issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:55 PM Page 1 issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:55 PM Page 2 issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:55 PM Page 3 issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:55 PM Page 4

Volume 4 Issue 2, January / February 2006 journal

journal Cannabis Health Inside Truth motivated and submission driven, Cannabis Health prints your voices, opinions and Cannabis Health the facts, bringing the truth to light. Published 6 times a year, with a circulation of 40,000 throughout North America, we are 100% supported by our advertisers and subscribers.Article submissions are always welcome.Fully downloadable PDF versions of all issues are available at www.cannabishealth.com www.cannabishealth.com Ask an Expert Subscribe Today ...... 5 MasterCard / Visa Accepted Editorials Call: 1 866 808 5566 New Farm Location ...... 6 5695 Cooper Rd., Grand Forks, BC Canada Mailing Address: Box 1481 Marijuana and music Grand Forks BC Canada V0H 1H0 ...... 7 Phone: 250 442 5166 Fax: 250 442 5167 Moving forward Toll Free: 1 866 808 5566 ...... 12 Email: [email protected] Towards a saner national drug policy ...... 15 Staff Keeping the door open: Dialogue on drug use EXECUTIVE EDITOR, BARB ST. JEAN [email protected] ...... 18 SENIOR EDITOR, LORRAINE LANGIS A look at New Zealand & cannabis law reform [email protected] PRODUCTION BRIAN McANDREW/BEYOND GRAPHIX ...... 21 [email protected] ADVERTISING MANAGER PAIGE GARNETT Cannabis health and context [email protected] DISTRIBUTION & SUBSCRIPTION MANAGER ...... 24 TERESA THOMSON [email protected] Harm reduction - the cannabis paradox ON-LINE STORE ...... 26 [email protected] WEBMASTER [email protected] What does it mean to feel better WEB SITE: Powered by Weblab ...... 27 GENERAL INQUIRIES [email protected] Naked defiance in rural BC Cannabis Health Journal is published six times a year. All contents copyright 2005 by Cannabis ...... 30 Health Journal. Cannabis Health Journal assumes no responsibility for any claims or representations Cannabis Health Contest contained in this magazine or in any submission or advertisement, nor do they encourage the illegal use ...... 31 of any of the products advertised within. No portion of this journal may be reproduced without the writ- Community Talking Stick ten consent of the publisher...... 33

OOPS! It has been brought to our attention there were some Silver Award “issue 7” errors on the advertisers listing page in our last issue. We 2003 Grand Forks apologize to any who may have been inadvertently omitted Chamber of Commerce or had a misspelling in their listing. Out of the Box Award

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DR. LESTER GRINSPOON, MD Question: other patients about this “new” psychopharmacological approach to I had been taking a drug called Zoloft for the past some clinical depressions. year. However, it made me sleepy all the time. For the Question: past three months I have been smoking a little Does cannabis have any effect on IBS (Irritable Bowl Syndrome) cannabis and realized it works for me. How can I tell I heard it may help? Thank you my psych. that I want to switch to marijuana? Do I even have the Answer: right to ask? Please advise. Thanks. The irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastroin- Answer: testinal disorder in clinical practice. The predominant symptoms are Cannabis first appeared in the Western medical literature as a intermittent constipation and/or watery diarrhea. The patients who suggested treatment for depression in the middle of the 19th century. report that marijuana is helpful in the symptomatic treatment of this Over the next hundred years medical papers supported and disputed disorder, I suspect, are those who suffer from the less frequent inter- the utility of marijuana in the treatment of depression. Today, mittent crampy lower abdominal pain. In any event, its usefulness in among the minority of depressed patients who do not respond to any IBS is not as compelling as it is for the much rarer recurrent inflam- of the standard antidepressants or who find the side effects unbear- matory disease of the digestive track, Crohn’s disease, the symptoms able, some have discovered that cannabis is more useful than any legal of which include cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rectal bleed- drug, including Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI’s) like ing, and loss of appetite and weight. Many people who suffer from Zoloft. It is important that you share this experience with your this bowel inflammatory disorder use marijuana with results which psychiatrist; you may find that he, like me, has already learned from are frequently dramatic. HILARY BLACK Question: Marijuana Information Resource Centre (MMIRC) website has a few I have a severe case of fibromyalgia. My doctor studies listed in the Pain section under the Therapeutic Uses. I (gp) will not sign the appropriate paper work to suggest you print and/or refer your physician to this section, and its’ allow me to buy marijuana for medicinal purposes. references. The same goes for the doctor at the pain clinic I go to If the physicians you are seeing have concerns about safety of every 3 weeks for nerve block injections. (42 injec- smoked cannabis, I recommend you present the emerging data that tions between my neck and lower back)Could you please inform me appears to suggest that smoked cannabis may be relatively safe in on what my options are, without disturbing my doctors who do not respect to cancer risk. One recent study that addresses this issue is believe marijuana is helping me deal with this horribly painful also available on the MMIRC website. disease? Steve. Answer: Many physicians are concerned about liability. The Canadian It is so unfortunate that you are having trouble finding a doctor Medical Protective Agency (CMPA), the organization that insures that is willing to authorize you to legally access cannabis in order to Canadian doctors, has developed a Release Form for Medical manage your symptoms. Many patients are experiencing this chal- Practitioners. This form is intended for the patient to take full lenge. It is essential to provide your doctors with the current clinical responsibility for any risks associated with the use of medical mari- data on the safety and efficacy of the medical use of marijuana. There juana. This form is accessible at the MMIRC website; you may want appears to be some compelling data on the effectiveness of cannabis to print and take it to your physician as well. Good Luck. and cannabinoids for the management of chronic pain. The Medical www.medicalmarijuanainformation.com

THE EXPERTS

DR. Lester Alan Young, DR. Mark A. Hilary Black DR. David W. Grinspoon, Barrister and Ware, BA, Ms. Black is a Pate, PhD, MD Solicitor, MBBS, MRCP, medicinal MSc. Professor of MSc, Dr. Grinspoon cannabis advocate Dr. Pate is a Law is a professor Dr. Ware is a & educator, having r esearcher emeritus of Professor pain specialist presented this specializing in psychiatry at Harvard Medical Young teaches law at Osgoode working at the Montreal General issue to a wide range of audiences. Cannabis and the cannabinoids, School and is one of the world’s Hall Law School and criminology Hospital. He is assistant professor She is also the founder and a past his academic background encom- leading authorities on the uses of at the University of Toronto. In of Anesthesia and of Family director of Canada’s first and passing both plant biology and marijuana for medicinal purpos- his twenty years of practicing Medicine at McGill University, largest organization of medicinal pharmaceutical chemistry. He es. Among many other criminal law, he has been and is involved in epidemiological cannabis advocacy, The British pursues particular interests in the achievements, he has authored 10 involved with some of Canada’s research and clinical trials of Columbia Compassion Club chemical ecology of Cannabis, books and more than 170 journal most signifcant and high-profle cannabis and cannabinoid Society. ophthalmic endocannabinoids articles and book chapters. medical marijuana cases. medications for chronic pain. and hempseed foods.

Disclaimer: A notice of compliance has not been issued under the Food and Drug Regulations concerning the safety, effectiveness and risks of marijuana as a drug. Advice from these experts should not be construed as offering professional medical advice to patients. Decisions about medical treatment are made by you and your Health Care Professional. These experts are not recommending that anyone engage in any activity that might violate the laws of the province, state or country in which he or she lives. issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:56 PM Page 6

The Home Team

As wonderful as it is to finally see comment, in my opinion, it is just plain progress in our social ethical evolution, we wrong. We founded Cannabis Health with still, unbelievably, are experiencing a lack of the hope that as the government and the support from the mainstream not-for-profit general public’s opinion changed so would and for-profit segments of the supposedly the rest of the business community. It’s “socially or ethically conscious” business happening on one side but not the other… communities. This journal has become more than just a One abstinence-based recovery facility cannabis magazine it’s about caring for would not even discuss the topic and said; people who have no where else to go. “Our Board of Directors has no comment on We don’t advocate drug use of any kind, Barb St. Jean: current legal issues regarding cannabis”. I find but believe people should be supported if they Executive Editor this extremely disturbing, how can an addic- personally choose to use cannabis as a harm Ethics; that branch of philosophy which tion recovery facility have no comment about reduction or health related option. We don’t studies the principles of right or wrong in a substance that’s on their list of drugs of believe people should be criminalized for human conduct. Webster’s Dictionary abuse? Another high profile Ontario using a drug that helps them. It’s not their Foundation who is an agency of the Ministry fault that the current drug policies still classi- Our journal has primarily focused on the of Culture and receives annually $100 fy this drug as “illegal” while at the same medical and ethical issues surrounding the million of government funding through the time the patient takes a suitcase full of phar- use of cannabis for almost 4 years. We have charity casino initiative, said; “As we are an maceuticals daily so they can live. seen an evolution; the use of cannabis for agency, we do not conduct advocacy activities”. medical purposes is now widely accepted by Maybe it’s time “we the people” use our Better yet, one boss of a large socially respon- over 90% of the general public. The City of voices to put pressure on these “socially or sible Canadian company stated, “I happen to Vancouver in their draft plan “Preventing ethically conscious” organizations – names suffer from severe back pain with muscle Harm from Psychoactive Substance Use and can be released - boycott anyone? spasms. There is only one thing I have found to the Health Officers Council of BC in their subdue the pain and relax my muscles. So like Barb St.Jean discussion paper “A Public Health Approach I said, I would love to be a part of it, but our to Drug Control in Canada” have proposed board of directors would never go for it”. revolutionary drug policy reforms which Hypocrisy at it finest! would include the development of a regulated marijuana industry. Not in our budget, too hot an issue, no

If this is really true, then the reason for plant is for good people to do nothing. that “DANGER” of being busted, is because Cannabis Health, a small group of dedi- of a “socially projected perceived danger”. cated patients, has been doing something for Freedom of Choice is dangerous and consid- more than 3 years now and we are asking you ered anarchy to a system built on control and to now be one of the “good people/business- limitation of personal choice. It has been the es” that take a stand and support us with a history of our culture to judge many free- subscription, an ad, donation, or sponsor- doms and so reinforce that view with a ship. system we affectionately call “the propagan- da machine”. A system that is so good, it There are no good excuses, so do it now. buries the evidence of even the anti cancer- An anonymous quote: “The only thing Brian McAndrew: ous properties of cannabis, still saying “there that evil needs to grow in this world, is for good Art Director/Production Manager is no medical value” using even the sick and men to do nothing.” dieing as canon fodder in its’ insane war on The Dangers of Marijuana. ‘A Childs this helpful plant. Garden of Grass’ chapter 13, sums it all up in one statement, on one page – “Getting The only way that this system can exist Busted”. and maintain unhealthy control over this

started out as a dream has become a reality. ent subjects, many of which we have not yet We are a dedicated group of five (yes, touched upon. five) individuals (three of whom are When you get down to brass tacks, the disabled) putting in a great many hours Journal is about freedom. The freedom to because we believe what we are doing to be choose, the freedom to live life to it’s fullest right. We realized this would not be an easy without being stigmatized or marginalized road, but we chose it anyway. for those choices. This belief is foremost in We have now come to a crossroads and our minds as we move forward. As always, we are broadening our horizons. There is a your comments and questions are welcome, if whole world out there we have yet to you have a particular subject you’d like to see Lorraine Langis: explore. In the next year, we’ll be imple- us cover send an email or give us a call. We Senior Editor menting some changes in the Journal. We are, after all, your voice. think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Watch Cannabis Health Journal has been for upcoming articles on a variety of differ- around for a little over three years. What

