In two years of work as an undercover officer with a drug task force, Mike Dillon encountered plenty of drugs. But nothing has surprised him as much as what he has seen in schools lately.
Dillon, who is now a school resource officer with the Mesa County Sheriff's Department, said he is seeing more and younger kids bringing marijuana to schools, in sometimes-surprising quantities.
"When we have middle school kids show up with a half an ounce, that is shocking to me," Dillon said.
The same phenomenon is being reported around Colorado after the 2010 regulation of medical marijuana dispensaries and the 2012 vote to legalize recreational marijuana.
Showing posts with label medical marijuana. Show all posts
Showing posts with label medical marijuana. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
More pot incidents in Colorado middle schools after legalization.
Not surprisingly, there are more reports of pot showing up in middle schools in Colorado after that state's voters voted to legalize marijuana.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
"It's the culture, stupid."
Here's a commentary by Eric Metaxas on the importance of the culture in addressing so many of the hot button political issues like gay "marriage", "medical" marijuana and the like.
Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign zeroed in on the economy with the phrase, "It's the economy, stupid." Well, that emphasis could easily be transferred to the culture when talking about so many of the pressing political, social issues of our day.
Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign zeroed in on the economy with the phrase, "It's the economy, stupid." Well, that emphasis could easily be transferred to the culture when talking about so many of the pressing political, social issues of our day.
One of my favorite quotes by Chuck Colson is one he might have spoken again after the November elections: “The kingdom of heaven will not arrive on Air Force One.”Metaxas' comments above don't tell me we should jettison the political arena for an exclusive focus on the culture. Rather what's needed is balance and focus on the cultural arena as well.
In other words, if we want to change our culture for the better, we should not put all our eggs into a political basket. It's a lesson we Christians must remember as we begin another year.
Over the last thirty years or so, social conservatives have invested much time and effort in the world of politics. And that's a good thing. But the recent Election Day losses on the issues of same-sex “marriage,” and the legalization of marijuana are reminders of the limits of politics. As far as I’m concerned, these losses came about because we’ve not been paying enough attention to influencing our culture.
One man who knew the importance of this was Dutch statesman and theologian Abraham Kuyper, who said, “there is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry: 'Mine!'”
And that includes the domains that most influence modern Americans: The arenas of television, films, newspapers, novels, the theater—even the world of advertising. We've neglected bringing God into these parts of His creation, and have pretty much left them to the secularists. So we should not be surprised that most new films and TV shows tend to come from a pretty uniformly liberal, secular humanist point of view.
And these arenas deeply affect the ways Americans think. For example, how much influence do you imagine the Ellen DeGeneres show has on voters' views on same-sex “marriage”? Well, I can tell you, a lot. Why? Because it’s brought a very clever, very entertaining and likeable person who just happens to be gay, into the mainstream of American culture.
But instead of cursing the darkness of Hollywood and New York—which we do too often —we should light a candle. We who embrace a biblical worldview need to get serious about creating art and culture or supporting those who do.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Medical marijuana constitutional amendment in 2010? Certainly a marriage amendment is even more important and worthy of a vote by the people.
Proponents of medical marijuana plan to push for constitutional amendment in the 2010 session in efforts to do an end run around a gubernatorial veto. According to a Pioneer Press story:
Proponents are already trying to position a ballot initiative as a boon for more liberal candidates.
If marijuana is worthy of constitutional protections then certainly the institution of marriage is.
This story points out the incredible money behind the marijuana legalization effort, albeit for medical purposes. The Marijuana Policy Project's goal is legalization of marijuana across the board. In my view, they're using the medical marijuana issue as the proverbial camel's nose under the tent.The chief sponsors of the bill issued a late-night news release promising a constitutional showdown.
"For the governor to veto this legislation, even after the House narrowed it so much that thousands of suffering patients would have been without protection, is just unbelievably cruel," said Sen. Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing.
The issue is by no means assured of landing on next year's ballot; the Legislature has often been reluctant to put questions directly to voters. And once they get there, the campaign, which includes assuring a majority cast ballots in the affirmative (a non-vote counts as a "no") can be expensive.
"The price of running a statewide campaign has just skyrocketed," said Charlie Poster, the former spokesman of Vote YES Minnesota, which supported the Legacy Amendment.
