More Treatment Beds Should Go To Women, A Visiting Expert Says Drug courts "are a mixed bag," says a nationally noted researcher and advocate of drug policy reform. "It's always good to offer alternatives to incarceration, which is the worst thing you can do for a drug problem," says Corinne Carey, deputy director of Break the Chains: Communities of Color and the War on Drugs. But two things are wrong with drug courts, she said in an interview. They are less likely to be effective if a person does not want treatment or is forced into a program that does not work for them, she said. [continues 477 words]
Most Candidates Agree Robust Federal Support Is Crucial To The Fight As Hawaii continues the fight against illegal drugs, particularly crystal methamphetamine, or "ice," candidates seeking to represent the 2nd Congressional District in the U.S. House say their job, if elected, would be to make sure the state receives its fair share of federal dollars and other resources to combat the problem. "Ice is tearing families and businesses apart, and it's the most urgent public health problem that Hawaii faces," said state Rep. Brian Schatz (D, Tantalus-Makiki). "We need federal dollars for prevention, treatment and law enforcement. [continues 890 words]
Male Youth Offenders Tend Toward Felonies, New Studies Find FEMALE juvenile offenders in Hawaii are more likely to be crystal methamphetamine users, depressed and suicidal compared to their male counterparts, according to two new state studies released yesterday. Girls that have become part of the state's juvenile justice system also are more likely to run away, while boys are more likely to be arrested for serious felonies and wind up in custody, the studies indicate. The statistics paint a picture of a youthful offender population in Hawaii that oftentimes requires help as opposed to strict incarceration, said Lisa Pasko, a research analyst with the Attorney General's Office. [continues 389 words]
The facility is awaiting state funding and will offer substance abuse treatment to isle women A pilot health clinic is planned in Kaimuki to provide prenatal care, substance abuse treatment and other services to pregnant Hawaii women who use crystal methamphetamine. An estimated 5 percent to 6 percent of all pregnancies here -- about 1,200 a year -- involve women who use "ice," said Dr. Tricia Wright, a UH assistant professor of obstetrics-gynecology and pilot clinic director. Only about 100 treatment slots are available on Oahu for pregnant women who abuse drugs, Wright said. [continues 568 words]
Tommy Chong and the 'Marijuana-Logues' comes to Blaisdell Concert Hall What's the curse? May you live in interesting times? Three years ago, as Americans were still reeling from the combination of al-Qaida and anthrax attacks, as American soldiers prepared to cross the border into Iraq, government prosecutors and law-enforcement personnel executed a daring raid. By the close of business on Feb. 24, 2003, more than 50 individuals had been taken into custody, their weapons of destruction seized, their fiendish business operations shuttered. America could breath a sigh of relief. "Operation Pipe Dreams" had struck a blow against the sales of drug paraphernalia, such as bongs and pipes. [continues 886 words]
HILO -- Two Big Island police teams formed three years ago to crack down on crystal methamphetamine are starting to see more of a different drug: cocaine. The island's Hilo and Kona Ice Task Force teams confiscated more cocaine last year than crystal methamphetamine, or "ice." Miles Chong of the police department in Hilo said stricter enforcement to control the ice problem on the island might have caused people to switch to cocaine. "Both are stimulants," Chong said. "If they can't have one, they will choose the other." [continues 282 words]
Your April 24 editorial aptly describes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's statement on medical marijuana as "patently political," as the Bush administration continues its misplaced campaign of fear and intimidation against chronically ill patients and their physicians. Fortunately, federal prosecution of individuals using marijuana as medicine is almost nonexistent; most marijuana cases are handled by state and local authorities, and Hawaii's pioneering medical marijuana law protects sick patients from prosecution at those levels. But for the 3,300 seriously ill patients in Hawaii relying on doctor-recommended marijuana to alleviate chronic pain and suffering, the FDA statement can only be seen as the latest heavy-handed threat to access to a treatment scientists repeatedly have found safe and effective. [continues 62 words]
