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Medical Marijuana
Van Buren County group pushes for medical cannabis legislation
By BY CAROLINE ZILK Staff Writer
This article was published June 3, 2010 at 3:22 a.m.
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RIVER VALLEY and OZARK AREA — Robert Reed of Van Buren County has a clear image in mind when he talks about proposing a medical cannabis initiative, and he said it isn’t one of a long-haired hippy smoking a blunt.
“We are trying to get across the vision of a veteran with a vaporizer trying to relieve pain,” Reed said. “We don’t want a whole state of pot smokers. We have got to get over that paradox.”
Reed himself is a disabled veteran, and with family members suffering from cancer, he strongly believes in controlled medical cannabis. He and a group of about 10 to 12 others are working on language for a proposal to state Sen. Randy Laverty, D-Jasper, who has agreed to work with the group on proposing legislation to the Arkansas General Assembly.
Reed is familiar with thehistory of attempted cannabis legislation in the state.
“There has been some referendum to get signatures. Those have all failed,” Reed said. “But we have a better shot of getting this done than ever before.”
Reed said passing legislation will be a matter of educating the public.
With that goal in mind, Reed created the Facebook page called “Arkansas for Medical Cannabis” in order to promote the initiative.
The page has 1,454 fans and lots of activity and discussion so far.
Members are able to discusstopics on various forums, including “What do you like or dislike about your state’s medical cannabis laws?” which aims to generate feedback from those living in states where medical cannabis is legal. Other forum topics include “future efforts,” “political response” and “neuropathic pain.” The language of the proposed bill is also available on the site, Reed said.
“It looks totally different from other states,” he said. “We are limiting government and allowing the doctor and thepatient to decide.”
For the time being, Reed said, they are asking interested individuals to visit the Facebook page and contact their local representatives at the state and local level to determine their level of support for medical cannabis.
“We want to find out before November if they are going to support the citizens of Arkansas or if they’re not,” Reed said.
A group of about 10 to 12 residents from Clinton and Fairfield Bay also meet regularly to discuss the issue.
Charles, a Van Buren County resident who asked that his last name be withheld, is one of the regular group members. A transplant from the East Coast, Charles was happy to join up with the group on the issue.
“I consider myself an outsider coming in because I’m not born and raised here,” he said. “People say everything is fine - but not everything is fine. I see cases within the past two years thatmost of the people that get arrested for growing [cannabis] are people over 60 years old.”
Charles said he wants cannabis to be legally available to those who need it for medical reasons only.
“Why are we locking up sick people for seeking help?” he asked.
Charles and Reed will continue working diligently with their group on the issue.
If legislation doesn’t reach the floor of the Arkansas General Assembly, Reed said, he will keep trying.
“If ours doesn’t pass, we’ll join forces with somebody else or try a different tactic,” Reed said. “It’s too important to the people of Arkansas who need [medical marijuana] and can’t get it.” - czilk@ arkansasonline.com
River Valley Ozark, Pages 61 on 06/03/2010
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pupuguru says... June 4, 2010 at 7:09 a.m.
I have been censored from posting on the Arkansans For Medical Cannabis. I have some experience in these matters and because I disagree with some of the wording of the proposal they have, I am blocked from commenting on the proposal in public. In my opinion, there are serious flaws in the proposal as currently worded. Patient care and security are NOT met in a meaningful way, according to feedback from other states regarding their problems. The group remains somewhat anonymous and is certainly not open to comments that question their proposal. Please contact me directly if you have any questions. This proposal SHOULD NOT BE PASSED, IN MY OPINION. I have worked for MMJ for twenty years, in several countries and am a patient myself. There are better ways to proceed than taking a wrong first step. Kinda like the old joke..."Momma, why do I have to walk in circles?" "Shut up, or I'll nail your OTHER foot to the floor!!" Don't go walking in a circle on this one folks..;-D
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humble says... June 4, 2010 at 8:38 a.m.
This matter should have been done with, a long time age. We have a godsend in Marijuana. We have been conditioned to believe that this is harmful. People have been using Marijuana for pain for years. I don't have to expound on the medical value of Marijuana, we have been over that before, many times. The time will come, Marijuana, will be legal to use for medical use. I would rather use Marijuana, than any pharmaceutical drug for pain. The benefits outweigh the bad. If you don't know enough about the benefits of Medical Marijuana, then educate yourself on the subject, you maybe surprised.
