420 Use and Health

[Los ßnus]

Damn this thread is long! Any other Volcanizers out there or am I the only one?

Thinking of dusting it off and giving it a go tonight

[Crow]

Vermont (US)

Vermont to Consider Adding PTSD to Medical Marijuana Qualifying Conditions

by Morgan Fox, MPP

Vermont was the ninth state to allow seriously ill patients to use marijuana to treat certain illnesses, and now it may become the third to make post-traumatic stress disorder one of those qualifying illnesses. A new bill, introduced by Rep. Jim Masland, would allow patients afflicted with the serious psychological condition from war or other trauma to use medical marijuana without fear of arrest.

There are many people suffering from PTSD who have tried treating their symptoms with marijuana and have found it to be far more effective than the prescription pharmaceuticals they had been directed to use. Unfortunately, there is little scientific research to support their claims, and the federal government recently denied permission to study the potential benefits of marijuana for returning veterans.

If the law passes, Vermont will join New Mexico and Delaware as the only states to allow medical marijuana to be recommended for PTSD out of the 16 states (and the District of Columbia) that permit marijuana treatment for other conditions.

In June 2011, Vermont passed a bill that would regulate the establishment of four non-profit medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the state.

http://blog.mpp.org/medical-marijuan...ions/01272012/

[Crow]

United Kingdom

British Cannabis Laws Downgraded 27th February? (Unconfirmed Report)

Well kind of. Police force numbers across the country are at an all time low, having fallen by over 6000 in the last year and clearly something has to give as the thin blue line is drawn even thinner by slashing cuts to enforcement budgets. In certain quarters, even amongst the rank and file, cannabis is that 'something.

He continued, "We would rather invest our time in getting high-level criminals before the courts, taking money off them and removing their illicit gains rather than targeting young people. We don't want to criminalise young people because, put bluntly, if we arrest young kids for possession of cannabis and put them before the courts we know what the outcome's going to be, so actually it's perfectly reasonable to give them words of advice or take it off them."

So in a move which mirrors many American 'lowest law enforcement priority' initiatives, cannabis will, from the 27th February 2012, be essentially decriminalised in all but name.

Peter Reynolds from Cannabis Law Reform organisation CLEAR-UK put it far more succinctly whilst baiting the Daily Mails cannabis anti-christ Peter Hitchens recently;

Peter Hitchen. You are right. It is happening. From 27th February, if you are growing fewer than nine plants, particularly if you can demonstrate a medicinal use, then you are looking at a discharge, low level fine or, at worst, a low level community order.

The CPS will not be interested. Therefore the police will not be interested.

Effectively, this is decriminalisation of small time, own use only, cultivation of cannabis. It is wonderful news! You can be sure that CLEAR will be doing all it can to inform people and spread this wonderful news far and wide.

Aside from the restoration of liberty, disgracefully proscribed for 80 years, now those who need cannabis as medicine, whose lives are transformed by its pallliative and restorative therapy, will have access to their medicine without fear of jail.

These are wonderful developments, long overdue on grounds of justice, mercy and human rights. The truth about cannabis is CLEAR!”

--------------

Follow-up:

We have received a number of emails from cannabis activists asking for clarification on how the new Sentencing Guidelines will impact on cannabis cultivation and possession. Release provided detailed advice to the Council and has welcomed many of the changes in the guidelines as an improvement on the previous regime, but in relation to cannabis, there has only been a slight shift in approach.

With regards to possession of cannabis, there has been very little change from the current Magistrates Sentencing Guidelines. The starting point for sentencing remains the same, that is, a Band B fine. The sentencing range has changed, previously it was Band A fine (A is lower than a B fine) to 12 weeks custody (this covers sentencing for both small and large possession offences). The new guidelines range from discharge (more lenient than before) to 26 weeks in custody (harsher than before).

