In what can only be described as major departure in the so-called ‘war on drugs’, the Obama Administration is issuing a new three page memo this morning [Paul Armentano updates: You can now read the memorandum, signed by Deputy Attorney General David W. Ogden, here. You can also share your thoughts with the White House on the administration’s decision via NORML’s Take Action Center here.] mapping out the federal government’s new guidelines for states that have laws protecting medical cannabis patients.
In February Attorney General Eric Holder indicated in a press conference that the Obama Administration–which favors physician-recommended access to medical cannabis–would abate from what had been an aggressive law enforcement (and propaganda) campaign against medical access to cannabis.
Today’s memo from the Department of Justice formalizes these changes and is a MAJOR victory for citizens who support cannabis law reform!
Report: New DOJ guidelines to back medical marijuana laws
By Bridget Johnson – 10/18/09 11:40 PM ET
The Hill
The Obama administration is set to make a sharp turn from the Bush administration when it comes to state laws regarding medical marijuana usage, the Associated Press reported late Sunday.
The guidelines to be issued to federal prosecutors Monday will suggest that it’s not a good use of time to go after users and distributors of medical marijuana in the 14 states that allow such usage, while encouraging that illegal pot operations involving violence, firearms and sale to minors still be pursued.
Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington currently have state laws allowing at least limited use of marijuana for medical purposes. The AP reported that federal prosecutors in these states, as well as top officials at the FBI and DEA, would being receiving the three-page Justice Department memo outlining the new policy.
Under the George W. Bush administration, medical marijuana dispensaries were still targeted for violating federal law despite state laws allowing pot for medical use. Attorney General Eric Holder signaled a shift in this policy in March, stating that federal enforcement would concentrate on illegal marijuana operations that use medical pot allowances as a cover.
The move doesn’t come as a surprise, as Obama the candidate had expressed support for states that allowed medical marijuana.
“I would not have the Justice Department prosecuting and raiding medical marijuana users,” then-Sen. Barack Obama said on the campaign trail in New Hampshire.
Too little too late… no doubt this coincides with obama’s rapidly declining approval ratings. It is a nice gesture and I will take it, but I will not be fooled into re-electing nobama in 2012.
Hooray! Now let’s see if they actually follow through with it and LEAVE THEM ALONE! I gotta move to Oregon one of these days and join my sister in paradise.
let’s see how long this lasts. OBAMA is just another puppet in my eyes.
:Quote:
“The guidelines to be issued to federal prosecutors Monday will suggest that it’s not a good use of time to go after users and distributors of medical marijuana in the 14 states that allow such usage”.
That is all it is, A”Suggestion” NOT LAW, Which opens the door to change policy at a moment`s notice and does NOTHING to ensure a patient or caregiver will not be arrested & prosecuted at the whim of an Overzealous Prosecutor or being Harassed by local law enforcement.
HB 2835 Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act 2009 would be the Official Seal of approval and provide the “Proper” Protection the People Need.
Obama, Pass it and Do it right, Do NOT make Empty “VERBAL” promises that can be broken.
Memo`s to other agency’s are NOT law.
Great! Now free Marc Emery!
FANTASTIC NEWS! Better late than never, hey Barack? Now get to work on “don’t ask, don’t tell”.
And “Real Change” – I admit that Obama has not lived up to my expectations, but what is the realistic alternative? We live in a society where, like it or not, a Democrat or a Republican IS going to win the presidential election. Obama may not be perfect, but where do you think we’d be on medical marijuana if McCain were elected??? You can say, oh I’ll vote for a third party candidate, but you know at the end of the day that is throwing your vote away, and making it one vote closer for the “evil weed” bible-beating GOP candidate…
I live in North Carolina and have the need for medical marijuana for I have Hep C and the medicine makes you very sick. The first time around I lost 30lbs (went down to 108lbs). The second time, I lost 21 lbs for I tried to drink a lot of liguid vitamins/calories. So my question is: Is there anything people in NC can do concerning marijuana to assist them in an illness?
Is there a link to some kind of .gov site? Guess he could stamp HB 1393 too 🙂
This doesn’t do much for me until it becomes law and marijuana is rescheduled.
Obama is not about change or hope. I’ve already given up on him and will NOT be voting for him next election.
I’M SICK OF LOOPHOLES AND EMPTY PROMISES!!
It’s a start. I am fed up with incrementalism in trying to get Cannabis/Hemp relegalized, but apparently if those opposing us see that the sky doesn’t fall when Marijuana is more available, they’ll adapt with a limited amount of whining.
The move does send a signal, IMO, to state governments that it’s OK to authorize Marijuana as a medicine, something we sorely need.
We need to fight this war on many fronts, and this is just one of them. But it certainly is a step in the right direction.
There goes LA DA Cooley’s idea! Good too see the obama administration taking first steps towards sensible policy…
Change that I’ll believe when I see.
#4 Don, You took the words right out of my mouth. This doesn’t mean anything for the people who use Cannabis for medicinal purposes.
Absolutely agree with the post above. I will not be fooled into believing until there is actual legislation protecting the dispensaries. You better follow through Obama.
This is encouraging news.
I think there is one important thing to remember..
Obama needs to strike a really difficult balance between moving towards (what is to us) very commonsense policymaking and not realizing the fears of the right-leaning tea party-inclined folks who are genuinely personally afraid of America’s first black president.
You do realize if he legalized weed today, right-leaning people will go around saying “See, you elect a black man and look what happens.” The fear will spread, and anyone sitting on the fence will get scared and more towards the right and we will have accomplished nothing.
As much as Obama’s infamous remarks back at the town hall last year were personally stinging to a great many of us, remember he’s being judged by the population as a whole, not just us enlightened folks, and he has to conduct himself accordingly. And remember that he’s a man who clearly realizes that his actions will have historic consequences that will last far longer than any of us will. If he blows this first black president thing, we won’t see another non-white male president in our lifetimes.
So, celebrate the small victories as they come (and they have been step by step). Be good representatives for the movement by conducting yourselves like intelligent, rational adults. Know your facts about MJ history, it’s effects, and benefits.
Understand that eventually, the opposition cannot argue against the clear logic and truth of our movement and that the truth will eventually prevail.
And remember that each small step like this is just one more opportunity to demonstrate to nonbelievers that there is nothing to fear about the beautiful, healing plant that we all love.
Chill Don the fact that it is a verbal suggestion can also leave the situation open for sudden change for the better 😉 oh there is also a grammatical error in the article:would /being/ receiving the three-page Justice Department memo outlining the new policy.
It’s too bad that medical marijuana isn’t here in Iowa, I would be the first one in line. But unfortunately, Iowa is still living in the past. After being prosecuted for having marijuana, which they made an example of me, I still smoke it. I have chronic back pain and insomnia and a few other problems, so I will never quit. All states should legalize it. The cops around here all think they are above the law. Wish one of those states that do have it was closer to me, it would help alot. Obama will not get my vote in the next election, but I’m glad as to what he is doing for medical marijuana people.
Don, correct, a memo is not a law. This creates the impression of change while keeping change on a lease. Yet it is a good step, a baby step, towards freedom of choice. Surely, more needs to be done, and hopefully this sends a signal to other state legislators that the time to act to ensure such freedom has come.
if they are guidelines they must follow, than they must
The AP reported that federal prosecutors in these states, as well as top officials at the FBI and DEA, would being receiving the three-page Justice Department memo outlining the (new policy).
its a whole new policy all together, so the word SUGGEST is used in a different way
i AGREE ITSS NOT A LAW YET…AND I ALSO AGREE OBAMA IS A PUPPET…AND I NEVER VOTED FOR HIM…AND IM A BLACK AMERICAN…I KNEW ABOUT THAT GUY BEFORE HE WAS THERE..HE IS TO FOLLOW THE HIS FAMILIES PLAN TO RULE THE WORLD..MEANIN OBAMA IS REALATED TO GEORGE BUSH.
there is no “tweeking” of a previous law and “passing” a new law, when there is a completely newly introduced policy
Good for President Obama. He can’t just pass a law without co-operation of Congress. Progress of legislation in Congress is slow to none on many important issues.
He is doing his best to do the right things given the realities we live with today.
He is much better than Clinton or Bush on this issue.
this is a huge improvement over the Bush policy of insisting on enforcing federal anti-pot laws over state laws.
Well, I see a couple promising things when I pay attention to details. This is perfect and is only going to help legitimize the movement and is a small step in the direction of ending prohibition.
1) He’s telling them to focus on dealers involving VIOLENCE.
2)He’s telling them to focus on dealers involving firearms.
3) Telling them to focus on those who sell to MINORS.
Essentially, those are valid pretexts for legitimizing regulated adult cannabis us. He’s saying don’t mess with them unless they’re gang bangers or scumbags, which I agree with, no one should be selling to kids. This is clearly not enough, but the lie that is prohibition is slowly being chipped away and this is definitely a step in the right direction.
Real-change, his numbers have been going up.
Thank you President Barack Obama!!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s about time someone in DC came to their senses. Thank you for getting the ball rolling buddy, I’ll be voting for you AGAIN in 2012!!!
I have never seem a community so full of defeatist whiners. Obviously, I am not talking about NORML. The difference in attitude among the civil rights community and (some) in the legalization community is striking. What the hell do you mean “too little to late.” Obama and all other politicians for that matter are not your buddies or your lovers. So far the comments have been three to one whining. How about congratulating the people who have been putting in the work to make this happen. You simply advance the ball down the field. The ball has been advanced. Now you go back to the huddle and call the next play.
Obama is a good man. No he is not superman. He is the first voice of reason I have heard since Robert Kennedy. His view on Med Marijuana is prudent and brave. Let’s give him some credit.
Yet another good move by our courageous new leader and chief! BRAVO!!! (so this is what freedom is like!!!) (added by Mobile using Mippin)
More political rhetoric. Let’s legalize it! That would take the pressure off everyone including patients, doctors, distributors, and free up a lot of space in our overcrowded prisons.
#4 Don
Nailed it right on the head.
Only thing I want to add is that the boulder we have been pushing is teetering on the crest of the hill my friends. Now is the time for us all including Norml and MPP to push, push, push so that boulder doesnt fall back the other way. Now, more then ever is an important time to wite your representatives as well as comment as much as possible in Major Media forums, and on Youtube look up legalization vids and present well thought out comments. The more positive “Chatter” from differnt user names and IP addresses the more our voice gets heard in this important time. You can bet your ass the Gov uses that homeland security program that monitors specific strings of words, so start stinging together words in support of legalization. As much as i dislike the man, Obama has also said that he belives “change” starts at the voting level, that the Gov could not institute ‘Change” by itself. Maybe that was a wink twords us to speak up because his hands are tied but if WE are persistant then it would force him to make the”Change” we are asking for.
Thank God we are finally moving in the right direction. Change will not come over night, one man cannot do it alone. Obama has not even been in office a year and the changes are already beginning. After eight years of the Bush Administration what a relief. We will not get everything, but please let us get something. The times they are a changing! Live out loud.
We’ve heard him say this before… not once, but twice. Are we to believe it a third time? At least there’s something in writing this time, not just a speech.
This is a start on the endeavor to have Cannabis legalized in the U.S. Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country and flood their elected officials email and snailmail boxes with “Either listen to the people ,or look for a new job at election time.You (the politicians) are either with us or against us.This country is supposed to be,By the People and for the people,not what the politicians think we want.The people know what they want,I have a brain and Government should not tell me what I can do with it. Legalize
Don –
I am wondering if you realize that (a) the DEA is an executive agency under control of the president, and his mandate on how it should be run therefore is HUGELY influential as to exactly how it will operate in the future and (b) the president has very little control over the legislative process besides persuasion and of course the power to veto a new law… You tell Obama to “pass [the medical marijuana protection bill] and do it right”, but really there is nothing at all he can do, in a positive sense, to get that law passed.
This is good news. Now it’s time for the waiting game…. more states will legalize medical marijuana. All we need is for one state to legalize. Just one state and it will be the beginning of the end for marijuana prohibition. The federal government will NEVER get rid of prohibition without the states doing it first.
Forget dealing with the Federal government and focus all your efforts on state governments. 14 MMJ states and 0 of them have gone to hell…. imagine that. Maybe its because people have been using marijuana already and if there was going to be a huge problem with it, we would have seen it already. The only problems we have with marijuana are all directly linked to its prohibition. Get rid of the prohibition and you get rid of the problems.
Next step: Get the schools to teach the truth about marijuana. If you tell children the truth about it and why they shouldnt use it, they will be more inclined not to vs. lying right to their faces. Then also if you get rid of prohibition then it will be much harder for them to get ahold of it. Put marijuana in stores of their own, like liquor. The reason why kids can get ahold of beer much easier is that its everywhere and not every teen or young adult working the gas stations or convienence stores cares about checking ID’s. If they lose the licence, then there is still plenty of other things to sell and the business wont close.
Oh and people, dont push our luck with trying to get them to lower the age to 18. It will be much easier to get things passed if the age is 21. Remember, the laws can always be changed down the road. Lets get it legal first, then we will have plenty of time to bang out minor details.
Ok, now I would like to see the federal prosecutors go after counties (Los Angeles, San Diego, etc…) that prosecute against their own state laws
As holder of a Washington State Medical Marijuana prescription I am delighted to see this action. It is a big step towards clearing the confusion about those who “use” MJ and those who abuse it. I’ve discussed my personal use with the local police at the invitation of a command officer. At that level the police are genuinely interested in knowing which is which when they contact someone in possession of MJ. I’m also a candidate for elction to the City Council and it’s clear to me that politics isn’t a clear cut science.
Being elected President, (or Councilman for that matter), doesn’t give either of us the immediate authority to change law. That process requires steady pressure and gradual progress. I see this effort by our President as progress
Thank you President Obama! This is excellent news. I am proud to be an Obama supporter. For the most part, Obama has just legalized pot. So people, move out of slave states and move to free states!
Absolutely unbelievable that this has not been prperly made law already. Do it right, put it into law now. Rescue our sons and daughters from prisons where Meth-manuifacturers are where crack dealers, murderers rapists and the like are. Marijuana is an important plant, Genisis 1:11 says that God said let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed ….. and God saw that this was good.
‘Real Change’ – this may seem like “too little, too late” indeed, but where do you think we’d be if you hadn’t been “fooled”?
A much more effective move would be to reclassify cannabis to reflect the reality of it’s usefulness medically and industrially, and it’s lack of harm recreationally. I don’t know if this can be done by executive order, but if the POTUS can “suggest” to the DEA and FBI that they not pursue state-approved medical users and suppliers, he can certainly suggest that the plant be reclassified in the first place.
this is the “don’t ask don’t tell ” of the Obama administration .
Obama is embarrassing himself with his memos.
I think obama just wants to shut up Mainstream media since there have been so many reports on this subject.
