(For strain identification, see Page 2)
Feb/Mar 2013 Vol. 4 Issue 1
Steve Elliott Launches TOKESIGNALS.COM!
Study: Chronic Diseases Re l i eve d B y Marijuana
B.t.: The Organic Caterpillar Killer
U.S. Appeals Court Denies ASA Case
MPP Town Hall In Portland
FREE
Image by Ger r y K. for Oregon Cannabis Connection. Š 2013
Visit us Online at: www.oregoncannabisconnection.com
Police Log Valentine Dreams! 11 Strains of bliss.
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Recipes: Beer Mac N' Cheese & Potent Lava Cake
11th Annual OMCA Awards Williams & Sandusky Sentenced
Evidence For Oregon SB 281
Federal Legislation to Treat Cannabis Like Alcohol Senate Hearing on Adding PTSD to OMMA
Connecting the Medical Cannabis Community Across Oregon
In This Issue
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Cannabis Connection
Medical News
Oregon News Compelling Testimony to Add PTSD to the OMMA
Page 3
Patients With Chronic Disease Benefit From Marijuana: Israeli Study
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MPP Town Hall in Portland with Congressman Blumenauer
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Marijuana and Low IQ Study Flawed
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Evidence in Support of Oregon Senate Bill 281
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11th Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards
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Recipes Lebanese Sour Diesel Tabouli Beer Mac N' Cheese with Bake-On
Oregon News Nugs - News From Around The Beaver State
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Choco Canna Dipped Strawberries
I-Five O - Oregon Marijuana Police Log
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Potent Lava Cake
Cultivation
National News Bill Would Treat Marijuana Like Alcohol In States Where Legal
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Mandatory Minimums For Williams and Sandusky
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Steve Elliott Launches TOKESIGNALS.COM
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DC Appeals Court Denies Marijuana Rescheduling
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"Continue Prohibition" Says New 'SAM' Group
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National News Nugs - News From Around The
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Country
Book Review: Ganja Kitchen Revolution: The Bible Of Cannabis Cuisine
All On Page 13
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STRAINS PICTURED ON COVER, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT TOP THREE - 1.GOD BUD 2.AK47 3.GRAND DADDY PURPLE MIDDLE FIVE - 4.PURPLE KUSH 5.L.A. CONFIDENTIAL 6.PURPLE 7.SUPER SILVER HAZE 8.GRUNK BOTTOM THREE - 9.N.Y. CITY DIESEL 10.W ILLIAM'S WONDER 11.CRITICAL JACK THE W INE GLASS IS FILLED W ITH PURPLE. PHOTO: GERRY K. FOR OCC.
B.t.: The Organic Caterpillar Killer
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Clinics & Information A Listing of Oregon Clinics, Organizations, and Cannabis Friendly Businesses
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OREGON CANNABIS CONNECTION is a bi-monthly publication for the medical cannabis community in Oregon. Published by K2 Publishing Co. in Southern Oregon, we strive to inform the public on the value of medical marijuana, as well as provide news, information, and opinions concerning marijuana laws, legalization, and medicine. All information in our publication is intended for legal use by adults only. Our publication is advertiser supported and over 20,000 copies are available FREE at over 225 locations throughout Oregon.
Subscriptions are available within the U.S.A for 18.00 per year. Please visit www.oregoncannabisconnection.com to subscribe. Correspondences to: K2 Publishing P.O. Box 5552, Gants Pass, OR 97527 Email: info@oregoncannabisconnection.com To advertise or distribute, please contact Keith at 541-621-1723. Next issue is April 10th, advertising deadline is March 21st
Cannabis Connection
Compelling Testimony to Add PTSD to the OMMA By Keith Mansur Oregon Cannabis Connection On February 7th, the Oregon Senate Health and Human Services committee heard testimony on SB 281. The bill, according to its own summary, “Adds posttraumatic stress disorder to definition of 'debilitating medical conditions' for purposes of statutes authorizing medical use of marijuana.” If the testimony at the hearing is any indication, it seems to have a reasonable chance! Held in Hearing Room A of the State Capitol building, over 25 people testified at the hearing. The committee is chaired by Sen. Laurie Monnes Anderson (DGresham), a retired public health nurse. Other senators were there, including Sen. Jeff Kruse (RRoseburg), a ardent Sen. Monnes- Anderson, opponent of the Committee Chair OMMA, and Sen. Chip Shields (D-Portland), who indicated he supported the measure and would vote to send it on in the process. The hearing room was not standing room only, as many had hoped, but it was packed with supporters and opponents were absent entirely. The scheduled testimony was extensive and comprised of local attorneys and advocates, medical experts from Oregon and other states, and veterans who have benefited from marijuana. One highlight was testimony by phone from retired Harvard Doctor Lester Grinspoon, M.D., the original medical marijuana advocate in the 1970's. The first to testify was Todd Dalotto, President of Oregon's Advisory Committee on Medical Marijuana (ACMM) and Founder and President of CAN! Research Education and Consulting. Dalotto spent a few minutes explaining to the committee why the current procedure to add
Oregon News currently qualifying Many supporters were at the hearing. Image Perry Stripling, Mercy Center accepted conditions is pharmaceu broken, which is tical drugs why SB 281 was which are introduced. It used and seems legislation their side is the only way to effects, effectively add suicide conditions to the concerns, Oregon Medical and much Marijuana Act more! (OMMA). Senator Boquist introduced the bill at his request. The first doctor to testify was former Harvard professor Dr. Lester Grinspoon, Attorney Lee Berger, of Compassionate M.D., the author of “Marijuana Oregon, was the next to speak. He also reflected on the inadequacies of the current Reconsidered” from 1971. One of the first modern day M.D.'s to recognize the system. He covered Nurse Ed Glick's therapeutic value of cannabis, he phoned in petition from 2005, which never made any from Boston and provided insights gained headway and eventually died after an from his experiences and studies of over unfair 2009 hearing. Berger pointed out forty years of research. that DHS changed the rules of the hearing the day before, and had the panel stacked “It's not only useful, very useful, for people with people openly hostile to cannabis. with PTSD, but it is, among other things, the cheapest and the most effective “We have exhausted all other remedies medicine,” Grinspoon said. “I think it is a other than a legislative solution, either in big mistake to deprive people who suffer this building or through the initiative from this distressing disorder a medicine process,” Berger told the committee. “And this, today, is Nurse Glick's opportunity for which is very, very useful, remarkably nontoxic to them, and very inexpensive.” a full and fair hearing before neutral and fair decision makers.” Dr. Frank Lucido M.D., a Family Practice doctor in Berkeley California for over 33 Attorney Brian Michaels followed Berger. years, also testified by phone. Currently He spoke eloquently about the validity of treating over 100 patients with PTSD, he PTSD and the need for veterans with has a breadth of experience with the PTSD to have access to medical marijuana, disorder. He told the committee how and for all of us to support them. cannabis helps many suffering from PTSD, especially veterans. “When we talk about the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, we may have “...In many cases cannabis is the one differences of opinion, [but] when we talk medicine that's consistently helped their about supporting the troops that went to seriously disabling symptoms, allowing fight on our behalf, there is little difference them to function, hold jobs, keep their of opinion,” He told the committee. relationships intact, raise families for the past 30 years or so, while years of therapy “You're not adding a group of people who and numerous medications have not,” will use marijuana, because they're going Lucido explained. to use it anyway,” Michaels added. “What you are doing is you are subtracting a Some of the most compelling testimony group of Oregonian's, veterans, from the came from Bryan Krumm CNP, a list of people who will have their doors Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New broken down, their children stolen, their Mexico and an author of New Mexico's property seized, their family torn asunder, and maybe go to jail for taking this medical marijuana law. He offered compelling testimony about PTSD and medicine.” cannabis. After a background and the basics of Tapping his experience with nearly 1,000 problematic procedures in the system, the testimony moved to five medical PTSD patients using medical cannabis at professionals with experience in PTSD the Sage Neuroscience Center in Albuquerque, Krumm wrote a paper treatment with medical marijuana. Their testimony was compelling, and covered entitled “Cannabis and Post-traumatic almost every aspect of PTSD and Stress Disorder, The Neurobiological Approach to Treatment”, which outlines marijuana. They covered recent PTSD studies, safety factor of marijuana, the neurobiological Cont. on Page 6
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MPP Town Hall in Portland With Congressman Blumenauer By Keith Mansur Oregon Cannabis Connection A Townhall Meeting with Steve Fox of Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and Rep. Earl Blumenhauer of Oregon's 3rd Congressional District was held on Sunday January 27th at the Matt Dishman Community Center in Portland. The event was hosted by Oregon's representative for MPP, Roy Kaufman. Rep. Blumenauer spent about 35 minutes addressing the crowd of over 50, which included many of the major marijuana activists and business entrepreneurs in Oregon. Every news camera in town seemed to be there, including four TV stations, the Associated Press, and others. He took a few minutes to speak with the reporters before stepping to the podium and addressing the crowd. As an Oregon State representative from the Portland area, Blumenauer was part of history 40 years ago. He was able to vote to decriminalize Marijuana in 1973. Blumenauer joined a number of other Oregon legislators in voting to legalize up to 2 plants of marijuana for personal use. He was moved by an Eastern Oregon representative who made a presentation to a packed house and gallery in the house chambers at the capital. The presenter, a Republican hog farmer named Stafford Hansell from Hermiston, systematically explained how marijuana was less harmful than almost all other substances, including alcohol. Blumenauer said, “My opinions on this issue were dramatically influenced by the presentation of... Stafford Hansell”. Cont. on Page 5
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Evidence In Support of Oregon Senate Bill 281 By Cheryl Smith Exec. Dir. Compassion Center Every couple of weeks, a patient comes into Compassion Center asking about getting a medical marijuana card for their posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unfortunately, PTSD is not a qualifying condition under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (OMMA). Many of these people do have another condition—such as pain, muscle spasms or nausea—but others do not; so they are out of luck. They cannot legally use this herb that has been shown, both anecdotally and by studies, to help with the distressing thoughts and memories that haunt them. In a survey of Compassion Center patients in 2010, we learned that about 25% of our patients are veterans. A disproportionate number of veterans experience PTSD, but it can affect anyone who has experienced severe trauma. We also learned that many of our patients who use medical marijuana for a condition that is covered by the OMMA also find it helpful for a condition that is not covered—such as anxiety, insomnia or PTSD. Nearly 9% reported that they use it specifically for their PTSD. While reflecting only a small percentage of those participating in the OMMP, this survey echoes what we have learned from different studies: medical cannabis can be effective in combating PTSD. A study from Canada found that 72% of individuals treated with synthetic THC experienced significant reduction of PTSDcaused treatment-resistant nightmares. A report from Israel found that cannabis can improve the quality of life for sufferers of PTSD. In Oregon, Alan Cohn, MD, a psychiatrist working with Lane county jail inmates for more than 35 years, noted that using marijuana contributed to success in the community for individuals suffering from PTSD.
