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Press Release: Cincinnati Police's Regional Enforcement Narcotics Unit, (Renu) Warns Venue Renting To Marijuana Legalization Event

[Courtesy of HempRock Productions] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 2, 2008 CINCINNATI POLICE'S REGIONAL ENFORCEMENT NARCOTICS UNIT, (RENU) WARNS VENUE RENTING TO MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION EVENT! Organizers make it a Marijuana Smoke-Free Event! On Monday, RENU, called Riverfront West Sports Park, on the edge of Miamitown, to warn them that Saturday night, May 3rd, undercover cops and alcohol agents would be there for the HempRock Hempfest and if anyone is caught smoking marijuana, the State would revoke the ball field*s beer license. Alcohol license rules state that the license can be fined or revoked if illegal drug activity is found on the premises. HempRock's Hempfests, which are fundraisers that help finance the Global Marijuana Marches, have been held at Riverfront since 1995. They both question why now, after all these years, law enforcement is focusing on this event when there is so much crime out there to focus on. These types of actions are taking place around the Country to discourage venue owners from renting to groups for events that advocate legalizing cannabis. It*s an around about way of abridging freedom of speech and has been known to scare some property owners into canceling such events. That*s not happening in this case. The Hempfest is still scheduled and HempRock is asking that everyone come out and support the idea of ending the War on Marijuana and the people who choose to use it in spite of the situation. The event will be free of marijuana smoking to insure that the venue's beer license stays intact. Cincinnati Attorney Tim Smith will be on hand at the event to monitor the situation and to make sure no ones rights are violated. That night and at the Sunday event on Fountain Square, he will also be speaking about recent court rulings and the Cincinnati Marijuana Ordinance. For more information, please contact: Tim Smith, Attorney, 513-293-8666 or Lynne Wilson, Dir, HempRock Prods. 513-476-9283 Thanx & have A Hempy Day, Lynne Wilson, Dir. The Happy Hemptress HempRock Productions 513-68-4-HEMP vm 513-684-1086 fax www.hemprock.com

Student Cannabis YouTube Presentation

Recently OCNORML was contacted  by  two  students, Lindsay and Erica, and asked to participate in their senior class project.  We are excited to share the YouTube presentation that resulted.  Please be sure to give positive YouTube feedback to the work of Lindsay and Erica, and forward this email widely.  They did an excellent  job. 

Lindsay may be emailed at  [email protected]

part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ashAPL94QQ

part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvR2Kr5ucjk

For still photos of Orange County Norml March and April rally events:

April 08 rally photos 1    April 08 rally photos 2   March 08 photos

Next Rally May 24th – Join us  - at the Pier in Huntington Beach 1-5pm.

Press Release: New Hampshire Senate Stops Effort to Reduce Marijuana Penalties

 [Courtesy of NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
MAY 1, 2008

Senate Stops Effort to Reduce Marijuana Penalties
Reformers Concede Battle, Celebrate Progress

CONTACT: Matt Simon, NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy, (603) 391-7450

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — After being rejected by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 4-0 vote last Thursday, HB 1623 was defeated this afternoon in a voice vote by the full Senate. The bill, which would have reduced the penalty for possessing less than a quarter ounce of marijuana, had been marked for death since it received a rare veto threat from Governor Lynch following passage by the House.

    Matt Simon, executive director of the NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy, was not discouraged by the result. "A strong majority of voters now understand that our marijuana laws were written for the 1970's, and that they need to be updated for the 21st Century," he explained.  "Through this process, I think we have demonstrated that a reform of this nature is both wise and inevitable."

    Simon cited the 193-141 House vote as a turning point for marijuana reform in New Hampshire. "It's tough to raise this kind of issue in an election year," he said, "but given the results from our recent poll, we're confident that decision-makers will catch up with public opinion when the next opportunity arises."

