Book Review “MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION , WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS TO KNOW”
This is a book, written by Johnathan P. Caulkins, Angela Hawken, Beau Kilmerand Mark A. R. Kleiman. They have culminated Nearly 100+ years of information regarding cannabis. Over all a good book. Very informative, but, a bit on the academic side. LOTs of information.
I suggest this book to anyone interested in learning about why cannabis is illegal. It may change your perspective. It may solidify the position you already have. Either way… read it!
Thanks for reading this,
100percentdisabledveteran
Oaksterdam University’s, Veterans’ Freedom Fighter Scholarship Fund
Cannabis has been shown to be helpful in reintegrating veterans into civilian life after traumatic brain injury, neuropathic pain and PTSD, or simply as a harm reduction technique safer than alcohol and many Rx drugs. We believe it is unpatriotic to deny these heroes the very medication that helps them, and then criminalize it. Oaksterdam University is launching the Veterans Freedom Fighter Scholarship Fund as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Reaches Epidemic Proportions. The men and women who serve in the United States military deserve the honor, respect and thanks of a grateful nation. While no single act can truly thank those who served, we can provide them with education leading to better quality of life and opportunity here at home.
We are raising money to cover our small tuition fee for these veterans. We are turning to crowd-sourced funding because we believe a small investment in a brave soul returning home can completely alter the rest of their lives for the better.
Dale Sky Jones, Oaksterdam University’s Executive Chancellor, announced the formation of the Veterans Freedom Fighter Scholarship Fund on Veterans’ Day. The private fund will help to fulfill this promise with financial aid options to help over 100 returning veterans to define their own success at home, by preparing them to succeed with Oaksterdam University’s multifaceted curriculum. Private contributions are needed for Veterans, who will be taught how to be safe and responsible under state law, develop skills for successful law enforcement encounters, take control of their medication and find employment.
“Viet Nam vets have shown me that, in many cases, cannabis is the one medicine that has consistently helped their seriously disabling symptoms, allowing them to function, hold jobs, keep their relationships intact, and raise families for the past 30 or so years, when years of therapy and numerous meds have not,” explains Frank H. Lucido, MD in Berkeley, CA.
How It Works & Why It’s Needed
Current US Marijuana Policy Denies Vital Benefits to Veterans. Marijuana possession of less than an ounce may result in dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of all pay, and confinement for 2 years. All branches of the military take a zero tolerance approach to marijuana and vigorously prosecute offenders. If a soldier tests positive, they are likely to face significant punishment, including a court-martial or other administrative action that is likely to result in the termination of their career.
Negative military service characterizations carry significant consequences. Eligibility for VA benefits, including GI Bill and home loan guarantees, can be restricted and in many cases barred. In addition, a veteran might be disqualified from federal, state and local government employment. The ability to obtain student aid, scholarships, and admission to higher education institutions might be impacted. It may affect the ability to obtain licenses and certifications needed for professional employment, as well as obtaining credit and loans in connection with establishing a business. Civilian employers consider military service characterization when deciding whether or not to hire.
A recent Drug Policy Alliance Report illustrates roughly 30 percent of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, depression, mental illness or other cognitive disability, making integration back into civilian life even more difficult. Veterans suffering from PTSD often have negative law enforcement encounters. Left untreated, these medical conditions often contribute to substance abuse, fatal overdose, homelessness and suicide, as well as violations of the law, particularly nonviolent drug offenses.
The statistics are alarming: about 18 veterans take their lives each day. In fact, suicide is now the leading cause of death in the army, with more soldiers dying by suicide than in combat. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among American soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan has reached epidemic proportions, affecting between 75,000 to 225,000 veterans. The use of cannabis and cannabinoids likely mitigates symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to a review of clinical and preclinical evidence published online in the scientific journal Drug Testing and Analysis. The study concluded, “Cannabis might make it easier for people with PTSD to rest or sleep and to feel less anxious and less involved with flashback memories. Evidence is increasingly accumulating that cannabinoids might play a role in fear extinction and anti-depressive effects. It is concluded that further studies are warranted in order to evaluate the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in PTSD.”
The application process began online at http://www.oaksterdamuniversity.com in January 2013 for Veterans interested in receiving Freedom Fighter Scholarship benefits. America’s first cannabis college was founded in 2007 to provide students with the highest quality training for the cannabis industry. Since opening its doors, over 15,000 have gained important skills for success.
Fund recipients will be selected through self-nomination and Veteran’s organizations submissions beginning in January 2013. The screening process is aided by Not This Time Vets (NTTV) and Veterans for Medical Marijuana Access (VMMA). Upon graduation from the Basic Program or Semester Course from Oaksterdam University, NTTV will assist in job placement.
Two Options
A. Veterans Discount:
a. 25% off Tuition – Any course – Anytime
B. Scholarship Program
* We offer a total of 12 scholarships a year, 4 per semester. We have 3 semesters a year starting in the spring, summer and fall.