Oregon News Several previous attempts at getting posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) added to the list of qualifying conditions under Oregon Medical Marijuana Act failed, because of flaws in the Oregon Administrative Rules or their interpretation. A rewrite of those rules again fell short, but has not been tested. Now we have hope that the tedious administrative process can be avoided and we can still add PTSD to the OMMA. Senate Bill 281 was introduced on January 4, 2013 by Senator Brian Boquist, RDallas. It has already been referred to the Health Care and Human Services Committee and the first public hearing was on February 7. This proposed law is simple yet elegant. Other than other minor changes, it simply adds PTSD as a qualifying condition for participation in the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. This small change is long overdue, and will go a long way to helping veterans and other survivors, who have no physical injuries that cause symptoms, but want to be able to treat their PTSD with a less harmful alternative that actually works. If you are interested in ensuring that SB 281 is passed, contact your State Representative and Senator to encourage them to sponsor or vote in favor of this bill when it comes before them. You can also contact your local medical marijuana organizations to find out the status of public hearings or the progress of the bill. Cheryl K. Smith is an Attorney, a Writer and Executive Director of Compassion Center, a nonprofit medical marijuana clinic and educational organization located in Eugene, Oregon.
Cannabis Connection
11th Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards By Anna Diaz World Famous Cannabis Cafe' The 11th annual Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards (OMCA), held at the World Famous Cannabis Café in Portland, brought together medical cannabis growers, patients and caregivers from all over the state. A Vendor during the day Image: OCC
1st Place overall, Ray Bowser with Anna Diaz. Image: OCC
Overall: 1st Place: Mad Scientist grown by Ray Bowser & Homegrown Natural Wonders 2nd Place: Grand Daddy Purple grown by Greg Bennett 3rd Place: Grape Ape grown by Jason Breazeale of Farmageddon By Category: Appearance: OrangeCream Soda by Homegrown Natural Wonders
This year’s vendors included those who cater to the medical cannabis community along with a variety of goodies that cater to everyone. The free day event was open to the public and included a lawyers’ information panel, featuring Paul Loney, last year’s OMCA Freedom Fighter Award winner. The sustainable fashion show, coordinated by Nickie Gates was a fitting Grand Finale for the day. “Every year we strive to make the day event better by having a wide variety at our Holiday Bazaar,” saids Madeline Martinez, owner of the cafe and innovator of the event. ”This year, we decided to include specialties that are helpful to medical cannabis patients like baked goods and body care products. It’s very exciting!” David Bram, creator of the scoring method used by the OMCA, is the first to learn the results. He created a bar code system that ensures anonymity. In all the years that he has done this, there has yet to be a breach of confidentiality, which has helped earn the OMCA it’s reputation.
Aroma: Pine Double Apple grown by Vanessa Martinez Smoothness: TIE – Pine Double Apple grown by Vanessa Martinez & Touch of Grey grown by Homegrown Natural Wonders Taste: Blue Dream by Hansen Farms Potency: OrangeCream Soda by Homegrown Natural Wonders The evening kicked off with the announcement of the Dr. Rick Bayer and Freedom Fighter of the Year Awards. Paul Appel accepting the award from Stanford Madeline Martizez. Image OCC and the Measure 80 Campaign crew, respectively, received the awards for their tireless efforts to pass the legalization initiative here in Oregon. Bill Appel, one of the chief petitioners of the
Cont. on Page 7
Cannabis Connection
Oregon News Nugs Another Eastern Oregon SAP Raided Raided The Blue Mountain Enforcement Narcotics Team arrested the operator of a Eastern Oregon Safe Access Point (SAP) on January 21 and 22. With the assistance of Hermiston police, they executed a search warrant Monday at the Pacific Northwest Medical Cannabis Association in Hermiston. Pendleton police chief Stuart Roberts said the busts came after two months of investigations. The police accuse the operation of illegally manufacturing and distributing marijuana throughout Eastern Oregon and eastern Washington. In a written report, Roberts said, “[the] suspects were responsible for distributing marijuana to people of all ages including teenagers and the elderly.” Police arrested the business's president John Partlow and two others, one being a woman from California. Charges included manufacture, possession and delivery of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine and possession of psilocybin mushrooms. Officers seized more than 15 pounds of marijuana, 257 marijuana plants, a small amount of methamphetamine and psilocybin mushrooms and approximately $9,000 cash. He also indicated they operated outside of state, and federal, guidelines. One must wonder, can a person deal in any way with marijuana and be within federal guidelines? Sounds disingenuous.
A New Oregon PAC: Compassionate Oregon Compassionate Oregon is a political action committee focused primarily on providing safe and reasonable access for Oregonians who find therapeutic cannabis helpful in treating symptoms associated with medical conditions
Oregon News that are usually treated with pharmaceuticals. Founded just this year by directors Anthony Taylor and Cheryl K. Smith, Compassionate Oregon will also work to resolve issues surrounding the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) that continue to be problematic for both patients and law enforcement. Toward that end, the PAC will work to elect legislators who are supportive of the OMMP and to support initiative campaigns that will improve the program. Anthony Taylor is a long-time activist best known for his work with the Oregon Marijuana Initiative during their 1980’s campaign to legalize marijuana for adults in Oregon,where he participated in the signature drives. He was later the Lane County Coordinator for the Ballot Measure 5 campaign in 1986. As a lobbyist for the Oregon Marijuana Initiative, Anthony was responsible for legislation that gave us the early turn-in law for initiative signatures. He has recently become active again in cannabis politics. Cheryl K. Smith is an attorney and has been the Executive Director of Compassion Center, a Eugene-based nonprofit, since 2009. She previously served as Legal Services Director for Oregon Rehabilitation Association and Staff Attorney for the Hemlock Society. She was the primary drafter of the Oregon Death with Dignity Act. Compassionate Oregon’s first goal, and the subject of the recent hearing before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, is to add PTSD to the list of qualifying conditions for the use of therapeutic cannabis. In addition, Compassionate Oregon will work toward reducing the cost of cardholder fees and resolving some of the problems often experienced between patient and program.
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MPP Town Hall Cont. From Pg. 3 Although the legalization bill failed with a vote of 22 to 38, Blumenauer explained, “I was assured, by people who knew a lot more about this subject than I did, that if the 22 of us who voted for it were joined by the people who smoked marijuana, but voted no, that the bill would have passed easily.” Legislative Reform Money Bomb brought in $2,000 to support the Oregon cannabis community's efforts this legislative session. An even $1,000 was brought in by contributions from the community and that $1,000 was matched by a generous donor. We are very pleased to see concerned citizens willing to invest in cannabis law reform efforts during this tough economic time. We look forward to utilizing the funds raised to help Oregon activists have a successful legislative session. We would like to give a sincere thanks to Ashland Alternative Health, Northwest Alternative Health, The Human Collective, and Cheryl Smith of the Compassion Center for contributing to this important cause. A number of other organizations donated, but wished to remain anonymous. Thanks to Anthony Johnson, the NCC Executive Director, for this update. For more information about the National Cannabis Coalition, visit their website at www.nationalcannabiscoalition.com
NCC's Money Bomb is a Success The National Cannabis Coalition's first Oregon
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Although the full legalization failed, they were able to pass the nations first decriminalization bill which made it simply a infraction for carrying small amounts of marijuana. “It was treated like a traffic violation”, Blumenauer said. On more than one occasion, Blumenauer has been involved with Federal legislation attempting to decriminalize and reschedule marijuana. In 2001, Blumenauer co-sponsored HR 2592, The States' Rights' to Medical Marijuana Act, which would have legalized medical marijuana. In 2009, he co-sponsored the Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act, or H.R.2835, which was a bill that would have rescheduled marijuana off the Controlled Substances Act, allowing State's to decide their own future on how to handle marijuana. Most recently, after the historic victories in Washington and Colorado last Fall, he is co-sponsoring bills with Rep. Jared Polis of CO. As Steve Elliott reported in Tokesignals: Bills Would Treat Marijuana Like Alcohol In States Where It Is Legal (see article in National News)“Rep Jared Polis’ bill will end federal marijuana prohibition and let states decide their own marijuana policies without the threat of federal interference, and would set up a regulatory process – similar to the one for alcohol – for states that decide to legalize. Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s bill would create a federal tax on marijuana.” (To learn more, go to http://blumenauer.house.gov/). “I am hopeful that you are going to see some action in this new congress, with people in a bi-partisan fashion taking a step back and looking , in a comprehensive way, at a range of issues that are involved...” Cont. on Page 7
Oregon News
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I-Five-O Oregon Marijuana Police Log
in possession of approximately 40 pounds of marijuana in a Grants Pass-area motel parking lot.