If someone comes before the court in respect of possession of cannabis for medicinal purposes that would mitigate the sentence, and if there were no other factors could reduce it down from a Band B fine. However, it is still a criminal conviction resulting in a criminal record even with an absolute or conditional discharge.

In terms of cultivation and production of cannabis there does seem to have been real movement, but this is primarily due to the recent guidelines in the Court of Appeal case of R v Auton. This case was decided only last summer and provided much harsher guidelines for sentencing cannabis production cases involving yields of approximately 1 kilo. The guidelines stated that:

* Where there is no element of supply the sentence range is likely to be between 9 – 18 months, depending on size of operation and the defendant’s personal circumstances;

* Where there is no evidence of commercial supply for profit but there is supply to others the range is likely to be 18 months to 3 years – operation and personal circumstances again relevant;

* Where the operation is a commercial one but falls below an industrial operation the range will be 3 to 6 years.
The new guidelines are certainly an improvement on R v Auton and sentencing will be determined through a two-step approach. The first step is to determine the role of the offender and there are three potential categories – lesser role, subordinate role or leading role. The second step is the quantity of drugs involved and there are four categories:

- Category 1 – 9 plants (presumed yield 40gram per plant)
- Category 2 – 28 plants (presumed yield 40 gram per plant)
- Category 3 – operation capable of producing significant quantities for commercial use
- Category 4 – operation capable of producing industrial quantities for commercial use

The Court will then consider mitigating/aggravating factors.

In relation to someone who is producing for their own purposes, or even where it is social supply, it is likely they will fall within the ‘lesser role’ category within the new guidelines. In terms of quantity 1kg (25 plants) would fall within category 3.

This would lead to a sentencing starting point of a high level community order and a sentencing range of a low level community order to 26 weeks custody, again depending on mitigating and aggravating circumstances. This is definitely an improvement on Auton but there is still a risk of imprisonment especially where there is a previous conviction.

Where someone was growing a lesser quantity (9 plants) and falls within the lesser role the guidance suggests a starting point of Band C fine, with a sentencing range of a discharge through to a medium level community order. This would then be increased/decreased through aggravating and mitigating factors. Frankly, this is only a slight departure from current Magistrates guidelines which state that the starting point for small scale cultivation is a Band C fine and the range is Band B fine to low level community order.

So overall, whilst we are pleased that our advice has been followed to some degree and has impacted on other areas of sentencing, the general approach to cannabis offences has not shifted a huge amount, and cannabis activists should be aware that the offences remain criminal, and so can result in a criminal conviction. There is also no evidence to suggest that the police will de-prioritise the policing of cannabis cultivation.

Fine Bands

Fine A – Starting point 50% of relevant weekly income; Category range 25% - 75% of relevant weekly income
Fine B – Starting point 100% of relevant weekly income; Category range 75% - 125% of relevant weekly income
Fine C – Starting point 150% of relevant weekly income; Category range 125% - 175% of relevant weekly income

[Crow]

Washington (US)

Legislators ask DEA to reclassify marijuana

Posted by Jonathan Martin, Seattle Times

A bipartisan group of 42 state lawmakers signed a letter asking the DEA to reschedule marijuana to a classification that could allow it be prescribed and sold in pharmacies.

The letter and a joint House-Senate resolution introduced yesterday piggy-back on Gov. Chris Gregoire’s existing petition to reschedule marijuana, which is also supported by a handful of other states. The lawmakers, like Gregoire, see rescheduling marijuana as the simplest, clearest solution to the conflict between federal prohibition of marijuana and Washington’s medical marijuana law.

“The divergence in state and federal law creates a situation where there is no regulated and safe system to supply legitimate patients who need medical cannabis. More to the point, it is clear that the long-standing classification of medical use of cannabis in the United States as an illegal Schedule I substance is fundamentally flawed and should be changed.”

