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Dr. "Mollie" Fry – Photo by Sharon Letts

On May 2nd, 2011, two medical marijuana heroes – Dr. Marion “Mollie” Fry and her husband Dale Schafer, Esq. will begin five year federal jail terms for manufacturing marijuana and conspiracy to ‘manufacture and distribute cannabis. ‘

Fry, who is a breast cancer survivor, grew her own medicine throughout her chemotherapy and mastectomy. Schafer suffers from complications due to failed back syndrome and hemophilia. Unfortunately, Fry and Schafer will likely endure further medical complications in prison. Obviously, they will be unable to use the most effective therapy, cannabis, and will be at the mercy of the prison healthcare system for pharmaceuticals without an organic choice.

Americans for Safe Access (ASA) has created a form where concerned citizens can ask President Obama to grant clemency to both Mollie and her dear husband, Dale. The Online Action Center also urges the same compassion and sensibility for all medical marijuana patients:

“On Monday, May 2, 2011 our community will lose two more members to the failed war on drugs. Dale Schafer and Dr. Mollie Fry, both patients, must remand themselves into federal custody for participating in bringing medical cannabis to themselves, and to other sick and debilitated community members. How many more will become prisoners of war in the name of medical cannabis? We must urge the federal government to end the raids on our community, but in the meantime we must ask for clemency to be granted to those most affected.”

On the same day, ASA is also holding a Sick and Tired Campaign with a rally at the Department of Justice in Washington DC: “Participation in this campaign will send a clear message to President Obama from the medical cannabis community: We are sick and tired. We are suffering from chronic or debilitating conditions, and we are weary of false promises that do nothing to protect our rights as patients.”

More on Dr. Mollie Cry and Dale Schafer, Esq.’s plight:
Medical Marijuana Providers Dr. Mollie Fry and Dale Schafer Prepare for Prison

Sick and Tired Campaign Poster

Diane Fornbacher has been a cannabis law reform activist for 15 years. Fornbacher is the current Vice Chair of the NORML Women’s Alliance and serves on the board of The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ). When she isn’t working to change the cannabis laws she enjoys photography, writing poetry being a mother and performing spoken word with local bands.

Contact: grassroots { at } freedomisgreen.com

State Rep. Diane Russell of Maine (D-Portland)

4/8/2011 – Representative Diane Russell (D-Portland) has introduced a new bill in Maine that would cover all aspects of cannabis legalization. HP1067/ LD 1453 An Act To Legalize and Tax Marijuana sets out to carefully do everything in the title. Recreational marijuana can be sold and grown, medical cannabis caregivers will be grandfathered into larger growing spaces and industrial hemp will be farmed for profit.

Russell sat down with Freedomisgreen.com for an interview last month:

So the revenue will be coming from two areas with this bill, increasing the positive financial impact…

Well that’s what I’m looking for to be honest Chris is the economic impact of this. As a state lawmaker I have a fiduciary responsibility to my state. I really feel strongly that we need to build a long-term sustainable economy. I’m part of a younger generation I’m 34 and my dad always said in his thick Maine accent, “Jeez Diane we should just legalize it and tax the hell out of it.” And so I’m sort of doing this in honor of my Dad. He’s right. Why are we letting this market go to waste? We’re one of the states where marijuana is already the top cash crop… this is so basic.

Support the effort in Maine with this online petition:  http://signon.org/sign/support-mj-legalization

Full text of the new bill here: http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/bills_125th/billtexts/HP106701.asp

NCIA logo

3/30/2011 – The National Cannabis Industry Association held a media event in Washington DC today that showcased a powerful new lobbying effort: Medical Marijuana.  Colorado’s new House Representative, Jared Polis, joined several prominent canna-business owners at the National Press Club.

From The Washington Times:

“It is time for the federal government to take this industry seriously,” said Steve Fox, NCIA director of public affairs. “[The government has] blocked research at every step. [Medical marijuana] should be recognized as medicine already, and it is a crime that it isn’t.” read full

Congressman Jared Polis (D-CO)

The media seemed to be very attentive to the remarks of Congressman Polis (D-CO) who called for an end to marijuana prohibition overall. The Raw Story reports:

“Ending the failed policy of prohibition with regard to marijuana will strike a major blow against the criminal cartels that are terrorizing Americans and Mexicans on both sides of the border,” Polis said at the National Press Club, in response to a question from Raw Story.

“It’s been estimated that the drug cartels drive about half of their revenue from marijuana, so I think it would reduce the violence by half, and reduce the money that fuels the criminal enterprises by half.” read full

Several pieces of legislation for federal marijuana reforms are expected this year. Congressmen Barney Frank (D-MA), Maurice Hinchey (D-NY), Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) and Ron Paul (R-TX) have been the leaders on this issue. In the past they helped co-sponsor a medical cannabis patient protection act and a hemp farming bill.