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Marijuana and Music

cognitive training that may subsequently subjects, or those who have not had long help enlarge and enrich one’s outlook in opportunity to practice with the resulting desirable and entirely voluntary ways. states of consciousness, is rendered of limited Musicians (as well as other artists) have value, and it won’t be until these age-old aids also testified not only to enhanced apprecia- to thinking and perception become once tion of music and art in general through the again widely used that we will begin to know use of marijuana, but in addition some have their true usefulness. insisted that these altered states of conscious- As one who might have become a musi- ness are useful and valuable to augment their cian (had I practised more!), and for whom creativity, although research verifying such music remains an irreplaceable source of claims is hard to accomplish in any decisive inspiration, pleasure, consolation and by Peter Webster way. Of course, as with so many things in life, communication, and also as one who has Peter Webster is a long-time independent practice makes perfect, or if not perfect, more over the years had considerable practice in psychedelic researcher and writer. Many of his nearly so. Thus it is with listening to music, the use of the altered states of consciousness and certainly with the making of music — a provided by marijuana and other such written works and editing skills can be found in life-long process of practice — but more than substances, I offer the following speculation the International Journal of Drug Policy and the a few puritanical minds will be bent out of about the nature of marijuana consciousness, Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics. He is proba- shape by my suggestion, nay, my insistence, its possible cognitive mechanisms, and music. bly best known for his world renowned creation that the principle applies to the use of mari- The entire theory, if I may be allowed to call of the Psychedelic Library (www.psychedelic- juana as well! “You have to learn how to use it that, has resulted from personal introspec- library.org) Mr. Webster will be speaking, it, and patiently experience the upheavals in tion about music and altered states and a January 13-15, 2006, in Basel, Switzerland, at the mental realm,” insists Henri Michaux in selective use of technical knowledge gleaned the “Problem Child and Wonder Drug: his book, Light Through Darkness. from several sources. Study of relevant scien- International Symposium on the occasion of the It has long been obvious to me that many tific material, due to its complex nature, has 100th Birthday of Albert Hofmann.” of the best minds of our time suffer from a of course been done from the perspective of One of the more remarkable effects ridiculous and self-imposed handicap by normal consciousness, but my evaluation of noticed in the state of consciousness brought ignoring or even actively rejecting a great aid learned material has always involved consid- on by marijuana use is a greatly enhanced to thinking and creativity: the altered states erable cross-examination from normal to appreciation of music. The effect seems to be of consciousness provided by marijuana and altered states and back again. almost universal, and does not seem to fade other age-old plant substances so revered by Thanks to Prohibition, there has been with experience in the use of marijuana as do our forebears. They are tools both powerful insufficient serious research concerning the certain other effects typically noticed by and benign, both fickle and of great utility, cognitive mechanisms and brain structures novice users. Curiously, such perception of and above all they require some considerable involved in the altered states of conscious- enhancement does not seem to make exces- practice in order to use them in a way ness produced by marijuana and other such sive demands that the music to be commensurate with their potential. Thus substances, and even research on the appreciated be good, bad, or indifferent, much of the research (on creativity, for exam- neurocognitive and psychological founda- although many persons originally interested ple) which has used the substances on naïve tions of music, art and creativity has been only in pop music, for example, have sudden- ly found during a marijuana session that more “serious” music has quite unexpectedly become interesting in a way both surprising and profound. Conversely, a few who had previously rejected pop music as crude and trivial have come to appreciate it more through marijuana consciousness. The resulting musical empathy is also quite durable, not requiring further marijua- na sessions for its (at least partial) preservation, and so the net effect seems to be one of “opening up” a person to something he had merely ignored or overlooked. The enhanced appreciation is thus legitimised as something essential and “real” and not merely a “drug effect,” something “artificial” that wears off with the waning of the changed conscious state. Marijuana consciousness thus seems to be a state in which at least a few of one’s prejudices and predispositions may be temporarily suspend- ed so that something long-ignored for whatever reason can be seen afresh, as if for the first time. And so it would seem that the marijuana experience can provide a kind of

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Marijuana and Music

frequently considered a study of the superflu- an analogous phenomenon to language in The history of 20th Century music is, in ous. Music and art for us moderns, unlike for many important ways. One may even one sense, a history of a bifurcation of music our tribal ancestors, is seen as mere decora- surmise that music-making was very much a into two distinct ways of music-making. The tion, “entertainment,” an activity of leisure “language” for our earliest ancestors at a long tradition of Western music has empha- and play (indeed, music is played), and our time when spoken descriptive language was sized the importance of music composition scientific institutions thus seem to believe merely in its most rudimentary state. and the notation of such compositions as that the study of such phenomena are of less Now another of the most noticed effects of opposed to the subsequent performance of importance than more “serious” studies. But marijuana consciousness, and this effect is these written compositions. The role of the from what limited scientific investigation as pronounced and very typical, is some change composer and the performer are distinctly has been accomplished, it seems that both the in the way we use short-term memory. separate, and it is the composer, especially for making and perception of music involves the Prohibitionists and others who mistrust not orchestral works, who is considered to have use of areas in the right hemisphere of the only marijuana consciousness but apparently done the lion’s share of creating. The brain homologous to the speech and language even the idea that changed consciousness is performer may “interpret” a written work of comprehension areas of the left hemisphere something worthy of scientific study have music with changes to tempo, dynamics, and — notably the famous Broca and Wernicke seized on the short-term memory effect in general feeling, but any excess is considered brain areas. These corresponding right-brain their attempts to discredit marijuana use and bad form. All this of course has its parallel in areas might function similarly to the strike terror into the hearts of marijuana users language in the writing and reading of books. language centers of the left in the production, by implying that some kind of “permanent In our collective modern view, the greatest reading, perception and perhaps even the damage” must surely be happening when, in things that have been said are those written appreciation of music. Indeed, music seen as the middle of a sentence for instance, one in stone, or at least in great books, and extem- a linear symbolization comprised of sequen- forgets entirely what one was saying! But as poraneous speech, as moving as it may be, is tial interrelated unitary elements — the total all marijuana users know, if at this point one again, more often like entertainment than representing an overall conception — seems simply relaxes a bit, sure enough, the memory philosophy. When a piece of music has been soon is re-established, indicating that what has composed, and when a linguistic expression happened is not a loss of short-term memory has been written down, we seem automati- or a damaging of the brain structures mediat- cally to attach more importance to it. ing it, but a different manner of using it: In the early decades of the 20th century perhaps we merely lose track of trains of ideas however, the diverse influences in America, that are quite normally being recorded in particularly of African origin, led to a form of short-term memory because our perceptions music in which the performer himself took require far more attention than normally, i.e., over the role of the composer to a significant our consciousness is heavily involved with extent, and jazz music became a form in other matters than mere utilitarian attention which improvisation became the central to continuity of logical or linguistic thought aspect of the music. Now the performer processes. Our experience is so interesting and himself spontaneously composed much of the attention-consuming that we ignore, not lose, ongoing structure of a piece being performed, short-term memories. guided by various conventions such as the If this ignoring, or losing track of the repetition of a chord sequence, or the struc- mostly linguistic aspect of short-term turing of a solo line within a modal form, or memory is so universal, and the theory of other experimental structure. But in each music making and appreciation being mediat- case, it was the solo that became the central ed by right-hemisphere areas of the brain aspect of a piece, and the improvisation of a homologous to those language-mediating solo was (and is) expected to be unique, areas of the left is valid, what happens to a different in at least some ways than the musician when he plays music while under performer’s previous solos on the same tune the influence of marijuana? Does he likewise or theme. The jazz solo expresses something forget what tune he is playing? Presumably if new every time, something relevant to the marijuana affects the language centers of the current emotional and intellectual state of left hemisphere, even indirectly, it must simi- the musician-as-composer, and his interac- larly affect the morphologically tion with his audience. The jazz solo became corresponding structures of the right hemi- not only the central aspect of this music sphere. If marijuana consciousness does form, but came to resemble more and more indeed affect a musician’s perceptions and the musical equivalent of an ancient linguis- performance in some such way, how might tic form, story-telling, in which a performer that affect his music? And if a group or class takes an eternal theme and embellishes it for of musicians who made a practice of using the present moment, for the benefit of his marijuana were so affected, how might that listeners, to make the universal history and shape their collective concept of music and mythology of the tribe manifest in the pres- the way their music form developed? These ent and informative of current interests and might seem questions for research that in concerns. such a utilitarian age as our own will never Was this 20th Century musical develop- Peter Webster and his wife, Chantal at their be addressed. Yet perhaps the history of ment merely a throwback to primitive forms home outside Nice, France music already provides some hints. by uneducated and underprivileged musicians who rejected Western traditions in music?

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Marijuana and Music

Hardly. The great jazz musicians routinely always to have a large supply of! A reading of become quite adept at counteracting it. In all know much about the traditions and techni- personal reflections about the use of marijua- probability extensive practice with marijuana cal structure of composed music to an extent na by jazzmen of the time indicates that the consciousness allows the user to not only that classical musicians envy. And the techni- herb was often used as a stimulus to creativi- counteract such effects but use them in posi- cal virtuosity of many jazz musicians often ty, at least for practice sessions, many such as tive ways. A temporary and momentary surpasses all normal requirements of the Louis Armstrong praising its effects highly. “forgetting” of the limiting structures of Western classical tradition. Is it possible to attach some correlation either an ongoing conversation, or of a musi- In the 1930s and 1940s, the very period between the cognitive effects of marijuana cal piece, when such an effect has been in which improvisation in jazz was becoming we are now becoming scientifically aware of practiced with, might well be just the right the central creative aspect of the music, jazz and the development of creative jazz forms of influence to bring improvisation to the fore, musicians almost universally enjoyed mari- the 1930s and 1940s? To return to my previ- both in music and conversation or writing. juana, and we have ous question, if high Short-term memory as we train it to function many personal attes- on marijuana does a in our society may in some sense be too rigid, tations and historical ... if at this point one simply performing musi- too concerned with practicality, keeping the documents to prove cian “lose track” of conscious mind on the straight and narrow, the case. One particu- relaxes a bit, sure enough, the the composition he “playing the tune” as it was written and larly rollicking book memory soon is re-established, is playing much avoiding experimentation, and thus our about the epoch, and as one might lose normal short-term memory might sometimes the wild times and indicating that what has track of the thread be a distraction that actually impedes creativ- great music that happened is not a loss of of a conversation ity. resulted, is Mezz under marijuana It is my view, therefore, that the cumula- Mezzrow’s Really the short-term memory or a influence? tive and long term practiced use of marijuana Blues, and Mezz was damaging of the brain struc- In fact, experi- by virtuosi jazz musicians was a certain and himself not only a positive factor in the evolution of the music tures mediating it, but a enced marijuana great jazzman, but users who are well towards improvisation as its central and most famous for the excel- different manner of using it. aware of the “short- creative aspect. lent quality term memory effect” Now my experience with music indicates marijuana he seemed

