Hobbema suspect arrested Aug 27, 2008
Sunshine and Grass The first annual Sunshine and Grass cannabis festival kicked off on. Woman shot and killed in Hobbema The mother of Delena Dixon speaks with Sun Media about the events. (Edmonton Sun)
Poppy eradication campaign makes gains in north, east Afghanistan Aug 27, 2008
The UN also warned that the government could not let cannabis, which is becoming more popular among Afghan farmers, replace opium. It also said the country needs a better justice system to prosecute traffickers, landowners and corrupt government officials who turn a blind eye to the drug trade. (CBC.ca)
Soldiers test positive for drugs Aug 25, 2008
A compulsory drug test showed traces of cocaine and cannabis in the eight men, from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, in July. An MoD spokesman said "internal action" would be taken against the soldiers. (BBC News -- UK)
Cabbie crushed in 'taxi theft attempt' Aug 25, 2008
It is alleged he had amphetamines, cannabis and morphine in his system at the time of the crash. Zaim, of Broadmeadows, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder based on the unintentional killing in the course of a crime of violence. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Stewardson man arrested; 23 pit bulls recovered Aug 22, 2008
Investigators on Tuesday also found what they said were nine pounds of cannabis at Dalton s residence, so he also will be charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver, said Lolie ... According to Lolie, deputies also noticed what they believed to be cannabis ... They returned to the property with a second search warrant later Tuesday afternoon and seized approximately nine pounds of cannabis, Lolie said. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Illinois man faces dog fighting, animal cruelty charges Aug 22, 2008
During a second search of Daltons residence Tuesday, authorities seized about nine pounds of marijuana as well, so Dalton was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, a Class 1 felony, officials said. All 23 dogs are being housed in the Shelby County Animal Shelter under the care of animal control officer George Donley. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Liberals chase the vigilante vote Aug 22, 2008
Suddenly Labor is tougher on cannabis than it has been in seven years, wants to amend its truth in sentencing laws which in effect are anything but truth in sentencing and even wants police to pull over people smoking in cars. Mr Carpenter has already announced that Labor intends putting an extra 500 police on the streets over the next four years, although given the smoking announcement they might be spending their early years with the force on butt patrol. (The West Australian)
Suspected arson attack on cannabis factory Aug 21, 2008
A police investigation was launched today after a suspected arson attack on a cannabis factory ... After the fire was dealt with, a number of cannabis plants were discovered in the property ... Commenting on the overnight blaze outside Coleraine, a police spokesman said he could not discuss the nationality of the people believed to have been living in the property but said: A number of cannabis plants, in the form of a cannabis factory' were discovered in the building. (Belfast Telegraph)
Infection Blocks Lung's Protective Response Against Tobacco Smoke Aug 21, 2008
19, 2005) Cannabis smoke is not as carcinogenic as tobacco smoke. In a review article published today in Harm Reduction Journal, Dr. Melamede from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, USA, writes that. (Science Daily)
* Russian sumo wrestler arrested on marijuana charge Aug 20, 2008
Under Japans Cannabis Control Law, possession of marijuana is punishable by up to five years in prison with forced labor. Foreigners convicted of drugs crimes can also be deported from Japan and given a lifetime re-entry ban. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time Aug 19, 2008
The reviewer also found the short snippet about cannabis misleading and outdated, suggesting carcinogenicity not supported by recent studies. There could have perhaps been more information about cancer in general and specific cancers. (Suite101.com)
Tropic Thunder topples Batman Aug 19, 2008
Cannabis comedy Pineapple Express, from the makers of Knocked Up, was in fifth place with earnings of $10m (5. 36m). (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Some college presidents seek to lower drinking age Aug 19, 2008
oz wrote on Aug 19, 2008 8:54 AM:" Back in the day of 18-year-old drinking, the biggest problems weren't with the 18-21 crowd, but that they bought alcohol for their little brothers and sisters in high school, who then drank like fish. Interestingly, when cannabis was more tolerated, drinking was much less of a problem, and the potheads were pretty harmless as long as they weren't paranoid. ". PLEASE NOTE: Comments on stories that frequently update through the day disappear with each update. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Seventy-three pounds of marijuana seized Aug 17, 2008
Jury nullification is bound to play a central role in ending cannabis prohibition and you, Brandon Whitaker, could be the one to prove it. http://www. (Columbus Telegram, NE)
