Pennsylvania

[palmspringsbum]

Published: February 20, 2008 01:32 pm

War on drugs: A senseless battle

<span class=postbigbold>It’s time U.S. experiment with decriminalization – filling up prisons isn’t working</span>

<span class=postbold>EDITORIAL</span>
The Tribune-Democrat
BY JIM SCOFIELD

Periodically, we read about some drug bust by the police or prosecutors, arresting so and so with so much street value of marijuana or cocaine or whatever.

Yet we know these raids don’t change drug availability in the long run. Everything is quickly back on the street, to set up further drug force arrests.

We shouldn’t be sending Americans to jail on drug-use charges, or for distributing them. Why do we suppress certain substances when other legal ones are more dangerous?

Tobacco kills 450,000 Americans a year, alcohol about 100,000, with drug deaths trailing at around 10,000.

We tried suppression of alcohol during Prohibition in the 1920s, and decided it was a mistake. All that we did was create a new criminal class of dealers and otherwise respectable customers of speak- easies.

Crime flourished among distributors, endangering the public, as did untested alcohol products.

Alcohol is a problem, and there are plenty of alcoholics, but we decided to treat the fallout from this kind of drug as a medical, not a police, problem.

The same with cigarettes, our worst drug problem. We don’t harry drinkers and smokers or hunt down the CEOs of major corporations that distribute these, as we do drug pushers.

Drugs do destroy lives (but not as many as tobacco and alcohol), but not everyone who uses is at risk to the extent the authorities claim, depending on the drug and the person. Yet even some casual users of marijuana have gone to jail for 20 years and more, with 40,000 to 50,000 people currently in our jails on marijuana charges.

The biggest danger, though, is the violence by gangs, which fight for territory – just as with alcohol prohibition.

Drugs are more expensive, worth distributing because of the premium illegality adds to them. Drugs don’t make users any more violent than alcohol, despite propaganda to the contrary about crack and such.

Addiction does create violence and crime, though. An addict with a $50-a-day habit may need to steal and fence $300 worth of property in order to buy a substance that is expensive only because it is illegal.

The fact is that prohibiting drugs keeps them expensive. Drugs cost little to produce or distribute. They make large profits for pushers because of the “crime tariff” – illegality keeps them a lucrative trade and provides the incentive for major dealers.

Without this, dealers would not find it profitable to push drugs. Growers in Colombia and Afghanistan, both of which have U.S. troops there fighting a “drug war,” would be farming products more socially useful. And it is unlikely that drugs would, at worst, be any more used than now.

A recent Zogby America Poll reported that 99 percent of those questioned said that if heroin or cocaine were legalized they wouldn’t be likely to use them.

Police repression and surveillance add a further problem. We are imprisoning unheard of totals of Americans for drug violations, and giving law enforcement unprecedented police-state powers to snoop and search our homes, cars, school lockers, and to confiscate property without a hearing.

Doors are broken down by heavily armed SWAT squads, too frequently resulting in the killing of innocent bystanders. Minorities are unfairly profiled and punished more extremely than others. And our police are corrupted by the huge amounts of cash involved.

About one-fourth of the 2 million people in prison are there on drug charges. Yet the drug war is endless.

Employers are forcing us to submit to drug testing, even in the most underpaid clerical jobs, and schools use any excuse to test athletes or academic teams.

Drug dogs are becoming routine in schools that have scarcely a demonstrable problem.

Drugs have become the chief reason for searching autos, homes and people. They provide police with far too much power to suspect and watch citizen activities, to diminish our Fourth Amendment rights to be “secure in our persons, houses, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures.”

Our drug war is senseless, and a multithreat. One former police commissioner said: “We can’t arrest our way out of this problem.”

We should experiment with decriminalization, simply not prosecuting use and distribution of drugs, as long as this is informal and not organized for legal sales by businesses (as alcohol and cigarettes are).

The vast amount of criminal networks that support and distribute drugs will diminish, most of the profit being gone.

Street drugs, tobacco and alcohol, when they are problems, are medical, not criminal, problems.


<hr class=postrule>
Jim Scofield of Richland Township is an associate professor of humanities at Pitt-Johnstown. His views do not necessarily represent those of the university. He is also president of the local Keystone Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.

[palmspringsbum]

Forum to expunge county pot crime charges canceled

The Meadville Tribune
By Jane Smith


02/28/08— Plans to turn Crawford County into a “Legal Pot County” have been scrapped by the promoter after he could garner no support from the county’s magisterial district judges.