I was as against medical marijuana as any dyed-in-the-wool narcotics enforcement officer could be, since I was one before I retired (Editorial, Star-Bulletin, April 24). I was sure it was a scam by people who were using it as a smokescreen. I changed my mind when I traveled to Zillah, Wash., to say my goodbye to a fellow Vietnam combat vet buddy who was suffering from throat cancer. The only way he could get hungry, pain-free and happy was to smoke marijuana. He didn't last very long, perhaps a couple of months after treatment started. To be ignorant of the medical uses of marijuana is to be ignorant of reality. George Gersaba Honolulu [end]
THE ISSUE The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a statement that the use of marijuana for medical purposes is not backed by science. AS the regulatory agency assigned to protect Americans against health risks, the Food and Drug Administration relies on scientific proof to maintain its credibility. That credibility took a dive last week when the FDA -- citing no studies whatsoever -- announced that "no sound scientific studies" support the medical use of marijuana. In doing so, it gave a slap to the National Academy of Sciences, whose Institute of Medicine found in 1999 that marijuana is "moderately well suited for particular conditions, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting and AIDS wasting." The academy is the nation's most prestigious scientific advisory agency, and its studies cannot be so easily dismissed. [continues 228 words]
THE ISSUE Surveys indicate that state campaigns against smoking and substance abuse are having positive results. NATIONAL and state surveys show that Hawaii's efforts to discourage substance abuse have been effective. Cigarette smoking among young people has dropped dramatically, while Hawaii is making greater progress than other states in combating substance abuse. State campaigns against abuse of tobacco and the use of illicit drugs should continue. The state Health Department reports that cigarette smoking among middle and high school students dropped by half from 1993 to last year. Middle schoolers who consider themselves smokers fell from 12.9 percent to only 5 percent, while high school smokers dropped from 24.5 percent to 12.6 percent. [continues 234 words]
I'm writing about your thoughtful editorial "Meth ingredient needs national limits" (Dec. 19). I submit that the vast majority of drug users would use only marijuana if it were available at an affordable price. But it is not available at an affordable price. During the early 1970s marijuana sold for $10 to $20 an ounce. Now it sells for about $300 an ounce. Today's price of marijuana is the result of the "prohibition tax," which goes to organized criminals -- the government gets nothing. [continues 111 words]
PAHOA, Hawaii ; South of Hilo, in the center of business legal and illegal in lower Puna, Santa isn't the only one watching to see who's been naughty and who's been nice. A series of federally funded security cameras just went up in the heart of Pahoa, protecting legitimate businesses and driving drug dealers, boozers and brawlers out of the area. Immediate credit goes to the Pahoa Weed and Seed program, a federal designation for efforts to weed out bad elements and seed in business and social development. Similar programs are under way in Chinatown and Ewa on Oahu. [continues 740 words]
Please consider an acupuncture-based drug and alcohol detoxification and treatment program for Honolulu. I went to the one in Portland, Ore., and it helped to cure me. I hope those in charge of solving the ice pandemic consider acupuncture to treat addiction. Acupuncture is court-ordered therapy in Miami, New York, Portland, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. The use of regular acupuncture treatments become more responsive to treatment. Treatment is accomplished by inserting 3-5 acupuncture needles just under the skin or surface of the external ear. Portland has a very good program that I think Hawaii and Honolulu should consider. I hope that representatives from Honolulu and the state go visit the acupuncture place in Portland to get information on starting a pilot program here in Honolulu. Carolyn Crandall Honolulu [end]
