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Changing Minds 2009
Changing Minds 2010
Director's Blog

Want to party at the Playboy Mansion?

Dear friends:

The Playboy Mansion is the stuff of legends — and by attending the Marijuana Policy Project's upcoming party there, you can be one of the few people in the world who have visited it.

But if you're planning to reserve tickets to the party, you should probably do so now — since the ticket price will increase soon.

Guests will be able to explore the Playboy Mansion's famous grounds. Playmates will give personal tours as partiers enjoy the pool area, with its lagoon-shaped swimming pool, waterfalls, and the legendary grotto.

        

This might be the perfect holiday present for someone on your list.

Keep in mind that this is an exclusive event with limited capacity, so if you want to attend, reserve your tickets now. You'll get a tax deduction, and all proceeds will benefit MPP's efforts to end marijuana prohibition in the U.S.

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.

CMMNJ Minutes & Senate Hearing News

Minutes from our Monthly Public Meeting, Lawrence Township Library, Tuesday, December 9, 2008; 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM and adjourned at 8:30 PM. The October 2008 minutes were approved. Ø The NJ State Senate Health Committee will hold hearings on the “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act” (S119) on Monday, 12/15/08 at 9:30 AM in the State House Annex. Let Ken know if you plan to attend/submit testimony. Ken to prepare Press Releases. Members may contact senate health committee members to show your support at: https://secure2.convio.net/dpa/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=264 Ø Michigan became the 13th medical marijuana state last month. CMMNJ issued a press release http://drugsense.org/temp/78oTtWM2Mcyv.html & published a letter-to-the-editor (LTE): http://drugsense.org/temp/d9s28IMQbWPM.html Ø CMMNJ sent NJEA the letter: “DARE propaganda about medical marijuana” http://drugsense.org/temp/d8UEdGVs4w1l.html A CMMNJ NJEA member also sent a similar letter. Ø Discussion re: how to most effectively use CMMNJ’s 1100 names of supporters of S119. Ø Update on NJ Crohn’s patient Mike Miceli who was arrested 9/4/08. Mike had major abdominal surgery since his arrest; CMMNJ sent a letter to the prosecutor at Mike’s request. Also, CMMNJ sent a letter to NJ Attorney General Anne Milgram on behalf of MS patient John Wilson who was arrested on 8/18/08 for medical marijuana “manufacture” in Somerset Co. Ø Donald Abrams, MD at San Francisco General Hospital is seeking patients who consume cannabis for a government-funded study. Please directly contact him at 415-476-9554 (x315). Ø Recommendations on medical marijuana for President-elect Obama from the ACLU & ASA are at: http://www.aclu.org/transition/#_Toc212436207 & http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=5612 CMMNJ’s recommendations are: 1. Reschedule marijuana to a more appropriate schedule. 2. Stop all federal harassment of medical marijuana patients and distributors. 3. Pass the New Jersey bill into law. Ø CMMNJ appeared at: The Ewing Twp., NJ “CommunityFest” on the campus of TCNJ on 10/25/08; and at the Fourth Annual Medical Marijuana Candlelight Vigil in Philadelphia at City Hall on 11/1/08. Ø CMMNJ has new photos, etc. on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=502598656 Ø Ken attended the SSDP conference 11/22-23/08 in College Park, MD on the campus of U. of MD Ø Treasury report: Checking account ($2167.92); Paypal account ($577.58). Fund raising? Ø Web site update: Gary updated web site (www.cmmnj.org) for 12 hours @ $15.00 per hour = $180.00. Ø Lawrence Twp. Library OK’d CMMNJ’s dates for 2009 meetings--the 2nd Tues. of each month. Next Meeting: January 13, 2009 at the Lawrence Twp. Library, from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM. All are welcome. Light refreshments are served. (Meeting at the library does not imply their endorsement of our issue.) For more information, please contact: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org 844 Spruce St., Trenton, NJ 08648 (609) 394-2137 [email protected]

Press Release: New Justice Department Report finds 1 in 31 Americans in Prison, Jail, on Parole or Probation

