Hemp News Archives - March 1998



		News Archives: March 1998 U.S. Study: Marijuana Is Addictive March 31, 1998 - Reuters WASHINGTON DC - Troubled teen-agers who use marijuana can quickly become dependent on the drug, Colorado researchers reported Tuesday. Election chief rules petitions come up short March 31, 1998 - Associated Press Augusta, Maine -- A petition drive aimed at forcing a statewide vote to allow medical use of marijuana has come up short of valid signatures, and some of them appear to be forged, Maine's top election official said Tuesday. Medical Pot Advocates Take Aim at Lawmaker March 31, 1998 - Los Angeles Times Protesters call Rogan's vote against marijuana purely political. Glendale Republican says he still supports drug's use for terminally ill. Medical marijuana patient is indicted March 30, 1998 - The Olympian, The Associated Press SPOKANE - A man allowed by a judge to smoke marijuana to help alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis has been charged with growing large amounts of the drug and selling it. Legalise Dope, Report Urges March 30, 1998 - Evening Post Cannabis should be legalised and the Government should take control of its market to protect public health, a high-powered group of doctors and professionals says. Patient Arrested for Using Marijuana in Congressional Office March 30, 1998 - Marijuana Policy Project WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This morning, Cheryl Miller, severely disabled by multiple sclerosis, used medicinal marijuana in U.S. Rep. Jim Rogan's office (502 Cannon Bldg.) with the help of her husband and caregiver, Jim Miller. Both were arrested for marijuana possession in this act of nonviolent civil disobedience. Medical Marijuana Patient Is Indicted March 29, 1998 - The Associated Press Spokane, WA - A man allowed by a judge to smoke marijuana to help alleviate symptoms of multiple sclerosis has been charged with growing large amounts of the drug and selling it. Ninety-Three Years for Pot March 29, 1998 - Waco Tribune-Herald MANSFIELD, Texas -- The hands may tell the story in the case against Will Foster, who just completed the first of an assigned 93 years in prison. RCMP Refuse to Bust Toking Hemp Store Owner March 29, 1998 - Halifax Daily News ANTIGONISH - Joe MacEachern's store looks like many others along Main Street in Antigonish. He sells clothing, shampoo, writing paper, that sort of thing. Drug searches slow border crossing March 28, 1998 - The Olympian BLAINE - There was little reason to notice an elderly Canadian couple crossing the border into Lynden last month. Thousands March To Legalize Pot March 28, 1998 - Associated Press LONDON -- About 10, 000 protesters, some openly smoking marijuana, marched in London on Saturday demanding legalization of the drug. San Jose Police Scan Pot Files March 28, 1998 - San Francisco Chronicle San Jose police are going through patients' files seized this week from the county's only medical marijuana clinic and calling doctors to determine whether the drug was indeed recommended for their patients. GOP Proposes House Drug Testing March 27, 1998 - Los Angeles Times WASHINGTON--Republicans want all House members and their staffs subject to random drug testing. The House's top Democratic believes the plan unnecessary. Judge Clears Way for Pot to be Seized March 27, 1998 - Los Angeles Times Injunction is revised after owners of a medical marijuana outlet used court order to avoid law enforcement. Authorities will decide if they can keep plants. State Can Take Car Of Man Who Pleaded To Marijuana Charge March 26, 1998 - Associated Press CONCORD, N.H. -- Nothing in the state constitution prevents the state from taking the car of a man sentenced to prison on a marijuana charge, the state Supreme Court ruled today. Wearing Red Ribbon Says 'NO' To Hash Bash March 26, 1998 - Ann Arbor News A local group wants to take an anti-drug stand and is asking everyone who is against Ann Arbor's annual Hash Bash to wear a red ribbon the week before the April 5 event. Jail Term Urged For Mailing Joints To French MPs March 26, 1998 - Reuters PARIS -- A state prosecutor urged a Paris court on Wednesday to jail the leader of a group that mailed a marijuana cigarette to every French MP along with a plea to ease France's tough drug laws. Gingrich names own anti-drug task force March 25, 1998 - The Dallas Morning News WASHINGTON - House Speaker Newt Gingrich appointed his own anti-drug task force Tuesday, saying the Clinton administration's plans for combating the flow of illegal drugs and their use are inadequate. Police Chiefs Urge Ban On Cannabis Seed Sales March 25, 1998 - The Independent New laws to ban the sale of cannabis seed and dope-growing equipment are being urged by police chiefs, it was disclosed yesterday. Pot Center Stays Open Despite Arrest March 25, 1998 - San Francisco Chronicle The only medical marijuana center in Santa Clara County remained open for business yesterday despite charges that its director sold pot without a prescription. Marijuana Clubs' Fate Up to Judge March 25, 1998 - San Francisco Chronicle A San Francisco federal judge said yesterday he'll decide whether to close six Northern California medical marijuana clubs after he receives final briefs on the case on April 16. Medical Marijuana Backers March in San Francisco March 25, 1998 - Los Angeles Times SAN FRANCISCO -- Medical marijuana advocates prayed, marched and rallied downtown