone claimed religious use…medicinal use or recreational use would be incidental. As a matter of fact, my Faith offers its faithful a humanitarian service for medicinal use as a Inner Faith Constituency (collective). The only issue left after hat is recreational use. As you know…My Evil Brother and his Lords of the Modern World…simply don’t want us to recreate. What seems ????? to me is…if they think that “Manna” makes us mindless zombies..one would think that it would be easier to convert a vegetable to their way of thinking as a mindless follower. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Anyway it’s been fun hangin’ ten with ya! Whooops, sorry! No fun! Can’t have fun. The fun police will get ya! Well! “Fuck’e if they can’t take a joke.”
Louie says: “JOKE…dem gaboons is da JOKE…trow dem fuckin’ bums out boz!” Sometimes Louie is a little hard to calm down. I’m just glad he’s on my/our side.
I am interested in starting a reform chapter here in Indiana. What do I need to do to make this happen? I feel that we need to make some progress here, especially since one of the main advocates against medical marijuana is Congressman Mark Souder(R)Indiana. I presented that speech I blogged about earlier on this page at Ivy Tech, and also took a survey that produced overwhelming support for medical marijuana. My mother was diagnosed with a rare cancer that they think they got all of it out. However, she has to do six chemo treatments. I feel that she should be able to use cannabis for treatment, but of course it is a crime here in Indiana. She will probably have to break the law to feel better which is ridiculous. They will probably give her marinol or some other worthless drug. I was also watching Dr. Nancy the other day and caught the segment with Barry McCaffrey and Dr. Gregory Carter. I had to laugh when McCaffrey said that alchol and tobacco were safer than cannabis. He must have his hands in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies too, because he was promoting marinol also, which seems to be a failure compared to real cannabis. I have a question too. How did the FDA approve vicodin, oxycontin, percocet, and other opiate family meds that are basically the legal form of heroin and not cannabis? Many people get hooked on these drugs and doctors just send them to a methadone or suboxone clinic to switch their addiction over to these drugs. It is a joke. How has the government not realized that marijuana could easily fix our economy as well. Even if it were just medical it could produce some serious money in the United States.
[Editor’s note: Anyone interested in starting a NORML chapter should 1) check the NORML chapter section first, 2) If there is not a chapter close enough to join, check out the ‘Start a Chapter‘ link and 3) Any questions about starting can be sent to: chapters@norml.org]
#69 Chris Says: Hi Chris. In my opinion this is the power of Satan at his best.
The handful of tycoons ruling this country and the rest of the world are busted.
It is clearly evident to me why God told us that it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle that for a rich man to enter into Heaven.
Just consider the oil sheak on this here old world that is worth $80 billion today. This individual holds the power of Satan in its entirety. He has the power to change the whole world for the better. He has enough money to literally burn and he will likely burn right along with (money) which is only the representation of hard labor, time and love.
Yes devil you have distorted reality long enough.
Every knee will bend and every head will bow in a few more days when God returns in the flesh and blood form that satan took away temporarily.
If Satan sits back using his evil works through the power of rich men it’s easy . . .
That is how Satan is trying to rule right now but we all know he will never win. We have won, WE HAVE WON, WE HAVE WON THE WAR ON CANNABIS. ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS..MARCHING OFF TO WAR…WITH THE CROSS OF JESUS…GOING ON BEFORE.
The addictions of the opiates, the cigarettes, the alcohol. This is how Satan is trying to rule the masses AND IS QUITE SUCCESSFUL – GIVE HIM THAT.
But guess what? God Almighty reigns. Yes the devil has alot of power over us on this earth; those of us of whom are fortunate enough to remain with Thee Lord Almighty God Of Creation are already safe. Yes God is still putting old Satan in his place today. Satan was even created By God and then given FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
Go figure.
I am starting my own Cannabis Club.
My best friend since kindergarten has lupus; a menagerie of chronic ailments are treated by Mary Jane.
Wendy 70…”GOD ALMIGHTY REIGNS”
I’m not preachin’…I’m appealing to evil.
“Yes”…GOD ALNIGHTY REIGNS…”Within”…within each and every Soul. Two spirits in one Soul. God’s spirit and my spirit.
God has given each of us his/her gift of love …”FREE WILL”…and…”ONE THOU SHALT NOT.” God lets us make our own way in life.
But…”In the flesh of the fruit, so is the juices of both good and evil.”
God almighty simply says this…
“You may let evil in…it’s up to you.” But…I will not give one bit of my spirit to evil. You must give up your spirit to evil…as little or as much as you choose. It is your spirit, you are giving up. You may give to evil until it hurts…or…let evil take it all. This is when good and evil clash…when evil only has me to face. Evil has the capacity for great evil. I have the capacity for great love. “It’s up to you.”
I am appealing to those who have allowed evil to come into their Soul, and have deprived us of our Holy Sacrament with God.
See Manny now I’m laughing my head off again. (no not really I feel like the world is on my shoulders much as we all do today I am sure).
This stoned eagle what a disgrace.
What a shame.
What an immoral society.
I am sickened by it to say the least. I think we all are.
Stand up and fight America. This is war.
Can ya hear me now?
Try to do something good today to make a change for the betterment of our Dear American Nation.
Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave Forever And Ever Amen.
This portrayl above has my birthdate on it.
So see Manny, let’s count, yes let’s take a head count of U.S. Citizens Born On The Third Of July.
Let’s mimick our Lord Of All Creation Today and pretend that it is a brand new day.
A fresh new day. It is and so are you with me so far?
Every single person born on July 3 of any given year.
That refreshing combination of people could be appointed the silent majority to address issues of any cause – not just ours.
Does anyone think that I have a crazy idea here or what?
It could happen in a matter of weeks.
It would entail every walk of life on God’s Green Earth.
Wendy Warrior
The eagle is us…”FREE THINKING AMERICANS.”
The eagle is them…”PROHIBITIONISTS.”
But…the eagle that is perched highest on the mountain top at the moment, screaciung freedom for all is you. Stay on top of it…”La Aguila.”
Manny
PROHIBITONISTS…….”TAKE A HIKE.”
Every fiber of my being is against prohibitionists…
prohibitionists of any kind. It’s not that they want what we want…it’s that they just don’t want us to have it.
If a free person wants to euphenize theirself with alcohol, tobacco, drugs, blowing their brains out, that’s a matter between their “self,” their conscience, and if they believe in God (L) their creator. It is “absolutely” none of a prohibitionists business. So…”Prohibs take a hike”…get lost…and take your little act down the road.
Republicans, Democrats, Democrats, Republicans, I have gone through “the mill of them” since FDR, and I have survived them all. But..prohibitionists no matter what their political affiliation, or should I say affliction…that’s a different chapter in the destruction of freedom and the human spirit.