Today CNN NEWS finally reported on Cannabis, still can’t keep from using that racial language of the 30s, but none the less forced to give media attention. Forced to give Cannabis air time because our President made an important statement about policy change in regards to the government’s persecutional attitude towards it’s citizens and their states’ who have adopted the use of Medical Cannabis by way of state legislation. It is also very clear to the citizen population of America that our federal government should respect each citizens at the state level to enact state legislation that best reflects the Citizens of each state. Equally clear is that the State’s have to create legislation with in the structure of the United States Constitution and can not enact legislation that would abrogates or outlawed the people’s secured liberties therein.
So here is a though for NORML and all who blog on and on about how to bring peaceful change to a very bad unlawful unjust behavior of our employees. Lets make a training film! It is time to pull a Gore or Moore type movie that explores how the Cannabis plant and those who used came under attack. The movie should explore how Anslinger and others profited by misleading the Congress and the general public. It should show how this unjust law has assaulted an entire sub-culture of Cannabis users. How we have been demonized by the public and made an outcast just because we see ourselves at our liberty. This documentary movie should show the real side of our sub-culture. It should interview the professional, the laborer, the legislators, law enforcement and legal / illegal grower across our wonderful country. It should address the hidden criminal cannabis robbers who have exploited the these laws. This training film from US to our employees should show the harm to families, the social damage of their lies, whom the cannabis prisoners are in real life, and how cannabis can be properly used to the benefit of our whole society.
Time for our sub-culture to present our own equivalent to the Atomic Café, an inconvenient truth, or sicko movie to push this change further down the road towards our acceptance in this world. We must strike while the iron is hot, and brothers and sisters it don’t get any hotter than it is right now. If we could produce such a documentary we could say something about Jury Nullification, teach what it is and who can use it. We can talk about those who are seeding America as a peaceful act of civil disobedience. Review those legal cases moving through the court that squarely challenge the constitutionally of the present laws. We could explore just what is the will of the people. Let get some air time and air this old laundry once and for all.
I agree. I am not cheering for this dog and pony show. Unless the “memo” is pink and giving 30 days notice.
STOP FUNDING THE DEA!
We must use this policy change and charge forward, don’t let up. Keep nailing those legisaltor with this Constructive Fraud, they have no real foundation for where they stand. Time to pull that rug out from under them. Push the idea of no plea arragnement, only Jury Trials from here on out. Push those fast and speedy trial motion too. Prisoners should think about attacking (writ) their sentences because they are based on fraudulent evidence presented to congress. One can argue that Congress would never had enacted legislation based on fraud had they know it. It is a clear way to fill the court system and cause it to burst. This will push this issue into a bright light, and remember the fraud is on them, not us. The time is now and we must strike hard and not let up, time to flip this fraud on it’s ass.
To “Real Change” (1st comment); I understand your sentiment, but you must also understand that this is the furthest we have progressed. We should view this as a positive in this battle. Sure, we still have a ways to go, but this is a win! There will always be negative points – but we hardly ever have an opportunity to see a positive such as this!
Isn’t exactly what Eric Holder said way back in February?
I have learned that its often a good idea to read these articles “backwards”, with the last paragraph first, and so on.
Of particular note is how it seems to be more of a nuance than an actual policy change: “The memo, officials said, is designed to give a sense of prosecutorial priorities to U.S. attorneys”.
A “sense of…priorities”.
And the way it balances two opposing “points” makes it also sound like another weasel-worded campaign speech than a policy: “It notes that pot sales in the United States are the largest source of money for violent Mexican drug cartels, but adds that federal law enforcement agencies have limited resources.”
Am I being too picky, or is the meat of this “memo” really bologna?
This is still a step forward even if it isn’t an official law at least people that use medical marijuana, those lucky bastards… :P, can breathe easier right now. And Leokrayola, the role as president is to be a puppet. A spokes-person so people can put a face on who to blame. He might have some control over small things but everything else is run by congress and the supreme court. The group of 132 year old corpses that seem to know the secret of anti-aging and they are also huge fans of REEFER MADNESS! When things go wrong the president is always blamed cause that’s his job.
Look, if anyone knows how politics work, then I’m sure you know that moving an inch every day is the political equivalent of hauling serious ass. Yes, a memo isn’t a law. Yes, medical marijuana dispensaries have been raided after the multiple promises from the White House that this would stop. But you have to remember that the DEA acts as their own organization, and the lawmaking process is all they ultimately answer to. This news IS a major victory, because obviously the DEA is trying to see how far they can push the envelope here and the White House is trying to politely say “enough is enough.” Your pessimism will get us nowhere.
Hey way to go Obama! Now lets get it rescheduled from class 1(no medical value) to a class 2 (perscription only). This is something Obama and the AG have the power to do according to an article in Fortune magazine. I want to see the DEA spending time with the meth, coke and heroin folks leaving us harmless pot heads alone. Once again Thank you Obama….You have my vote…tc
Man, cut the guy a break. He’s JUST the President, not the entire legislative branch rolled into one person.
The only official control Obama has over this issue is the power he has over the Attorney General, who runs the Department of Justice, to dictate department policy. Obama cannot “pass” anything if it never leave the House and Senate — and he has be quite vocal in his SUPPORT of such legislation. But as far as the DOJ goes, his word is law, and if Obama says no more medical marijuana raids, they stop (or else, the prosecutors get fired.)
As for local law enforcement harassment — if local LEOs are harassing you for doing something that’s not illegal, 1) that has nothing to do with any federal law, and 2) sue them.
And.. “too little too late”? This has been always been Obama’s official position on medical marijuana raids, with the Attorney General openly declaring that the DOJ would stop these raids practically since the day he was confirmed. What more do you want?
The Courts are not bound by mere forms, nor are they to be misled by mere pretences. They are at liberty indeed, are under a solemn duty to look at the substance of things, whenever they enter upon the inquiry whether the legislature has transcended the limits of its authority. If therefore, a statute purporting to have been enacted to protect the public health, the public morals, or the public safety, has no real or substaintial relation to those odjects, or is a palpable invasion of rights secured by the fundamental law, it is the duty of the Courts to adjudge, and thereby give effect to the Constitution.
(Mugler v. Kansas, 123 U.S. 623, 661)
You see folks we can stop this bullshit in it’s tracks all we need do is ACT! Your liberty is in your hands, what you choose to do at this point will effect all our futures.
I completely agree #4, but hey it’s better than nothing!
I believe that this is the first time since Jimmy Carter that a president has said anything but “hang the bums” regarding marijuana use of any type. I am very happy that at least the suggestions are in writing instead of just casual mentions. It’s hard to get any good news out of the feds about pot so this thrills me to pieces. It almost makes you believe that if congress did pass a med mj law, the president might sign it. Get ready for the prohibitionists to push back with a full load of reefer madness.
Hopefully, this will make it easier for the remaining states to pass medical marijuana laws. That would be a huge bonus no matter how you spin it.
I have to disagree with all the negativity here. I happen to believe that major changes start with minor changes, most of the time philosophical.
There are two ways of thinking about this. It is either “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” or “the chirping bird gets the arrow”. I’m pretty sure Obama doesn’t want to be the chirping bird, so he’s agreed to grease the wheels of drug policy just a bit.
Now keep squeaking.
Thank you, Mr. President.
The medical uses of cannabis have been known for centuries. Our present laws are a mistake, enacted in the early part of the last century, on bad information and for racist reasons. The time is now for restoring cannabis to the list of available medical remedies.
HELL YEA.
LEGALIZE IT!
i am excited to see this, i think it is nice to see the government take a stand on marijuana policy, but it isn’t written into law and this might just be a cop out.
I’m with #1 though, I think Obama is trying to sway in the marijuana crowd, but it isn’t going to work- if he wants to make some real change, how about some decriminalization? (which would very likely lead to what we all want- legalization)
Really NORML? A major victory? I didnt think you guys would fall for THIS.
Same crap weve heard before, dont expect ANY changes to come.
Theyll still waste money raiding dispensaries.
damn i need to get cancer now
Hi, I think a small note of appreciation to the white house would be a good idea. Whether or not it’s a law or a suggestion, it is a move in the right direction. Let’s not be unappreciative pricks and let this chance slip by. You don’t have to kiss their boots, but a small token of gratitude might go a long way. At the least, it will remind them that we are paying attention.
Thanks and keep pushing ! Fred
President Obama has, ie recognized that Marijuana has MEDICAL VALUE. Next it’s status as a Schedule 1, controled drug must be changed.
I am looking for someone that can help me learn to cook with mairijuana. I am have chronic pain with fibromyalgia, arthritis ect. I have copd so can no longer smoke it. I would like to be able to cook it so I can get some relief. Please let me know if someone can help in this request. I live in Ma. so a small amount is OK, as far as I know. Here is my email address. pattysnow@concast.net Bless You! P.S.
What about Cinton and his drug czar Barry McCaffery, who made medical marijuana patients the main fodder in their general war on marijuana.
“This is Cheech and CHong Medicine,” quoth general McCaffery in the wake of the passage of pro[ 215 in California.
It was under the Clinton Administration that the war on drugs, which is necessarily a war on marijuana and especially its users, nearly tripled its arrests of people on marijuana, from just over 300,000 to just under 900,000, with the vast majority being for simple possession alone.
That is data from FBI crime statistics that has appeared here on the norml website many times.
The Clinton Administration was the period under which local law enforcement was militarized by virtue of Burns’ Grants.
And yes this policy was built upon the GHW Bush policy, which itself was a continuation of the policies of Kennedy (First Single UN Convention on Narcotics was 1961, and it was at the behest of the USA,) Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan administrations.
Obama is making a break with 50 years of continuous, escalating, and unflinching policies of the previous 8 administrations at least, almost all of which were u der complete Democrat domination of the Congress.
This is a break with 50 years of United States of America Policy, only 8 of which was governed by GW Bush.
When oh when will it be -widely- accepted that the Democrat party is equally responsible for the past 50 years of (ever more ) strict prohibition as public policy, policy suitable for the rest of the world, as well?
http://www.examiner.com/x-26780-Boston-NORML-Examiner~y2009m10d19-Obama-protects-some-medical-users-from-prosecution
Not enough. Why protect some and not others with the same conditions????
I guess a half ass effort is better than no effort at all.
The quick question is,will this derail the Cooley and San Diego Crusades?
I just hope that they’re ultimate agenda is not to legalize cannabis, but only have it be sold through government owned stores. Taking away our right to personal cultivation on our own property. Please keep in mind that we need personal cultivation rights, always.
A “suggestion?” Obama is a two-faced hypocrite. The worst part is that this “directive” or whatever it is, actually seems to be ENCOURAGING furthering of the “normal” drug war and prosecution of non-medical cannabis users and growers. The drug war has failed and this is not the “Change” everyone voted for. Window dressing with the actual policies unchanged from the Bush years. Stop prosecuting people for choosing a substance that is less dangerous than alcohol. No other policy or “suggestion” passes the sanity test. Obama has literally failed almost every group which voted for him, but he does it in such a NICE WAY!
Yes, people understand now, that medical cannabis is a safe and effective medicine. It’s also not just for dying cancer and AIDS patients. Cannabis can help treat many conditions and ailments like migraines, anxiety, nausea, eating disorders, bipolar, restless legs, and more.
Share this info, tell people to check out CannabisPlanet and CannabisTV.org
It’s a step in the right direction for personal freedom.
atleast the ban since 1937 is recognized-all bcs i found out bush’s grandfather paid for auschwitz to be built and he was supposed to be hanged at nuremburg for treason but never showed up for the trail- if he had none of his heirs could run for public office. the alcohol industry has tied people’s hands too long and MJ needs to be used for medical healing- such as head trauma, constipation and anxiety.
Baby steps, people! Radoca; change would freak out the far right, whom Bush spoiled into expecting their way. 9 months is not long to change 8 years of bad policy……
By the way: How will this affect over-zealous STATE prosecutors? Will they just shift the prosecution to the state level with a “wink wink” nod of federal approval? Want a high-paying federal job? Do our bidding for us and you shall be rewarded with a Fed position? From what I saw, the STATE prosecutors in CA were the ones that were going to prosecute 100% of the dispensaries, despite the previous “memo” from the ineffectual Obama.
Federal law should not trump state law. State resources, (already stretched to the breaking point) also are not used well when going after dispensaries or medical users.
I have to agree with Don, talk is cheap lets see some real action with laws that will allow the freedom we should have as citizen’s of the USA…
Don, you are absolutely correct this changes nothing. Even if it did, it still only benefit’s an extreme minority of cannabis consumers.
Did you seriously expect this to be law? The dude kind of has more important things on his plate. I’m all for full legalization, but there are serious issues preventing him from effectively legalizing medical marijuana at a national level without SIGNIFICANT political effort. I’m hoping he focuses his energy on Afghanistan and health care reform, personally.
WOW…a 3 page MEMO that changes nothing. I just don’t know which is worse, Obama’s weak handed GESTURE, or the fact it has taken him 9 months to make it. So what have i learned today??? NOTHING HAS CHANGED. I’ve heard of “baby steps”, but this is PATHETIC!!!
It’s all pointless until MJ is rescheduled under our baskwards Federal Drug Policy. There is no reason why it’s still schedule I especially with Obama’s “stance” on it.
This is still pussyfooting the issue and it’s unacceptable.
If I see our POW’s released, then I will think there’s progress.
Right, he’s going to do the right thing. That’s sarcasm by the way.
Marijuana should be legal, period, anything less is a sham, a stall.
its a start…honestly they need to REALLy regulate the card system first…just go to weedmaps, you will see what I mean, its a culture that believes the majority of medical users is under 21…which is wild stupid…
I dont trust obama, but…if this can get dumanis(san diego) off our back…GOOD.
At least this paves the way for the Libertarian President we will be electing in 2012 to make things right!
Obama, had to scurry along with these new guidlines, after snorting at online users main question,, he got some bad feedback on that, it WAS after all, the MAIN QUESTION for OBAMA. But he simply ignored it and laughed at his supporter who initiated the question. Now, he is getting a whif of no re-election from his constituents that voted him in the 1st place.. not quite sure who will be running in the next prez election, but, OBAMA will have some tough competition especially if the majority want cannabis legal.
Has Normal, or anyone heard any more on the 2943 The Use by Resposible Adults?
Sorry HR 2943 that is
I do agree that there is puppetry in leadership positions and that the whole topic of marijuana in general was polluted for a long time and still is. But seriously, give it a rest, if not for just a day. Even the most concious person who knows the ins and outs of “The Big Show” should recognize when something is moving in the right direction. So light up, pop in some Floyd or whatever you like as today is a small victory that shows people have a voice and that groups like Norml are being heard. Of course, stay focused and determined in the goal to end the ridiculous behavior and trickery surrounding this plant – but also, it’s nice to rest some when hard work pays off, people are listening, even those who don’t smoke. The veil is being lifted and kudos to all of you out there that have worked together, draped in courage through all of the propaganda and out right lies. Through action and positvie approach another chapter to the story is written, and some of us patient’s do breathe a bit easier today.
Don is unfortunately right. a suggestion can easily be blown off. it is good news but on a sour note. there is no guarantee that the feds will actually listen an follow through with this. the ONLY way this will ever be truly implemented is that the HB 2853 piece of legislation be signed.
Obama has failed to deliver every single promise he ever made and I imagine that this will be no different.