[Courtesy of Drug Policy Alliance] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 11, 2008 Contact: Tony Newman at 646-335-5384 or Bill Piper at 202-669-6430 New Justice Department Report: 1 in 31 Americans in Prison, Jail, on Parole or Probation More than Half of Federal Prisoners Incarcerated for Drug Law Offenses President-elect Obama, Vice President-elect Biden, and Secretary of State Nominee Clinton Favor Major Sentencing Reform A government report released today by the U.S. Justice Department found that 1 in 31 Americans were in prison or jail or on parole or probation last year. The U.S. has less than five percent of the world’s population but almost 25 percent of the world’s prison population, incarcerating more of its citizens per-capita than any other country in the world. The total incarcerated population of 2.3 million far exceeds China’s, which ranks second but whose overall population is four times that of the United States. More than 53 percent of federal prisoners are there for drug law violations. “Alcohol Prohibition was repealed 75 years ago because it wasted taxpayer money, increased violence, and fueled corruption; drug prohibition is doing all that and filling our prisons with hundreds of thousands of nonviolent offenders,” said Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. “Policymakers need to start treating drug use as a public health issue instead of a criminal justice issue.” A recent Justice Department report found that the number of people in federal prison for drug law offenses increased from 74,276 in 2000 to 95,446 in 2007. Nationally, an estimated 500,000 people are behind bars for a drug law violation. That is ten times the total in 1980, and more than all of western Europe (with a much larger population) incarcerates for all offenses. It costs billions of taxpayer dollars to incarcerate them, and many policymakers are supporting efforts to reduce drug sentences and divert nonviolent drug law offenders to treatment instead of incarceration to save money. Earlier this year, President-elect Barack Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, and Secretary of State nominee, Hillary Clinton, supported legislation in Congress to reform federal cocaine sentencing laws. Obama’s official web site states that “Obama and Biden believe the disparity between sentencing crack and powder-based cocaine is wrong and should be completely eliminated.” Under current federal law, crack cocaine offenders are punished 100 times more severely than powder cocaine offenders. “America desperately needs a coherent and compassionate national drug policy that reduces the problems associated with both drugs and drug prohibition,” Piper said. “Eliminating the crack/powder sentencing disparity is a great place for the Obama Administration to start.” ###

LEAP on the Hill: Stories from Week of December 12, 2008

Winter Marketing: During the winter I wear a windbreaker over my sport coat for two reasons; one, I can put it in my briefcase while I spend all day in Congress 2) on the back it says: THIS COP SAYS STOP THE DRUG WAR. (This slogan was the one I used just before inventing –COPS SAY LEGALIZE DRUGS - ask me why) I had just left the train at Union Station, when a gentleman tapped me on the shoulder. “I know who you are and have read your stuff on line. I really appreciate what you do and good luck,” he said. He shook my hand & took off into the crowd. Thanks Frosty for letting me do guest opeds in your place at www.freedomphoenix.com. Snake Oil is selling well: Meeting with 13 Senate staffers the last 3 days, I was struck at how both the Dems and Repubs nodded their heads (or other body language) at the LEAP message. Starting my third year last month, I am gratified that the (first year) regularly-occurring, antagonistic, at times nearly aggressive resistance to creating a post-prohibition world has become quite rare. At the legislative aide level the vast majority comprehends and agrees with the simple premise that America will enjoy a significant reduction in crime, violence and gangs, when we end prohibition. Now, if a few brave members of Congress will just drop the bill to end prohibition, the discussion can begin. How do you do it? I rode the same elevator to the Senate restaurant with a staffer that I presented to a year ago. He mentioned seeing me ‘all the time.’ He asked me how I could come back day after day and deliver the same presentation, knowing it might be years before an MOC (Member of Congress) writes a bill to end prohibition. “As a street cop, I wrote thousands and thousands of tickets for red light violation at one particularly deadly intersection. Eventually we stopped having fatals.” I replied. “This task is no different.” He shook his head as we parted ways.