In mid-January, Charles Stiles Jr., 53, of Dingman Road, Townville, suggested that all magisterial judges throw out any charges involving possession of marijuana, allowing any suspects to go free. For all practical purposes, that would be enough to make the drug legal here, he said.

He also wanted people to be licensed to grow and to sell marijuana. Stiles said allowing use and sale of marijuana in this fashion would help draw tourists and revenue into the county.

Stiles believes marijuana isn’t harmful and cited the fact that it’s legal in some states for medical purposes. It should be legalized completely in Pennsylvania, starting in Crawford County, he added.

Stiles sent letters asking the magisterial judges to attend a forum March 3 to discuss his plans, but said Wednesday, “It’s not going to happen.” He said he talked with all the judges and none would attend.

When he announced the plan, both Crawford County District Attorney Francis Schultz and Meadville Area Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm, president of the county association for magisterial district judges, dismissed the idea, saying it wasn’t legally feasible.

Stiles held a rally in Diamond Park to support his belief last November, when 57 people showed up to back his movement.

He also petitioned to have a question on the election ballot in 2006 to make marijuana legal, but that was denied because state law doesn’t permit it. State law allows only specific questions be on the ballot, such as whether liquor can be sold in a municipality, whether to allow annexation, and other items pertaining to municipality operations. No other questions are permitted under law.

Stiles is acquainted with the drug, having served six years in jail for possession of marijuana.

Copyright © 1999-2006 cnhi, inc.

[palmspringsbum]

metro
Published 2009-03-18 22:57

Cohen will push for medical marijuana

PHILADELPHIA. State Rep. Mark Cohen said Wednesday that he will introduce a bill as soon as next month to legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania.

Cohen said he decided to have the measure drafted after he was interviewed for a story in Wednesday's Metro about legalizing marijuana to help the city and state overcome budget problems and getting almost all positive responses on Facebook, PhillyBlog and elsewhere.

"It's easier when you have public support to get legislation through," said Cohen, who gave the bill a 50-50 shot of passing in the next few years. "I think it's something that has a good chance of being taken seriously in the Legislature."

Cohen said the bill will be modeled after the New Jersey Compassionate Medical Marijuana Act, which was passed by the New Jersey Senate last month. The state Assembly has yet to begin debating the measure, which Gov. Jon Corzine has said he would sign.

Thirteen states already allow medical marijuana, as opposition to the drug for medical reasons seems to be waning and many medical professionals support these measures. The New Jersey Nurses Association and the Academy of Family Physicians are among the groups who support the bill.

"Most of these efforts are the result of grassroots campaigns by locals who have taken it upon themselves [to inform] legislators about medical use and the many questions surrounding it," says Robert Dougherty, chair of Philadelphia NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.) "And I think that the information society we live in has contributed to this uptick in support and more people are aware of the issues where some time ago the only information provided was through nationally funded anti-drug campaigns."

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SORRY, ONLY THE MEDICAL STUFF

Cohen said that he isn't considering legalizing all marijuana. "This is not the kind of issue where Pennsylvania is a cutting-edge state," he said. "If it hasn't passed anywhere, it's unlikely to pass first in Pennsylvania.

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Josh Cornfield and Jerome Nottingham IV

[palmspringsbum]

Posted on Sat, Mar. 21, 2009

State Rep. Cohen will push Pa. medical marijuana bill

The Philadelphia Enquirer
By Peter Mucha
Inquirer Staff Writer

State Rep. Mark Cohen of Philadelphia said yesterday he hoped to introduce a bill next month to legalize the medical use of marijuana in Pennsylvania.

"There is obviously no consensus on legalizing marijuana, but there is a widespread consensus on legalizing medical marijuana," the Democrat said. "I think there is a solid scientific case and there is overwhelming popular support."

Cohen expects his bill to "emulate" legislation being considered by New Jersey's Assembly after passage by the state Senate.

The New Jersey measure would let registered patients suffering from cancer, multiple sclerosis and other illnesses grow marijuana plants for medical use or buy the drug at a licensed center. Gov. Corzine said he'd sign the bill.

Cohen, whose district is mostly in Northeast Philadelphia, expects his bill not only to require prescriptions, but to set forth a plan for regulating distribution and sales.

More study, including input from state officials, would be needed to determine the best setup, whether that involves using existing state stores and pharmacies or new providers.

"I think it can easily raise $25 million a year in taxes," said Cohen.