On the other hand…has anyone considered “population thinning?” It would seem to me that alcohol,tobacco, and drugs would be the “catalyst of choice.” It certainly has worked up to now. Of course…I exclude cannabis. Cannabis has, in no way, not one, aided death/population thinning, whereas the aforementioned grim reepers have taken “countless lives.” Now!…if that makes any sense at all to a prohibitionist, they should seek professional help…and..quick.
Wendy…although prohibitionists claim to be, and are technically, Americans…there are not even mice…
they’re better recognized as the asp in the garden.
i absolutely love it. Legalize!
PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION
We the People…of the United States…in order to form a more perfect union…establish justice…insure domestic tranquility…provide for the common defense…promote the general welfare…and…secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity…do ordain and establish the Constitution of the United States of America.
WE THE PEOPLE
Enjoy the 40th Annual Smoke in.
Hell Yea Gettin Closer
We can’t stop now!! Its time. As a matter of fact its BEEN TIME!!!!!!
Very Nice work….. Now all we need to is action…..Keep up the fight fellow patriots for or rights and end this prohibition…..
i just heard about this and i’m making quick plans to be there!!!!!
This is great, and if this lovely poster/article had been posted LAST FRIGGEN WEEK, I’d be smoking weed in DC tomorrow. Thanks for the heads up!
Who do you think created Sacred herb?
“The Lord said unto me, ‘I will take my rest and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs.”..Isaiah 18:4-5
“And I will raise up for them a plant of renown, and they shall be no more consumed with hunger in the land, neither bear the shame of the heathen any more.”.. Ezekiel 34:29 a healing plant… On either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare 12 manner of fruits, and yielding her fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelations 22:1-2
Genesis…1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose SEED is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
Genesis 1: 12 And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Genesis 1:26 And God said, let us (do I note a plural here?) make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:29 And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
“The hemp plant (scientific name : cannabis, slang: marijuana) is one of the many useful herbs “yielding seed after its kind” created and blessed by God on the third day of creation, “and God saw that it was good.” He gave hemp for people to use with our free will. The Bible predicted some herb’s prohibition…”Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall speak lies in hypocrisy…commanding to abstain from the meats which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth…. Paul: 1 Timothy 4:1-3
Cannabis was used 13 ways: clothing, paper, cord, sails, fishnet, OIL, sealant, incense, FOOD!!!!( Oh my God, we could feed everyone on earth!!) And in ceremony, relaxation and medicine. For so the Lord said unto me, “I will take my rest and I will consider in my dwelling place like a clear heat upon herbs. For afore harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, he shall cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches.” Isaiah 18:4-5
So, and we read we learn that Jesus(Sananda) said to keep church and state apart. “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s and unto God the things which be God’s.” Luke 20:25…and we have seen, it was God, not government, who gave man the herbs to use. And it was government that put Jesus to death.
Read the truth for yourself. I learned all this at http://www.Biblegateway they have concordances for the King James, the American Standard, and four or five other translations. Check out http://www.equalrights4all.org/religious/bible.htm
That poster is positively awesome. Any chance of, potentially, getting a nice, high-resolution JPEG of it?
[Editor’s note: To inquire, check with the principal organizers of the event re posters and higher resolution graphics: http://www.smoke-in.org/drupal/%5D
Wow did not know about this. Needed more coverage. I would have made the trip to support. I just hope everyone realizes that your newer activists need a heads up to make things like this stronger. Set a date 2 years in the future and lets figure out a march on Washington. I know it seems expensive and ridiculous but if we could make it happen it would be amazing.
[Editor’s note: This is the event’s 40th year, so if you want to attend, it is always on July 4th. However, the FOJ Smoke-in can’t be conflated into a major national pro-cannabis rally as the US Park Service will not provide the needed permits because the national mall is already overflowing with 400,000-600,000 there to have a family-oriented celebration of the country’s Independence Day.
Also, based on the past experiences of civil, reproductive and gay/lesbian rights rallies in Washington, DC, these rallies cost millions to produce for the: permits, staging, sound equipment, security details, rent-a-potties, mass transportation, food/water, etc….
As cannabis consumers donate so few dollars annually to reform groups like NORML, it will some time before a reform group will raise and spend millions on a massive Washington, DC pro-reform rally. There are billionaires these days who give millions annually to some reform groups (ACLU, DPA and MPP), but these groups are very hesitant to spend any funding on public rallies at all, instead favoring the non-grassroots approach (some call ‘grasstops’) where the money flows to lawyers, consultants, public relations groups and employees, leaving the grassroots part of the cannabis law reform movement to fund and convene the public rallies.]
Smoke one for me.
It’s 7 hours of your life. Now, do you want to remember, for the rest of your life until the day you die, that those 7 hours were the time you almost did something great? Or do you want to remember those seven hours as the time that you did achieve something great?
Being that I live nowhere near DC, this 24 hour or so notice does me no good. I know many people commenting in various NORML blogs in the past have talked about doing a smoke-in at DC or asked if there was any such thing in existence already. How about a bit more lead time? Then again, my fault for not using the Google.
This is some heavy sh** man! Somebody publish what the Feds. are thinking right now.
9 Gail….Manny here….Good work….Good faith.
“Keep the faith baby!”
I didn’t notice Genesis IX:3…where our creator reaffirms his gift of Manna as Holy Sacrament for CDXX Communion. Here’s a little tid-bit. The U.S. Constitution was written on hemp, as was all the founding documents. Our flag “OLD GLORY” was made of hemp.
We are getting closer to finding out who “MY EVIL BROTHER” is. Come on! Let’s flush him out! The greatest trick he ever pulled off is “MAKING US BELIEVE HE DOESN’T EXIST.” Well! he does exist…
and…we need to put him in “THE LIGHT.”
Can’t drive half way across the country at the last minute. Thanks for posting this the morning of.
Didn’t know of this untill now..
P.S.
GOD AND THE FOUNDING FATHERS…..July 4, 1776
There’s no better thing you can do for a country but to give it a useful plant…HEMP. After all…Bibles are written on hemp…and…Rebellion against tyranny is obedience to God.
gosh, if i’d heard about this before the day of the event, i might have tried to go! :-/
dangit! i want to be there!!!
another brick removed from the wall of prohibition
Weed shoould be legal…..Itz the only “drug” that you can smoke raw and uncut….cant do that with cocaine…meth…herion…X…..the list goes on and on…..Dont forget you can even overdose off to much Advil….Thats suppose to be good for headaches…..Well what more can I say….4eva for the smoke session….Do the world a favor and let us SMOKE IN PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE SHALL OVERCOME!!
CFJ
I cant be there dam! Quick someone! Smoke a fat one and appreciate freedom double for me.
O yeah and finally….HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY MY FELLOW SMOKERS AND AMERICANS! I don not know you posters or the any of the NORML staff but i wish you nothing but good things on this the Generals favorite day. Times are tough BUT WE STILL THE ASS KICKINESS COUNTRY IN THE WHOLE DAMN WORLD! If this gets postd in time all who can toke a fat one with general at 4:20 Ks. time. Mikey if you lookin at norml posts today i wont be home till three i think. PS come over and burn one after work i got some shit calld trainwreck!
hmmm, maybe I’ll have to plan a trip for this next year. I didn’t realize this was an annual event until now (and I use the internet a lot).