Americans for Safe Access: December 2008 Activist Newsletter

ASA Sues Calif. DMV for Discriminating Against Patients

Medical Marijuana Patient with Clean Driving Record Has License Revoked

The loss of a medical marijuana patient's drivers' license has resulted in a lawsuit against California's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Americans for Safe Access filed the suit in Merced on behalf of Rose Johnson, a 53-year-old patient from Atwater, who had her license renewal denied in July solely because of her status as a medical marijuana patient. Despite a clean driving record and 37 years without an accident, Ms. Johnson was denied a license after DMV obtained her medical records, which revealed that her doctor had recommended cannabis as a treatment.

ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford

According to the DMV, Ms. Johnson's license was revoked "because of...[an] addiction to, or habitual use of, [a] drug," which they claim renders her unable to safely operate a motor vehicle. DMV provided no evidence in support of the decision.

"The DMV cannot simply disregard California's medical marijuana law," said ASA Chief Counsel Joe Elford, who is representing Ms. Johnson. "When the voters of California enacted the Compassionate Use Act, they never intended to authorize the DMV to strip medical marijuana patients of their drivers' licenses. The DMV should not be in the business of revoking the licenses of drivers like Ms. Johnson simply because she is a medical marijuana patient."

ASA has received widespread reports of the California DMV suspending or revoking the licenses of medical marijuana patients in at least eight counties -- Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Glenn, Merced, Placer, Sacramento, and Sonoma. DMV has stripped medical marijuana patients of their drivers' licenses by classifying them as habitual "drug abusers," despite California's legal protections for patients.

In 2007, Ms. Johnson's home county of Merced instituted a policy that instructs Sheriff Deputies to respect state law and not cite medical marijuana patients or seize their medicine.

"The DMV is not under a different set of requirements than local police in California," said Elford. "The failure to uphold California's medical marijuana law is entirely inappropriate for any local or state agency."

The lawsuit, part of a campaign by ASA to fully implement California's medical marijuana laws, is expected to be heard in Merced Superior Court in the next few months.

For more on ASA's court filing, see ASA's website.

 

 

 

New Administration a Chance for Change on Medical Marijuana

President-elect Promised New Federal Policy on State Programs

Americans for Safe Access, along with medical marijuana patients across the country, is celebrating the historic election of President-elect Barack Obama. His election has provided a sense of relief for individuals who use or provide cannabis in accordance with their state laws. Like all of his Democratic primary rivals, President-elect Obama repeatedly pledged to end federal raids against the individuals and collectives authorized by state law to use or provide medical cannabis. ASA's government affairs team in Washington, DC is working hard to ensure the President-elect honors his campaign promise to end federal interference with state medical marijuana programs.

Campaign pledges have been broken before. George W. Bush campaigned saying medical marijuana should be left to the states to decide. Yet the Bush Administration has only increased federal interference with state medical marijuana programs. It has dramatically increased paramilitary-style raids against patient collectives in California that are operating in compliance with state law and local regulation. In just the past few years, the federal government has brought charges against more than 100 individuals authorized by their state law to use or provide medical cannabis.

But it is not just patients the Bush Administration has targeted. They have also been waging a campaign of intimidation against property owners. Scores of landlords throughout California have received letters from the Department of Justice, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, that threaten asset forfeiture and federal prosecution if they continue to lease to medical cannabis collectives.

Caren Woodson, Director of Governmental Affairs Caren Woodson, Director of Governmental Affairs

In his victory speech, President-elect Obama told us that "victory alone is not the change we seek; it is only the chance for us to make that change." The transition to a new Presidential administration and a new Congress offers unique opportunities for implementing a more compassionate approach to medical marijuana. ASA's Government Affairs Office is working on Capitol Hill to advance ASA's National Policy Agenda. ASA is calling for a comprehensive federal policy that provides safe access to cannabis for individuals fighting HIV/AIDS, cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, and other serious diseases.

 

ASA's Capitol staff will be working overtime, along with much of Washington, D.C., as the new Administration takes over. But they are counting on change coming from the grassroots, too.

"We're counting on our members to support our efforts and reinforce our work in their communities," said Caren Woodson, ASA's Director of Governmental Affairs, who is leading the effort. "The opportunity for real change is here."