Next month, Michigan will join a dozen other states, including California, that have legalized the medical use of marijuana.

In recent years, there has been little talk of such a move in the Pennsylvania legislature.

Some physicians and patients say that other medications can be even more dangerous, Cohen said.

"I'm aware of potential dangers that abuse can cause, but all prescription drugs can also be abused," he said.

[palmspringsbum]

Posted on Tue, Mar. 24, 2009

Editorial: Medical marijuana

<span class="postbigbold">The time to act is now</span>

The Philadelphia Enquirer

New Jersey and Pennsylvania should join 13 other states in finally legalizing medical marijuana to allow seriously ill patients to potentially benefit from its use.

After years of debate, the movement got a big boost in Trenton last month when the state Senate approved a bill that would allow medical use of marijuana. It is the first time such legislation has emerged from committee. A full vote is still needed by the Assembly, but Gov. Corzine has said he would sign the bill.

In Pennsylvania, state Rep. Mark Cohen (D., Philadelphia) plans to introduce a similar bill next month. It would require prescriptions and set regulations for distribution and sales.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder lifted a potential roadblock last week by announcing federal agents would target medical marijuana dispensaries only when they violate both federal and state laws - a departure from Bush administration policy. That should clear up the confusion when state laws allow the use and sale of marijuana for medical purposes, but the federal government does not.

The New Jersey bill would authorize state-registered smokers and their primary caregivers to have up to six marijuana plants and one ounce of marijuana. Those eligible would get ID cards issued by the state Department of Health and Senior Services. Marijuana could also be purchased at licensed centers.

Supporters believe allowing seriously ill or dying patients to use marijuana could have a tremendous health benefit. Researchers generally agree that it can ease pain and suffering from debilitating medical conditions, such as cancer or AIDS, and improve quality of life.

A 2006 poll by the Drug Policy Alliance New Jersey of 700 registered voters found that 86 percent support the bill. But opponents say the bill in its current wording would give too many people access to marijuana. Others say it would give a mixed message to law enforcement in the drug war.

Some have tried to cloud the issue with more controversy by suggesting that approving the bill would be a first step toward legalizing marijuana. That doesn't seem likely, though the bill may need fine-tuning.

New Jersey could learn from other states that have passed similar laws. If approved, the state should move cautiously in licensing dispensaries that sell medical marijuana. Tighter controls and regulations are also needed to limit access only to those with legitimate illnesses. Clear guidelines are needed for doctors to write prescriptions.

State Sen. Jim Whelan (D., Atlantic) said the intent behind the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act is to help ill and dying people, not to create a lucrative business. The intent is worth pursuing.

[palmspringsbum]

Serving patients' best interests

The Evening Sun | Posted: 04/07/2009 01:00:00 AM EDT

Editor:

Doctors are educated to diagnose and treat illnesses, and patients know what works for them and what doesn't. The decision of which medicine is best for an individual should be left up to the patient and the doctor, in efforts to best treat the patient with the least side effects.

Many of the prescriptions currently available are expensive, addictive, and have many adverse side effects. For example, people with OCD, insomnia, panic or anxiety disorders, have limited success with such prescriptions as Zoloft, Paxil, Xanax, and other harmful benzodiazepines which are known to create other issues for the patient than their conditions. Many patients will settle for these treatments, however, based solely on its availability and legality.

President Obama, speaking on Oregon's recent legislature for use of medical marijuana, affirmed, "I'm not familiar with all the details of the initiative that was passed, but I think the basic concept of using medical marijuana for the same purposes and with the same controls as other drugs prescribed by doctors, I think that's entirely appropriate."

It's time for Pennsylvania's legislators to pay attention and join the 13 states with sensible and compassionate medical marijuana laws. While under a doctor's care for treatment, patients should be able to use medical marijuana legally and responsibly. They should also be able to acquire a safe supply of marijuana, without having to resort to the dangerous, unreliable criminal market.

If you are a medical professional or a patient who might benefit from medical marijuana, or if you know somebody who might benefit from medical marijuana, it is time to update the antiquated prohibition on the responsible use of marijuana to properly treat these common ailments.

I implore every citizen who reads this letter to remember why our forefathers formed this nation; to protect our freedoms of choice and serve our best interests; not to interfere with them. For this reason, each of you have a duty to warrant our legislature to enact laws that allow doctors the freedom to serve their patients' best interests, and protect patients from adverse legal actions based on archaic fears and propaganda.

David Bolton

Hanover