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January 23 – Wilsonville An Oregon State Police (OSP) traffic stop south of Wilsonville led to the arrest of a Washington man after the trooper found over 14 pounds of marijuana inside the man's car. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation. On January 23, 2013 at approximately 12:26 a.m., an OSP senior trooper stopped a 1999 Honda Civic four-door displaying Washington license plates for traffic violations northbound along Interstate 5 at the Baldock Rest Area near milepost 282. The car's driver was identified as a 36 year old male from Parkland, Washington. Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop, with the assistance of a Clackamas County Sheriff's Office drug detection canine, led to the discovery of approximately 14 pounds of marijuana concealed inside the car. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $30,000. The suspect was taken into custody without incident for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled SubstanceMarijuana and lodged in the Clackamas County Jail.
January 25 - Wilsonville A Seattle, Washington man was arrested when an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper stopped a vehicle on Interstate 5 south of Wilsonville and discovered over 3 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle. OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation. On January 25, 2013 at approximately 1:36 a.m., an OSP senior trooper stopped a 2012 Nissan Versa four-door displaying California license plates northbound on Interstate 5 near milepost 281 for failure to drive within a traffic lane. The car's driver was identified as a male, age 28, from Seattle, Washington. Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop, with the assistance of a Clackamas County Sheriff's Office drug detection canine that responded to the scene with its handler, led to the discovery of over 3 pounds of marijuana and other evidence hidden inside the vehicle. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $7,000. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Clackamas County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana. February 4 – Grants Pass Two Seattle, Washington men are facing marijuana-related charges after they were
On February 4, 2013 at approximately 12 noon, detectives from the Rogue Area Drug Enforcement (RADE) team responded to assist Grants Pass police officers at a motel parking lot on 7th Street where officers responded to an unrelated disturbance call. While at the motel, officers contacted a male, age 32, smoking marijuana in the parking lot. A vehicle associated with the suspect and a second male, age 31, had a very strong odor of fresh marijuana emanating from the trunk area. A subsequent investigation by RADE detectives led to the discovery of five plastic garbage bags containing a total of approximately 40 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle. Both men were cited to appear at a later date in Josephine County Circuit Court for Unlawful Possession and Delivery of Marijuana. The investigation is being continued by RADE detectives.
Lakeview District January 20 - Ontario Two men from Boise, Idaho were arrested when an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper stopped a vehicle on Highway 201N near Ontario and discovered approximately 3 pounds of marijuana in their vehicle. OSP Drug Enforcement is continuing the investigation. On January 20, 2013 at approximately 1:25 p.m., an OSP senior trooper stopped a vehicle for an unspecified traffic violation on Highway 201N near Ontario. The 2003 Chrysler 300 was occupied by a male driver, age 33, and male passenger, age 32, both from Boise, Idaho. Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop, with the assistance of an OSP drug detection dog that responded to the scene with its handler, led to the discovery of approximately 3 pounds of marijuana hidden inside the vehicle. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $7,000. Both men were were taken into custody without further incident and lodged in the Malheur County Jail for Unlawful Possession and Distribution of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana.
January 23 – Burns Three Utah residents, including a mother and her son, were arrested when Oregon State Police (OSP) troopers stopped two vehicles traveling together on Highway 20 about twenty-five miles east of Burns and discovered approximately 69 pounds of marijuana.
They were followed by a 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by a woman, age 47, from Francis, Utah. It was during the course of the traffic stop that the troopers learned the two vehicles were traveling together to Salt Lake City.
PTSD Hearing Cont. From Pg. 3
Subsequent investigation during the traffic stops, with the assistance of a Harney County Sheriff's Office drug detection dog that responded to the scene with its handler, led to the discovery of approximately 69 pounds of marijuana in large duffel bags in the back of the Chevrolet Trailblazer. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $170,000.
processes for PTSD and the importance of our endocannabinoid system and its regulation of PTSD.
The three people were taken into custody without further incident and lodged in the Harney County Jail for Unlawful Possession, Distribution, and Manufacture of a Controlled Substance - Marijuana. Bail was initially set at $150,000.
A group of veterans came next, bringing further expertise and direct experience to the hearing in often emotional testimony.
January 24 – Bend An eastern Idaho man was arrested when an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper stopped a vehicle on Highway 20 about fifteen miles east of Bend and discovered approximately 40 pounds of marijuana. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section HIDTA Interdiction Team (HIT) and Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force assisted in the ongoing investigation. On January 24, 2013 at approximately 11:14 a.m., an OSP senior trooper stopped a rented 2013 Chevrolet Cruz displaying Utah license plates eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 18 for unspecified traffic violations. The vehicle's driver was identified as a male, age 29, from Ammon, Idaho. Subsequent investigation during the traffic stop with the assistance of an OSP drug detection canine led to the trooper's discovery and seizure of approximately 40 pounds of marijuana concealed in the vehicle. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $100,000. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on charges of Unlawful Manufacture, Possession, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance Marijuana.
Feb 6 - Lakeview A Utah man was cited after an Oregon State Police (OSP) trooper discovered he was in possession of approximately 6 pounds of marijuana in his pickup when stopped for a traffic violation along Highway 140 about twelve miles west of Lakeview. On February 6, 2013 at approximately 10:48 a.m., an OSP trooper stopped a 2008 Toyota Tacoma pickup displaying Utah license plates for a speed violation eastbound on Highway 140 near milepost 83. The pickup's driver was identified as a male from from Sandy, Utah. Subsequent investigation during the
On January 23, 2013 at approximately 9:37 a.m., an OSP sergeant and trooper stopped two separate vehicles traveling together eastbound on Highway 20 near milepost 158 for several unspecified traffic violations. The lead vehicle was a 1999 Toyota Camry driven by a 24 year old male, accompanied by a male passenger age 25, both from Salt Lake City, Utah.
Cannabis Connection
traffic stop led the trooper to discover a total of approximately 6 pounds of marijuana in two separate locations in the pickup. Estimated value of the seized marijuana is $15,000. The suspect was detained and later cited and released to appear at a later date in Lake County Circuit Court of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Marijuana. The OSP Drug Enforcement Section is continuing the investigation.
Cannabis addresses the underlying neurobiological processes directly and alleviates core symptoms of PTSD with few clinically significant adverse effects,” Krumm told the committee.
Jose Garza testified and explained how combat related PTSD had ruined his life until he was introduced to marijuana. He explained how he got into trouble with the law, had anger management issues, and couldn't hold down a job. Now that he has medical marijuana, he can function in society. “Slowly I could go back to the grocery store and not completely freak out. Now I'm able to go into a store and be Okay. I'm not great, but I believe in myself now,” Garza explained. “The simple act of smoking a plant has changed my life.” Sen. Monnes Anderson, who was moved by Garza's remarks, replied, “Thank you so much for coming, thank you for your service, and I am very glad that you have been able to find something that will give you hope in life.” The committee was lucky enough to have Michael Krawitz phone in from New Jersey. The Executive Director of Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access, he was responsible for petitioning the Veterans Administration to allow Image: Sage Center veterans to use medical Bryan Krumm, CNP at Sage marijuana in Neuroscience Center and costates that author of the NM mmj law. have legalized its use. He focused on veterans who do not seek treatment for PTSD, due to the perception many have of the disorder and its exclusion from the acceptable ailments in Oregon. “...[PTSD diagnosis] creates a stigma that prevents people from seeking treatment,” Krawitz explained, “I'm hoping, and my colleagues are hoping, that your addition of post-traumatic stress to the Medical Marijuana Act out in Oregon will help reduce some of that stigma.” Anthony Taylor, Director of Compassionate Oregon, wrapped up the scheduled testimony. He was emotional as he explained the patients long term efforts to get PTSD added to the list of qualifying conditions. “Its about implementing a simple fix for a group of our fellow Oregonian's, and not just the veterans but for others who suffer from this disorder on a daily basis, sometimes minute to minute basis,” Taylor said, “The medical marijuana committee has been Photo: Keith Mansur advocating OCC its addition for over a Michael Krawitz supporting M-74 in 2010 decade as a treatment tool we should make available.” Unscheduled testimony came at the end of the two and a half hour hearing and included over 16 people, some with heartfelt stories
Cannabis Connection
MPP Town Hall Cont. From Pg. 3 How to deal with conflicts between state and federal law. Addressing the issue of marijuana's Schedule I classification in the Controlled Substances Act. Dealing with the financial and tax implications of marijuana businesses that are legal under state and local laws in 19 jurisdictions, including the District of Columbia. Also, Photo: Keith Mansur, OCC
Oregon News He broke down six areas where they focused their efforts: Cooperation, Education, Timing, Drafting, Organizing and Advertising. Cooperation was where he focused first. Understanding the many different groups, opinions, and concerns in a state is important, and getting them consolidated behind a single effort is vital. Addressing Oregon's failed effort in 2012 specifically, Fox pointed out that our two ballot initiatives (I-9 and I-24) ended up competing for the money from the same sources. In the end only one initiative made the ballot (I-9 which became Measure 80), and it failed to pass in November.
PTSD Hearing
Rep. Blumenauer addressing the crowd. He has introduced legislation in Washington D.C. to tax marijuana in states where it is legal
the production of industrial hemp, where there is bi-partisan agreement on dealing with its prohibition. When asked by Russ Belville, of The Russ Belville Show, if the Republican controlled congress will even allow hearings on any marijuana related bills, Blumenauer responded, “The issues that we are talking about - states rights, issues like medical marijuana, looking at the merit of it's current treatment under the law – there is bi-partisan interest in exploring this.” Blumenauer explained to another attendee that the federal government has a responsibility to create clarity and consistency, but he added, “I also think it's important, in Oregon and every state, to get it's act together in terms of procedure and oversight...I think the more uniformity the better.” Rep. Blumenauer has been working diligently for Oregonian's in Washington D.C. He is a true friend to marijuana users and continues to fight for the end to marijuana and hemp prohibition. If just a few other lawmakers in Washington could do the right thing, cannabis would become a legitimate medicine, an acceptable method of recreating, an unbelievable renewable resource, and a huge boost to the worldwide economy. Maybe he can lead the way. Steve Fox spoke second. The Director of Government Relations for MPP and coauthor of Marijuana is Safer Than Alcohol, So Why Are We Driving People To Drink, Fox was instrumental in getting Colorado's marijuana legalization initiative, Amendment 64, passed. Being the largest marijuana law reform organization in the country, MPP has long been helping states get their marijuana laws changed, usually for medical patients. From Delaware to Arizona, MPP has had tremendous success getting laws passed, especially initiatives. But, in 2012, Colorado and Washington residents passed their full legalization measures, and MPP was crucial to the success in Colorado. Fox, who helped organize the Colorado campaign strategy with Mason Tvert of SAFER, Brian Vicente of Sensible Colorado, and others on the groud there, spent an hour explaining the reasons for the success in, what could be considered, a fairly conservative state.