But the Marijuana Policy Project, a national group pushing the legislation, appears to have the money to launch a serious campaign. Since 2005, the group has spent nearly $900,000 lobbying the Minnesota Legislature with money raised at events like its recent fourth annual Playboy Mansion fundraiser.
"While nobody's drawn up a budget yet, our basic approach is we would spend what's needed," said Bruce Mirken, a spokesman for the group.
Proponents are already trying to position a ballot initiative as a boon for more liberal candidates.
"There's definitely a second layer any time you think about a constitutional amendment or a ballot question," said Mike Zipko, a political consultant at St. Paul's Goff & Howard. "You could see how someone from a progressive point of view (could use the issue) to push voter turnout even a couple of points." ...If will be interesting to hear what proponents of a marijuana amendment, many of whom have argued against a marriage amendment, will say when confronted with a marriage amendment. Will they continue to argue that we shouldn't be cluttering up the constitution with all these various issues? That the legislature has more important things it should be spending its time on. And will a majority of legislators want to enshrine in our state constitution a right to use an drug that is otherwise illegal?That sets up an interesting scenario. In 2004, a number of state constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage were credited with helping President George W. Bush win re-election by drawing social conservatives to the polls. Could medical marijuana be the left's version, drawing voters who aren't typically motivated to vote?
Zipko said it might, pointing to Jesse Ventura's gubernatorial victory in 1998. Many voters turned out to support a constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to hunt and fish, added a vote for Ventura and left the polls, Zipko said.
"Everybody's looking for any kind of edge to get people to come out because these elections are getting closer and closer," Zipko said.
Yet when California voters approved the nation's first statewide medical marijuana law in 1996, a presidential election year, fewer people turned out than in 1992, the previous presidential election. And when Oregon voters followed suit in 1998, a gubernatorial election year, voter turnout there was also down over the previous governor's race.
Larry Jacobs, the Walter F. and Joan Mondale Chair for Political Studies at the Humphrey Institute for Public Affairs, is among the skeptics. He said the Legacy Amendment was passed through a broad coalition and posed a question that was fundamental to the Minnesota way of life.
"My sense is (medical marijuana doesn't have) the kind of intense commitment and breadth of commitment that you see with the Legacy Amendment," Jacobs said.
If marijuana is worthy of constitutional protections then certainly the institution of marriage is.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Marijuana linked to cancer, yet some want to call it medicine.
The effort to legalize smoked marijuana for medical purposes is again up before the Minnesota legislature. This time the entire focus of proponents is on testimony from people who say marijuana was what gave their dying loved ones relief from nausea associated with chemotherapy.
What's interesting is that situation probably represents less than one half of one percent of the instances in which marijuana would be used under the bill. The language of the bill allows it be used for any situation involving pain over an extended period of time. Like a tennis elbow or bad knee. In California, only 2% of the cases involve cancer, AIDS or glaucoma. In Colorado, it's about 8%.
The problem with marijuana is simply it's a dangerous drug. It's addictive, impairs judgment, and is a gateway drug for hard drug use. Yet now it's being misrepresented as medicine.
I recently came across an article pointing out to a link between marijuana use and testicular cancer. Yet some suggest that marijuana should be prescribed to cancer patients.
Marijuana should go through the FDA drug approval process rather than circumventing it through state referendums or state legislatures.
Frankly, the damage to lives resulting from legalizing it, e.g. crime, addiction, and harmful message to young people it's OK, far outweigh any medical benefits.
I believe that the ultimate goal of the major proponents of medical marijuana is general legalization of marijuana. Medical marijuana is merely the camels nose under the tent.
What's interesting is that situation probably represents less than one half of one percent of the instances in which marijuana would be used under the bill. The language of the bill allows it be used for any situation involving pain over an extended period of time. Like a tennis elbow or bad knee. In California, only 2% of the cases involve cancer, AIDS or glaucoma. In Colorado, it's about 8%.
The problem with marijuana is simply it's a dangerous drug. It's addictive, impairs judgment, and is a gateway drug for hard drug use. Yet now it's being misrepresented as medicine.
I recently came across an article pointing out to a link between marijuana use and testicular cancer. Yet some suggest that marijuana should be prescribed to cancer patients.
Marijuana should go through the FDA drug approval process rather than circumventing it through state referendums or state legislatures.
