US OR: LTE: Medical Pot: Pure Hooey

Albany Democrat-Herald, 08 May 2011 - When I read Ed Glick's letter of Sunday, May 1, 2011, concerning the growth of medical cannabis in Oregon, I can't help but chuckle. As a cancer survivor myself, and having had radiation accompanied by severe, severe nausea, I can tell you personally that even 10 years ago, there were much better alternatives out there, at least for nausea relief. I can remember coming home after my first abdominal radiation treatment, and having such severe nausea that I felt as though my shoes might come up through my stomach and out.

US OR: Acid Test: How Much Are A Merry Prankster's Papers Worth?

Wall Street Journal, 07 May 2011 - University Of Oregon Must Raise Cash To Keep Kesey's Stash; Grateful For The Bus EUGENE, Ore.-The University of Oregon's fealty to 1960s vibes recently got a jolt of validation-if not psychedelic flashback-when an old school bus slathered in swirly Day-Glo colors lumbered through campus, blaring vintage rock-and-roll.

US CT: Column: If Legalized, Marijuana May Have Some Value

Norwich Bulletin, 06 May 2011 - A legislative committee has voted in favor of permitting the use of marijuana for medical purposes, bringing the bill one step closer to becoming law. I'm open-minded yet skeptical. If it's strictly monitored - keeping abuse to a minimum - and results in better pain management for those suffering, it might warrant being lawful.

US IL: Editorial: Give Medical Marijuana a Chance, but With Strict Limits

Peoria Journal Star, 06 May 2011 - Within the next few weeks, critically ill patients suffering from multiple sclerosis, cancer, AIDS or other serious ailments might at long last receive legislative permission to use medical marijuana. We've long favored such a policy, but for most of the last decade proposals to move forward with it have fallen short in the statehouse. Now, despite a stumble in a test vote, the stars may finally be aligned to ensure passage, with the current measure attracting support from previously opposed House Republican Leader Tom Cross.

US CO: Editorial: Feds May Kill Medical Marijuana

The Gazette, 06 May 2011 - Bait and Switch Will Hurt Colorado A pending federal crackdown on Colorado's medical marijuana patients and wellness providers will destroy livelihoods, hurt the economy and cost Colorado Springs and El Paso County precious new tax revenues. The Obama administration is backing off its principled state's rights approach to medical marijuana, just as it has abandoned other promises of hope and change.

US IL: Medical Marijuana Fails Again in Illinois House

State Journal-Register, 06 May 2011 - For the second time in 2011, the Illinois House has voted down a bill to allow chronically ill citizens to use medical marijuana to treat their maladies. The proposal received only 53 yes votes Thursday to 61 in opposition, with four lawmakers voting "present." A similar measure failed by four votes on Jan. 6. Sixty votes were needed for passage.

US IL: House Rejects Bill Allowing Use of Medical Marijuana in

Belleville News-Democrat, 06 May 2011 - The Illinois House on Thursday narrowly turned down a measure that would have allowed the medical use of marijuana. The measure, House Bill 30, known as the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Act, failed in a 53-61 vote, with four members voting "present."

US VT: US Prosecutor Issues Vermont Pot Dispensary Warning

Burlington Free Press, 05 May 2011 - MONTPELIER -- Rep. Patti Komline was going to vote for a bill that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries in Vermont until a letter from Vermont's top federal prosecutor landed on her desk hours before the vote Wednesday. The last-minute letter threw a speed bump in front of a bill headed for passage, but appeared unlikely to halt it. U.S. Attorney Tristram Coffin warned in the letter that marijuana remains illegal under federal law and those associated with a dispensary were at risk of prosecution.

US WA: Parent Talk - Marijuana Use In Youth Is On The Rise

Kirkland Reporter, 04 May 2011 - Marijuana use among teens is making a comeback. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of middle, junior high and high school students experimenting with the drug is the highest since the 1980s. And marijuana is the top reported drug of choice in teens being treated for addiction at Youth Eastside Services (YES). At YES we work with youth in schools, teen centers and in our substance abuse and mental health treatment programs. Across the board, our counselors are reporting a change in attitude toward marijuana.

US HI: PUB LTE: Marijuana Loses Once Again

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 04 May 2011 - So once again the medical marijuana patients are left out of any meaningful legislation to help with the many issues left unresolved for the last 11 years since Hawaii enacted its so-called compassionate use of medical marijuana laws. Once again the Senate passed reasonably helpful bills, and the House proceeded to shred them apart and kowtow to the law-enforcement prohibition position and the tobacco, pharmaceutical and other corporate interests. When is this going to stop?