Rep. Polis is taking on a front-and-center role in national cannabis reform. He will speak at the 40th National NORML Conference in Denver Colorado on April 21, 2011.

CT State House from WikiMedia

5/10/2011 –Medical use of marijuana is not the only prohibition policy that states are changing.  Legislators in Connecticut continue their drive to make the adult possession of cannabis a civil offense. The General Assembly’s powerful Finance Committee passed a bill today to decriminalize adult marijuana possession. The measure passed the Judiciary Committee last month and now heads to the state Senate. 

More from the Hartford Courant

On a vote of 31 to 20, the committee approved the measure after about 45 minutes of discussion. The bill would make the penalty for possession of a half-ounce of marijuana or less akin to receiving a speeding ticket. Those charged would be assessed fines instead of facing criminal penalties.

State Sen. Toni Boucher, a Republican from Wilton who is one of the leading critics of decriminalization, offered up several amendments, including one that would have toughen the penalties. But she failed to garner enough support to amend the bill.

The bill would set the penalty for a first offense of possession of less than an ounce of pot at no more than $90, less than the fines for littering, illegal fishing, having a defective muffler or damaging trees on state property, Boucher said. READ FULL ARTICLE

Massachusetts decriminalized adult marijuana possession by a voter referendum in 2008.  Adults caught with one ounce (28 grams) of pot or less are now issued a ticket for $100 without a custodial arrest. Reports have shown the shift was successful for municipalities and the state

New York decriminalized marijuana in 1977 with legislation that includes provisions for a $250 fine and $100 court fee in cases where adults are caught with 25 grams or less. But in New York City police practices have seen pot possession arrests soar in recent years to over 50,000 annually, flouting state law.

Connecticut legislators passed a bill in 2009 to decriminalize marijuana only to have it vetoed by the previous governor Jodi Rell (R). But the issue has found a stronger path in 2011 with  Governor Daniel Malloy sponsoring the bill and a group of legislators eager to see the concept finally become a law.

Decriminalizing cannabis is a pragmatic option for the state because it frees up a massive amount tax dollars needed for law enforcement.

‘Decrim’ is also a tangible and positive shift for cannabis consumers; no more arrest, bail, court, parole or probation.  Even better, the civil citation means there is never a criminal record.

CONTACT LEGISLATORS IN CT HERE

Questions?  [email protected]

Chris Goldstein is a respected marijuana reform advocate. As a writer and radio broadcaster he has been covering cannabis news for over a decade. He volunteers with local groups to change prohibition laws including PhillyNORML and The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey.

www.freedomisgreen.com – Marijuana News, Science, Activism and Culture

CONTACT: 267 702 3731 or chris [ at ]  freedomisgreen.com

UPDATE May 26, 2011: Freedomisgreen now appears in the Google News Feed. Site traffic May 1st to May 25th = 25,306 visitors for 35,106 page views

Sponsors enjoy strong presence on a content-driven site that is not overcrowded with ads.

To reserve one of the limited number of sponsorships please call  267 702 3731  or send us an email.

Growing the East Coast cannabis community

3/2/2011 – Chris Goldstein, a nationally recognized journalist and pro-marijuana advocate, is launching a new website to cover the East Coast: www.freedomisgreen.com .

“ Millions of cannabis consumers from Maine to Florida are searching out local information about legalization. Freedomisgreen.com is here to cover the news, activism and lifestyle of American marijuana,” he said today.

Known for popular blogs and newspaper columns in the Philadelphia area covering marijuana politics, Goldstein is regularly featured on FOX, CBS, NBC, Comcast, ABC and the Associated Press.

A limited number of initial sponsorships are available that feature prominent placement for advertising. Three levels of sponsorship are available too accommodate various budgets.

“Many businesses can benefit from sponsorship: Clothing companies, record labels, print publications and consumer products just to name a few. Cannabis lifestyles in America touch upon more businesses than we think, “ Goldstein said.

There are dozens of print magazines and websites catering to cannabis consumers on the West Coast. Now, freedomisgreen.com fills an important niche for the marijuana-friendly community in the eastern US while offering a powerful venue for businesses to connect with the region.

Chris has assembled a unique team of writers to produce exclusive content in the following categories: Freedom Buzz, Sensible Science, Green Justice, Mary Jane’s Corner, Canna-business and Grass Roots. The site has an open-call for submissions of writing, photos and video from voices in the local cannabis community.

For more information please call  267 702 3731  or send us an email

3/9/2011 11:29AM UPDATE 6:11PM- A Florida House Representative has formally introduced a medical cannabis bill this week. Advocates and the sponsor are planning a press conference for 10:00AM local time tomorrow on the 4th floor of the Capitol Building in Tallahassee.

The Tampa Bay Times/Herald reported today:

Rep. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, has filed a joint resolution that if passed would let voters in 2012 weigh in on a constitutional amendment legalizing medical marijuana.

