OPNews March Edition

March 2004 Edition

Organizational News:

State News:

National News:

International News:

Regular Features:

OPNews Disclaimer

You Are Invited to OPN Meetings

Help the OPN Support Patients

How to Get Your Information in OPNews

How to be Removed from the OPNews List

How to Contact Your State Representative and Senator

Organizational News Items:

PETITIONS for MEDICAL CANNABIS

We have undertaken a drive to gather as many signatures as possible for our petition to the Ohio legislators to support and regulate the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

We have created two online versions, one on our own website at: http://ohiopatient.net/action/Ohio_petition.htm and one at

http://www.PetitionOnline.com/ohmedmar/petition.html

We are also asking our members and friends to help gather signatures, by downloading a petition and signature form from our website: http://ohiopatient.net/pdf/Ohio_Petition_with_sig_form.pdf which can be used at any event or gathering in your area.

This effort is strictly voluntary, but no number of signatures is too small!!

Since this is NOT a referendum petition, the only requirements are that signatories be an Ohio Resident, be at least 18 years of age, and support the medical use of marijuana.

The Marijuana Policy Project has also created an Action Alert page just for Ohio where you can send you representatives a pre-written letter, or write your own, please see http://www.mpp.org/OH/action.html and Take Action Now! Don't forget to pass it on to your friends and family as well.

OPN Art Contest!

Deadline Extension!

Dear OPN members, supporters and friends, We have extended the deadline for artwork in our contest until April 20th (4/20 to be appropriate)! We need your support by getting the news out about this great event. If you haven't already passed on this email to your friends and family, please do so NOW! If you haven't downloaded and printed flyers to distribute in your area, please do so NOW! You can go to http://ohiopatient.net/projects/Art_Contest.htm for information or go to http://www.ohiopatient.net/temp/ to download and print flyers. Your help with this contest is essential and is greatly appreciated!

Bringing the OPN to your community

With 2004 here and the introduction of the OMMA we at OPN want to hear from you the members on how we can bring the message of the compassionate use of medical cannabis to your area. We need to know what events, festivals and speaking venues in your cities and communities that we should schedule for 2004. As of now our schedule is open, but as the weather gets warmer our calendar gets hotter also. Since OPN is a statewide organization we need to raise awareness of our mission in the three C's (Columbus, Cleveland & Cincinnati) but also in the other areas in Ohio.

We need your suggestions and ideas now so we can properly schedule volunteers and logistics. We have the tools and speakers ready to come to your area to table festivals and speak to groups of any size. But, only with your help can we educate and enlighten the public in your community and keep OPN growing! Only with your ideas and support will we get the OMMA passed! Please send your suggestions and ideas about festivals and events in your area to the OPN Director of Development at krmiller@ohiopatient.net or call 614-737-3415.

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State News:

LIBERTARIANS SUPPORT OHIO PATIENT NETWORK, MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The Libertarian Party of Ohio's Executive Committee voted March 20 to support
the efforts of the Ohio Patient Network.

"Considering the weight of medical evidence," notes LPO Chair Jason Hallmark,
"it's simply immoral for our government to stand between doctor and patient.
Ohioans deserve the best medical care available without delay."

Numerous prestigious medical organizations support access to medical
marijuana. These include American Academy of Family Physicians, American
Preventive Medical Association, American Public Health Association, Lymphoma
Foundation of America, National Association of People with AIDS, National
Women's Health Network, and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Libertarian Jane Pehrson, 71, retired Registered Nurse of Dayton, first became
active in the Ohio Patient Network after she read about Carter Singleton, an
elderly cancer patient in Cincinnati. "He was arrested for growing marijuana
to ease his chemotherapy side effects. I just couldn't let him suffer." She
contacted the OPN looking for legal and medical advice. "Other states have
seen the wisdom of allowing doctors to make their own medical decisions
without politicians getting in the way."

Visit: http://www.lpo.org

DRUG CONVICTS SHOULDN'T BE DENIED AID

Members of Congress are pushing to rewrite a law enacted in 1998 that prevents potential college students from receiving funding because of drug offenses. The law was created to discourage students from experimenting with drugs. However, over the years it has become a form of double punishment that prevents a lot of people from being able to get their lives back on track.

DOCTORS FACE MULTIPLE DRUG CHARGES

WARREN - Three physicians working out of Pain Management Associates pleaded innocent Thursday to multi-count indictments charging them with engaging in a painkiller ring that was uncovered in a three-month investigation by federal and local drug agents.

PUB LTE: LEGISLATOR FIBBED WHEN HE PROMISED TO PUSH MED-POT BILL

It's hard to believe it's been nearly two years since state Rep. Kenneth Carano promised a group of medical cannabis patients that he would introduce a compassionate-use bill in Ohio.

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National News:

MYTHS ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA

THE RHODE ISLAND General Assembly is now considering legislation to permit the medical use of marijuana by seriously ill patients whose physicians have recommended it.

This sensible, humane bill deserves swift passage. The evidence is overwhelming that marijuana can relieve certain types of pain, nausea, vomiting and other symptoms caused by such illnesses as multiple sclerosis, cancer and AIDS -- or by the harsh drugs sometimes used to treat them. And it can do so with remarkable safety. Indeed, marijuana is less toxic than many of the drugs that physicians prescribe every day.