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Marijuana and Music

that it would of course be silly to say that jazz na leads one to be generally more open to bluff! It was at that point, he says, that he musicians of the 1930s were literally forget- alternative and perhaps adventurous ways of decided that jazz rather than classical music ting what tune they were playing, and seeing things which enrich normal was to be his future. through such constant forgetfulness arose a consciousness. Normal consciousness, as we So perhaps jazz musicians literally did great musical innovation! But as with the all admit, is limited in often involuntary, often encounter some short-term memory practiced user of marijuana who learns to invisible ways by our times, customs, preju- effects, and had often to “bluff” it. With counteract the short-term memory effect and dices, by the necessary ignorances we must virtuoso musicians, such bluffing is unlikely use it to advantage, I would more realistically cultivate to cope with modern life. Marijuana to fall into something less than proficiency, propose that a similar thing was happening very probably contributed to, or was used as and from what experienced users of marijua- collectively and incrementally within the a tool to facilitate the jazz revolution in na all say, the “bluffing” seems to result in an fairly small community of jazz musicians of music, and might be similarly used to facili- unprecedented creativity: in a sort of Zen the time, a community more like a family tate important advances in any other area of way, what comes out of the virtuoso when he than a world-wide diversity of people and human interest where creativity and adven- abandons his calculated intentions is not schools as it has become today. The jazz turous thinking are important. The nonsense but often his finest creation! If a community of the time constantly practiced understanding of human consciousness and mere plant can assist the forgetfulness which together, brain-stormed together, performed the nature of altered states of consciousness is the germ of spontaneous creativity, the together, and smoked marijuana together. As comes immediately to mind! greatest minds of our time surely ARE miss- a cumulative effect, it is my contention that And as for literally forgetting what piece ing the beat by rejecting not only its use but the practiced use of marijuana provides a one is playing, biographies of great musi- by assisting to prevent others from doing so. training that assists the improvisational, cians often tell of experiences when they They thus prove once again that even genius creative frame of mind much as other kinds were required to bluff it through with some may often be afflicted with that narrowness of study or training shape abilities and extemporaneous inventions. The great of thought otherwise believed characteristic perfect talents. It is not that marijuana French jazz pianist Martial Solal tells of of the uneducated. consciousness itself “produces” ideas that are such a concert he gave in his youth, it was to creative, or that valuable ideas necessarily qualify for a prize and at the climax of the come from the experience or during it, but classical piece he was playing his mind went that cumulatively, over time, the kind of blank, but his forced improvisation was so perception and thinking initiated by marijua- good that the judges didn’t even detect his

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Moving Forward

Expand the boundaries and scale of the with the connection that Canada still shares dynamics of a traditional family, and place with home. Canada has remained linked to these ideals and qualities of “family” onto Britain in many ways and continues to be the countries. I would hope that from this exam- “favourite” in the eyes of its parents. Simply ination, obvious contrasts and intense stated, Canada has taken a less violent and similarities will emerge and fall into place as more stable course throughout its history as we take the issue of legal marijuana global. an independent nation. Where the United Let’s start with some basic and founding States sparked a revolution, Canada reached similarities. Both Canada and the United a written agreement with Britain to decide States were born out of the British govern- the future of the nation. As the younger and ment. As the mother country, so to speak, more friendly of the two nations, Canada has Laura Webster - Laura is a member of the grad- Britain was able to pass on such values as also become more accepting of ideas and uating class of 2005 from the University of equality, democracy and rule of law. And as open to the traditions of other nations. If we can look at the attitudes and circumstances Northern British Columbia. She graduated children, impressionable, but still eager for that Canada exudes as a global power, it is with a Bachelor of Arts earning a major in freedom and trust, Canada and the United States graciously accepted these founding possible to figure out where these external Political Science and minors in Human political and ideological Geography and International Studies. She is principles. At the beginning all seemed forces came from in the primarily interested in the policy and law that calm; Britain was first place. drives the decision making at all levels of successful in both The main use of There are not many government. governing its children things that can be consid- As the collective global society, we are and extracting the drugs is not important; ered new in the history of now almost six years into the 21st century. resources necessary in the world. Drugs are a Historically speaking this is amazing consid- order to support the the mere fact that there perfect illustration of ering the shear size of today’s population as whole family. But this. From as far back as compared to what it was at the turn of the rebellion reared its are records and historians have looked, 20th century. But population growth aside, ugly head with cries of there has been evidence what else is amazing about the state of our independence and evidence of drugs as far of drugs and drug use in global society today? For instance, technolo- autonomy. Displaying society. The main use of gy, education, human rights, tolerance and normal characteristics back as 3000 BCE is drugs is not important; individuality have all grown in leaps and of the eldest child, the the mere fact that there bounds and have become qualities that we, United States broke amazing. are records and evidence as Canadians and 1st world citizens, take away from the nest of drugs as far back as for granted. In essence, despite growth and first. The emotions 3000 BCE is amazing. the availability of information, we have that drove this split were hostile, bitter and From this statement it is evident that drugs chosen the path most taken. Our individual- arrogant. Meanwhile, Canada remained can be linked directly to human societies ity has become shadowed by the growing living with almost full guidance from Britain from as far back as historians are willing to number of people and places just like us. for almost another 100 years. When Canada look. The difference that exists between More simply stated Canada and the United said goodbye and struck out on its own, the today’s advanced society and yesterday’s States are the “children” of Europe. Not swelling emotions were loyalty, respect and primitive one is based purely on educational only is this true historically, but also politi- gratitude towards the country that had and evolutionary elements. Where some soci- cally. All the joys, tensions and expectations guided Canada through peace and war and eties have evolved and become educated on that parents have for their children are concluded with the founding of a solid the essentials of life in this current era, mirrored geographically across the globe. nation. others have remained stagnant and simply These North American siblings have exist in a dream world. Specifically speaking, remained close throughout their respective our North American societies are surprising- geographical, ideological and political histo- ly isolated and cut off from the “centre of ries. The reason these two nations have not civilization” or European society. Despite politically become joined as one lies simply the span of the Atlantic Ocean, for many

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Moving Forward

years there was a direct link between the approach that the United States took while ing opinions and contradictory arguments powers that be in Europe and the “govern- they attempted to fly from the nest. If the wafting back and forth make it hard to keep ing” powers that were found in the New United States had not rejected so much of straight who’s on whose side. I think that for World. Although that link may have been European and British society, maybe they a lot of people it is easier to look at the struc- thought of as trivial or irrelevant, it was a would be on the same page as Canada in ture of their nation and form and opinion reality. In order to shape the character of a terms of drug legislation. based on personal experience and historical nation, the roots and values must be firmly in But what does a violent history and nega- precedence rather than trying to keep up place before growth can start. tive political standing have to do with drugs? with “today’s topic”. Ignorance springs to life For the most part, these values were And, moving north, why is Canada ahead (so when history is ignored, education is over- coming across that invisible, yet real, line that to speak) when it comes to drug policy in looked and when the loudest is heard. connected the Old and New Worlds. The 2005? Do the political histories and up bring- And no one is louder in today’s political European nations that had their stake in the ing of these two sister nations have anything arena than the almighty President of the expected growth of Canadian and American at all to do with current drug policies? United States. The United States are scared; society were very careful with how much While asking these questions, it is of they are also ignoring the evidence and power and influence was transferred across great importance to remember which conti- facts that support legitimate drug policies to the ocean. The United States made it very nent is known for rebirth, the Renaissance exist in North America. Honestly, the clear, as their revolution got under way, that Era, openness of ideas and the overall accept- American’s should not be scared of Canada they were rejecting much of the values and ance of many cultures existing as one, but in a military sense, but they should be expectations that were bestowed upon them still maintaining individuality. The only scared that one day we will have a legal, since the commencement of their nation. answer for this is Europe. I think there is a recognized and regulated drug trade just Leadership and political guidance were no direct connection between the history of a north of their unprotected border. And the longer necessary in the eyes of the “strong nation and the current attitude of the citizens same goes for Canada, we should not be and the brave”. It could even be said that the in that nation towards certain hot button afraid of the United States; militarily United States took a political and moral issue, such as drug policy. Especially in maybe, but not politically or intellectually. detour as they forged on through time. today’s world, the shear influx of media that If we continue to move along this line of Looking at this angle today, a lot can be inundates first world citizens on an hourly reasoning, we can look at existing drug poli- explained from the violent and one sided basis is too enormous to ignore. The conflict- cies in Europe and how and to what extent

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Moving Forward

they are mirrored in Canada. The best Drug policies are prime examples of this. In continues to be ignored altogether in the known example is Amsterdam. Amsterdam essence most European nations have enacted United States. I keep coming back to the is known affectionately for its tolerance of accepting policies within society that accom- family structure; where one child is trying so marijuana and open culture when it comes modate the wide spread use and tolerance of hard to defy the parent they end up becoming to drugs and drug acceptance. Surprisingly marijuana. And like Canada, these countries so out of touch with reality it makes them the fact that marijuana is pseudo-legal there have started to shift away from America’s impossible to reason with, and the other has absolutely no bearing on how the “War on Drugs” campaign that has occupied child is trying so hard not to become swept government is respected. We tend to form much of the 21st century’s time and money. up in the irrational emotions of the other, opinions of this place based purely on spec- The relaxed and modern attitude that is and trying to navigate along the path to a ulation, hearsay and pre-conceived ideas of evident in Europe is something that we can better society. If our nation’s history can be what a legal drug society looks and acts like. only hope will spread across the ocean and examined, there is a better chance that our The point that leaps out at me in particular make its way into North American society. future as a modern nation will remain in a is again education. We in North America Politically and legally, Europe has also respected position both globally and morally. continue to remain closed off and uninter- taken a stance on identifying marijuana as a As Canadian’s we cannot be scared of the ested in creating new drug laws that we health issue, not a criminal activity. And unknown, because for us there is no pick apart the policies and society in which while the public use of marijuana is still unknown; our parents already have the expe- these ideal laws already exist. We have punishable under some European laws, the rience to guide us through the legal and tended to place political progress and socie- domestic and personal use is almost societal jumble that comes with producing tal evolution on the back burner to completely ignored. Decriminalization is also new laws and dealing with controversial convention and custom. a wide spread phenomenon, as more and issues. The growing demand for change is As the first generation of children that more governments are seeing the positive making the illegal aspects of the local issue of came directly from the culturally enhanced elements that will come from making this marijuana into a global issue of legality and and politically stable European continent, move. And this is not anywhere near the rights. For Canada to become a global advisor North America has taken great advantage of conclusion of the extent of which marijuana and advocate on the subject of legal marijua- the geographical distance that separates the in particular is becoming more and more na, we need to open our doors wider to our parent from the child. Having to exist in a accepted throughout all areas of modern European relatives, who have not only waded foreign and savage land with little physical European society. It is important to note that through the political, legal, moral and reli- instruction from home managed to push the the push for legal marijuana in Canada is gious issues that constantly surround young and impressionable societies of largely in response to what has been happen- marijuana, but most importantly they have Canada and the United States in two very ing with this issue on a global scale. been successful at creating a positive and rational campaign on the marijuana debate. different directions. The first to strike out It is hard to pick a particular point of individually, the United States has disregard- difference between Europe and North ed many conventions that still exist in America. While marijuana policy continues Europe. Societal and cultural norms in to change in Europe for the better, it contin- Europe are far more expressive and accepting ues to be talked about in Canada and than anything that exists in North America.

