Hello friends,

The seasons are changing. Fall’s bright gold leaves have given way to the deep green of pines. The mountain has gained a light dusting of snow, with more to come tonight. Where last year’s fire blackened the hillsides, the seemingly dead oak trees have sent up a multitude of green shoots. While the families affected by the fire are in the slow process of rebuilding their homes and their lives. Two new homes now sit where, last year, there was nothing but ashes.  By this time next year, there will be more homes rebuilt, as life begins to return to almost normal.

Since major disasters seem to be hitting everywhere, I am going to remind all of you, once again, to have a “Go Bag” with a few changes of clothes, a jacket, comfy shoes, a couple weeks’ worth of your medications, hygiene items, little address book, some cash in small bills, a few granola bars and a bottle of water.  I also have a Sudoku magazine and pencils, and a deck of cards in my “Go Bag”, so I can pass the time if I’m stuck somewhere for a while. Being prepared for an evacuation can make the difference between having a merely stressful time, or a really horrible one! OK, enough with my nagging at you- on to the List.

Last year, it became impossible to keep up with all the changes in URLs, whole sites going down necessitating replacing their articles, and other changes, for literally thousands of studies.  So I have cut things back to just the most recent studies and news items for most subjects. If you want the older studies, they are still available online in the pre-2022 versions of my List.

When it comes to medical conditions, the newest studies and articles are what the majority of folks want, so I am focusing on 2020 onward to give you the very latest information. There are a few exceptions that still have the older information, such as the sections on CULTIVATION, CLASSIC STUDIES, the HISTORY sections, and the WAR ON DRUGS.  There‘s just too much older, but interesting stuff in them to be ignored.

My List is divided into three major sections that you open to access the STUDIES, the NEWS articles and a MINI-DICTIONARY. The sections all have an index that makes navigating my List a lot easier. To get the index to show up in the PDFs, you need to click the little ribbon-shaped icon on the right. In the WORD version, you’ll need to click the list-like “browse the headings” icon on the far left.

If you are new to my List, I suggest that you take a moment and just scroll on through the index, just to see what’s there.  I have put everything in both WORD and PDF formats, so you can choose the format that you prefer.  And please feel free to share my List with your friends! The whole idea behind my List is to educate everyone, so they can make an educated choice about cannabis.

NEWS – This is a good place to start your education about cannabis. The first thing you will see is “Beginners – Start Here”.  There is a lot to learn about cannabis and these articles will give you the basics and a bit more.

In this section are articles from newspapers, magazines, blogs, 1^st person stories, and even a few editorials and letters from medical publications. This section will also introduce you to various cannabis-friendly sites. Interest in cannabis, and especially CBD, has peaked lately and even just with more recent articles, there are over 550 pages of links for you to explore in the NEWS section.

For those of you who are more interested in studies, the news articles can definitely be worth reading.  Since many studies are “pay-walled”, the articles often give details not available in the short, but free abstracts.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/o4qpa2ug529c8i02wbif3/NEWS-SECTION-2022.docx?rlkey=uvigc89ev7ely3ida74k3e8ks&dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/7yey08hl9c6g9sjdixw44/NEWS-SECTION-2022.pdf?rlkey=uz45ps8oq5ycz6hw663ogftqz&dl=1

STUDIES – This section has the studies, abstracts and scholarly articles about the cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system.  Even after the “Covid slowdown” that hit research (and just about everything else), studies are now coming out at a remarkable rate.  Although I would like to have just full studies for you, I have included many of the more interesting short abstracts since many libraries and colleges have free access to the “pay-walled” studies.  There are over 2,000 pages of links that I have sorted into sub-sections and subjects to make researching easier.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/q3fp211qyiqjtvylo0efb/STUDIES-SECTION-2022.docx?rlkey=bkgmljmzs76n554h907nso4p7&dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/anrgb3jsr6jw30mempjgw/STUDIES-SECTION-2022.pdf?rlkey=204i6z4v2awmxofkd7pd5hf8e&dl=1

The MINI-DICTIONARY – This little section has plain language definitions for some the new words you will run across in the STUDIES and a few of the NEWS articles.  You might want to print this section up just so you don’t have to jump between windows to find a definition.  There are only 29 pages, so if you print both sides, it’s not too unwieldy.

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xq088fs5jdo2w3jpfs8d6/Minidictionary-2022.docx?rlkey=slof20ou5u0cqbbxztfv45vmb&dl=1

https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ke33zs4m9pwouxc8c4ecx/Minidictionary-2022.pdf?rlkey=auy87umjhe7jxd5aj159a8lxf&dl=1

As of today, 48% of the states have legalized adult use of cannabis, while 76% of the states allow various levels of medical use. Both Canada and Mexico have legalized adult use. Isn’t it time that our government do the same?