I cant drop everything now and drive 12 hours to DC, I could have had I planed for it. Guys this is the kinda stuff we have to be on the ball about, we cant let a chance like this pass and thats what we just did. We need to plan ahead better and get info out faster.
This is a disaster anouncing this on the 3rd for the 4th, what were they thinking?
[Editor’s note: 1) NORML is not a sponsor of the event and was belatedly asked to promote it just a few days before the event; 2) The Fourth of July Smoke-in has been going on for 40 years….for those who want attend next year’s Washington, DC ‘Smoke-in’, they should be in contact with the promoters of the event (http://www.smoke-in.org/drupal/) and/or make sure you’re subscribed to an RSS news feeder from Google, etc…this way, most any marijuana-related news finds its way into your ‘in’ box.]
[Editor’s note: This is the event’s 40th year, so if you want to attend, it is always on July 4th. However, the FOJ Smoke-in can’t be conflated into a major national pro-cannabis rally as the US Park Service will not provide the needed permits because the national mall is already overflowing with 400,000-600,000 there to have a family-oriented celebration of the country’s Independence Day.
Also, based on the past experiences of civil, reproductive and gay/lesbian rights rallies in Washington, DC, these rallies cost millions to produce for the: permits, staging, sound equipment, security details, rent-a-potties, mass transportation, food/water, etc….
As cannabis consumers donate so few dollars annually to reform groups like NORML, it will some time before a reform group will raise and spend millions on a massive Washington, DC pro-reform rally. There are billionaires these days who give millions annually to some reform groups (ACLU, DPA and MPP), but these groups are very hesitant to spend any funding on public rallies at all, instead favoring the non-grassroots approach (some call ‘grasstops’) where the money flows to lawyers, consultants, public relations groups and employees, leaving the grassroots part of the cannabis law reform movement to fund and convene the public rallies.]\\
that’s bullshit NORML.
we don’t need $$ to show up to WASHINGTON WITH JOINTS IN HAND AND DEMAND CHANGE. we need people. FUCK THE PERMITS.
[Editor’s note: No permits from the US Park Service and DC police, no rally. Otherwise, NORML (and very likely all other drug policy reform organizations) will not be involved in anarchy-filled, unfocused, unorganized illegal street protests to ‘reform’ cannabis laws.]
nice!
We must keep up this fight against out of control Cannabis laws at all cost. We must throw all our blood and treasure in for this just cause. We must take back our FREEDOM and LIBERTY now!
feds are happy its time to bust some dope-smokers heads ..smoke in wont work it takes rifles and molotov cocktails to deal with these prohibitionist.good luck wear your helmets hippies
Hey NORML ppl, i have had this idea for some time. Will you give some thought to setting up a Voluntary Marijuana Tax account. NORML could be the custodian of the Voluntary Tax, and hold it in escrow, awaiting an end to the federal ban.
Extortion of sorts. But I wonder how it would look, with our voluntary tax account in the millions and growing. Let’s put an ad in all the cannabis magazines calling out to all the smokers, send us a $5 per ounce you smoke. This will show our lawmakers how many ounces we are consuming, and it will also grow to immense proportions if we can get the word out.
Signs in all the shops… ads in the magazines, billboards?
thoughts anyone?
[Editor’s note: 1) well under 1% of cannabis consumers in the US donate money to pro-cannabis law reform organizations, so it would appear unlikely that any greater percentage of cannabis consumers will voluntarily send a reform group like NORML a small percentage from their cannabis purchases, 2) sending such a payment and receiving a financial transaction where both parties acknowledge that the transaction was derived from illegal contraband could make both parties subject to arrest or criminal indictment, and 3) NORML does not want to ‘escrow’ donations (donations are used for programs and reform activities).
In the 1980s a less-than-reputable cannabis law reform organization used to place advertisements in publications like High Times soliciting reformers to send them like $10 now, and when they make cannabis legal, they’d send the donor an ounce of high grade ganja. In this same vein, NORML does not want to escrow donors’ resources as a p.r. stunt for ‘voluntary’ pre-payments on taxes for cannabis, at a time when there is zero public support for cannabis legalization in the Congress or executive branch; or even in California where Ammiano’s legalization bill is still without a single co-sponsor.
While a creative idea Samuel, reformers have much more work to do educating and persuading the American public and their elected officials about the need to end cannabis prohibition.]
When Pushed and Shoved, we have Pushed back. Its not the time to rest. Its time to Push. If everyone truly wants to see this through, now is the time to get on the streets. Do no be ashamed. Be PROUD and SHOW it! I use Pot and I am Proud! Don’t obviously break the law but we have the same rights as every other Proud American. If we don’t act now we will earn the name of lazy stoners…LETS PROVE THEM WRONG!!!
here’s another one for the website…
hardworking american dollars wasted buying something they can grow in their back yard…
personally, i waste nearly $4k a year on something i should be able to grow for free… how’s that for a Green Economic Stimulus? If all the cannabis consumers in America had an extra $4k a year that wasn’t going to drug cartels…
another counter… trees saved by industrial hemp…
i bet a counter for Califorinan tax dollars wasted on untaxed, prohibitied marijuana, v. taxes that could have been collected if it were legal. … and in this hour of their great budgetary need, if NORML were sitting on an escrow account with billions of Voluntary State of Califorina Marijuana Tax… you’d be a powerful lobby indeed! … a couple of strategically placed billboard counters in Key Cities could swing policy.
Gail #9 FAR OUT!! You go girl, great post and that’s just the kind of ammunition we need to convince the conservative right!!
‘As cannabis consumers donate so few dollars annually to reform groups like NORML’
Sorry we donate so few funds.
[Editor’s note: If just 1% of cannabis consumers were involved in their own liberation, donated to groups like NORML, et al, then the funding would be in place for multimillion dollar public protests, national ad campaigns, constant impact litigation in the state and federal courts, state initiatives, etc…otherwise, the cannabis law reform movement (not including NORML) derive most of their donations from one or two billionaires. The future of cannabis law reform, if the near past serves as prologue, is not based on what cannabis consumers want in the way of reforms–but on the wants and strategies of the billionaires.
Is it possible to have a genuine social reform movement funded by elite billionaires, with little to no investment (or sacrifices made) from the stakeholder community clamoring for desperately needed law reforms?
NORML believes that the best and most enduring changes in cannabis law reform are derived from grassroots-oriented reforms driven by the stakeholders’ themselves. Women, African-Americans and Gay/Lesbian freedom movements were largely fueled by the stakeholders’ needs for reform–not the needs of elites. Cannabis law reformers may want to look to the ready lessons learned from prior social movements.]
