AlterNet, 14 Jul 2010 - In 1985 I was sentenced to 15 years to life under the Rockefeller Drug Laws of New York State. I struggled to survive in the maximum security hell hole, Sing Sing, and did many things I was not proud of to stay alive. Being in prison for many years had drained me spiritually and emotionally. There were times when the only emotion I was aware of was a quiet, smoldering rage. Because of the barriers I'd built to survive, I'd become desensitized, and I knew it. There was still a part of me that could see myself from the outside in, and what I saw I didn't like: a callous, bitter individual consumed with the injustices of the world. I knew that I needed to heal if I ever wanted to interact normally with people upon release. I had some insight into human behavior because of the bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science I'd earned from Mercy College in 1993. The problem was, the program was over and I had to serve an additional 7 years.

Missoulian, 06 Jul 2010 - There have been several alarming crimes in the news recently, reportedly linked to the burgeoning marijuana industry. The lurid headlines are leading some to believe that Montana's medical marijuana system is broken or even hopeless. Clearly, some changes are needed. The ultimate fix, however, is eluding most coverage. Medical cannabis didn't "cause" the crimes mentioned. Cannabis is just a plant, used from time to time by some 100,000 Montanans for medical, spiritual, personal or social reasons.

Asheville Citizen-Times, 02 Jul 2010 - This week, I helped form a new North Carolina non-profit-- The North Carolina National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NC NORML). Yes, that's right. Weed, dope, pot, ganja, reefer, cannabis. Everyone knows it illegal, but when asked, nobody really knows why. Alcohol, which leads directly to violence and death, is perfectly fine so long as you are of age. Ask any police officer if someone being arrested for marijuana without alcohol has ever resisted, or ask any domestic violence victim if marijuana led to a battering? Anyone who knows the history laughs at the federal government's original basis for the prohibition back in 1937 that "marijuana is the most violence-causing drug in the history of mankind," claimed to be even more dangerous than heroin or cocaine. The false news reports that black men, most notably those insidious jazz-musicians, raped, murdered and assaulted white women after smoking marijuana cigarettes were clear race-baiting. The problem, however, is that law and policy remains the same, with the same effect.

The Gazette, 22 Jun 2010 - What did Moses do after kneeling by the burning bush? "He smoked it," said the Rev. Roger Christie, who gave a lecture Tuesday at Penrose Library on ingesting marijuana to heighten religious experience.

Red Bluff Daily News, 15 Jun 2010 - The World Hemp Extravaganga Event 2010 has come and gone but the debate goes on as to whether the gathering was appropriate or reflects well upon the citizens of Tehama County. The fact that federal and state statutes are at odds about the medical efficacy and legality of cannabis sativa (marijuana) and its psychoactive chemical constituent tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), underscores the extent of dissention. When legal and medical wrangling combines with polarized accounts and attributions of THC effects on individuals the debate often devolves into personal attacks and widespread stereotyping.

AlterNet, 23 May 2010 - Despite a $40 billion a year "war on drugs" that is premised on the goal of creating a "drug-free society," our country is swimming in drugs. Most people start using drugs before they even leave the house in the morning. Yes, that first cup of coffee is what many of us need to start the day. The next drug that millions of Americans use, sometimes up to 20 times a day, is our nicotine! And then, after a long day of work, many of us head to a local bar or to our refrigerator and pour ourselves a cocktail, ice cold beer or a nice glass of wine.

The Observer, 09 May 2010 - In the 60s hippies fled to the backwoods of northern California to grow pot. There they have been joined by growers of 'medical marijuana' - available with a doctor's recommendation - as well as by Mexican drug cartels. With cannabis now its largest cash crop, the state will soon vote on whether to legalise it fully - and even Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is thinking the enormous tax revenues might just solve his budget deficit... 'When I see that, it's like looking at a shed full of cows. I see a whole lot of work," says Jim Hill, opening the little gate into his humid greenhouse in which a forest of marijuana grows, and from which a pungent, heady scent exudes at gale force.

Leduc Representative, 07 May 2010 - How can a community take away the market for drugs? The question introduces another: why do people use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs? Younger people often use drugs in an attempt to find acceptance with peers. As one said, "It's all about belonging."

Leduc Representative, 07 May 2010 - How can a community take away the market for drugs? The question introduces another: why do people use illegal drugs or misuse prescription drugs? Younger people often use drugs in an attempt to find acceptance with peers. As one said, "It's all about belonging."