Frankly, the damage to lives resulting from legalizing it, e.g. crime, addiction, and harmful message to young people it's OK, far outweigh any medical benefits.
I believe that the ultimate goal of the major proponents of medical marijuana is general legalization of marijuana. Medical marijuana is merely the camels nose under the tent.
Friday, April 18, 2008
12 years of medical pot " destructive to lives and communities."
Limey Nargelenas, Deputy Director Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police 426 S 5th Street Ste. 200 Springfield, IL 62701
RE: Medical Marijuana in California
Dear Deputy Director Nargelenas:
This letter will be pointed and brief, as a discussion on the pros and cons of medical marijuana is rendered meaningless when the outcomes are viewed. Passed in November of 1996 the ballot initiative has had ample time to demonstrate its value. Frankly, marijuana use by healthy youth and adults is at epidemic levels in California.
Anecdotal observation is that the vast majority of medical marijuana users in California are young and healthy and simply enjoy using marijuana.
One of the claims supporting passage of the ballot initiative was that marijuana would be used by cancer and glaucoma patients; by those persons with such horrible medical conditions that nothing but marijuana would give them relief. Experience shows that very few of those participating in medical marijuana fit this seriously, chronically ill category. Frequently officers contact parolees, probationers and gang members in possession of both marijuana and marijuana recommendations.Even more disturbing are children possessing physician recommendations and routinely using marijuana. Virtually anyone in California can obtain a physician’s recommendation to use marijuana. Unfortunately many of those engaged in marijuana use are unable to achieve educational goals or function in careers. They become chronically unemployed or underemployed and often engage in illicit drug sales or other criminal activity to fund their marijuana use. The effect on children and families has been and continues to be devastating.
I talk with many parents who see their children start the destructive path of drug addiction with the use of marijuana. In fact practically all those I have encountered living in addiction started their addiction with marijuana use. These types of laws are confusing to children and make it harder for them to live free of substance abuse.
California’s medical marijuana ballot initiative called for personal growth and possession of marijuana or the use of a caregiver for that purpose. However, the result has been a large number of marijuana dispensaries opening throughout California. These dispensaries are magnets for crime. Marijuana currently sells for around $5,000 per pound at the retail level. Because it costs very little to produce marijuana this value promotes the involvement of organized criminal enterprises in the production of marijuana to meet the demands in California. We have seen tremendous increases in both outdoor and indoor marijuana grow operations. These grows are rife with danger for individuals, the community and law enforcement.
These large growing operations are being staffed and funded by organized drug cartels. Environmental damage is significant and when grows are discovered we often find the workers were virtually forced into working the grow at peril of their lives and the lives of their families.
Based on the almost 12 years of medical marijuana experience in the state of California it is our observation that it has been destructive to lives and communities. Passage of any form of medical marijuana anywhere in our nation is bad public policy and will cause crime and public safety problems.
A great deal of information has been compiled regarding this issue and can be made available to you via our California Police Chiefs Association Executive Director, Leslie McGill. I wish you success in your efforts to protect and serve the people of your state and in your effort to withstand the corrosive influence of relaxed attitudes toward the use of marijuana and other drugs.
Sincerely,
Jerry P. Dyer President
California Police Chiefs Association P.O. Box 255745, Sacramento, California 95865-5745(Office) 916-481-8000 (Fax) 916-481-8008 e-mail HTUlmcgill@californiapolicechiefs.orgUTH web site http://www.californiapolicechiefs.org/
CC: Judy Kreamer
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Medical Marijuana: Strib and Pioneer Press Blow Smoke
Reading today's Pioneer Press and Star-Tribune editorials urging legalization of so-called medical marijuana, you might think they were motivated by compassion for the suffering. That's what they want you to think. That's why the editorials focus on the relief some people with nauseau or chronic pain obtain from smoking marijuana, and condescendingly dismiss legitimate law enforcement and drug policy concerns.
It's also why they don't mention the most basic reason why legalizing smoked marijuana for medical purposes is dumb and unnecessary: true "medical" marijuana is already legal. It's called Marinol, the prescription form of the active compound in marijuana.
Smoking is not a legitimate delivery system for any medication. Smoking anything for medical purposes is not safe, it's not reliable, dosage of medication is uncontrollable, purity is not consistent. By contrast, Marinol, as a prescription medication, is a safe, reliable, controllable - and legal - way to obtain the medical benefits of marijuana.