They do this EVERY 4th of July. Mark your calenders for next year.
yaah legalize cannabis!
Allen,
The failure of the “respectable” Marijuana policy/advocacy community in Washington to support the 40th Annual DC Smoke-In left this wonderful event woefully underattended, and a major opportunity to be sympatico with the new Obama Administration was lost in the process.
It was a terrific free seven hour concert, and we had the best place in Washington to see the fireworks, ‘Up Close & Personal’. Given that there are hundreds of thousands of MJ users in the National Capital Region, the turnout was disgraceful. Had 25,000 or so shown up in Lafayette Park for the legalization rally, it would have had more political impact than everything else ever done in MJ advocacy, put together.
Of course, CapitalPride drew 300,000+ GLBT supporters to turn out 6/14 on Pennsylvania Avenue and got not a single line of coverage from the Washington Post the next day. Then again, they didnt give it any political edge to be newsworthy, either…
It NORML, MPP, etc. were to pitch in next year and help them do it RIGHT, we might start seeing some movement at the national level in our direction.
#40….
There are numerous reasons why the so-called ‘respectable’ reform groups neither actively promote or participate in John Pylka’s ‘Smoke-in’.
NORML was a major sponsor of the event until 1998 when 1) it became self-evident there was no Fourth of July ‘Coalition’…as for all an intent purposes, the FOJ Smoke-in is totally controlled by one person (John Pylka), and he is ‘difficult’ to work for apparently all the ‘respectable’ reform will not work with him–not just NORML, 2) NORML’s board and lawyers sought to change the name of the event in the 1990s from ‘Smoke-in’ (which encourages law-breaking which non-profit organizations [501.c3] really can’t do), 3) to actually have a ‘coalition’ of reform groups involved, 4) stop conflating the event into a pro-drug legalization rally (ie, stop focusing on Ibogaine, etc…).
If an actual coalition of reform organizations were to exist, the event changed its name and stop being the poorly organized pet project of one activist, I can see NORML, MPP, DRCNet, DPA, ASA, Votehemp, FAMM, CJPF, ACLU, etc…readily getting back and actively involved with the event, but not if the event continues to be the product of one person (with no budget or genuine organizing skills). Again, most of these groups used to participate in this event, but, along with NORML, have all dropped out because of the lack of organization, and total control asserted by the permit holder.
You say you want 25,000 in Lafayette Park next FOJ? Well that is not ever going to happen unless groups like NORML are involved, as clearly the more isolated the organizer of the FOJ Smoke-in has become since the late 1990s from the other reform organizations, a once great public rally for cannabis law reforms continues to shrink in size and stature.
NORML stands ready two blocks from the White House to partner on the event. But there must be a partnership and serious commitment for organizing forged before NORML’s staff and volunteers will invest time and members’ donations into a FOJ protest rally in DC. In my own personal view, any functional Fourth of July Hemp Coalition will invite a few of the principal organizers from the Seattle Hempfest and Boston Freedom Rally to be involved as their pro-reform events attract over 250,000 supporters annually.
Social movements advance on the shoulders of organized citizens, not on the cult of personality or on the inabilities of some to work in concert with other like-minded individuals and organizations.]
I am NOT a criminal!! God put it here for us to use & enjoy. Don’t like it? Don’t use it!
Hi Gail (#9) I just woke up and your blog is my inspiration for the day (week, month, year…)
Your biblical quotes are beautiful and many, many people are beginning to realize that church and state laws are supposed to be separated.
Thanks for spreading the ‘word’ in the Lord’s name. Amen.
Wendy in Good ‘ole Utah
25,000 in Lafayette Park is still a drop in the bucket. 100,000 wouldn’t make any difference either. A million might get some attention. But ultimately, you have to VOTE OUT ALL POLITICIANS who do not support legalization. Plain and simple.
Tell your candidates that you are voting based on one issue and one issue only. If they don’t support it, they don’t get your vote.
If they say they do support legalization, put a “proverbial gun to their heads” to make sure they hold up their end of the bargain. Make them promise to take action on legalization as their first order of business upon election. And if they don’t,use that “proverbial gun” and force them to resign IMMEDIATELY.
The prohibition of cannabis is the greatest fraud ever perpetrated on the American people. The subsequent brainwashing of the American people is only going to change by force. You don’t ask a baby to give you back the Draino bottle, you TAKE IT AWAY!!!!! We can no longer ask the prohibitionists for our right to toke back, we have to TAKE IT AWAY from them!!!!!!!
I hope every state in the union rapidly jumps on Rhode Island’s bandwagon. I really don’t see how the federal enforcement (ridiculous, hypocrites that they are) could lock millions of people up for growing plants for whatever reason. As long as we all stick together from now on the inevitable changes are there. Our First Amendment Right guarantees freedom of religion, speech, the press, and rights to assemble peaceably and petition the government. The truth is self-evident – and united we stand! I won my federal/local rights by purposely getting caught on several occasions with a tiny amount of homegrown. It was finally laughed out of court and I might have set precedent at least for people in Utah. I wonder what would happen if millions of people filed their civil suits against this gnash. Homegrown is never transported and someone like myself can just as easily be scoped out if ever a true offense occured against another person(s). I sit here quietly day after day and mind my own business. The invasion of my privacy years ago is actually under Elorriaga vs. Tooele County. My maiden name is Wendy Warr. A $2.5 million Judgement of Default was entered and signed on my behalf. Maybe God wants me to put my story out here right now to help the powers that be understand the severity of this hemp revolution. In my opinion weed is already legal and always has been. It is the over-zealot powers that be that are the criminals. Yes, I have some tiny plants of schwag outside at the moment. O-o-o-h, big bad Wendy! Does anyone think they’ll come and get me today? No, I’m dear friends with most of the law enforcement now. I know that they truly understand me. Time marches on and so do we soldiers of truth. Amen.
Thanks again to Allen St. Pierre for showing us all the correct way to support this issue. Cooler heads and the truth are on our side. Most rational people realize the “War on Drugs” is a terrible failure. If you study the history of this law you will understand why it has failed. Any law that is based on racial prejudice and greed by a few wealthy and powerful people is ultimately bound to fail. The most discouraging aspect of this whole thing is that only 1 percent of cannibus consumers contribute to organizations like NORML. And we wonder why prohibition has lasted over 70 years. It is time to stand up for our constitutional rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Write to your elected officials and send your hard earned money to NORML or VOTEHEMP or however you choose to represent you. Get involved. You will be a better American for it.
You would think we could have had some serious notice, I would have driven.
I had been banging the drum on this for the past couple of months. If I had seen any serious rallying going on by NORML or MPP I would probably have made plans to head down, but in my situation, I’m over 50 and don’t know anyone personally who smokes pot or is even in favor of it, so for me to go down there by myself and deal with huge crowds in an unfamiliar place, well, there was so little publicity on this that I wasn’t even sure it was going on.