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LevitiCuss says... June 4, 2010 at 9:09 a.m.
Most people aren't aware of the facts surrounding marijuana:
1. It's only illegal because Randolph Hearst, the newpaper mogul who owned virtually all newsprint production in the U.S., wanted to stop competing hemp businesses from entering paper production.
2. There is not a single incidence of death on record attributable to marijuana.
3. The two biggest contributors to the "war on drugs" are the U.S. liquor and tobacco industries via "Partnership For A DrugFree America".
4. 60% of people in our prisons are there for non-violent drug-related offenses, and they each cost us around $30K/year.
5. The U.S. imprisons a greater percentage of our population than any other industrialized nation.
RW Bible-Thumpers maintain that legalization will lead to increased usage, but Amsterdam- where dope is legal- has half the usage rate of the U.S. I heard one of their government leaders interviewed on the subject, and he said that could be attributed to the fact that Amsterdam had done what the U.S. couldn't: They managed to make dope boring.
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NickieD says... June 4, 2010 at 9:43 a.m.
humble & Leviti are both right. And for those of you that don't realize it, Leviti's figure of $30K per year is a low estimation PER prisoner.
Add to that the "War on Drugs" does not really exist (just as the War on Terror, Poverty and childhood ignorance are all flops & jokes) and is a multi-billion dollar propaganda expense. Neither 'enforcment' or users want drugs to disappear... plus Leviti left out one of the biggest lobbiests against the legalization, control and taxation of drugs; the Drug Lords themselves. They stand to lose billions and billions in untaxed revenue, and they lobby big money through legal channels to prevent any rational thought or discussion on the subject.
There are many people who still believe that "Refer Maddness" is an accurate depiction of pot use, especially in law enforcment who, in many cases, consider themselves to be the left hand of god.
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Testingonetwothree says... June 4, 2010 at 10:30 a.m.
Why are we reinventing the wheel?
"He and a group of about 10 to 12 others are working on language for a proposal "
other ststes have this already approved, whey not use something thats already been written and make a few changes
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arkie_mom says... June 4, 2010 at 11:23 a.m.
I agree with conservativearkansan....let's learn from the states that have been here before. Why repeat their mistakes? It is hard to believe that anyone still believes it is better to have marajuana only available through uncontrolled illegal sources while denying law-abiding patients the benefit of its relief during chemo, etc. I still don't believe in recreational use (of any drug), but there are documented medical benefits to its use for certain medical situations. Let's get over this "refer madness" syndrome and use some logic and common sense.
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thuggetter says... June 4, 2010 at 12:17 p.m.
Would you believe all the left wing nuts(as bill smith would say) have all the answers and everyone else is wrong. Levit states that there is not a single death on record attributable to marijuana. Levit has no proof and you are a complete fool if you believe that statement. Left wingers , get a real life!
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Morgancub says... June 4, 2010 at 12:23 p.m.
just because u legalize pot won't mean u can use it.. the working class have to take drug test.. supposedly for safety and it would be a legitimate concern.. the insurance industry does have its boot at the throat of the work force... cigarettes are legal, but smokers are having a tough time finding a place to chill..
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humble says... June 4, 2010 at 12:54 p.m.
thuggetter the right side of your ass is showing again.
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NickieD says... June 4, 2010 at 1 p.m.
Oh Thug; I would expect a little more reasonable attitude from you. Where did you ever get an idea like Pot could overdose a person to death... even writing it makes me smile.
morgan; Drugs have no place in the workplace... that's all drugs, even alcohol.
I quit smoking cigs 6 years ago and people who still smoke do so in lieu of clear thinking. It doesn't do anything but make you smell bad, clog your lungs, yellow your teeth and there are always morons who think the world is their ashtray and must empty their car ashtray on the roadsides.
If drugs were controlled and taxed (like cigs and alcohol) instead of a negitive expense playing at a "War on Drugs", the Gov't could have a positive income, a plus side to the Nat'l budget sheet instead of wasting money trying to get people to do something they are not inclined to do. It is just another form of prohibition and doomed to eventual failure.
