Rhode to Decriminalization by J.C. Trout

Rhode to Decriminalization

On June 13, 2012 Rhode Island (R.I.) joined fifteen other states when its Governor Lincoln Chaffee signed the state’s new bill decriminalizing marijuana. The cool thing about Rhode Island, just like New York City, is that it’s taking the decrim seriously.  Before the twin house bills (S2253/H7092) passed, R.I. imposed a $500 fine and a year in the hoosegow just for having a couple of doobs.  After April 13, 2013, R.I. cops won’t even arrest you for an “o” or less.  They will take your stash and give you $150 “civil” ticket.  That’s it. The ticket doesn’t even leave a mark on your criminal record. If for some reason you are caught three times in a year and a half, you may have to pay a $500 fine or spend a month in the clink.  Of course, if you are caught that many times in just over a year – you’re either into some other activities that are buzzin’ the fuzz, or you ride the short bus to school. 

However, if you are under 18, the Rhode Island Traffic Tribunal will probably crush your driving privileges, make you go to a Drug Awareness class, and have you picking up trash along the freeway for a couple of weeks.  While this might seem mega-lame, it’s a lot better than our own teens get in Michigan.  Many of our teens find themselves incarcerated, placed on probation, or marked in the system for just a roach or two.

A version of these bills had been introduced by sponsor Rep. John Edwards of Tiverton on numerous occasions with a slow persuasion of support over many years. Finally this year, with the help of his co-sponsor Senator Joshua Miller, Edwards managed to win the support of the House (50-24) and the Senate (28-6).  Many believe these legislative results are reflective of the shifting attitudes among Americans about marijuana use.  Ultimately it may come down to pragmatic legal sense.  One of the first rules of making a new law is to never create a law you are unwilling or unable to enforce.  In this case, so many Americans use marijuana as their drug of choice, it is truly impossible to stop them.  So, having cops focus on their energy on an ocean of non-violent crime is a waste of tax-payer time and money. In fact according to Harvard economist Jeffery Myron, R.I. should save around $11 million a year when the bills go into effect.

“I’m very happy the governor has decided to support this legislation… I am hopeful that this will allow our law enforcement officials to do what they do best – solve real crimes.”- Representative and Sponsor John Edwards

Of course there are nay-sayers to controversial issues such as this, but their message doesn’t offer any new thoughts or solutions; just the same ol’ same ol’ about the “kind of message…we [are] sending to our youth.”  However, this short-sighted opinion falls flat when pressed with the fact that this new law, for the first time ever, sets aside monies collected from these fines to fund the teen drug awareness programs – thus allowing the civil infraction to pay for itself- efficient and logically consequential.  Indeed, these particular bills have been cited as possible models for designing a national marijuana decriminalization bill.  .

“This legislation maintains the spirit of the policy with adjustments that factored in concerns from the judiciary, law enforcement officials and the community… half of the revenue we make with these fines goes toward education and treatment programs for youth. The community much prefers to have our young people in those types of programs as opposed to incarceration, and it’s important that we preserve their access to education and employment.” – Senator and Co-Sponsor Joshua Miller

 

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Cannabis Camp by Ben Horner

By Ben Horner

Houghton Lake

            As I drove over the Zilwaukee Bridge I felt mixed emotions about the weekend ahead of me. It happened to be father’s day weekend, so the thought of how much I was going to miss my children made me sad and a little lonely.  Luckily I had Max, my trusty four-legged friend to keep me company. The route up M55 is lush with rolling green landscapes picketed with rows of pine, maple and oak trees.  I rode the whole way there with the windows rolled down, enjoying the fresh air, clear skies, and warm weather that demands that you wear shorts, tank tops and a smiling face.

            I arrived at the White Pines Canoe Camp Ground, which is located just west of Houghton Lake. (My Good friend Hoss gave me the simple directions: follow M55 past Houghton Lake west of 127, then take Jeff road south and follow the canoe camp signs. You can’t miss it!)  Uncle Pete, master of ceremonies at Cannabis Camp, greeted me as I entered camp with a joint, which was well needed after the long trip. I broke out one to match and quickly the core group gathered to partake. I was in heaven. Great tunes jammed out of a sound system at the center of camp. Everyone was so friendly; they even set my tent up for me.  Some of the local teenagers ran up to the store for me and brought back split firewood and showed me where to get the water. There is this mystical natural spring well, that one must use at camp. This artisan well has been flowing for over 65 years and tastes better then any water I have ever tasted. The welcome was absolutely refreshing.