I felt this would have been a huge boost for the legalization cause to have throngs of pot smokers descend on DC. We have so much momentum right now, this seems like a huge opportunity that was just lost.
NORML, what gives? You guys are so on top of everything else, why was this event left to dry up?
[Editor’s note: See prior comment re NORML’s involvement in the FOJ ‘Smoke-in’ from NORML’s director Allen St. Pierre. The individual who procures the permit to hold the event every year since the late 1980s arguably squanders the opportunity to work with a dozen or more pro-reform lobbying groups, but chooses no to. These protests events, if they are to be at all successful, self-evidently need to be done in cooperation with other groups who actually have infrastructure (staffs, webpages, listservs, social networking pages, etc…), not out of a personal labor of love, or parochial wants–which is what the FOJ ‘Smoke-in’ has become since all the other reform groups (including protest-loving High Times Magazine) ceased promoting it. Again, it is not as if NORML is not fond of protest or street theater, but that does not mean that the organization will partner with every organizer of every pro-reform protest. NORML’s, ACLU’s, ASA’s, DPA’s, MPP’s DRCNet’s, SSDP’s, doors are open, 9-6/M-F, anytime the permit holder of the event wants to actually work with the full time lobbying groups.
Otherwise, as anyone can try to get a permit on the FOJ to hold a 10,000-20,000 person rally (with the numerous other FOJ events going on in DC, while the national mall can hold hundreds of thousands, because of the overcrowded nature of the day, the US Park Service will only provide permits for space that will hold 10-20K; on the FOJ there is no lawful way to hold a million person rally), groups like NORML, et al can procure their own permit and convene a well organized rally, with major speakers and musical acts–that will attract larger crowds, media attention, and hopefully, some policymakers’ attention.
To a degree this is what happened for about 5 years (from 1997-2002), when a group of even less organized cannabis law reformers (fancying themselves more radical than the organizer of the ‘Smoke-in’) from the DC suburbs held a competing FOJ ‘Smoke-in’ (on the other side of the White House, on the Ellipse). Both rallies were poorly attended and marginalized in the media.
The most expedient manner to make next year’s FOJ event bigger and better is for the individual who procures the permit is to work cooperatively with his natural, and resourceful allies]
To those who claim senior citizenship.
If I told you that I was born before penicillin was a “wonder drug” would that give you any indication that
age has nothing to do with the curse of prohibition.
Hell! Abraham Lincoln had the most powerful statement against prohibition.
There’s nothing new here! In fact ask anyone of my era
what the hell the “War against the squares” was all about. Where do you think the phrase “FUCK OFF” came from. Of course…we also had “ROCK’N’ROLL” as our national anthem, and the “BIKINI” as our battle flag.
But…what we had more than anything was “ATTITUDE.”
“ATTITUDE WAS OUR EXCALIBER” and we won that war with
it.
Our minds are the best weapon we possess, and the truth
is our ammunition. So here’s my “ATTITUDE”…Cannabis
is an old person’s blessing…and…if you don’t believe that…perhaps I’ll see you again, as I did in the good old days…and you can “FUCK OFF” again. I’m
sure your mind is just as prohibited now as it was then…even more so because…I know from personal experience that you are ‘STUCK IN YOUR WAYS.”…and…
“YOU ARE THE PRISONER OF YOUR OWN MIND.”
SENIORS FOR PROHIBITION NEED NOT APPLY
Okay, points well taken on the FOJ rally. What would be the best way to get more people to support NOEML? Pot smokers outnumber gun rights activites at least 2:1, so if everyone who supported legalization were to donate to NORML, how much more powerful would we be than the NRA?
With the collective momentum of everybody in the US, in fact, in the world, we could ovecome marijuana prohibition before the year’s out.
So all you potheads and pot dealers need to be paying/charging a surtax on to the pot you buy/sell and donate that to NORML. We don’t need NORML to set up a mock-tax structure. Just do it yourselves…
[Editor’s note: As the ol’ saying goes: All politics are local. If a person who wants to help reform laws has the proverbial dollar in their hand, 90 cents of it should be used locally. Cannabis consumers who want prohibition to end need to:
-join or purchase products from groups like NORML
-join one of the 150 NORML chapters, or found one if there is not one close by (www.norml.org/chapters)
-lobby local, state and federal policymakers
-only elect anti-prohibition policy makers
-contact local and national media to accurately report on cannabis, and the effects of cannabis prohibition
-attend pro-reform conferences, rallies, protests and seminars
Cannabis freedom is within sight, but the stakeholders in reform have to be leading the charge.]
hey, i have that same poster hanging up in my living room! i got it from some members of norml at a marijuana march back in may. that’s just cool to see my poster on the website. too bad i can’t go. =(
1. Nearly 800,000 users are arrested each year, and over the last ten years nearly 10 million Americans have been arrested for the drug. Is it really worth our tax dollars to house a laid back pot smoker in prison.
2. All the combined law enforcement- judiciary-penal systems see legalization as a threat to their jobs, and also scientists who receive government grants to research marijuana fear losing grant money.
3. Pharmaceutical companies lobby against legalization because even though they know the medical benefits they cannot patent marijuana so they lose money. They want to be able to pay their ten million dollar bonuses to their executives, and they can’t do that if the common person can grow their medication.
C. Marijuana may be addictive, but you are not going to overdose or experience crazy side effects such as rashes, vomiting, internal bleeding, or even death like you can from vicodin, oxycontin, or percocet which are classified as opiates, or basically the legal form of heroin
1. I have met many people who have become dependent on one of the three drugs listed above, and it is a horrific sight if they run out of meds.
2. Then once the person is addicted to these opiates and they decide they need help, the doctor sends them to a methadone or suboxone clinic for treatment.
3. Now the problem is the patient is hooked on methadone or suboxone. It is a joke.
4. The patient now has a $275.00 a month habit to support. 200 for the prescription and 75 for the doctor. So why is marijuana illegal again?
How can I get involved in a group like NORML. Above is a portion of a speech I have wrote that I am doing for college. I want to stand up for our rights as Americans. It is crazy that it is still illegal when it can be excellent treatment for several ailments that are treated with drugs that can kill you. What is wrong with the government. I agree with many of Obama’s decisions so I hope he agrees in his head with my view on this. I do believe with 60 Dems our chances of legalization are better than ever. The legalization of marijuana should be one of the top issues in politics right now because it could fix the economy. We as supporters need to address this more as well. Why should our money go to drug cartels when it could be recycled right here at home.
[Editor’s note: The best way and easiest ways to get involved with NORML are to:
-join the organization (annually, or via monthly donations)
-join or start a NORML chapter in your region
-attend NORML-related events
-make sure you’re on NORML’s listserv
Also, there are over a dozen other pro-cannabis law reform organizations that need public support.]
Are there any petitions that actually mean something circulating right now to support legalization.