Don't take our word for it - read for yourself: "Medical" Marijuana - The Facts (http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/marinol.html)
Why didn't either the Strib or the Pioneer Press mention Marinol? It's simple - the push for legalizing so-called medical marijuana isn't about compassion. If it were really about compassion, they would be vigorously promoting the use of Marinol for people who might benefit from it instead of trying to legalize the smoking of marijuana.
No doubt, compassion is the motivation for some of the legislation's sponsors. But they - and the suffering people who try to find relief from marijuana - are being used by the behind-the-scenes backers of the legislation, whose real goal is legalization of marijuana across the board, not just for "medical" purposes. If you doubt that, ask the lobbyists for the legislation who pays them and where they worked before coming here to push medical marijuana.
It's also why they don't mention the most basic reason why legalizing smoked marijuana for medical purposes is dumb and unnecessary: true "medical" marijuana is already legal. It's called Marinol, the prescription form of the active compound in marijuana.
Smoking is not a legitimate delivery system for any medication. Smoking anything for medical purposes is not safe, it's not reliable, dosage of medication is uncontrollable, purity is not consistent. By contrast, Marinol, as a prescription medication, is a safe, reliable, controllable - and legal - way to obtain the medical benefits of marijuana.
Don't take our word for it - read for yourself: "Medical" Marijuana - The Facts (http://www.usdoj.gov/dea/ongoing/marinol.html)
Why didn't either the Strib or the Pioneer Press mention Marinol? It's simple - the push for legalizing so-called medical marijuana isn't about compassion. If it were really about compassion, they would be vigorously promoting the use of Marinol for people who might benefit from it instead of trying to legalize the smoking of marijuana.
No doubt, compassion is the motivation for some of the legislation's sponsors. But they - and the suffering people who try to find relief from marijuana - are being used by the behind-the-scenes backers of the legislation, whose real goal is legalization of marijuana across the board, not just for "medical" purposes. If you doubt that, ask the lobbyists for the legislation who pays them and where they worked before coming here to push medical marijuana.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
"Energetic Debate"
By Tom Prichard
Over the weekend I engaged in an "energetic debate" with Neal Levine who is spokesperson for Minnesotans for Compassionate Care (MCC) on the Taxpayers' League's radio show. MCC seeks to legalize the use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes in Minnesota. We've opposed their initiative because smoked marijuana is a dangerous drug and attempts to legalize it for medical purposes is bad medicine and really an incremental step towards broader legalization. In other states where smoked marijuana is legal for medical purposes, efforts to legalize it generally have followed not too long thereafter.
Neal, while working for medical marijuana legalization in Minnesota in 2007, worked in 2006 for broader legalization of marijuana in Nevada. (They already allowed use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes.) Neal is also the director of state campaigns for the Marijuana Policy Project, a principle national organization pushing to legalize smoked marijuana. A couple of the monied folks behind marijuana legalization include George Soros and Peter Lewis. Soros spent nearly $20 million promoting the candidacy of John Kerry. Lewis gave $340,000 to MPP in 2004 and is also a major contributor to the ACLU. Lewis also gave a total of $50,000 to both the DFL House and Senate caucuses in 2006.
Science should be the guiding force behind drug approval not political action. Yet well funded political efforts is what's driving efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Minnesota.
Over the weekend I engaged in an "energetic debate" with Neal Levine who is spokesperson for Minnesotans for Compassionate Care (MCC) on the Taxpayers' League's radio show. MCC seeks to legalize the use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes in Minnesota. We've opposed their initiative because smoked marijuana is a dangerous drug and attempts to legalize it for medical purposes is bad medicine and really an incremental step towards broader legalization. In other states where smoked marijuana is legal for medical purposes, efforts to legalize it generally have followed not too long thereafter.
Neal, while working for medical marijuana legalization in Minnesota in 2007, worked in 2006 for broader legalization of marijuana in Nevada. (They already allowed use of smoked marijuana for medical purposes.) Neal is also the director of state campaigns for the Marijuana Policy Project, a principle national organization pushing to legalize smoked marijuana. A couple of the monied folks behind marijuana legalization include George Soros and Peter Lewis. Soros spent nearly $20 million promoting the candidacy of John Kerry. Lewis gave $340,000 to MPP in 2004 and is also a major contributor to the ACLU. Lewis also gave a total of $50,000 to both the DFL House and Senate caucuses in 2006.