To help guide policy decisions in the new Administration and Congress, ASA has assembled a set of comprehensive recommendations. You can see them on ASA's website.

ASA has made its recommendations to President-elect Obama; you can share your own on his website, www.change.gov.

ASA Chapter Profile: Maryland

ASA chapters and affiliates are making tremendous strides to educate the public and to improve medical cannabis laws across the country. Some of the most exciting growth of ASA chapters and leaders is taking place in Maryland, right outside our nation's Capitol. Under the direction of Tony Bowles (Montgomery Co.), Jay Hartman (Prince George's Co.), and Tom Adkins (Eastern Shore), Maryland now has three active ASA chapters organizing citizens to fix the state's flawed medical cannabis law.

ASA Maryland's festival booth ASA Maryland's festival booth

Although Maryland passed a medical cannabis law in 2003, the state still criminalizes individuals who use or obtain cannabis as recommended by a licensed physician. Every year, Maryland wastes precious law enforcement resources arresting and prosecuting scores of individuals who legitimately use medical cannabis to control symptoms of a serious or chronic illness.

The core leadership of Maryland's three chapters meets regularly in person and by phone to plan projects and coordinate activities. The three chapters work together on all projects, sharing in the effort, and giving each chapter action more impact.

Since 2007, ASA chapters in MD have hosted numerous meetings, provided trainings and teach-ins across the state, organized art parties, and created a public presence by attending street festivals in Bethesda, Wheaton, Fell's Point, and outside the M&T Bank Stadium during the Baltimore Ravens' home games - all to spread awareness about medical cannabis and recruit new members.

All three chapters are focused on building their membership base. They regularly send volunteers out to communities throughout the state to canvass and petition, meeting hundreds of medical cannabis patients and supporters who are ready for change.

The chapters worked with the Drug Policy Alliance to promote the Maryland Patients for Access campaign, designed to build grassroots support and identify potential leadership for upcoming reform efforts. In addition to public awareness sessions, the ASA chapters host spokesperson and media trainings, making Marylanders better informed about the challenges that patients face and helping patients navigate law enforcement encounters.

The chapters are educating both state and federal lawmakers by getting everyday citizens to stand up for medical cannabis. They are recruiting constituents for meetings with state legislators, providing them with information, prepping them for the meeting, and organizing carpools to get there.

The Maryland ASA chapters are successful examples of how activists can work together to start new chapters in their region, build strong lists by gathering contacts and letting the public know they exist, and coordinate campaigns with each other and ASA's national offices.

For more information on Maryland ASA, contact Tony Bowles [email protected] or Jay Hartman [email protected].

The Sentencing Project: Disenfranchisement News/Updates 12/11/08

Pennsylvania: Public Service Versus Political Message Debate Taken to Court The Pittsburgh League of Young Voters and the American Civil Liberties Union were scheduled to appear in court this week after having sued the Port Authority of Allegheny County, which refused to run a 2006 ad educating formerly incarcerated individuals on their voting rights. ACLU attorney Witold "Vic" Walczak told the Pittsburgh Tribune- Review, "While we understand that people may view some of the ACLU's work as controversial, we never expected that to be the case when it comes to informing people about their rights, especially as it relates to voting," said. The Port Authority stated that the ad violates the agency's political message policy. The ACLU, however, said the ad is a public service and does not promote for whom to vote. National: Re-enfranchisement is "The Right Thing to Do" An editorial by John Timoney, Miami police chief and president of the Police Executive Research Forum, was published in the organization's November newsletter, Subject to Debate on the new administration's response to both disenfranchisement and crack cocaine reform. He wrote: "I just sincerely believe that this is the right thing to do. I don't think we should give criminals an excuse for not reforming themselves because they are bitter about having had one of their most important rights-the right to vote- taken away. I think it is better to remove any obstacles that stand in the way of offenders resuming a full, healthy, productive life. Some say offenders on parole should not be allowed to vote, because the term of parole is part of their sentence. But my sense is, once you've cleared the four walls of the jail, your right to vote should be restored." Virginia: Hypocritical Laws, Policies A Virginia resident wrote a letter to the Free-lance Star stating his opinion on the recent conviction of Alaska Senator Ted Stevens. "How is it that a convicted felon in this country must forfeit his right to vote, yet a convicted felon may hold public office and introduce legislation, such as the law that says felons may not vote," wrote Fredericksburg resident Peter Mealy. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information -- e-mail: [email protected], web: http://www.sentencingproject.org