[Editor’s note: One can argue there are no online petitions that matter at all. That the only petitions that actually matter are the ones circulated to collect the needed signatures to place a binding voter initiative on the ballot. Those efforts are underway for the 2010 vote in states like FL (medical cannabis), ME (medical cannabis), NV (legalization), OR (legalization) and AZ (medical cannabis)]
#49 Manfor Mantis Says:
July 6th, 2009 at 10:03 am
“To those who claim senior citizenship…”
RE:
– Manny,
— Though I’m still relatively young,
every day I’m alive, I’m getting older…
yet, I’m doing all I can, to forestall aging…
– Through the gift of phytocompounds,
which the Creator wisely-placed in
all plant-life,
SPECIFICALLY-MADE for this purpose…
To renew the body, mind and spirit…
– I claim NEUROGENESIS…
“….Our minds are the best weapon we possess,
and the truth
is our ammunition.”
RE:
– This…
reminds me about…
Ephesians 6:10-19,
specifically,
verse 12
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
but against principalities, against powers,
against the rulers of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness
in the heavenly places.
“So here’s my “ATTITUDE”…Cannabis
is an old person’s blessing…”
RE:
– Manny,
It definitely is….
– Cannabinoids PROMOTE neurogenesis…
(the growth of NEW nerve-cells),
as well as alleviating / reversing so many
degenerative-conditions occurring, as one gets older.
(According to numerous studies, including
Journal of Clinical Investigation’s
research on cannabinoids…).
– No other plant should be
regarded as useless, either…
– I believe that EVERY plant
mentioned by God
in the Book of Genesis…
(ALL of them…by definition of the word “every”),
As having specific medical / nutritional application…
– As unbelievable as it may sound to some…
(Even naturally-grown tobacco,
when consumed by VAPORIZER…
improves cerebral acetylcholine-levels…
KEY to improved memory and mental alertness…)
54 Neurogenesis1:29 Specifically verse 12
I refer to rulers of darkness, spiritual hosts of wickedness as “Lords of the Modern World” and “My Evil Brother,” as the Chairman of the Board.
One can give a country, no greater a gift, than a useful plant.
Dear Editor: I was just wondering how many members strong NORML is. I have always told my friends, if everyone signed their names and gave $1 – in other words, m i l l i o n s….
The $2.5 million Judgement of Default was entered and signed on my personal behalf several years ago…from our local county government.
I guess that is the real reason that all of my officer friends know that they owe it to me. No, not the money, I didn’t really want it either. But the principals sure are still there and stronger than ever before because it is today and not twelve years ago.
I know beyond the shadow of a doubt that I face no harm or detriment in my life about pot any longer. It was a pretty turbulant few years for my children and I but we have healed and survived the storms.
The NORML Conference after all will likely have all of the wonderful people from Washington D.C. NORML at the San Francisco meeting. I mean, gee, just how close of human linkage do we need here? It sounds to me like all of the bases are covered. Wendy.
The poster is ridiculous! This is EXACTLY the kind of thing that’s keeping marijuana from being legalized. The artist has taken something that ALL OF US (users or not) hold dear, and has perverted it into “drug culture art”.
This loud, “IT’S OUR RIGHT” mentality is what’s gotten nowhere if you ask me. If we want to see change, we need to effect change, in a language that everyone can understand. Squares cannot understand our national bird smoking pot, and the POW flag perverted into hippie-esque propaganda. I’m ashamed to be a part of the movement sometimes.
I’ve always wondered something. If the marijuana laws get changed, and it becomes legal, what happens to NORML? What happens to High Times? Because when you can go to the store and buy an ounce of really nice Kush, why would you buy a magazine about it? I don’t see many tobacco magazines in convenience stores. And centerfolds of buds are nowhere near as beautiful as the real thing! If you can go buy the real thing, why buy pictures?
[Editor’s note: Post cannabis prohibition groups like NORML will either fold up their tent and cease to exist, or some of the staff and archival material maybe needed to found a cannabis trade organization.
In Washington, DC and the state capitals, if an industry, service or product is taxed, there is a trade group or association who logically represents their interests, usually in opposition to greater government restrictions or higher taxation rates.
Post alcohol prohibition, one can find lobbying for their interests today before govt via The Century Council, Beer Whole Salers Association and Spirits Council, etc…]
Liberty or Death:
I’m in the Darkness now. I feel disconnected to my spirit. What else can I describe when my waking dreams stay still. Dreams that are meaningless with out liberty. I’ve given up on fighting; I’ve given up on desire: All this, because I know that they only want to take from me.
I’m tired of waiting for freedom, I’m tired of seeing red instead of green. I want to lash out towards my enemies. My restraint, my liberty lost to my love. I know it’s greed that keeps me from her (Jane), my spirit guide.
I’ve dream of the day I can go for a walk outside. The day I can be open to my neibors and to the officers who serve. I’m not a bad person. I’m not guilty. My passion is caged in darkness. While others praise leaders of Red, my leaders of green are jailed abused and discarded. This is how I feel…..
The WAR is obvious, the war is on me. I had no start in it. I feel as if I was part of Islam just trying to survive… Just waiting for them to stomp my door down and finish me, to liberate me to my Lord. Maybe if I went to Jail, at least then I would be in the LIGHT. This darkness is Fail.
Cholland, your liberty or death is moving
Hi Cholland #58 You have a neat name…I’ve never heard of Your Name before.
I’m sorry you are in the darkness of depressions. The oppression is causing that within us.
Try to lighten up (there’s that intended pun again) in your mind. Force that old depression back into its rightful dark corner and then try to leave it there.
When I do this it becomes easier day after day and I know without a doubt that MJ helps…we all know THAT fact. So hang in…time and truth marches on. Peace.
Wendy
58 Cholland………..my dear fellow
Are you a soldier in this war?
Do you serve God and your country?
In your darkest hour…can you not find the light by opening the door?
It’s up to you…but…know this…we are many…and
…you are a part of us. Think good thoughts…and…
“HANG ON TIGHT” my friend…it’s going to be a wild ride to victory. Why do I say victory…because…
it’s “ONE FOR ALL AND ALL FOR ONE”…and the fight is just beginning…and…we need you in it.
54 Neirogenesis1;29………..Manny here!
“THOUGH I’M STILL RELATIVELY YOUNG”
You’re only as young as you feel. My friend…there’s only one way to stay young…and…that’s to
“think young.” A little Preparation-H under your eye lids is a good trick. Ya!!!! it’s never to serious to inject a little humor. After all…all humor is derived from tragedy. We must never lose our sense of humor. Besides…if the prohibs find out that we are laughing our asses off at them…”boy are they going to be pissed.” Well!…”Fuck’em if they can’t take a joke.”
I think a peaceful gathering is neat but kind of from the 1960’s.
It is almost 2010 and it all seems so classy to me – this presence among us.
Nice word – among means by; witnin or into the midst or number of.