    The poll of 625 registered voters conducted by telephone April 7 to 8 by Mason-Dixon Research for the Marijuana Policy Project and NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy found that New Hampshire voters support an even more ambitious penalty reduction by a 53 to 34 percent margin. A breakdown on the poll, which asked voters if they supported reducing the penalty for possessing up to a full ounce of marijuana to a violation punished by a $100 fine, is available at http://nhcommonsense.org/poll.

###

Cops up the Ante on Nimbin Mardi Grass

Media Release 28 April 2008

Cops up the Ante on Nimbin Mardi Grass

Police today informed the organisers of the Nimbin Mardi Grass that they will be making an application to close the Nimbin Museum and the Hemp Bar for 72 hours over Mardi Grass. 

"The police are using a piece of archaic legislation (Section 15C of the Restricted Premises Act 1943) to, in effect. close two of Nimbin's most significant tourist attractions during the busiest weekend of the year," said spokesperson for the Nimbin Mardi Grass Organising Group and Nimbin Museum, Michael Balderstone.

The application will go before a magistrate in the Lismore court on Friday morning.

Balderstone described the action as "antagonistic and provocative."

"The police keep assuring us they want a safe Mardi Grass," he said. "What's the closing of the Museum and the Hemp Bar during Mardi Grass got to do with safety?"  

"If one wanted a safe weekend in Nimbin, one would close the pub," he said.

"But it's another day in Nimbin and another day of Drug War harassment by the Lismore Area Command," said Balderstone.

"The public money being wasted by the local police trying to suppress Australia's second most popular tourism destination is as stupid as it is appalling," he said.

"Recent media debate about trial-ing some kind of legalised cannabis supply has clearly shown the north coast community of NSW, if not all of Australia, is ready for it," he said.

 

Further information

Michael Balderstone 02 6689 1848

Inspector Steve Clark 02 6626 0799

 

"Too many police and too little justice."

No More Marijuana Arrests


Drug Policy Alliance Action Alert

Dear Friends,

The first federal marijuana decriminalization bill in 25 years was just introduced in Congress. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) introduced H.R. 5843, the “Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008,” which would decriminalize possession of marijuana for personal use. Please urge your representative to support this important legislation. 

A deluge of messages from constituents will help members of Congress feel more confident in declaring their support for the bill. We don't expect the bill to become law just yet, but it will help us find out which members of Congress support marijuana decriminalization and which do not.  The more representatives who co-sponsor it, the more support we can show for marijuana law reform.

Take action now.

Last year alone the police made almost 830,000 arrests for marijuana law offenses in the United States. 89 percent of those arrests were for posssession for personal use. Those arrested were seperated from their families, branded criminals, and in many cases fired from their jobs and denied school loans and other public assistance. The arrests cost taxpayers billions of dollars and consumed an estimated 4.5 million law enforcment hours (that’s the equivalent of taking 112,500 law enforcement officers off the streets).

H.R. 5843 would make it legal under federal law for adults to possess up to 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of marijuana for personal use. It would also allow not-for-profit transfers of up to one ounce of marijuana between consenting adults. Please urge your member of Congress to support this bill.

Our executive director, Ethan Nadelmann, made a powerful case for ending marijuana prohibition in a 2004 cover story in National Review (PDF).

Sincerely,

Bill Piper
Director of National Affairs
Drug Policy Alliance

More Information

--In 1972 a special commission formed by Congress and President Richard Nixon concluded that punitive marijuana laws do more harm than good. Among other things, the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse urged states and the federal government to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Twelve states eventually did, but most states and the federal government ignored the report. You can read the National Commission’s 1972 report here.

--Since 1972 twelve states have decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use: Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, and Oregon. Decriminalization generally means people caught possessing marijuana for personal use are not subjected to imprisonment for at least their first offense, although they may be subject to a small fine.

--A 2001 Zogby poll found that 61 percent of Americans oppose arresting and jailing nonviolent marijuana smokers. A 2002 Time/CNN poll found that 72 percent of Americans think people arrested for marijuana possession should face fines and not jail time.