To the Negative Nancy’s above: It’s a step. Be glad for that, at least.
Since there was no formal law passed or signed, this means, “While he is in administration, he wants it to be known to the feds to back off the states policies on marijuana use.” I don’t think this would be a huge victory in my eyes. When the next president gets into office, they can reverse the order just as he reversed Bush’s order.
It’s too bad he didn’t go further with it. I guess he is still to scared to sign legislature. But, its a start, so we ought to be thankful for that!
Nothing happens until the U.S. DEA reschedules marijuana AND industrial hemp. The DEA still views marijuana as a substance that has NO MEDICINAL value. Oh, and they still won’t allow American farmers to grow industrial cannabis as a rotational crop. What a f*cking joke!
*yawn* I’m still waiting for change…
that’s a tiny little baby step we just took…it will last for obama’s term and then it’s back to the federal gov’t enforcing their power. enjoying this while u can if you’re in one of the 14 states, b/c it will not last. Obama’s too conservative to make anything stick, he’s just pleasing a few people for the moment. While I suppose it’s better than nothing at all.
Someone should tell Obama a Canadian citizen(Marc Emery) is spending 5 yrs in prison in Seattle(or somewhere in the Pac NW)…i think Seattle…for selling seeds in the U.S.
Cannabis is scientifically classified in the Order Rosales(scientific classification of plants). Here are a list of other plants in the same Order as cannabis that we consume or see every day except one. Roses, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries, apples and pears, plums, peaches and apricots; almonds; rowan and hawthorn; elms; figs, nettles, hops and cannabis.
Why is cannabis illegal again????
someone GOT SMART THANK GOD Here comes the TAX’S NOTHING’S FREE ! THINK SOME ONE WOULD KNOW WE CAN GET 300 GAL’S PER ACRE HEMP OIL TO DIESEL AND END ALL ALL MONEY LEVEING THE U.S.A. THINK ? BE HAPPY
Definitely a step in the right direction
YEA!!! Hey, it’s a start…
People don’t forget that it wasn’t too long ago that he laughed us off when asked about MJ being the overwhelmingly #1 topic on his website. Now he thinks that this empty verbal promise will pacify the movement. I don’t think so buddy. This is just a crack in the damn. If we keep the pressure up & make sure our voices continue to be heard that damn is going to bust. I commend everyone at NORML. Thank you and keep it up.
Hmm, it’s fall & suddenly we’re making progress again! It’s like we gain no ground in the summer but fall & spring kick ass for us…
this is one step in the right way. i just wish he would make a law that would be for anybody that needed medical marijuana in any state. i live in a state that it is not legal. but i can go to my doctor each month & get oxytin 80mg 2 per day /lortab 10mg 2 per day /zanflex 4mg 4per day/ zanex 1mg 4 per day. after been taking med’s since 1994 the med’s have took a toll on my body. i have stop takeing them after about 2 week’s i was rushed to the er my bp was 265/215 that dr told me if i don’t take them i would have a stroke/heart acttack. but know years later the med’s are makeing me swell up bad my leg’s got so big they had blood comeing out. i still take the med’s & bp med’s to keep it under control but the swelling i have to try to not take them. but when i do i got to take them one at a time & wait 1 or 2 hour’s between instead of 1 of each every 6 hour’s that help’s a little but i know that i would be better off on medical marijuana.cause god made it & mad make’s what i take know & it is what killed my cousin almost 2 years ago. the places that make the med’s are run by man & they want you hooked on there med’s so they can make billon’s. i think it should be left up to the doctor & the person he is seeing!!!
Does this really change things? Will I be able to grow plants in my back yard without worrying about going to jail? I am prop 215 compliant, I have a valid prescription from my doctor who states use as necessarry for severe chronic neuropathy pain.
I need to grow about 100 plants every 10 weeks in order to make enough paste to rub on my legs and feet to eliviate the severe pain.
I am not sure how many plants I can even grow so I hope this time it is more specificas to the amount I can grow!
Timmothy Shamblin
Advocate, Patient, Caregiver, master cloner!
Remember that the war on marijuana began with the requirement of a nonexistent tax stamp. This is a long way from returning power to the people to decide how they wish to live but it is a small beginning. Large machines do not stop and turn on a dime.
Be grateful for what does occur and keep asking for more.
Peaceful solutions can be achieved only if all parties involved are willing.
Peace
they do not have enough money to keep attacking americans for an herb anyway. the propaganda machine no longer works,IE gateway drug,save the children bull!
americans are finally getting their heads out of their asses and demanding legalization,medical or recreational. Its about time. donate to NORML or MPP and make it 100percent legal!!
“while encouraging that illegal pot operations involving violence, firearms and sale to minors still be pursued”.
Take out of that quote ‘sale to minors’. They’re still playing the “protect our youth” song.
If Obama and Eric Holder believe it is a waste of time and resources prosecuting medical cannabis patients and providers then why isn’t it a waste of time and resources to prosecute otherwise law abiding cannabis consumers?
The truth of the matter is, it is a waste of time and resources to prosecute anyone anywhere for consumption or production of cannabis in any form! Legalize, regulate and tax, That is the correct way forward.
I am optimistic.
And you idiots think this wouldve happened under a republican/conservative run administration? Get real.
I’m definitely glad I voted Obama in office last year. This is the reason.
Great news!! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
i dont think its going to work, but hey, he can try.
my opinion on ligilization is that there going to tax it wich may suck, plus what if the rules get so stricked that u cant get it for small poroblems ?
Looks like a government whack-a-mole scheme. Poke your head out at your own risk.
Real change I see where you are getting at and I agree. All this medical guideline is going to do is now make it impossible for people who do not have medical cards to get medical cannabis. Norml how are you going to respond at me this time (if you don;t have a medical card you should not smoke marijuana?????? I thought norml was in favor of everyone having the free will to choose what they want to have in their life………All the government does is thinks of detours around things and finally ends up with a master plan, I still say they already have harsher penalties and longer sentences ready to go…. You will all witness the new era where if you do not have medical problem the judge is going to throw the book at you for smoking a damn plant…. You can hate what I have to say but it’s better than listening to lies…… The Obama administration has NEVER ONCE TOLD THE PUBLIC THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT DECRIMINALIZATION OR MAKING HEMP OR CANNABIS USE LEGAL………I SENSE A TRAP DOOR HERE AND IT IS FOR THE WORST….
‘give me liberty or give me death” is a reality to me a long time suffer of crohns disease, access of the madicinal has been deprived for far to long, find a way to tax it and control its purity and quality and win the “war on drugs” BC suffering missourian.
Thank you Mr Obama, thank you jesus
Presidential memos may not be laws, but Presidents don’t get to make laws – that’s under the purview of the Legislative Branch. The Department of Justice, the parent organization of the Drug Enforcement Administration, is part of the Executive Branch. It’s under the control of the Attorney General. The Attorney General’s boss is the President.
Presidential memos may not be laws, but they control what the Attorney General may do. He, in turn, controls the Department of Justice and its DEA subsidiary.
not really sure how it is all going to turn out but if the feds are laying off then the states probably already have protection for patients and caregivers under state law. just another step to end the prohibition that plagues us all.
I also do not like the use of the word “suggestion.” I think, in the future, this might make more problems than it solves. Too much gray area in a law that so many people break… At least it’s a step. In what direction remains to be seen.
They are basically reiterating the same statement Holder made earlier this year stating that if collectives follow state law they will not be prosecuted. However in Los Angeles, DA Steve Cooley has stated that nearly %100 if not all store-front collectives are illegal under state law. Based on his statements I dont see them relenting any time soon and feds will still be involved in the impending Los Angeles raids because of those statements. This may be a green light for law enforcement who believe that all store-front collectives are illegal
Its bout time they should of legalized it during the 60s & left it alone.The gov. should look at amsterdam u never hear any crimes WHY because it,s elligale everybody is happy.The gov. should worry more bout the white dtuff & them perscription meds & leave us med. marijuana alone. Thats all i got to say & im stiking to it.
Maybee a baby step is certainly better than no step at all. As far a s the president goes it really doesnt matter who we elected the country was in such bad shape,That nobody not even obama could repair everything that is fouled up in the short term they are in office. I still live in a state that has strict laws. so any step toward decriminalazation is better than none no matter how small..
This is big news, lets not be so quick to disregard it as such, and immediately try to find or point out the negatives. It is different from what any of the other “puppets” have done in the past. Let’s face it they are what they are, but we have to be positive to any kind of change that supports our ultimate goal… the right to use and supply our medicine without fear of persecution. Any and every change in politics and/or laws is done with some sort of greed and personal interest for the final backers of our government, and for that reason I am not an Obama supporter or any other politician’s supporter for that matter. But a move or statement of any kind from the federal government (especially the President of our country) that supports us and our cause, needs to be appreciated regardless how minimal it may be in the grand scheme of things. Peace love and THC
I wish they would make pot legal before I kill myself with booze!!!!!
Thank you so much Norml for all the positive things you are trying to do to free the Cannabis plant. On the subject of medical cannabis use, I believe Cannabis is medicine, whether you are “sick” or not.
As far as Obaaaaaaaaaaaama saying something…well I believe it’s just the sheeple…so many unfortunately, who are listening…believing… anymore. Show me something Barry…fuck your words…what have you done that you said you were going to do? Oooops….for a second I forgot that Barry is nothing more than a puppet. So far, however, I think he is doing a great job…for his MASTERS!!! If we want to see the protection of medical cannabis, Cannabis needs to be rescheduled from a scheduled 1 drug to a…….well I guess I’m supposed to say schedule 2 drug, but my true feeling is that Cannabis is not a drug at all. So what a waste of time…another government distraction dealing with this lie, when really, “we the people,” need to be focusing all our energy on taking down the toxic currency, along with all those fraudsters it empowers to enslave and control “we the people”. That “toxic currency”…our federal reserve notes, are the life, the blood, the power our bankster-gangster MASTERS of the all controlling central bank needs. This is what seems to fuel our crminal congress also.
I think that this is a major step forward for the mmj community! This will allow people to feel safer when accessing their medication, and I believe it it the start of inter-state approval of medical marijuana registrations.
I feel that companies like COLORADOGREENPAGES.NET are the right direction for medical marijuana directories. the information is all free, and all of their advertising is completely donation based!
Since hearing about this latest advancement, they now own:
californiagreenpages.net
coloradogreenpages.net
oregongreenpages.net
rhodeislandgreenpages.net
mainegreenpages.net
michigangreenpages.net
hawaiigreenpages.net
washingtongreenpages.net
nevadagreenpages.net
vermontgreenpages.net
montanagreenpages.net
alaskagreenpages.net
Coloradogreenpages.net is the only one active at the moment, but stay tuned, this is how we should do our marketing… INDUSTRY SPECIFIC.
This medical marijuana directory is totally free to use, all advertising is donation based, and businesses can have a completely free listing too.
its a small victory in the right direction… now if all states just jump on the band wagon.
read the memorandum carefully.
the memo clearly asserts that while they suggest going after more reasonable targets, there is no requirement that the DEA and federal authorities stop prosecuting MM patients/dispensaries even if they are “in clear and unambiguous” practice of state law. they recommended deprioritizing such actions, except towards the end where it is clearly stated that if it serves a federal interest to do so, go ahead and prosecute anybody following state law. read CAREFULLY. this is a publicity stunt for gainly public popularity. it is BY NO MEANS A VICTORY.
I have been liveing in pain for around 5 years. The problem with the people fighting this law for medical marijuna has no ideal what it feels like to like to go through life haveing pain in everything you do. If I could give them one day of liveing with my degenerative aurthuritus it would change 75% or more of there mindes. When takeing the lid off a jar makes you hurt so bad you want to cry and there is a way to help it by useing medical marijuana how dare they tell me i can’t do it. In the bible it says I (God) give to you all seed bareing plants who are they to tell me I can’t use what god gave me. If you go out in your yard and cut your grass and roll it up to smoke its not agianst the law. If you grow a plant in your house its not agianst the law. But marijuana plants are illegal. this makes no since to me at all. If I had one wish I would wish all of the people agianst medical marijuana to feel the pain I feel. When the simple things of everyday life makes you hurt so bad you cry its time that people in this country stand up to the goverment and demand the rights garenteed to us in the constitution of the United States. It seems to me we loose more of our rights every day. I would like for everyone to write or call and voice your openions and do what ever it takes to pass the law to legalize medical marijuana. There are alot of people in this world that live in pain and deserve the right to not live in the pain that they do.
I’d like to think this memo is a big deal, but unfortunately nothing in it will substantively deter Steve Cooley from carrying out his raids in L.A., since he will just claim that he is dealing with “non-medical” abuse of the State law.
I agree with Don I don’t think this is a step forward at all, it’s just another empty bs politician promise. A suggestion doesn’t mean anything, that’s not even saying that they are going to do it. If I suggest you run across the freeway at rush hour would you do it? I didn’t think so. Who the heck do they think they are trying to quell?
What the Obama admin is claiming they are going to do is a positive step. As many mentioned above, Obama is a puppet, but what’s being said really can be taken advantage of, if we the people choose to take action… because now is the time.
As Don noted above, House Bill 2835 is the first step to lock this into place. From there, more states that havent progressed/evolved to allowing medicinal cannabis I think will be willing to change their stance. With time, more and more states will ease into allowing medicinal cannabis. And with a bit more time after that, the step towards full decriminalization could take place… and finally the prohibition against one of natures greatest gifts will be over.
This is the time to really try and change things. I think our country is ready and can accept that all the stigma’s and lies about cannabis are just that, lies.
#4 Don
You are dead on and I do not trust them from past precedents and prior experiences, because what they say and what they do are two different things.
Let’s see if they keep thier words on those papers. Let’s just see. These words mean nothing if they use new tactics in thier worthless War on Drugs.
We need protection wriiten in Law.
“”The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.” ” Thomas Jefferson
Its simple, use Oregon’s standards, let cops fight Real crime,& Real drugs.
will this then require insurance to pay for my weed because i have a perscription?
I think any step forward is a step in the right direction. We have to understand they are scared they have been spouting the “reefer madness” nonsense for so long a lot of them actually believe it. We need to just pray for a softening of their heart and a continuing forward momentum in our cause and then one day we can all sit back and blow a big smoke cloud of relief.
No pain, all smiles and love
Sen
I agree with previous posters, when it comes down to it this doesn’t mean jack shit.
” This guidance regarding resource allocation does not ‘legalize’ marijuana or provide a legal defense to a violation of federal law, nor is it intended to create any privileges, benefits, or rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any individual, party or witness in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter. Nor does clear and unambiguous compliance with state law or the absence of one or all of the above factors create a legal defense to a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Rather, this memorandum is intended solely as a guide to the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion.”