IDPC Alert - December 2008

The International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) is a global network of NGOs and professional networks that specialise in issues related to illegal drug production and use. The Consortium aims to promote objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of drug policies at national and international level, and supports evidence-based policies that are effective in reducing drug-related harm. It disseminates the reports of its member organisations about particular drug-related matters, and offers expert consultancy services to policymakers and officials around the world. 1. New IDPC Coordinator Initiates Governance Review Ann Fordham has now joined the IDPC as full-time Coordinator. Her initial priority will be to review the Consortium’s governance structure and membership criteria in consultation with members. Attached is a consultation paper which includes two proposals. The first proposal is a revised membership structure with new criteria for the Consortium. The second proposal covers the setting up of a steering group for the Consortium. Please send all comments on the paper to Ann ( [email protected] ) by no later than Monday 15th December 2008. http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/IDPC_GovConPaper_Nov08_EN.pdf PUBLICATIONS 2. UNGASS News Version 5 The second negotiating meeting to debate the political declaration to be presented at the High Level Meeting (scheduled for March 2009) took place last week (24/25/26 November). The fifth of the IDPC’s regular "UNGASS News" updates, keeping the network up to speed with developments in the UN drug policy review process is now available, and includes a report of this meeting. http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/IDPC_UNGASSNEWS5_Nov08_EN.pdf http://www.ungassondrugs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=223&Itemid=82 3. Druglink International Drugscope has now produced the second pilot issue of Druglink International and all IDPC member organisations have been sent 10 copies. There are more copies available, but postage may have to be charged. Alternatively Drugscope can send a pdf of the issue which you can distribute to your contacts. For more information please email [email protected] 4. Book of Legal Authorities for UNGASS Many of the debates in Vienna revolve around the consistency of CND policies and decisions with existing UN conventions, declarations and mandates. This resource book gives easy access to the relevant texts, and explains how they can be used to improve the outcome of the review. This resource will serve as useful background material for those involved in the Vienna negotiations, but can also be used by NGOs and governments as general reference material. This version will be updated in the coming weeks, so if you have any suggested additions, please pass them to Rebecca Schleifer – [email protected] http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/HRW_Authorities_Oct08_EN.pdf 5. Report of the Expert Meeting on Drug Policy at the European Parliament On 16th October 2008 Members of the European Parliament and national Parliamentarians met through an initiative of the Transnational Institute and the Andreas Papandreou Foundation at the European Parliament in Brussels to discuss the ongoing review of the goals and targets adopted at the United Nations General Assembly’s Special Session on Drugs in 1998. The meeting aimed to increase the involvement of Parliamentarians in the decision making process occurring in advance of the 52nd Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs in March 2009. For the full report of this meeting and further details please see the attached documents Letter: http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/APFTNI_OpenLettertoEU_Oct08_EN.pdf Report: http://www.idpc.info/php-bin/documents/APFTNI_Report_Oct08_EN.pdf

