Immediate action is needed in the following states:
Hawaii: Hawaii’s decade-plus medical marijuana law is under fire. The chairman of the Senate Health Committee, Sen. Josh Green (District 3, West Hawaii), is pushing for additional amendments to SB 1458 (which NORML already opposed) that would eliminate chronic pain, nausea, and Crohn’s disease as qualifying conditions under the state’s medical marijuana program. Lawmakers will decide on these draconian proposals this Thursday. Our allies at the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii are encouraging advocates to contact Sen. Green and urge him to withdraw his amendments. Please contact the Drug Policy Forum of Hawaii for further information on how you can take action to preserve Hawaii’s medical cannabis law.
Illinois: Members of the House of Representatives are anticipated to vote next week on House Bill 30, the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act. In the previous session, similar legislation was approved by the Senate but was narrowly defeated by the House. You can contact your member of the House regarding HB 30 via NORML’s ‘Take Action Center’ here. You can further support this effort by contacting Illinois NORML.
Montana: Montana’s patients are once again in legal jeopardy. House and Senate lawmakers this week approved Senate Bill 423, which seeks to severely curtail the number of state-authorized patients who have legal access to medical cannabis. According to a recent summary in The Billings Gazette: “The latest version of SB423 seeks to greatly limit the number of people licensed to use medical marijuana, now at 28,300, with backers hoping to bring that number fewer than 2,000. SB423 first would repeal the current law and shut down medical pot growing and dispensing operations on July 1.”
Our allies Patients and Families United have accurately labeled SB 423 “Repeal in Disguise.” It would “require the Board of Medical Examiners to review the practices of any physician who recommends marijuana for more than 15 patients in 12 months. Furthermore, the bill would require the physician to pay the cost of the board’s review.” Montana NORML has an action alert here urging the Gov. Brian Schweitzer to veto or amend SB 423 here. Montana activists may also wish to leave a message for the Governor urging him to stand up for Montana’s patients by rejecting SB 423. Call to leave your message here: 406-444-3111.
Pennsylvania: Legislation to allow for the physician supervised use of marijuana has been re-introduced in the Pennsylvania Senate. Senate Bill 1003 would allow state-authorized patients to possess and cultivate cannabis for therapeutic purposes. The measures also seek to allow for the state-licensed distribution and sale of medical marijuana by authorized ‘compassion centers.’ For more information, or to become involved in this campaign, please contact Philly NORML or Pennsylvanians for Medical Marijuana.
Washington: Lawmakers in both chambers have approved an amended version of Senate Bill 5073, which seeks to provide state licensing to medical marijuana producers and dispensaries in order to assure that qualified patients “will have access to an adequate, safe, consistent, and secure source of medical quality cannabis.” The proposed law does not amend patients’ existing rights to possess up to 24 ounces of marijuana for medical purposes and cultivate up to 15 cannabis plants. The measure now awaits action from Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has expressed concerns regarding the measure and has threatened to veto it. Washington advocates may contact the Governor’s office and leave her a message in support of this bill by calling 360-902-4111 or via email here. Additional information and up-to-date information regarding this measure is available from the Washington state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) here, or by contacting Washington NORML here or visiting them on Facebook here.
For a listing of all of the pending marijuana law reform proposals that NORML is tracking, please visit NORML’s ‘Take Action Center’ here. (For a map of pending legislation, please visit here.)
Paul,
There never seems to be an update on New Yorks legislation, why is this the case? So many other state appear more engadged for better or worse. Plus,the Norml chapter out this way has not updated their webpage in a dogs age……boring.
Donna
[Paul Armentano responds: Senate Leadership has not been supportive of recent legislation so it has not moved out of committee.]
lets go New york !!!!!
Washington’s bill takes away rights, not adds them. If you are not on their LIST you are not protected. Also you must give up your second amendment right to bear arms. Washington needs a better medical marijuana system. There are many problems with this bill and it will hurt the medical comunity, this bill is not the solution
[Paul Armentano responds: The registry is voluntary. Those who do not participate in the registry possess an affirmative defense, which is what all patients in Washington state possess now. Those who are signed up with the registry are exempt from arrest, which is an added level of legal protection than what they have now. See http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2011-12/Pdf/Amendments/House/5073-S2.E%20AMH%20ENGR%20H2509.E.pdf: “(a) Qualifying patients and designated providers complying with the terms of this act and registering with the department of health will no longer be subject to arrest or prosecution, other criminal sanctions, or civil consequences based solely on their medical use of cannabis.”]