Guidelines:
a. Complete Application/Questionnaire (Available Online – Submit Online)
b. Submit Essay by email to FFSF@OaksterdamUniversity.com
or Mail to: Oaksterdam University
Attn: FFSF
1734 Telegraph Ave.
Oakland, CA 94612
c. Submit Application and Essay by Semester Deadline
* Essay rules:
Minimum of 4 pages – maximum of 6 pages typed, double spaced.
Include:
1. Background – Personal
2. Background – Military Duty
3. How cannabis helps you
4. Why you chose Oaksterdam University
5. Why you need this scholarship
* Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Application Dates and Deadlines
Spring Semester:
1/1/14
1. Winner – Choice of any one Semester or both Basic and Advanced Seminars (seats permitting)
2. Runner Up – Classic or Hort. Semester or Seminars (seats permitting)
3. Choice of Basic and Advanced Classic Seminar or Basic and Advanced Hort. Seminar
4. Basic and Advanced Classic Seminar or Basic and Advanced Hort. Seminar
Summer:
4/23/14
1. Winner – Choice of Classic or Horticulture Semester (seats permitting)
2. Runner Up – Classic or Hort. Semester (seats permitting)
3. Choice of Basic and Advanced Classic Seminar or Basic and Advanced Hort. Seminar
4. Basic and Advanced Classic Seminar or Basic and Advanced Hort. Seminar
Fall Dates:
TBD
House Passes ‘No Welfare For Weed’ Bill
I am all for the legalization… and access to this AWESOME medication. I am an advocate on the east coast. If dispensaries feel it necessary to provide welfare recipients MM medication. Then by all means they should. But for the government to mandate taking from one person to another with out the first parties consent or permission… is the legal definition of theft. Making it a law does not negate nor remove the burden of the act. I understand there there are situations. And Dispensaries can enact business practices to help those in need. Much like pharmaceutical companies have done. But, to make a wide arching law giving MM to all welfare recipients. Just makes very little sense to me. Being that the program is wrought with fraud and abuse.
NC Medical Marijuana… Almost Law?
Well it seems as though NC is finally taking steps to legalize Medical Marijuana. Although, the current law HB84 only allows for CBD 10% or more and THC of .3% or less. It is a positive step.
But our plight to legalize medical marijuana has hit road blocks here in NC. Those road blocks are directly related to opponents in the North Carolina Legislature. Because the polls reflect that medical cannabis in NC should already be legal. This lead me to draft and send an email to the Author of the bill who is not one of my representatives. And my local state legislators.
This is an email I drafted and sent to my representatives and senators.
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Gentleman,
Introduction
Please allow me to introduce my self. I am Xxxxx, Xxxxxx. A 100% disabled veteran with Xxxxxxx disease, that has lived in Xxxxxxxx, North Carolina, for over 20 years. Other then three years I attend college at Xxxxxxxx University; Indiana.
Thesis
This is the time that we need to step up and do what is right for our state, our veterans, and our fellow citizens that can benefit from the medicinal value of a simple plant! Not to mention the creation of jobs, business, industry and tax revenue.
Ok, so House Bill 1161 to legalize medical cannabis died in committee. Why? With the resounding numbers from polls, I am completely confused and astounded! HB1220 was passed as a study? My final question to you all in regard to this part of the topic. What are you all afraid of?
My suggestion is, You all need to listen to your constitutes and reintroduce this bill and pass it.
Polls
Public Policy Polling:
According to the survey 63% of North Carolinians support a medical marijuana amendment. 48% support legalization of recreational marijuana.
Elon University poll:
Conducted in Feb of 2014 states “Approximately 76% of respondents support the idea of allowing doctors in the state to prescribe medical marijuana.” (http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/elonpoll/030314_ElonPollSummary.pdf)
Charlotte Observer Poll:
63% percent believe doctors should have the right to prescribe marijuana for medical use – up from 58 percent a year ago.
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/01/21/4630080/poll-finds-growing-support-for.html#.VBbRkecymxg#storylink=cpy
The poll found that 53% percent of North Carolina voters think alcohol is more dangerous than marijuana, while 12 percent of voters see marijuana as being more dangerous and 23 percent view them as equally dangerous. It is not a matter of what people “think.” its a matter of what the facts and truth is. We have to base our decisions on FACT. Not conjecture.
Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/01/21/4630080/poll-finds-growing-support-for.html#.VBbRkecymxg#storylink=cpy
I am neither a republican or democrat… I am an American that believes in freedom and liberty. And I served my country for 25 years with that belief.
The House Bill 1161 introduced, legalizes access to medical cannabis. Thusly veterans access to cannabis based medications that help relieve symptoms of PTSD, TBI, Cancer, Neurological diseases, other illnesses, injuries and pain, would be available.
Although this has been a political divide for some time. It should not be. But, this is not an issue of political party. It is an issue of right and wrong.
Studies
by CNN Health and Dr. Sanja Gupta
Addiction:
The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates 9% of people who use marijuana will become addicted to it. For comparison’s sake, cocaine hooks about 20% of those who use it. Heroin hooks about 23% of those who use it.
Long-term health risks:
As with “ANYTHING” there are going to be risks and benefits. Smoking marijuana is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes, experts say. The tar in joints contains a much higher concentration of the chemicals linked to lung cancer compared with tobacco tar.