The Issue Congress is considering legislation to restrict the sale of cold medicines with an ingredient used to produce methamphetamine. RESTRICTION on the sale of cold medicines that can be used to produce methamphetamine is receiving bipartisan support in Congress, but its attachment to the controversial USA Patriot Act may at least delay its enactment. The bill would toughen restrictions in Hawaii but would be no cure-all to the crystal meth epidemic. This year's Legislature enacted requirements that limit consumers to buying no more than three packages or nine grams -- about 300 pills -- in a single transaction. The congressional proposal would limit purchases to one package a day or three packages a month. [continues 215 words]
TV Official Guilty Of Lesser Drug Charge LIHUE -- A cancer patient with a medical marijuana license from California said he was relieved that he avoided jail time after being sentenced last week for promotion of marijuana. [Name redacted] of Kilauea was instead fined $2,000, despite using the marijuana for medical purposes. [Name redacted] has asbestos cancer in his stomach and esophagus, according to his lawyer. [Name redacted] was arrested last year with 1.2 pounds of marijuana that was shipped to him from the mainland. That is well above the legal amount for someone with a medical marijuana license to legally possess. [continues 378 words]
Hina Mauka's Families In Crisis Program Helps People Face Tough Issues Statewide Treatment Program Began With 1 Man THEY WERE strangers, gathered together in fear and frustration because they didn't know what to do about family members addicted to drugs. Meeting in Aina Haina, the group included seven parents, a husband, two sisters with their mothers and a family friend. Alcohol was involved in three cases; crystal methamphetamine or "ice" dominated the others. Five or six people regularly attend Hina Mauka's weekly Families in Crisis classes at the Church of the Holy Nativity but on this night only two had been there before, said facilitator Jill Pargoe. [continues 1473 words]
The State Supreme Court Rules an Unborn Child Is Not a "Person" Ruling Stirs Debate but Won't Change Laws on Unborn THE Hawaii Supreme Court has overturned the manslaughter conviction of an ice-addicted mother for causing the death of her newborn son by smoking crystal methamphetamine in the days leading to his birth. In an unusually quick turnover, the justices issued a majority decision yesterday agreeing with mother Tayshea Aiwohi that her unborn child was not a "person" as defined under state law, and that her conduct did not meet the requisite elements of manslaughter. [continues 904 words]
'Ice' Addict Cleared of Killing Newborn YESTERDAY'S Hawaii Supreme Court decision to overturn a former ice addict's manslaughter conviction in the death of her 2-day-old baby had plenty of supporters and detractors. But both sides appeared to agree that the state court's decision is unlikely to bring changes regarding the unborn. The Supreme Court ruled that Tayshea Aiwohi's son was an unborn fetus at the time she abused crystal methamphetamine, and therefore not a person, so her actions did not constitute manslaughter. [continues 447 words]
The Waimanalo spot is the site of drug activity and is a poor choice, according to residents Residents of Mekia Street in Waimanalo are trying to stop the operators of a safe and sober house for women from moving into what they say is a known drug house in their neighborhood. Residents believe drug activity will continue despite the good intentions of the home's operators. The Tayshea Aiwohi Foundation has already moved in a woman who will be the house manager, and hopes to take in two clients next month, said Jessica Hauki, foundation board member and treasurer. [continues 547 words]
164 DOCTORS CAN PRESCRIBE MARIJUANA Question: I was wondering if you can point me in the direction of two things. One, how can I contribute to the legalization of medicinal marijuana everywhere? Second, where can I find a doctor on Oahu who is participating in writing prescriptions to patients (who, of course, meet the requirements under the law) for marijuana use? Answer: In answer to your first question, NORML -- National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws -- would be a good place for you to start. [continues 332 words]
Does the Mid-Pacific Institute seriously believe that voluntary drug tests will catch drug-using students (Star-Bulletin, July 29)? Still, voluntary drug tests are preferable to mandatory ones. The U.S. Supreme Court made a terrible mistake when it ruled that drug testing students in extracurricular activities is constitutional. Student involvement in after-school activities has been shown to reduce drug use. Drug testing might compel marijuana users to switch to harder drugs like crystal meth to avoid testing positive. [continues 122 words]