Poll after poll has shown that the majority of Americans are in favor of legalizing adult use, while only a rapidly shrinking minority opposes it. We need to start reminding some of our “less enlightened” politicians that the concept of legal cannabis is far more popular than they will ever be.  Unless they wake up to that fact, they may have little hope of getting re-elected!

Well folks, this is getting way too long, so I’m just going to leave you with this little quote from the late Carl Sagan.

“The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.”

Wishing peace and love to all,

Granny

by Eric Steenstra
The 2012 election campaign is in full swing and President Obama’s campaign is hard at work raising money to fund his reelection effort. The campaign even has an online store featuring a wide variety of items for sale. One of the items offered is a beautiful hemp and organic cotton scarf made by fashion designer Monique Péan.
The scarf is listed as “made in the USA.” What the Obama store doesn’t tell you is that the scarf is made from imported hemp blend fabric made in China. Unfortunately the Obama administration has confused non-drug industrial hemp with marijuana and blocked American farmers from growing the crop. This outrageous policy has forced American companies to import hemp textiles, auto parts, building materials, nutritious foods and more from overseas increasing our trade deficit and offshoring farming and manufacturing jobs.
 
Complete article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-steenstra/the-obama-reelection-camp_b_1684999.html

by Phillip Smith

 
A decade after the Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis (CRC) filed its petition seeking to have marijuana moved from Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the federal courts will finally review the scientific evidence regarding the therapeutic efficacy of marijuana. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals announced late last week that it will hear oral arguments in October in a lawsuit filed by Americans for Safe Access (ASA) to force the government to act.
 
Complete article here: http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2012/jul/30/medical_marijuana_rescheduling_l

Thank you everyone for your continued support and contributions to the JackHerer.com website.  We recently have had a crash with the website and have been working to get all our old posts restored.  Please bear with us for a few days while this gets sorted out.  JackHerer.com is a volunteer effort that we are committed to keeping online and promote the awareness and messages shared by Jack.  Happy 4/20 everyone!

Hemp could be on the verge of joining the growing number of weeds that could power your car. Researchers at the University of Connecticut have found that industrial hemp seeds could make an ideal feedstock for biofuel production. Slight hitch: growing hemp, industrial or otherwise, is still illegal in the U.S. However, given that medical marijuana is rapidly approaching mainstream status and some states are relaxing marijuana-related laws, the chances for an industrial hemp comeback look a little brighter.

Biodiesel from Hemp

A couple of things about hemp make it ideal as a sustainable biofuel. First of all, industrial hemp is not a food crop.  Second, it flourishes in sub-quality soil with a minimal amount of water or fertilizer. The UConn research team found that 97 percent of the virgin hemp seed oil they tested converted to biodiesel, and this high efficiency of conversion offers good potential for commercial production. The team also found that hemp seed biodiesel could be used at lower temperatures than other biodiesels currently in use.

Plenty of Room for Hemp Biodiesel

With hemp production barred here in the U.S., the researchers hope their findings will prove useful in other countries where hemp is grown, since in most cases the seeds are simply discarded. In any case, as mentioned above, chances are that the ban will eventually be lifted, not only because of relaxing cultural attitudes about hemp in general but also because the U.S. military is going heavily in for biofuels, with camelina biofuel for Air Force and Navy fighter planes leading the way.

Cypress Hill has made no bongs about where its allegiances lie. The venerable South Gate-raised rhymers have been teaching America how to get high and the right ways to do it, since Bush père owned the Oval Office. And since 1998,  the group’s struck the match for the Cypress Hill Smokeout, along with Guerilla Union (the organization behind Paid Dues and Rock the Bells).
Following a hiatus, the festival returned last year with performances from a reunited Sublime (minus the late Bradley Nowell), Goodie Mob, the Geto Boys, Redman & Method Man, and Slipknot. This year’s event, slated for Oct. 16 at San Bernardino’s NOS Events Center,  features headlining performances from Incubus, Manu Chao, Nas and Damian Marley, Erykah Badu and MGMT.
But perhaps the most interesting story about the festival’s latest incarnation is that it boasts a dedicated consumption area for medical marijuana patients. The fruits of an arrangement brokered between Guerilla Union and local municipal and law enforcement officials, the safe haven is the first known pact of its kind in Southern California concert history. In advance of the festival, Pop & Hiss spoke with Guerilla Union’s Chang Weisberg about how the deal went down.
What was the process behind persuading the local authorities to permit this sort of safe haven for medical marijuana cardholders?
It was a long one. We had to get the OK from the police department and the city of San Bernardino.  None of them will endorse what we’re doing, or even say that they’re behind this. However, they took a major step by saying, ‘We’ll work with you, we’ll give you this opportunity and privilege.’ It stems from having succesfully executed Paid Dues, Rock the Bells and the Smokeout for over a decade.
But this is about more than just a place where people with medical marijuana cards can smoke marijuana freely. We have a medical marijuana expo where we promote activism, compassion and education. We believe that medical marijuna is the gateway to responsible tax-regulated consumption. Obviously, big alcohol, big medicine and big tobacco fan a lot of negative stereoytypes regarding cannabis.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/music_blog/2010/10/a-conversation-with-guerilla-union-founder-chang-weisberg-in-advance-of-the-cypress-hill-smokeout.html

