Marijuana columnist goes on trial on charges of illegally growing pot (DOH! alert)

Yahoo News ^ | 1/21/03 | DAVID KRAVETS

[Libloather]

Marijuana columnist goes on trial on charges of illegally growing pot
Tue Jan 21, 3:28 PM ET
By DAVID KRAVETS, Associated Press Writer

SAN FRANCISCO - An author of how-to books and columns on growing marijuana and evading the law went on trial Tuesday on federal charges of illegally cultivating pot.

The case against Ed Rosenthal represents the latest clash between federal agents and state and local authorities over the medical use of marijuana.

Rosenthal, a former columnist for the pro-marijuana magazine High Times, has said he was growing pot to help the sick, which is legal under California law. But marijuana is still illegal under federal law.

Prosecutor George Bevan told the jury that agents seized some 3,000 plants growing in Rosenthal's warehouse in Oakland.

"It's a federal offense," Bevan said.

Rosenthal, 58, could receive a life sentence if convicted.

California and seven other states — Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Oregon and Washington — allow the sick to receive, possess, grow or smoke marijuana for medical purposes without fear of state prosecution.

Nearly two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court said it was a violation of federal drug laws for medical marijuana clubs to dispense pot.

Armed with that ruling, the government has raided several marijuana clubs and growing operations in California over the objection of marijuana advocates and local prosecutors and politicians.

[Monty22]

Hear hear.. 100% correct.

[spodbox]

There used to be a stigma towards inter-racial marriage. Was it ever illegal? I don't think so.

How about being gay? That usually carries a heavy stigma, but it's not illegal. (unless you count the un-enforced sodomy laws)

Heck, being an insufferable asshole carries a stigma with it, but you sure aren't in jail now, are you?

[Monty22]

LOL, the gateway 'theory' has been proven.

[Mike4Freedom]

(unless you count the un-enforced sodomy laws)

Unfortunately, the Puritans do enforce these in some states.

[eleni121]

Puritanism is not about lack of enjoyment in life's pleasures. That's what the free love, free pot crowd would have you think. Apparently you have swallowed that myth whole.

The WOD is the most effective way that society employs to control, hinder, and prevent harm to its citizens.

Enjoyment of life's pleasures is best done through sober, clear minded, and if you are lucky enough - healthy bodies.

[Stew Padasso]

[eleni121]

And most especially, not everything that is illegal should illegal at the federal level

I can deal with that. Trouble is in a nation where power has increasingly become centralized, regulation and control of dangerous substances easily grown and transported such as pot need sanctions at the federal level...

[Stew Padasso]

Q&A WITH THE HIGH TIMES CULTIVATION EXPERTS



Q: Hey Kyle, thanks in advance.

I am in my 4th week of flowering. I want to know how much longer, if my buds have been touched like they were, will it affect them? I noticed that there are a couple of red hairs where they were touched, and upon closer examination, it looks like they are drying on those spots,what do you suggest I do or dont do?

-- dagbar

A: I suggest you STOP handling your buds. You're not picking out fruit in the produce section of your supermarket. You are causing the buds to prematurely die back. Sometimes they recover and grow around the area, sometimes they don't. Use your eyes to judge the size. Don't be hasty, waiting makes it tasty.

If you enjoy sniffing a sample (or taste) of the resin, it's best to take it from a sugary leaf protruding from the bud. Its easy to remove some crystals by rubbing a leaf blade between your thumb and forefinger and smelling them gives you a hint of the enjoyment you'll soon be experiencing.

-- answered by Kyle on 2002-07-15

[Mike4Freedom]

Trouble is in a nation where power has increasingly become centralized, regulation and control of dangerous substances easily grown and transported such as pot need sanctions at the federal level...

But what about that pesky Tenth Amendment? It forbids the Federal government from doing anything not specifically authorized in Article 1, Section 8 or by amendment. As an example, alcohol prohibition required a specific amendment to give the Feds authority. They understood at the time that, absent the 18th amendment, they had no such authority.

Have you found the amendment that authorized any other substances to be prohibited? I have never found it. And, since FReepers respect the constitution, then they should be vehemently against Federal drug prohibition. Right, of course right!

[Stew Padasso]

Award winner:

[thepitts]

I really fail to see the point of debate with the likes of dane, curry, walters etc.
In the end there is going to be only one way to deal with these morons.

[Stew Padasso]

A Qwell comb may be the answer.

[Mike4Freedom]

I really fail to see the point of debate with the likes of dane, curry, walters etc.

I never give up hope that the obvious common sense and benefits of freedom will get through to our blind brothers-sometime before the re-education camps open for business.

[Cultural Jihad]

I really fail to see the point of debate with the likes of dane, curry, walters etc. In the end there is going to be only one way to deal with these morons.

How do you mean?

[thepitts]

How do you mean?

Take a flying leap.

[Cultural Jihad]

Take a flying leap.

What sort of an answer is that for a public debate forum?

[Senator Pardek]

Every pot smoking event I have ever been to - parties, concerts, and other get togethers - was full of pompous, lewd, lazy assed, jerks!

Every keg party I've ever been to - parties, concerts, and other get togethers - was full of pompous, lewd, lazy assed jerks.

Ban beer!

[Cultural Jihad]

But not the nitrogen-filled Guinness, Senator! ;)

[Cultural Jihad]

Agreed. Every immoral act need not become a legal issue. As praiseworthy as it is whenever children honor their parents, the law has no place in dealing with its transgression. No one is claiming that every immoral act should have a sanction attached to it.