The Manoa School's Urine Test Program Has Exceeded Expectations Mid-Pacific Institute officials said they are happy so far with the number of students who have opted to volunteer for random drug tests in the upcoming school year. As of yesterday the school had received responses on nearly 60 percent of the notices sent to Mid-Pacific families asking whether their chil- dren would take part in the controversial program, which has encountered opposition from some parents, school officials said. [continues 531 words]
The Hawaii ACLU supports doctors who recommend the drug The American Civil Liberties Union of Hawaii has backed off its threat to sue U.S. Attorney Edward Kubo over his statements early last week that doctors could face criminal prosecution for prescribing and distributing medical marijuana. After the U.S. Supreme Court's June 6 ruling that federal officials had authority to prosecute medical marijuana users, Kubo called the issue "dead" in Hawaii and said doctors could face criminal charges for providing the drug to patients. [continues 163 words]
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld yesterday the power of Congress to prohibit and prosecute the possession and use of marijuana for medical purposes, even in the 10 states that permit it. In Hawaii, one of those states, medicinal marijuana users and supporters noted the decision does not strike down the states' medicinal marijuana laws, but rather allows federal authorities to prosecute medical marijuana users under U.S. laws. In Honolulu, FBI Special Agent Arnold Laanui said federal authorities would enforce the law as written. [continues 450 words]
Business and government leaders recovering from drug addictions need to speak out to "unmask the stigma" of addiction, an expert told about 400 health care professionals. William C. Moyers, son of television journalist Bill Moyers and a recovering addict for 16 or 17 years, addressed the professionals at a recent meeting at the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. His message, titled, "Meeting the Challenge: Treating Addiction in the 21st Century," was that recovery is possible with treatment, said Myron (Andy) Anderson, executive director of Hina Mauka, which provides residential and outpatient treatment to more than 400 residents daily. [continues 272 words]
The Hawaii County Police Department received a national law enforcement award for its part in "Operation Shave Ice," an anti-crystal methamphetamine operation. The National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program presented the award Dec. 14 in Washington, D.C., to Big Island police Detective Ernest Saldua and Chief Lawrence Mahuna. The November 2003 operation resulted in the indictment of more than 60 people and the execution of 50 search warrants on the Big Island, Oahu, California, Arizona and Nevada, police said. More than 9 1/2 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, $510,000 in cash, $75,000 in assets and 15 firearms were seized. [continues 68 words]
Lee's Documentaries Pushed Lawmakers To Confront The Issue Through her company, Filmworks Pacific, Hawaii-born Edgy Lee and partner Jeffrey R. Mueller have produced several award-winning documentaries during the last decade. Her films traditionally focus on the state's unique history and heritage, while confronting social problems. But it's Lee's thought-provoking pair of hour-long documentaries on Hawaii's crystal methamphetamine problem that set new standards for relevance. "Ice: Hawaii's Crystal Meth Epidemic" aired on 11 Hawaii television stations simultaneously in 2003, a first in the state. The sequel, "Life or Meth: Hawaii's Youth," also aired simultaneously on all major network affiliates during prime time three weeks ago. [continues 72 words]
"DEAR KELSEA: SOME RAMBLINGS OF YOUR JESUS-LOVING, CANCER-FIGHTING, POT-SMOKING MOM" by Kealoha Wells (AuthorHouse, $11.50) The invention of print-on-demand publishing has given the world an endless supply of rants and faux-literate gushes that would never have seen ink at a legitimate book publisher. On the other hand, there are gems in the rubble, and "Dear Kelsea" shines brightly. Wells had a brief bout with unwanted and undeserved celebrity a couple of years ago when, as a leukemia survivor, the home she shared with two other medical marijuana users was raided by Big Island drug police and their possessions seized. There were serious problems with the pretext for the raid (the other two were given a settlement by government authorities this month for the illegal action), but Wells has used the event as a hook to examine her own life and struggle to raise a child with love and care while stuck on the fringes of society. The miracle here is that Wells isn't bitter -- she's got a real story to tell. She's genuinely funny and has human and secular values that transcend our bizarre drug laws. As a "real book," this is a mess, but on the other hand, it's impossible to put down, and you'll laugh out loud and wince at the same time. God bless her courage. (Available at dearkelsea.com. Half of the profits support Hawaii children with leukemia.) [end]