            That night two boys, Les Older and Dan Patch pulled out the guitars and jammed for hours. By the end of the evening I was spent. I didn’t wake till after nine, and after breakfast we took canoes down the Muskegon River. The ride down the river lasted 4hours, and my back was sore by the time I was done. Just some advice if you get partnered with Kevin, don’t let him steer the boat, because if you do he will haze you.  The winding river was beautiful and relaxing, regardless.  When I got back the band was starting. Uncle Pete kept everyone entertained as he zipped through camp on his green mini bike. When he was done riding he began to sing with the band, encouraging all to join him in dance and other displays of merriment. I made chicken enchiladas in my Dutch oven with culinary friends Marlin and Max. Everyone ate well and enjoyed the music. Les Older played one of his original songs called, As the River Follows, which was quite fitting for the occasion. I fell asleep after enjoying an infused chocolate milkshake, loads of hash and more joints then one could possibly require.

            Waking up on Sunday, I was still numb from the night prior. Folks were arriving that I had not seen yet, many of whom brought large bags of trim that they emptied collectively into an oversized glass jar.  Uncle Pete made sure all of his caregivers put up their donation.  Soon the container was full with buds and frosty sugar leaves. As the group worked together to prepare the Simpson Oil, I was introduced to Amy, a cancer patient that the oil was being made for. Simpson Oil is recognized as the most effective way to use cannabis to combat tumor/abnormal cell growth, nerve damage and a host of other medical conditions.  As the medicine cooked down, folks gathered around Amy and watched Pete and Joe work. I couldn’t help thinking that this is the spirit of compassion that we often speak of, but many fall short of. I don’t want to sound corny, but I really didn’t want to go home!

            If you are interested in going to cannabis camp or want more info just call Uncle Pete himself, you can contact him at 989-359-1792.

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A Column by John Sinclair

First off, I’d like to thank all the people in my home town of Flint who came out to celebrate my birthday with me and the great band called Glowb at Churchill’s earlier this month. I had a great time and I’d like to give thanks to my friend Chris Kotarski and my publisher, Ben Horner, who threw the party for me.

I was born October 2, 1941 in Women’s Hospital on the west side of Flint. My earliest years were spent in a little house on the bend of M-21 in Elba, just east of Potter’s Lake, but I grew up in Davison, went away to college for a couple of years and then returned to Flint and graduated from the University of Michigan—Flint College in the spring of 1964.

I smoked my first joint in Flint just about 50 years ago and I’ve been getting high on a daily basis ever since—except for the three years I was incarcerated in one Michigan prison or another. I was first busted for weed in the fall of 1964, not long after I’d moved to Detroit to attend graduate school in American Literature at Wayne State University, and I began a lifetime of marijuana legalization advocacy in January 1965.

I’ve been a poet since I was in college and I think it’s important to note that the marijuana legalization movement was kicked off by a pair of eminent modern poets in New York City: Allen Ginsberg and Ed Sanders. One day very early in 1965 I received in the U.S. mail an announcement that the bards had organized a social action group called New York LEMAR (Legalize Marijuana) and called their first demonstration for later in January. This is the demonstration that produced the classic photo of Allen Ginsberg in an Uncle Sam top hat carrying a placard that said POT IS FUN.


I took a few tokes, slid a stencil into my electric typewriter and punched out a message heralding the formation of Detroit LEMAR, then strapped the stencil onto the mimeograph machine at our Detroit Artists Workshop and printed out a couple hundred flyers for immediate distribution around the WSU campus.

That’s how I got my start as a marijuana crusader. I was busted a second time by the Detroit Narcotics Squad in August 1965— marijuana was then legally classified as a narcotic— and I wanted to mount an immediate challenge to the constitutionality of the Michigan statute. But my attorney, a great guy called Mike Leven, explained that the penalty upon conviction for my crime of delivering marijuana would be a minimum mandatory sentence of 20 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment.

My attorney convinced me that he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if he was responsible for losing my case in Recorders Court and causing me to be sent to prison for 20 years to life. So he talked me into copping a plea and serving six months in the Detroit House of Correction with another three years of probation added on to the two years I was already serving.


