NORML NJ National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, New Jersey » prohibition

Anne Davis: A Mother’s Prayer to End Prohibition

B0ard — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:13:48 +0000

A Mother’s Prayer to End Prohibition

by Anne M. Davis Esq., NORML-NJ Board of Directors 5/9/10

The video of the SWAT Team raid on the home of the Whitworth family was one of the most graphic acts of violence that I ever had the unfortunate experience of viewing. True, the man in the home was in possession of marijuana. The quantity was so small it was only enough to charge him with a misdemeanor resulting in a $300 fine.

The amount in his possession certainly did not justify a nighttime entry into a family’s home by a team of gunmen dressed in black. Marijuana possession did not justify firing seven rounds of gunshots at the family dogs in front of the seven year old little boy who sat in terror clenching his mother as these gunmen jacked his father up against a wall.

It brings tears to my eyes to think of the horror that this little boy experienced. I subsequently learned that police are permitted to shoot animals if they feel endangered. The right to kill pets applies in every raid because most dogs will bark and react to a team of gunmen entering their families’ home. In my opinion, the Missouri drug enforcement team acted no different than terrorists like the Taliban.

I wish I could believe that this was an isolated incident and wasn’t the norm. Unfortunately, I know the truth from the experiences of my friends in the marijuana community. I know how the DEA’s SWAT teams armed with guns knock down doors and destroy lives. I know that loving and good parents have their children taken away for possessing marijuana in the home in quantities as small as a joint.

The most disturbing of all of this reality is that many of these victims of the drug war are medical patients with chronic illnesses. This madness must end.

Thank you God for giving us the courage to make the progress we have seen in the past year. Please give us the strength to end the violence and peacefully conquer the drug war.

How big is NJ’s current pot economy?

B0ard — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:39:06 +0000

Regulated cannabis growing in Oakland, CA

Chris Goldstein is a member of NORML-NJ’s Board of Directors. He recently published a blog estimating the size and scale of the current underground marijuana economy in the Garden State.

Big bust in NJ tiny part of $1 billion local pot economy

New Jersey’s new Attorney General Paula Dow held a press conference yesterday lauding the largest marijuana bust of living cannabis plants in the state’s history. But authorities involved are well aware that the amount seized is just a small drop in a very large bucket.

….
Over 30, 000 New Jersey residents are arrested every year for a marijuana violation, more than 80% are for possession of less than 50 grams.

There is an assumption nationally that actual pot arrests account for about 1% of overall users. That could mean that there are 2-3 million marijuana consumers in New Jersey.

The state has about 10 million permanent residents overall.

This week the California Board of Equalization (BOE) released a report that CA residents are consuming over 1 million pounds of marijuana every 365 days. The CA BOE also concluded that 22.3 million pounds of marijuana were grown in California in 2006 alone. Read the CA BOE report

While New Jersey’s marijuana market is likely not on the same scale of California, a safe hypothesis could assume that there are indeed several million pounds of marijuana grown in the Garden State each year to keep up with local demand.

Let’s do a little math experiment: To supply 2 million cannabis consumers with just ¼ ounce per month of mid-grade underground marijuana at a cost of $50 per quarter-ounce would make for a $1.2 billion dollar pot market just in New Jersey; every year.

This theory would also mean that NJ residents consume at least 375,000 pounds of cannabis annually.

These are just conservative estimates by a blogger with a calculator.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

Larry Kane tackles Marijuana on Comcast

B0ard — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:22:33 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORML – New Jersey
Ending Marijuana Prohibition in the Garden State

WHO: Larry Kane, Chris Goldstein, Ken Coluzzi, Mark Wallen
WHAT: Comcast’s The Voice of Reason talks marijuana
WHEN: Sunday Nov. 8, 2009 at 9:30PM

Larry Kane tackles Marijuana on Comcast

November 6, 2009

Larry Kane on CN8

Philadelphia – Legendary Philadelphia newsman and author Larry Kane takes on the subject of “Legalizing Marijuana” this week on his cable talk show The Voice of Reason.