Lawmakers – in the state, and in Congress – have taken this position before; Newt Gingrich in 1981 backed a rescheduling petition as a young U.S. Representative from Georgia. But it feels like a groundswell of renewed interest in reclassification and legalization from the less-than-usual suspects.

A hearing on the resolution is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 2 in the Senate Health and Long-term Care committee.

http://today.seattletimes.com/2012/0...ify-marijuana/

[Crow]

Washington (US)

Cannabis initiative captures place on ballot

An initiative to license, regulate and tax marijuana sales in Washington has collected enough valid voter signatures to go before voters in November, if the Legislature does not enact it first.

Washington may be in the unusual position this November of voting on both same-sex marriage and legalization of marijuana.

The State Elections Division reported Friday that Initiative 502 has garnered more than 278,000 signatures, far more than the 241,153 it needed.

I-502 goes to the Legislature, which can enact it into law, or reject it and send the measure to the ballot, let it go to the ballot without action, or offer the voters I-502 and an alternative written by lawmakers.

“Passing this measure will free up law enforcement resources, allowing police and prosecutors to focus on violent criminals instead of low-level marijuana users,” said Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes, a sponsor of the initiative.

Washington is one of 16 states that have approved medical marijuana, although federal law still forbids possession and sale: Marijuana is up there with heroin as a Schedule 1 drug, officially more dangerous than meth.

Article continued at: http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepol...ace-on-ballot/

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Marijuana legalization measure certified

The secretary of state's office has certified an initiative to legalize marijuana, and unless the Legislature takes action, the measure will appear on the November ballot.

OLYMPIA, Wash. —

The secretary of state's office has certified an initiative to legalize marijuana, and unless the Legislature takes action, the measure will appear on the November ballot.

The office of Secretary of State Sam Reed announced Friday that sponsors of Initiative 502 submitted nearly 278,000 valid signatures, more than the 241,153 necessary to qualify.

I-502 would create a system of state-licensed growers, processors and stores, and impose a 25 percent excise tax at each stage. Those 21 and over could buy up to an ounce of dried marijuana; one pound of marijuana-infused product in solid form, such as brownies; or 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquids.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...marijuana.html

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[Crow]

Kansas (US)

State officials hear medical marijuana discussion

Esau Freeman went before the Health and Human Services Committee today, listing off the side effects of Humara. The FDA-approved drug is used to treat psoriasis and arthritis. He says the drug worked to cure his 58 year-old mother's ailments, but the side effects killed her. It's for this reason he believes medical marijuana needs to be legalized in Kansas.

Freeman's not alone. Dozens of people packed into Room 784 of the Docking Building on Tuesday, urging the committee to support the bill allowing the house to vote on it. There are plenty of opponents, too. Doctors and substance abuse professionals who believe if Kansas becomes the 17th state to legalize medical marijuana, the same issues other states are facing will plague Kansas.

Medical marijuana is believed to relieve a wide range of medical problems. But many feel, just like the abuse of prescription painkillers, patients would take advantage of the easy access to pot if it were legalized. Former Lawrence Dr. John Hauxwell says the concerns are understandable, but no reason to keep Kansans from deciding what's best for them. "Patients are often frustrated, and doctors too, trying to figure out how to manage pain," says Hauxwell. "We don't have all the answers."

Tuesday's meeting was described as an information hearing. A vote did not take place. We'll continue to follow this story and let you know what happens.

http://6lawrence.com/index.php/news/...vey-form-18053

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Virginia (US)

Could Va. reap $500 million per year by legalizing pot?

When the media first learned of the bill by state Del. David Englin (D-Alexandria) to explore the tax revenue possibilities of marijuana, many leapt to the erroneous conclusion that Englin wanted to legalize it. Lawmaker wants pot sold in Virginia liquor stores, one local daily wrongly barked.

But as many states, and the District, move toward legalized marijuana, at least for medical purposes, Englin merely wants Virginia to study how much tax revenue our state could pull in when it’s cutting budgets everywhere and our roads are in a shambles.

