Intense. That’s the only word to describe the recent focus of the national mainstream media on issues related to cannabis. Three Newsweek articles, an investigative piece on PBS Newshour, FOX News segments and an absolute frenzy over the new Department of Justice memo.
Several of the recent feature items showcase Richard Lee and Oaksterdam. I had the chance to spend time there this September.
How Oakland Is Leading Marijuana Legalization
Ethan Nadelmann's Fight to Legalize Marijuana
How L.A. Became Overrun With Legal Marijuana
PBS News Hour - 10-15-09: MarijuanaRecently there was a 7500-word cover story in Fortune Magazine and a major piece in the Wall St Journal. Even the FOX Business folks chimed in with an entire week of segments culminating in this editorial by Cheryl Casone:
Again, I don't smoke the stuff, but I listen to those that do to ease pain, and I don't have a problem with what they choose to do. In fact, marijuana is a plant that grows naturally. I've been trying to eat healthier foods and choose organic items. Is there that much of a difference between my choices and the choices of those who want to smoke a joint? Read full
Paul Armentano the deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws told me last Friday “We may be seeing a high-water mark this week for media covering this issue. They have covered pot for sure, but now the tone is certainly different.”
Prior to 2009, media were quick to give false facts and have classic reefer madness enter into their stories. But now there is a decidedly more pragmatic approach. Instead of covering the emotional side of the issue, they are looking at the real-life mechanics of cannabis reform taking place in America already. There is also not the deference shown by the media in the past toward opposition and law enforcement. Now it is the prohibition reform advocates who take center stage.
And why not? Two states are actively considering the legalization and regulation of recreational cannabis: California and Massachusetts. Thirteen states allow medical marijuana programs and 5 states have active medical marijuana legislation.
The FBI Uniform Crime Report shows that almost 850,000 Americans were arrested in 2008 for marijuana violations, most for minor possession.
Now there are even Stiletto Stoners in Marie-Claire and celebrities like Megan Fox boldly call for legalization.
The issues of marijuana law reform have compelling activity on the ground every day. And the media seems to have wised up that marijuana consumers are part of their audience too. In the ever-competitive world of blogs, print, tv and radio, marijuana remains a topic that most are interested to see.
The media may also have some big green dollar signs in their eyes. If the #1 Cash Crop in America were indeed legalized it is the media themselves who will benefit directly from marketing and advertising.
All of this action is not just at the state level. There are three federal pieces of legislation still active this year in Congress:
FEDERAL MARIJUANA BILLS
The Industrial Hemp Farming Act of 2009
HR 2943, the Act to Remove Federal Penalties for Personal Use of Marijuana by Responsible Adults
HR2835 The Medical Marijuana Patient Protection Act of 2009
Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowski told us this year that he has yet to add 'legalize' to his vocabulary. Just in case there is not a Webster’s nearby on Capitol Hill:
Main Entry: le·gal·ize Pronunciation:
'lE-g&-"lIz Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: -ized; -iz·ing : to make legal; especially : to give legal validity or sanction to —le·gal·i·za·tion noun —le·gal·iz·er noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
TIP:
Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!
Lairderg
Bill Beck
Hadrian
Beth Mann
Kind of Blue
Ablonde
Salon.com
Comments
Thanks for posting this.
Rated.
Also several studies have found that those given safe cannabis access will decrease their opioids used for pain. in some cases ceasing their use altogether. THC, CBD and other cannabinoids in marijuana have been scientifically proven in their analgesic ability. THC and CBD also work as anti inflammatory agents.
Andy - I didn't see that CNN segment but rest assured the topic is now a mainstream go-to issue and we'll see a lot more about it!
RE: THC level regulation: What we can do is test strains of marijuana for their THC potency. At Harborside Health Services in Oakland they do just that. The cannabis is sold with the known THC content attached to the label. But the THC levels are just one good indicator of the effect the cannabis will have. The other cannabinoids are non psychoactive (they don't get you high) but they do have medically beneficial effects. CBD or cannabidiol has been long touted by patients as particularity effective for MS, spasms and muscle pain. The only reason we do not regularly test marijuana for the exact levels of cannabioids is prohibition itself.
The only labs with the gas spectrometers needed for the tests could not handle the Schedule I drug. But because the hardware is less expensive and more available now there are independent labs doing the testing.
If marijuana were re-classified to Schedule II or there were a more comprehensive federal change for medical marijuana this type of testing would be a matter of course. It's another example of how prohibition holds back the evolution of even safer, more effective uses of cannabis therapy.