The program airs for the first time Sunday November 8th at 9:30PM on The Comcast Network, Channel 8 or HD Channel 201.

Guests on the topic included: Ken Coluzzi the Police Chief of Upper Makefield, Mark Wallen MD from Livingrin Addictions Center and local marijuana reform advocate Chris Goldstein.

Goldstein serves as the Executive Director of NORML-NJ and media coordinator for PhillyNORML, the local chapters of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

The lively discussion covered the medical marijuana legislation in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The guests were asked to weigh in on the recent Department of Justice memo regarding medical cannabis. Host Larry Kane, whose most recent book focused on Beatle John Lennon, was keen to explore the topic of overall marijuana prohibition.

The Voice of Reason 30-minute program on marijuana will re-air at 5:30PM on Wednesday November 11, 2009. The show will also be served as an audio podcast on the website of KYW1060 Newsradio throughout the week.

Both local NORML Chapters are working on some exciting projects including campus lectures, legal forums and medical marijuana advocacy. The chapters hold public meetings regularly. NORML-NJ and PhillyNORML are committed to representing the cannabis consumers of the Delaware Valley while changing the senseless and destructive policy of marijuana prohibition.

We support legalizing cannabis for responsible use by adults.

Media requests: Chris Goldstein director (at) normlnj.org

Links:

http://www.csnphilly.com/pages/voiceofreason/

http://www.kyw1060.com

NORML Republican Mom Challenges Chris Christie

Anne Davis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:56:59 +0000

Anne Davis speaks at the NORML 4-20 Freedom Forum in Philadelphia

11/6/2009 – Anne Davis

NORML-NJ Board of Directors, Executive Committee

The tide is changing politically and more conservatives are recognizing that the failed policy of marijuana prohibition must end. As a Republican and a mother of two I have joined those compassionate supporters of common sense cannabis policy. Republican Senator Baroni supports the NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. For Senator Baroni the personal stories of patients caused him to champion this issue from within his traditional Republican role of conservatism. He was a strong voice in favor of the bill on the Senate Floor as it was considered this February. One could hear from his passionate speech that he clearly felt sympathy for these patients that have found marijuana eases their pain and daily suffering.

There are more and more Republicans standing up nationally, recognizing that the marijuana laws must change. The scientific evidence is clear that it is less harmful to the body than the numerous pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed. Every day as the media increasingly covers cannabis and its related issues, it is becoming more apparent that society is not opposed to the medical use of marijuana. Sen. Baroni and other Republicans do what they know is right.

Right now we have an urgent case involving medical marijuana. NJ resident John Ray Wilson, a 36-year-old MS patient, is facing 20 years in prison for growing cannabis plants to treat his MS. Though he grew 17 plants at his home for his own medical use, he is charged with operating a manufacturing facility. Recently the judge assigned to his case ruled that John was not permitted to mention during his trial that he had MS. New Jersey Senators Scutari and Lesniack have requested a pardon from the Governor recognizing that his criminal prosecution is wrong.

Many of the legislators in this state already recognize that it is vital to stop wasting taxpayers dollars on needless prosecutions like that of John Wilson. We are in an economic crisis and there is no bigger waste of government spending than on criminal prosecution of medical marijuana patients. No politician can justify this spending of our tax dollars on police resources, prosecutors, judiciary resources, jails, prisons, intervention programs, and probation programs. These patients harm no one and the Compassionate Use Act does not change the existing law for recreational possession, driving or anything else. The bill removes burdens for law enforcement, provides scientifically proven therapeutic relief and allows state regulated alternative treatment centers to provide safe, restricted cannabis distribution to authorized patients.

My faith is with fellow Republican, Governor Elect Christopher Christie, to do what is right. I hope that he will remain true to his campaign promise to support The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, protecting these patients while putting an end to wasteful government spending.

Anne M. Davis Esq,

Brick, NJ

NORML-NJ Board of Directors

Wilson Trial Support Rallys Planned

B0ard — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:30:11 +0000

Jim Miller suppporting John Ray Wilson - mycentraljersey.com

Despite a public call from two state Senators for a pardon, the criminal trial against John Ray Wilson is moving ahead.