Legislation of morality is silly, wasteful and nonproductive.
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ChristineBeems says... June 4, 2010 at 2:11 p.m.
To those who are interested to learn what the proposed law would (and would not) do and/or who desire more information about Arkansans for Medical Cannabis, please visit http://www.gozarks.com/a4mc Thank you.
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jreppoh says... June 4, 2010 at 2:45 p.m.
I think it should be legal for adults who want it. Not near as bad as a lot of other things. My heavens I'm 57 and have never seen anyone die while smoking it. It should have never been made illegal in the first place. It is nothing like real drugs its just a plant that has been here forever. What do people think was in those peace pipes. And people who have never tried it should shut up.
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pupuguru says... June 4, 2010 at 3:24 p.m.
@ arkie mom and conservativearkansansan These are the sort of comments and suggestions that got me blocked from their "open" site. I helped set up the first buyer clubs in America and maintain an active role today, but this group is to me at the least very closed and certainly in no way proposing to really help all patients. They are naive in the world of MMJ politics, money, law, and law enforcement, in my opinion.
HB...I got your question about what is wrong but I don't know how to respond, since I have no contact info for you. The note came to me with a donotrespond addy????
Patients limits are a big issue, these are totally inadequate, based on other states patients experience.
The compliance issue is wide open for police harassment, evidenced in other states by patients.
No mandatory provisions for testing for purity and quality, as requested by patients in other states.
Health care provider can not hold samples for use as with all other medications. Often needed to do diagnostic work in office re: dosage, method of ingestion or observations.
The care provider relationship is unclear and ill defined. A minor child could not water his bedridden mothers plants under this proposal
I did a line by line analysis of this proposal, as above, only to have it removed from public view and comment. So, please, go to the site and try to discuss these issues with this group, I, obviously, as once said in COOL HAND LUKE, " Have a failure to communicate here", so join in with your suggestions, as I can only look, not touch....;-D
BTW, there are other proposals which are more comprehensive coming very soon. Since Senator Laverty and the legislature have yet to decide how to approach this, your voices to him and the rest are VERY IMPORTANT , speak up with honesty and knowledge and you will get what you seek. Support honesty and openness in your efforts to change, otherwise you have politics as usual....;-D
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80Redux says... June 4, 2010 at 3:27 p.m.
Not sure if anyone has ever died from a pot overdose, but I'm pretty sure that driving under the influence of pot is every bit as bad as driving under the influence of alcohol so I'm not sure I buy the argument of "no marijuana related deaths". As someone with previous experience, I believe the argument that "pot is no worse than booze" leaves out a couple of important factors. One is that alcohol does not seem to rob people of their initiative (makes people lazy) the way marijuana does and the other is that I believe pot to be more addictive than booze. Again, I'm speaking from personal experience (from more than 20 years ago), so other people's experiences may be different.
I don't really have a problem with medical MJ if it is really for the "veteran with a vaporizer trying to relieve pain". I am opposed to a law that would have the same effect as the California law, which is tantamount to outright legalization.
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opinionatedHMD says... June 4, 2010 at 4:21 p.m.
I just don't get it 80 Redux?
"One is that alcohol does not seem to rob people of their initiative (makes people lazy) the way marijuana does and the other is that I believe pot to be more addictive than booze."
Alcohol ABSOLUTLY robs people of their initiative. "Let's go relax and have a beer." "After work, let’s go get a beer." Alcohol is associated with relaxation and slowing down your day. Except when you are completely wasted. Then think that you are okay to drive at light speed on the freeway. Then kill people. Or when you can run power tools to build something, and put a saw through your hand. Or when you are driving a forklift through a warehouse and I mean THROUGH the warehouse. Then there is the hansom yet drunk cowboy with a rifle in the deer woods. SIGN ME UP! Maybe it doesn't kill initiative, but it sure makes people do more stupid crap than what they would if they hadn't been drinking. Have there been mj related accidents? I'm sure. I live with an alcoholic. And I have seen what pot does to people. You cannot compare the two at all. MJ doesn't make people feel like superman like alcohol does. Philosophical? Slightly slow and stupid? More apt to watch cartoons? Yep. I never saw a pothead get angry and want to kick someone’s teeth in. Yet alcohol does that to people. I think if we were to take a poll on what kind of person society would deal with better......five bucks says, the pothead.