A federal magistrate denied bail yesterday for a 10-year veteran of the Honolulu Police Department who faces charges of trying to steal crystal methamphetamine from drug dealers. U.S. Magistrate Leslie Kobayashi said yesterday there were no conditions that she could impose that would ensure the appearance of officer Harold Cabbab Jr. at trial or ensure the safety of the community. Cabbab, a former University of Hawaii baseball star, was arrested on Dec. 10 after he and another man allegedly tried to steal 18 to 20 pounds of "ice" with the intent to sell it. [continues 290 words]
Your story on the Supreme Court medical marijuana case, Ashcroft v. Raich ("High Court to decide fate of Hawaii's medical-pot laws," Nov. 26), misstated one key point: This case will not decide "whether states have the right to adopt" medical marijuana laws. The federal government has never challenged the right of states to pass such laws, and their validity is not at issue now. The only question before the court is whether these laws also give patients protection from enforcement of federal marijuana laws. [continues 99 words]
OAKLAND, Calif. - Traditional drugs have done little to help 39-year-old Angel Raich. Beset by a nightmarish list of ailments that includes tumors in her brain and uterus, seizures, spasms and nausea, she has been able to find comfort only in the marijuana that is recommended by her doctor. It eases her pain, allows her to rise out of a wheelchair and promotes an appetite that prevents her from wasting away. Her Berkeley physician, Frank Lucido, said marijuana "is the only drug of almost three dozen we have tried that works." [continues 504 words]
Some parents at Mid-Pacific Institute are trying to block a plan to start testing students for drug use, but officials say they expect the voluntary program to begin in January and that anyone who does not like it can opt out. Parents Against Drug Testing will hold a meeting at the private school in Manoa tomorrow night to discuss the proposal and offer alternatives. Under the plan, students would be tested only if they and their parents consent. The idea got mostly rave reviews when unveiled in late September at a parents' meeting, where it was championed by Prosecutor Peter Carlisle, a Mid-Pac parent, and Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona. But opposition appears to be growing. At an open forum held on campus last week, some parents expressed concerns about student privacy, false positives and whether such testing is needed or appropriate. [continues 550 words]
The Ex-Beauty Queen Admits to Possessing $1,000 Worth Of Drugs Former Miss Hawaii USA Tiffini Limahai has admitted to possessing crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia when she was arrested in September. Limahai, formerly Tiffini Hercules, 30, pleaded guilty yesterday in Circuit Court to second-degree promotion of a dangerous drug and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her attorney, Scott Collins, said it was in Limahai's best interests to plead to the charges because she is dealing with many other issues. [continues 150 words]
The attorney general's office has filed two lawsuits to ban people from living in alleged drug houses in Pearl City and Wailuku. The Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit was granted a 10-day temporary injunction ordering five people to stay away from a house at 1454 Noelani St. in Pearl City. The state is seeking to extend the order indefinitely. Michael Batungbacal, Richard Batungbacal, Eric Hueu and Linda Lefranc are scheduled to appear before Circuit Judge Bert Ayabe tomorrow at 3 p.m. A fifth person has yet to be served with the complaint and will have 20 days to respond. [continues 253 words]
A federal judge in California has ordered the federal government not to raid a farm where marijuana is grown for medicinal purposes. ANOTHER court victory by patients seeking relief from pain by smoking marijuana has brought them closer to gaining legal access to the cannabis. While the U.S. Supreme Court considers the government's appeal of a ruling that forbids federal prosecution of patients using marijuana, a judge in California has temporarily blocked the government from raiding gardens where medicinal marijuana is grown. The ruling eventually should be made permanent and extend to Hawaii. [continues 324 words]