John lives with MS and used cannabis therapy for treatment. He now faces 15 years in state prison for growing 17 marijuana plants.
Read more about John’s case here

In August medical marijuana advocates rallied at the Somerset County Courthouse.

Volunteers plan on having a supporting presence at the courthouse through all phases of John’s trial.

The next date is December 14, 2009. Read More

John’s case has garnered national attention for the aggressiveness of the prosecution. New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General is pursuing the case.

Senators push for pardon of Franklin man with MS charged with growing marijuana

A state appeals court rejected the attempt by his attorney, James Wronko of Somerville, to challenge that ruling while the case is ongoing. It could be the subject of a future appeal, he said.The two legislators are not only seeking the pardon but also pushing a bill titled “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.” The bill would decriminalize possession and use of marijuana by state registered patients with debilitating illnesses. It would also establish treatment centers where patients can purchase the drug.

It passed the Senate in a 22-16 vote in February and awaits a vote in the Assembly.

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey stood outside the Somerset County Courthouse Friday morning as Wilson was appearing before Reed in a pre-trial conference. The members held signs advocating that marijuana for medicinal purposes be legalized.

Toms River resident Jim Miller, who co-founded the organization, became involved when his late wife Cheryl faced arrest for using marijuana to relieve her pain, said the organization will be stationed outside the courthouse when Wilson goes on trial in December.

Next to Miller on the sidewalk was an empty wheelchair that held his wife’s picture.

“This entire block is going to be lined” with demonstrators during the trial, he said. “It would be nice if the governor steps in,” he said. READ IN FULL

More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org

Should Health Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?

B0ard — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 19:58:13 +0000

11/1/2009 by Chris Goldstein

NORML-NJ Exec Director

On October 19th the Ocean County College in Tom’s River, NJ hosted a debate on medical marijuana. A professor of Social Science, Brad Young, moderated. The opposition was Terrence Farley, a former county prosecutor and the now head of the NJ Narcotics Task Force Commanders Assn. Farley is a vehement prohibitionist and we’ve sparred over this topic on television programs before.

I represented the Coalition for Medical Marijuana – New Jersey www.cmmnj.org

Neither of us saw the questions prior to the debate and this question was particularly interesting. As an added bonus you get to see me address some of the reefer madness we encounter locally.

Essentially, “Should medical marijuana be covered by health insurance.”

Looking to see what started my rebuttal ? – watch the Previous Debate Segment.

So I pose the question to you all- Should medical cannabis be covered by health insurance?

More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org

New Hampshire Medical Marijuana Protests

Rhys Williams — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:09:26 +0000

: 1960 Greensboro Lunch Counter Sit-In

10/31/2009 By Rhys Williams

New Hampshire is becoming overwhelmed by civil disobedience. Apparently, the people of New Hampshire have had enough of these tyrannical drug laws and have taken to the streets. At one protest, the people were actually smoking weed in a police station lobby. No one was arrested because the police didn’t have enough staff on hand to do anything about it.

We are the silent majority, however in New Hampshire, marijuana reform advocates aren’t staying silent. This new, spontaneous, and somewhat surprising development reminds me of the Greenboro Lunch Counter Sit-In, where some college students refused to leave after being denied service based on their being African-American. In a free society, civil disobedience is among the most laudable of actions.

I’ve often mused about how if every person who is on our side would stand up and be counted, we would win. In fact, during the American Revolution, only 5% of the population was revolutionary. Regarding our topic, greater than 50% are revolutionaries. We can’t lose.

In the times of Colonial Africa, the British Army, along with their Navy, dominated the world. They were the best trained, best paid and best fed soldiers in the world. However, it didn’t matter when Zulu warriors, armed with spears and shields, overwhelmed them. 1200 British soldiers fell to over 10,000 Zulu warriors.