I got out of DeHoCo in August 1966 and returned to my life in Detroit as a poet, underground journalist, cultural organizer and vocal opponent of the marijuana laws and the police who enforced them. As a consequence, I was busted for the third time in January 1967 for giving two joints to an undercover policewoman three days before Christmas. This time I was determined to fight the law under which I expected to be charged year after year, and happily I found sympathetic—and daring—legal representative by a great attorney, Sheldon Otis, who was soon joined by a young associate named Jusrin “Chuck” Ravitz. They prepared a comprehensive legal challenge to the Michigan marijuana law and began to pursue it in Detroit Recorders Court, which appointed a three-judge panel—for the first time in Michigan jurisprudence—to consider our constitutional challenge.


The panel ruled that the issue couldn’t be decided without a conviction on appeal, and both the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court upheld this decision, so I went to trial 2-1/2 years later, in July 1969, on a charge of possession of two joints. (The transfer charge was dropped the day before trial.)
In order to keep the record clear for our appeal, I offered no defense except on constitutional grounds: that marijuana was not a narcotic and a ten-year sentence for possession was cruel and unusual punishment. My conviction was entered and I was sentenced on July 28, 1969 to 9-1/2 to 10 years in prison.

Despite the lofty nature of my constitutional challenge to the law and the innocuous nature of my crime, the courts would not allow me an appeal bond while my case wound its way through the appeals process and I was sent to Jackson Prison, then to Marquette Prison in the Upper Peninsula for a year under maximum security, then back to Jackson under maximum security for another year and a half. The Michigan Court of Appeals refused appeal bond on the grounds that I was a danger to society, a decision also upheld by the Michigan Supreme Court, so I remained under severe incarceration until December 1971 when the Michigan Legislature enacted a new drug law that removed marijuana from the narcotics classification and reduced the sentence for possession to one year.

Since I’d already served 29 months of my unconstitutional sentence and my argument on appeal had already been heard by the Supreme Court, I was granted an appeal bond and released from prison on December 13, 1971. Three months later the Supreme Court agreed that the previous marijuana law was unconstitutional and reversed my conviction. I’ve been free ever since.

Marijuana has remained illegal all this time, although the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act of  2008 passed by the vote of 62% of Michigan citizens has opened a window onto a new era for the marijuana user, although law enforcement is loath to give up its power over the lives of the innocent people who are victimized by the bizarre machinations of the War On Drugs.

I don’t know exactly what made me recount this story here except perhaps the passing of an extraordinary milestone in the form of my 70th birthday and the current agitation to further reform the marijuana laws and decriminalize our beloved herb after another 40 years of arrests and convictions of thousands and thousands of marijuana smokers. It’s time to take the police out of the picture as far as this benevolent herb and powerful medicine is concerned. In fact, it’s way past time, and it can be done by continuing the struggle in the courts and at the ballot box to institute a rational and humane methodology for responding to and answering the needs of people who smoke marijuana for whatever reasons.

It’s none of their business!
Let It Grow! VoteGreen in 2012

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I'm Just A Bill by JC Trout

Many of you have recently heard or read some of the bills coming out of our legislative houses here in Michigan. The MMM Report has decided to examine a few of the more important bills coming down the pike and provide information on the feasibility of these bills to pass. This does not mean that the MMM Report has some inside information, but rather using the political landscape as it sits, we may deduce their outcome. However, this is only a forecast.

Senate Bill (SB) 17 was introduced back in January 2011 by Republican sponsors Rick Jones and Grand Ledge. This bill seeks to amend the Public Health Code (PHC) to make Compassion clubs, or “marijuana bars” as they call them, illegal. The concerns brought forth by Jones and Ledge of the Health Policy Committee, was that these establishments allow members to use marijuana on cite, and then drive home. They claim a ban on such clubs would improve public safety. This bill has been tabled in Committee of the Whole for quite some time. While the bill is not dead, it would seem logical that the Republicans would not bring this issue back to the floor without some assurance that the bill would pass. So far, it cannot be seen that the Republicans would be able pass this legislation without Democratic support. It is probable that this bill will eventually die.