Hey there, Pennsylvania! It’s money and jobs you didn’t have before. You have to balance your budget. You could save your public education and government services, plus make jobs instantly. Taxable jobs. Jobs that get people off the unemployment roles, and keep them out of prison. Really easy. You’ll probably have enough left over to clean up pollution from your Marcellus shale gas extraction since Pennsylvania is not taxing it, and not raising the sales or other taxes at all. Pennsylvania might as well let people who actually want to pay taxes on marijuana have their way. That is, unless Pennsylvania has found another group to use as a cash cow. Well, Harrisburg?
Any idea when we might see votes on decrim in VT, CT, and RI? Are they dead/alive?
[Paul Armentano responds: The decrim measures in CT and RI are pending and moving forward. Please see: http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/?style=D for details.]
“LET IT BE DONE!”
“If you don’t love America – you can kiss my ass.”
Nobody said you have to like the assholes running it. They ain’t nothin’ but a bunch of lizards. You just can’t blame “the country – the free ground you walk on” – because of government’s legion of idiots with their heads caught in their placentas. They’ve hung on to their bullshit too long – now their embarrassing themselves. The whole bunch of them have been on the take for a long time. It’s time to take the take away – pull their plug. It matters not what we replace the “prohibitionist” with, as long as the prohib is down the road, and long gone replaced. – without honor. They deserve no favorable recognition.
To our Montana Brethren,
What part of “NO” don’t these Montana legislators understand. How many times do you have to tell them “No.” They’re like little kids up “in your face” until you cave in. Well! this is all against the will of the people, and the sovereign laws of the state of Montana. They’re violating the laws they’re sworn to uphold. Here we go again – stay focused – keep the pressure on –
prepare for 2012 now.
Have a great CDXX Communion
All these appeals, problems………but, California keeps on trucking .Some people say we’re ahead of the times by 20 years . I’d say 100 years .
This is why it is so important for the states to push forward with marijuana decrim./regulation-so that NO patients are denied or harassed for the theraputic agent they seek. The marijuana plant itself is not a medicinal drug:rather it contains useful theraputic compounds. And until we free the plant from the politics; science will not be able to move forward to isolate these compounds and create the drugs that will literally help millions. After all-it’s not as if many of the drugs we take today are derived from plants: oh wait-they are.
I’ve given up on marijuana i don’t think it will ever be legal is anyone else starting to feel this way I’ve followed this site for 3 years and nothing in Ohio has changed =[
http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/akron_canton_news/one-arrested-in-marijuana-grow-bust-in-cuyahoga-falls
Ya I was just visiting California.. I now see why they struck down the ~potentially~ draconian “legalization” bill. Why risk a good thing? Say what you will about the medical marijuana group who lobbied for the bill to fail, but better them than the corporations and big-pharma.
JUST SO PROHIBS KNOW WHO THEY ARE UP AGAINST – THEN WILL YOU HEAR ME NOW?
Definition:
Genesist – One who believes in God and God’s Sacrament.
Tablua Rasa [Blank Slate].
As one starts to read the scriptures – “from the beginning” – and – “in context” – one realizes God the Source – or not. At this point – as one believes [in] God – one decides [to] believe God. If you can’t believe God, who can you believe? Resolved: to take God [at] his word – [as] it is written. It’s not a difficult concept to understand – it’s called trust and belief – or – faith. If ya got it, you got it – if ya ain’t got it, well???
Genesists place our trust in two incontrovertible facts, as distinguished beliefs, which we hold as our Faith. Other than these two distinguished beliefs, our brethren practice their individual chosen religion, denomination, or ism.
When we reach Genesis I:11,12 – we realize that God created his Sacrament for us. When we reach Genesis I:39,30,31 – we realize that God gave us our Sacrament. When we reach Genesis IX:3 we realize that God reaffirms his gift of Sacrament. In Ezekiel XXXIV:29,30,31 – God raises a “Plant of Renown” for us. In Exodus XXX:22-29 – God makes our Sacrament a Holy Anointing Oil [as was Jesus baptized with]. That’s not only God [at] his word – it’s enough biblical evidence to support my Faith – and – I have been baptized.