--A study that examined arrest statistics for smoking or possessing marijuana in public in New York City from 1980 through 2006 found that blacks were four times as likely as whites to receive jail time for possession of marijuana.  Hispanics were three times as likely. In 2002 about 2.4 percent of all marijuana users were arrested for marijuana possession. The arrest rate for blacks was 94 percent higher.

Press Release: NH Senate Judiciary Committee to Consider Marijuana Penalty Reforms Tuesday

[Courtesy of NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy] MEDIA ADVISORY: APRIL 21, 2008 NH Senate Judiciary Committee to Consider Marijuana Penalty Reforms Tuesday Bill Would Reduce Penalties for Possession of Small Quantities of Marijuana for Personal Use CONTACT: Matt Simon, NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy, (603) 391-7450 CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE — The New Hampshire Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday to consider a bill – already passed by the House – to reduce penalties for smalltime marijuana violations. HB 1623 would eliminate the possibility of jail time for possessing less than one-quarter of an ounce of marijuana, reducing the penalty to a maximum fine of $200. Current penalties for such a violation in New Hampshire include up to one year in jail and a maximum $2,000 fine, in addition to carrying a conviction that can bar people from opportunities including student financial aid, employment and housing assistance. The proposed change would reduce the conduct from a serious misdemeanor to a violation, which carries few collateral sanctions. - WHAT: Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on HB 1623 - WHO: House bill sponsor Rep. Andrew Edwards (D-Nashua), NH Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy's Matt Simon, and Cheshire County Dept. of Corrections Superintendent Richard Van Wickler are scheduled to testify. - WHEN: Tuesday, April 22, 3 p.m. - WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Concord The legislation received a boost recently with the release of a Mason-Dixon Polling & Research Inc., telephone survey of 625 registered New Hampshire voters showing that 53 percent of Granite Staters favor similar reform. In fact, the poll asked voters to consider an even higher threshold amount of one ounce of marijuana and a lower fine of $100. Only 34 percent of those polled opposed such reforms. The poll was conducted April 7 to 8 and commissioned by the Marijuana Policy Project in Washington, D.C., and the New Hampshire Coalition for Common Sense Marijuana Policy. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent. ####