Until Congress passes a LAW which protects medical users (and preferably, ALL users because ALL use can be medicinal), then I still hold the stance that rhetoric doesn’t mean anything. Obama is not our savior, and although he is a rational pragmatist, he is not acting as one instead he is acting rather irrationally and taking the political high-ground. Keep this issue in the limelight though. We should keep the words “Cannabis” and “marijuana” on the lips of those who are supposed to represent our best interests so that when the time comes that Obama feels he can act on his own accord rather than the accord of the Big Business that funded his election, we can be assured of a swift and effortless victory. All these recent media stories are positive; women coming “out of the closet”, potential revenues from taxing cannabis, legalizing to cripple cartel profits… keep the dialog going America. Talk to your friends about it, your neighbors, your familiy. One of the biggest hurdles in getting it legalized is helping normal folks realize WHY it would benefit them for it to be legal- what stakes to they have in it? Their communities would be safer (less drug war related violence), less of their tax dollars would be wasted prosecuting a victimless crime, any family members or friends who choose to use the SAFER recreational drug could do so without fear of arrest and buy and use in a safe environment; the benefits of legalization to society AS A WHOLE, not just to users, are numerous and we need to help EVERYONE realize that. Good luck America, and be safe.
just another politician…deserves his lower ratings and hope he enjoys the even lower ones to come.
UPDATE: Follow the link below to send your local representatives support for legal medicinal use nationwide.
https://secure2.convio.net/mpp/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=367
http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/192
“Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug,”
I think the DOJ and Congress needs to re-read the scientific studies and understand that the general conses Marijuana is marginally dangerous like all substances including water are dangerous and must be consumed in moderation. In addition congress may have ‘determined’ yet they did not perform nor do I highly believe that 99% of statesmen have read a reliable and independent report retorting the Federal Governments ideology why Marijuana should be illegal. To most this may seem like a move in the right direction that is if you only read and listen to the reports of the mainstream media, after reading the actual memo I feel differently. There is nothing in this memo that actually prevents or even suggests that the DEA and FBI stop the raids of compliant dispensaries. Simply put all dispensaries are making money and must keep it somewhere and that could be considered ‘money laundering’ even the pretext that they are violating federal law is still applicable in the event of continued oppression of patients and manufacturers. I wont sleep well until Marijuana is changed in it’s class according to the Controlled Substances Act. We’ll keep pushing the ball, we’ll sleep peacefully once it destroys the stigma established 70+ years ago.
Monday, Oct 19, 2009 3:23pm
LA’s top prosecutor vows to target pot shops
3 hours ago
Just hours after the new memo from the Obama Administration was released telling DEA agents to back off, Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley announced his plans to go ahead with a threat he made last week to close all the pot shops in California. If you needed proof these fanatics will never stop, in spite of overwhelming voter support for the new changes, and now support from Washington, then this is it. These die-hards see the end of an era when law enforcement budgets depend in large part on pot arrests. It is obvious they won’t go down without a fight. The announcement today from Washington is a major victory but the battle is certainly not over. What America needs is total legalization, made into law and passed by the voters, not just a memo. Otherwise, the next 20 million people to be railroaded into an unjust legal system will continue to pay for police “services” with the same old tired dogma of ruined lives.
So now we wait and see if cops in California actually follow the law. From their last statements it seemed they were on some personal crusade and disregarded what the people actually voted for.
This is a step in the right direction but a long way to go.
Glad Medical Users can at least have some peace for the time being.
Hopefully Obama’s memo will be made public to everyone in order clarify and avoid any confusion.
Perhaps the DA’s or AG should show us how to run these collectives and dispensaries in order to avoid violating the state laws.
Seems like whenever Obama makes a statement about medical marijuana, there’s always a raid 2 weeks later…..It’s like the DA’s are intentionally trying to subvert the President’s direct orders…..
Obama needs to make some heads roll if he ever wants his personnel to follow his orders……make an example of these DA’s to show they are not above the law!!!
[Paul Armentan o responds: The memo is publicly available here: http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/192.%5D
Sounds like table scraps to me. Or like when i cheap out and buy my daughters the 99 cent toys till i can get better ones on payday. Question is: will we get our good toys on payday?
w4c was i the only one who fell for this at norml.org and was not given a response that said any thing other than i was taken
“HOW SOON WE FORGET”
“How soon we forget”…the American Policy, and the Data Quality Act. I suggest, we should have been asking ourselves all along, “WHAT ARE WE MISSING HERE?” Both the American Policy, and the Data Quality Act come with “STAND DOWN ORDERS.” In plain and simple vernacular “KNOCK IT OFF.”
The American Policy says: “Feds stay out of sovereign states with medical use rights…our interests do not conflict.” The American Policy places emphasis on science over political ideology.
The Data Quality Act says: “Any and all federal agencies or departments will not disseminate false or misleading information to the public. If they do…they must immedeiately correct that bum info.”
These two policies alone, are enough to drill holes in the prohibitionist’s wooden heads, to reach the saw dust inside. We should…without question or hesitation…use these two policies as a strong foundation for our opposition and retaliation against “Qualified Immunity as an injustice”…and
…”a corrupt government and its system…”TOP TO BOTTOM” [R.O.E. says].
When…We the People…cannot use “LAW” to protect ourselves, and our Constitutional rights against domestic aggression, and abusive governmental authority
…we are left with “NO ALTERNATIVE” but to use defense under the Constitution. We should be bringing aggressive mandates and law suits against any and all “VIOLATORS OF LAW”…and…”EMPHATICALLY”…no one is above the law…no one…especially law enforcement itself, who have applied their idea of sinuous rogue justice over rule of law.
In the reality of it all…we are having great difficulty identifying “the enemy of the people.” Prohibitionists believe we are the enemy of the people, and We the People see prohibitionists as the enemy. You have to ask…”WHAT’S THE PERCENTAGES?”
The only problem with this is…They still disregard the Data Quality Act, to say Cannabis is a dangerous drug.
I love how we have the most freindly president to marijuana since the 1930s and everyones denouncing him it shows two things. 1. How people love to blame a president whos been in office for less then a year for all of the failings in the world. I guess it comes with the job. 2. The No compromise attitude of marijuana activists, which I admire. I would simply ask that people give the guy credit for this but keep up the fight for total legalization in full. Oh and for anyone whos passed a government class the congress writes the laws not the president. We don’t have a monarchy. Even if Ron Paul was elected (who I could’nt vote for because getting the government completly out of economics = corporate serfdom) or some other libertarian do you really think he/she could just magically legalize it for everyone? We have a system for making laws not a king. That said I would hope this kind of action would be repeated should say California/Massachusetts legalize. Lets think rationally before posting such things eh? Also to the first poster I don’t think this helps his approvals and they probably don’t need help all of the polls have him around 56% right now from the last few monthes.
Let’s see how far this promise goes……
Un-less obama takes Cannabis out of Schedule 1. It means nothing.
I DON”T BELIEVE YOU OBAMA !
By any means…don’t think that California is a Garden of Eden with all the pleasures and rights of the garden. By de facto actions, the California Police Chiefs Assoc. is arresting 11362.5 dispensaries for Bebofamofity and attempt to creep. It may soon come! that we will be arresting each other, and we will learn the true meaning of “Citizen’s Arrest.” It may soon come to “Anarchy” in the fullest meaning of the word, including Marshal Law, and the suspension of our civil rights. These tyrranical rouge cops do not honor our civil rights anyway. So!…are we there yet?
We are today…better than 85% in favor of legalizing medicinal cannabis. Genesists have spoken with a loud and clear voice. In essence, we have grounded the scales. If our elected representatives do not respond to this mandate…by voting the will of the people…
the people will put them in the corner, and make them watch the crack for eternity, as they think about their disobedience, and poor judgment.
But…I will not fire agaisnt my fellow American. I will not take his or her life. Rather…”I WILL DIE STANDING ON MY FEET…PROTECTING HIS OR HER RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY, AND PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS…RATHER THAN LIVE ON MY KNEES.” I will hold my fellow Genesist’s hand in hell. I swore an oath of allegiance to protect my country against all enemies, foreign, and “DOMESTIC.” My hand is still raised, and the arm with which I raised my hand, has not withered. I served my country honorably then, and I will serve it today, and all the days to come.
small weak step in the right direction. I still say that stoners across the country have a huge voice that we need to exercise and the time is falling-off-the-vine ripe for us to push this issue over the top.
We can do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One small step for Washington, one giant leap for it’s citizens. Good job and props to the Obama Administration.
This is a step in the right direction. A few years ago there was no memo, there was no “talk”, there was very little. Let be happy with the steps that we have made and keep on the fight until we win!
Wha Hoo! I’ll take what I can get! If that means no Fed prosecutions for 30 seconds or 30 months, I’m all for it! “Hey!… don’t Borgart that doobie!”
Its great that our country finally starting to c the good in our flower, and doing something about it. this would not be possible without norml and groups alike. Thanks a lot, keep on fighting.
The evidence of success in enabling patients to access medical marijuana will be when law enforcement officials aren’t harassing those with chronic illness because of inconsistency of law interpretation or conflicting state and federal laws. This may take some time even if the changes are otherwise enacted.
good move by president
I’m surprised how cynical everyone is, but that’s not important. It’s a small step, and that’s how these things go.
What’s more important is for everyone to write to their senators and congressmen, their assembly and governor, and push for federal decriminalization and state-level tax/regulation. The most effective way to do this is to type a formal, business style letter (triple checked to make sure the grammar and spelling is right), sign it, and mail it in. (This shows a seriousness that email doesn’t convey.)
The bigger changes we all want come from the congress and the states. We need to do the hard work of contacting them ourselves.
(I did it last week – it took me 20 minutes.)
This is wonderful. Recall the Berlin wall fell and the Eastern Bloc shortly thereafter.
Marijuana will go “state’s rights”, and then pothibition is doomed. Once legal sale is in one place, then it will spread…
Oh please! Give Obama a chance. he has more on his plate (like public health care) than he can handle. He has to “placate” the Republicans and frankly, I think this is a bold gesture. One day at a time please… Medical marijuana is important to so many, and one day in the near future I believe it will be widely available for MEDICAL use.
I would like to know where in the Memo it said that its the law that Law enforcement is forbidden to prosecute legal marijuana patients or caregivers in said states. I agree with Don,without a Law ,we are screwed ,it might sound good,but it really don’t mean a thing,nothing but talk,which is all they do
LEGALIZE FOR ALL YOU NAZIS. NONE OF YOUR BUSSINES WHAT I DO!
isnt that what he said a while back? has anything changed? At least I saw it on MSMBC.
why dont you just make it a simple LAW Obama? use your super powers and stick it in your healthcare bill!!
You guys DO realize that this is the BIGGEST STEP ANY PRESIDENT HAS EVER TAKEN in support of Marijuana legalization, right? You negative nancys might not like Obama for other reasons, but you can’t deny the fact that this would NEVER EVER happen under a Republican President.
It’s all about degrees. You’re not going to get a law passed overnight to legalize weed for everyone. But this is the first step towards a situation similar to Europe where it is still illegal, but tolerated and never prosecuted. Give Obama credit where it’s due–he had the justice department do this, no other president even did that much.
I think it’s a step in the right direction. Marijuana is merely a plant with medicinal uses and if chosen to be used recreationally so be it. In a world where alcohol and tobacco are used daily and considered to be acceptable, it is nothing short of hypocritical to ban the use of pot. Wake up puppets. The pharmaceuticals don’t want to see something they can’t control and make money off of being used by the masses. This is about money and nothing more. If anyone tells you different they’ve been brainwashed. Marijuana isn’t dangerous. Oxy’s, Vicodin, Percs are making the pharmaceuticals richer everyday. They’re behind this machine that keeps pot illegal. Wake up!!
Wow I’m very glad to see people commenting that this does not paint to much of a better picture for Obama. It is obvious that Obama is not the real change we wanted yet a little sprinkles of change scattered sparsely. If you want real cannabis reform and true constitutional freedom. Vote Ron Paul.
This is a nice thing but come on really? Do you all think these goons entenched in prohibition wont just find “reasons” to bust people. This isnt a law…its a suggestion. Come on President Obama…Grow some stones, end prohibition. Thats the only way to end this reefer madness crap for the 30’s.
legalize now and let’s cut the crap!! we don’t care if you use it for medical reasons or just to get high and listen to the grateful dead!! does the broke government want to cut the trillion dollar defecit or not? let the people be free…
I too think it is a step in the right direction and I applaud it but take a look at this excerpt from the memo…
Of course, no State can authorize violations of federal law, and the list of factors above is not intended to describe exhaustively when a federal prosecution may be warranted. Accordingly, in prosecutions under the Controlled Substances Act, federal prosecutors are not expected to charge, prove, or otherwise establish any state law violations. Indeed, this memorandum does not alter in any way the Department’s authority to enforce federal law, including laws prohibiting the manufacture, production, distribution, possession, or use of marijuana on federal property.
This guidance regarding resource allocation does not “legalize” marijuana or provide a legal defense to a violation of federal law, nor is it intended to create any privileges, benefits, or rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any individual, party or witness in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter. Nor does clear and unambiguous compliance with state law or the absence of one or all of the above factors create a legal defense to a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Rather, this memorandum is intended solely as a guide to the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion.
Get the picture?
I wonder if obama is slowly tearing down the drug war bit by bit. It seems he is under so much fire for his health care business that he cant risk getting openly flanked by NORML and MPP (we are so close!) and now it appears as tho he is bringing not only guidelines to a more tolerant state, but soon approval.
You cant stop a raging bull on the spot but you can let it get tired and slow, then maybe it will calm down.
I find the day it is accepted for recreational use it will be like midieval people not having to fear being burned by Inquisitors anymore.
I applaud and appreciate any step in this direction, and the more of this that hits the mainstream media airwaves the more socially acceptable our cause becomes. Don’t underestimate the power of television to further our view; the more people hear the easier for them to accept us.
Hey wait a minute, if the Justice Department is not going to prosecute medical marijuana in 14 states, why not all 50?
At least one thing is for certain: EVERYBODY’S talking about marijuana today! 🙂
Unless this is a Federal Law the U.S. Veterans will be denied any kind of pain medication at Veterans Hospitals (in any state) when the V.A. doctors make you take a urine test prior to filling your prescriptions and find marijuana in your urine. They stop all treatment. They make you sign a document saying if you have ANY medication in your system (over the counter, or beer) all treatment will stop.
It is a violation of your Right to Privocy when the military tells before going into the military you will have free V.A. Hospital care for the rest of your life after you are discharged from the military.
Then when you need V.A. medical assistance and are denied medical attention because they find marijuana in your blood, hair or urine, you feel like you have been lied to by our government.
Put it in a national law that includes doctors from the Veterans Hospitals. Our veterans are always the ones getting the short end of the stick.
Put it into LAW. Put it on the books not on the nightly news. George Arizona
So if the US Government is now actually officially recognizing Medical benefits to Cannabis, why not remove it’s Schedule 1 status?
While I’m happy with today’s announcement, actually changing the CSA shows real change.
Not in Fresno,California
The city put a ban on medical marijuana.
Fresno zoning ordinance requires businesses to comply with both federal and state laws.
http://www.kmj580.com/pages/landing_news?Fresno-Still-Wants-Pot-Dispensaries-Shut=1&blockID=81798&feedID=806
Please DON’T send new comments, my box is filling too fast!