Now, I’ve used two war analogies. I did this because we are fighting a war on drugs, perpetrated by our own government against our people. Civil disobedience and basic human dignity is our weapon. The power and brute force of the state is theirs. This may seem like a lopsided battle, guns and jail vs going to jail and getting shot. However, the world has proven time and time again that, in the words of the great patriot (but not a beer maker unfortunately) Samuel Adams, “It does not take a majority to prevail… but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men.”

This video is from one of those citizen journalists who are beginning to pop up, and is about the New Hampshire protests:

Mainstream Media Get Serious About Legalizing Pot

B0ard — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 01:25:19 +0000

by Chris Goldstein

Intense. That’s the only word to describe the recent focus of the national mainstream media on issues related to cannabis. Last week alone there are 3 Newsweek articles and an investigative piece on PBS Newshour. Several of the recent items feature Richard Lee and Oaksterdam.

How Oakland Is Leading Marijuana Legalization

Ethan Nadelmann’s Fight to Legalize Marijuana

How L.A. Became Overrun With Legal Marijuana

PBS News Hour – 10-15-09: Marijuana

Recently there was a 7500-word cover story in Fortune Magazine and a major piece in the Wall St Journal.

Even the FOX Business folks chimed in with an entire week of segments culminating in this editorial by Cheryl Casone:

Again, I don’t smoke the stuff, but I listen to those that do to ease pain, and I don’t have a problem with what they choose to do. In fact, marijuana is a plant that grows naturally. I’ve been trying to eat healthier foods and choose organic items. Is there that much of a difference between my choices and the choices of those who want to smoke a joint? Read full

Paul Armentano the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws told me last Friday “We may be seeing a high-water mark this week for media covering this issue. They have covered pot for sure, but now the tone is certainly different.”

Prior to 2009, media were quick to give false facts and have classic reefer madness enter into their stories. But now there is a decidedly more pragmatic approach. Instead of covering the emotional side of the issue, they are looking at the real-life mechanics of cannabis reform taking place in America already. There is also not the deference shown by the media in the past toward opposition and law enforcement. Now it is the prohibition reform advocates who take center stage.

And why not? Two states are actively considering the legalization and regulation of recreational cannabis: California and Massachusetts. Thirteen states allow medical marijuana programs and 5 states have active medical marijuana legislation. The FBI Uniform Crime Report shows that almost 850,000 Americans were arrested in 2008 for marijuana violations, most for minor possession. Now there are even Stiletto Stoners in Marie-Claire and celebrities like Megan Fox boldly call for legalization.

The issues of marijuana law reform have compelling activity on the ground every day. And the media seems to have wised up that marijuana consumers are part of their audience too. In the ever-competitive world of blogs, print, tv and radio, marijuana remains a topic that most are interested to see.

The media may also have some big green dollar signs in their eyes. If the #1 Cash Crop in America were indeed legalized it is the media themselves who will benefit directly from marketing and advertising.

All of this action is not just at the state level. There are three federal pieces of legislation still active this year in Congress:

FEDERAL MARIJUANA BILLS

The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009

HR 2943, the Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults

HR2835 The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act of 2009

Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowski told us this year that he has yet to add ‘legalize’ to his vocabulary. Just in case there is not a Webster’s nearby on Capitol Hill:

Main Entry: le·gal·ize
Pronunciation: 'lE-g&-"lIz
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -ized; -iz·ing
: to make legal; especially : to give legal validity or sanction to —le·gal·i·za·tion noun —le·gal·iz·er noun

NORML Petition/Contact Rally Thanks President

B0ard — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:44:36 +0000

TAKE ACTION!

10/20/09 – Chris Goldstein NORML-NJ Executive Director director (at) normlnj.org

National NORML has an online petition available to communicate our support for the new Department of Justice memo on medical marijuana.

This is a tangible shift in White House policy on the topic and will help efforts to pass the medical marijuana bill here in New Jersey.

Please take a moment to participate online -

http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14205391

While you’re at it, take a moment to contact your NJ elected officials about reform in the Garden State!

http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12767456&type=ST

Rick Cusick Speaks at Rutgers NB this Monday!

B0ard — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:42:46 +0000

Rick Cusick NORML-NJ event