The Office's Darryl Facing Drug Charges Aug 17, 2008
In this case, that last "substance" allegedly included amphetamines, cocaine and cannabinoids or any of the chemicals found in cannabis. Robinson, whose credits also include Arrested Development , Curb Your Enthusiasm and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story, was busted June 29 in Culver City, Calif. (E! Online)
Mattoon man picks up another prison term for possession of stolen vehicle Aug 16, 2008
In December, Bass was sentenced to two years in prison for a conviction for delivery of cannabis, and he s also serving a prison term for a conviction for impersonating a police officer. Records show he served earlier prison sentences for a Coles County aggravated battery conviction and a Cook County robbery conviction. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Police Blotter: Aug. 16, 2008 Aug 16, 2008
Stacy Antionette Little, 23, of the 900 block of Cooper Avenue, Yuba City, was arrested by the Yuba City Police Department at 2:30 p.m. Aug. 14 at Maple Street and Colusa Avenue on suspicion of transportation of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of concentrated cannabis. She was booked into Sutter County Jail. (Appeal Democrat, CA)
Mother's make-ups and break-ups may determine child's later druguse Aug 15, 2008
Researchers at the University of Queensland followed more than 3500 adults over 21 years and found that the more relationship changes a mother experienced, such as break-ups and new partners, when her child was young the higher the chance of them using nicotine, alcohol or cannabis by the age of 14. Preschoolers whose mothers had three or more break-ups or new partners were three times more likely than their peers to take up smoking and almost 2 times more likely to use cannabis ... It found... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Number of children hospitalised for taking illegal drugs up 50 ... Aug 15, 2008
The proportion of over-16s taking cannabis has fallen from 10 per cent to 8 ... Mary Brett, of the Europe Against Drugs campaign, said: 'It may be that fewer people are using more drugs or that they are being sold in stronger form - such as skunk cannabis, or purer heroin and cocaine ... Apart from the Cannabis debacle the present Government, for all its many faults can't be blamed if stupid teenagers kill themselves with the solvent or drug of the day. (Daily Mail)
* World News Quick Take Aug 13, 2008
Drivers are asked to spit onto a stick which is dipped into a chemical substance to test for the presence of cannabis or harder drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, heroin or amphetamines. United Kingdom. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Singer's battle Aug 13, 2008
" I got to the point where I was having 10-15 panic attacks a day, which was quite awful Rob Harvey Harvey had always been a deep thinker and thought he could change the world, but he was starting to doubt his beliefs and his thoughts were turning dark. He had kicked a longstanding cannabis habit, but was drinking and eating to compensate. He had lost direction and was starting to panic. After their second album, Harvey says he was "bullying myself mentally" over his perceived failures, and lost... (BBC News -- Entertainment)
Timeline: 100 years of altered states Aug 13, 2008
1920 Cocaine is banned in the UK under the Dangerous Drugs Act, following stories of 'crazed soldiers' in WWI. 1928 Cannabis added to the list of proscribed substances in the Dangerous Drugs Act ... June 1967 Rolling Stones Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are sentenced to prison for smoking cannabis ... January 1969 The Wooton committee concludes that 'the long-term consumption of cannabis in moderation has no harmful effects. (Guardian Unlimited)
* Turning poppies into pomegranates Aug 12, 2008
Burdened with guilt, James turned to drink, drugs and petty crime, shoplifting and selling cannabis. But in 1997 he began to turn his life around. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
More of this story Aug 12, 2008
Cannabis makes people laid back. Officers must also be aware of people who don't follow instructions on prescription medication. (Roanoke Rapids Daily Herald, NC)
Out in the open, drug dealers turn vineyards into marijuana farms Aug 11, 2008
Herr Hundhausen wrote on Aug 10, 2008 5:04 PM:" Barkeep! I will take a glass of Cannabis sativa chardonnay. ". who cares wrote on Aug 10, 2008 4:56 PM:" according to the documentary the last white hope war on drugs pot is the 1# cash crop in CA.and grapes are 2#.so why would WASH.be any different.go ahead and legalize the stupid stuff and then tax it like they do booze.and by the way booze is way more dangerous.that is a fact and i can prove it.just read about the alcohol related deaths in the... (The Pantagraph newspaper)
Legal pot backer sees pluses for state, businesses Aug 10, 2008
Last month, the group unveiled a petition drive to place on the 2010 ballot the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act, which would direct the state to legalize marijuana, regulate its cultivation, sell it in liquor stores and tax the sales. Farmers could also get permits to raise marijuana or hemp. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Research Supports Medicinal Marijuana Aug 10, 2008