We are the majority and therefore rule. Quite simple all along…h-m-m-m. But of course By God we are no longer silent! A-a-a-Men. Amen.
P.S. There’s one thing I learned along time ago…
“Never laugh at someone who is trying to be serious.”
It invokes a violent uncontrollable reaction.
If we keep laughing at them…with complete indifference…maybe we will get them pissed off enough to make a “terrible mistake.” When they make that mistake…which “all uncontrolled anger” creates in a closed mind, like they have done in the case of Bob, we can jump all over them, as we are doing now.
We just have to beat them down with there own shit!
Here’s another thing we can do. When we look at ourselves in the mirror in the morning, or any time for that matter…just take a good look at ourself and say…”WE’RE WINNING…HA! HA! HA…AND…TAKE THAT WITH YA…you! you! you! prohib!”
57 beau says:
“This loud, IT’S OUR RIGHT, mentality is what’s gotten us nowhere if you ask me.”
With all due respect…who the fuck asked you? Take the board out of your ass. I do however, respect your right to say that, and would give my life defending your right to do so. Are you sure you’re on the right web-site? I think the editor’s words to you were too kind…but…there’sno such thing as a “STUPID QUESTION.” If you’re ashamed to be apart of the movement…at any time…well! good luck to you.
Hey ‘ya ‘ole hippie anyway (just kidding) Manny, you remind me of my dear brother Danny Rest His Soul.
He died of cancer. He used to say, “fuck ’em if they can’t take a joke” and “farm out!” He was an incredible guy; I loved him alot and will always miss him. The alcohol and tobacco took Danny’s life. He had been a Medic in the Army stationed in Fort Ord, California near Monterey. He said that all there was to do when he got off shift was go have a beer; that began his disease when he was in the Army. He got orders to go to Vietnam but the war stopped in the nick of time. He missed going by about two days.
When I was in tenth grade he and I and a cousin of ours took off down the Highway 1 Coast of Cal. I lived in San Gabriel in the 1970’s near Pasadena and Hollywood.
I am a Utahn/Californian/Coloradian/Nevadian/American.
God Bless The U.S.A.
With all due respect…who the fuck asked you?
——
With all due respect, I wasn’t answering a fuckin question. Just stating the fact that I think it’s stupid the way most who are in favor of legalization have to act like kids about it. It does no one any good. You know, it was the hippies in the 60s, with all their “unconventional” words and actions that got pot demonized in the first place. If those people would have chilled out a bit and not taken everything to DC to “put it in the face” of our leaders, maybe pot would be legal today. But no, they wanted to show the world how different they were. They wanted the world to SEE (HEY, LOOOK AT MEEEEE) just how peaceful, and open minded, and enlightened they were. But they were mostly kids, acting like kids, and thanks to their behavior, which was considered very weird and scary by the squares of the day, pot got the blame.
Nowadays, the powers that be joke about pot and pot smokers. They have for years. I call it the Cheech and Chong effect. These guys watched the movies back in the day, and thought they were funny (because they were). Now, while they are more educated and not as apt to personally “demonize” pot itself, they still don’t like the “in your face”edness of the user. Many probably would not have a problem with legalization, if their collleagues weren’t making jokes with them about it. One politician will say to another (in best Tommy Chong voice) “Hey man, you wanna get high man”? and the other politician giggles just a little and says “yeah man, let’s toke our big old giant bong man”, and then they both giggle a little. They see EVERY marijuana user as Cheech and Chong. To them, we are mainly used as joke fodder. And the more people who act just like the stuff of their humor get in their face with it, the more they will resist.
However fun ridiculing drug users may be, it shouldn’t be at the cost of other things. The government could reduce crime and cost of enforcement/imprisonment, and even make money off the taxation of pot.
Anyway, while I’m sure they could find something else to joke about, the list is getting smaller and smaller. They can’t joke about sex anymore. They can’t joke about religion or race. Joking about gays and homosexuals is out (unless of course, you are a gay politician, in which case, it’s apparently acceptable). But it’s still ok for them to joke about drug users.
As long as drug users continue to publicly act stupid (you know, like wearing a soldiers jacket over your tie dye potleaf design shirt and holding up a peace sign, while smoking a joint on a grassy knoll with two topless women standing behind you while you pose for a photo, all the while thinking to yourself “how symbolic of me”), politicians will continue to make jokes about them, and the rest of us users, who are normal people, will continue to be stereotyped as morons.
[Editor’s note: Some activists are rabid for public rallies. Others, not so much.]
Wendy…it seems as though…common traits are easily recognizable. I’m always told I look, and sound like someone’s relative. By the way, I was a Navy medic, and that’s a huge club. As a matter of fact, I lived on Balboa Island (Newprot Beach) in the X decades (1960-1980), so I’m for sure a “beach rat” (hippie). Las Vegas has always been my second home…since its creation, long, long before it became Disneyland.
I’m a native Southern Californian, bronze skinned surfer boy, Class of ’57…so you could imagine how this Hawaii issue is chomping at my emotions. I imagine “Duke” is eating it in heaven. That’s no joke…but…fuck’em anyway…for messin’ with Paradise.
I know all of your haunts from here to there…all good. There’s a lot of Wendys on the beach. Do you have a surfer name? Do you want a surfer name?
So…we’re on the same waive length…especially where God is concerned. I declare my Faith…”A HOT ROCK GENESIST.” It is based on Genesis I:11,12 where God creates “Manna” for us… Genesis I:29,30,31 where God gives “Manna” to us…Genesis IX:3 where God reaffirms his gift of “Manna” to us.
Ya know Wendy…”Manna” is the Holy Sacrament for CDXX Communion. It is my/our religious right. If everyone claimed religious use…medicinal use or recreational use would be incidental. As a matter of fact, my Faith offers its faithful a humanitarian service for medicinal use as a Inner Faith Constituency (collective). The only issue left after hat is recreational use. As you know…My Evil Brother and his Lords of the Modern World…simply don’t want us to recreate. What seems ????? to me is…if they think that “Manna” makes us mindless zombies..one would think that it would be easier to convert a vegetable to their way of thinking as a mindless follower. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Anyway it’s been fun hangin’ ten with ya! Whooops, sorry! No fun! Can’t have fun. The fun police will get ya! Well! “Fuck’e if they can’t take a joke.”
Louie says: “JOKE…dem gaboons is da JOKE…trow dem fuckin’ bums out boz!” Sometimes Louie is a little hard to calm down. I’m just glad he’s on my/our side.