Press Release: Trekt Uw Plant Tests the Belgian Law for the Second Time

[Courtesy of Trekt Uw Plant] PRESS RELEASE On Saturday May 3, 2008, from 14.00 onwards, on the Vrijdagmarkt in Antwerp, Belgium, the members of the association Trekt Uw Plant (Draw Up Your Plant) will put the seed of their private cannabis plant. According to a ministerial guideline issued by the Belgian state in January 2005 the possession, by an adult, of max. 3 grammes of cannabis and one plant is not persecuted. It can only lead to a simplified police record, but the cannabis will not be confiscated. This guideline has been issued after 8 years of parliamentary debates, working groups, decrees, a federal drug law and its revision by the Court of Arbitrage (Arbitragehof). The guideline is meant to create a situation in which the individual cannabis consumer (in Belgium there are approx. half a million of them) can provide him/herself in a safe and legal way with cannabis. Thus, he/she would no longer be dependent on the illegal trade in cannabis, with all the risks for public health and safety that this generates. In december 2006 Trekt Uw Plant established a collective plantation in which one plant per member would be grown. The implementation of this plan was then blocked by the Antwerp legal authorities, and the definitive verdict in this case has not been sentenced yet. Meanwhile, the local judge in Antwerp has confirmed that the right to associate is guaranteed by the Constitution and therefore, that the existence of Trekt Uw Plant as such is illegal by any means. On Saturday 3 May, there aill be manifestations in more than 220 cities in the world in favour of the legalisation of cannabis, the so-called Worldwide Marijuana March. Besides, on Monday 5 May it is new moon, which is a perfect day to put new seeds in the earth. Therefore, Trekt Uw Plant will use this opportunity to announce the start of the new growing season. From 14.00 onwards, an artistic and informative programme will unfold with the participation of several Antwerp musicians and poets. Some members of Trekt Uw Plant will each plant their own cannabis seed in a pot. These pots will not be put together in a plantation. Each of the members will keep his private pot with him, and take it home. From each private seed a private cannabis plant will grow. As tolerated by the Belgian law. We are curious to see how the Antwerp legal authorities will react this time. Will common sense gain, will it be accepted that growing cannabis for personal use is a way in which adult cannabis consumers, many of whom for medical reasons, can enjoy cannabis without becoming involved in crimes or antisocial behaviour? Or will the legal authorities strike again, arrest the organisers, search their houses, confiscate their computers and tap their mobile telephones etc?. Then it will be crystally clear that 8 years of research, debate and decision-making (paid by the tax payers) will have been of no value at all, and the ministerial guideline of January 2005 can be thrown in the dustbin. The legal authorities would make clear this way that it is themselves who increase the legal insecurity and disequality in Belgian society. Police commissioners of Brasschaat and Meulebeke declared on 11 august and 14 september 2007 in the Belgian press that they would respect the principle of growing cannabis for personal consumption. If the Antwerp authorities would not, the only ones that would profit from this are the illegal cannabis traders, who would have a serious competitor eliminated. We call on everybody who wishes to support our initiative to become a member of our association. From 3 May onwards the members receive a welcoming package with which they should in principle be able to grow an outside plant. On behalf of Trekt Uw Plant Kris Verdonck, Philippe Decraene and Joep Oomen Lange Lozanastraat 14 2018 Antwerp Belgium [email protected] Tel. +32 3 293 0886 / +32 495 122 644 (Joep) / +32 494 807 350 (Philippe) / +32 486 - 357595 (Kris)

Press Release: Congressman Frank Introduces Federal Marijuana Decriminalization Bill

[Courtesy of the Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy] For Immediate Release: April 17, 2008 Contact: Whitney A. Taylor, (617) 901-7765 Congressman Frank Introduces Federal Marijuana Decriminalization Bill CSMP Applauds Effort and Symmetry with Proposed Statewide Ballot Initiative Boston, April 17 — The Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy (CSMP) today applauded U.S. Rep. Barney Frank's (D-4th MA) introduction of federal marijuana decriminalization legislation that parallels CSMP's statewide effort to create sound marijuana policies. Last month Frank announced his intention to reform smalltime marijuana penalties – a position shared by the majority of Massachusetts voters – during an appearance on HBO’s "Real Time with Bill Maher." Following through with that commitment, today Frank introduced "The Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008" — which would change federal law to remove federal penalties for the personal possession of up to 100 grams and not-for-profit transfer of up to 28.3 grams of marijuana, and make public consumption of marijuana punishable by a $100 fine. "The Massachusetts Committee for Sensible Marijuana Policy is proud to be moving forward on the state level to create a sound marijuana policy while Congressman Frank tackles this issue in the nation’s capital," said Whitney A. Taylor, CSMP campaign manager. "The people of Massachusetts are ready for a proven, practical marijuana policy, which is reflected in the efforts of both Congressman Frank and CSMP." While not as far reaching as Frank's proposal to change federal law, CSMP's initiative will greatly reduce the human and financial costs of current laws by creating a civil penalty system for possession of up to 28 grams of marijuana. According to Harvard economist Dr. Jeff Miron, Massachusetts’ taxpayers spend $29.5 million a year just to arrest and book offenders who possess about 28 grams or less of marijuana. This arrest can result in up to six months in jail and a $500 fine, but more costly is the creation of a criminal record — or CORI — for these offenders. A CORI can essentially mean a lifetime of punishment, making an individual ineligible for student loans, creating barriers to employment, and banning smalltime marijuana violators from many housing opportunities, Taylor said. Last year, over 7,500 Bay Staters received a CORI and endless barriers to a successful life for personal possession of an ounce or less of marijuana. "This commonsense approach to marijuana possession will create huge savings, both human and financial," Taylor said. "Thousands of individuals will be able to move on to lead productive lives, while over $29 million a year can stay in local community coffers — it is a win-win for Massachusetts." ###