Declaration of Faith and Votary.
Where I was once blind, I now see. As I am free to declare – and do declare – “I declare myself a Genesist.” I declare that these words spoken by LGod are exactly [as] my scriptures are written, and they are exactly [what] I understand and believe them to mean. These words spoken by God are perfect and true, and are an article of faith. These words spoken by God are no less true, and every bit as powerful today, and for all tomorrows, [as] when God first spoke them. Genesists hold fast to God’s word, we live by God’s word, and are the personification of God’s word. God’s word is to inspire. God’s word is an eternal blessing. “God’s word abides forever.”
“And a voice from ‘within’ me came and I heard it. Thy words were received in CDXX Communion and I did eat them, and thy words unto me are a joy and rejoicing of my soul. I shall be diligent to thy word and never abandoned the truth of its matter or the importance of its subject. I shall be faithful to my divine being and true to my self.”
Declaration.
Be it known by all, that of this day of our Lord God, April 20, 2011 at 4:20 p.m., the Genesist Faith hereby declares a “Conscience Clause” that prohibits Genesists from obeying any law that denies us our Sacrament. “We claim religious use.” Our references are: The Holy Bible – Genesis I:1,29,30,31 – and – The Establishment Clause in the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.
I take every opportunity to inform perfect strangers of the BIG LIE of prohibition. SO SHOULD YOU ALL!!
part of the problem of the BIG LIE is that even those who are not brainwashed into beliving that cannabis is dangerous and should remain illegal, they are still brainwashed into believing that they should not talk about it, lest they “create problems for themselves”.
GROW SOME BALLS PEOPLE!!!
YOU ARE PREACHING TO THE CHOIR HERE!!!!!
I live in Michigan and am watching everything fall down around us. It is so sad. We have worked so hard at Michigan Medical Marijuana Evaluations we have not only worked with lobbists here but many groups like the Michigan Medical Marijuana Association. We all have to speak up. Raise money and protect the sick patients.
Let’s lance this boil. – it has come to a head and needs immediate surgery. Bring forth research as the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Let’s use the truth as an anti-septic to this terrible infection of prohibition. DEMAND THE TRUTH!
P.S. to 18
Personally – I’m going to stop arguing with prohibitionists, even at their lowest level- the citizen. I’m going to agree with prohibitionists – but – I’m going to insist that they join me in “finding the truth through research.” If they will do that [join me] we can move forward. If they can’t do that [join me]- then – they leave me no choice but to resist, at all costs, their imposition on my Constitution.
I got a reply from Sen. Josh Green from Hawaii. He said the bill was deferred – can anyone confirm that? (btw he seemed nice, gotta give credit where it is due)
21. Brett
Carlo Gambino said – “Would it surprise you to know that the Devil is a gentleman.” If Green is an advocate – yeah! give him credit – if not – he’s a silver tongued devil, and ain’t worth the time of day.
I understand that there definitely are silver tongued devils out there. But there are also people with good intentions and bad application. We need to remember that people are misinformed and brain washed, and that they don’t always have good ideas. When I mentioned legalization to him he replied “Maybe some day” instead of “that’s ridiculous”. If we demonize anyone who disagrees with us we will never get anyone to change their mind and work with us. I think it’s important to remain compassionate and understand where they are coming from.
23. Brett
“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
I don’t know of Green, nor his intentions. I admit – maybe I should have done a little checkin’ up on him before I shot my big fat mouth off. Hell! I might be happy to know him and be his friend – but – I’m in Vegas – and – in Vegas – “Money talks and bullshit walks.” Will he vote for legalization – or – not? That’s the “only” question that need be asked and answered. Frankly – we’re tired of pussy footin’ around. If you wait for tomorrow – tomorrow will never come [did he say “maybe some day”]. 74 years of somedays is “enough patience already” to endure and keep any measure of rational sense about you.” The MF’s are wrong and they know it – that’s why the aggressiveness – unless – their paving the way for pharmacy to control the substance of THC [which is a legal substance]. The “profit side” is about to lose many industries [cash cows presently in their control]- and – the religious zealots will loose the presence of temptation. “Temptation will be legal” – and – [at] the mercy of evil. Both profiteering and religion are fighting hard to win a war against God – and the prophets they believe in. Satin and his evil spirits wouldn’t miss the fight. Like Carlo said about being nice – “Would it surprise you to know that the Devil is a gentleman.” Perhaps you might consider that there’s more of us than there are of them. Timidity is no longer a required subject – and political correctness has only gotten us 74 years of some days. “Enough is enough already.” We’re fed up to our asses with this whole bullshit deal – and – we mandate that the complete scientific evidence, from all scientific sources, be laid on the table, to be presented to, and examined by, a candid and unobstructed [uncensored] audience. If they won’t give us that [then] we will give them this – “Take your little act down the road.”