OH_MMJ_NEWS: Ohio Patient Network News - November 2008

1) Ohio Medical Marijuana Hearing 2) Annual Meeting & Board Election 3) Write a letter to your State Representative Supporting Medical Marijuana 4) Ohio Medical Compassion Act Summary 5) Ohio Medical Marijuana Posters & Road Signs 6) Support Ohio Medical Marijuana Patients 7) Letter to the editor from OPN/OPAN President 8) Help Wanted Webmaster =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 1) Ohio Medical Marijuana Hearing Report - November 19, 2008 On 11/19/08 the Ohio Medical Compassion Act SB343 was heard in the Ohio State Senate Judicary Committee. Ohio Patient's arranged for Doctor Richard Wyderski MD (Dayton,Ohio) and Mary Lynn Mathre RN from the Patients out of time to provide expert testimony in support of SB 343. The reaction of the panel was encouraging, very encouraging. Doctor Wyderski gave surprisingly good testimony and was able to connect with the panel. Mary Lynn Mathre answered some very interesting questions from the panel about the Federal Government supplying marijuana and even an unrelated hemp question which chairman Grendell weighed in on with his own knowledge of hemp from his days in the Navy. Please see the TV news story on the following link with Senator Tom Roberts and Tonya Davis. Davis was a key person in getting State Senator Tom Roberts to introduce SB343.. http://www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/news.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-11-19-0019.html On the radio dial Ohio's WCRN 90.3FM, Columbus's NPR affiliate, Bill Cohen reported with a surprising clip of Law and Order Republican Senator Seitz supporting the bill. http://www.wcpn.org/index.php/WCPN/news/15365/ Also the Legislative Gongwer Report November 19, 2008 on the Medical Marijuana Hearing had the following report. === Sen. Roberts said in sponsor testimony the "Ohio Medical Compassion Act" would allow for the medicinal use of cannabis by qualified patients through a regulated system. He said research has discovered beneficial uses for marijuana in treating pain, nausea, and other symptoms associated with a variety of debilitating conditions. The bill provides for issuing registry identification cards to qualified patients. Those with cards would not be subject to arrest or prosecution in any manner for medical use of marijuana. "Law enforcement will be required to verify whether a person is a registered patient before any arrest, raid or other action is initiated," he said. Sen. Roberts said the legislation is critical because of a lack of alternatives that are available to patients. "They should not be forced to choose between living a normal life and living in pain," he said. Sen. Seitz said he was concerned that Ohio patients still could be prosecuted under federal marijuana laws. Sen. Roberts said federal intervention over medical marijuana has occurred only in California, and that was because the state law allowed storefront purchases. Richard Wyderski, MD, said marijuana has been used for centuries as a medicinal plant. "For decades the medicinal use of marijuana has been politically demonized as a substance without benefit that confers significant harm despite a growing body of scientific evidence to the contrary," he said. Dr. Wyderski said the bill would allow patients to grow their own plants, preventing them from buying marijuana that may contain dangerous addictive substances. "(The) scientific evidence is strongly in favor of the medicinal use of marijuana and such use has been endorsed by a number of professional medical organizations," he said. Mary Lynn Mathre, a registered nurse who co-founded a non-profit that supports use of medical marijuana, said 14 states already have such laws. The latest was enacted in the Nov. 4 election with 63% approval of an initiative in Michigan. Ms. Mathre said that while cannabis is not a cure all, there is no doubt about its efficacy as medicine. "The Ohio Medical Compassion Act will be a first step in helping patients gain much needed relief from suffering by allowing them legal access to a remarkably safe medicine and opening up the dialogue and ongoing medical evaluation with their primary care provider," she said. The news stories above are all very encouraging, now we need you to follow up and contact your state representative and let them know to support medical marijuana here in Ohio. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 2) Annual Meeting & Board Election Every year the Ohio Patient Network organizations, OPN & OPAN holds their annual meeting in the fall. This years meeting was held on Saturday, November 15th 2008 in Columbus. At the Annual Meeting the Senate judicial hearing was discussed,plans for more public support and the election of officers for 2008-2009. Please see the article for more information on the hearing and the above article on posters and signs that you can download and make your area more aware of medical marijuana here in Ohio. The newly elected board members for OPN, the 501-C3 arm of Ohio Patients, are John Precup (Vice President), James Cowen (Treasurer), and Dawn Dunlap (Secretary). The newly elected board members for OPAN, the 501-C4 arm of Ohio Patients are Jayson Jones (Vice President), Eleanor Ahrens (Treasurer), Cher Neufer (Secretary), and Dennis Day (Legal Advisor). Robert Ryan was elected to President of both organizations. Please support OPN and these volunteers in making medical marijuana a reality here in Ohio. Contact us via 888-647-2843 or [email protected] if you want to get involved.