Beyond that. Forget social use. Let's do it for the people in chronic pain. I've seen the drunks, and the stoners, and I have also seen people with cancer. Let's give them a chance at a better ending. No one should have to suffer from an illness. Marijuana didn't end up on the planet by accident. Let's try to figure out what its true intent was when it was put here shall we?
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Morgancub says... June 4, 2010 at 4:21 p.m.
NickieD you're right !!! drugs have no place in the work place !! or congress either for that matter !! but it does stay detectable in you system for a while, so your evening or weekends will effect your testing monday mornings !!! Prescription or not, insurance will not let you work at your trade if tested positive..
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Jfish says... June 4, 2010 at 4:52 p.m.
Yes, I agree there is a double standard with alcohol and yes there might be too many people with long term jail sentences for possession. However, I agree with most of that 80Redux points out. I don't want the school bus driver smoking a joint at 7 in the morning before driving the bus and I don't want my nurse blowing one before she measures the volume for my injection. If it is legalized, it should be by prescription only and only for terminally ill patients, none of this absurd stuff about you can grow three plants in your backyard or you are 35 years old and you have a hyperactivity disorder.
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opinionatedHMD says... June 4, 2010 at 5:20 p.m.
JFish. I agree. And thanks for nodding to the double standard.
None of it in the workplace. And if they make it legal for more than just medical use, they should still have regulations with OSHA and JACHO. Heavy equipment, hospitals, transportation. Certain jobs, certain rules. Just like everything else. In contact with children? No contact with drugs. But if your job is to take tickets at a movie theatre? What the heck? People already think you are and underachiever, or retired and probably have glaucoma. There are so many things to consider. And until something, one way or another, happens. We will have so many questions and so many debatable points.
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NickieD says... June 4, 2010 at 8:13 p.m.
Seems as though many of you would have more controlling laws for refer than they make for alcohol. Why? Would it be OK for the nurse to have a beer or two before preparing your injection? How about that bus driver... a beer or two just to ease the shakes a little before picking up the kids?
Of course not... here it is, outlawing 'things' not acts but things, make criminals out of people that would never break the law otherwise. Now before you get all holy on me, they tried this with Prohibition... it didn't work, it didn't work even a little. Nobody didn't drink. Now, those that know so much better than we do, our overlords in Congress and the Senate, know that we should not be allowed to use weed as we wish... why not?
We use beer and Uncle Jack to release tension, why not a little weed too?
There is no logical reason to prohibit weed, except for the fear that has been instilled by the propaganda against it. Nobody has died from a pot overdose, but even if someone did, so what? Wouldn't that person just figure out another way to kill themselves?
There are always those who find some way to express their unhappy lives, and there are those who will kill themselves no matter what is legal or illegal. Just as an aside, you all know that suicide is illegal, right? Yet people do it.
Making laws based on morality is a dumb idea. It is impossible to control people's thoughts and desires, and getting stoned or drunk is a desire that can be taxed, but not cured by law.
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pupuguru says... June 5, 2010 at 5:54 a.m.
Interesting, lots of comment on the subject in general, almost none directed at the proposal that has been offered for comments. Look at the proposal and see if it meets your needs or crosses the line into "too far" territory. It is wonderful to see the comments and discussions begin to take shape. I personally invite all of your feedback to me as well.
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Morgancub says... June 5, 2010 at 6:16 a.m.
i got an ingrown that's killing me !!! whose got papers ??
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jlm60160_yahoo.com says... June 5, 2010 at 7:50 a.m.
Nickie, go back and read my (Jfish) first sentence, I clearly said there is a double standard for alcohol. Also, how do you know that smoking a couple of joints and then getting in your car does not dull your senses to the point that you cannot react normally to avoid an accident? What about the woman who drove into Brewer Lake a few months ago and killed her three children and had called her husband a few minutes earlier and basically said I'm f------ up and disoriented? Was that alcohol, marijuana, or a combination of both? I am opposed to the decriminalization of drugs, I do not want the U.S. to look like Amsterdam or Jamaica. The medical marijuana discussion always starts our with legalizing it for people who need pain relief and then turns into let's legalize it and tax it and everything will be fine and I just don't believe it is that simple.