Please UNCHECK the box below asap
thanks,al
I was listening to the Mississippi, state wide, right wing talk radio station and the host was asking about medical marijuana in MS. Everyone who called in, me included, except for one guy was in favor of it. In MISSISSIPPI! The times they are a changing.
America just got a little better.
I can’t believe how negative some of the comments are on this story. Can people be so naive to think that President Obama can just come out and outright legalize it? President Obama has enough to deal with the economy; not to mention American’s first African American president.
Obama has done more for reform then any other President in recent history with this release. The Whitehouse supports medical marijuana now! The cannabusiness can flourish in legal states as long as they are legitimate. This is huge! How would you like to work in a legal cannabusiness? There’s going to be jobs!
See it or not, President Obama is on a path of legalization. He most do it in a way that does not create a major uproar from conservatives. Also, like it or not, the economy is dependent on keeping the law enforcement, lawyers, judges, prisons etc., going.
President Obama at this point, is certainly a friend to medical marijuana. The cannabusiness growth and economic benefit has the potential to be a major stimulus for states. And we know the Whitehouse will not support reckless raids. This is a big YES to the legal cannabis industry!
Once free states show a major economy builder with medical marijuana, this is sure to win more states over. Plus the marijuana patient is the new discriminated minority. More and more states will want to be compassionate.
I feel sorry for the driest states in the future. I’m sure these places will not be that popular to live or vacation. Good luck!
But for now rejoice!
This is just a small hurdle, we need to keep the pressure on and turn up the heat…Legalize it Nation-Wide, Period!!!!
1) Could be saying that he is not giving up on us and believes in the cause? 🙂
2) Could be saying that they know that we know the truth and they do to but at the moment nothing else can be worked out? 🙁
3) Or, it’s a heads up to all MJ consumers to watch out cause he doesn’t know what the end result will be in coming out with this memo? :0
He’s putting it out there and we should be thankful for that. I think he’s trying to do the right things but he has so many people pushing and pulling at him. If anything I think he deserves more respect for being our president. If you disagree with me that’s fine I respect everyone’s opinion. 70+ years of prohibition is not just something you change. Even though it does seem like our world speeds up daily. So I wouldn’t be surprised if it was to happen sooner than expected. To the person who said he has more important things to focus on. I agree. So once the truth is out about MJ their should be no doubt by anyone that it should be legal and it’s value as a commodity could be fruitful. “Life is simple. You make choices and you don’t look back. Their will be plenty of others that will do that for you.” Err on the side of caution until more is known.
BAY AREA AIRPORTS ALLOW TRAVELERS TO CARRY MEDICAL MARIJUANA
Perhaps things are changing….Didn’t believe it myself til I read the article.
It’s been in effect for about a year already with no incidents….
Here’s where I found the link:
http://www.medicalcannabisinstitute.com
Here something to think about while the government wall of lies comes falling down just like the Berlin Wall, it is coming down and the truth is starting shine through all that bullshit they laid down in that constructive fraud.
Our Federal & State Governments and their courts have repeatedly stated that We the People DO NOT have a Secured Constitutional Right to use and have in our personal procession any form of the Cannabis / Hemp plant. In the beginning of the Constructive Fraud the government abrogated the people inalienable right to this plant by it’s restrictive legislative acts, that this inalienable right is derived from the our creator which is indeed covered in the bill of rights. The act of abrogation by congress demonstrate that a constitutional rights did exist and that they were abrogated by an unlawful act of congress. That the citizen population has a legal valid claim to this inalienable right which has existence since the first civilization sprang forth some 3000 years ago. That the denial of said inalienable rights and the efforts put forth by law enforcement to unlawfully deny said inalienable right has and is still causing great harm and disharmony with in our Nation. That the very act of prohibition of cannabis has decreased the safety of our Nation which violates the will of the people to be secured in their homes. That this act of prohibition of cannabis has decreased the health of the American people and has unlawfully restricted their doctors to use cannabis as a traditional medicine. It has interfered with the exploring the cannabis plant’s potential as a medicine. That this act of prohibition of cannabis has unnecessarily endangers the welfare of people of this Nation again violating the people’s secure right to be secured in their own homes. That these principals of National Safety of the American People, that the Good Health of the American People, and that General Welfare of the American People is paramount are indeed covered by Constitutional Provision known as the bill of rights. That these legislative acts against the use of Cannabis by the American People are in violation because they violate this Nation’s fundamental principals guarding our Liberties.
Although common defense is one of the purposes of the federal constitution, it was not formed to merely guard the states against danger from foreign nations, but mainly to secure both union and harmony at home and safety against injustice. 16 Am. 2d, Constitutional Law, Section 11.
that:
The constitutional provisions and amendments to the constitution relate to the fundamental law and certain FIXED Principals upon which governments are founded. Constitution are commonly called the organic law of the state. State Ex Rel Halliburton v. Roach, 230 N0. 408; 130n SW 689.
Our inalienable rights are fixed principals, part of the fundamental aspects of law, the foundation of our republic. The first ten amendments, our bill of rights is not open for the government to negociate with, they are fixed, in place and binding upon the government. They know it, they are just hoping to keep the citizen population in the dark, time for us to turn the light on their constructive fraud and address it openly with transparency so all can see for themselves.
The time is Now! Time to think for ourselves and do what is good for our country. It is time to protect the liberties of the people by acting through the instrument of the Constitution and our Courts, perhaps one day the legislature will comprehended the will of the people and respect it.
Look at this as a toe testing the water.If no large pushback developes,and there is some success in New Hampshire,Oct 28, or Maine,Nov.3,Look for the admin. to take another step.
The way to turn up the presure is never make a plea deal if caught, seek out a jury of your peers. Teach the public about having the power to nullify the law. Plant your seeds in the face of our enemy, plant those seeds wherever the grass goes uncut, foreclosures, city planters, divided highways, and on main street USA. Send a clear non-violent measage to our wayward employees that we simply will not take anymore of their foolish behavior. Void out their law on cannabis and what will they have? How can they enforce laws jury refuse to convict and remember conviction by a jury of your peers can not be abrogated by any means.
The time is now, push we must, refuse to back off, our liberties is on the line. All they have, all they have ever had is lies. We now have the evidence to this unlawful act of our wayward government.
http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=11342231
Please vote for alabama
How could you NOT VOTE for Barack Obama in 2012? Obviously he can’t legalize weed in his first year of his first term. Give the guy a break, and at least a chance to come through on his word. I am a New York Sports fan so I say to you all what we all say about our hopes for our teams: YA GOTTA BELIEVE!!
Legalize it. It’s a matter of compassion.
I live in the most Red State in the US: Louisiana. Every night I leave my house to go to work I see at least 2-3 Police and Federal Vehicles pulling cars over to search them. Nowadays they won’t even let you pull over … they just stop you in the middle of the road (Not Joking). These actions aren’t from Obama, in fact I am doubtful he is even fully aware of all the consequences we deal with today just for inhaling or ingesting a natural product of the earth.
These facts being said I am not sure why so many people are looking at this in any kind of negative light. For once in a long time the Federal government took a stand on a policy which actually benefitted people who do choose to control their own life in a responsible way.
Obama has made mistakes but this policy along with others I am sure to follow are of course a huge leap in the right direction. Why berate a man who has made mistakes while only trying to change the mentality of Americans as a whole. Wouldn’t we all? I am not sure who, if anyone, is qualified enough to run a country and please every single person, but I do feel he is determined to prove Americans honest and true values and not those expressed by the “elite” among us.
So please look at this not as a scrupulous action to gain votes or win approval of people who are fickle and often under educated. View this opportunity as a glimmer of light in a bleak idea of a capitalist society. Only when we stop castigating every action taken by a man who honestly rejuvented my hopes of at least on person trying to change the ideas of a nation. Noble and dangerous he has led with conviction and honesty (to a point). And if you do feel he is that incompetent then why not yourself take a stand and try to change the the selfish nature of millions.
Some of you are sad. As he gave us this bullshit “suggestion” to shut us up, he is deciding just how many young Americans to send to Afghanistan to die. Bush reversal my ass.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/19/BAO01A7S79.DTL&tsp=1
‘However, he added, “the policy has major loopholes that give prosecutors broad discretion to determine what they think is legal.”‘
How is everyone bashing obama?
This is a STEP in the right direction.
Do you know how difficult it would be for him to go from prohibition to legalization with just one move?
Geez guys, look at the bigger picture here.
Until theHinchey -Rohrabach er amendment passes or HR 2592 (medical marijuana bill by Barney Frank) makes it into law the see-saw will probably continue. Unfortunately many so called “representatives” are bought and paid for lackeys of special interests. My own rep (not much longer, I’m moving) Heath Shuler, does not support either, or for that matter Barney Frank’s HR 5843 which would remove federal penalties for small, personal amounts. This latter bill should be a no brainer, as about 98% of all cannabis busts are adjudicated on the STATE level and HR 5843 addresses FDERAL penalties!
Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chris-weigant/holders-baby-step-on-medi_b_326603.html
7.Titshot: Your name sucks, what an arse you are.
If your comment is truly sincere, truly , go to the colleges. I’ve been told by friends in NC that marijuana is the thing to have in college.
9.David: With you all the way. Sorry for the pain.
15.Drummer: Eventually is not good enough. What is good enough is “enough is enough” PERIOD.
17.Anita Riebesell: Far too many are living in the past, compliments of Congress.
The next “breaking news” we’ll see on pro marijuana web sites will be about dispensaries being raped and raided.
65.Luke: Exactly my sentiments.
73: See above about the next “breaking news” we’ll see on pro marijuana web sites will be ..
a big issues is the card system…I have a pretty awful neuro disorder that causes terrible pain, marijuana relieves it…and in california, EVERYONE has a card for the smallest of things…im not saying it shouldnt be legal, but to make it legit, they need to regulate it to those in severe pain, or qualify under the heavy nausea etc etc etc…to me, a knee ache doesnt cut it, I have knee pain from a broken knee, it doesnt touch my knee pain…it handles other types of problems…not something motrin can handle…if its severe thats different….its too weak…
I just wish the insurance would cover it…:( so expensive.
160. tigerlil: Obviously you are a young person, HE’s the frakking president making $400,000 a year, don’t care what he has on “his plate”. It’s 24/7, period.
167.R.O.E.: Exactly ….
#175: Hearing you man, …
Just wanted to chime in on this statement from post #6.
“We live in a society where, like it or not, a Democrat or a Republican IS going to win the presidential election…You can say, oh I’ll vote for a third party candidate, but you know at the end of the day that is throwing your vote away…”
See, as long as people think like this it will be like this. You know, if everyone who thought this on election day actually went through and voted for that 3rd party candidate, something magical might happen: he might actually win. The Secret is true, they just left out the part about actually having to do the action that accomponies your thought. Thoughts do create our reality but not without the action to bring them from our that elusive concept known as mind into the physical world.
Moral of the story: Don’t vote for Republicrats 🙂
Now we need to get a Nation wide Vote on haveing a equal Law for people that don’t use alcohol and tobacco !That pay tax’s!And the Hemp Law’s are also so Dam dumb ! 1 acer of Hemp is equal to 4 acers of wood’s to make paper and you can even make fule for big trucks,Can someone explain this to the people dishing out Millions to all the car compnays.There could be many jobs made to help or Grate Nation but it’s all about money !Oil cloth fule medcian and manny other things could help us get back on track yet a Handful of Company’s are doing there best to stop this ! Dont you all belive it’s time to tell the Goverment to WTF up ? Can’t even do it in your OWN home,What about the Consution were it say’s that we have the right to Enjoy Happness in OWR own homes without the Gov,Thug’s Putting people in jail for smoking a joint!This is Crazy as hell IMHO What is next ?Cant rely on the kids of today,if you are going to spank 1 of your kid’s they say I’ll call the Police,We need to get back to the OLD USA,Where the Gov,stay’s out of are lives ! This is why are Grate Nation is going to wind up being a Big-Brother country ,Yet we police all countrys that have the OIL and Good’s we want and need we can make it on are own and stop the War’s so-called to help them be free,it’s all Bullshit,Stop giveing out $$ and rebuilding other countrys we are at War with and spend the money helping are own people ! And Hemp is 1 of the way’s and also make pot legail ! And stop all the Mecxco Thugs from making millions of buck’s ! But don’t Tax Medcial Pot user’s ! Tax the Rec users,This would make Billions for are Country ! God Help the UAS ! We need it !
It’s time to write the President a thank you note. EVERY politician out there is watching to see where the public opinion lands on this one. Let them see that the public supports this move!
It takes two minutes; Here’s the address
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
#193 “Geez guys, look at the bigger picture here.”
Yes the bigger picture is that Obama has done NOTHING to stop the perpetual wars. He has increased the amount of young soldiers we have deployed and he has increased the pentagon budget. He has bailed out the rich elite at our expense. He has done NOTHING to improve transparency. He protects Bernanke and the federal reserve with all his might at all of our expense. He has used his lawyers to uphold Bush patriot act atrocities.
When you realize that the bigger picture is that democrats and republicans are exactly the same, THEN we can start the process of real change.
I will give obama props if he makes an honest attempt at marijuana reform even though I disagree with his other policies. BUT, a SUGGESTION is not enough for me to forget his war, his bailouts, and his fucking laughter at the idea of marijuana reform.
“How could you NOT VOTE for Barack Obama in 2012? ”
Sorry I have a conscious and I don’t vote for people who continue the perpetual war status quo Bush was so criticized for. Marijuana reform is very important to me, but a SUGGESTION is not enough for me to forget about the wars.
I know I am pulling another issue into a marijuana reform site… but is a suggestion seriously enough for you all to forget about everything, and vote for a man who mirrors Bush in all other ways?
This is personally to: Lea
Who commented on: October 20th, 2009 at 1:09 am
LEA, Is Sheila Better for you(I didn’t realize it would put Titshot). I am sorry my name pissed you off. It was given to me by a club I run with and the email site I used to respond to NORML was that account. I think you need to sit down and think about your comments and stop worrying about others (you have been pretty rude to a few people). Now, what does my name I used have to do with anything on this website?????? And for your concern, yes, I am sick with Hep C and obviously you have no idea what it feels like going through Chemo..God bless you Lea.
For anyone who wants to see what Lea felt the urge to say,,read her/his message below:
Lea
October 20th, 2009 at 1:09 am
7.Titshot: Your name sucks, what an arse you are.
If your comment is truly sincere, truly , go to the colleges. I’ve been told by friends in NC that marijuana is the thing to have in college.
The main problem in this world today is people like you who must say what they feel and assume they are correct at all of their comments. Everyone needs to stop running the world as government does (and you are doing the same damn thing Lea) and it needs to stop..we can do it ourselves. If anyone from HHH (a running club name for short) is involved in these comments, maybe let Lea know she is talking about a large family in the universe,,not just America. There is so much love in HHH and a name is,,just a name.
Once again Lea..God bless you..worry about yourself for that is needed.
Medical marijuana would suggest there is RESEARCH going on to advance our knowledge as a society about this miracle plant. Unfortunately, this “memo” does nothing to rid the government’s stranglehold on research in this nation. That is a shame, a sham, and should not be acceptable to anyone who is truly interested in cannabis as medicine.