But other doctors and advocates of marijuana policy reform said the findings, in today's issue of the journal Neurology, offer powerful evidence that the Drug Enforcement Administration's classification of cannabis as having "no currently accepted medical use" is outdated. "This should be a wake-up call for Congress to hold hearings to investigate the therapeutic use of cannabis and to encourage more research," said Barbara T. Roberts, a former interim associate deputy director in the White... (Yahoo News -- Medical Marijuana)
Cannabis 'affecting young minds' Aug 10, 2008
Cannabis 'affecting young minds ... Half of young people using cannabis suffer side effects such as paranoia and blackouts, a UK survey suggests ... The charity is calling for urgent research on the effects of cannabis on the developing teenage brain. (Yahoo News -- Substance Use)
British crime lords rule 40 billion Aug 9, 2008
When the Government took a different approach to cannabis there was a big shift by organised criminals into cannabis ... The declassification of cannabis led to a boom in cannabis farms, controlled largely by Vietnamese syndicates and producing high-strength skunk. (Times Online)
Lifting the lid on a drug ring Aug 9, 2008
Pasquale "Pat" Barbaro, who was arrested in Carlton yesterday, was charged in the early 1990s, and later cleared, in connection with a massive cannabis plantation on a Riverina farm ... Sergi and Robert "Aussie Bob" Trimbole were named as bosses of the group's cannabis operation ... The commission alleged "Little Trees" made hundreds of thousands of dollars from "activities associated with cannabis cultivation" and, along with Trimbole and Sergi, was part of an organisation "comprised almost... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
US upholds medical marijuana ban Aug 9, 2008
Angel Raich pre-emptively sued the government for the right to use cannabis when legal drugs had failed ... The Supreme Court ruled two years ago that federal drug laws override those in 11 states allowing medical cannabis. (Yahoo News -- Medical Marijuana)
Stoners in films and on TV resemble the rest of us Aug 8, 2008
World Health Organization researchers last month released a study saying Americans lead the world in marijuana use, with more than 42% of U.S. citizens acknowledging having tried cannabis. That amounts to about 125 million Americans, based on a population of roughly 300 million. (Los Angeles Times)
Pekin man nabbed with pot in Blazer Aug 8, 2008
The officer smelled a strong odor of cannabis coming from the vehicle window as the driver broke into a profuse sweat and started to shake ... When the officer smelled cannabis and saw the nervous demeanor of Svendsen, he called for backup ... Officers asked Svendsen to step out of the car, and he allegedly admitted to having a glass cannabis pipe in the center console of his Blazer, said Bitner. (Pekin Times, IL)
Medicinal Marijuana Effective For Neuropathic Pain In HIV, Study Finds Aug 8, 2008
7, 2008) In a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to assess the impact of smoked medical cannabis, or marijuana, on the neuropathic pain associated with HIV, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that reported pain relief was greater with cannabis than with a placebo ... The study, sponsored by the University of California Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) based at UC San Diego, will be published on line, August 6 in the journal... (Science Daily)
Cops in 1m drug lord raid Aug 7, 2008
Cops found cocaine, amphetamines and cannabis worth 600,000 at the gang s warehouse in Tooting ... Lynch, who admitted conspiracy to supply cannabis and amphetamines, was jailed for 18 years. (The Sun)
Man gets prison time for computer theft Aug 6, 2008
Boston was originally charged with possession of cannabis with intent to deliver, but that charge was dismissed. Police documents in his case indicate that he told officers he didn t know about the bag with the drugs that was in the car in which he and the other suspect were located. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Response team gets practice in Umholtz scare Aug 6, 2008
A search found that the passenger in the vehicle had a small amount of cannabis in his pocket ... Police arrested Jerome Zuercher, 23, of 1925 Quail Hollow Road, for possession of cannabis, charging him under city ordinance only. (Pekin Times, IL)
Medicinal Marijuana Eases Neuropathic Pain in HIV Aug 6, 2008
Cannabis was well-tolerated, effective when added to existing meds, study finds ... The study, published online Aug. 6 in Neuropsychopharmacology, was sponsored by the University of California Center for Medical Cannabis Research (CMCR) ... "We found that smoked cannabis was generally well-tolerated and effective when added to the patient's existing pain medication, resulting in increased pain relief.". (Health-Finder)
Senegal: High Cashew Prices Benefit Rebels Aug 5, 2008