A Proposal to Transfer a State Program Won't Be Granted A Hearing A Senate bill to transfer the state medical marijuana program from the Department of Safety to the Department of Health appears stymied this session. The Senate passed SB 2641, SD2, on a vote of 22 to 1, with Sen. Cal Kawamoto (D, Waipahu) the only opponent. But Rep. Ken Ito (D, Heeia-Kaneohe), House Public Safety and Military Affairs Committee chairman, said he does not plan to hold a hearing on the bill. [continues 423 words]
The Issue: A Bill to Move the State's Medicinal Marijuana Program From the Department of Public Safety to the Department of Health Stalls in the House. ACCEPTANCE of marijuana as an effective medicine for easing pain from numerous diseases is increasing, but Hawaii remains the only state where the program facilitating its medicinal use is directed by a law enforcement agency. The state Senate has approved a bill to move its administration to the Department of Health, where it belongs, and the change should be embraced by the House and the Lingle administration. [continues 402 words]
Wiretap Law Changes And Airport Interviews Are Dismissed As Ways To Battle The Epidemic Two key proposals in the Lingle administration's initiative for combating Hawaii's crystal methamphetamine epidemic appear dead before they are even submitted to state lawmakers. The proposals -- changes to the state wiretap law and giving authorities more leeway to interview suspected drug traffickers at airports -- are not among the recommendations in a report of the Joint House-Senate Task Force on Ice and Drug Abatement released yesterday. [continues 601 words]
The state Supreme Court has ruled that a first-time drug offender may be denied probation if he has record of other crimes. FIRST-TIME drug offenders are to be put on probation and enrolled in drug-treatment programs, according to a law enacted by the 2002 Hawaii Legislature. The state Supreme Court has misread the new law, denying probation to defendants convicted of drug offenses for the first time but who had been convicted of other nonviolent crimes. Legislators now need to amend the law to clarify their intention. [continues 257 words]
A federal appeals court has ruled that a congressional act outlawing marijuana may not apply to sick people who have a doctor's recommendation in states that have approved medical marijuana laws. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 Tuesday that prosecuting these medical marijuana users under a 1970 federal law is unconstitutional if the marijuana is not sold, transported across state lines or used for nonmedicinal purposes. The intrastate, noncommercial cultivation, possession and use of marijuana for personal medical purposes on the advice of a physician is, in fact, different in kind from drug trafficking, Judge Harry Pregerson wrote for the majority. [continues 338 words]
THE ISSUE The state's drug reform law that requires probation and treatment for first-time offenders sometimes conflicts with mandatory sentencing provisions. LEGISLATIVE intentions appear to have gone awry last year in a change in sentencing laws that call for probation and treatment for first-time, nonviolent drug offenders. The change may conflict in some cases with other state laws that require minimum prison terms for people convicted repeatedly for crimes that did not involve drugs, resulting in inconsistent sentences and appeals as judges struggle to integrate the differences. [continues 373 words]
THE ISSUE Three Californians have been sentenced to probation for distributing marijuana to patients who used it as medicine. FEDERAL prosecution of offenses related to the use of marijuana for medical purposes has resulted in nothing but scorn from judges. Federal law makes distribution or possession of marijuana illegal, even in Hawaii and eight other states that have legalized cannabis for medical use. The experience in prosecution of such cases in California demonstrates that strict enforcement of the law against Hawaii patients would be disruptive. [continues 333 words]
My family is saddened by the prosecution of Tayshea Aiwohi for the death of her newborn baby nearly two years ago ("'Ice' baby's mom pleads not guilty/The defense says that the Kaneohe woman has overcome drugs since her child died," Oct. 17). I am sure that she has been remorseful over this tragedy every day since it occurred. Since then she has made positive efforts to straighten up her life by being a teacher's aide and a counselor for drug-rehabilitation programs to help other addicts, of which our daughter is one. [continues 58 words]