<>
Voting for the candidate you WANT is NEVER “throwing your vote away”! The only reason more independents don’t win is because of defeatists like you not voting for them!!! You no longer have an excuse. Go on the internet and look up your candidates. Investigate them. If you feel like what they say and do fits you, VOTE FOR THEM!
Just remember that there was once a time when the “republicans” were a “third” party!
-Oz
The most racist relative I have smokes cannabis. He is a cancer survivor and it may be naive to think, but I wonder how he and many of his dixie-flag friends would feel about Obama if Obama went with outright decriminalization. Hopefully (now how naive am I?), one day I can ask him.
This is a definitive step forward. I hardly expected Obama to come out as a legalizer, and I never will. Unfortunately the reality of our legal and political system dictate that change can only happen at the slowest pace. At least it is happening.
I live in Rhode Island…..This is good news.Hope obam sticks to his word..an about time.
Is there any medical condition NOT avowed to be treatable by “medical marijuana”? Are there any “medical marijuana” dispensaries NOT charging black market prices for there drugs? Are there any dispensary clients who are NOT upper middle class pot smokers who never really had to be worried about being busted anyway?
Yes, the Obama is giving his Obamanistas a little shot in the arm, begging for a little momentum to a second term or, at this point, a vital first. NORML, we are supposed to thank him for this? And he won’t even offer a little encouragement to efforts for legalization? Not a chance.
[Editor’s note: “we are supposed to thank him for this?” Yes! You should…which has nothing to do whether you are a liberal or not, an Obama supporter or not–you should thank the President for recognizing medical cannabis’ utility, as well as largely following up on a campaign promise to dial back the federal govt’s medical cannabis enforcement.]
The only reason this is being done by the current administration is because the previous administrations have completely and totally fleeced this country, and now the ‘system’ is expecting to begin profiting from the sales of Cannabis to fill the financial vacuum.
Observe a meager glimpse of the state of current affairs, if you dare: billions of dollars we don’t have continue to be promised to foreign countries who do what our federal government wants them to do (at least on paper); banks suck the pennies from the pockets of their customers, receive ‘federal grants’ of taxpayer money -which they proceed to piss away in the form of benefits for their capitalist pig CEO’s after having pissed away all other forms of cash on bad investments- and continue to do business with just the slightest of viable power shifts.
Now thirty plus years of oppression by the government because everyone is afraid of the poisonous evil weed…only to have them flip flop at the first mention of billions of potential tax dollars being lost.
The taxes generated by the sale of cannabis will now be used to fluff up all the salaries of these bald white bastards, as well as perpetuate the ongoing slavery, murder, and polluting of every country our gun-loving government can get its filthy hooks on…which means now for the very first time, Cannabis sales in the U.S. will in fact be used to commit acts of rape, murder and gang violence around the world.
BULL. SHIT.
The right thing to do, but for the wrong reasons, and meant to benefit all the WRONG people.
Too bad Jimmy Carter didn’t get to pitch for legalization. Fuching nixon!!!!!
TO ALL ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES OF WE THE PEOPLE OF THE GENESIST FAITH.
Now that the government has set Federal Guidelines for medicinal cannabis…before the next election…you’re going to have to “RECKON” your position on medicinal cannabis prohibition. “HOW” are you going to do that when “EVERYONE…INCLUDING YOUR OWN”…knows your protagonist stance is riddled with absurdities, and the infamy of intolerance and authoritarian suppression of freedom in thought and word, not to mention judicial injustice, and religious intollerance. “HOW” am I going to put my faith and trust in one who has deceived me, and placed my well being in harms way. It’s utterly ludicrous to think that I would support the enemy, or surrender. We Genesists didn’t want to feel this way…but…you have left us…”NO CHOICE.” Because of that…and
…because for every action there is a n equal and opposite reaction or effect…you have forced us to leave you…”NO CHOICE.” We insist on your statement before you get our vote. “NO STATEMENT…NO VOTE.” Political correctness be damned. No more seven layer crap cake…just a simple “YES or NO.” Do you support medicinal cannabis…or not? “IT’S UP TO YOU.” When you honor the Constitution…so shall we. Until then, we of the Genesist Faith dissolve all political bands with prohibitionists…and…are ready, willing, and able to provide prohibitionists a “ONE WAY TICKET OUT OF TOWN”…so help us God. Don’t be foolish to consider this frivolous bluster or bantor. You can however regard this a “PROMISE.”
If your opponent is a prohibitionist as well…we simply won’t vote for either one of you, and your names will be marked “REJECTED.” That abstention will be a vote of non-confidence. We don’t cling to the notion that our vote means anyhting anyway. We are not spellbound by fantacy. We are Individualists…and
…we are brave in adversity. There’s a lot of spaces to check, or leave blank on the ballot. We will vote for the candidate, regardless of the party. We will “VOTE OUR CONSCIENCE.” We will determine “BY YOUR STATEMENT” whether you have a conscience, or not, so we can “VOTE ACCORDINGLY.”
You may think…if we have dissolved all political bands with prohibitionists…”why are we saying all of this?” We say this because…not everyone in office is a prohibitionist, and we belive in “FAIRNESS IN POLITICS,” and offer all candidates a last ditch opportunity to “WIN OUR VOTE BY MAKING THEIR STATEMENT.” There’s no more free ride to the power dome. You’re going to have to earn your seat. We Genesists are giving our vote and support to “PROPONENTS” of medicinal cannabis.
We praise Christians for Cannabis, and Law Enforcement Against Prophibition-LEAP. God bless them, and keep them safe and well. They’re in the frontline trenches and have the most to lose.
Manford Mantis
The power reside in the people to claim what is and was rightfully theirs in the first place. Congress never truly had the right to act against the people of America, Never was the safety, health or welfare of the Nation endanger and therefore Congress lack the right away to abrogate our inalienable rights secure with in the constitution. Here in lays the proof that we as people do have a constitutional right to use cannabis even though it is not named specifically in the constitution by name.
We the People of these United States is where Sovereignty resides, Sovereignty doesn’t belong to our employees – government. Sovereignty resides in the employers and only the employers.
The law of the land says; “ In the United States, Sovereignty resides in the people, who act through the organs established by the Constitution.” Chisholm v. Georgia, 2 Dall 419, 471; Penhallow v. Doane’s Administrators, 3 Dall 54, 93; McCullock v. Maryland, 4 Wheat 316, 404, 405; Yick Yo Hopkins, 118 U.S. 356, 370.
Organs established by the Constitution is where our protected sovereignty lays and only by our taking action can we use that sovereignty to pursue our liberty and happiness. So we as people must act in order to receive what is ours in the first place, we must assert our liberty. We can find our inalienable right to use cannabis in the United States Bill of Rights, in Bell v. Hood, 71 F. Supp., 813, 816 (1947) U.S.D.C. So. Dist. CA. The Court said; “ History is clear that the first ten amendments to the Constitution were adopted to secure certain common law rights of the people, against invasion by the Federal Government.” It is here that the Court recognizes that the people retain Certain Common law Rights, these rights are not for government to decided as to what they are, it is the people who decided what these certain common law rights are and is our sovereignty to do so in pursuit of our liberty and happiness. Therefore we have a constitutional right that lays with in what the Court calls, “certain common law rights.” It is further clear that these common law rights are referred to in Article IX, of the United States Constitution, “The enumeration (to count out) in the Constitution of certain rights shall not be construed (explain) to deny or disparage (lower in rank) others retained by the people.” This makes it clear that there are certain common law rights which the people own.
Our Constitution or original contract from us to our government clear states where the boundaries are and who the boundaries were meant to control. That these boundary limits were set by the founding father for good reason they were set to prevent any stealthy encroachment upon our liberties, pursuit of happiness, and among those certain common law rights.
The Court has stated that the U.S. Constitution is Paramount Law, that it is the Law of the Land and everyone is bound to it.
We can see that Congress must also follow the structure of our Constitution for in Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436, 491. The Court made the following statement, “Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule making or legislation which would abrogate them.” There is no Supreme Court case law or law of the land that changes this statement. This Court clearly tells the people of America that legislators and those who make the rules can not, I repeat, can not make any legislation or rules that abrogate our secured rights, even those described as Certain Common Law Rights in which our right to have and use cannabis arises. So you see We do have a Constitutional Right here and it has been unlawfully and without due process been abrogated.
The Court went further in South Carolina v. United States, 199 U.S. 437, 448 91905) when it said; “ The Constitution is a written instrument. As such, its meaning does not alter. That which it meant when it was adopted, it means now.” ‘…Every word appears to have been weighted with the utmost deliberation and its force and effect to have been fully understood.” Wright v. United States, 302 U.S. 583 (1938).
History has shown us that our government can and will act wayward and out side the will of the people. We know that Congress over steps it’s boundaries from time to time or Chief Justice Marshall would not have made the following statement in Marbury v. Madison, 5, U.S. 137, 174, 176, (1803). He said, “ All laws which are repugnant to the Constitution are null and void.” This would indicate that Congress at times violates the Constitution and when they do so those laws in conflict with the Constitution and the will of the people represented therein, those laws are null and void. And in Amos v. Mosley, 74 Fla. 555; 77 So. 619. (Congress) the Court stated, “ If the legislature clearly misinterprets a constitutional provision, the frequent repetition of the wrong will not create a right.” Even after all these years of fake due process, all the bullshit lies handed down, the great injustice upon our sub-culture and the total lack of equal protection of the law, We, the People still have the ability to fight in Court(s) for those “certain common law rights” which are open for us to define not the government (employees).
So you see folks just because the Court makes a claim that we do not have a constitutional right to have and use the cannabis plant and therefore have no constitutional argument I say we just haven’t presented our argument in a way that the Court can not ignore. We must ask the right question of constitutionally in the right Court excepted form to be heard. It is difficult to present the truth about the cannabis plant when some one has spent time wiping it clear from our historical records. But I a sure you the light is on and the lies are for once being seen as fake. The Constructive Fraud can hide no more.
It is great that the 14 states have come to the aid of the sick but I know and you folks know that medical cannabis respect is just one step in regaining what has been stolen from us by our wayward government. Above you can see just how far this wayward government has fallen from the Constitution and our liberties. You have been made aware of Jury Nullification and how a jury of our peers was designed to protect us from a wayward government as we have today. By planting your seeds in the enemy face we show them that whatever they do that is outside the will of the people will fail and that in the end the people’s will and it will be adhere to one way or the other. You would think that our fellow Americans would realize this simple truth.
It is late, and most likely because Americans that want the prohibition on cannabis stopped are the ones that voted him in, and his ratings are going down the toilet, but as a patient that lives in a non compassionate state and is drug tested for pain management this means very little to me, not until all Americans are set free would I consider supporting him for another 4 years, I don’t like to be lied to, and the pain isn’t going away, and the damage caused by the pharmaceuticals isn’t stopping and will not be reversed, so every day that I am with out safer more effective medicine is another day that I am looking for a better president a better congressperson etc. I don’t take it lightly the damage done by the pharmaceuticals nor do I take it lightly that at anytime the glaucoma will render me blind, and yet, I’ve watched him laugh about removing the prohibition, for as smart as he is, he sure hasn’t a clue about the demographics that voted him in. I do say thank you Mr. Obama for the sakes of millions of other patients but there are still millions left out in the cold and many of us can not afford to go through the court system when we get arrested for using a medicine that works, to save our eye sight or to have a few moments from suicidal pain with out being all drugged up or loosing a vital organ that our bodies needs, damaged by synthetic pharmaceuticals.
EVERY politician is watching to see how the People respond to this one.
Today is the day to drop a note to our Congressperson at http://www.house.gov/
and each of our two Senators at http://www.senate.gov/
But most importantly a note of APPRECIATION and SUPPORT to the first President to call off the prosecutors and allow a states-rights solution:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/
Carpe diem!
lets make it legal already! 1937 was the year hitler got his funding from bush’s grampa and the gov harriman of ny thru their banks in argentina and brazil. GM built opel’s machines. ibm had their own phoneline in auschwitz. wake up and smell the herbs!
Obama Administration gives go ahead to state medical marijuana laws
Contact: Carl Olsen, 515-343-9933
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 20, 2009
In a 3-page memo issued by the U.S. Department of Justice on October 19, the Obama Administration formally announced a new federal medical marijuana policy respecting states’ rights to exempt medical patients from the war on drugs. Thirteen states have already enacted laws protecting medical users of marijuana, and the next state may be Iowa.
To understand what is going on, one must understand that federal drug law is, and always has been, an unfunded mandate. Because state drug law makes the same activity illegal (possession of marijuana, for example), the unfunded part of the federal drug law is normally taken care of by the states.
When the states tinker with state drug law, such as legalizing the medical use of marijuana, this presents a dilemma for the federal government: (1) to step in and take up the slack; or (2) back off. The Obama Administration has chosen the later approach. Budget constraints explain why.
Federal drug law is actually a contract with the states. The contract requires party to do their part in upholding the contract. Because the states have the power to amend federal drug law through the Administrative Procedures Act, the states have failed to uphold their part of the contract. Of the 13 states that have legalized the medical use of marijuana, not one of them has asked the federal government to remove marijuana from its current classification as a substance with no accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
Thus, you see the dilemma for the federal government and the Obama Administration. Now, it’s time for the states to uphold their end of the bargain – by telling the federal government to reclassify marijuana. Iowa can do this. Let’s make it happen. Yes, President Obama did, and yes Iowa, we can.
1. are you happy ?? (medical use only, within extremely strict state laws only, 14 states only, nothing permanent, no law, no re-scheduling, no admission of proven and LONG-SUPPRESSED medical efficacy, only a suggestion) or
are you PISSED OFF ??
if you’re happy, he will leave you alone. (with nothing but a suggestion)
if you’re pissed off, he may have to ACTUALLY do SOMETHING for your vote.
2. there are MANY ways he could do it IMMEDIATELY; an executive order, based on nixon’s schaffer report, a signing statement, announce a “temporary moratorium, pending review”, then “stack” the review committee in our favor, apply the quality data act, cite “equal protection under the law” with alcohol and tobacco, WRITE A LAW, and give it a very popular name, then present it for a vote, (like bush did with pat.act), etc.
3. if he legalized now, MILLIONS OF JOBS !!
MILLIONS KEEP THEIR HOMES !!
result; MILLIONS OF VOTES !!
and a GUARANTEED RE-ELECTION.
SO THEN, WHY WOULDN’T HE DO IT ??
4. this is a subtle form of extortion; as soon as we vote someone else in, it goes back to the way it was; AUTOMATICALLY, therefore, we are FORCED to re-elect him, even if he does nothing else for us.
(his #1 opponent for 2012 was hillary, he threw her a bone, she took it, and she said recently she will not run again. this, AFTER declining to be his v.p. during the primaries)
5. re; go to schedule 2
what schedule is tobacco ??
what schedule is alcohol ??
that is where pot should be placed.
or higher.