By Steve Elliott
The New Jersey Health Department on Wednesday night released 97 pages of rules for what patients, advocates and lawmakers are describing as one of the most restrictive medical marijuana programs in the country.

Application and renewal fees are either $20 or $200, depending on patients’ income levels. Patients can choose how they take their medication — either by smoking, taking an enhanced cannabis lozenge or applying a topical lotion containing the active ingredients in marijuana, according to the rules.

Patients can get up to two ounces of marijuana per month from their dispensaries, also called “alternative treatment centers.”

The Health Department will select just two growers to supply four nonprofit dispensaries, a departure from the law enacted by the Legislature in January. The law had called for a minimum of six nonprofit centers to both grow and sell marijuana.

Prospective dispensary operators must pay $20,000 to apply for a treatment center license, although they will get back $18,000 if they are rejected. Annual renewal fees are also $20,000.

Entrepreneurs who want to compete to be either one of the two growers, or one of the four sellers, will be able to obtain applications next week, according to Health Department press release.

John Munson/The Star-Ledger

N.J. Health Commissioner Poonam Alaigh: “We have designed a clinically sound program that is unique to New Jersey”

“We have designed a clinically sound program that is unique to New Jersey,” said Health Commissioner Poonam Alaigh.

“It is a physician-driven program that provides access to qualified patients for whom conventional treatment has failed and who may benefit from medical marijuana as a symptom reliever. The program is also designed to ensure that patients receive ongoing medical care from a physician.”

No patients are expected to be able to get medical marijuana before the summer of 2011, according to the rules on the department’s website.

Patients will be allowed to start applying next month.

Photo: Drug Policy Alliance

Roseanne Scotti, Drug Policy Alliance of N.J.: “Overall, it seems the goal of the regulations it to provide the least amount of relief to the fewest number of patients”

A patient advocate called the new rules “disappointing.”

“Overall, it seems the goal of the regulations to provide the least amount of relief to the fewest number of patients,” said Roseanne Scotti of the Drug Policy Alliance of New Jersey.

“This wasn’t what was foreseen by advocates,” Scotti said. “We already had the strictest law in the country; I didn’t think it could get any worse.

The restrictive rules also upset Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), a primary sponsor of the law, who said he will expect them to be changed to reflect the legislation then-Gov. Jon Corzine signed in January.

Gov. Chris Christie got permission to delay the law by three months, claiming he needed more time to write the rules and create a program that could not be “exploited,” as he claimed the laws in other states had been.

A staff of at least four state employees will review patient records and written doctor authorizations.

The state will issue photo IDs to approved patients, bearing their names, addresses, and birth dates, as well as the name of a “primary caregiver” who has undergone a background check and is permitted to obtain cannabis on the patient’s behalf if necessary.

The rules will be printed in the New Jersey Register, a biweekly government publication, and a public hearing will follow.