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pupuguru says... June 5, 2010 at 11:39 a.m.
http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2010/05/study_marijuana_doesnt_affect_driving_performance.php
Please read this news article, then read the study and look up some of the references...There is ABSOLUTELY NO EVIDENCE that cannabis impairs driving performance. there is in fact peer reviewed scientific study that says cannabis consumption may indeed IMPROVE PERFORMANCE in some situations. These studies were bought and paid for by your tax dollars, so why do YOU AND the politicians and LEO not know of them??? "Cause the "BOSS" didn't like the truth, that is why....;-G
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Respectoneanother says... June 5, 2010 at 12:27 p.m.
Hi, I am all for medicinal pot. Why should people who have severe, chronic illness have to fill their bodies with medicine when there are natural alternatives available. I live in constant, severe pain. Medical science has done all it can for me. At this point any pain releif would be great. There are so many people who have health problems in this country that would benefit from medicinal pot.
Many people require narcotic therapy. When pain is severe and you follow the directions for the meds you don't get high. The problem that some individuals have with narcotics is that they use it to treat depression or to party. Most people who are on narcotics properly work and live as normal lives as their illness alows. I think if medicinal pot was legalized in Arkansas it would lead to job creation. in other states there are departments that issue cards which state that you are on medical pot. Also, small fees are collected yearly for the health card. THe revenue brought in can be quite high which would help the state. Also, there are pot inhalers that are available for those who prefer not to smoke. THere are 14 states that have legalized pot for medicinal reasons. I think we need to let our politians know where we stand on this issue.
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john1958 says... June 5, 2010 at 3:36 p.m.
To think that marijuana has no medical use would be foolish. Cancer patents as well as those suffering from MS and many other medical problems have found relief and comfort by using it. It should be legal for those uses now. This is not 1920 and reefer madness had it wrong.
Now that we gamble for college educations why not sell pot at the liquor store where you would need to be twenty one to purchase it. A pack of weed could sell for forty dollars and cost about a dollar or so to package it. Think the revenue this would generate. I don't understand why some tax loving liberal democrat has not done it yet. Last year there were thousands of alcohol related deaths…and zero marijuana related deaths, just a lot of people with the munchies.
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pupuguru says... June 5, 2010 at 5:33 p.m.
This is interesting....
LETTER OF THE WEEK
ALLOW POT FOR PTSD
The Veterans Affairs Department recently adopted a policy prohibiting its physicians from recommending medical marijuana to their patients.
Overwhelming scientific evidence has already proved marijuana’s safety and efficacy for treating conditions like chronic pain and post-traumatic stress disorder, a condition that afflicts nearly one in five Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Marijuana, moreover, carries none of the risks associated with prescription drugs used to treat PTSD, which have been responsible for the tragic overdose deaths of current conflict veterans.
VA claims the ban is primarily a response to threats from the Drug Enforcement Administration to prosecute VA doctors who recommend medical marijuana, even though civilian doctors who recommend marijuana to their patients are not subject to arrest.
Veterans and advocates are urging VA to stand up to the DEA’s harassment of veterans and their doctors.
Former Sen. Bob Kerrey, President, The New School
Jason Flom, Board of Directors, Drug Policy Alliance, New York City
Source: Federal Times
Pubdate: Mon, 31 May 2010
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NickieD says... June 5, 2010 at 7:01 p.m.
I can not believe that any one believes that the murderer who drove her car into the lake with her kids inside it was fu@ked up on weed or even booze... that woman was just fu@ked up. She murdered her children and she is not part of this in any way. Nobody on refer decides it would be a good day to wash the car and the kids by driving them all into a lake.
I believe trying to say that pot is 'killer weed' is silly and obviously you are parroting propaganda, not facts.
Of all the illegal drugs, weed is the least harmful, certainly even less so than legal drugs Uncle Jack or our dear Old Grand Dad and many of the drugs your local MD gives you. You'll note that on the bottle it clearly states "DO NOT OPERATE MACHINERY OR DRIVE A CAR" on all pain killers.
I try not to let fear get the best of me, especially when allowed time time to think and find the facts, as you apparently have not had time to do.