“If there's cooperation and you listen to as many voices as possible, and are open to the idea that maybe your idea isn't the best idea, you end up with very good legislation,” Fox added. Their education efforts focused on a public education campaign, which began way back in 2005, seven years before A-64. With others around the country focused on medical marijuana, they launched an education effort in Colorado explaining to the public that “marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and it makes no sense to punish people who want to use marijuana instead,” Fox said. Steve Fox of MPP. He helped CO. pass their law in Nov.
The education campaign helped tremendously. Fox explained, “In about three years, there were more than 300 television news stories and they all had that same message in it.” In fact, it showed at the polls. Fox explained that they had a real advantage over Washington. Even though less money was spent on the Colorado legalization campaign, and much more vocal and well funded opposition existed there, Colorado was able to garner a similar margin of victory, getting 55% of the vote. Fox chalks it up to education. Timing is everything, Fox also shared with the crowd. Having a measure on the ballot in a presidential election year, like 2012, increases the chances of passage significantly, mainly due to large voter turnout. “The difference is stark”, Fox explained. “Since 2000, if you look at only well funded marijuana related initiatives...in presidential election years the average percent 'Yes' is about 58%, but if you do it at the midterm, the average percent 'Yes” is about 46%.” Cont. on Page 11
OMCA Awards
Cont. From Pg. 6 of dealing with PTSD, a few Oregon activists, and many military veterans. Included were John Sajo of Voter Power, Mary Houck of Southern Oregon Cannabis Community Center, Jim Klahr from the ACMM, Anthony Johnson from the National Cannabis Coalition, Dan Koozer from Willamette NORML, and more. Many traveled a long way to testify.
Speaking on cooperation, Fox said, “That's a big thing,especially in Oregon...there are many different opinions out there about how the laws should change.” He explained, “A lot of money was put into two different initiatives, and one of those didn't even qualify in the end, so there was a lot of money there that was spent in an inefficient way. You also had one person drafting an initiative this way and another person drafting one another way so that the final language may not [have been] optimal.”
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measure, accepted the Freedom Fighter Award, saying, “We came so close. We will keep on fighting until we win. Thanks to Washington and Colorado, this will be easier now.” After a fabulous dinner catered by the Headwaters Cafe, Jay Mack and Big Dub stopped by to perform new songs from their latest CD, Still Medicated, and some faves from their “Heavily Medicated” CD. It was an honor to have them; they have supported the cafe since it began. They have had some serious struggles lately, and the cafe hosted a fundraiser for them on January 12, 3013.
A number of veterans also appeared, including a couple of Vietnam vets, and Seth Grant, a vet from Iraq. Grant gave heart wrenching testimony about how PTSD affected his life and how marijuana helps him with symptoms. The crowd support was enormous and the testimony was very compelling. No opposition was raised, even in the form of questions from Senators. The next step is for the committee to give the bill a “Do Pass” recommendation which advances it for further consideration in a work session and other possible committee assignments. Hopefully, this bill will make it to the floor of the legislature and pass. Marijuana is effective on PTSD, and the facts support it, lets hope Salem does, too. Another important step is to correct the flawed system which makes adding new conditions to the OMMA nearly impossible and under the control of just a few bureaucrats. We need a fair and reasonable system with decision makers that understand cannabis, instead of bureaucrats that don't.
Big Dub(L) and J. Mack. performing at the 11th OMCA awards
Jessi, of Jessi James Gardens and the 2010 winner said, as she was leaving much later, “Every year, I say this is the best one so far, and that’s true for this one, too. Winning the OMCA has opened so many doors for us; we will always be grateful. It’s great to have this night to get together and celebrate our OMCA friends and family.” For more information about the World Famous Cannabis Cafe, visit www.usaworldfamouscannabiscafe.com
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Bills Would Treat Marijuana Like Alcohol In States Where It Is Legal Congressmen Blumenauer and Polis to Release Report and Establish Working Group for Sensible Drug Policy By Steve Elliott Tokesignals.com History was made on February 5th when U.S. Representatives joined together to coordinate the introduction of two bills treating marijuana like alcohol and taxing marijuana at the federal level. Legislators have determined it is time to end the federal war on marijuana and let states legalize, regulate, tax, and control marijuana without federal interference. “The American people clearly support marijuana policy reform and Congress should enact legislation to reflect that,” said Bill Piper, director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA). “With a growing number of states Rep. Jared Polis legalizing marijuana (D-CO) for medical or nonmedical use this is an issue that cannot be ignored, and this year is the year to change federal law.” “Marijuana prohibition has proven to be just as ineffective, wasteful, and problematic as alcohol prohibition,” said Steve Fox, director of government relations for the Marijuana Policy Project (MPP). “Regulating and taxing marijuana like alcohol will take marijuana sales away from cartels and the criminal market and put them in the hands of legitimate, tax-paying businesses.” “Voters and elected officials nationwide are fed up with laws that criminalize adults simply for using a product that is objectively less harmful than alcohol,” Fox said. Leading voices introducing legislation on the Hill this week include Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Rep. Jared Polis
National News (D-CO). Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) also recently said he will hold hearings on changing federal marijuana law. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) recently said it is time to allow U.S. farmers to grow hemp, which would take a change of federal law. A recent Rasmussen poll found that 56 percent of respondents support regulating marijuana in a manner similar to alcohol and tobacco. Polling also finds that about three out of four Americans support medical marijuana programs. Public Policy Polling, in a survey taken from November 30 to December 2 last year, similarly found that a record-high 58 percent of Americans think cannabis should be legal. To date, 18 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, and 15 states have decriminalized marijuana for personal adult use. In November of 2012, voters in Washington and Colorado made history by passing the country’s first measures to regulate marijuana like alcohol. “To have these two bills introduced in one week, this early in the Congress, is unprecedented,” said Jasmine L. Tyler, deputy director of national affairs for the Drug Policy Alliance. In light of the growing momentum behind efforts to regulate marijuana like alcohol at the state and federal levels, MPP has changed the name of its federal political action committee from the “MPP Medical Marijuana PAC” to the “Marijuana Policy Project PAC.” See the difference? The new name includes recreational legalization. “The re-naming of our PAC reflects the new reality in Washington, D.C.,” Fox said. “Following the passage of the initiatives to regulate marijuana similarly to alcohol in Colorado and Washington last November, there is finally significant momentum in Congress behind ending marijuana prohibition across the board at the federal level.” “The introduction of the two new bills this week is evidence of [a] philosophical shift,” Fox said. “While we are obviously still committed to protecting medical marijuana patients and providers, our PAC’s new name reflects our broader mission in Congress. “The end of marijuana prohibition is coming, and we plan to support elected officials and candidates who favor the repeal of this unfair, irrational, and wasteful policy,” Fox said.
Rep. Blumenauer at the NORML convention in Portland, 2010
Rep Jared Polis’ bill will end federal marijuana prohibition and let states decide their own marijuana policies without the threat of federal interference, and would set up a regulatory process – similar to the one for alcohol – for states that decide to legalize. Rep. Earl Blumenauer’s bill would create a federal tax on marijuana.
Additionally, Reps. Blumenauer and Polis will be publishing a briefing paper entitled “The Path Forward: Rethinking Federal Marijuana Policy” which outlines their perspective on marijuana policy and provides some background on marijuana regulation and opportunities for action. The Congressmen are also establishing the Sensible Drug Policy Working Group which will provide a forum for members of Congress who are working on related issues and hope to advance legislation. “The U.S. has reached a tipping point, politically, culturally, and legislatively,” said Piper. “Major
Cont. on Page 11
Mandatory Minimums for Williams and Sandusky
Cannabis Connection You can sign online signature petitions at www.whitehouse.gov for both Sandusky and Williams, although President Obama granted no pardons in 2012. In fact, according to a report by ProPublica, “President Obama granted just 1 in 50 applicants a pardon, compared to 1 in 3 by this point in President Reagan’s first term, and 1 in 8 under President Clinton.”
By Keith Mansur Oregon Cannabis Connection The federal government's “mandatory minimums” resulted in the sentencing of two outspoken and determined cannabis dispensary owners in January and February. Judges in the federal courts of Montana and California were bound by minimum sentencing guidelines, and the defendants will spend 15 years of combined time in prison. In California, Aaron Sandusky was sentenced to 10 years for operating 3 dispensaries that were allowed under the state's medical marijuana law. Quite possibly due to a prolonged legal battle with the city of Upland over a dispensary zoning ban, federal authorities decided to make an example of him, and raided his dispensary in Upland, G3, twice between November 2011 and March 2012. Under federal law, marijuana is considered a narcotic drug with the same penalties as heroine and cocaine. Also, federal law spells out strict guidelines on sentencing narcotic drug traffickers, which is what the law considered Sandusky. The judge essentially had no choice in the minimum sentence.