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Toward a Sane National Drug Policy

came as no surprise that drug-policy reac- tionaries screamed. But more interesting were the voices of support from around the country. Mayor Sharon Pratt Kelly of Washington and Mayor Frank Jordan of San Francisco have joined former secretary of state Gorge Shultz, Mayor Kurt Schmoke of Baltimore and a number of prominent Americans from across the political spectrum in speaking out for an alternative. Despite the fact that there is no evidence that pot has ever caused a single death and that there is clear evidence that cannabis is actually useful in treating certain medical left to right: Ethan Nadelmann, Mark Leno, Assemblyman, State of CA Legislation and Marsha conditions, the federal government continues Rosenbaum, Director Safety First, Drug Policy Alliance. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Bigwood to spend millions of dollars each year to erad- icate plants and harass users. In 1992, Ethan Nadelmann, founder and executive now more than 330,000 Americans behind according to the FBI, 535,000 people were director of Drug Policy Alliance and Jann S. bars for violating the drug laws. We are arrested for possession, sale or manufacture Wenner, editor and publisher of Rolling Stone spending over $20 billion per year on crimi- of marijuana. In six cases, life sentences were imposed. Magazine nal-justice approaches, but illegal drugs are available in greater supply and purity than This is the drug war at its most absurd. “Toward a Sane National Drug Policy.” ever before. Cynical phrases such as zero Paramilitary raids composed of state police, Rolling Stone. May 5, 1994: pp. 24-26. tolerance and drug-free society substitute for Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) The war on drugs is over. After eight thoughtful policies and realistic objectives. operatives and National Guardsmen fly over decades of interdiction, prohibition and It’s time for a change. public and private lands, their helicopters punishment, the results are in: There are We have ignored the clear lessons of histo- skimming the tops of private homes. Citizens ry. Prohibition, the are detained at gunpoint, and houses and 18th Amendment property worth hundreds of thousands of to the Constitution, dollars are forfeited to local police depart- financed the rise of ments for no other reason than the existence organized crime of small numbers of marijuana plants. and failed miser- The DEA’s global presence stands at an ably as social all-time high. U.S. military units and border- policy. Likewise, patrol forces scramble around Bolivia and the war on drugs Peru, destroying easily replaced makeshift has created new, laboratories. The U.S. Navy, Air Force, Coast well-financed and Guard and Customs Service patrol the seas in violent criminal search of illicit shipments. U.S. diplomats conspiracies and lean on European governments to throw failed to achieve their money into the kitty for perennial crop- any of its goals. substitution programs. It’s time for To what effect? Certainly not any reduc- Americans to look tion in the flow of drugs into the United seriously at other States. In late 1991, the General Accounting options. No one Office reported that the Pentagon’s interdic- has found the tion efforts, which cost U.S. taxpayers close answer to the drug to $1 billion during the previous two years, problem, but there had had no impact on the flow of drugs. For are alternatives to at least a generation, law-enforcement offi- spending tens of cials have recited the claim that they seize billions each year “only 10 percent” of drug shipments into the on a policy that is United States. The fact is, despite this dismal better at filling rate, they haven’t the slightest idea what prisons and spread- percentage they’re seizing. ing AIDS than The drug war has been most efficient at curing addictions. filling up the country’s prisons and jails: In When Surgeon all, there are 440,000 prisoners in local jails, General Joycelyn 840,000 in state prisons and another 87,000 Elders spoke out in in federal prisons. (Add to that 2.7 million December 1993 in people on probation and more than 500,000 favor of studying on parole.) This represents by far the highest alternatives, it proportion of the American population

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Toward a Sane National Drug Policy

incarcerated in our history, as well as the town. The ambitious street sweeps of drug cowardly politicians who know better have highest proportion incarcerated of any coun- dealers and ever more pervasive undercover combined with inner-city leaders obsessed try in the world. operations have simply made it that much with the rhetoric and images of genocidal Much of the increase in prison popula- easier for urban young people to step into the plots to oppose such programs. tion can be explained entirely in terms of the shoes of those whose jobs they cover. What it all adds up to is a contemporary war on drugs. More than 60 percent of feder- The costs incurred by America’s orgy of variant of the Crusades — a war to purge al prison inmates are incarcerated for incarceration are impressive. But they pale, at America of illicit drugs and anyone who violations of federal drug laws. According to least in human terms, next to the costs exact- makes, sells or uses them. Forget compro- a Justice Department study ordered by Janet ed by the spread of AIDS by and among mise. Forget tolerance. And for that matter, Reno, 16,316 federal prisoners who have no illicit-drug users, their sexual partners and forget any attempt at cost-benefit analysis. previous incarcerations, crimes or high-level their babies. Most U.S. states, as well as the Forget as well the fact that virtually all soci- drug activity on their records are serving an vast majority of foreign countries, allow eties in the history of human civilization average of six year sentences for drugs. Two people to buy syringes over the counter. Nine have used psychoactive substances — out of three are in prison because of manda- states, however, don’t. Those nine are nearly whether it’s marijuana or wine. tory sentencing laws. More than half of new the same as those with the worst illicit-drug It’s time for a new drug policy. The choic- incarcerations in New Jersey state prisons in use problems and the highest number of es are far more complex than prohibition vs. 1990 were for drug-law violations, 46.7 drug-related AIDS cases. legalization. What we need to do now is start percent in New York, 32 percent in Virtually every public health commission learning what works in other countries and Pennsylvania, and 53 percent in Washington, and organization — from the Centers for start relying a little more on common sense D.C. Although no one has actually added up Disease Control and Prevention and the and decency. The easy way to begin is with the numbers, it is safe to estimate that one- National Academy of Sciences to the World small steps — ones that reduce the harmful third of a million people are now behind bars Health Organization — has suggested that effects of drug use and drug policies without for violating drug laws and two to three times needle exchanges can play an important role completely eliminating our current system of that many are on probation or parole for the in reducing the transmission of HIV by and prohibition. same reason. among drug injectors. Both common sense First, we should immediately decriminal- The drug war takes most of its collateral and a host of scientific studies suggest that ize the sale and possession of small amounts casualties from the inner cities. If our prohi- making syringes available over the counter, of marijuana and make it easily available by bition policies really made a difference in creating needle-exchange programs and spon- prescription to those suffering from cancer, terms of reducing illicit-drug use in the coun- soring outreach programs to maintain AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other diseases. try, there might be some grounds for the contact with hard-core drug users are cheap Eleven states decriminalized marijuana claim that this tremendous expenditure of and relatively effective ways of reducing the during the 1970s, with no noticeable effects dollars and lives is worth it. But all the spread of AIDS among drug users. Virtually on consumption rates. California has saved evidence suggests that the simple deterrence all European countries, including some that more than $1 billion in criminal-justice costs model of tough enforcement and incarcera- punish drug dealing as severely as rape and by decriminalizing pot. tion has not had the desired impact on drug murder, have instituted such measures. The availability in the inner city or the small policy is risk-free. But in the United States, No drug, including marijuana, is completely safe — but as the DEA’s own administrative law judge Francis Young declared in 1988, marijuana is possibly “one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.” Though 36 states have called for the legalization of marijuana for medical treatment, the federal government refuses to remove pot from a Schedule 1 list- ing as a dangerous narcotic. What about hard drugs like heroin? Hundreds of studies and 25 years of experi- ence have proved that getting heroin addicts to switch to methadone can reduce heroin consumption, crime and AIDS and help former users to get and keep their lives together. But methadone continues to get a bad rap from powerful politicians and drug treatment bigwigs who insist that abstinence is the only cure. They’re wrong, just like those who insist that the only way to deal with teen-age pregnancy is by telling kids to remain “sex-free”. We should allow private physicians and public-health clinics to write prescriptions for methadone and allow their clients to pick the drug up at a local pharmacy. Methadone could be dispensed from mobile vans — as

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Toward a Sane National Drug Policy

Baltimore and Boston have begun to do. And Drug-treatment programs should be user- harm-reduction strategy will save lives, most important, we should not kick people friendly, as other medical services are reduce disease, cut crime and contribute to out of methadone programs if they relapse supposed to be, rather than like adolescent safer, healthier, more livable cities. and continue taking illegal drugs. All the hazing rituals. A good harm-reduction Any good nonprohibitionist drug policy evidence shows that they, and we, are better program teaches sex workers how to get has to contain three central ingredients. off if they maintain some link with health uncooperative clients to use condoms and First, possession of small amounts of any services. Simply stated, we should treat drug saves the moralizing for later. It teaches ille- drug for personal use has to be legal. Second, addicts who want methadone like we treat gal drug injectors how to inject safely, so that there have to be legal means by which adults diabetics who need insulin and depressed they don’t end up in emergency rooms or can obtain drugs of certified quality, purity Americans who want Prozac. dead, and then lets them know there’s a drug- and quantity. These can vary from state to What about cocaine? It’s helpful to treatment slot available when they’re ready. state and town to town, with the Food and remember that the crack epidemic, a devas- Repeal immediately all mandatory-mini- Drug Administration playing a supervisory tating plague, but one that is passing, was not mum-sentencing laws for drug-law offenders. role in controlling quality, providing informa- prevented by strict prohibition. Indeed, the It’s hard to find a respected jurist, who tion and assuring truth in advertising. And drug laws may well have created crack, just supports either current mandatory minimum third, citizens have to be empowered in their as Prohibition produced 190-proof bathtub requirements or the Draconian penalties he decisions about drugs. Doctors have a role in gin. And just as the repeal of Prohibition or she is required to impose on petty drug all this, but let’s not give them all the power. didn’t legalize moonshine, so the repeal of offenders. “Three strikes, you’re out” is A drug policy with these ingredients drug laws doesn’t have to mean legalizing catchy sloganeering, and it may even make would decimate the black market for drugs crack. The world is full of drugs that are less sense for murderers and hired assassins, but and take out of the hands of drug lords the dangerous and more attractive than crack. it’s a ludicrous approach for drug offenders. $50 billion to $60 billion in profits they earn We can begin by testing low-potency cocaine Virtually everything we’re suggesting each year. The nation would gain billions of products — coca-based chewing gum or here is already happening in many European dollars in law-enforcement savings and tax lozenges, for example, or products like cities. None of it’s revolutionary. In fact, revenues, which could then be used to treat Mariani’s wine and the Coca-Cola of the late quite the opposite, virtually everything we’re America’s most serious problems: the miser- 19th century — which by all accounts were suggesting can be described as evolutionary, able life prospects of millions of poor, as safe as beer and probably not much worse relatively risk-free and less expensive than under-educated Americans growing up in than coffee. If some people want to distill our current policies. Free needles, readily decaying, crime-ridden inner cities. those products down to something more available methadone and other harm-reduc- The only respectable argument against potent, let them. But most people won’t want tion programs hold no attractions for kids to buy it, just as few Americans wanted to such a policy is that it would result in a trying to decide whether to use drugs or not. substantial increase in drug use. We don’t see keep buying 190-proof alcohol once beer, All the available evidence indicates that a wine and liquor became legally available. why. All the evidence, as well as common switch from a war-on-drugs approach to a sense, indicates that the vast majority of

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Toward a Sane National Drug Policy

Americans don’t need drug-prohibition laws any city, town or suburb — who wants to try harm-reduction proposals would eliminate to keep from becoming junkies. Some drugs can find them easily enough right now. much of the inner-city violence associated Americans ask, “What about our children?” And still others say, “What about the with competitive drug dealing and allow but they forget that virtually any kid — in message it would send?” But forget that our billions of dollars to be rechanneled for current response — inane anti- economic assistance for job training, day care drug efforts like “Just Say No” and better schools. and “This Is Your Brain on In the inner cities, where the frontline Drugs,” along with our incredi- battles of the drug war are waged daily, the bly cruel laws, send far worse situation is desperate. The disintegration of messages: that kids are stupid, the family structure, the dire job outlook, that drug users are less than inadequate education and government aban- human, and that people who do donment have created communities where no harm to others deserve to lose the drug trade is guaranteed to flourish. Drug their freedom. prohibition has created a permanent under- A society cannot long afford class of unemployable inner-city youths to have its laws widely and whose lives have become hopelessly inter- openly broken. The urge to use woven with drug crime and who in turn are some form of mind-altering becoming parents to another generation of substance is deeply ingrained in dysfunctional children. Can we let this human nature. Attempting to damage continue? Isn’t it time to stop moral- legislate it out of existence can izing about drugs and put an end to policies only lead us to grant government that are destroying the nation? the kind of power it should not have in a free society. The insti- Photo of Ethan Nadelmann courtesy of Jeremy Bigwood tution of common-sense

Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues on Drug Use

cannabis for personal use, whilst still techni- was somehow seen as decriminalisation, cally a criminal offence, would no longer be they then decided that as well as the reclassi- an arrestable offence. fication from B to C they would change class In many ways this move was of huge C offences so that they were now arrestable, symbolic importance – being the first time and also increased supply penalties for class since the drug laws were introduced last C drugs to what had been the previous class century that they had witnessed any positive B levels (up to 14 years). So now there would reform – but in legislative terms fairly be a ‘presumption against arrest’ but the insignificant. In reality it merely enshrined power would be maintained in case of ‘aggra- Steve Rolles officially what had been happening in prac- vating circumstances’. Confused? So was attended our tice for years – the police putting their everybody else. Even supporters of the symposium in limited resources where they felt they were reforms criticised the muddle-headed way in Vancouver, BC more usefully deployed. which they were implemented. called: None the less the move still managed to A year later, as the May 2005 general “Beyond Drug Prohibition: A Public Health create a minor political storm and acres of election approached the Government got Approach” at which we explored a regulato- media coverage. The familiar reactionary nervous again, and the new Home Secretary, ry model for ALL currently illegal voices began repeating tired drug war rhetoric Charles Clarke, announced that he was refer- psycho-active substances. about ‘sending out the wrong message’ or ring the reclassification decision back to the ‘giving the green light to drug use’, and reefer Advisory Council (a group of Gov’t appoint- madness type scare stories were wheeled out ed experts who advise ministers) to see if it Steve Rolles Information Officer, from the UK should be reconsidered. Superficially this based Transform Drug Policy Foundation takes for the umpteenth time. Generally, however, it was welcomed by the public and regarded as a was on the basis of new evidence of links a look at recent developments in the UK and sound move by enlightened commentators. between cannabis use and mental health Europe. Transform is the UKs leading inde- problems, but it was clear that the effect pendent source of analysis and expertise on Sadly the UK Government remains terri- would be to kick the issue off the election drug law reform. fied of drug law reform. They have played agenda and thus avoid the dreaded accusa- the populist ‘tough on crime’ game hard tions of being ‘soft’. Transform were among Some Progress…. from the outset and were desperately the experts who gave written and oral In January 2004 the British Government, worried that even the small legislative evidence to this committee. (see: after much dithering, finally reclassified change regards cannabis would leave them http://www.tdpf.org.uk/Policy_General_Can cannabis from class B to class C, roughly open to accusations of being ‘soft’ on drugs. nabis_Reclassification_Revisited.htm) We approximating to a move from the US sched- Fearful that their ‘tough’ credentials were made three simple points. Firstly that reclas- ule II to III. The effect was that possession of under threat if the move they were making sification was a distraction from the more 18 Cannabis Health issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:57 PM Page 19

Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues on Drug Use

pressing debate on why cannabis was not Switzerland. Other countries have gone certain, however, is that any pan-European legally regulated and controlled. Secondly much further, effectively decriminalising consensus behind the so called ‘war on drugs’ that it was because of the potential hazards of personal possession of any drug, including has broken down completely, the debate is cannabis that it needed to be legally regulated Spain, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, and most very active with signs for further change, as and controlled, to reduce risks and protect recently (2001) Portugal. In 2004 these the untenability of the prohibitionist position the vulnerable. And thirdly that the commit- countries were joined by Russia which becomes ever more clear, mostly positive. tee, if it was attempting to reduce harm, had replaced imprisonment with administrative The battle ground is now over whether to consider the harm maximising effects of fines for possession ‘up to ten doses’ of any and how cannabis supply should be legally illegal markets, and the secondary harms drug for personal use. The Nordic states and regulated. Some countries already tolerate created by mass criminalization of young France stand out for being very opposed to sales (in some form) most famously including people. Although the committee has yet to such reforms. Interestingly Holland has a Holland, but also Switzerland, as well as parts report, it seems likely that they will, thank- considerably lower level of cannabis use of Germany and Spain and others. The prob- fully, reject the call for the change to be than in the UK, indeed there appears to no lem with this is that it very clearly breaches reversed. Public opinion remains strongly in correlation between levels of enforcement the UN drug conventions so is far more diffi- favour of reform with polls consistently and levels of use, a pattern repeated in cult to finesse in the international arena, with showing majority support for an end to the comparative studies between states within countries that have gone down this road criminalisation of cannabis users. US, and again in Australia. having faced significant diplomatic pressure Curiously enough, even this reclassifica- So a position has been reached in Europe, and condemnation (mostly from the US). tion of cannabis in the UK barely brings us where the different states are very much at There is also a debate over the merits of up to par with much of existing policy in odds with each other, with the reforming decriminalisation of personal possession mainland Europe, where cannabis posses- states challenging the letter and spirit of the alone. Is it an inevitable step on the road to sion has been widely decriminalised, either UN drug conventions and the others often full legalisation and regulation or is it actual- by changing the offence from a criminal to a becoming increasingly entrenched and hard- ly, in some respects, making things worse by civil/administrative offence (punishable by line. In some ways this mirrors the tensions facilitating the illegal market and proposing a fine) or through tolerant policing (‘turning a between federal government and the progres- perverse situation whereby it’s effectively blind eye’). This move happened in sive states (on cannabis law) in the US, legal to possess but illegal to purchase or sell? Luxemburg in 2001, Belgium in 2002, and although medical cannabis is not such a polit- has long been policy in Denmark and ical hot potatoe in Europe. What is for Back in the UK the drug debate took a

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Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues on Drug Use

further interesting turn with the leaking to and cocaine] droughts” (p.102) the media, notably amongst the mass markets the media of an unpublished report produced [but even if they could…..] tabloids. Formerly staunch advocates of the by the Prime Minister’s Number 10 Strategy • “price increases may even increase over- drug war, they are now increasingly ques- Unit, commissioned by, and presented to all harm, as determined users commit tioning its effectiveness and debating the Tony Blair himself. This remarkable report, more crime to fund their habit and more alternatives. A similar story is unfolding in now available online (see www.tdpf.org.uk) than offset the reduction in crime from the NGO community with increasing is a detailed 105 page analysis of the criminal lapsed users”(p.99) numbers engaging the debate for the first drug market and the attempts to interrupt it time and developing coherent public posi- with ‘supply-side interventions’ – i.e. the And then a step backwards… tions of the future of policy. The Prime Minister’s report was the policy of drug prohibition. The focus of the The ball is very definitely rolling in the report is on drugs and crime, and therefore beginning of his renewed attempt to deal with a drug related crime problem that UK, and despite some recent hiccups, its on the drugs related to most problematic use momentum seems to be unstoppable. As the and related offending in the UK, namely appeared to be out of control. Various high profile UK reports had been produced in the failings of the prohibitionist approach heroin and cocaine (primarily crack cocaine). become ever more obvious and the coalition It demonstrates in detail how: last few years (notably from the Police Foundation and the Parliamentary Home of reform minded individuals, organizations •Prohibition has failed to prevent or Affairs Select Committee) making similar and countries becomes stronger, the pressure reduce the production of drugs criticisms of current failures, but they had for change is becoming overwhelming. The •Prohibition has failed to prevent or called for progressive reforms that were not main obstacle internationally remains, sadly, reduce the trafficking/availability of politically palatable to the current the US and the UN drug agencies that it drugs Government. When Blair’s report produced a dominates. The drug law reform movement very similar critique, if anything even more in the US is consequently of huge impor- •Prohibition has failed to reduce levels of tance, as it is both the spiritual home of the problematic drug use clearly spelt out, it was decided not to make it public. Indeed the second phase of the Drug War and its primary cheerleader on the •Prohibition has inflated prices of heroin report which translated the analysis into international stage. Transform has been and cocaine, leading some dependent policy recommendations has yet to come into honoured recently to be invited to three drug users to commit large volumes of acquis- the public domain. law reform events in North America, itive crime. Even if such supply Organised by KDO (in Vancouver interventions could further increase Unfortunately, rather than follow the www.keepthedooropen.com), The King prices, this could increase harms, as emerging consensus within the drugs field County Bar Association (Seattle), and the dependent users commit more crime to and academia that a more public health and Drug Policy Alliance (LA), that show just support their habits. less enforcement oriented approach was how far the North American reform required the looming general election again campaign is progressing. It has been an Some quotes from the Tony Blair’s pushed policy thinking in the direction of Number 10 Strategy Unit Drug Report: inspiring experience to learn more about this populist ‘get tough’ enforcement. The result work and we will be continuing to build • “Drug crop eradication alone appears was the ill thought out Drugs Bill 2005 which these international alliances, share expertise not to limit illicit crops in the long brought in a raft of ‘tough’ measures that, and ideas and campaign for reform from a term”(p.61) despite being heavily criticised by NGOs and united front. We have now passed the tipping • “UK importers and suppliers make parliamentary committees alike, were pushed point and it is no longer if, but when prohibi- enough profit to absorb the modest cost through in the last week of parliament before tion can be consigned to the history books of drug seizures” (p.82) the election, at a time when none of the oppo- and a more just and effective approach to sition parties wanted to start a fight on such managing drug use becomes a reality. • “Over the past 10-15 years, despite an emotive issue, despite their objections. interventions at every point in the Read a more detailed critique of prohibi- supply chain, cocaine and heroin A brighter future? tion and exploration of the alternatives in consumption has been rising, prices Now the election is over with the ‘After the War on Drugs – Options for falling and drugs have continued to Government remaining in power, there is a Control’ available for free download at the reach users. Government interventions window of opportunity for more progressive Transform Website www.tdpf.org.uk . against the drug business are a cost of policy options to be debated once again. The business, rather than a substantive Centre Party in UK politics, the Liberal threat to the industry’s viability.” (p.94) Democrats, have a very progressive policy that is fiercely critical of the fail- • “Heroin and/or crack users cause harm ings of the Drug War and to the health and social functioning of includes legalising cannabis. users and society as a whole, but users They actually won more MPs at also commit substantial amounts of the recent election than in crime to fund their drug use (costing decades, despite their nominally £16bn a year)”. (p.2) radical position on drugs. • “Drug use is responsible for the great Prospective new leader of the majority of some types of crime, such as Conservative Party (the shoplifting and burglary ” (inc 85% of Government’s main opposition), shoplifting, 70-80% of burglaries, 54% David Cameron, has also made of robberies) (p.25) his progressive views on the drug laws publicly known. • “There is no evidence to suggest that law enforcement can create such[heroin Elsewhere there have been some interesting developments in “Keeping the Door Open: Dialogues on Drug Use” 20 Cannabis Health issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:57 PM Page 21

A Look at New Zealand and Cannabis Law Reform

New Zealand’s small popula- head of population, fifty per cent higher tion, geographical isolation and than the United States. historical willingness to think Until 1993 the New Zealand outside the box means change Parliamentary system of government was could be effected here more closely based on the British (first past the readily than in larger post) Westminster model. An activist-driven countries. Because of referendum prompted a change to MMP, a our cultural similari- proportional representation system, for the ties to the US, 1996 election. The party vote threshold that Canada, Australia had to be reached in order to get into parlia- and Britain, ment was set at 5%. Before the change it had any reforms been essentially a two-party contest, with here could even have a domino effect on neither party showing interest in cannabis these other countries. law reform. The new system meant smaller Contributed by Paula Lambert, Chris Fowlie Politics and activism parties, if they could reach the 5% threshold, and Stephen McIntyre New Zealand cannabis consumers have could represent groups of voters who didn’t long been living with the consequences of regard themselves as conservatives (National The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party exists to the 1975 Misuse of Drugs Act. We have the Party) or socialists (Labour Party). legalise cannabis for recreational, spiritual, world’s highest reported rate of using There are presently three NZ political medicinal and industrial purposes; to empower cannabis, as well as the highest rate of being parties with a formal policy in support of people to work together for peace and true arrested for it. Recent figures from the cannabis law reform. justice; and to institute a proper and just Christchurch Health and Development The Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party balance between the power of the state and the study show that almost 80% of 21 year olds have tried cannabis. Official government (ALCP), a single issue party, was set up in rights and dignity of the individual. We believe 1995 by members of NORML New Zealand. adults have the right to freedom of choice unless stats show that more than half of people aged 14-45 have tried cannabis. So our rate ALCP policy is to legalise and regulate that choice harms other people or the planet. of arrests for cannabis “offences” is, per cannabis, as is the Libertarianz Party.