Science should be the guiding force behind drug approval not political action. Yet well funded political efforts is what's driving efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Minnesota.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
It ain't over until it is over. However...
Thank you Governor Tim Pawlenty.
The incremental assault on marriage by OutFront has been put on hold for the remainder of the regular session. All references to domestic partners, implied or otherwise, have been removed.
Efforts to redefine hospital visitation privileges as domestic partnerships for same-sex couples have been postponed - until next session no doubt.
Efforts to legalize smoked "medical" marijuana by exploiting the sick may meet the same fate. MFC agrees with medical experts that any medicinal qualities in pot should go through the FDA approval process. And, that the active ingredient in pot should not be administered via smoking a marijuana cigarette.
The push to mandate sex education for children grades 7-12 is coming under fire. Gov. Tim Pawlenty indicated he did not want the mandate in the E-12 education funding bill. Something must have happened in conference committee as the bill was pulled to the senate floor without going to the finance committee. (Against senate rules.)
Perhaps the DFL could not muster the votes in committee. Several Senators reported receiving calls from constituents asking them to remove mandatory sex ed provision. Children don't need to be taught how to perform anal-oral sex with a dental dam.
A special thanks to Sen. Saltzman and Sen Vickerman for voting to remove mandatory sex ed from the bill. Unfortunately is was defeated.
Please call Gov. Pawlenty and thank him for protecting marriage and urge him to veto E-12 if it contains mandatory sex education.
The incremental assault on marriage by OutFront has been put on hold for the remainder of the regular session. All references to domestic partners, implied or otherwise, have been removed.
Efforts to redefine hospital visitation privileges as domestic partnerships for same-sex couples have been postponed - until next session no doubt.
Efforts to legalize smoked "medical" marijuana by exploiting the sick may meet the same fate. MFC agrees with medical experts that any medicinal qualities in pot should go through the FDA approval process. And, that the active ingredient in pot should not be administered via smoking a marijuana cigarette.
The push to mandate sex education for children grades 7-12 is coming under fire. Gov. Tim Pawlenty indicated he did not want the mandate in the E-12 education funding bill. Something must have happened in conference committee as the bill was pulled to the senate floor without going to the finance committee. (Against senate rules.)
Perhaps the DFL could not muster the votes in committee. Several Senators reported receiving calls from constituents asking them to remove mandatory sex ed provision. Children don't need to be taught how to perform anal-oral sex with a dental dam.
A special thanks to Sen. Saltzman and Sen Vickerman for voting to remove mandatory sex ed from the bill. Unfortunately is was defeated.
Please call Gov. Pawlenty and thank him for protecting marriage and urge him to veto E-12 if it contains mandatory sex education.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Youth convicted of murder pleads early stages of schizophrenia due to pot smoking.
Boys, 16 and 14, stabbed in explosion of anger
Concern over mental health risk of cannabis Jeevan Vasagar Wednesday March 21, 2007
The Guardian
A youth who murdered two school friends with a hunting knife was jailed for life yesterday in a case which has raised questions about the mental health risks of cannabis. Thomas Palmer, a habitual cannabis user, was 18 when he killed the two boys in an "explosion of anger" which left one of them with his head almost severed.
He cut 16-year-old Steven Bayliss's throat and stabbed Nuttawut Nadauld, 14, on a footpath near their home in Finchampstead, Berkshire, in September 2005. Palmer admitted killing the boys but denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility, claiming he was in the early stages of schizophrenia. A jury at Reading crown court yesterday rejected this and found him guilty of murder.
Complete story
Republicans to counter gay-rights initiatives
Star Tribune
Conrad Defiebre
April 12, 2007 – 8:49 PM
Culture wars are back at the Capitol as Republicans reload a constitutional amendment to counter DFL gay-rights initiatives.
Complete story
Boys, 16 and 14, stabbed in explosion of anger
Concern over mental health risk of cannabis Jeevan Vasagar Wednesday March 21, 2007
The Guardian
A youth who murdered two school friends with a hunting knife was jailed for life yesterday in a case which has raised questions about the mental health risks of cannabis. Thomas Palmer, a habitual cannabis user, was 18 when he killed the two boys in an "explosion of anger" which left one of them with his head almost severed.