Steve Elliott Launches TOKESIGNALS.COM! From Oregon Cannabis Connection When Toke of the Town editor Steve Elliott was sacked by Voice Media after three-plus years at the helm, some in the community though they'd heard the last of him. But to the delight of his readers and the dismay of his detractors, Elliott has returned with a new website, TokeSignals (http://tokesignals.com). "Writing about cannabis is what I do,"
The judge in the case, U.S. District Court Judge Percy Anderson said, "In this case, as the defendant was warned, the court's hands are tied, whether you agree with the defendant's position or not." Sandusky faced as much as life in prison. Sandusky was convicted of one count of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana plants, to possess with intent to distribute marijuana plants and to maintain a druginvolved premises; and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana plants. Chris Williams of Montana was sentenced to a five year term. He operated a number of dispensaries in Montana called Montana Cannabis, with 3 others. His partners all took plea deals from the U.S. Government, but Williams decided not to take a plea, and fought it instead. Williams eventually was convicted by a jury and was facing a mandatory minimum of over 80 years in prison due to the 8 charges against him. Part of the issue was four gun violations from the raids possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Each violation carries a 5 year minimum sentence, and all have to run consecutively. In a rare case, the judge allowed a post conviction plea deal and dropped 6 of the convictions - conspiracy to manufacture and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana; manufacture of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute marijuana; and three counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The only convictions that were left to stand were one count of possessing a firearm in connection with drug trafficking and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Unfortunately, Williams firearms conviction carried the stiffest sentence...5 years minimum, to a maximum of life. The marijuana conviction was only a 5 year maximum sentence, no minimum. As I have said before, marijuana and firearms don't mix well, especially if the feds are involved.
Elliott told the Oregon Cannabis Connection. "Whether or not Village Voice happens to be paying me for it is immaterial. "I was writing about cannabis for years before I was associated with Toke of the Town, and I'll continue to write about it, as long as it interests me," Elliott said. "I don't see that changing anytime soon." So how is Toke Signals different from Elliott's old site, Toke of the Town? "One crucial and major difference is that, with Toke Signals, there is no corporate oversight, no corporate control of content," Elliott told us. "There are no bosses to tell me, 'You can't say that,' or 'You can't piss this person off.' "From here on out, it's gloves off, no-holdsbarred journalism," Elliott vowed. "I can promise you there'll never be a dull moment." Steve Elliott has been a long time contributor to Oregon Cannabis Connection, as well, and his insights and opinions will continue to be covered in OCC. Thank you Steve, and keep up the good work!
Cannabis Connection
DC Appeals Court Denies Marijuana Rescheduling In a ruling January 22, the Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit denied a petition seeking to reschedule marijuana. The court held that while petitioners had presented some evidence of marijuana's medical efficacy, there was not enough to override the federal government's decision to place marijuana on Schedule I, the most restrictive classification. Schedule I drugs, which also include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy, are those that are considered to have no medical use and a high potential for abuse. Marijuana was placed in Schedule I when Congress passed the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, and the DEA and FDA have consistently refused efforts to reschedule it. The ruling came in Americans for Safe Access v. Drug Enforcement Administration. It comes more than 10 years after the Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis, led by Jon Gettman, originally filed its petition in October 2002 and 40 years after NORML first filed a petition seeking to reschedule the herb. The Coalition petition was denied in 2011, after ASA sued the Obama administration for delaying its response. The current appeal was the first time in two decades that a federal court has reviewed the issue of whether there exists adequate scientific evidence to reschedule marijuana. The first challenge for petitioners was that of standing to sue. The presence of disabled Air Force veteran and Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access member Michael Krawitz among the petitioners provided that standing. Krawitz, who has tussled with the Department of Veterans Affairs over his use of medical marijuana, "has suffered injury-in-fact because he must shoulder a financial cost for services he would otherwise obtain for free of charge from the VA" and thus has standing to sue, the court held. But that was just the threshold question. On the substantive issue of rescheduling marijuana, the court came down squarely on the side of the federal government. "The question before the court is not whether marijuana could have some medical benefits," wrote Senior Circuit Court Judge Harry Edwards for the majority. "Rather, the limited question that we address is whether the DEA’s decision declining to initiate proceedings to reschedule marijuana under the CSA was arbitrary and capricious… On the record before us, we hold that the DEA’s denial of the rescheduling petition survives review under the deferential arbitrary and capricious standard. The petition asks the DEA to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III, IV, or V drug, which, under the terms of the CSA, requires a 'currently accepted medical
National News use.' The DEA's regulations… define 'currently accepted medical use' to require, inter alia, 'adequate and wellcontrolled studies proving efficacy.' … We defer to the agency’s interpretation of these regulations and find that substantial evidence supports its determination that such studies do not exist." "The court says the DEA didn't act arbitrarily and capriciously, but if that wasn't arbitrary and capricious, I'm going back to the dictionary," said a frustrated Krawitz. "This is an issue with 70% supporting change, yet nothing happens. We have a handful of champions in Congress, but where is one person in the federal government who represents us? How can there be so little integrity at the National Institutes for Health and the FDA, where they are supposed to be there to protect our interests?" "We're stuck in a Catch-22 -- the DEA is saying that marijuana needs FDA approval to be removed from Schedule I, but at the same time they are obstructing that very research," said Tamar Todd, senior staff attorney for the Drug Policy Alliance. "While there is a plethora of scientific evidence establishing marijuana's safety and efficacy, the specific clinical trials necessary to gain FDA approval have long been obstructed by the federal government itself." "It's more of the same from the federal courts. I'm disappointed, but not surprised," said Dale Gieringer, longtime head of California NORML. "There has been a long line of court decisions affirming the federal government's dictatorial power to make arbitrary decisions about drugs. Ironically, this decision comes on the same day as the 40th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Women in this country have the right to terminate the live of their fetuses, but not to smoke a joint." "To deny that sufficient evidence is lacking on the medical efficacy of marijuana is to ignore a mountain of welldocumented studies that conclude otherwise," said Joe Elford, Chief Counsel with Americans for Safe Access (ASA), which appealed the denial of the rescheduling petition in January of last year. "The Court has unfortunately agreed with the Obama Administration's unreasonably raised bar on what qualifies as an 'adequate and well-controlled' study, thereby continuing their game of 'Gotcha.'" ASA said it will seek an en banc review of the decision by the full DC Circuit and will go to the Supreme Court if necessary. The group said it will argue that the Obama administration has acted "arbitrarily and capriciously" by shifting its definition of what constitutes "medical efficacy." The administration now argues that Stage II and III clinical trials are necessary to show efficacy, while ASA contends that the more than 200 peerreviewed studies it cited in legal briefs in the case meet the standard. "The Obama Administration's legal efforts will keep marijuana out of reach for millions of qualified patients who would benefit from its use," said Cont. on Page 11
"Continue Prohibition" Says New 'SAM' Group By Keith Mansur Oregon Cannabis Connection A new group has appeared on the political scene, project SAM. An acronym for Smart Approaches to Marijuana, it's formation followed the passage of initiatives in Colorado (A-64) and Washington (I-502) last fall. It was the creation of Kevin Sabet, a former Obama adviser, former Bush adviser, and former Office of National Drug Control Policy Senior Adviser to the Clinton administration. SAM has developed a website which shows a thinly veiled attempt to promote the continued prohibition of cannabis. Sabet has attempted to show bi-partisan support by enlisting the likes of former Rhode Island congressman Patrick Patrick Kennedy Kennedy, a longtime Democrat and son of the late Sen. Teddy Kennedy (D) of MA., and David Frum, a former Bush speechwriter, author, and a frequent pundit on Television news shows. Yet, both Kennedy and Frum are opponents of marijuana, and, being far from experts, have made unsubstantiated claims. Davis Frum, no expert on drug abuse, is essentially just a conservative political pundit. After the January 2011 shooting in Tucson, Frum attempted to divert attention from the real problem, guns and violence, by blaming marijuana. Frum explained in a post on his website after the shooting, “After horrific shootings, we hear calls for stricter regulation of guns. The Tucson shooting should remind us why we regulate marijuana. Jared Lee Loughner, the man held as the Tucson shooter, has been described by those who know as a “pot smoking loner.” Frum goes on to say, “After the Tucson shooting, there may be renewed pressure to control the weapons that committed the crime. But what about the drugs that may have aggravated the killer’s mental disease? The trend these days seems
Page 9 toward a more casual attitude and easier access to those drugs.” Frum also indicated many people, including himself, are inadequate parents. He believes keeping marijuana illegal helps teens think it is bad, helping parents deter their children from using it. In a CNN Op-Ed piece on Jan 7th of this year, Frum wrote, “...as a parent of three, two exiting adolescence and one entering, I’ve found that the argument that makes the biggest impression is: 'Marijuana is illegal. Stay away.'” He then explains, “I think many other parents have found the same thing. When we write social rules, we always need to consider: Who are we writing rules for? Some people can cope with David Frum. complexity. Others need clarity. Some people will snap back from an early mistake. Others will never recover.” One has to wonder, should we apply his same logic to, say, obesity? Apparently we have a obesity epidemic in America, so let's make it illegal to be overweight, that way we can warn our children, “Being overweight is illegal, so you better stay skinny!” Patrick Kennedy, who is the SAM chairman and was opposed the successful Massachusetts Medical Marijuana initiative, recently told the Washington Post, “Marijuana destroys the brain and expedites psychosis...It’s just overall a very dangerous drug.” “It’s already in eighteen states,” Kennedy told MSNBC on Jan 19th. “It is going even further, and before we know it, we’re going to wake up one day and have another tobacco industry. It is going to be called the marijuana industry. We already know what big tobacco did to our kids. Joe Camel targeted kids.” Ethan Nadelmann, Executive Director of Drug Policy Alliance, told the Seattle Times that Project SAM was a "strategic retreat" by the just-say-no crowd. “It's almost `Reefer Madness'-type stuff about marijuana he's saying,” Nadelmann added. "There's something remarkable about Patrick Kennedy Cont. on Page 11