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A Look at New Zealand and Cannabis Law Reform

Cannabis law reform, for recreational tank of experts led by Dr David Hadorn, Important recommendations from the and medicinal use, is also a policy of the NZ issued a report that recommended NZ “regu- inquiry report were that the Expert Advisory Green Party. Two founding members of the late and tax cannabis commerce”. The logic of Committee on Drugs (EACD) give a high ALCP, lawyer Metiria Turei and rastaman the report could not be faulted so the conser- priority to considering the classification of Nandor Tanczos, joined the Greens after the vative National government of the time used cannabis, and that the government pursue 1996 election. Nandor in 1999 became the the classic diversionary tactic of “more talk, the possibility of supporting the prescription world’s first elected Rastafarian MP, and less action”. of clinically-tested cannabis products for Metiria was elected three years later in 2002. The resulting 1999 inquiry into the medicinal purposes. It also recommended In that first MMP election of 1996 the mental health effects of cannabis concluded further examination of police abuse of search ALCP took 1.66% of the vote. Unfortunately that the “dangers from cannabis have been powers. this percentage has declined with each subse- overstated” and called for the current law to The inquiry, which the law reform move- quent election. In 1999 the Greens reached be reviewed. The conclusions suggest the ment had seriously thought would consider the 5% threshold with seven MPs in parlia- committee understood that any negative the evidence objectively, became bogged ment, and in 2002, nine. mental health effects were facilitated by down in political manoeuvring. Committee NORML NZ has been around since 1980. prohibition and the criminal law contributed members adopted positions based on their From a relatively small population of just to alienation and mental health issues. Their existing party policies and forgot or under four million there have been many recommendation to review the appropriate- dismissed evidence presented at hearings talented and dedicated activists working hard ness of existing policy implied acceptance weeks or months before. While the commit- to advocate cannabis law reform, in one that the policy was inappropriate, rather than tee failed to reach agreement on the legal organisation or another. There have been merely ineffective. status, they did come up with some choice many memorable instances of activism over Inquiry into the legal status of cannabis, lines that leave the reader in no doubt as to the years, including arrests and court cases 2001-2003 what the evidence said. that have pushed the boundaries where Following the election of the Green Party They concluded that the law “should legislative change has not been possible. in 1999 and the formation of a left-leaning therefore contain options for dealing with We have had some notable political lobby- Labour Government, a second and more minor cannabis use which avoid criminalisa- ing success too. In 1998 NZ’s delegate to the comprehensive inquiry was initiated, this tion”. UN Anti-Drug Summit, Minister of Customs time investigating “the most effective public Furthermore, “the current high levels of Tuariki Delamere, was the only politician in health strategies and consequently the most use and the level of black economy activity the world to denounce the war on drugs, call- appropriate legal status of cannabis”. indicate that the current prohibition regime ing the legal difference between alcohol and The overwhelming majority of submis- is not effective in limiting cannabis use. cannabis “hypocritical”. NZ Ministers of sions made by organisations and individual Prohibition results in high conviction rates Justice and Police at the time, Doug Graham New Zealanders to that inquiry were in for a relatively minor offence, which inhibits and Clem Simich, also came out in favour of favour of a change to the law. By far the people’s education, travel and employment cannabis decriminalisation. largest number of submissions called for a opportunities. Prohibition makes targeting Another development that year came system of legalised and regulated controlled education, prevention, harm minimisation when the Drug Policy Forum Trust, a think availability like Dutch-style cannabis cafes. and treatment measures difficult because users fear prosecution. It also facilitates the black market, and potentially exposes cannabis users to harder drugs.” In contrast, the advantages of legalisation and regulation included “information about the quality and effects of cannabis would be readily available...Education, prevention, harm minimisation and treatment measures would be easier to promulgate including the promotion of safe cannabis use practices. This option would eliminate criminal convic- tions for cannabis use and personal possession cases...This option could free up Police resources. Over-the-counter sales could substantially reduce the cannabis black market. Legislation would provide the oppor- tunity to tax what is reportedly a thriving cannabis business and to direct the addition- al revenue toward treatment and education. However, the tax levels would have to be calculated to ensure that price levels discour- Photo Courtesy - Owner, Madras Cafe Books, 165 Madras St, Christchurch aged use without being so high as to preserve an incentive for an illegal market.” L-R Christchurch ALCP and friends Mike Britnell, ALCP deputy leader, Paula Lambert, ALCP Instead of agreeing with the evidence, the treasurer, Kevin O’Connell, ALCP president, Pete Green, ALCP, Irinka Britnell, ALCP secretary, committee called for the Justice and Electoral Blair Anderson, mildgreens.org.nz Nandor Tanczos, Green Party MP (world first? rasta MP, still Reform Committee to hold yet another in parliament) inquiry. That inquiry is yet to begin. 22 Cannabis Health issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:57 PM Page 23

A Look at New Zealand and Cannabis Law Reform

Politicians won’t accept evidence they tions. In the years leading up to those elec- produced after the 2002 election, was only don’t like. Parts of the two completed inquiry tions there was considerable growing public selectively acted upon. reports have been used to support lies and support; many letters to newspapers, a A pair of elderly politicians, one wily and more damned lies by politicians, the media NORML bus toured the country, annual J the other cunning and opportunistic, really and members of the establishment who are Days in all main cities from 1992, activists stand out as worthy of comment in relation unwilling to face the fact that we Kiwis have arrested and pleading ‘not guilty’ and often to the non-debate about cannabis. This pair, become some of the most dedicated cannabis winning, and much more…even an annual Anderton and Dunne, portray themselves as users in the world. smokeout in the foyer of the Dunedin Police representing “middle New Zealand”. Their Cannabis is part of our culture. The Station for the last few years! slogans have included such gems as “common National Drug Survey lists cannabis as our The 2002 election sense”, “drug-free communities”, and most prevalent illicit drug, having been tried An early election was called in 2002. The “family values”. at least once by 52% of the surveyed popula- ALCP had been fundraising early and wasn’t During the 2002 election campaign tion aged 15-45 years. 16% of those admitted completely Dunne suddenly seized to being ‘current users’. But the perception caught off guard, upon cannabis as a among parliamentarians remains that but still lost There are presently means of frightening cannabis is a fringe issue, despite the record ground in 2002. the “middle New criminalisation of consumers of all ages. New Zealand three NZ political Zealanders” into They are able to ignore it largely because the ended up with voting for his party. He current regime silences those most negatively another minority parties with a formal provoked enough affected, while hysterical prohibitionists Labour-led moral outrage to give dominate media headlines. Ironically, law government, policy in support of his party many more and order is often of concern. including a coali- seats than they So the majority of our politicians, media tion of small cannabis law reform. deserved, and after the and police have effectively suppressed a prohibitionist election he had enough rational evidence-based public debate, ‘parties’. members to ensure that although activists have succeeded in making The entire second inquiry (legal status of the legal status review that had been in cannabis a major election issue, one way or cannabis) had been a long and drawn out progress was stymied. The price of his another, in the 1996, 1999 and 2002 elec- affair. Its report and recommendations, support for the minority Labour-led govern-

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A Look at New Zealand and Cannabis Law Reform

ment was that “legislation would not be minority-led government with right-leaning cannabis. It seems the door has been left introduced to parliament that changed the parties. open for possible change for medicinal users legal status of cannabis”. In fact reformists view the coalition and growers. While many activists threw their hands agreement as a compliment to how close we The 2005 NORML AGM and Annual up in despair and went on holiday, a solid came to ending prohibition. That Dunne has Conference takes place 25-27 November. core carried on. We have just had another felt compelled to again force it into the latest Representatives of all reform parties (plus election, and Dunne again played the agreement shows that we are still close to others) are attending. Time to regroup and cannabis card. His public support plummet- bringing about change. plot our future moves, laying the groundwork ed, he is now a party of just three, but he had And for our next trick for the 2008 election. the crucial numbers to force Labour to agree not to change the law. The pro-reform Greens It has not gone unnoticed that the new were sidelined as Labour chose to form a coalition agreement refers only to stopping changes for the “recreational” use of

Cannabis, Health & Context

strates that smoking marijuana can increase recent clinical study published in the April the risk of serious mental health problems,” 2005 issue of the journal Psychiatry Research US Drug Czar John Walters announced at a refuting a causal link between cannabis use Capitol Hill press conference hyping the and behavior suggestive of schizophrenia. White House’s new anti-pot campaign. “New “The current study...suggest[s] a temporal research being conducted here and abroad precedence of schizotypal traits before illustrates that marijuana use, particularly cannabis use in most cases,” its authors during teen years, can lead to depression, concluded. “These findings do not support a thoughts of suicide, and schizophrenia.” The causal link between cannabis use and schizo- Feds have since taken Walters’ sound-bytes typal traits.” “on the road” with a summer-long series of Paul Armentano Forthcoming survey data to be published hyperbolic advertisements featured in promi- in the journal Addictive Behavior also puts a Paul Armentano is the Senior Policy Analyst nent publications such as Newsweek, The for NORML and the NORML Foundation in New York Times, and The Nation. Washington, DC. He may be contacted via e- Predictably, those looking for the science mail at: [email protected]. For more behind the White House’s latest alarm would information about NORML and the NORML be hard pressed to find any, as even a curso- Foundation, visit: http://www.norml.org. ry look at the available epidemiological data indicates that rising levels of pot use over the Armed with sound-bites reminiscent of past three decades have not been associated the 1936 propaganda film “Reefer Madness”, with a comparable rise in clinical diagnoses the US government recently kicked off yet of schizophrenia. More specifically, absent another smear campaign on the supposed from the Feds’ campaign is any mention of a dangers of marijuana. The Feds’ latest charge: Pot causes mental illness. “A growing body of evidence now demon-