Press Release: Barney Frank Introduces Bold Reform of Federal Marijuana Laws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 17, 2008

Barney Frank Introduces Bold Reform of Federal Marijuana Laws
 MPP Praises Bill as "Major Step Toward Sanity"

CONTACT: Dan Bernath, MPP assistant director of communications, 202-462-5747 ext. 115

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials of the Marijuana Policy Project praised the "Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008," introduced today by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), as an important step toward bringing federal law into line with scientific fact, practical reality and public opinion.

    "Congressman Frank's bill represents a major step toward sanity in federal marijuana policy," said MPP director of government relations Aaron Houston. "The decades-long federal war on marijuana protects no one and in fact has ruined countless lives. Most Americans do not believe that simple possession of a small amount of marijuana should be a criminal matter, and it's time Congress listened to the voters."

    Frank's bill would remove federal criminal penalties for possession of up to 100 grams of marijuana and the not-for-profit transfer of up to one ounce (28.3 grams) of marijuana. It would not change marijuana's status as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act, and would not change federal laws prohibiting the cultivation of marijuana, sale of marijuana for profit, or import or export of marijuana. It also would not affect any state or local marijuana laws or regulations.

    An October 2005 Gallup poll found that 55 percent of voters believe "possession of small amounts of marijuana ... should not be treated as a criminal offense," while only 43 percent believed marijuana possession should be a criminal matter. Eleven states treat possession of a small amount of marijuana as a relatively minor offense – often a civil infraction rather than a criminal offense – that generally does not involve arrest and jail. In Alaska, possession of up to one ounce of marijuana in the home is legal, protected by the right to privacy guaranteed by the state constitution.

    "In fact, federal prosecution of individuals for possession of a small amount of marijuana is extremely rare," said Houston. "Congressman Frank's bill would bring federal law into line with this reality, as well as with the undisputable scientific fact that marijuana is far safer than legal drugs such as tobacco and alcohol."

    With more than 23,000 members and 180,000 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. For more information, please visit http://MarijuanaPolicy.org.

####

Bill introduced in Congress to decriminalize marijuana!

[Courtesy of Marijuana Policy Project] 

Today, a bill to eliminate all federal penalties for marijuana possession was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Would you please take one minute to ask your U.S. representative to support this bill? MPP’s easy online action system makes it simple — just enter your name and contact info and we'll do the rest.

"The Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults Act of 2008," introduced by Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), would eliminate the threat of arrest and prison for the possession of up to 3.5 ounces of marijuana and/or the not-for-profit transfer of up to one ounce of marijuana. It would not affect federal laws prohibiting selling marijuana for profit, importing and exporting marijuana, or cultivating marijuana.  It also would not affect any state or local laws and regulations.

Because almost all marijuana arrests are made by local and state police, the primary impact of this federal bill is twofold:  First, it would offer protection to people who are apprehended with marijuana in federal buildings or on federal land (such as national parks); and, second, the bill sends a message to state governments that the federal government is now open to the notion of states reducing their marijuana penalties, too.

This historic legislation comes 36 years after the National Commission on Marihuana and Drug Abuse made a similar recommendation to President Richard Nixon, suggesting that he decriminalize small amounts of marijuana.

MPP has worked closely with Congressman Frank’s staff over the last year, helping to craft the legislation and build political support for the proposal on Capitol Hill.

Now that the bill has been introduced, members of Congress need to hear from their constituents who want to see it passed. It takes only a minute or two to use MPP’s online action system to send a quick note to your member of the House.

Thanks so much for your help.

Sincerely,
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 $3.0 million that MPP can raise from the rest of the planet in 2008. This means that your donation today will be doubled.

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