"Some say [selling] cashews or cannabis enables us to buy weapons. This is false... it is only our leaders who buy our weapons.". Manga blamed violence near cashew orchards on the Senegalese military which has a heavy presence in the break-away region, claiming they too profit from the cashew trade. (allAfrica.com)
Millionaire's sons on drug charges Aug 5, 2008
A police operation, codenamed Foxtrot Distant, led officers to allegedly locate quantities of MDMA (ecstasy), methylamphetamine, cocaine, cannabis and steroids with a street value of $40,000. Police also seized alleged drug-making equipment, property, cash and weapons worth around $1. (The Australian)
POLICE ROUNDUP Aug 5, 2008
He was apprehended and was found to be in possession of cannabis. He was taken to the Canton Police Department for charges of unlawful possession of cannabis, processed and released after being issued a notice to appear. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Schizophrenia Researchers Welcome New Blood Aug 4, 2008
ScienceDaily (July 31, 2008) Researchers from UQ's Queensland Brain Institute are set to conduct a world-first trial into the link between prenatal vitamin D levels and schizophrenia prevalence. Funded by the NHMRC and led by QBI's Dr Darryl Eyles, a team of four researchers will study blood spots taken from newborn babies who have gone on to develop schizophrenia in early adulthood. (Science Daily)
Barkas to stand trial on 20 charges Aug 4, 2008
Barkas, 46, of South Yarra, on Monday was ordered to stand trial on six counts of rape, eight of administering a drug, two of sexual penetration of a child under 16 and single counts of indecent assault, assault, trafficking and possessing cannabis. He indicated to the court he would plead not guilty to all 20 charges. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Argentine president: Legalize drug use Aug 3, 2008
"It typically involves both lessening the criminal sanction for possession of cannabis while also providing for alternatives to incarceration for people addicted to drugs who are arrested for drug possession or other minor offenses.". The concept has gained followers in the United States, too, he said, citing statistics that show two-thirds of Americans support drug treatment instead of jail time for first-time drug offenders. (CNN -- International)
Three guilty of killing immigrant Aug 2, 2008
During the trial, the jury was told that Mr Nguyen was suspected of taking part in a raid by rivals on a cannabis factory in Newport ... The prosecution claimed that Mr Nguyen, an illegal immigrant, was at the cannabis plantation at a property in Newport when it was raided by rivals, who tied him up and stole the crop of drug. (BBC News -- UK)
TAC warns drivers Aug 2, 2008
About 20 per cent of drivers killed on Victorian roads test positive for amphetamine-type stimulants or cannabis ... Of those reporting driving under the influence of drugs, 63 per cent admitted to using ecstasy, 65 per cent used amphetamine-type stimulants, and 63 per cent used cannabis. (Bendigo Advertiser)
Marijuana Impairs Thinking in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Aug 2, 2008
"The use of cannabis as a therapeutic agent in multiple sclerosis is controversial," Drs ... The researchers' study involved 140 patients, 10 of whom were classified as current users of street cannabis ... On average, cannabis users were 9 years younger than non-users. (MEDLINEplus)
Mackinaw teen sentenced to three years Aug 1, 2008
Prior to his sentencing, Frank tested positive for cannabis. He has been out on bond and divided his time between his father's and grandmother's homes. (Pekin Times, IL)
Drug Use By Europe’s Young People Leads To Risky Sexual Behaviour Aug 1, 2008
Those who consume alcohol, cannabis, cocaine or ecstasy under the age of 16 are likely to have had sexual relations before this age too, the researcher told SINC. The study shows that early sexual activity is most common among females. The researchers have also found demographic variations in terms of the reasons for the use of different drugs, with higher levels of ecstasy consumption among males to prolong the sexual experience and higher use of cocaine by men to increase sexual excitement and... (Science Daily)
Cannabis-Linked Cell Receptor Might Help Prevent Colon Cancer Aug 1, 2008
Cannabinoids are compounds related to the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in the cannabis plant. It's already known that the receptor, CB1, plays a role in relieving pain and nausea, elevating mood and stimulating appetite by serving as a docking station for the cannabinoid group of signaling molecules. (Health-Finder)
A battle lost? Jul 31, 2008
Initially I started with cannabis just before my 15th birthday ... Regular cannabis user Russell, of Manchester, believes government crackdowns are doomed to failure ... I've smoked cannabis regularly for three years, and the so-called war on drugs has never affected me at all. (BBC News -- UK)
Schizophrenia genes discovered Jul 31, 2008
She said: "There is lots you can do - it's half nature, and half nurture, and we have good evidence for many of these things. "We know, for example, that obstetric complications, or cannabis use, have been linked with an increased risk of schizophrenia. "Genetics is just a really grey area, and there is a danger people will think you can predict it, or even pretty much eliminate it.". (BBC News -- Health)