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Cannabis, Health & Context

damper on the White House’s “pot leads to that much of this association is likely due to tionably suggests, “as many as one in four depression” claims. After analyzing survey patients’ self-medicating with cannabis, as people may have a genetic profile that makes results from 4,400 adults who had completed survey data and anecdotal reports of individ- marijuana five times more likely to trigger The Center for Epidemiologic Studies uals finding therapeutic relief from both psychotic disorders, “this claim is yet anoth- Depression scale (a numerical, self-report clinical depression and schizotypal behavior er argument in favor of regulation. If there scale designed to assess symptoms of depres- are common within medical lore, and clinical does exist a minority population of citizens sion in the general population), researchers testing on the use of cannabinoids to treat who may be genetically prone to potential at the University of Southern California certain symptoms of mental illness has been harms from cannabis (such as, possibly, found: “Despite comparable ranges of scores recommended. those predisposed to schizophrenia), then a on all depression subscales, those who used Nevertheless, until this association is regulated system would best identify and once per week or less had less depressed better understood, there may be some merit educate this sub-population to pot’s potential mood, more positive affect, and fewer somat- in the government’s caution that adolescents risks, so that they may refrain from its use, if ic (physical) complaints than non-users. (particularly pre and early teens) and/or they so choose. ...Daily users [also] reported less depressed adults with pre-existing symptoms of mental To draw a real world comparison, mood and more positive affect than non- illness refrain from using marijuana, partic- millions of Americans safely use ibuprofen users.” ularly in large quantities. This statement, as an effective pain reliever. However, Lastly, there are the results of a meta- however, is hardly an indictment of marijua- among a minority of the population who analysis published earlier this year in the na’s relative safety or an endorsement of the suffer from liver and kidney problems, journal Current Opinion in Pharmacology. federal government’s efforts to criminally ibuprofen presents a legitimate and substan- The study’s verdict? Those who use prohibit its use by adults. If anything, just tial health risk. However, this fact no more cannabis in moderation, even long-term the opposite is true. calls for the criminalization of ibuprofen “will not suffer any lasting physical or HEALTH RISKS CALL FOR REGULA- among adults than do the Drug Czar’s half- mental harm. ...Overall, by comparison with TION, NOT PROHIBITION baked claims, even if true, call for the other drugs used mainly for ‘recreational’ Health risks connected with drug use, current prohibition of cannabis. purposes, cannabis could be rated to be a when scientifically documented, should not Finally, there lies the fact that cannabis relatively safe drug.” be seen as legitimate reasons for prohibition, prohibition has forever undermined the PUTTING CANNABIS IN CONTEXT but instead, as reasons for legal regulation. federal government’s ability to educate its The phrase “relatively safe” is appropri- Specific to cannabis, if, as the Drug Czar citizens, particularly young people, to the ate in any discussion regarding cannabis and alleges, studies demonstrate that those “who potential risks of marijuana when and mental health. No substance is harmless and first used marijuana before age 12 [are] where they present themselves. Ending in many cases, the relative dangers of a drug twice as likely as adults who first used mari- prohibition and enacting a legal, regulated may be increased or decreased depending on juana at age 18 or older to be classified as cannabis market would likely restore this set and setting. having lost credibility, as evidenced by the fact that Cannabis is no serious science-based, federal education campaigns different. mental regarding the health risks of tobacco and To date, Health risks connected illness,” drunk driving have greatly reduced smoking there is a limit- then this and driving under the influence among ed body of data is an argu- teenagers, while similar, rhetorically-based noting an asso- with drug use, when scien- ment in campaigns regarding teen pot use have been ciation favor of largely met by their target audience with between early tifically documented, legally groans and snickers. use of regulating As concluded by the Netherlands Drug cannabis and should not be seen as legit- cannabis Policy Foundation some years ago, cannabis’ increased in a “health risks are remarkably limited, but symptoms of imate reasons for manner cannabis is not completely harmless.” As a depression similar to result, the Foundation determined: “There and/or schizo- alcohol, so ought to be a special legal regulatory system phrenia based prohibition, but instead, as that better for cannabis because its use definitely does on a handful safeguards entail health risks. If cannabis was complete- of longitudinal reasons for legal regula- may be ly harmless, the same rules could be applied studies. enacted as to tea. Cannabis should not be made freely However, tion. restricting available, but the rules on cannabis can be interpretation adoles- very general and lenient.” Placed in this of this data is cents from context, the administration’s latest anti-pot troublesome legal campaign does little to advance the govern- and much of it is not well understood. access to it. Walters’ concerns, however, do ment’s position in favor of tightening Identified as well as unidentified confound- not support criminally prohibiting the prohibition, and provides ample ammunition ing factors (such as poverty, family history, responsible use of the cannabis by adults any to wage for its repeal. polydrug use, etc.) make it difficult, if not more than fears regarding the abuse of alco- impossible, for researchers to adequately hol by a minority of teenagers support a determine whether any cause-and-effect blanket prohibition on the use of beer by relationship exists between cannabis use and adults. mental illness. Also, many experts point out In addition, if, as the Drug Czar ques-

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Harm Reduction, The Cannabis Paradox

opportunities, professional and lay publica- and nervous systems. In general, cannabi- tions tend to emphasize to the public results noids modulate and coordinate tissues, that may be viewed in a negative light while organs and all body systems (cardiovascular, ignoring the opposite. “Harm reduction-the digestive, endocrine, excretory, immune, cannabis paradox” is an objective examina- musculo-skeletal, nervous, reproductive, and tion of the many health-enhancing properties respiratory systems). The effects of cannabi- of cannabinoids may provide, and thus noids on consciousness are far from provide a rationale for the use of medical understood, but are well known, and under- marijuana. lie recreational cannabis use. The term cannabinoids encompasses Too much or too little endocannabinoid three classes of chemical compounds: phyto- activity in any area of the body may consti- cannabinoids produced by marijuana plants, tute an imbalance that needs to be corrected. endocannabinoids produced by all animals, In general, there is a direction to the and synthetic cannabinoids that are of major biochemical imbalances that we all suffer. interest to pharmaceutical companies pursu- We’re all getting older not younger. All living ing drug development. These compounds systems are composed of thousands and Photo of Dr. Robert Melamede, have become a major focal point of scientific thousands of, what amounts to, biochemical Courtesy Aimee Stevenson pursuit because of the many ways that they thermostats. They constantly monitor them- regulate human biochemistry. 600 million selves and each other in an effort to maintain Dr. Robert Melamede, Assoc. Professor and years ago living organisms began to evolve the dynamic equilibrium that constitutes Biology Chairman Biology Department, what constitutes today’s endocannabinoid homeostasis. When the remarkable biochem- University of Colorado system. The endocannabinoid system is ical complexity of the human body is composed of endocannabinoids, cannabinoid functioning harmoniously with itself and its “Harm reduction-the cannabis paradox” receptors, and enzymes that break down environment, it is healthy. An imbalance in is a peer-reviewed scientific article that was cannabinoids. Cannabinoids regulate cellu- the energy and mass that flows through an recently published in the freely accessible lar biochemistry through their direct individual is the cause of disease. Often the Harm Reduction Journal. The title of the arti- interactions with specific cannabinoid recep- body monitors imbalance by producing free cle reflects the paradox that society typically tors. Additionally, many of their breakdown radicals and reacting to them in an effort to views marijuana use as dangerous, whereas products are also biologically active an act restore balance. These highly reactive chemi- nature has chosen the cannabinoid system independently of the cannabinoid receptors. cals essentially act as biochemical friction. that the plant activates, to minimize harm by As evolution proceeded, the role that the Free radicals are thought to be the basis of using it to maintain biochemical balance age related diseases such as those involving (homeostasis). Too often, the positive results cannabinoid system played in living systems continuously increased. It is now known that the immune, cardiovascular, and nervous of scientific research on cannabinoids have systems, cancers and the aging process itself. not been sufficiently emphasized. Due to the the endocannabinoid system maintains homeostasis within and across the organiza- Cannabinoids help regulate our biochemistry aura of fear created by marijuana prohibi- in an effort to minimize the damage caused tion, and biased research funding tional scales of all animal life (it is not found in insects). Cannabinoids control basic meta- by free radicals. The longer we live the more bolic processes from the sub-cellular level to biochemical friction wears on us, and the that of the entire body including appetite, more most of us need extra cannabinoids to glucose metabolism, body temperature and protect us. It is inevitable that most of us blood flow. Cannabinoids regulate intercellu- need, or will indeed, more cannabinoid activ- lar communication, especially in the immune ity than we can produce. The cannabis plant is a unique and excellent source of these compounds. It should be classified as a nutraceutical not a drug. Find the full article at: http://www.harm- reductionjournal.com/content/2/1/17

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What Does It Mean to Feel Better?

by virtue of having received one more vote than their opponents, own more knowledge than doctors? Is it different to “feel better” in the United States than it is in Canada or Mexico, or in Thailand or Somalia? Within the answers to these questions, or separately from them, do I have any right to decide what makes me feel better? I’m a smart guy. My grades in school told everyone that. Yet the fact that we even have arguments over the questions listed above is utterly incomprehensible to me. When one Photo of Bob Newland courtesy Loy Allen factors in that doctors are allowed by politi- cians to prescribe to patients for their Bob Newland discomforts and illnesses chemical compounds that often cause worse effects Bob is co-publisher of the magazine than the conditions for which they are Hemphasis.net. He lives near Hermosa, in the prescribed, one is left wondering if there is Black Hills of South Dakota. intelligent life anywhere on this continent. What does it mean to “feel better”? What When one adds to that mix the fact that a is “medical use” of anything? Are “doctors” naturally-occurring herbal remedy that endowed by their creator with certain unas- relieves pain and nausea caused by a wide sailable knowledge that those without the range of adverse physical conditions in a certificate cannot own? Do elected officials, wide range of people, with no adverse side effects, is illegal to use because the politicians think it makes people feel too much better, the arguments become circular; the answer to

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What Does It Mean to Feel Better?