MEDICAL MARIJUANA WEEK IS SMOKIN'

The use of marijuana is illegal in the United States, but for victims of glaucoma, marijuana significantly aids in slowing the progression of vision loss.

Glaucoma victim Gary Storck began to lose his eyesight as a young child. His doctors prescribed several conventional medications that were unsuccessful in recovering his vision. In 1972, Storck smoked marijuana before going to see his doctors, and his eye pressure was no longer elevated.

MAN WINS SUIT OVER MARIJUANA RAID

A Lane County jury on Wednesday awarded $70,000 to a Blachly man with a medical marijuana card whose rural property was raided by sheriff's deputies after a helicopter patrol detected two small marijuana plots.

Michael Wood, 43, a general contractor who operates an Internet-based weatherization company and 18-acre farm, filed the lawsuit alleging property damage and emotional distress from invasion of his privacy.

BOARD SUSPENDS DOCTOR OVER MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS

Officials Say Dr. Phillip Leveque Is "Grossly Negligent" in Endorsing the Patients' Applications

Oregon's medical licensing board suspended the license Thursday of the state's most prolific medical marijuana doctor, saying he "poses an imminent risk to public health and safety."

The board suspended the license of Dr. Phillip Leveque, 81, a Molalla osteopath whose practice consisted mostly of processing patients who seek a doctor's signature on their applications for a medical marijuana card.

NOT A HOT POTATO

The Phoenix's recent article on Rhode Island's medical marijuana bill came as somewhat of a surprise, as there are numerous indications that the legislation will pass.

The 20 representatives signed on to HB7588 read like a who's who of the Rhode Island Legislature: the House minority leader, the senior House deputy majority leader, the deputy majority leader, the deputy majority whip, the chairs of two House committees, the vice chairs of three House committees, an advocate for the American Lung Association, a registered nurse, and six of the 13 members of the Health, Education, and Welfare Committee--the committee in which the bill currently sits. A former cancer patient and lead sponsor of the bill, Representative Thomas Slater, believes, "this bill is about simple compassion and common sense."

MEDICAL POT ACTIVISTS CONVERGE

Group Will Ask County Officials to Assist in Bid to Ease Drug Laws

CATHEDRAL CITY -- Nearly three decades after she started using marijuana following a stroke, Patty Thomas said she still relies on the drug for relief.

Thomas of Palm Springs described how marijuana provides refuge from pain associated with her lupus, a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, joints, blood and kidneys.

FIGHT LOOMS OVER DETROIT MEDICAL MARIJUANA MEASURE

Detroit voters will go to the polls in August to decide whether to legalize the medicinal use of marijuana in Michigan's largest city, and supporters and opponents alike are gathering their forces for what looks to be a hotly contested political battle. The Detroit Coalition for Compassionate Care (http://www.mmdetroit.org), sponsor of the proposal, seeks to amend the city code sections dealing with controlled substances and drug paraphernalia to carve out an exclusion for medical marijuana users.

COURT HEARS APPEAL FROM POT ADVOCATE

San Diego Case Pits Federal Vs. State Laws

San Diego medical marijuana advocate Steve McWilliams asked a federal appeals court yesterday to throw out his felony drug conviction as unconstitutional.

The prosecutors who indicted him argued against dismissal, saying a 1970 federal marijuana law allowed them to prosecute defendants like McWilliams, whom they claim distribute the drug.

Read more: http://www.mapinc.org/newsopn/v04/n384/a02.html?204

VOTERS PUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA MESSAGE OUT

Some advocates want the message of last week's overwhelming vote in Burlington in favor of legalizing medicinal marijuana aimed at just one man.

Supporters of medicinal marijuana consider Rep. Bill Keogh, D-Burlington, critical in the vote to pass a bill legalizing the substance this year. Keogh, also a Burlington city councilor representing the South End, said he supports the bill, but its status is not up to him.

TIME TO CUT THROUGH THE LEGAL HAZE OF MARIJUANA

There has been a lot of debate about medical marijuana laws -- most of it revolving around how much should be allowed for consumption, distribution and production for medical purposes.

The arguments range from the federal position of zero tolerance to liberal cries of make it all legal.

Read more: http://www.mapinc.org/newsopn/v04/n426/a08.html?204

U.S. COURT EYES AGENT'S REFUSAL TO RETURN POT

A federal judge has taken over jurisdiction of a case that grew out of a federal narcotics agent's refusal to return a Hayden man's confiscated marijuana.

U.S. District Judge Walker Miller on Tuesday moved the contempt-of-court case from Routt County Court in Steamboat Springs to his Denver court. The case will decide if federal narcotics agents can be held in contempt of court for disobeying state court orders.

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International News:

CANADA PLANNING TO LET PHARMACIES SELL MARIJUANA

TORONTO - Canada plans to make government certified marijuana available in local pharmacies, a move that would make it only the second country in the world to allow the direct sale of medical marijuana.