There have been a number of academic studies investigating two main aspects of the fiscal benefits of legal pot: the tax revenues gained, and the money saved from police, courts and corrections not having to deal with marijuana violators anymore. I’ve waded through many of these analyses.

And combining the data from the most definitive of these studies, here is my fiscal starting point: Virginia could reap more than $250 million a year in “sin tax” revenues on regulated marijuana sales, and save another $245 million in enforcement costs. That’s roughly $500 million a year. Granted, Virginia’s statewide budget is about $42 billion a year. But $500 million would build and fix a lot of roads and buy a lot of classroom computers.

Article continued at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/...g.html?hpid=z3

[BadAxe]

PP, Late getting into this, but for portable use, check out the MFLB (Magic Flight Launch Box). Uses a recharable AA battery. Great for portable use. I do not like it as much as my DaBuddha, but thats electric and a home unit. I think the Da Buddha is the BEST vape there is, period. For me anyway. But the MFLB is awesome for portability. Can use it anywhere, even in wind, doesn't use fuel, no need for electric. And works well. And they run about $100. Figured I owuld throw it in there.

EDIT - Ooops, I was on the previous page when I wrote this reply, didn't realise you got one. I also did extensive research on vapes before I bought. So if the one you bought does't work out, check out the MFLB. Don't think there is a better portable option out there.

[GoVegan]

Puffitup.com lmao!

[Premium Parrots]

WOW I made it to 7000 posts. My how the time [and posts] flys.

OK guays....The owner of Puffitup.com actually called me to thank me for my order. THATS customer service! He seems like a real likeable guay and surely will be joining snuson. He wants to learn more about snus and participate in the forums. Surely hes looking for customers and I can't blame him and wish him well. Once he gets time to read some of the forums here I'm sure he will stay for the fun. Once again...I spent alot of time researching vapes and came to the conclusion that the Arizer Solo would be the very best of the portable vapes. I also did a ton of research on dealers and pricing. Puffitup.com's price beats everybody and they are a factory authorized dealer. Apparently one of the largest dealers too. Arizer will not take care of warranty issues unless you buy from an authorized dealer. They are a canadian company that makes a great product with the latest technology. Puffitup.com is a dealer from california and they have everything you need to vape. I recommend them highly.

Basically useing a vape for smoking to get your nicotine [or other pleasureable uses] or useing snus to get your nicotine are BOTH life saving forms of your nicotine or herbal intake. So it looks like we have alot in common. I'm going to see if we can get a subforum put up for vapeorizers in the "other tobacco" forum. Or at least put it in the description like whats shown below so there is a definate place to go if you want to post about vapes.

Other Tobacco Products & Acessories

(2 Viewing) * Discussions of other tobacco products.
* Vaporizers, E-cigs, tobacco bits and Oliver Twists.

[Premium Parrots]

I got my order in from Puffitup.com. I called it in and they were very helpfull. They couldn't have been better and replied favorably to my few requests. I invited the fellow Steve to come join us here. Lets see if he shows up.

Free priority shipping, a metal grinder and some goodies. The best price on the internet. Lets see how this works out. If all goes well then THIS is the place to get your vape supplies.

I found them here...replace the **** with f u c k to get to the vape forum
http://www.****combustion.com/viewtopic.php?id=5982


I'm so excited I feel like a giddy lil girl.

[Crow]

Virginia (US)

Lawmaker wants pot sold in Virginia liquor stores

A Northern Virginia Democrat says the state should explore offering marijuana in liquor stores to help boost government coffers but Republicans are scoffing at the thought of it.

Del. David Englin, D-Alexandria, wants a panel to probe the potential revenue impact of allowing Virginia's state-owned alcohol stores to sell pot, insisting it could help close budget gaps without cutting employees or services.

"I'm just trying to steer the conversation into a more informed rational direction so we can have a rational discussion based on science and economics rather than a politically charged ideological conversation," Englin said of his legislation.