6. re; post #6;
“like it or not, a Democrat or a Republican IS going to win the presidential election. You can say, oh I’ll vote for a third party candidate, but you know that is throwing your vote away.”
—MILLIONS OF DOLLARS have been spent by BOTH (major) PARTIES to BRAINWASH people into believing that DISGUSTING LIE.
WE ARE THE REAL “MORAL MAJORITY” now.
WE CAN ELECT WHOEVER WE WANT TO, THIS TIME !!
go GREEN or LIBERTARIAN !!
What ever!
jon ganj-ovi has a valid point. Unless we get this into law, it will be up to the will of the next president. The whole thing is explained by the U.S. Supreme Court in Gonzales v. Oregon, 546 U.S. 243 (2006). The state of Oregon enacted an assisted suicide law and U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno said it was okay. Then Bush got elected and Attorney General John Ashcroft said it was not okay. The Attorney General of Oregon sued Ashcroft and won. We need some state attorney generals right now to stand up for the voters and legislatures who enacted these medical marijuana laws. And, no, Schedule II says high potential for abuse and severe restrictions on use. I’m sorry, personal cultivation and distribution without profit with a doctor’s note is not a severe restriction and nobody is being injured. Marijuana does not fit in any of the five schedules of the Controlled Substances Act.
Use Jury Nullification and we don’t have to wait for the president or the congress to pull their head out of their ass and acknowledge this Constructive Fraud for what it is, a scam, a set of lies told for years, a foundation made in the sand.
It is true, the jobs would be many. We as American could produce more than just buds if our hands were freed. Hemp is a product the entire mid-west could grow, it could be used for all kinds of products and each of these products would create jobs. The land would benefit from having cannabis grown on it. The plant itself would strip polution from the air. It is sad that the president lacked the wisdom to see. Or perhaps he just lacks the backbone to do act on the people’s will and change the law with a stroke of his pen. Dam Shame, just dam shame.
“For the first time,” a tiny step in the right direction, even if it is just more smoke and mirrors. What we need is re-lgalization of cannabis for adults whereby the government can get its cut of the action. I suggest an annual personal use grow permit for one thousand dollars. It would authorize the bearer up to twelve sexually identifyable plants and six ounces maximum cultivation/possession at any one time for a full year. The only problem this would cause is a shortage of wheel barrels to transfer billions of dollars worth of permit fees from point of sale to public tax coffers. No, my suggestion is not perfect, but what the hell is?
So some Americans can have their medicine but the rest can’t? Is this a sample of the new health care bill?
SOME! Americans really got ripped on this one, it’s not good enough, what kind of policy is this?
We will let a few Americans have medicine but not the rest????? Is this what the health care bill is going to be like?
Freedoms cost cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
No one should have to apply for any kind of grow permit for anything. Ever.
By doing so you introduce yet another avenue that can be exploited by narrow minded law enforcement, and which once again allows the federal government to stick its nose into the private affairs of the people it was supposed to serve.
The more that opportunities to profit from Cannabis are introduced, the more greed and corruption will ensue, and the more likely this is all going to go down in flames very soon anyways when it gets regulated to death.
Instead of seeing the price drop, as should be expected, the cost will skyrocket.
The federal government deserves NO CUT of ANYTHING.
Remember?…these assholes are the reason why we are in the condition we are in now!
How many families torn apart?
How many lies, deceptions, exploitations of the legal system?
How many children taken from their homes?
How many FARMERS locked up so that RAPISTS and MURDERERS can get paroled early?
How many crimes of prejudice, racism?
How many voter decisions deliberately ignored, disregarded?
How many people shot to death for growing or consuming flowers?
how many political pundits made their careers on the pain and suffering of the average citizen?
how many homes, cars, assets, bank accounts seized and forfeited?
How many suicides resulting from the actions revolving around this so called drug war?
How many people blackballed, blackmailed, blacklisted?
HOW THE FUCK CAN ALL OF YOU SUDDENLY UP AND FORGET THE CRIMES THAT HAVE BEEN COMMITTED AGAINST US, IN OUR NAME??
All because they ‘might’ stop persecuting medical Cannabis users?
WHAT the FUCK.
Why in the hell would anyone think of rewarding them????
We should be filing lawsuit en masse against the federal government, for fifty years and trillions of dollars of damages, pain and suffering, not cutting them in for some profit.
The FEDERAL government should get not one penny.
THEY ARE THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM.
Eliminate the federal as a source of authority at the state level, and cut them off from any revenue that could be generated.
ALL revenues should remain in control of the state where they came from, not pooled in some federal account waiting to be misappropriated when no one is looking.
Without the additional funding (which it doesn’t need anyways) the federal government cannot fund its attacks here or abroad with money from Cannabis sales.
With a little luck that is a step in the right direction toward putting the government back in the little box it belongs in.
By the way…some of you inflated ego wannabe pundits really like to listen to yourselves type.
I mean REALLY like to listen to yourselves.
I say this because no one else appears very much interested in taking the time to read through your four or five page misspelled grammatical trainwreck of a diatribe.
I am not the only one who just gives up and skips over the massive politically-motivated run-on spewage, so be aware that your drawn out messages are possibly only reaching the person you most want to reach. Yourself.
[Russ responds. No. You are not the only one.]
I live in a place still firmly under draconian control. I have been a medically qualified ( by any current med states qualifications) user and I’m sick of fearing for my life, family, property, etc. I wept when I read this as it gives me hope that one day I can have the most effective medicine I’ve ever found for my condition without fear. The only reason a sensible person would vote against medical access is just plain ignorance in my opinion. All credible research shows the benefits FAR out weigh the risks and makes morphine look like a lethal injection. Please help spread the word so people like me can come out of hiding and begin to live full lives without fear! If my community even knew that I felt this way I would be jailed immediately (bogus charges are not beyond them). Thank you to all who have advanced the cause this far and never give up!
Correction to above comment
I have been a qualified medical user by any states standards that currently allow it, for more than 30 years.
RLD I with you there. I think Court is all that we have left. once that fails Well God help us history will be at our door and repeat will be the leason of the day. So Sad.
I too see the wayward government tryiong to gloss over the crime against the people that they have committed. I to will not surrender for just a little of what is our in the first place. I want the Constructive Fraud thrown into the light of day so the citizen population can see what is ahead.
Bottom line for me is that I am at my liberty and will remain there with or with out my governments endorsment. I am free and no longer caught up in the idea that I’m the criminal, I’m not.
“[Editor’s note: “we are supposed to thank him for this?” Yes! You should…which has nothing to do whether you are a liberal or not, an Obama supporter or not–you should thank the President for recognizing medical cannabis’ utility, as well as largely following up on a campaign promise to dial back the federal govt’s medical cannabis enforcement.]”
No NORML, see many of us here DON’T think this is the president recognizing medical cannabis’ utility. It is a “SUGGESTION”!! Words but no action. This is strictly a political move. When the next dispensary is raided, he can place the blame on local authorities and take the heat off of himself. Anything less than real reform is a SHAM. Reform does not exist without changing any laws. If we thank him, where is the incentive to provide real reform? All he cares about is re-election so he can make money off of all his lobbyists he SAYS he doesn’t get paid from, but in actuality is through loopholes. See a pattern here NORML? What he says vs. reality??
Once again this is where I absolutely disagree with NORML’s stagnant methodology. Half the people commenting here definitely do not want to thank him for his sham political move with no action…
[Editor’s note: Don’t pretend to speak for others….rather than be a shallow partisan…why not recognize the immense progress made: This time last year the executive branch did not recognize the utility of medical cannabis; Drug Czar Walters propagandized to the end that ‘that there is no such thing as medical marijuana’ and the feds regularly raided medical cannabis dispensaries in states like CA.
Today, the feds have largely stopped the raids; by allowing states to have both state compliant users and providers the executive branch de facto acknowledges medical cannabis’ utility (and safety); Obama (unlike Clinton and Bush) is allowing states like NM and RI to have state-sanctioned dispensaries and the TSA now allows medical patients flying out of airports like Portland (OR), Oakland, SF and LAX to possess their medical cannabis.
But you think Obama sucks and his actions are a sham….OK.]
“Editor’s note: Don’t pretend to speak for others…”
LoL.. I’m not. You moderate the comments. About half of the commenters are not impressed/convinced/etc etc. I am not the lone ranger here.
“rather than be a shallow partisan…”
Impossible. I do not believe there is any significant difference between the “two” political parties right now. But it is easy to paint anyone who does not agree with your guy (apparently?) as a partisan because it is a nastay word.
Where in Obama’s memo does it speak to the acceptance of medical marijuana utility??? It does not. It seems that prosecution is more of an annoyance. DON’T SPEAK FOR OTHERS NORML!! LoL.
“Obama (unlike Clinton and Bush) is allowing states like NM and RI to have state-sanctioned dispensaries ”
Again NORML.. he is SUGGESTING… not allowing. Actions speak louder than words. And unless the obama admin and congress start changing some laws, this can all be reversed when the next neo-con is elected.
I believe this is a half-assed gesture to get marijuana reformers off of his back while not making any significant reform.
HOPEFULLY I am proven wrong and hopefully in the near future you wont be blogging about the latest dispensary raid.
Ok, I was all fired up untill I read the memo…
“Nor does this guidance preclude investigation or prosecution, even when there is clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law, in particular circumstances where investigation or prosecution otherwise serves important federal interests.”
Serves important federal interests, so if the feds can make enough money to make it worth the bad press go for it… Well at least there talking about MJ but only because we keep talking about it. They still have done nothing for us. KEEP UP THE FIGHT!!!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29892857/
And then we all remember this day:
Obama joked at one point about the most popular question from his online audience — whether he favored legalizing marijuana and could that turn around the economy.
“I don’t know what this says about the online audience,” he said with a smile, adding that he opposed legalizing the illicit drug.
Please explain how we have a “medical” marijuana policy on a drug that has no medicinal applications.All the terms used to describe m/m patients,clinics,and treatments are in medical terms and treating health problems,just like medicine. And the federal government has recognized that marijuana is a medicine for treatment of nausea and glaucoma. And doctors in the states where they are allowed are using it as treatments for numerous health problems,too numerous too list here. But that is what the 30 million dollars from the pharmaceutical industry given too our elected legislators want,delay,delay,delay.
That is the 30 million they paid in the 2008 election funds,split equally between dems and reps,and I’d be willing to bet that the 2010 “donations’ will top the charts
because you know it cost them a ton of money to delay the Justice Dept for 8 months too write a 3 page memo. Congress has been writing a health reform bill for the whole nation,and have done it in half the time.
The clock is ticking,now lets see how long it takes them to even discuss rescheduling marijuana.
They may have gag rules in court,and I still don’t understand how that came about,as far as I know if a person takes the stand in his own defense he has a right to any defense he deems important enough to use,and freedom of speech is just as much your right in court as it is anywhere
else in the US,and should be more so when you are arguing for your freedom. They would damn sure have too gag me.
http://www.opensecrets.org/industries/indus.php?ind=H04
Above is link to election fund donations. While there,check your legislators and see if yours recieved donations from big pharm and you will know for sure if you need too replace them. Barney Frank and Ron Paul recieve $0 from them,while the two senators from my state receive hundred of thousands from big pharm,and both state they will not support medical marijuana or rescheduling it. We are working on replacing them both.
Ok thats great that it is slowly becoming legal for medical patients! How about we all start helping other countrys for example Australia prohibition is about to get worse with Western Australia’s Marijuana law getting tuffer how stupid is this one country is trying to make it legal and another country is trying to make it look evil! and make it even more illegal by brainwashing majority of the population to think that Marijuana is as bad as heroin serious that is how alot of people see it in other countrys wow the government wants to withold freedom and try to slowly sneek into peoples privacy by creating laws that allow No real privacy just fake privacy to give people a sense of well-being! Lets stop all Government Darkness! and free the people from slavery!
Oh yeah the doctors over here in Australia tried to tell me that i was allegric to Marijuana and that i have to stop smoking it or else i will become a zombie how farking dumb is that really gets me angry when lies make people gang up on individuals doing something that should be legal!
Fark the Government and its so called freedom to the people lets get rid of this slavery and open a new world order!
check out these websites friends!
http://www.nimbinmuseum.com
http://www.hempembassy.net
http://www.nimbinaustralia.com/aclrm
http://www.nimbin-marijuana-march.420-web-hosting.com/
RIGHT ON OUTLANDER WE WILL HELP YOU MATE!
AND MARC WE ARE TRYING! IT WILL HAPPEN!
I also believe small changes can turn to big changes but, he can change the law. It is called an EXECUTIVE ORDER he has signed enough of them already. He should make this new ruling natonwide and make it medically legal in all states. Not just the few that have it now.
Osama Obama is a talking head. all talk , no substance. I will believe him when I see cops becoming police and helping people instead of using the so called drug war,or war on americans to persecute and ruin peoples lives. The country is going belly up and we are worried about an herb? what kind of priorities does law enforcement have anyway? two wars and a collapsed economy and a failed drug war. this country is stupid!
anyone ever had a post taken down by norml? i can’t figure out why mine post is not up any longer???
It is not becoming slowly legal on the federal level though. It is still very much illegal. This did NOTHING to law. It is a suggestion AT BEST! Bait, hook, sink. Done.
So long as we have an ever expanding federal government, don’t expect state government to have any say. State government is becoming obsolete. Big federal brother knows best..
So as long as you keep on voting for federal imperialists who hate the constitution like McSame and Obomba, then don’t expect state laws to matter.
Again, actions speak louder than words. This “suggestion” is appeasing a lot of people while he is deciding how many of us to send off to Afghanistan to die needlessly. Obomba = Bush lite.
TWO STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIECTION
Ledership has taken the first prodigious step by issuing federal guidelines…an act that has been sorely needed for a very long time. To demopnstrate that Genesists “CAN AND WILL” put our trust in government’s word…we will in good faith…take the second step by praising and applauding any acts of support of medicinal cannabis government would offer.
As we are tempted to take a position about what is right, and what is wrong, we realize that there is an opposite, and equally valid posiiton. The world is not black and white. There is ultimately no where to stand, no side we can ultimately take, and not cut ourselves off from the truth. “THE TRUTH” is our biggest concern, perhaps our only concern.
The American Policy…including harm reduction, and the Data Quality Act were equally and recognizably the first giant steps towards a civilized society. They were accepted with great enthusiasm. The American Policy, and now the Federal Guidelines are a “SOLID FOUNDATION” for the adfvancement of humanity. However…the thorn that remains in government’s side is the Data Quality Act. It’s a beautiful rose bush with nasty thorns. It’s a sweet smelling blossom with sour flesh.
Genesists…more than anything, are “REALISTS.” We fully understand how impossible it would be to correct all the false and misleading information that has been disseminated, without having so much egg on government’s face. But…”IF” government wants the people to “ACCEPT ANYTHING IT HAS TO SAY”…it can start by leaving the truth up to science, and not political idiology and the news media. It can start by eliminating the statement that cannabis is a “DANGEROUS DRUG.” It can pay strict attention to the Data Quality Act, and “KNOCK IT OFF.” Cannabis is not a “DANGEROUS DRUG.” In fact…it is the most safe drug…more so than alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, even coffee. The entire world knows “THE TRUTH” about it’s so-called danger…so why insist that it is. This only causes distrust in government’s word, and draws attention to the violation of its own policies.
