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Medical Marijuana
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Free Scholarship: NORML Seminar In Aspen For Marijuana Activists And Attorneys

Dear Friends, Colorado NORML is pleased to announce the second annual Hunter S. Thompson Scholarship to attend the 2009 NORML Aspen Legal Seminar! The NORML Legal Committee's Annual Aspen Conference (which is a continuing legal education seminar for practicing lawyers) is scheduled for June 4th and 5th, 2009, at The Gant. Colorado NORML, is presenting the scholarship, which covers three nights lodging and the conference registration fee, to an attorney or cannabis law reform activist who, by written submission, demonstrates 1) a desire to improve public advocacy and/or trial skills related to representing cannabis consumers in the courts (criminal, medical, and more), 2) a demonstrated need for financial assistance to attend this year's Aspen Legal Seminar. The value of the scholarship is approximately $1000.00. Some of the finest defense attorneys (and cannabis law reform activists) in the United States have been coming to NORML's Aspen seminar for many years to learn, enjoy the inspired environs of beautiful Aspen in early summer--and to do so at VERY reasonable rates. This year's seminar focuses on state and federal medical marijuana laws, and is a MUST educational opportunity for medical marijuana patients, providers, cultivators, as well as for criminal defense attorneys (and public defenders, who receive a discount to attend). Check out this year's informative and interesting schedule at: http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6823 The social events, including a great, private dinner catered by Cache Cache's Chris Lanter, are included with the scholarship. Criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, cannabis law reform activists, medical marijuana patients and their providers from the 13 states with medical cannabis laws are strongly encouraged to attend (HI, AK, WA, OR, CA, NV, NM, CO, MT, MI, RI, VT and ME). Submission for this year's Hunter Thompson Scholarship is by fax, mail or email. The scholarship is awarded by the CONORML board of directors, please direct your submissions 'Attn: Steve Wells' at: [email protected], (303) 725-0774 (f) by April 15, midnight Rocky Mountain High time--and we hope to announce the recipient of the scholarship on April 20th, 2009. Colorado NORML PO Box 492 Longmont, CO 80502 The submission word count rule will be strictly enforced. Submissions may be of any length... Good luck! Cannabem liberemus, -Allen St. Pierre Executive Director NORML Washington, D.C. [email protected]

Marijuana Policy Project Launches Nevada Chapter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
APRIL 7, 2009

Marijuana Policy Project Launches Nevada Chapter

CONTACT:  Neal Levine, director, Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada ............... 702-727-1081

LAS VEGAS -- The Marijuana Policy Project today announced the opening of an official Nevada state chapter, the Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada. Headquartered in Las Vegas, MPP-NV will work to educate Nevadans about the harm caused by marijuana prohibition, with the goal of ending marijuana prohibition in the state in the near future.

     MPP-NV is headed by Neal Levine, who managed the campaign for Question 7, the marijuana regulation initiative that received a record-setting 44 percent "yes" vote in November 2006.

     "MPP has been working to try and end marijuana prohibition in Nevada since 2001," Levine said. "After the enormous progress we made when Question 7 was narrowly defeated, we took a little time to retool and reassess our strategy in the state. MPP has made a long-term commitment to this community and this state. This is the beginning of the end for marijuana prohibition in Nevada.

     "We now arrest almost 20 people every day in this state for simply possessing marijuana," Levine continued. "We have always said this was a failed policy and an egregious waste of tax dollars and police resources. Now with our economy in the toilet and violence raging out of control on our southern border, it has never been more obvious that marijuana prohibition simply does not work. Marijuana is a safer substance than alcohol, and it's long past time we put it into a legally regulated, taxed and safe market. We feel it is irresponsible to do otherwise."

     With more than 26,000 members and 100,000 e-mail subscribers nationwide, the Marijuana Policy Project is the largest marijuana policy reform organization in the United States. MPP believes that the best way to minimize the harm associated with marijuana is to regulate marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol. The Marijuana Policy Project of Nevada is MPP's only statewide chapter in the country. For more information, please visit http://www.mppnv.org.

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Marijuana: Fueling Momentum

You Can Make a Difference

 

Dear Friends,

These are extraordinary times.

Marijuana policy reform is more possible now than it has ever been. That's why I hope you'll make a generous contribution of $60.00 or more to the Drug Policy Alliance Network today.

Even just a year ago, could you have imagined that we'd have a president who calls the war on drugs an "utter failure" and a secretary of state who admits U.S. culpability for the drug war violence in Mexico?

Or that a bill to make marijuana legal in California would gain mainstream support?

Our political and economic landscapes are undergoing seismic shifts, and the momentum for true marijuana policy reform is on our side.

Our community must take advantage of this opportunity now if we are to turn this new promise into the profound policy changes the American people need.

I hope you feel proud of what you've already helped accomplish in strategically reshaping the public debate over drug policy. When the controversy over Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps's marijuana use erupted, members of the drug policy reform community like you expressed outrage over the company's decision to drop Phelps. And Kellogg's public image took a huge hit.

