OPN Reaches Out
OPN has finally put together a database, a big thanks goes to Doc Miller and Mike our new information specialist. The database contains those who indicated they would like to be more involved in bringing medical marijuana reform to Ohio. Most of these volunteers have never contacted, but with the database and Rob Ryan's help they are now being contacted. Basic information like how much time can they commit, what resources do they have they can use, and what skills do they have to help OPN. Columbus area resident are the first ones to be contacted since it has the largest pool of OPN members who checked the box "I want to be more involved". Don't wait to be called! Contact 888-647-2843 and indicate what time, resources and skills you have. You may also email RRyan@ohiopatient.net with the subject line "I want to Help".
Cincinnati Activity Report
The following is a summary report of activity in the Cincinnati area. The varied activities encompass a Patient Forum with Mary Spears, participation in a local Harvest "Rumble" Festival, coalition building, Ohio's Senate debate, a Kerry rally, a Bush Rally, and a medical marijuana petition.
Mary Spears was our guest on our PALTALK patient forum. Mary Spears informed us on her situation. Mary had been under probation for a possession case, where she was subjected to frequent drug testing. Mary had clearly stated she was a medical marijuana user. Mary failed every single one of her test. Mary stood up, firm in her resolve, and the court finally recognized this. The court finally gave in and the Judge removed all restrictions on Mary. It was not easy standing up, but she is an encouraging example of what is possible. Thank you Mary Spears for standing up.
OPN tabled at two events this past month. The first one was at the annual Ohio Valley Reefer Rumble organized by the Happy Hemptress (see www.hemprock.com). OPN members aided the event by assisting the handicapped attendees and running the voting booth. We shared our table with the local ASA chapter. At this event a small group of new volunteers was identified. The second one was at a new coalition partner, the Cincinnati chapter of EarthSave (see www.earthsave.com). OPN was there for their 10th anniversary dinner. Earthsave is an organization concerning a Healthy Planet and Healthy People and is very receptive to OPN. We need to continue to seek out new coalition partners in order to move ahead.
OPN members helped out at three political events in Cincinnati. The first was at the only Senate debate in Ohio. OPN and ASA flyers were attended out to the debate audience members. The same material was distributed to the various media covering the event. A Kerry rally was held on Fountain Square and OPN was there handing out a flyer targeting Kerry supporters. A slightly different flyer was handed out at the Bush Rally. The response from the two crowds were similar and supportive. At these events Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (see www.LEAP.cc) flyers were handed out to the police officers covering these two events. See www.robryan.org/OPNASA/ for a web page report with photos of the Bush Rally.
SMOKE 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM
Many observers are saying Tuesday's results show a sweeping endorsement of traditional values and a rejection of wishy-washy liberalism. On the other hand, folks at the Marijuana Policy Project are high-fiving big-time with wins in at least 17 of 20 contests in places such as Montana and Columbia, Mo.
DRUGS AND THE NATION
In an election whose outcome was determined by militaristic, theocratic culture warriors, medical marijuana in Montana was one of the few bright spots.
Even as 59 percent of the state's voters were going for George W. Bush and two-thirds opting to ban gay marriage, Montanans were approving Initiative 148, which would allow medical marijuana use by patients with a doctor's recommendation, by a 62-38 percent margin.
MEDICINAL MARIJUANA ADVANCES
In Montana, a state where voters supported George Bush by a 59-38 percent margin, they also passed a medical marijuana initiative by a 62-38 percent margin. This made Montana the 10th U.S. state to pass a law specifically exempting from prosecution patients and caregivers cultivating and possessing marijuana for medical use with a doctor's note.
MEDICAL POT CASE IN COURT
Two ailing Northern California women took their plea for legally tolerated medical marijuana to the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday and ran into skeptical questioning from both wings of the court.
The justices, minus Chief Justice William Rehnquist, who is being treated for thyroid cancer, heard arguments on whether the federal ban on marijuana possession and distribution overrides laws in California and nine other states allowing seriously ill patients to use pot with a doctor's recommendation. A ruling is due by summer.
Read more: http://www.mapinc.org/newsopn/v04/n1709/a05.html?204
OPNews, a publication of Ohio Patient Network (OPN), provides medical cannabis news that affects Ohio patients, caregivers, and health professionals.
All articles are intended for educational purposes and do not reflect an official position, either positive or negative, by the OPN or its Board of Directors.
Ohio Patient Network does not endorse any candidates running for office. The reports of campaign-related activities are for educational purposes only.
The OPN Board of Directors invites you to participate in OPN patient forums, which are held at 8:00 p.m. (eastern time) the last Thursday of each month. You are also welcome to attend the weekly OPN business meetings.
The Ohio Patient Network's goal is to provide a voice for Ohio's medicinal cannabis patients and create an environment where this vital medicine becomes an accepted and legitimate therapy. To do this, we need your help.
If you'd prefer, you can also support medicinal cannabis and what we are doing by contributing monetarily to OPN. Please note that the Ohio Patient Network is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the State of Ohio. Donations to OPN are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
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Write to your officials care of their district office, or send your letter to their Columbus office at:
The Honorable (name)
Ohio House of Representatives
77 South High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43266-0603
-or-
The Honorable (name)
Ohio Senate Building
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Telephone calls and emails are also persuasive, especially when the constituent contacts the district office.
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