On the other hand, we praise and applaud the progressive act of Federal Guidelines. Keep up he good work. The more good work the government does, the more the people will appreciate its efforts. Insofaras the prohibitionists are concerned…they made their bed, and they can lie in it. This society will never sail into the future with prohibitionists at the helm. If it’s any consolation to government
…Genesists are not a bunch of hot heads and hooligans with a “STORM THE BASTILLE MENTALITY.” We are however, red blooded, law abiding Americans with a “DON’T TREAD ON ME ATTITUDE.”
Manford Mantis
I am shocked by the hate and negativity!
You guys DO realize that this is the BIGGEST STEP ANY PRESIDENT HAS EVER TAKEN in support of Marijuana legalization, right?
This is the first time any president has ever said anything positive about marijuana. The reaction here in Iowa from the media has been huge. I spoke to a group of doctors, nurses, and lawyers last night who wanted to discuss it. They said they would rather have it completely legalized like other herbs used for medical purposes. I told them that’s exactly what they should be thinking. Stop whining and stop expecting President Obama to wipe your ass.
I am not particularly impressed by this “verbal” promise. However, it is indeed a step forward and who knows maybe in a short time from now (hopefully in my lifetime) we will see this war reach its end.
And Order to be restored. We should be the ones running our lives not old white people that are too decrepit and feeble to stand up for our country the way it should be.
Quote: [Editor’s note: “we are supposed to thank him for this?” Yes! You should…which has nothing to do whether you are a liberal or not, an Obama supporter or not–you should thank the President for recognizing medical cannabis’ utility, as well as largely following up on a campaign promise to dial back the federal govt’s medical cannabis enforcement.]
Advancing the cause of “medical marijuana” is not progress. There is nothing to suggest that advancing the cause of “medical marijuana” will have anything whatsoever to do with freeing people from the petty, vicious grasp of law enforcement or the slimy grasp of dope dealers. Nothing. If anything, it is making the situation worse. Opiates are also dispensed as medicine and far more legitimately than cannabis too. The Drug War is the problem. “Medical marijuana” is not the solution. Even if we can just decriminalize cannabis, the “medical marijuana” dispensaries will dry up overnight. And meanwhile, there are efforts to legalize cannabis that deserve the support of anyone who wants to be respected for confronting the struggle to Reform Marijuana Laws.
[Editor’s note: ‘The Drug War is the problem. “Medical marijuana” is not the solution.’ Amen!]
Blessed ALL, so it is written from the MOST HIGH…
And GOD said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yeilding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. GENESIS 1:11
And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of air, and to every thing tat creepeth upon the earth, (wherein there is life), I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so GENESIS 1:30
Everyone simply needs to take 5 minutes and read the actual memorandum sent out to the 13 State Prosecuters where marijuana is legal in their state. It clearly states in its first paragraph that “congress has determined marijuana is a dangerous drug”. as long as the congress and other gullible parties beleive that “marijuana is a dangerous drug” you can guarantee more arrests and dispensory busts. Notice this memorandum is for State Prosecutors, eluding to the fact that they need guidance for their “further” arrests they may have to deal with. THIS NEEDS TO BE LAW OBAMA!!! Dont send recommendations, WRITE LAWS!!!
GOD AND HIS GIFT OF HOLY SACRAMENT
There are 3,141 counties in the United States. If there is “ONLY ONE(1)” person who believes in God and his gift of Manna as Holy Sacrament in each of these 3,141 counties, the Genesist Faith is represented by at least 3,141. Now!…take a wild guess and consider just how many other individuals in each of these counties believe this to be so.
If there are 3,141 counties in the U.S., there are 3,141 Genesist “COLONIES” in the U.S. Anyone who can snicker at that number has a reserved seat waiting for them at the psych hospital.
They all laughed at the nerve of the original thirteen
colonies. They all laughed at Christopher Columbus when he said the world was round. Prohibs…just keep laughing, and soon you will be overwhelmed by the single drop of water settling in a crack, and freezing.
“FRIENDS FIND EACH OTHER…AND…BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER.”
Manford Mantis
This is great! We’re finally making significant progress. With the Federal government approving medical cannabis, it’s only a matter of time before people start dismissing propaganda and more states join in. I can now believe that the day of legalization will come soon enough.
Don’t be hating on PRESIDENT Obama. Were in multiple wars, recession, and a job crisis. You should be glad he even paid attention to this. He said he would do this and he kept his word. What’d you expect him to legalize bud the first month in office? Anyone who does is delusional.
You have to give it up for Obama. Where is every other politician right now? Obama got the Power to make a move to legalization and he went for it. Granted, that it is not exactly what all of us smokers would like to hear, but he paved the way for activist all over American to give the DEA the last laugh.
Put that in your pipe and smoke it republicans
Let us not forget Obama laughing off our request to legalize marijuana during his first town hall meeting.
Your government has no intention of legalizing marijuana.
This step of suggesting that the Fed back off Medical Facilities is just a move to pacify the pot heads of America back into a controlled slumber.
There is far too much money being made by those who wage the war against marijuana. Entire task forces with families and bills to pay. Authorities who have their pockets filled by drug cartels. Federal Department heads with dollar signs in their eyes and greed in their hearts.
The war is not even close to ending.
They have only just begun to rid you of your right
to flex your free-will. Citizens have no free will.
They have Law, and they have Punishment.
Don’t let them blind you by acts of “kindness”.
I agree with about 85% of the post that I have read so far. I think this is a great start, and will help improve the chances to legalize Cannabis in the near future. Though I have many concerns, for one, it’s not a law (just a Memo) and so it holds no legal tenure. Second, It’s the FREAKING Government. Let’s break this down, Now Obama has said “this” and “that”, and has clearly voiced his opinions about Cannabis, but (here’s the but) in one interview I have seen on the Internet of him talking about the legalization of Pot, he was wishy-washy about the subject, never giving a clear stance in which he takes. If we all can remember to before he was elected in, He was very strong on decrimlizing pot for medical uses, and gave some evidence on why we must stop this costly war battling a plant that has many medical uses ( I know it does cause My buddy has MS and it helps him better then is 1800 dollar meds). The fact I’m really trying to make is that Obama and everyone else is Washington are Politico’s and they will say and do whatever they want to do, just to get elected. So with that being said, I’m happy this memo came out and has shed new light on the subject. But it’s going to take people (stoners) like me and you, and the 1 out of every 3 people who smoke or have tried it and believed that it has some medical use, to really get pot decrim. So stand up America, cause the politicans won’t.
Well, its a step in the right direction. I Hope they spend more time pursing illegal pot operation as they do the illegal oxy (what is it Ft Lauderdail that is giving away Oxycontin [opiates] to people via pain clinics effectively enslaving many through addiction.)operations in Florida. though many are probably happy that marijuana is becoming more readily available be wary to fall into addiction, as pot still undeniably has one.
I prefer marijuana to alcohol (as alcohol is more addictive, has stronger withdraw then heroin in some cases and is far more intoxicating/debilitating) it is still a drug and should not be used for recreation.
I am glad that people are actually acknowledging that drugs have there place, but my concern is, that it is in selfish interest that this is pursued( that people just want to smoke weed and do nothing rather then helping people that need the help.)
osama obama is a talking head who has accomplished nothing in his miniscule career. All talk and no go. I agree with some of the posts that said osama obama laughed at cannabis smokers and said smoking it was not a good idea. he is a socialist and does not want to legalize it. If he scoffs at public opinion he should shit and fall back in it.
Government run Medical Cannabis Despenceries are one of the keys to victory in rebuilding this devistating financial catastrophy they call a “recession”. There are millions of individuals suffering from illnesses that require the proper ailment specific treatment and these people have been around the Big Pharma block and are tired of all these beyond expensive and very dangerous meds. When Cannabis has no pemanent or dangerous side affects and certain strains of cannabis have been proven to be ailment specific. I’ve had the pleasure to meet a number of people that use cannabis medicinaly and they live happier and more productive lives than when Rx had them in their grasp! Free The Weed(^)(^)
WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?
This is the way I see it coming down, my prophecy, for what it’s worth.
FOR MEDICAL USE: Cannabis must be medically legal before the state will act. The State of Clifornia will authorize and license certified growers [for] the state, thereby controlling cultivation and packaging. Growers will be subject to a grower’s tax/tax stamps.
TRANSPORTATION: will be conducted by the state, employing authorized state licensed medical couriers, delivering diectly from the crowers to the state operated dispensaries, and would be subject to a transportation tax.
STATE OPERATED DISPENSARIES: will dispense to Qualified 11362.5 Patients “REGISTERED” with the county health department. The “REGISTERED” Qualified Patient will be subject to sales tax. The Qualified Patient will be subject to the laws of the State of California.
TAXATION: State operated dispensaries will be directly related to the Franchise Tax Board, and the Board of Equalization.
ENFORCEMENT: Each county health department will be empowered with enforcement through their enforcement division to guarantee the medicines “QUALITY FOR USE” within the county, and the “DISTRIBUTION” within the department.
This will all be controlled and operated by the county health departments, under the California Health and Human Services Department.
There ya have it! There ya go! That’s what it’s all about, at least the way I see it.
I agree with garden of eden. but no laws have been changed and until california goes under dont hold your breath. bankrupt states will be the cause of leglaization.
Just came across a great infographic that shows the History of Medical Marijunana Laws in the US – http://www.muffslap.com/medical-marijuana-laws-history/
good information Ryan and I believe the idea for a tax stamp came from gun control tactics. The government would rather have obedient soldiers than rebels as long as marijuana is a source of revenue they will be satisfied the question is which way is most lucrative policing or taxing. For sure the government will control and profit…
3141
“THERE ARE 3141 GENESIST COLONIES IN THE UNITED STATES.”
That number alone should capture the government’s attention. “IT’S EVERY COUNTY IN THE U.S.” These Genesist Colonies are filled with those who believe in “OUR CREATOR,” and the “GIFT” of Manna as Holy Sacrament…”GENESISTS.”
“HAVE YOU ARRIVED AT A NUMBER YET?”
To put some icing on the cake, we are world-wide. We are a body of mass distinction. “GENESISTS ARE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD.” We vote, we fight and die for our country, we pay taxes, and we teach our children how to be good Ameicans/citizens. Some of us become police officers, athletes, teachers, doctors, healers, lawyers, tradesmen, congressmen, and presidents (plural).
“INSOFARAS I CAN TELL!”
I could be indidvidualizing with a fellow Genesist…
“Right now.” I would be thankful for that. I would receive “EQUILIBRIUM OF THE SOUL.”
“And nothing be refused,
if received with
Thanksgiving.”
“INSOFARAS I CAN TELL!”
I could be individualizing with the holder of my “GOD GIVEN RIGHTS,” my “CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS,” and the “LAW.” You stand on a Genesist’s path of religious freedom, and rattle your sword. You prohibit our Faith, and the “FREE EXERCISE THEREOF.” You do this with a seemingly clear conscience, often times with vengance…circumventing “VENGANCE IS MINE SAYETH THE LORD” all together. But most of all, you do it with ignorance…either contrived or uninformed. You do it with no regard for the truth…derived from science or God’s word.
Genesists are not an invisible entity. We are of all monotheistic religions with a common Faith in “OUR CREATOR”…and…the “GIFT” of Manna as Holy Sacrament.
We are your next door neighbor, we are your friends and relatives, we are your doctor, your lawyer, your judge, we are the cop on the beat…but…we are Genesists.
“HAVE YOU ARRIVED AT A NUMBER YET?”
legalize cannabis and outlaw osama obama.
FROM THE GARDEN OF EDEN has this nailed. Thanks for a refreshing break from the whinning and complaining. Let’s get this done! Manna is the Holy Sacrament!
261 Carl Olsen
It’s done for me…it’s done for you…it’s done for anyone who has ever used God’s name in their post. There is 3141 counties in the U.S. I wonder how many constituents in each one of those counties, does it for them????????????????????????????????????????????
I believe that this is just a small step toward federal legalization. President Obama was elected in a time where the country is having a lot of issues. In my oppinion, for him to take something that’s not exactly a “top priority” is a wonder in itself. Being a medicinal cannabis patient myself, I’m glad to see anything regarding the forward advancement of the cause. If the president wants to rethink and revise the laws in our favor, that’s awesome, if things stay the way they are, then bummer, We’ll just have to keep trying. I hope that something good will come out of this. GO GREEN!
Well what most of you people seem to have not seen on other pages is that they are also urging Congress to pass House Bill 2835 which would make it a law. And the reason that Obama’s ratings are down has nothing to do with medical marijuana but his push for Health Care reform.
I say good job to Obama he is doing the best he can and you can bet your booty that he will have my vote for re-election in 2012 if he doesn’t royally screw something up… and if the world isn’t obviously going to end…lol
PLUR!!!
All the people who think this is too little too late are not grasping the reality of the situation. This is the most Obama can do. He dosen’t have a magic wand wankers. Changing the Law requires Congress to act and there is no political will to do that,(they don’t have the votes yet!). So instead of being pissed by the lack of progress you should take solice in this victory and hope that it leads to more meaningful change. I don’t have to tell you that Bush would never of done this so don’t kick a gift horse in the mouth. OBAMA 2012!!!
obama is a talking head. well he is supposed to call off the dogs in relation to states with legal cannabis. but in return we sacrafice our constitution and freedoms with a muslim in power. lets donate to MPP and NORML and kick some butt come election day. call and email our lazy politicians to make cannabis legal. Its a flowering herb not a drug.
im goin to compliment post number 15 with this truthful statement, the turtle not the hare won the race
change the law,dont relax it! legalize
Lots of people need medical marijuana. Obama should just legalize it and make it easier on everyone. However, I do think this act is a step in the right direction.
I do hope more states legalize marijuana and this becomes a nationwide law. It should be decriminalized and not be able to be changed back.
This is so much like alcohol not being legal and being changed.
If anything, alcohol is so much more worse for the country and our citizens.
These bars sending out impaired drivers onto the road at closing time is much worse than a medical dispensary.
This give’s our State ( Arizona ) a solid second oppinion to look over. We are hoping to get a measure on our Nov. 2nd ballot, to allow the use of Medical Marijuana in our State,for patients in need of this
medicine.
Obama is a common sense President. I am greatful to have him as our leader.
Sincerely,
Gena Hall
Interesting piece. Thanks for sharing. It might still be a while before marijuana laws begin to make sense, but it’s nice seeing thoughtful piece such as these put out there to increase awareness of the subject as a whole.
I think the government need too make more money. Im a smoker cigarettes, killing me with taxes and health care.Now they need a new direction, too make more money. But for the president to state he smoked marijuan
and he will acknowledge that we as parents need to talk to our children about another drug to be legal, because he talked to his girls.Whats next? Are we going to pull people over and charge them like a dui for being high?All for people sick with cancer, but it is being over abused on the medical side too.