The law would allow the use of medical marijuana if it’s recommended by physicians for patients with “debilitating medical conditions.” The proposal also allows the Legislature to set a maximum quantity of marijuana that can be owned for medical use, but that amount could be exceeded if a patient or doctor says greater amounts are necessary. Read full

Recent polling by the Florida Republicans indicates a groundswell of public support for the issue:  57% of Floridians reported that they want to legalize medical marijuana,

Robert Platshorn at NORMLCON 2010 – photo by NORML/David Sygall

The extra momentum for the new legislation came from an interesting place; two senior activists.

Robert Platshorn,  also known as Bobby Tuna, spent 30 years in federal prison for smuggling marijuana in the 1970’s. Now’s he’s giving talks about the benefits of medical cannabis as part of the NORML/High Times Silver Tour to educate seniors.

Bobby has been joining Irvin Rosenfeld, one of the four surviving federal medical marijuana patients, for special presentations to local  political clubs.

NORML South Florida attended local legislative meetings in January with Rep. Clemens in attendance.

After Bobby spoke in front of the Palm Beach County delegation Clemens requested more information and quickly introduced the resolution.

Look for an exclusive interview with Robert Platshorn on freedomisgreen.com later today!

More information: People United For Medical Marijuana  http://www.pufmm.org/

Video below of Irv Rosenfeld testifying for medical marijuana in Michigan

6/23/2011 – Guest blog by Rob Robinson and Jen Rog – New York has had a good week when it comes to drug policy reform. A 911 Good Samaritan Law passed easily in the Assembly, where we have gotten some results. Working directly with NY state senators, the Drug Policy Alliance and New York Cannabis Alliance influenced the Senate version of the bill, which passed this Monday June 20th. Governor Cuomo is expected to sign it into law. The phone calls, emails and communications that came through to the Senate when we asked for them really moved this bill forward. The public support also insured we got a strong law and not a watered-down version.

Let’s keep up the momentum before the legislative session ends, which will be anyday now. By calling the Speaker of the Assembly and asking him to schedule bill A. 7620 to a floor vote, we will be asking them to add this important job to their workload before they break for the summer. If passed, this bill will accomplish what legislators originally intended when they decriminalized marijuana in 1977: keeping people out of the criminal justice system for posessing small amounts of marijuana. It will also ingnite our support to bring the fight to the NY Senate and pass the bill there next session.

Please call Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s office at 518-455-3791 and ask him to schedule bill A. 7620 for a floor vote before the session ends. Getting it passed this session will make it more likely it will gain movement in the Senate next session. New York residents:  Please contact your Assembly member and ask them to support this bill and for them to pressure leadership (Speaker Silver) to put it up for a vote.

The NYPD has made Cannabis arrests their top enforcement priority. In 2010 alone, 50,383 people were arrested for low-level marijuana offenses—more than the total number marijuana possession arrests between 1978–1997 combined! More than 80% of those arrested are black and Latino, even though studies consistently show that blacks and Latinos are no more likely to use or sell drugs than whites. This new bi-partisan law will close the “public display” loophole and protect New Yorkers from marijuana arrest while saving the state roughly $75 million a year.

It has been a good week in NY for drug law reform. It could get even better – Join us in the struggle!

http://www.damnsam.com/

http://www.facebook.com/nycannalliance

Guest blog by Rob Robinson and Jen Rog at the NY Cannabis Alliance

Philadelphia Weekly cover art 3/2/2011

The Philadelphia Weekly has published a groundbreaking feature article looking at the racial disparity of the city’s marijuana arrests. Blunt Assessment: The Need for Legal Weed in Philadelphia explores the issue from the streets to the courts.

Journalist Nina Hoffmann interviewed hip-hop artists, retired law enforcement, marijuana policy experts (including this author) and most revealing; black Philly residents as they go though Small Amount of Marijuana (SAM) program.

Each year PhillyNORML compiles the arrests statistics for the state of Pennsylvania using the annual Uniform Crime report. PA’s crime datatbase is actually easily accessible by the public, unlike other states like New Jersey.

Read the numbers in the following articles:

2008 city stats – Philly: White women rarely arrested for pot

2009 city stats – Philadelphia: Marijuana arrests remain high

2009 PA statewide – Pennsylvania saw 25,635 marijuana arrests last year

In 2009 and 2010 PhillyNORML urged city officials to change local marijuana procedures.

Last year Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams and the State Supreme Court created a diversion process called the Small Amount of Marijuana (SAM) Program. The tangibly eases the penalties for the over 4,700 adults caught with small amounts of pot each year. The successful and publicly popular shift will save the city about $3 million annually.

Unfortunately, Philly still requires the custodial arrest of citizens caught with any amount of marijuana before they go into the SAM program. Most counties in Pennsylvania issue a summary violation: A ticket with no arrest.

Take a moment to read Blunt Assessment: The Need for Legal Weed in Philadelphia