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National News Nugs More States Looking To Legalize MJ From NORML
Rhode Island Legislation that seeks to make Rhode Island the third state to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana is pending before state lawmakers. House Judiciary chairperson Edith Ajello has pre-filed legislation to be debated by lawmakers this spring. States Rep. Ajello: “I want to see the criminal element out of this. I think that legalizing and taxing it just as we did with alcohol prohibition is the way to do it.” State lawmakers last year approved legislation decriminalizing marijuana possession offenses for those age 18 or older. That measure takes effect on April 1, 2013. Rhode Island is one of a growing number of states where lawmakers are considering full cannabis legalization. NORML will continue to update you in the coming weeks as Rep. Allejo’s proposal moves forward. Visit www.NORML.org for more information. Pennsylvania Legislation that seeks to make Pennsylvania the third state to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana is pending before state lawmakers. Senator Dylan Leach (D-Montgomery County) has pre-filed legislation to be debated by lawmakers this spring. States Sen. Lynch:"Demographic s and exposure will in time defeat irrational fears, old wives tales and bad science. This bill furthers the discussion, which hastens the day." Approximately 25,000 citizens are arrested annually in Pennsylvania for marijuana-related offenses, at a cost of some $325 million dollars. Pennsylvania is one of a growing number of states where lawmakers are considering full cannabis legalization. NORML will continue to update you in the coming weeks as this proposal moves forward. Additional information regarding this effort is
National News available from Philly NORML and Pittsburgh NORML, or www.NORML.org. Maine Legislation that seeks to make Maine the third state to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana is pending before state lawmakers. Democrat Representative Diane Russell of Portland has pre-filed legislation to be debated by lawmakers this spring. Her proposed measure would legalize the sale of as much as 2 1/2 ounces of marijuana per week to people 21 or older at licensed retail locations. The law would also permit for the cultivation of the plant in private settings. A previous version of Russell’s legalization was initially rejected by House lawmakers by a vote of 107 to 39. States Rep. Russell: "I think there's been a major culture shift since I introduced this bill in 2011. What we'll see is a lot more folks ready to talk about this issue." Maine is one of a growing number of states where lawmakers are considering full cannabis legalization. NORML will continue to update you in the coming weeks as Rep. Russell’s proposal moves forward. Visit www.NORML.org for more information. Hawaii Members of the House Judiciary Committee on Friday, February 1, heard testimony on House Bill 699, which seeks to make Hawaii the third state to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana. House Bill 699, The Personal Use of Marijuana Act, legalizes the possession of up to an ounce or less of marijuana and the private cultivation of a limited number of marijuana plants for adults 21 years of age and older. HB 699 would also allow for the commercial cultivation and sale of marijuana. House Chairman, Rep. Joseph Souki, is sponsoring the measure. You can read NORML’s written testimony to the Committee in support of this measure at www.NORML.org. Some 250 people submitted testimony in support of HB 699. Fewer than 50 people offered testimony in opposition to the measure. Members are scheduled to vote on the measure this Thursday, February 7, at 2 pm in room 325. Please use the pre-written letter at www.NORML.org to contact your member of the state House and the leadership of the Judiciary Committee to urge them to vote ‘yes’ on HB 699. Additional information about this measure is available from the ACLU of Hawaii here: http://acluhi.org/. Vermont Legislation that seeks to make Vermont the third state to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana is pending before state lawmakers. According to media reports, senator-elect David Zuckerman (DChittenden) is expected to introduce legislation in 2013 that seeks to tax and regulate the retail distribution of cannabis. States a feature in the newspaper Seven Days: “Zuckerman, a Progressive/Democrat representing Chittenden County, said he's asked legislative council to draft a legalization bill and was told by the legislature's lawyers that "a handful" of other lawmakers had made the same request. Under present law, minor marijuana possession offenses are classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by a $500 fine and up to six months incarceration. Separate legislation that seeks to reduce minor marijuana possession penalties to a civil violation is also expected to be debated by lawmakers this spring. A 2012 survey of respondents in 148
separate Vermont cities located throughout the state found that one out of two Vermonters support legalization, while 40 percent oppose the idea. Vermont is one of a growing number of states where lawmakers are considering full cannabis legalization. NORML will continue to update you in the coming weeks as this proposal moves forward at www.NORML.org. New Hampshire A group of five bipartisan lawmakers have introduced legislation that seeks to make New Hampshire the third state to legalize and regulate the adult use of marijuana. House Bill 492 legalizes the possession of up to an ounce or less of marijuana and the private cultivation of a limited number of marijuana plants for adults 21 years of age and older. HB 492 would also allow for commercial cultivation and sale of marijuana. Full text of this measure can be read at www.NORML.org. Polling conducted in January of 2013 by Public Policy Polling reported that when asked if they would support or oppose changing New Hampshire law to regulate and tax marijuana similarly to alcohol, 53% responded they would support this law and only 37% were opposed. NORML will continue to update you in the coming weeks as this proposal moves forward at www.NORML.org..
Michigan Supreme Court Rules Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Are Illegal By Steve Elliott Tokesignals.com
Medical marijuana patients in Michigan will be scrambling for safe access to their medicine after the state Supreme Court ruled February 1st that dispensaries are illegal in a 4-1 decision. Michigan’s 125,000-odd medical marijuana patients will now legally only be able to grow their own cannabis or have it grown for them by one of about 26,000 caregivers licensed by the state, reports the Huffington Post. The Supreme Court upheld a Michigan Court of Appeals decision after hearing arguments last October. The case considered the legality of sales of medical marijuana between patients, and a tribunal of three judges had determined those were illegal under the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act. The case involved Compassionate Apothecary, a dispensary in Mount Pleasant. That ruling allowed law enforcement to shut down dispensaries, though some communities waited for Friday’s Supreme Court decision before cracking down. Compassionate Apothecary was shut down as a “public nuisance.” An overwhelming 63 percent of Michigan’s voters approved the medical marijuana law in 2008, the biggest victory ever for medicinal cannabis. Every single county in the state, even on the conservative Upper Peninsula, approved the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. But seemingly ever since election day, pothostile local law enforcement and city councils have been chipping away at the law, sometimes blatantly ignoring the rights of patients and running roughshod over any protections supposedly contained in the new law. Several cities across the state banned dispensaries outright, while others “adjusted” zoning laws to make their operation impossible. Some cities even tried to outlaw medical marijuana use completely, though those ordinances were struck down.
Cannabis Connection
Book Review - Ganja Kitchen Revolution: The Bible of Cannabis Cuisine By Kristi Anderson Oregon Cannabis Connection There is a great new book just released in January of this year titled Ganja Kitchen Revolution: The Bible of Cannabis Cuisine published by Green Candy Press. The author, Jessica Catalano, has combined three of her greatest passions; alternative medicine, healthy cooking, and taking care of people in need. She has put these together in one amazing cookbook.
Leaving the prohibitionist state of New York for Colorado, Calatano explains in the intro, “ Working in the medical field before and after my move, I learned a great deal about the detrimental and sometimes devastating effects of manufactured pharmaceutical drugs.” “Some of my patients ended up being on 8 different medications to fix not only their original problem, but also the side effects.” Catalano says, “To me, this was absolute madness and I was immensely angered by the fact that doctors did this to people.” When I opened this book, the first thing that struck me was the Dedication, “Cannabis Sativa, Cannabis Indica, and Cannabis Ruderalis: Thank you for being the “Gateway drug” to perpetual inspiration,compassion, benevolence, and medicinal miracles.” It's a great way to demonstrate appreciation for this wonderful plant provided by Mother Nature herself. At 280 full gloss pages, there is no shortage of great information, tips, and gorgeous photos of recipes that will leave your stomach growling. There are photos garnished with buds and step-by-step pictures that are very helpful. The table of contents is broken down into eight sections. The first chapter is the Introduction, followed by seven logical segments based on meal times beginning with “Butters, Oil and Extracts” to “Breakfast and Brunch”, taking you through the days' meals and ending with “Dessert”. Critical to almost all cannabis recipes is to know and understand the proper way to dose and use your medicine. Ganja Kitchen Revolution: The Bible of Cannabis Cuisine has a Revolutionary Dosing Chart as well as a Strain Flavor Profile and Alternative Strain Guide. Also, this book explains how to infuse butters or oils and how and why to decarboxylize, or “activate”, your medicine. Their Revolutionary Dosing Chart converts gram weights into teaspoons for ease when baking or cooking. Along with the dosing chart are instructions on activating your ground cannabis or kief. One thing that I learned, and others may already know, was how to decarboxylize ground cannabis and kief. It is simple and easy. Cont. on Page 12
Cannabis Connection
National News
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MPP Town Hall
Federal Bills
D.C. Appeal Denied
New "SAM' Group
In Washington, the Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicant (DUII) limit of 5ng per ml of blood was a sore point for many, but may have helped uninformed non-users to vote “Yes” when they might have otherwise not supported the measure. The low DUII limit probably gained more votes for the measure than it lost.
changes to federal marijuana laws are going to happen; it’s not a question of if, but when.” Highlights from both bills:
Elford. "It's time for President Obama to change his harmful policy with regard to medical marijuana and treat this as a public health issue, something entirely within the capability and authority of the executive office."
deciding to go after users of a drug that is, by almost all accounts, less dangerous than the drugs he struggled with.”
Organizing is critical, as well. Both grass root and top down organizing is critical. Fox explained that it takes time, and is a long process. Constantly and diligently talking with people who are on your side and getting them to join the movement and help, either financially or physically.
The Marijuana Tax Equity Act would create the following framework: This bill imposes a 50 percent excise tax on the first sale of marijuana, from the producer to the next stage of production, usually the processor; Similar to the rules within the alcohol and tobacco tax provisions, an occupational tax will be imposed on those operating in marijuana, with producers, importers and manufacturers facing an occupation tax of $1,000/a year and any other person engaged in the business facing an annual tax of $500/a year; Civil penalties will be imposed for failure to comply with taxing duties. Criminal penalties will be assessed for intentional efforts to defraud the taxing authorities; and,
About 50 showed up for the Town Hall meeting, and all the local news, too!