SB 377 Originally this bill sought to forward personal patient and caregiver information to Michigan State Police within 48 hours after the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has issued a new card. Apparently, wiser minds prevailed and amended the proposal to the basic set-up already in place. It has always been established that a police

SB 418 is a major Republican backed bill that would remove the citizenry from suing the state and regulatory agencies regarding any part or section of the MMMA. Essentially, the bill seeks to keep the people from exercising their rights; especially those that keep governmental powers in check. This bill will only have a chance to pass if Dems supported it. It is unlikely though, due to the fact that essentially this

SB 506 This bill would require patients to prove a legitimate relationship with their doctor. The doctor would have “to take a medical history of the patient, perform a physical exam, review prior treatments and responses; review relevant diagnostic test results; discuss the ‘advantages, disadvantages, alternatives, potential adverse effects, and the expected response’ of medical marijuana; monitor the patient ‘to determine the response to and any side effects of the treatment;’ create and maintain records for the patients; and notify the patient’s primary care physician, if there is one. If a doctor fails to do so, the patient’s registry card is invalid and the doctor is not protected from civil action ‘or in a professional disciplinary or licensing proceeding.’”

While this bill seems to have good intentions, it is specious. The long-term relationship with a doctor coupled with the necessary tests and documentations only proves to be nothing more than a monetary obstacle for the poor and the uninsured of our state. This type of economic segregation will most likely will not be supported by the Dems. Even if the bill does gain traction, it would be hard to see this bill in the Committee of the Whole anytime soon. Even still, the bill would need to be amended to find bipartisan support. As is, the bill will probably die in the Committee on Health Policy.

HOUSE OF

REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill (HB) 4834 This bill correlates with SB377, which provides law enforcement access topersonal information of patients and caregivers. This bill would require a 2 inch square picture to be placed on patient and

HB 4850 Of all the bills mentioned, this house bill seeks to change your everyday use and acquisition of medical marijuana. The bill would ban patient-topatient and caregiver-to-caregiver transfers outside of those patients and caregivers that are registered together under the MMMA. Further, this amendment to the MMMA would permanently revoke patient and caregiver identification cards if acquisition occurred  outside of the registered relationship. This bill is frightening because of the amount of support it has already garnered in the Judiciary Committee with 23 Republicans and four Democrat s co-sponsoring it. If this bill were to pass it would not only rewrite a considerable amount of the MMMA, but would again tighten the accessibility of medication to patients as well as mar economic growth in this state. Luckily this vote would require ¾ majority, which is pretty hard to achieve even with support.

HB 4854 This bill seeks to stop caregivers from advertising. Amending the state Penal Code, this Republican backed bill would essentially put medical marijuana in the same realm as liquor and tobacco. Again, the bill seeks to segregate the medical community from participating in the same advertising that drug companies enjoy in all realms of media. Hmm…I wonder who the constituents of these Republicans might be. Either way this bill has a shot to pass, especially if the Dems give greater support. Right now it is in the Judiciary Committee, and will be a little time before we see it in the Committee of the Whole.

While the MMM Report hopes you found some of this information useful, we would urge you to keep writing, calling, emailing and bothering your local representatives. It is only when we are actively involved in our government that we are able to effect any change. We have come a long way to gain these rights, do not allow them to be ripped from us without a fight. “This aggression cannot stand.”

JC Trout

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Mother Natures Corner by Debi Bair

Hello, welcome back to mother natures corner. This month I’d like to introduce you to the healing herb Golden Rod. The botanical name, Solidago Canadensis or Solidago Virgaurea, is from theasteracea family, the name Solidago means to make “whole”. With the chill of autumn in the air,

a field of golden rod is one of my favorite sights, they resemble a field of sunshine. She is a beautiful perennial herb usually growing up  to four feet tall, with alternating leaves and a large plum of golden glory on the top. These golden plums flower from the top to the bottom. The flowers can be used for tanning leather or dying cotton and wool, just cook the flowers in simmering water for one hour. This versatile herb can also be used as a food source. You may add the fresh leaves and flowers in salad, If you love cooked greens, try preparing the leaves as you would spinach for a new treat.

Golden Rod has been used for years in her native Europe as a diuretic to treat and prevent urinary tract infections as well as kidney stones. Golden Rod is filled with bioflavanoids (immune

boosting antioxidant) which also help strengthen veins and capillaries making her a good choice for those who suffer with varicose veins. The tea of golden rod is also great support in treating tuberculosis, diabetes, an enlarged liver, gout, hemorrhoids, internal bleeding, asthma and arthritis. She is also a nourishing ally for upper respiratory infections with mucous build up. The tea is also excellent for muscle spasms, restless leg syndrome and it lowers your blood pressure! Externally, she helps with the skin condition eczema, slow healing wounds, insect bites, ulcers,sore throat (gargle) as well as yeast infections. German researchers have found the saponins (chemical compound found in plants) in the leaves of this herb showed cytoxicity (toxic to the cells) toward tumor cells associated with prostate, breast, melanoma, and lung cancers.