The Big Question: Is the 'war on drugs' really making the problem ... Jul 31, 2008
Street prices for heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and cannabis have all fallen since the start of the decade. The average price for a gram of heroin in 2000 was 70, but that had fallen to 45 by last year. (Independent)
This little drug went to market Jul 31, 2008
The Langton Centre, a specialist outpatient clinic for drug and alcohol treatment attached to Sydney Hospital, initiated a study this year of a possible new drug treatment for cannabis addiction ... The drug, Rimonabant, is a cannabis-receptor antagonist marketed in Australia as the weight loss drug Accomplia ... It blocks the receptors in the brain where cannabis acts, so cannabis has a diminished or no effect when people are taking it. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Legislators aim to snuff out... Jul 31, 2008
If HR 5843 were passed, the would support marijuana smokers possessing up to 100 grams -- about 3 ounces -- of cannabis without being arrested. It would also give its blessing to the "nonprofit transfer" of up to an ounce of marijuana. (CNN -- Law)
Deaths From Combining Rx Drugs, Street Drugs And/Or Alcohol Skyrocket By More Than 3,000 Percent Jul 30, 2008
5, 2005) Driving under the influence of cannabis almost doubles the risk of a fatal road crash, finds a study published online by the British Medical Journal. However its share in fatal crashes is. (Science Daily)
Study Provides Clues To Preventing And Treating Cancer Spread Jul 30, 2008
26, 2007) A compound found in cannabis may prove to be effective at helping stop the spread of breast cancer cells throughout the body. The study is raising hope that CBD, a compound found in Cannabis sativa. (Science Daily)
Dope smokers not so mellow any more Jul 30, 2008
More than a third of people who present at Sydney emergency departments after smoking cannabis are violent and half have mental health problems such as severe anxiety and suicidal thoughts, shattering the image that dope smokers are relaxed and sleepy, researchers have found. The data, collected by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, at the University of NSW, indicates that cannabis users can be as aggressive as crystal methamphetamine users, with almost one in four men and... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Read more ... Jul 29, 2008
The UN's 2008 World Drug Report showed that South Africa was one of very few countries in the world that not only produced enough cannabis for its own consumption but still had some left over for export. We apparently produce 28 percent of all the cannabis grown in Africa. (Business Report, South Africa)
Public policy should be based on both science and common sense Jul 28, 2008
The state has no place banning cellphone use among any sector of the population - that's a personal use issue, like cannabis, alcohol, sports and reading materials. But that is not happening here. (The Province)
Alleged drug traffickers in court Jul 28, 2008
It is alleged two of the men were caught with 45 kilograms of cannabis when their utility was stopped on Saturday near Murray Bridge. Police allege the men were heading to New South Wales. (ABC Online)
Going up in smoke Jul 27, 2008
" Indeed, the ill-effects of tobacco are indisputable but the evidence on marijuana is more mixed. In a 2007 study rating the harmfulness of illicit drugs, published in The Lancet, cannabis was classed in the group of drugs that do the least harm. Tobacco and alcohol were in the top 10. Inhaling cannabis smoke can cause cancer, but at lower rates than tobacco. Some evidence shows THC, the active chemical in marijuana, may even have a protective effect against cancer. Another Lancet study,... (Sydney Morning Herald)
Can Amy Winehouse be saved? Jul 27, 2008
According to her father, Amy had been using cannabis from the age of 15; it encouraged her boho, otherworldly leanings. Godwyn says: Amy had that old jazz notion that you turned up somewhere, played a set for a few drinks in front of some friends, and then went home. (Times Online)
Marijuana grower gets three months Jul 26, 2008
Nguyen has outstanding 2004 charges in British Columbia for producing a controlled substance, theft of hydropower, production of cannabis, possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, and failure to appear in court. After Nguyen completes his sentence in the Cowlitz County Jail, he will be transferred to a federal facility to address the question of extradition to Canada unless he has waived extradition, Shaffer said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Second failure to register sex offender address nets Mattoon man prison time Jul 25, 2008
- Christopher J. Mooney, 18, for whom records listed address on Ninth Street in Charleston and in Orland Hills, to a charge of delivery of cannabis accusing him of selling marijuana on the Eastern Illinois University campus on April 22. Terms of Mooney s two-year, first offender probation sentence include substance abuse treatment and 660 in fines. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