We are deeply grateful for your past support of the Drug Policy Alliance Network and for all you've done to help us reach this pivotal moment.

I hope we can count on you to take your support to a new level as we take the fight to reform drug policy to new levels!

Thank you.

Sincerely,

 

 

Ethan Nadelmann
Executive Director
Drug Policy Alliance Network

P.S. Clearly, momentum is on our side. But momentum does not occur in a vacuum. We must create it, build on it, fuel it and increase it. Your support will make this possible. Please give generously today!

Press Release: MP Keith Martin Introduces bill to decriminalize marijuana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 1, 2009 CONTACT: Dr. Keith Martin at [email protected] or 613-996-2625. Liberal Health Promotion Critic Keith Martin Introduces Bill to Decriminalize Marijuana OTTAWA - Tomorrow, Liberal Health Promotion Critic MP for Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca, Dr. Keith Martin, will stand in the House to introduce a bill to decriminalize marijuana. "The "war on drugs" approach, characterized by zero tolerance, has been a complete failure. It has not reduced the rate of violent crime or drug use, nor has it saved money or lives. To realize meaningful change on our city streets, we must decriminalize the possession of small amounts of pot. This will cause drug abuse to be addressed in the public health system, rather than through the courts. It will sever the connection between organized crime and drug users. This bill is bad news for criminal gangs because it would collapse of the demand for drug products," said Dr. Martin. Dr. Martin has worked as a doctor in detox programs and has seen firsthand the effectiveness of harm reduction structures such as decriminalization and drug substitution programs. His Private Member's Bill would introduce fines for the possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana instead of criminal charges. Nationwide studies and House Committees have found that federal drug and crime policies are not working to reduce drug trafficking and they overwhelmingly point to this course of action. Drugs and drug trafficking would still be illegal, but drug users would be brought into the public health system instead of being tried in court and sent to jail, where users often come out dependant on more serious drugs. Additionally, the monies now allocated to law enforcement for possession of small amounts could be redirected to youth awareness programs and public policies that discourage drug use. "In the medical profession our first principle is 'do no harm'. We are actually doing terrible harm if we continue to address substance abuse uniquely as a criminal issue from the federal level. The blinders have to come off; we have to take a medical perspective if we are going to turn this thing around." Dr. Keith Martin is the Member of Parliament for Esquimalt - Juan de Fuca and the Health Promotion Critic for the Liberal Party. He is a physician who worked in detox, and alcohol and drug rehabilitation centers for 14 years. -XXX-

1 in 31 American adults are behind bars, on probation, or on parole

Dear Friends:

A record 7.3 million people — or one in every 31 American adults — were behind bars, on probation, or on parole at the start of last year, according to a new report from the Pew Center on the States' Public Safety Performance Project.

Of these 7.3 million people, an astounding 2.3 million are actually in prison or jail. That's 1 in every 99 adults.

The report also highlights how the U.S. criminal justice system inordinately penalizes people who are not white. Black adults are four times as likely as whites and nearly 2.5 times as likely as Hispanics to be under correctional control. While one in 30 men between the ages of 20 and 34 is behind bars, the figure is one in nine for black males in that age group.

Who are our nation's drug laws helping by locking up so many young black men — or by forcing so many people into the criminal justice system? True drug addicts? Nonviolent drug offenders? Their families?

If you're as outraged by these statistics as I am, please turn your anger into action by helping MPP restore some sense to our nation's laws by ending marijuana prohibition. With the help of our 26,000 dues-paying members, MPP has already achieved or funded significant progress — see www.mpp.org/history for some of our victories — but we need your help to continue making progress.

And if you have a few minutes, please watch this MPP documentary about the human costs of this war, told by those who have been caught in the crossfire. In just the time it takes you to watch the video, 28 more Americans will be arrested for marijuana.

Will you please join with MPP in working to end the persecution and destruction of people just like you? We can end our government's cruel war on its own citizens — but we must stand and fight.

Thank you,

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2009. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

Kellogg's is Ignoring You

You Can Make a Difference

 

 

Dear Friends,

The Kellogg's public image has taken a huge hit, after the company refused to renew Michael Phelps' contract because of his marijuana use. The advertising industry's own leading journal recently reported that Kellogg's treatment of Phelps was more damaging than the peanut recall.

This is your opportunity to let Kellogg's know they're behind the times and to demand a meeting.

They aren't listening to reason. Despite my repeated attempts to secure a meeting with Kellogg's staff and our partner organizations in drug policy reform, they won't even sit down to discuss the matter.

You and I both know that the tides of change are sweeping the country, and Americans by and large no longer support punishing people for what they put in their bodies. We simply can't afford it.

Together, we've swamped Kellogg's with emails and phone calls, and now we can demand they listen.