He cut 16-year-old Steven Bayliss's throat and stabbed Nuttawut Nadauld, 14, on a footpath near their home in Finchampstead, Berkshire, in September 2005. Palmer admitted killing the boys but denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility, claiming he was in the early stages of schizophrenia. A jury at Reading crown court yesterday rejected this and found him guilty of murder.
Complete story
Republicans to counter gay-rights initiatives
Star Tribune
Conrad Defiebre
April 12, 2007 – 8:49 PM
Culture wars are back at the Capitol as Republicans reload a constitutional amendment to counter DFL gay-rights initiatives.
Complete story
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
More "Henny Penny" pot logic from Sen. Steve Murphy
Click Here to see Senator Steve Murphy scold law enforcement with "Henny Penny" logic to legalize smoked "medical" marijuana.
“If everybody here is so concerned about people abusin’ things, and law enforcement really wants to go after people, then you should bring back prohibition and just get rid of the alcohol," said Murphy.
"But you know what, we’re not going to do that because there are more people using alcohol, lots more, than are using marijuana, and seriously...medical marijuana.
Now, you know, it’s just Henny Penny thinkin’ that this will change the state of affairs in Minnesota. It’s just Henny Penny," he said.
“If everybody here is so concerned about people abusin’ things, and law enforcement really wants to go after people, then you should bring back prohibition and just get rid of the alcohol," said Murphy.
"But you know what, we’re not going to do that because there are more people using alcohol, lots more, than are using marijuana, and seriously...medical marijuana.
Now, you know, it’s just Henny Penny thinkin’ that this will change the state of affairs in Minnesota. It’s just Henny Penny," he said.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
We should legalize smoked "medical" pot because alcohol is legal?
By a close 5 to 4 vote, the smoked "medical" marijuana bill passed the senate judiciary committee early this evening. DFL Senator Olson, (SD 4) joined Republicans Limmer, Neuville and Ortman in opposition.
In a repeat performance, bill author Senator Steve Murphy used "alcohol is legal" logic to justify smoked "medical" marijuana. Most people are familiar with the myriad of problems associated with alcohol. Yet few, if any, can explain how the legalization of smoked "medical" marijuana will provide any solution.
Not even Murphy.
But why does this sophomoric argument work? What is it about alcohol that justifies the legalization of smoked "medical" marijuana? Is it that both are serious health risks or impair the users judgement? Maybe booze is a medicine?
No, "alcohol is legal" resonates because everyone knows the real intent is to get a good buzz. And what right does a drinker have to deny a head his weed?
In a repeat performance, bill author Senator Steve Murphy used "alcohol is legal" logic to justify smoked "medical" marijuana. Most people are familiar with the myriad of problems associated with alcohol. Yet few, if any, can explain how the legalization of smoked "medical" marijuana will provide any solution.
Not even Murphy.
But why does this sophomoric argument work? What is it about alcohol that justifies the legalization of smoked "medical" marijuana? Is it that both are serious health risks or impair the users judgement? Maybe booze is a medicine?
No, "alcohol is legal" resonates because everyone knows the real intent is to get a good buzz. And what right does a drinker have to deny a head his weed?
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Trading sex for pot since 9 years old
Minneapolis / 6-year relationship leads to sex charges
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 03/22/2007 09:56:12 PM CDT
A 47-year-old man seen shopping for condoms at a Target store with a 15-year-old girl last July was arrested and charged Thursday with two counts of criminal sexual conduct after an alleged six-year sexual relationship with the girl, authorities said.
Hennepin County sheriff officials said Thomas Fred Huddleson, of Corcoran, was seen in July at a Target store in Rogers with the young girl. The two were buying condoms together, sheriff officials said, and a person standing nearby heard them talking.
The conversation was apparently shocking enough for the eavesdropper to contact police, but no charges were brought at the time.
Last month, the girl told a school liaison officer that she had been having sex with the man since she was 9 because "she wanted things Huddleson purchased for her," including alcohol and marijuana for her and her friends, according to sheriff officials. Huddleson was at Hennepin County jail Tuesday in lieu of a $75,000 bond. He is due in court today.
- Tad Vezner
Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated: 03/22/2007 09:56:12 PM CDT
A 47-year-old man seen shopping for condoms at a Target store with a 15-year-old girl last July was arrested and charged Thursday with two counts of criminal sexual conduct after an alleged six-year sexual relationship with the girl, authorities said.