Now that Hawaii's joint House-Senate task force on ice and drug abatement has met for the final time and state lawmakers are busy writing legislation that will shape drug policies for years, we would like to share some findings from the scientific literature regarding what does and doesn't work in combating drug abuse and crime. First, contrary to conventional wisdom, the current balance of evidence suggests that incarceration does a poor job of reducing crime. Texas provides a sobering example of incarceration's failure. During the past decade, Texas' prison population tripled, growing faster than any other state. Yet while crime rates across the country dropped in the 1990s, they declined in Texas by only 5.1 percent. By contrast, in New York, which had the third-slowest-growing prison population during the same period, crime rates fell by 21 percent. [continues 567 words]
Sentencing recovering ice addicts to prison is not the best approach to this problem. First, ice addicts who are coping -- by enrolling in a drug program or getting a job -- are on the road to recovery. Throwing them in prison will only hinder their progress. Second, by getting a job and working, the ice addict is contributing to society and paying taxes. Putting them jail costs the taxpayers even more. Ice addicts who are in the process of recuperating and exhibiting signs of progress should not be regarded as a threat to society. Elia Tanga Kaneohe [end]
The Drug Enforcement Administration would have us believe that medical marijuana is a myth. More than 60 cannabinoids are found in marijuana. There is no question that they have medicinal value. Why else would pharmaceutical companies be scrambling to create synthetic versions of them? These cannabinoids work in harmony to relieve pain and other medical problems. Synthetic THC (Marinol) duplicates only one cannabinoid and comes in pill form, which is useless for someone vomiting from chemotherapy. But smoking isn't the only way to ingest marijuana. Patients can vaporize it, make tinctures or use it in teas and food. So the harmful effects of smoking are no excuse for our government's actions. [continues 102 words]
The Hawaii experimental hemp farm has been shut down, according to Rep. Cynthia Thielen, "because investors declined to continue funding the project" ("End federal hysteria about growing hemp," Editorial, Oct. 3). They apparently know something Thielen doesn't: Hemp is not an economically viable crop. Thielen asserted that now "Canada and France and other countries will be making the (hemp) money." What money? Valarie Vantreese, economist at the University of Kentucky, notes that "none of these (European Union) countries have a thriving hemp industry." Worldwide hemp acreage amounted to only a quarter-million acres in 2002. [continues 141 words]
Gosh, it seems everyone has on opinion about illicit drug use and abuse. Most of it centers around the addictive nature of these drugs and the terrible effect they have on society, not to mention the user. Somehow, legal drug use is different. Numerous people drink and smoke and hold jobs. But the very idea that someone could use heroin or pakalolo regularly and hold down a job seems preposterous to many people. Yet thousands do so. You and I know several of them without the faintest idea that they are "impaired." For all I know, the same goes for ice, if used "responsibly." [continues 106 words]
The Defense Says That The Kaneohe Woman Has Overcome Drugs Since Her Child Died City Prosecutor Peter Carlisle defended the prosecution of a Kaneohe woman accused of causing the death of her 2-day-old baby by smoking crystal methamphetamine, or "ice." "If a mother chooses between drugs and caring for their child properly, and they choose drugs and that choice leads to the death of a child, then that is a case neither society nor this office can turn a blind eye to," he said. [continues 402 words]
THE ISSUE: The U.S. Supreme Court Has Refused To Review An Appeals Court Decision Allowing Doctors To Recommend Marijuana To Sick Patients. PROPONENTS of marijuana for medical purposes have won an important round in the U.S. Supreme Court, but conflicts remain between federal law and statutes in Hawaii and eight other states that have legalized its medical use. Doctors recommending marijuana and patients using it to ease their pain must abide by strange, unwritten rules. Those precautions are necessary for patients to benefit from a worthwhile program and avoid federal prosecution. [continues 418 words]