Atlanta – A Georgia judge was arrested last Friday by the FBI in an undercover sting operation, and now faces weapons and drug charges.
67 year old senior U.S. District Court Judge Jack T. Camp was arrested last Friday in an undercover sting operation, and was released on Monday. Hailing from Georgia, Camp was arrested after he allegedly bought cocaine, marijuana and other illicit drugs reported the New York Times.
MSNBC broke the news last week, and have posted a copy of the FBI’s complaint and affidavit against the judge that resulted in Camp’s arrest. The complaint was sworn by a special agent for the FBI and states Camp tried to buy drugs, and also had cocaine, marijuana and roxycodone in his possession. He also allegedly had in his possession illegal firearms. In the FBI’s affidavit detailing the particular allegations behind Camp’s arrest, the anonymous stripper claims she and Camp did drugs together.
MSN reported that Camp’s lawyer, Bill Morrison, said the case had nothing to do with Camp’s position as a judge and everything to do with his marriage. At Camp’s arraignment Monday, Morrison said Camp would plead not guilty. However, as USA Today reported, a hearing might be difficult to obtain. A judge had to be brought in from Alabama for Camp’s arraignment.
Morrison told media that Camp would most probably take a leave of absence from his job as a judge until the charges were resolved.
USA Today said Camp had been caught when buying drugs from an undercover officer who was posing as a drug dealer. Camp allegedly had two guns with him when he made the drug deal.
Camp was nominated to the District Court by Reagan in 1987, and after the senate approved his appointment, he began his commission in 1988. He became a senior judge in 2008.
The allegations say that Camp had formed a relationship with an Atlanta stripper, paying her for sex and purchased illegal drugs from her. She turned into an informant earlier this year, and the FBI began tailing Camp and also tapped his phone. The Times-Herald said Camp
“… faces four drug-related charges and one count of possessing firearms while illegally using drugs.”
The judge and the stripper were together when purchasing drugs from the undercover FBI, reported the Atlantic Journal-Constitution.
According to an article posted at Law, reproduced from the Fulton County Daily Report, Camp’s wife and children attended Monday’s arraignment hearing.

It’s a scorching late afternoon in mid-July. Strolling on the sidewalk along the west side of Flamingo Park in South Beach, Eric Stevens approaches a man holding his toddler son by the hand. The blond-haired, blue-eyed University of Miami business school graduate asks the father if he is a registered voter in Miami Beach. The man, whose name is Charlie, replies in the affirmative. “I was wondering if you would sign a petition that would allow Miami Beach police officers to issue a citation to anyone caught with 20 grams or less of marijuana instead of putting them in jail,” Stevens says. The dad doesn’t hesitate: “Where do I sign?”
Stevens then walks over to a thin, young man named Adrian, who’s wearing a tank top and gym shorts and leaning against a pole holding a basketball hoop. “A $100 fine instead of jail?” Adrian remarks. “That’s cool, man.” Over the course of three hours, Stevens collects two dozen signatures from registered Miami Beach voters for a petition that would decriminalize possession of small amounts of marijuana.

The 23-year-old Foxboro, Massachusetts, native forms half of the brain trust behind Sensible Florida, a group that earlier this year initiated a petition drive in Jacksonville that stalled before coming to South Florida to make a go of it. His counterpart is Ford Bannister, a 27-year-old who helped push medical marijuana referendums in Denver, where it is now legal. As of this past September 6, Sensible Florida has collected 2,402 signatures from registered voters in Miami Beach. Stevens and Bannister need to get another 1,800 John Hancocks to hold a special election that would let Beach residents make their city the first in Florida to legalize small amounts of reefer.
“Billions of dollars have been spent on the drug war to put countless people in jail and ruin their lives,” Stevens reasons as a brunet unloading her Mini Cooper signs the petition. “But it just seems impossible to me that anyone can stop a plant from growing anywhere in the world.”
Stevens’ path to pro-marijuana activist began last summer when he was taking an entrepreneurial class during his junior year. “I was a naval sea cadet in high school and a straight-A student,” he says. “I always thought marijuana was bad for you until I realized fellow classmates who were much smarter than me smoked pot and still excelled.”
So for his class, he developed a business plan advocating for medical marijuana dispensaries in Florida, which won him a $2,500 endowment from the university’s business school to further study his proposal. “Florida is an agricultural state,” he says. “And marijuana is the number-one cash crop in the country, so it seemed pretty logical to me.”
Stevens used the money to cover travel expenses to California, the first state to legalize medical marijuana, where he visited dispensaries and Oaksterdam University in Oakland. There, he took advanced classes on the business of government-regulated pot selling. He also familiarized himself with the federal government’s hypocrisy on marijuana. “I found out that the government has a patent on THC [the primary intoxicant in pot] to make marinol for medicinal purposes,” he says. “Yet the same government classifies marijuana as a Schedule I drug, meaning that it has no medicinal value.”
After his trip out West, Stevens returned home to Foxboro, where he volunteered on the ballot initiative that last year made medical marijuana legal in Massachusetts. After graduating in May, he joined Bannister to bring the reefer revolution to the Sunshine State.
“I’ve always been entrepreneurial,” Stevens notes. “I saw a huge demand but a low supply for a safe product with significant medical benefits. Many of the arguments for keeping marijuana illegal just don’t have any substance.”