Compiling large email lists to which you can appeal and utilizing social media are also critical. The Colorado A-64 campaign ended with over 25,000 people on their email lists and had a large social network following. Fox explained, “5% of voters in Washington said they heard something positive from friends or family...but in Colorado it was 12%.” “People should be talking to the members of the clergy, doctors, anyone you can get to say that they support this,” Fox said. “Eventually [in Colorado] we were able to have an event where we announced that 300 doctors supported the amendment.” Advertising was trickier, but also important. Late in their campaign, the Colorado organizers actually pivoted from their “education based” campaign which focused on marijuana's harmlessness to a more traditional marijuana legalization campaign which shed light on wasted law enforcement money, prison populations, and tax revenues that could be gained. After a long education campaign, the switch seemed to hit some uninformed voters with information they found persuasive, especially with those voters that are libertarian and fiscally minded. In a diverse state like Colorado, covering all the potential voting blocks is important, including conservatives. Fox explained, “We had conservative, former congressman, Tom Tancredo do radio ads for us that we put on conservative talk radio. We spent a good amount of money on that and I think it was probably money well spent.” Steve Fox and MPP have given Oregonian's something to work towards...legalization in Oregon in 2016. Support is there if we can get our act together as a group, and not let perfection get in the way of good enough. Thanks to Russ Belville, who recorded the entire event and put videos on his youtube channel, www.youtube.com/user/RadicalRuss, or visit www.radicalruss.com.
The bill also requires the IRS to produce a study of the industry after two years, and every five years after that, and to issue recommendations to Congress to continue improving the administration of the tax. The Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act follows Colorado’s model of regulating marijuana like alcohol by: Removing marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act; Transferring the Drug Enforcement Administration’s authority to regulate marijuana to a newly renamed Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Marijuana and Firearms, which will be tasked with regulating marijuana as it currently does alcohol; Requiring marijuana producers to purchase a permit, as commercial alcohol producers do, of which the proceeds would offset the cost of federal oversight; and, Ensuring federal law distinguishes between individuals who grow marijuana for personal use and those involved in commercial sale and distribution. States could choose to continue to prohibit marijuana production or use in their states and it would remain illegal to transport marijuana to a state where it is prohibited. Drafting of a good initiative is also important. Should it Include driving penalties, or home cultivation? What about taxation issues, possession limits, and a supply system? Many important issues and should be ironed out ahead so as potential problems can be avoided down the road.
While ASA pursues its appeals in the courts, it is also trying to turn up the heat on Congress and the administration. With rescheduling through the courts blocked -at least pending a favorable ruling on appeal -- that is where the action will be. "I'm not optimistic that the courts are going to change their position," said Gieringer. "That means we will have to put pressure on the administration or Congress to do it." But it's important to see that rescheduling is not an end in itself, but a means, said Gieringer. "Rescheduling in itself would accomplish very little in the real world," he pointed out. "It would not end the federal-state conflict on marijuana, and even if it were rescheduled, there is still no FDAapproved supply. All of the marijuana Joe Elford, Atty. for ASA who out there argued the case in the D.C. today would Appeals Court still be an illegal controlled substance without FDA approval." Marijuana policy reform is not just about real world effects; it is also about perceptions, and rescheduling marijuana would have been something of a game changer, as Gieringer noted. "Symbolically, of course, it would have been huge," he said. "It would open the way for prescriptions and help unblock research -the controls on Schedule II drugs are not nearly as fearsome. Still, rescheduling would have been a baby step, but a lot of other stuff has to happen, and that requires an act of Congress, and I haven't seen any sign of that." But the federal courts have so far made clear that they will defer to Congress and the executive branch on these issues. That means that's where the battle will have to be won.
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What did Kennedy struggle with? It was reported that Kennedy had an addiction to opioid pain killers, which he sought treatment for in 2006. Another glaring point was made by Mason Tvert, a critical A-64 campaign leader, who held a news conference before Kennedy's announcement on January 10th of the SAM launch. Tvert paralleled the current prohibition of cannabis with Kennedy's own family's success from the prohibition of alcohol, explaining, “Why is it that someone who is an heir to an alcohol fortune would want to keep an alternative to alcohol that’s less harmful illegal?” Many drug war basics are not covered by SAM, as Russ Belville, host of The Russ Belville Show online, explained in a Huffington Post article, “...Sabet's SAM never addresses the root cause that leads to all of the devastating consequences in the first place: the arrest of a marijuana smoker for possession or use.” SAM simply promotes a continuation of the status-quo, promoting a continued black market and continued legal action against marijuana users, cultivators, and distributors for a substance that is safer than alcohol. Russ Belville has set up websites to counter the disinformation put out by SAM. He was able to buy up the most prevalent url's! I guess Sabet has a few things to learn about the online world. Visit SmartApproaches.com, SmartApproaches2MJ.com, and SmartApproaches2Marijuana.com. For twitter feeds go to @SmartApproaches .
Page 12
Patients With Chronic Disease Benefit From Marijuana: Israeli Study A new study from Israel got encouraging results from testing medical marijuana on 19 nursing home patients. The test subjects were treated with cannabis in the form of powder, oil, vapor, or smoke three times a day over the course of a year. Researchers at Tel Aviv University, led by film student Zach Klein, a specialist in medicinal cannabis policy and director of the documentary Prescribed Grass, found that 17 or the 19 patients regained lost weight, and the symptoms of pain, stiffness, tremors, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were dramatically reduced. The moods and communication skills of study participants also improved, and they had fewer nightmares and flashbacks, Klein said, reports Matthew Grant Anson at American News Report. “After I found this, everything has been better,” Moshe Rute of Hadarim, an 80-yearold Holocaust survivor who struggled with nightmares and the after-effects of a stroke, told the Times of Israel. “I’m still a Holocaust child, but I’m finally able to better cope.” Rute is one of 11,000 Israeli citizens with medical marijuana permits from the government. “This is just the tip of the iceberg,” Klein told the Times. “It’s the future.” Particularly notable in the study was marijuana’s ability to replace some of the prescription medications taken by patients. By the end of the study, 72 percent were able to reduce the number of pharmaceutical drugs they were taking daily. The list of medications which could be reduced after cannabis therapy included painkillers, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and pills for Parkinson’s disease. Many of the pharmaceutical medications
Medical News which could be replaced or reduced can have debilitating and severe side effects, meaning that cannabis therapy resulted in a vast improvement in quality of life. “We know how to extend life, but sometimes it’s not pleasant and can cause a great deal of suffering, so we’re looking to alleviate this, to add quality to longevity,” head nurse Inbal Sikorin said. “Cannabis meets this need. Almost all our patients are eating again, and their moods have improved tremendously.” Marijuana’s chief psychoactive ingredient, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), was discovered in Israel in the 1960s, and the country doesn’t attach the same stigma to cannabis as is commonly the case in the United States. Medical marijuana was legalized for seriously ill patients in the early 1990s. Though it remains illegal for the general population, even senior rabbis reportedly have no problems with the use or spread of cannabis. According to Science Daily, Klein’s research team includes Dr. Dror Avisar of TAU’s Hydrochemistry Laboratory at the Department of Geography and Human Environment; Prof. Naama Friedmann and Rakefet Keider of TAU’s Jaime and Joan Constantiner School of Education; Dr. Yehuda Baruch of TAU’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine and director of the Abarbanel Mental Health Center; and Dr. Moshe Geitzen and Inbal Sikorin of Hadarim. Klein is now working on another study at Israel’s Reuth Medical Center with Drs. JeanJacques Vatine and Aviah Gvion. He hopes to prove a connection between medicinal cannabis and improved swallowing (a phenomenon which I personally know is very real, due to what I’ve learned from my friend, medical marijuana patient and activist Mimi Friedman, an Ohio native who had to move to Colorado to legally access her medicine). One of the biggest concerns with chronically ill patients is their food intake, and Klein believes that cannabis — which can stimulate regions of the brain associated with the swallowing reflex — will have a positive impact.
Cannabis Connection determination.
Marijuana and Low IQ Study Flawed
Duke scientists, not to be shown up, conducted new statistical tests to assess his proposed explanation. They think he is incorrect, and that their original study is sound.
A study last August had suggested that marijuana use in teen years can lead to lower IQ scores. But, with holes in the study big enough to drain spaghetti, researchers in Norway have shown that it couldn't hold water.
Book Review
The original study included more than 1,000 people who'd been born in the town of Dunedin, New Zealand. Their IQ was tested at ages 13 and again at 38, and they were asked about periodic marijuana use between those ages. Scientists from Duke University, and elsewhere, somehow determined that participants who'd reported becoming dependent on pot by age 18 showed a drop in IQ score between the first test, at the age of 13 and the second test done at the age of 38. Their findings suggested pot is harmful to the adolescent brain, according to the researchers. Fortunately other scientists did a study, which was published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a respected and peer-reviewed magazine. In their analysis, researchers at the Ragnar Frisch Center for Economic Research in Oslo, Norway, determined that differences in the participants socioeconomic status had not been taken into account, indicating that the trend may have anything to do with marijuana use. With the help of a computer, Ole Rogeberg performed a simulation which traced what would happen to IQ scores over the twenty five years if they were affected by differences in socioeconomic status. Income, education and occupation are some factors in determining a persons status level, and that can have a major effect on a persons IQ, as suggested in other research. When applying the socioeconomic differences, and not marijuana use, he found the same patterns as the Duke researchers.
© Tokesignals.com. Reprinted by permission.