Chico Enterprise-Record, 25 Apr 2010 - RED BLUFF -- Medical marijuana user and patient advocate Donna Will is planning a three-day World Hemp Expo Extravaganja 2010 for Memorial Day weekend on her property just south of Red Bluff. Will said she hopes the event will both ease local tensions over in medical marijuana use and bring in tourist dollars lost from the cancellation of the Red Bluff Nitro Nationals Boat Drag Race.

Sacramento Bee, 25 Apr 2010 - LAYTONVILLE - Along Mendocino County's Redwood Highway, just beyond the sign depicting a hovering alien spaceship, veteran marijuana cultivator Tim Blake sees the future. He views his Area 101 spiritual retreat as the answer to the looming upheaval for a renowned California pot-growing region challenged by a November state ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use and new growing techniques.

The Fresno Bee, 25 Apr 2010 - LAYTONVILLE - Along Mendocino County's Redwood Highway, just beyond the sign depicting a hovering alien spaceship, veteran marijuana cultivator Tim Blake sees the future. He views his Area 101 spiritual retreat as the answer to the looming upheaval for a renowned California pot-growing region challenged by a November state ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use and new growing techniques.

Chico Enterprise-Record, 25 Apr 2010 - RED BLUFF -- Medical marijuana user and patient advocate Donna Will is planning a three-day World Hemp Expo Extravaganja 2010 for Memorial Day weekend on her property just south of Red Bluff. Will said she hopes the event will both ease local tensions over in medical marijuana use and bring in tourist dollars lost from the cancellation of the Red Bluff Nitro Nationals Boat Drag Race.

Sacramento Bee, 25 Apr 2010 - LAYTONVILLE - Along Mendocino County's Redwood Highway, just beyond the sign depicting a hovering alien spaceship, veteran marijuana cultivator Tim Blake sees the future. He views his Area 101 spiritual retreat as the answer to the looming upheaval for a renowned California pot-growing region challenged by a November state ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use and new growing techniques.

The Fresno Bee, 25 Apr 2010 - LAYTONVILLE - Along Mendocino County's Redwood Highway, just beyond the sign depicting a hovering alien spaceship, veteran marijuana cultivator Tim Blake sees the future. He views his Area 101 spiritual retreat as the answer to the looming upheaval for a renowned California pot-growing region challenged by a November state ballot initiative to legalize marijuana for adult recreational use and new growing techniques.

Record Searchlight, 24 Apr 2010 - RED BLUFF -- It's not exactly Yasgur's Farm, but a proposed hemp fest in a hayfield south of town has county officials scurrying to update a Woodstock-era law. Responding in part to the planned three-day World Hemp Expo Extravaganja -- or WHEE 2010 -- Tehama County supervisors Tuesday will consider adopting an urgency ordinance regulating special events. Assistant County Counsel Arthur Wylene said this week that the update of the 1970 festival law already was long overdue when medical marijuana patient and grower Donna Will submitted her plans for the Memorial Day weekend, alcohol-free expo on Riverside Avenue.

Record Searchlight, 24 Apr 2010 - RED BLUFF -- It's not exactly Yasgur's Farm, but a proposed hemp fest in a hayfield south of town has county officials scurrying to update a Woodstock-era law. Responding in part to the planned three-day World Hemp Expo Extravaganja -- or WHEE 2010 -- Tehama County supervisors Tuesday will consider adopting an urgency ordinance regulating special events. Assistant County Counsel Arthur Wylene said this week that the update of the 1970 festival law already was long overdue when medical marijuana patient and grower Donna Will submitted her plans for the Memorial Day weekend, alcohol-free expo on Riverside Avenue.

Daily Gleaner, 22 Apr 2010 - On Thursday the Supreme Court will deliver a decision in the case of Reverend Brother Michael Baldasaro vs. Her Majesty the Queen. Baldasaro is appealing a decision by an Ontario court. The specific issue under the Charter is whether the prohibition of marijuana trafficking in the Controlled Drug and Substances Act violates the right to religious freedom under the Charter.

Daily Gleaner, 22 Apr 2010 - On Thursday the Supreme Court will deliver a decision in the case of Reverend Brother Michael Baldasaro vs. Her Majesty the Queen. Baldasaro is appealing a decision by an Ontario court. The specific issue under the Charter is whether the prohibition of marijuana trafficking in the Controlled Drug and Substances Act violates the right to religious freedom under the Charter.

Red Bluff Daily News, 15 Apr 2010 - As Red Bluff gears up for its money maker, the Red Bluff Round-Up Rodeo, local medical marijuana advocates hope to create another. Plugging the boat hole Medical marijuana user and patient advocate Donna Will is planning the three-day World Hemp Expo Extravaganja 2010 for Memorial Day weekend on Riverside Avenue, just south of Red Bluff at Red Bank Creek.