Medical Marijuana Comedy Show ExtravaGANJA

It’s another Medical Marijuana Comedy Show ExtravaGANJA !! Global Comedy Superstar Russell Peters will be headlining this event. LOS ANGELES, CA – Remember this date!! Sunday, December 14, 2008. You really want to be in the Main Room at the world famous Comedy Store in Hollywood, 8433 Sunset Blvd., 90069. No kidding! This show, to benefit Marijuana Policy Project (mpp.org) and Americans for Safe Access (safeaccessnow.org), will feature the comedic talents of Russell Peters (RussellPeters.com), Jason Rouse (JasonRouse.com) and some very special guests. Opening the show is Mark ‘BigToeRocks.com’ Goffeney. Don’t miss this Emmy nominated, unique and wonderful talent. Show time is 9:00 pm. Doors open at 8:30 pm. Tickets are only $20 w/ a $5 discount for members of compassion clubs, MPP.org, SafeAccessNow.org (Americans for Safe Access) & CannabisSavesLives.com (Patient Advocacy Network). Tickets are available at your local compassion club, through MPP, ASA and CSL, at Mike’s Smoke Shop & Hookah Lounge (6624 Hollywood Blvd., L.A.) or at the door. This is a 21+ event with a 2 drink minimum. GreenTherapy's aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of medical marijuana and to help bring patients some relief by giving them a laugh or two through comedy show ExtravaGANJA's. Learn more at HowardDover.com MPP and MPP Foundation believe that the greatest harm associated with marijuana is imprisonment. Therefore, MPP and MPP Foundation are working to change U.S. policies to remove criminal penalties for marijuana use, with a particular emphasis on making marijuana medically available to seriously ill people who have the approval of their physicians. Americans for Safe Access is the nation’s largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research. "Marijuana, in its natural form, is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known. It would be unreasonable, arbitrary, and capricious for the DEA to continue to stand between those sufferers and the benefits of the substance." -- Francis L. Young, DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge, 1988 Here’s what you missed at a recent ExtravaGANJA… http://youtube.com/watch?v=LeBPXMnFFpQ Learn a little about Eddy Lepp and his situation as he’s interviewed by Howard Dover. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-bD9B5XabM

Prisons Foundation: Dennis Sobin's "Letter From Jail" #2

Dear Friends, The Prison Art Gallery now has Hi-rez images of original art available for your viewing and purchasing pleasure. Just go to the Prisons Foundation website; click on the Prisons Gallery button and select the link for original art sale. The actual site where the images are being housed is: www.Flickr.com/photos/dondimon. Once you get to the site you will see images arranged by categories and photo stream. For actual sizes, modality and prices of the images please call the gallery at (202) 393-1511. We are also pleased to announce that between now (December) and May 30th 2009, we will be reviewing plays and musicals written by prisoners and ex prisoners for our 2009 Kennedy Center "From Prison to the Stage" Program. The show will take place on Labor Day weekend, September 2009. If you are a prisoner or ex prisoner with a play or musical or will have one completed by May 30th, please send it to us. A cash prize will be will be rewarded to each of the five playwrights whose work will be performed. Other submitted plays, with names of their authors, will be noted in the Kennedy Center program. This event is part of the Kennedy Center's wildly successful and popular Page to Stage Festival featuring new works written for the theater by up-and-coming playwrights and theater companies. It is held annually and attracts an overflow crowd with its free admission and extensive publicity. Our 2008 "From Prison to Stage," made possible through the generosity of our Executive Producer Lloyd S. Rubin, enjoyed wide critical acclaim. We regret that no submitted material can be returned, although acknowledgment of receipt will be sent. Notice will be mailed when a final determination is made. We encourage playwrights and artists to submit inspired work that is both politically and socially relevant with robust, original themes. Please send submissions to: Prisons Foundation C/o Review Committee 1600 K Street NW Suite #501 Washington, DC 20006 Yours for Justice, Dennis Sobin #206757 Central Detention Facility 1901 D Street S.E. Washington, D.C. 20003 *Note the views in this letter are those of the author alone. Please send your comments directly to him.
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