Hennepin County sheriff officials said Thomas Fred Huddleson, of Corcoran, was seen in July at a Target store in Rogers with the young girl. The two were buying condoms together, sheriff officials said, and a person standing nearby heard them talking.
The conversation was apparently shocking enough for the eavesdropper to contact police, but no charges were brought at the time.
Last month, the girl told a school liaison officer that she had been having sex with the man since she was 9 because "she wanted things Huddleson purchased for her," including alcohol and marijuana for her and her friends, according to sheriff officials. Huddleson was at Hennepin County jail Tuesday in lieu of a $75,000 bond. He is due in court today.
- Tad Vezner
Monday, April 2, 2007
More marijuana related death and mayhem
Marijuana was found in the automobile of William Krawchuk, the driver who dragged Trooper Thelen 1,655 feet before being shot. Read the Star Tribune story here.
See previous post regarding recent marijuana linked murder in Anoka and Chaska.
See previous post regarding recent marijuana linked murder in Anoka and Chaska.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
DFL Rep. Larry Hosch enables pot bill to pass committee
By Chuck Darrell
When it came time to be counted, Rep. Larry Hosch, DFL Dist 19A, passed, and enabled the smoked medical marijuana bill to clear the Health Care and Human Services Finance Committee this morning.
In a rare Saturday morning session the measure passed by a narrow 7-6 vote. Hoschs' vote would have killed the bill. Voting "yes" were DFL Representatives Cy Thao 65A, Thomas Huntley 7A, Paul Thiessen 63A, Erin Murphy 64A, Tina Liebling 30A, Diane Loefler 59A and Neva Walker 61B.
Opposition included DFL Rep. Julie Bunn 56A, who joined GOP Representatives Laura Brod 25A, Bruce Anderson 19A, Steve Gottwalt 15A, Sondra Erickson 16A, and Matt Dean 52A. Lead GOP Representative Jim Abeler and Joyce Peppin 32A were not present.
Hosch, who skipped the last hearing says he doesn't know where he stands on the bill. Minor amendments to the bill have caused him to reconsider his original opposition. However, no amount of tinkering will address the harm suffered by countless individuals - either directly or indirectly - due to pot.
Marijuana linked to murder in Chaska and Anoka
For example, in December, Chaska native, Grant Everson was convicted in the murder of his mother. According to the Star Tribune, "Grant Everson is convicted of plotting with his friend, Joel Beckrich, 21, to slit Tom and Nancy Everson's throats with box cutters as they slept and use the insurance payout to open a coffee chop and sell marijuana in Amsterdam, the Netherlands."
"The prosecution argued that Grant primarily wanted revenge on his parents for being too hard on him about work and school; he was earning a 0.0 grade-point average, and recently dropped out of technical school, wasn't working and spent a lot of time smoking marijuana and playing video games with friends, including Beckrich," the Star Tribune reported.
In Anoka County Jason Gonsioroski recently pleaded guilty to his daughter's death due to scalding, says the Pioneer Press. Gonsioroski portrayed himself as a "pot-smoking stay at home dad."
According to Lisa Sweetingham of Court TV, in California, In a fit of rage, 16 year old Scott Dyleski bludgeoned to death his 52 year old neighbor. Why? Because Dyleski and a friend had devised a plot to steal credit card numbers from his neighbor and buy marijuana-growing equipment online. The friend was to research the hydroponics equipment needed, while Dyleski would steal his neighbors credit information.
"During trial, prosecutor Hal Jewett theorized that Dyleski killed his neighbor in a case of rage and mistaken identity," says Sweetingham.
Clearly, bad public policy hurts women and children: a mother, daughter, and innocent neighbor all dead in pot related crimes.
Maybe it's time we demonstrated some compassion for these people as well.
When it came time to be counted, Rep. Larry Hosch, DFL Dist 19A, passed, and enabled the smoked medical marijuana bill to clear the Health Care and Human Services Finance Committee this morning.
In a rare Saturday morning session the measure passed by a narrow 7-6 vote. Hoschs' vote would have killed the bill. Voting "yes" were DFL Representatives Cy Thao 65A, Thomas Huntley 7A, Paul Thiessen 63A, Erin Murphy 64A, Tina Liebling 30A, Diane Loefler 59A and Neva Walker 61B.