I am interested in starting a reform chapter here in Indiana. What do I need to do to make this happen? I feel that we need to make some progress here, especially since one of the main advocates against medical marijuana is Congressman Mark Souder(R)Indiana. I presented that speech I blogged about earlier on this page at Ivy Tech, and also took a survey that produced overwhelming support for medical marijuana. My mother was diagnosed with a rare cancer that they think they got all of it out. However, she has to do six chemo treatments. I feel that she should be able to use cannabis for treatment, but of course it is a crime here in Indiana. She will probably have to break the law to feel better which is ridiculous. They will probably give her marinol or some other worthless drug. I was also watching Dr. Nancy the other day and caught the segment with Barry McCaffrey and Dr. Gregory Carter. I had to laugh when McCaffrey said that alchol and tobacco were safer than cannabis. He must have his hands in the pocket of pharmaceutical companies too, because he was promoting marinol also, which seems to be a failure compared to real cannabis. I have a question too. How did the FDA approve vicodin, oxycontin, percocet, and other opiate family meds that are basically the legal form of heroin and not cannabis? Many people get hooked on these drugs and doctors just send them to a methadone or suboxone clinic to switch their addiction over to these drugs. It is a joke. How has the government not realized that marijuana could easily fix our economy as well. Even if it were just medical it could produce some serious money in the United States.
[Editor’s note: Anyone interested in starting a NORML chapter should 1) check the NORML chapter section first, 2) If there is not a chapter close enough to join, check out the ‘Start a Chapter‘ link and 3) Any questions about starting can be sent to: chapters@norml.org]
#69 Chris Says: Hi Chris. In my opinion this is the power of Satan at his best.
The handful of tycoons ruling this country and the rest of the world are busted.
It is clearly evident to me why God told us that it is easier for a camel to get through the eye of a needle that for a rich man to enter into Heaven.
Just consider the oil sheak on this here old world that is worth $80 billion today. This individual holds the power of Satan in its entirety. He has the power to change the whole world for the better. He has enough money to literally burn and he will likely burn right along with (money) which is only the representation of hard labor, time and love.
Yes devil you have distorted reality long enough.
Every knee will bend and every head will bow in a few more days when God returns in the flesh and blood form that satan took away temporarily.
If Satan sits back using his evil works through the power of rich men it’s easy . . .
That is how Satan is trying to rule right now but we all know he will never win. We have won, WE HAVE WON, WE HAVE WON THE WAR ON CANNABIS. ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS..MARCHING OFF TO WAR…WITH THE CROSS OF JESUS…GOING ON BEFORE.
The addictions of the opiates, the cigarettes, the alcohol. This is how Satan is trying to rule the masses AND IS QUITE SUCCESSFUL – GIVE HIM THAT.
But guess what? God Almighty reigns. Yes the devil has alot of power over us on this earth; those of us of whom are fortunate enough to remain with Thee Lord Almighty God Of Creation are already safe. Yes God is still putting old Satan in his place today. Satan was even created By God and then given FREEDOM OF CHOICE.
Go figure.
I am starting my own Cannabis Club.
My best friend since kindergarten has lupus; a menagerie of chronic ailments are treated by Mary Jane.
Wendy 70…”GOD ALMIGHTY REIGNS”
I’m not preachin’…I’m appealing to evil.
“Yes”…GOD ALNIGHTY REIGNS…”Within”…within each and every Soul. Two spirits in one Soul. God’s spirit and my spirit.
God has given each of us his/her gift of love …”FREE WILL”…and…”ONE THOU SHALT NOT.” God lets us make our own way in life.
But…”In the flesh of the fruit, so is the juices of both good and evil.”
God almighty simply says this…
“You may let evil in…it’s up to you.” But…I will not give one bit of my spirit to evil. You must give up your spirit to evil…as little or as much as you choose. It is your spirit, you are giving up. You may give to evil until it hurts…or…let evil take it all. This is when good and evil clash…when evil only has me to face. Evil has the capacity for great evil. I have the capacity for great love. “It’s up to you.”
I am appealing to those who have allowed evil to come into their Soul, and have deprived us of our Holy Sacrament with God.
P.S. CONFRONT THE EVIL. You’re not dumb. You know what’s right. You know what’s wrong. Do the best you can. Speak the truth and shame the Devil.
Amen My Dear Bother Amen.
And this picture of We Americans sucks to say the very least. Amen.
See Manny now I’m laughing my head off again. (no not really I feel like the world is on my shoulders much as we all do today I am sure).
This stoned eagle what a disgrace.
What a shame.
What an immoral society.
I am sickened by it to say the least. I think we all are.
Stand up and fight America. This is war.
Can ya hear me now?
Try to do something good today to make a change for the betterment of our Dear American Nation.
Land Of The Free Home Of The Brave Forever And Ever Amen.
This portrayl above has my birthdate on it.
So see Manny, let’s count, yes let’s take a head count of U.S. Citizens Born On The Third Of July.
Let’s mimick our Lord Of All Creation Today and pretend that it is a brand new day.
A fresh new day. It is and so are you with me so far?
Every single person born on July 3 of any given year.
That refreshing combination of people could be appointed the silent majority to address issues of any cause – not just ours.
Does anyone think that I have a crazy idea here or what?
It could happen in a matter of weeks.
It would entail every walk of life on God’s Green Earth.
This picture above…it clearly represents devil.
It should be an illustration of a pedophile.
Oh God Almighty I Pray To Thee This Day
Rebuke Amen Amen.
Wendy Warrior
The eagle is us…”FREE THINKING AMERICANS.”
The eagle is them…”PROHIBITIONISTS.”
But…the eagle that is perched highest on the mountain top at the moment, screaciung freedom for all is you. Stay on top of it…”La Aguila.”
Manny
Thank you Manny I am very well today myself. Thanx. I am trying and I know just how hard you and I both are trying and everybody else.
Amen
Manny I beg to differ if I may;
..the free flying eagle is us….
….the mouse is the PROHIBITIONISTS. Amen.
PROHIBITONISTS…….”TAKE A HIKE.”
Every fiber of my being is against prohibitionists…
prohibitionists of any kind. It’s not that they want what we want…it’s that they just don’t want us to have it.
If a free person wants to euphenize theirself with alcohol, tobacco, drugs, blowing their brains out, that’s a matter between their “self,” their conscience, and if they believe in God (L) their creator. It is “absolutely” none of a prohibitionists business. So…”Prohibs take a hike”…get lost…and take your little act down the road.
Republicans, Democrats, Democrats, Republicans, I have gone through “the mill of them” since FDR, and I have survived them all. But..prohibitionists no matter what their political affiliation, or should I say affliction…that’s a different chapter in the destruction of freedom and the human spirit.
On the other hand…has anyone considered “population thinning?” It would seem to me that alcohol,tobacco, and drugs would be the “catalyst of choice.” It certainly has worked up to now. Of course…I exclude cannabis. Cannabis has, in no way, not one, aided death/population thinning, whereas the aforementioned grim reepers have taken “countless lives.” Now!…if that makes any sense at all to a prohibitionist, they should seek professional help…and..quick.
Wendy…although prohibitionists claim to be, and are technically, Americans…there are not even mice…
they’re better recognized as the asp in the garden.
end prohibition now. this is America’s Berlin Wall. bring down that wall Mr. Obama