each new question predicated on an erro- grant some patients the right to possess and seeds or harvested buds. The presumption neous answer to a previous question, until use cannabis as part of their therapy. They all seems to be that possession of marijuana plus we have a whole continent full of politicians, leave a disturbing gap in the process of legal possession of a state medical marijuana card doctors, cops and pundits running in circles procurement of the medicine. means that the obvious commission of a and barking at the moon. In May, a group called South Dakotans crime already committed is ignored. With the stroke of a pen in 1970, Richard for Safe Access, of which Such are the Nixon codified the ludicrous presumption by I am a founding member, interpretations of the Our choices are to take a step a majority of Congress that “marijuana” has formed for the purpose of rules of a game “no medical use”. That same slash of ink also codifying another such we hope will be beneficial, or to conducted within the changed the entire concept of “medical care”. unsatisfactory state law. silently endure the outrages of a framework of a prem- Doctors educated in the entire accrued The vehicle we had to system that arbitrarily punishes ise that is itself medical knowledge of mankind were now to work with is called an some people for using health- ludicrous. But, given be told their business by politicians whose “initiative”. We drafted a enhancing substances not approved its inclination for seats were purchased by corporations whose proposed addition to by the state. evil, perhaps we’re business is dispensing dangerous chemical South Dakota Codified lucky that the politi- compounds for wide popular use. Law titled, “An Act to cal process is also No medical use? Can there be a more provide safe access to medical marijuana for slow and stupid. arrogant hypothesis about a God-given green, certain qualified persons.” The actual process of putting an initiated seed-bearing growing thing? It seems obvious The Safe Access Act is similar to the initi- measure on the ballot is far less romantic to me that it is precisely because there is ated measure passed by 62 percent of than the lofty ideology that propels us to medical use for “marijuana” that it is so vili- Montana’s voters in their November 2004 presume to promote a measure we find fied. election. Proposed changes to South Dakota immensely unsatisfactory ourselves. Thousands and thousands of people are law include: This is what about 20 people, including sentenced by the law to either endure pain 1 That people suffering from medical me, each do for six or seven hours a week. We and nausea or to become criminals in order conditions that cause acute or chronic go to court houses, convenience stores, to quell their pain and nausea. Doctors who pain, dangerous or painful muscle libraries and street corners in South Dakota know that cannabis often works to quell pain spasms, or severe nausea or loss of and hang out, asking everyone who comes and nausea are reduced to whispering to appetite qualify for cannabis therapy. near, “Hi, would you like to help us put the their patients, “I can’t be telling you this, but 2 That a patient and doctor may decide to issue of medical marijuana use on the ballot if you could find some marijuana and smoke try a course of cannabis therapy, and for next year’s election?” In a typical three- it, it could very well give you some relief. register with the Dept. of Health. hour shift, we might ask that question 300 or Even if it doesn’t work for you, we know it 400 times. 3 That a patient and his or her caretaker won’t cause you any harm.” There is no We each carry a clipboard or two, a few medicine marketed by the corporations, not may each possess 6 live cannabis plants and an ounce of usable cannabis. pens, and the petition sheets, which include even aspirin, about which a doctor can say the 2362-word (half again as long as this arti- that. 4 That a person using cannabis for thera- cle) text of our proposal. The petition sheets Each of the United States enacted copies py may advance a ‘medical necessity’ also have spaces for signatures and addresses of the federal law. For 25 years, there was “no defense in the event of arrest, even of 20 registered South Dakota voters. In a medical use” of cannabis, according to feder- though he or she has not yet registered tiring three-hour stint, most of us can fill five al and state laws. In 1995, the weight of as a qualifying patient. to eight sheets with signatures. scientific and anecdotal fact became so heavy 5 That a person with a registry card iden- By May 1, 2006, we will have submitted the state laws began to topple. California’s, tifying him or her as a qualifying patient the signatures of more than 20,000 people to then Oregon’s, Washington’s, Nevada’s, need not worry about being arrested for the South Dakota Secretary of State. South Colorado’s, Hawaii’s, Alaska’s, Maine’s, and possession, and his/her registered care- Dakota law provides that if 16,728 of those Montana’s voters decided that they would no taker need not worry about being signatures belong to registered voters, our longer prosecute some of their sick, disabled arrested for distribution. issue becomes a question to be answered by and dying patients for trying to feel better. The unsatisfactory nature of this propos- South Dakota voters on November 7, 2006. Maryland’s and Vermont’s legislatures took al is obvious. Every action taken on the part The question is, “Should doctors and patients timid steps in the same direction. of a patient to obtain, grow or use cannabis is in South Dakota have the right to decide, at None of these new state laws are satisfac- illegal under federal law. Even within the least as freely as doctors and patients in tory. They all grant doctors the right to already-enacted state medical marijuana laws eleven other states, what is the best course of practice medicine a little better. They all there is no provision for legally obtaining therapy for their specific situations?”

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What Does It Mean to Feel Better?

23 of the United States provide for citizen Vermont’s legislatures would not have had the of new friends) to those of us asking for signa- initiatives. Without the initiative process, courage to do the right thing. tures. It had better. If the election itself goes there still would be no legally recognized Once having qualified for the ballot in a our way, we will only have become a step medical cannabis use in the United States. state, no medical marijuana initiative has along the way to what we hope is some meas- Without initiated precursors, Maryland and failed. South Dakota is viewed as a possible ure of enlightenment as a society. We will, in bellwether state in this progression. South actuality, have achieved very little. The feds Dakota has some of the most draconian mari- will still be able to harass patients and their juana laws in the nation. A positive-for-THC caregivers. South Dakota law enforcement urinalysis of an otherwise completely peace- will still actively break the law, providing ful honest person can cost him his driving assistance to the feds. license, his home, his children, his cash, his Our choices are to take a step we hope will car and his ability to earn a living, as well as be beneficial, or to silently endure the his freedom for a while. outrages of a system that arbitrarily punishes South Dakota is also typified by some of some people for using health-enhancing the stupidest legislators and bureaucrats on substances not approved by the state. That earth (an honor presented among a highly- doesn’t seem like much of a choice to me. contested race). Recently, assistant attorney Learn more about the medical cannabis general Charlie McGuigan testified to a fawn- initiative campaign in South Dakota at ing legislative committee that the presence of http://www.SoDakSafeAccess.org/. “carciginians” in cannabis smoke presented ample reason to deny its benefits to sick, disabled and dying people. The best thing I can say about this process is that the process itself provides rewards (in the realm of personal growth and acquisition Photo courtesy Bob Newland: Matthew Ducheneaux: quadriplegic from a car wreck, used marijuana to quell muscle spasms caused by spinal injury. Was arrested in Sioux Falls, So. Dak., for possession in 2000, and denied a defense incorporating ‘medical necessity’. The prosecutor stipulated that Ducheneaux benefited from marijuana use, but said that the law says there is “no medical use” for marijua- na. Ducheneaux was convicted, fined and sentenced to jail for attempting to prolong his own life

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WELLS, B.C., October 26, 2005: dropped their drawers in a variety of on ebay, and by mail order through Back (and front) by popular demand, historic gold rush locations. From Island Mountain Arts. Join us at the Island Mountain Arts in Wells, British Barkerville and Stanley, to the 1930’s Island Mountain Arts Public Gallery in Columbia, Canada is proud to announce Wells Community Hall and the tailings Wells on Saturday, November 12 at 7pm the publication of the 2006 Nude BC of the Cariboo Gold Quartz Mine, the for the official Calendar Launch Party Gold Rush History Calendar. The 2006 sepia-toned never-before-seen photo- and Coffeehouse. edition is hot off the press! It features a graphs reveal a lot more than just a For more information on where you whole new set of historic tongue-in- window into our Canadian heritage. can buy a calendar or to order one over cheek gold rush poses, and reveals the With its diverse range of ages, cultures the phone call Island Mountain Arts naked truth about our often over-looked and body types, the calendar gives a Society toll free at 1-800-442-2787. history. glimpse of some of the intimate details Calendars are $20 (incl. Taxes) with The non-profit art gallery and school of the lives of the miners, merchants funds raised going towards the non- in the historic northern Cariboo town and entertainers who flocked to the gold profit arts organization, Island sold over 1400 Nude Cariboo History fields. Mountain Arts Society, established in Calendars in 2004, and commissioned “What distinguishes this calendar Wells in 1977. For more information on local artist, Bill Horne of Amazing from others is its historic and satirical courses in the arts, the public gallery, Space Studio, to produce another nude nature. I doubt there are many other the ArtsWells Festival, the International calendar for 2006. calendars that have the kind of gender Celtic Harp School, and the Wells “Requests have been coming from role reversals found in this one. Our Artists’ Project for Professional and across North America for us to make intent has been to create a humorous Emerging Artists, call 1-800-442-ARTS, another calendar. Wells may only be a visual challenge to the sexist stereotypes visit www.imarts.com or email town of 200 people, but with its rich that usually depict women in submis- [email protected]. history associated with Barkerville and sive roles and poses. At the same time, ISLAND MOUNTAIN ARTS Box 65, the search for gold, thousands of people we wanted to pay tribute to a history Wells, BC, V0K 2R0 - www.imarts.com have lived or visited our small town over that’s easily forgotten in today’s Toll-Free: 1-800-442-2787 Phone: 250- the years and have great nostalgia for consumerist, techno world. It is a histo- 994-3466 Fax: 250-994-3433 the place,” says Artistic Director of ry in which women, as well as men, [email protected] Island Mountain Arts, Julie Fowler. played significant roles,” explains calen- NEWS RELEASE dar creator Bill Horne. For Immediate Release Media Contact: Not afraid to ‘bare all’ to support the Julie Fowler Toll Free: 1-800-442-ARTS arts, the good folks of Wells, including The calendar goes on sale starting (2787) Tel: 250-994-3466 Fax: 250- local celebrities like the mayor, a “black- October 27, 2005 and can be picked up 994-3433 Email: [email protected] smith” and renowned artists, tastefully at select locations around the province,

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Cannabis Health Wants You! and we will give away this beautiful, hand crafted medicine bag to prove it.

SUBSCRIBE - SUBMIT A STORY - ADVERTISE - WRITE US A LETTER OR SPOT THE PROPAGANDA AND SEND IT IN!

Every subscription, article, letter, art, photo and/or “Truth pewter Mexican beads. Is” submission and advertiser received before March 31, She even adds a piece 2006 will be entered for a chance to win this exquisite one- of sweetgrass to bless of-a-kind medicine bag, worn during the opening the bag and a signed, ceremonies of the Festival of Freedom at the Forks. Created numbered card is by Mikisew Cree First Nation artist, DorothyAnn, a gifted included. From her soul who is inspired by the world around her. “A piece of soul to yours, peace. my soul goes into each medicine bag” DorothyAnn says of This bag is valued at her creations. Her bags are made with 100% hemp, cord $2,500 CDN. The winner will be announced in the and hand dyed lining. The stones are: crystals, turquoise, May/June 2006 issue of Cannabis Health Journal. Good 100 year old trading beads, handmade pure silver and luck to all.

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32 Cannabis Health issue-4-2 12/14/05 2:58 PM Page 33

Community Talking Stick

Hello Barb and the Cannabis Health tion and healthy safe access for people in Team need, increasing revenue for our govern- I’m asking for any kind of help avail- ment, overthrowing the black market in able. On Dec 27/04 another police raid a responsible manner. on my shop “Harvest Moon” has landed I realize this is a tough goal for all of me in jail and I’ve been held in custody us in the cannabis industry, but with since that date. I don’t want any trouble help from great organizations like with the authorities, but there is a Cannabis Health, Cannabis Culture, constitutional and charter challenge that NORML, Federal Marijuana Party, needs to be addressed. It seems this BCMP and the list goes on of great area’s jurisdiction is unfair and harsh on people out there trying to make a posi- the efforts Harvest Moon is making tive change in society. It’s a realistic goal fighting prohibition. I want to be a part that I feel will happen. AMNESTY is a of the legal cannabis industry, but good start. bureaucracies are trying to damage my Thank you kindly for the SEPT/OCT life in Canada. 2005 issue of Cannabis Health you sent I had a pre-trial on Sept 6/05 in which me. I enjoy the very interesting informa- I prepared a letter for the courts (copy tion; feel free to send me any literature enclosed). It seems the nine months in available which will help fight the good custody isn’t worth anything and a liber- fight. ALL TOGETHER WE CAN END FIND al crown prosecutor, Richard Pollock, PROHIBITION. wants me in a federal penitentiary. Trust Keep up the good work Cannabis MIGHTY MIKE me, this has all been a set-up from day Health. I’m fighting for all of us! one. On April 26/05, I was denied bail Sincerely yours, because I want to continue with Harvest Nick Minardi, Harvest Moon Find Mighty Mike hidden Moon. I need an expert like Mr. John W. somewhere in this issue to Conroy, QC to help fight PROHIBITION for a positive resolution. win a prize. Send the page My lawyers in Windsor, Mr. Robert Dipietro and Mr. Kirk Munroe are help- number and location where ing me fight the trafficking, proceeds of you found Mighty Mike to crime and the five other related charges I’m facing for operating Harvest Moon. [email protected] or The majority of people in the Windsor snail mail to Box 1481, Grand and surrounding areas are saddened, frustrated and angry about the way the Forks, BC V0H 1H0 with Crown prosecutor and Windsor Drug Squad have been conducting their behav- Mighty Mike Contest in the ior in handling this case against Harvest subject line. Moon. Important court date Oct 14/05. My goal is to re-open Harvest Moon in the near future, having an active role in the community with no problems from our authorities. Promoting educa-

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