Certainly, the proposition that refer is totally safe and therefore healthy is not correct either. "Legalizing it and taxing it" will not make everything fine, as you say, however it is a far better alternitive than having no control over its distribution and consumption. Control and taxation is far better than no control, no income and many, many people in jail for a crime that isn't.
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thuggetter says... June 5, 2010 at 9:22 p.m.
Nickied you better be cool, cool, cool, cool
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pupuguru says... June 6, 2010 at 5:12 a.m.
@Nickie D Uhhhhh, How is cannabis unsafe or unhealthy??? Just askin, cause my sister wants to know....;-D
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pupuguru says... June 6, 2010 at 5:13 a.m.
@ thuggetter, are you a cop?
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thuggetter says... June 6, 2010 at 5:52 p.m.
I am a thuggetter
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NickieD says... June 6, 2010 at 7:59 p.m.
There is only one thing about the weed that is bad... inhaling smoke clogs up your lungs somewhat... however, I understand they have managed to get around that now.
Otherwise, for adults, Gee-sus it's just alright with me.
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NickieD says... June 6, 2010 at 8:07 p.m.
That said, I have to add that I do not believe that mind altering drugs (alcohol included) are good for minds that have not fully developed. I have seen some kids in high schools who are headed no place, which may not be the fault of drugs totally, but it probably helps. I think that children 20 and less, should be prohibited from using drugs unless they are in the service.
But then, my personal belief is, everyone who wants to vote should spend some time in the service of our country. No service to our country, no voting... simple and fair!
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thuggetter says... June 7, 2010 at 4:47 p.m.
Nickied, boy do I agree....
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jreppoh says... June 7, 2010 at 9:31 p.m.
I grew up with a father that got mean when he drank and would beat the hell out of my mother. I wish he had smoked pot instead. Don't even try and compare the two.
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ShadowBB says... August 20, 2010 at 5:45 p.m.
Legalize Gay Pot. I created a T-shirt with these words on it because people are uneducated about, not only Homosexuality, but also, Marijuana. Two harmless products of nature that defy social laws. Yes, homosexuality occurs in nature throughout the Animal Kingdom, of which the most commonly cited species are sheep, penguins, and manatees (next to Humans, of course). Now, for those of you who are really deep into that dark closet, Marijuana is a natural plant. It is not man made or synthesized from any other products. Homophobia is the fear of homosexuality. Fear is fed by the unknown, and lack of general knowledge is what shepherded people to believe that marijuana causes "Reefer Madness." When in fact, marijuana has been studied to find that it is actually a medicinal aide for some psychiatric afflictions, or what we referred to in the less knowledgeable days as "madness." This plant is only considered a drug because it has medicinal value. It is virtually impossible to over-dose on, has no harmful side effects, and is not even physically addictive. However there isn't enough legal scientific research being conducted to show that people like myself, who have been diagnosed with illnesses like Generalized Anxiety Disorder, can in fact psychologically benefit from smoking marijuana. It provides a calming effect, that "brings me back to normal." The nausea fades away, my sensitive gag reflex disappears, and any gastrointestinal discomforts are alleviated; therefore I can then consume food and any oral medications without immediately vomiting them back up. What it all boils down to is this: There is no harm in Homosexuality or Marijuana, people simply fear them. They fear that pot is a gateway to other illegal drugs, and have thus fulfilled their own prophecy by making it illegal. If it were legal, we wouldn't have to use an illegal drug dealer to procure our medicine; We could use a legal dealer, referred to as a pharmacist. The prohibition of pot has been just as practical and productive has the prohibition of alcohol. Now the fear of homosexuality is so great that it has been equated with AIDS, child brainwashing/recruitment, and yet a deliciously evil sense of taste and style. People fear that by giving gays equal rights, their own morality will be somehow offended or damaged. We live in the United States of America, where every individual has the human right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We are free to hold whatever beliefs we will, but we cannot go so far that we deny the rights of others based on our beliefs alone. This is why there is a separation of Church and State. We have freedom of religion in this grand nation of ours, therefore any religiously reasoned opposition to nature's homosexual creations is moot. America cannot just pick out a group of people they don't understand or agree with and deny them rights. The LGBT community has the same constitutional rights as every other community.
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