Brett – We’re not talking about a misinformed, brainwashed [76%in favor good ideas] public – we’re talking about our “elected” representative – that BTW has had 74 years to decide which way to vote – and – is supposed to be defending our will – not caving in to Abusive Governmental Authority. I only got one question – When Green said “Maybe someday” did he have a hopeful tone in his words, or voice? Did he tell you that he was voting for legalization?
Brett – We’ve been patient, compassionate and understanding to a fault. Hell! Brett – this ain’t an argument – I understand your feelings completely – it’s just “Fuckin’ time” to do something – and – it ain’t gonna be more “some days.” Please understand – They have denied us our Faith and our Sacrament. It ain’t got nothing to do with anything but our freedom -and – they ain’t gonna get that while I’m still breathing.
See ya in Vegas.
I suggest we all go for a “RALLY DAY ON WASHINGTON D.C.”
We need a MASS CONVERGENCE ON WASHINGTON, D.C. to make our needs and concerns about PROHIBITION to be understood.
Even those who can’t afford to travel to D.C. should take busses or even hitch hike and even eat loafbread and water for a few days if necessary, just to be able to make the trip.
Nothing will ever be done if we keep waiting for tomorrow, cause tomorrow will never get here…So it all boils down to a simple question, which is….
“Are we going to keep waiting for the tomorrow that is 74 years overdue OR are we going to MASS CONVERGE on Washington. D.C. for a good cause?
How about Independence Day? The fourth of July, 2011?
I don’t know about you but I’m fed up with the government lies, greed and bullshit!!!
SPREAD THE WORD!!!!!!!!!!!
25. Bighare1
Are you sure you’re not a Genesist – because – you sure as hell think and talk like one. What colony [county and state] are you in?
Have a great CDXX Communion.
Manny
San Diego, Ca. Colony
(Prohibition a 100 year failure). WOW , how ignorantly goatheaded can a govt actually be. They can’t even come up with anything new. It would be better if we had chimps running the federal govt. Besides , bannanas would be cheaper and we could rely on them for getting it right. How could we get them to truly understand, or do they? How is it that their threats are so scarey? They can worry an individual , but as (WE THE PEOPLE) , i don’t think so. They can’t arrest the whole USA! In this perspective they are powerless.
Is the pain still mightier than the bullwhip ? or the sword mightier than the pin?
27. Bobby D. Denning says:
“How could we get them to truly understand?”
First – I don’t believe the DOJ is making idle threats anymore. I think they’re as serious as a heart attack. They have an agenda.
To answer your question – “Scientific Conclusion is the answer.” We should be piling up on their front porch demanding/mandating the presentation of Scientific Research. The truth is in the research. Everything else will fall into place – like water – it will find its own level.
Greed is like a weed, it will consume the feds even more. I choose WEED ! At least it won’t consume me, but only benefit me. Especially in more ways than they can imagine. This could be one of the problems these feds are having. It helps to know the animal we are hunting,does it not?
Brains and balls work best together, but only when the spine holds them both together!
There was once this person who was saturated in cancer. This person keeping to theirself the idea of suicide. So this person being denied cancer killing cannibis had but one way (not to kill thyself ) but to make a point. This person chose to have chemotherepy knowing that it to would kill the body as well instead of cannibis. At least with this cannibis it would have made the transformation from life to death easier(at least for this person.) The point being? Never give up. Who knows how many have crossed this path. The doctor had no idea (maybe). The feds do’which is wrong and for this and many more people they will answer for. As for this person they have done what was right in their eyes. The feds way is not the option we need.
This is when the story gets good,when the struggle,which once seemed interminable,turns to triumph. Change may be bitter , but triumph is too sweet to pass up! Keep token.
Kim Roach is money?? She??s helped me make a lot of it, too. There are so many great marketing gems in this blog post.