In conclusion, I hope the next time you see Golden Rod, you smile at her golden flags she waves with the wind. Please keep in mind, rag weed blooms at the same time as golden rod in our area, so don’t shun this golden gift, you probably aren’t allergic to her. As with all of mother natures gifts, please consult your physician prior to usage and for dosing instructions.

Until next time my friends, get out there and get harvesting.

Debi Bair

 

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Renee Wolfe: The story of the freedom fighter.

Renee Wolfe was born in 1960. She is amother of four proud children ages 12 to 25, and a role model for medical marijuana activist. Renee has been using marijuana for over thirty years. She calls herself Grandma Marijuana”. Ann Arbor has been her residence for the last eight years. She is a member of NORML and CALM (Coalition Advocating Legal Marijuana).
Renee has battled muscular sclerosis since 1979. With MS, every case is unique. She was diagnosed with chronic pain initially, but it did progress. After being diagnosed, Renee started smoking marijuana to escape the reality that was her life. She realized immediately that marijuana helped her symptoms. She stated “I can walk better when I smoke”. Renee is able to move, because when she doesn’t have  medication, she cannot move at all. Renee was previously a homemaker raising her children prior to MS. With two teenagers living in the house, MS affects her ability to care for them. She has help. She had to get divorced to full Social Security benefits, but she and her former husband are still together.” You do what you have to do”. She also is able to receive Medicare after the divorce. She can now take care of herself although her ex-husband does the cleaning and the cooking. The only downfall of smoking marijuana was the police. Never one to hide her opinion, Renee was arrested in 1985 for smoking a joint in the face of law enforcement. She was sentenced to fifty hours of community service and now has a felony on her record.

More trouble came when her youngest child became nauseas and she gave him marijuana. The state heard about that  and she lost custody of her son. Her ex-husband, who is still with her, hascustody.

Renee was a key member in the push to get medical marijuana on the ballot. She spoke in front of the House of Representatives to help pass the marijuana law. She attends every march and rally that she can and refers to her fellow protesters as “brothers”. Renee Wolfe was at the head of the line at the state Department of Community Health in Lansing, making her the first patient to receive a medical marijuana card in the state. As she rolled in her wheelchair up to the counter, a round of applause echoed through the room. No one could have been happier.

Renee does not need a wheelchair anymore but she still uses a scooter to get around. Marijuana has stabilized the progression of her MS. Her future wishes for Michigan: she would like to see the people get their medicine at an affordable rate and free is the best rate she can think of. She believes we should all grow our own. Eliminate the middle man. Take the black market out of the
picture.

by Erikush Growski

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Ann Arbor Conference - A look back from a great weekend

Patients, caregivers, lawyers, industry leaders and supporting community activists gathered together to meet in Ann Arbor last month to discuss the state of affairs. In the few short years following the passing of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, several related organizations have developed a presence to support various folks involved in the medical marijuana program. This was one of the few times since where the leaders of the MM related groups have had a sit down to focus on the challenges facing patients and caregivers in the future.

The Clarion Hotel and Conference Center just outside of the downtown area was the venue, and the staff was very compassionate towards the attendants of the conference. The conference brought dozens of MM businesses to the event. In the vendors room many interesting booths displayed a variety of industry related products. Doctor referrals and grow classes were also provided. Master of Ceremonies for the event was Ann Arbor activist and Hash Bash director, Adam Brook.

In the epicenter of the event was a series of panel discussions in which the most competent and articulate experts related to the theme of the conference, took place. Each panel was comprised of four experts and a moderator. Topics included; MM and municipalities, roles of compassion clubs and dispensaries, the effects of the drug communication between the various groups and individuals that in the past may have not always seen eye-to-eye. As the event progressed a cooperative spirit and sense of unity transcended into the hearts and minds of many that came. Unified and dedicated to the cause, all leaders agreed to join forces to rally at the Lansing Capitol on September 7th to protest the proposed legislation that seeks to undermine the Michigan Medical Marijuana act. The rally will be held on the steps of the Capital building at high noon and all who have an interest in protecting the rights of patients are encouraged to come out in support.

Readers that are interested in seeing some of the panel discussions can view or download footage of the discussions of the event at this publications website. The video will be used to compile a documentary on the MMM community and the challenges facing patients and caregivers in the future.

By Ben Horner

 

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