Tuesday in support of the state's cannabis clubs as the federal government asked a U.S. District Court judge to shut them down. Pot Growing Transplant Man is Freed March 24, 1998 - The Times A judge has allowed a liver transplant patient to go free after he admitted growing and using cannabis to ease his pain. Sympathising with him, Judge John Hopkin said: "I accept that's why you were growing it; to relieve the considerable pain you must suffer. That is against the law as it stands at the present time, but there is very substantial mitigation in your case." San Jose Police Raid Cannabis Club March 24, 1998 - San Francisco Examiner San Jose Police raided a San Jose cannabis club and arrested its owner on a felony warrant that charged him with the illegal sale of marijuana, officials said. Rep. Thielen Argues in D.C. for Legal Hemp March 23, 1998 - Honolulu Star Bulletin WASHINGTON -- Hawaii Rep. Cynthia Thielen brought her campaign to make industrial hemp a cash crop in Hawaii here today, joining a national effort to persuade the Drug Enforcement Administration to drop hemp from its list of controlled substances. Drug Giants Pulling the Old Switcheroo March 22, 1998 - Chicago Sun-Times Presidential commissions rarely make as much news as presidential positions, but a report issued last week by the Health Care Quality Commission is, like a Clinton denial, more notable for what's missing. Group Seeks Crop Status for Nonintoxicating Hemp March 22, 1998 - The New York Times WASHINGTON -- A coalition of agricultural, commercial and environmental groups is pushing the Clinton administration to overturn the prohibition on cultivation of all cannabis strains so those that lack the intoxicating properties of marijuana can again be grown. Cannabis Campaign - The March Gains Momentum March 22, 1998 - Independent on Sunday London is set for its biggest pro-cannabis demonstration for 30 years. S.F. to Defend Medical Pot Clubs March 22, 1998 - Sacramento Bee SAN FRANCISCO -- With government lawyers arriving from Washington this week to shut down Northern California's medical marijuana clubs, this often irreverent bay-side city has mustered all its political weight to make sure the ill can still get pot. Pot Activist Stays Free March 22, 1998 - Sunday Province Marijuana trafficker David Malmo-Levine has been given the opportunity to fight for a change in Canada's drug laws from outside a jail cell. Petition To Make Hemp Legal Prepared March 21, 1998 - The Lexington Herald-Leader WASHINGTON -- Industrial hemp has 25,000 uses ranging from construction material to paper to clothing, but smoking it to get stoned is not among them. Yet proponents of hemp say it could give farmers a financial high. Cannabis: MP Wants Research Into Medicinal Use March 21, 1998 - Eastern Daily Press A Norfolk MP has called on the Government to commission a road-based study of drugs while questioning the evidence on which Home Secretary Jack Straw continues to rule out legalising cannabis. Plans For Pot Club Go Ahead March 21, 1998 - London Free Press A group planning to open a medical marijuana buyers club in London will start distributing applications on Monday, a spokesperson says. Lifting of Hemp Ban Sought March 20, 1998 - Associated Press WASHINGTON DC -- Hemp is not dope. Hemp Supporters Look North March 19, 1998 - Associated Press Fargo, N.D. -- Canada's decision to let farmers grow industrial hemp after a 60-year ban could provide just the political pressure needed to persuade American regulators to lift their ban as well, hemp advocates say. Doctors want addicts cured, not jailed March 18, 1998 - USA Today WASHINGTON - Research sponsored by a group of the nation's leading doctors concludes that drug addiction is a chronic illness that can be treated as readily as hypertension, diabetes and asthma. California Mayors Ask Clinton: Spare Marijuana Clubs March 18, 1998 - Reuters SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A group of California mayors asked President Clinton Wednesday to block a federal suit against the state's marijuana clubs, sharply escalating the political and legal battle over medical marijuana use. Americans Say Drug War Should Continue, Polls Show March 18, 1998 - Reuters CHICAGO -- Surveys over the last two decades show most Americans believe the government's ``war on drugs'' has failed but that more money should be spent on it, researchers said Tuesday. Branstad Signs Bill On Drug Testing March 18, 1998 - Associated Press Workers could be subject to random tests for use of alcohol or other drugs under legislation signed into law by Gov. Terry Branstad on Tuesday. Ban on Medical Pot in Public March 18, 1998 - Sacramento Bee Anyone with a doctor's permission to smoke marijuana could face up to a $1,000 in fines or six months in jail if they light up in public, under an ordinance approved Tuesday by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors. Straw Rejects Review Of Laws On Cannabis As New MPs Own Up March 16, 1998 - Scotsman The Home Secretary, Jack Straw, ruled out a Royal commission to review drug laws after one in five new MPs who responded to a survey admitted they had smoked cannabis. Demos still oppose sales tax, favor medical pot March 16, 1998 - The Associated Press EUGENE, Ore. -- Oregon Democrats have reaffirmed their long opposition to a sales tax despite past support from some Democratic leaders, including Gov. John Kitzhaber. Hallinan: Let The