Sincerely,




Ethan Nadelmann
Executive Director
Drug Policy Alliance Network

Last chance for discounted tickets to MPP's party at the Playboy Mansion

Dear Friends:

If you've ever wanted to go to the Playboy Mansion, here's what could be a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

MPP will be holding a star-studded party at the Playboy Mansion in L.A. on June 4 — and we're offering you a final chance to buy discounted tickets at an early-bird rate of $700. That rate is only good for a few more ticket purchases — because once we've sold 100 tickets, the price for the next 100 tickets will increase to $800, and all tickets remaining after that will cost $900. So reserve now to lock in the lowest rate.

As a guest at the party, you'll be able to explore the Playboy Mansion's famous grounds. Playmates will give personal tours as you mingle with VIPs and enjoy fire performers by the pool area, waterfalls, and the legendary grotto.

You can see photos and video from last year's party here and here.

Be a part of MPP's biggest charity event and help us raise much-needed funds for our work: Please reserve your tickets today.

Thank you,
Kampia signature (e-mail sized)

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

MPP on MSNBC this Sunday

Dear Friends:

MPP's communications staffers have been busier than ever in the last few months, as media interest in marijuana policy continues to rise, and I want to tell you about a few upcoming and recent TV appearances that might interest you.

  • On Sunday night, I'll be appearing on an Al Roker special on marijuana, airing on MSNBC at 10 p.m. EST.
  • Medical marijuana will be part of the focus of John Stossel's ABC special that airs tonight. He'll be examining the case of Charles Lynch, the former operator of a medical marijuana dispensary — operating legally under California state law — who was raided by federal law enforcement officials and convicted on federal drug charges. A respected member of the community who operated with the support of local officials and the chamber of commerce, Lynch was known to refuse payment from patients who could not afford it. MPP provided research assistance for the show, which airs tonight on ABC at 10 p.m. EST.
  • On Wednesday night, MPP's Bruce Mirken appeared on "The Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC. You can watch his interview here.
  • And last, Bruce will also appearing later this month on D.L. Hughley's show on CNN (tentatively scheduled for March 28).

Meanwhile, thanks to the generous support of our 26,000 dues-paying members, MPP is moving a slate of bills forward in states across the country:

  • Minnesota's medical marijuana bill has a strong chance of passing into law this year. The Senate bill has already passed three committees, and the House bill now heads to what is expected to be its most difficult committee. We're in the final push now and hope to have exciting news to report from Minnesota within weeks.
  • In Illinois last week, for the first time ever, a House committee approved an effective medical marijuana bill, and the bill is now on the House floor, where the next step is a vote by the full chamber.
  • In Iowa, more than a dozen seriously ill patients and advocates and a doctor testified at a subcommittee hearing in favor of a medical marijuana bill, generating extensive news coverage. Although it is too late for the bill to receive a full committee vote, we'll continue to build support and momentum for next year.
  • In New Hampshire on Monday, a neurosurgeon, seven patients, MPP's grassroots organizer, and MPP's lobbyist testified in favor of a medical marijuana bill. The House health committee is scheduled to vote on the bill next Wednesday.
  • Rhode Island legislators, who in 2006 enacted MPP's model medical marijuana bill over the governor's veto, seem poised to improve access to medical marijuana. On March 4, doctors, patients, and representatives from the state medical society and nurses association testified in favor of allowing organized distribution through compassion centers. Not a single witness opposed the bills. Last year, the Senate passed a similar bill 30-6, and this year, 50 of the 75 House members are co-sponsoring the bill.
  • MPP has been featured in local, statewide, national, and even international news discussing the bill to tax and regulate marijuana in California. Whatever the bill's fate is this year, it has started a long overdue conversation about the wisdom of marijuana prohibition.

If you support what we're doing and want to see more of it, please help fund our efforts by making a donation to our work today.
 
Thank you,
Kampia signature (e-mail sized)

Rob Kampia
Executive Director
Marijuana Policy Project
Washington, D.C.

P.S. As I've mentioned in previous alerts, a major philanthropist has committed to match the first $2.35 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2009. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

Marijuana Momentum

  You Can Make a Difference


 

Dear Friends,

Thanks to you, we are gaining ground in the struggle against marijuana prohibition.  

President Obama's attorney general indicated last week that the U.S. Justice Department is going to stop wasting federal resources arresting medical marijuana patients and providers. No doubt all your phone calls and emails to the White House had a huge impact!

You can help keep up the momentum by paving the way for medical marijuana to be sold in your local pharmacy like any other medicine.

On their way out, Bush officials blocked an effort to get FDA-approved marijuana research underway. The Obama administration can overturn this decision and make it possible for the University of Massachusetts at Amherst to grow marijuana for medical research. But they must act soon.

You have a chance to make it happen today!

Your hard work is definitely making a difference, and the tide is turning in our favor: the Kellogg's brand is in decline, after they fired Michael Phelps; California is considering a bill to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana; and the New Jersey Senate recently voted to legalize marijuana for medical use (thanks again to everyone who donated to support our New Jersey efforts)!

Thank you for all your work,



Bill Piper
Director, Office of National Affairs
Drug Policy Alliance Network

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