Death:
About 88,000 Americans die each year because of excessive alcohol use, according to the CDC. Nearly half of those deaths are from chronic alcohol use — liver failure, for example — while the other half are attributable to acute situations, such as alcohol poisoning or a drunken driving accident. There are an average of 1,600 alcohol poisoning deaths, or overdoses, each year.
National institute of Drug Abuse
Overdose:
Perscription Opiate statistics via CDC,
According to the CDC in 2011 55% of all overdoses were from prescription drugs. Which is equal to 22,810 deaths to prescription pain management drugs.
Alcohol statistics via CDC:
Number of alcoholic liver disease deaths: 16,749; Number of alcohol-induced deaths, excluding accidents and homicides: 26,654
Cannabis related deaths
No recorded cases of overdose deaths from cannabis have been found in extensive literature reviews, see for example Gable, Robert S., “The Toxicity of Recreational Drugs,” American Scientist (Research Triangle Park, NC: Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, May-June 2006) Vol. 94, No. 3, p. 207. – See more at: http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/Causes_of_Death#sthash.UTi2zWuG.dpuf
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(Marijuana Safety – DEA Administrative Law Judge’s Ruling)
“3. The most obvious concern when dealing with drug safety is the possibility of lethal effects. Can the drug cause death?
“4. Nearly all medicines have toxic, potentially lethal effects. But marijuana is not such a substance. There is no record in the extensive medical literature describing a proven, documented cannabis-induced fatality.
“5. This is a remarkable statement. First, the record on marijuana encompasses 5,000 years of human experience. Second, marijuana is now used daily by enormous numbers of people throughout the world. Estimates suggest that from twenty million to fifty million Americans routinely, albeit illegally, smoke marijuana without the benefit of direct medical supervision. Yet, despite this long history of use and the extraordinarily high numbers of social smokers, there are simply no credible medical reports to suggest that consuming marijuana has caused a single death.
“6. By contrast aspirin, a commonly used, over-the-counter medicine, causes hundreds of deaths each year.
“7. Drugs used in medicine are routinely given what is called an LD-50. The LD-50 rating indicates at what dosage fifty percent of test animals receiving a drug will die as a result of drug induced toxicity. A number of researchers have attempted to determine marijuana’s LD-50 rating in test animals, without success. Simply stated, researchers have been unable to give animals enough marijuana to induce death.
“8. At present it is estimated that marijuana’s LD-50 is around 1:20,000 or 1:40,000. In layman terms this means that in order to induce death a marijuana smoker would have to consume 20,000 to 40,000 times as much marijuana as is contained in one marijuana cigarette. NIDA-supplied marijuana cigarettes weigh approximately .9 grams. A smoker would theoretically have to consume nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana within about fifteen minutes to induce a lethal response.
“9. In practical terms, marijuana cannot induce a lethal response as a result of drug-related toxicity.”
Source:
US Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, “In the Matter of Marijuana Rescheduling Petition” (Docket #86-22), September 6, 1988, p. 56-57.
http://druglibrary.net/olsen/MEDICAL/YOUNG/young4.html
This is all open source and government generated information.
The more that you dig and research. The more you will question prohibition.
Sincerely,
100percentdisabledveteran
Welcome
Hello and thank you for visiting.
A little about me:
I am here as an advocate, a learned student, entrepreneur and finally as a patient.
I am a veteran. I was enlisted for 9 years. Attended college on a federal scholarship. was commissioned and spent the next 16 years as an officer for 16 years. I spent 25 years in the army with a majority of that time being spent at Fort Bragg. I was medically retired because of a debilitating neurological disease.
I began experimenting with cannabis when I retired. I found that cannabis alleviated and or suppressed symptoms of my disease. This is only my observation and understand that cannabis affects everyone differently. So, knowing that, I would be remiss if I didn’t reorganize that cannabis is not for everyone. But, the opportunity should be there for safe, legal access to cannabis. And my focus is to ensure veterans have the first opportunity.
Political:
I don’t affiliate my self with a “PARTY.” I am a conservative libertarian. I believe in Small government, strong defense and individual freedom. I believe in the American Dream.
I don’t care to talk politics about anything other then this issue. I don’t want our mission convoluted our with other distractions. Stay on target and we will not have issues.
Discussions:
I hope that we can have candid discussions and make a difference. And we can build a consortium of veterans for the repeal of marijuana prohibitions and legalization of a national medical marijuana policy.
I believe where we need to continue this campaign is at the local grass root level. Working with local political and organizational leaders, law enforcement, supporters and proponents as well as those that support prohibition. “Win the hearts and minds.” and “win the day!”
The best policy for furthering our cause, is with truth and fact. We need to be diligent and unwavering in our research and presentation of material. “Veritas vos liberabit” the truth will set you free. Legitimate messaging and identify target audiences. Evaluate the target audience and develop the proper message. This will allow us to 1. Stay legitimate. 2. Change behavior 3. Further our cause.
Sincerely,
100percentdisabledveteran
veteransforcannibis 