City Pass Out Pot If Clubs Close March 15, 1998 - San Francisco Examiner If the federal government shuts down California's marijuana clubs, city health workers could be called On to distribute the drug to patients who need it, San Francisco District Attorney Terence Hallinan said Saturday. Nevada Ballot Proposal Would Allow Medical Marijuana Use March 14, 1998 - The Associated Press CARSON CITY, Nev. -- A ballot proposal to allow marijuana use by Nevadans with serious health problems was filed here Friday -- following a lawsuit to ensure a lot of money can be spent on the ballot campaign. DrugSense Focus Alert #57 -- Rush Limbaugh March 13, 1998 - Media Awareness Project A really incredible thing happened Thursday March 12 at 10:40 AM PST (1:40 PM EST). Rush Limbaugh came out in favor of legalization! Not once but three times. Canada OKs Commercial Hemp-Growing March 13, 1998 - The Associated Press TILLSONBURG, Ontario -- For the first time in 60 years, Canadian farmers will be allowed to grow hemp this spring. Petition Filed To Allow Use Of Marijuana In Medical Cases March 13, 1998 - Las Vegas Sun CARSON CITY -- A petition was filed Friday to amend the Nevada Constitution allowing the use of marijuana to relieve those who suffer from painful diseases. Surreal case illustrates excesses of drug war March 10, 1998 - The Seattle Times Company "HOME Improvement" met "America's Most Wanted" at the Tacoma residence of George Joseph Phillips when he tried to get a new gas hot water heater and furnace installed more than two years ago. Medical Pot Club Awaits Support March 10, 1998 - London Free Press A pot-smoking London mom says she still plans to open a marijuana buyers' club in London for medicinal users of the narcotic, but wants to line up more public support first. Drugs Expert Backs Marijuana Policy Change March 10, 1998 - The Melbourne Age Australia--The man who headed the State Government's drug taskforce, Professor David Penington, has backed plans by Victoria's police commissioner to soften the police stand against marijuana use. Music Mogul Sounds Out Cannabis Campaign Album March 08, 1998 - Scotland On Sunday The record label boss who discovered Oasis is compiling a Band Aid-type album as part of an on-going campaign for the decriminilisation of cannabis. Hemp Shop Licence Seems Safe For Now March 07, 1998 - Victoria Times-Colonist Victoria city hall apparently is backing off on pulling the business licence of sacred Herb - The Hemp Shop. Courts Weeding Out Marijuana Offenders March 06, 1998 - Toronto Sun First-time marijuana offenders are being smoked out of the courts. Pothole Awaits Attorney General in Drive for Governor March 06, 1998 - The Washington Post LOS ANGELES--—State Attorney General Dan Lungren, the front-running Republican candidate for California governor, has a marijuana problem. Actually, two marijuana problems. No Retrial For Big Isle Marijuana Advocate March 05, 1998 - Hawaii Tribune Herald Hemp advocate Aaron Anderson walked out of a Hilo courtroom Wednesday with one less thing on his mind-a felony drug charge. Court Doesn't Buy Couple's Defense March 04, 1998 - Topeka Capital-Journal A Topeka couple convicted of felony cultivation of marijuana despite their claim the drug was part of their Rastafarian faith don't have the same legal standing as an Indian church whose members legally use peyote, the Kansas Court of Appeals has ruled. Fed. Judge Denies Marinol to Patient March 04, 1998 - Colorado Hemp Initiatives Project Los Angeles, March 4, 1998. In a precedent-setting ruling, a federal judge denied cancer patient Todd McCormick access to "any form of marijuana," including the prescription medication Marinol®, "marijuana derivatives," and even "hemp seed oil." McCormick, who had cancer nine times before he was ten, was arrested on July 29, 1997, at the fabled "Marijuana Mansion" for medical marijuana cultivation. His bail was set at $500,000, posted by actor Woody Harrelson. Court Clears Drug Tests To Protect Presidency March 03, 1998 - Reuters WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court allowed random drug testing yesterday of certain federal employees, to protect the safety of the president and vice president. Hempstead March 03, 1998 - Los Angeles Times Weeding out the opposition Chris Boucher, a co-owner of Hempstead clothing company, is leading a grass-roots campaign to legalize industrial use of hemp. Olympic Snowboarders Arrested On Marijuana Charges March 02, 1998 - Associated Press MINDEN, Nevada -- Two Olympic snowboarders are due in court Wednesday on marijuana-related charges. Accused Vs. His Accuser in Race for Governor March 01, 1998 - Sacramento Bee His supporters call him a visionary, a man ahead of his time who has helped ease the suffering of thousands of sick and dying. Marijuana Club Stands Firm Against Rulings March 01, 1998 - New York Times SAN FRANCISCO -- The advertised price was $30 for an eighth of an ounce of ``Five Star Mexican Gold,'' and dollar bills were exchanged at a brisk clip Friday for plastic bags of marijuana. But, in deference to a new court ruling barring the sale of the drug by clubs, a hastily erected sign over the marijuana bar read: ``Remuneration Station.'' News Archives In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107 and The Berne Convention on Literary and Artistic Works, Article 10, news clippings are made available without profit for research and educational purposes.