Rogeberg never claimed that his explanation is the right one, but simply showing that the methods and evidence in the original study are flawed, and cannot rule it out. He even suggested further analysis that researchers could perform to make a better
Cont. from Pg. 10 A unique part of this book is that each recipe is designed to compliment the flavor of certain cannabis strains as incorporated in the recipe. The Strain Flavor Profile and Alternative Strains Guide is helpful for those who are not able to obtain the strain listed in a recipe. For instance, if you don't live in an area that produces a particular strain, you may be able to substitute another while achieving the same flavor profile. There are several delightful recipes for extracting the THC from your marijuana in the Butters, Oils, and Extracts chapter, and you can use these to create the other recipes in the book. There are many tantalizing recipes in each of the sections which are, Breakfast and Brunch, Lunch, Appetizers, Drinks, Dinner, and, of course, Dessert. I think I will be trying a few of these recipes in the near future, like the “Bajan Silver Haze Sweet Bread” or the “Indian Mango Lassi”. Here's a great recipe to get you started: Basic Olive Oil Ingredients: 8 servings of dosed and ground strain of your choice (one serving may equal as little as ½ teaspoon depending on personal tolerance) 8 ounces olive oil On the stove, place the olive oil and ground cannabis into a pan then turn the stovetop onto the lowest setting. Make sure to completely stir in the ground cannabis so that it is totally covered by the oil. Cook this mixture on the lowest setting for 1 hour then remove from the heat and strain with a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a measuring cup. After the olive oil cools completely, pour into a sterilized glass bottle then secure the cap tightly. Store your cannabis infused Basic Olive Oil in the refrigerator. This olive oil will have a shelf life of 1 month when refrigerated. As a precaution, under no circumstances should the cannabis have any traces of moisture content left in it. Any amount of water, no matter how minute, will create the perfect environment in the oil to breed bacteria and can create toxins such as botulism. Make sure the cannabis is 100% cured before infusing. If at any point the bottle begins to cloud, throw it away immediately as this means sources of contamination have taken root in your oil. This recipe for Basic Olive Oil produces 8 servings at 1 ounce each. Your dose per serving will depend on the medication strength you pick.
Although some recipes are quite involved, most are easy peezy without the greezy. I highly recommend that you go out and get this book, It has enlightened me and I am anxious to begin using the recipes. Be sure to check out page 13 for more recipes including another from Ganja Kitchen Revolution: The Bible of Cannabis Cuisine that utilizes the Basic Olive Oil recipe. To order your own copy of Ganja Kitchen Revolution: The Bible of Cannabis Cuisine, go to any online bookstore, including the big guys like Amazon and Barnes & Noble (it's about $16.00). Also, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheGanjaKitchenRevolution!
Recipes
Cannabis Connection
Page 13
Lebanese Sour Diesel Tabouli
Beer Mac n Cheese with Bake On
Choco Canna Dipped Strawberries
From: Ganja Kitchen Revolution: The Bible of Cannabis Cuisine
By Kristi Anderson
By The Mandersons
Ingredients: 2 cups hot water 2 green onions diced 2 cloves garlic minced 1 large tomato diced 1 small cucumber diced 3/4 cup bulger 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 1/2 cup Basic Sour Diesel Olive Oil* 1/4 cup minced fresh mint 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley Sea salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni 1 teaspoon and ½ tsp salt, divided 1 cup cooked thick bacon 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1-2 teaspoons kief 1 large shallot, finely chopped 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups whole milk 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese 1 and ¼ cup parmigiano-reggiano, divided ½ cup dark beer 2 teaspoons prepared stone ground mustard 1 teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon black pepper ½ teaspoon white pepper ¼ cup Panko® bread crumbs
Medical cannabis consumption can be unpredictable, always start with a quarter serving and give it time. Effects can take up to an hour and sometimes longer. If you have doubts, you should contact a cannabis clinician about dosage.
Potent Lava Cake By Sticky Icky Ricky Ingredients: Ingredients: 2 pound of extra large, fresh strawberries (leave the stems on while cleaning) 3-4 grams of kief or finely ground hash 12 ounces of dark chocolate 6 ounces of white chocolate
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted canna butter 4 teaspoons granulated sugar ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions:
Directions: Place the bulgur and hot water in a bowl, allowing this mixture to soak for 30 minutes. After the 30 minutes is up, drain the bulgur and put into a new bowl. Add the cucumber, tomato, garlic, green onions, Basic Sour Diesel Olive Oil, lemon juice, mint and parsley. Stir the mixture with a spoon until fully incorporated then season with sea salt and pepper. Cover the bowl and put in the fridge for 30 minutes for the flavors to develop and deepen. You can serve chilled or at room temperature. Makes about 4 servings. * Follow the recipe for Basic Olive Oil on page 12 and add the desired dose of Sour Diesel or alternate strain.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a saute pan, crisp up bacon, lay on a paper towel and set aside. In a large pot, over medium-high heat, bring two quarts water and 1 teaspoon salt to a full rolling boil. Gradually add macaroni and boil approximately 10 minutes or until pasta reaches desired tenderness. Drain.
Directions: Chop up the dark and white chocolate into small pieces (keep in separate piles). Using a double boiler, melt the chocolates in separate bowls. Stir until smooth. Stir the kief or hash into the dark chocolate until it dissolves into the chocolate. Remove the chocolate from the heat. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots. Saute shallots in butter and olive oil for approximately 2 minutes or until they begin to turn transparent. Add flour and kief to the pan, stirring constantly until a smooth paste forms. Stirring constantly, gradually add milk and continue cooking until mixture is thick and bubbly (mixture should coat the back of a spoon). Add 8 ounces of cheese and 1 cup parmigiano reggiano and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat and add bacon, beer, mustard, garlic powder, pepper and remaining salt. Stir well.
Dip the strawberries into the dark chocolate and set on the baking sheet. Dip a fork in the white chocolate and drizzle the white chocolate over the dipped strawberries. Chill in the refrigerator until serving.
New Recipes In Every Issue! And Old Ones Available Online!
Spray a 9” x 9" square pan with non-stick cooking spray. In the large pot, combine macaroni and cheese sauce and stir. Pour into 9” x 9" baking dish. Combine Panko® with remaining ¼ cup parm and sprinkle over the top. Cover with foil and place into preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove foil and continue cooking, uncovered for another 15 minutes. Remove macaroni and cheese from the oven. Allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes before serving.
Bacon Caramels From our Aug/Sep 2012 Issue find it at:
www.oregoncannabisconnection.com
Pinch of cayenne pepper Pinch of nutmeg 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 ½ cups confectioners' sugar plus more for dusting 6 large eggs plus 6 egg yolks 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract ¼ teaspoon almond extract Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly butter eight 6-ounce ramekins and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar. Combine the canna butter, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk the flour, confectioners' sugar, eggs and yolks, vanilla extract and almond extract in a bowl until creamy. Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. Divide among the prepared ramekins. Bake the cakes until the tops are stiff and the edges darken, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cakes with a small paring knife and transfer to plates while warm. Dust with confectioners' sugar.
Cultivation
Page 14 the substance.
B.t.: The Organic Caterpillar Killer I don't know if other cannabis growers out there battle the little green caterpillars each year, but we seem to always have them on our plants in recent years. At last years Jefferson State Hemp Expo, I learned about B.t., an organic way to kill those little buggers! Here is some information we “adapted” (which means I made it cannabis focused) from the good people at Veggie Growing Tips. Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t.) has been a godsend in battles with destructive caterpillars in the all gardens, including cannabis gardens. One of the most impressive things about Bt (aka Thuricide or Dipel), is that it targets and eliminates bad bugs without harming the nontargeted beneficial insects and pollinators. B.t. accomplishes this feat because it is based upon a naturally occurring soil bacteria that operates like a stomach virus and causes caterpillars to become sick, quickly stop feeding, and die within days of ingesting even a small amount of
and sometimes entire buds are lost.
Other things that are nice about using Bacillus thuringiensis for organic insect control include: Ease of Application – B.t. comes in powered or liquid form. The powder can be dusted onto the plants or sometimes comes in a shaker type dispenser. The liquid version of B.t. is my favorite and is simply mixed with water and sprayed onto your plants. Extremely Economical – One reason for my preference of the liquid version of Bt is that it seems to be more economical and a small bottle will go a long way. Kept cool and dry, Bt can be stored over a couple seasons, but I only mix up as much as I need for each application. You should be able to locate an 8 oz. bottle of B.t. for around $10. Very Effective – For the usual offenders in the garden, Bt has never failed to not just control, but to totally eliminate the pests. At the top of my hit list are gypsy moth larvae that attack the cannabis buds near the tips. Usually one or two applications mid summer solves our problem. The damage they inflict always leads to mold,
Hy Exp dro er ts !
Bugs Can’t Hide – It only takes a very small amount of Bt in the insect’s system to bring about its downfall, but they must ingest the bacteria in order for it to work. That’s usually not a problem as long as you provide good Safer® Brand Caterpillar spray coverage Killer with B.t. during application. Safety Considerations –B.t. is a naturally occurring substance that targets specific insects, which makes it less intrusive on the environment than a broadly toxic pesticide, even the organic types. There are various strains for different insect types, but B.t. Kursaki is for caterpillar control. Bacillus thuringiensis is available for use in destroying tent caterpillars, cabbage loopers, cutworms, gypsy moth larvae, budworms, corn borers, tomato
Cannabis Connection hornworms, leafrollers, peach tree borers, webworms, codling moths, and other caterpillars. B.t. is also available for controlling the larvae of black flies, mosquitoes, and fungus gnats, in addition to potato beetles and certain leaf beetles. B.t. gradually breaks down over time and under exposure to sunlight, and more rapidly due to rainfall, so this biological insecticide will need to be re-applied after a week or two if an insect infestation continues. We apply it up to once each month, as a preventative, until August (usually 3 or 4 times in all). Possibly the biggest issue related to Bt is the potential for future insect populations developing a resistance to Bacillus Thuringiensis. Even though B.t. has been used effectively for decades there have been reports of insects developing a resistance and concerns that commercial attempts at genetic engineering to combine B.t. genes with plants will increase the threat of B.t. resistant insects. Source: Veggie Growing Tips
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