Article continued at: http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/...stores/2119206

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Kansas (US)

Proponents and Opponents Gear Up For Medical Marijuana Hearing

For years, Cheryl Riley has been using marijuana to help lessen the symptoms of several of her health problems.

"Cannabis has helped me immensely with that. Not to say it would help everyone, but in my case, it worked," said Cheryl Riley, Kansas Medical Cannabis Network.

This week, Riley and others in support of legalizing the use and sale of medical marijuana will head to Topeka to have their voices heard.

"I've been in the movement for a long time, and as I've gotten older, I'm seeing how much cannabis helps older people with the things that bother them," said Riley.

With House Bill 2330, Riley and other proponents are hoping to establish the Cannabis Compassion and Care Act. If legalized, patients would be issued ID cards for their debilitating medical conditions and would be able to purchase medical marijuana at registered businesses.

"I believe it should be legalized, as long as it's not abused, and people are being responsible," said Blake Overson, Wichita.

"The war on drugs is a waste of time and resources. We have better ways to spend our money," said Rollin Carg, Kechi.

Others do not agree. Several people have been posting their comments at kake.com.

HATEPOT wrote, "It may just be me ive had pain, ive had PTSD and i did find with out frying my brian cells..."

ANONYMOUS wrote, "put this on the back burner people need to get back to work not get high"

Riley says marijuana is not a drug, but a medicine, one that can benefit hundreds of Kansans, and needs to be legalized.

"The more we can get people talking about it out in the open, the better it's going to go," said Riley.

Tuesday's hearing starts at 1:30 p.m. A rally is set for 11:30 a.m. outside the Docking State Office Building in Topeka.

http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/137867218.html

[Crow]

Poland

Polish Lawmaker Stands Up for Marijuana Rights

by Morgan Fox, MPP

Earlier today, Polish lawmaker and philosopher Janusz Palikot announced that he was going to smoke a joint in Parliament to kick off a campaign to make marijuana possession legal in Poland. Right now, police have the choice of arresting people or simply ticketing them for possession of small amounts of marijuana. Palikot wants all penalties removed, and he is willing to walk the walk.

Don’t you wish we had politicians like this in the United States?

This plan did not sit well with fellow MP and speaker Ewa Kopacz, who immediately informed the prosecutor of Palikot’s plan.

That sounds a little more like what we’re used to over here.

The prosecutor’s reaction was also pretty familiar to those who have experienced the workings of marijuana prohibition. Even though the joint that Palikot ended up lighting was not even marijuana but some sort of cannabis incense (hopefully not the synthetic cannabinoids like K2 or Spice we’ve all been hearing so much about), he could be charged simply for talking about smoking real marijuana. Apparently in Poland, it is illegal to advertise or promote the substance, which the prosecutor alleges is what Palikot did today. He could face up to a year in prison for this act of political theater.

This sort of reaction definitely sounds familiar, and it came as no surprise to Palikot:

“I want to condemn the hypocrisy concerning marijuana consumption,” Palikot told reporters. “Someone said they would smoke a joint in parliament and the reaction was tantamount to someone announcing a coup d’etat.”

Poland is one of several European countries that are reviewing their drug laws and taking steps to soften their marijuana policies. Most recently, lawmakers in Copenhagen, Denmark introduced a bill that would allow for possession and sales of marijuana within certain areas of the city.

http://blog.mpp.org/prohibition/poli...ghts/01202012/

[EricHill78]

I really wish I could get some herb here to get some relief. The one dude I'm friends with at work who smokes quit. His girlfriend is pregnant and he is cleaning up his act ha. So I'm screwed till it's legalized in Texas. I'm not holding my breath.

[Ansel]

Maybe check out video reviews of it on YouTube PP if you get a chance.

[N0mad]

That thing gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "Put that in your pipe and smoke it"...