Read more: http://www.mapinc.org/newsopn/v04/n479/a05.html?204

DRUG STORE MARIJUANA IDEA CATCHING LOCAL ATTENTION

Distributing marijuana through pharmacies is a huge step forward for the medical pot industry and a plus for patients, say Duncan's licensed medical marijuana growers.

"Cannabis is a viable medicine for distribution across Canada and this really shows the government is committed to recognizing that," said Eric Nash, who along with his wife Wendy Little is licensed to grow marijuana.

ONE WEIRD SCENE, MAN

Stuck In The Maw Of The Anti-drug Monster, I Wonder If Cops Will Ever Make Peace With Potheads

For some reason, my invite to attend the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police ( OACP ) two-day grass summit has never arrived. So I just show up in the morning on the first day at an Ontario government building at Bay and Wellesley and, wouldn't you know it, only "respectable" community stakeholders like bankers, insurance reps, realtors, CSIS agents and reps from the U.S. consulate have been invited to help cops revive the war on drugs. The police alone can't battle the cancer of marijuana grow ops, so they've created a fear-mongering propaganda event called Green Tide. OACP seems to anticipate some sort of clash. The police presence in the halls and doorways is heavy.

B.C. PUSHERS DON'T WANT COMPETITION

Federal Project Would Serve Chronically Ill Marijuana Users

Kevin is in retail. He sells tiny bags of marijuana on the corner of East Hastings and Hamilton, a few blocks from Vancouver's notorious Downtown Eastside. One gram, ten bucks a pop.

Chase away the cold with something warm!

If you are suffering from the winter blues the time is right for something nice and warm to keep you happy and healthy. Right now at the OPN Store, http://www.cafepress.com/opnstore we're having a sale on some great winter gear such as sweatshirts, "hoodies" and long sleeved T's.

Need a little boost to keep you going and heat you up? Our OPN coffee mugs include free coffee right now! Get your friends, family and associates talking when they see you sporting some great OPN merchandise and show them who and what you support!

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Regular Features:

OPNews DISCLAIMER

OPNews, a publication of Ohio Patient Network (OPN), provides medical cannabis news that affects Ohio patients, caregivers, and health professionals.

All articles are intended for educational purposes and do not reflect an official position, either positive or negative, by the OPN or its Board of Directors.

Ohio Patient Network does not endorse any candidates running for office. The reports of campaign-related activities are for educational purposes only.

For more information, contact editor@ohiopatient.net .

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YOU ARE INVITED TO OPN MEETINGS

The OPN Board of Directors invites you to participate in OPN patient forums, which are held at 7:30 p.m. (eastern time) the first Thursday of each month. You are also welcome to attend the weekly OPN business meetings.

These electronic voice/text meetings are held at the OPN chatroom in PalTalk http://www.paltalk.com/ . To receive further information, including instructions for the PalTalk meeting room, contact info@ohiopatient.net .

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HELP THE OPN SUPPORT PATIENTS

The Ohio Patient Network's goal is to provide a voice for Ohio's medicinal cannabis patients and create an environment where this vital medicine becomes an accepted and legitimate therapy. To do this, we need your help.

We'd like you to personally become involved in OPN by donating your time. Please check out our various committees and activities at http://ohiopatient.net/donate/index.htm#volunteers . Respond with your interest to our Membership Coordinator, Doc Miller, at KRMiller@OhioPatient.net.

If you'd prefer, you can also support medicinal cannabis and what we are doing by contributing monetarily to OPN. Please note that the Ohio Patient Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the State of Ohio. Donations to OPN are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.

Please visit our donations page at http://ohiopatient.net/donate/index.htm to make a contribution using your credit card. Please note that these donations will be processed through Paypal.

If you would prefer to donate by check or money order, please make them payable to the "Ohio Patient Network" and mail to P.O. Box 26353, Columbus, OH 43216.

Thank you for supporting the Ohio Patient Network.

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HOW TO GET YOUR INFORMATION IN OPNews

OPNews is published monthly. To have your information considered for publication, submit your story to editor@ohiopatient.net .

PLEASE DO NOT SEND ATTACHMENTS. Please do not boldface or italicize text. Include a contact name with a phone number and/or e-mail address with submissions.

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HOW TO BE REMOVED FROM THE OPNews LIST

You may sign off this list at any time by using the web form at http://ohiopatient.net/join/index.htm#disclist .

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HOW TO CONTACT YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATOR

Find your Representative in the Ohio House at http://www.house.state.oh.us/jsps/Representatives.jsp .

Find your Ohio Senator at http://www.senate.state.oh.us/senators/ .

Write to your officials care of their district office, or send your letter to their Columbus office at:

The Honorable (name)

Ohio House of Representatives

77 South High Street

Columbus, Ohio 43266-0603

-or-

The Honorable (name)

Ohio Senate Building

Columbus, Ohio 43215

Telephone calls and emails are also persuasive, especially when the constituent contacts the district office.

� A publication of the Ohio Patient Network (OPN) Contact editor@ohiopatient.net

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Ohio Patient Network - P.O. Box 26353 - Columbus, Ohio 43226-0353

1-888-OH-Patient (1-888-647-2843) info@ohiopatient.net