Opposition included DFL Rep. Julie Bunn 56A, who joined GOP Representatives Laura Brod 25A, Bruce Anderson 19A, Steve Gottwalt 15A, Sondra Erickson 16A, and Matt Dean 52A. Lead GOP Representative Jim Abeler and Joyce Peppin 32A were not present.
Hosch, who skipped the last hearing says he doesn't know where he stands on the bill. Minor amendments to the bill have caused him to reconsider his original opposition. However, no amount of tinkering will address the harm suffered by countless individuals - either directly or indirectly - due to pot.
Marijuana linked to murder in Chaska and Anoka
For example, in December, Chaska native, Grant Everson was convicted in the murder of his mother. According to the Star Tribune, "Grant Everson is convicted of plotting with his friend, Joel Beckrich, 21, to slit Tom and Nancy Everson's throats with box cutters as they slept and use the insurance payout to open a coffee chop and sell marijuana in Amsterdam, the Netherlands."
"The prosecution argued that Grant primarily wanted revenge on his parents for being too hard on him about work and school; he was earning a 0.0 grade-point average, and recently dropped out of technical school, wasn't working and spent a lot of time smoking marijuana and playing video games with friends, including Beckrich," the Star Tribune reported.
In Anoka County Jason Gonsioroski recently pleaded guilty to his daughter's death due to scalding, says the Pioneer Press. Gonsioroski portrayed himself as a "pot-smoking stay at home dad."
According to Lisa Sweetingham of Court TV, in California, In a fit of rage, 16 year old Scott Dyleski bludgeoned to death his 52 year old neighbor. Why? Because Dyleski and a friend had devised a plot to steal credit card numbers from his neighbor and buy marijuana-growing equipment online. The friend was to research the hydroponics equipment needed, while Dyleski would steal his neighbors credit information.
"During trial, prosecutor Hal Jewett theorized that Dyleski killed his neighbor in a case of rage and mistaken identity," says Sweetingham.
Clearly, bad public policy hurts women and children: a mother, daughter, and innocent neighbor all dead in pot related crimes.
Maybe it's time we demonstrated some compassion for these people as well.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Minnesota pot bill is unhealthy and puts the patient at risk
A side-by-side comparison reveals the gross lack of control and unhealthy risks inherent in the smoked medical marijuana bill. Call your legislator and urge them to oppose this bill.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Marijuana bill nothing but political hash
By Chuck Darrell
After witnessing the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee hearing on legalizing medical marijuana, I'm convinced SF 345 needs intervention before it pollutes Minnesota with pot like second hand smoke in a public restaurant.
SF 345 reads like it was written by a baby-boomer who once supplied friends and acquaintances with pot grown in a basement, grow light hideaway. Here’s how it works. Once approved by the “commissioner of health”, a “primary care giver” (as young as 18) may grow a maximum of 60 plants to supply marijuana to no more than 5 qualifying patients. This means, depending upon the yield, the 18 year-old may legally grow enough pot to produce approximately 27,000 to 136,000 joints. Enough to smoke 73 to 372 joints a day for 365 days.
However, according to testimony by Mr. Neal Levine of Minnesota for Compassionate Care, a group lobbying for the legalization of medical marijuana, these limits don’t “produce that much [marijuana]” and there is “debate” whether they are sufficient to meet the patients needs.
Not supported by prominent national health organizations.
To his credit, Mr. Levine admitted there was only a small body of medical evidence supporting the medical use of marijuana. According to Levine however, “no-one ever died from smoking marijuana”. In fact, the American Medical Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Cancer Society have all rejected smoking marijuana for medical purposes.
Remarkably, in his opening remarks bill author DFL Senator Steve Murphy (Dist 28) told the committee that opposing testimony didn’t “represent physicians or nurses or their associations.”
Less consumer protection information than on a candy bar wrapper
Although studies show that marijuana is a psychologically addictive drug that causes withdrawal symptoms, memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle strength, increased heart rate, and paranoia the bill lacks the most basic consumer protection information.
“Take a look at the label of a prescription bottle,” testified Tom Prichard of the Minnesota Family Council. The label identifies the name of the drug, potency, dosage, frequency, refills, interactions, side-effects, prescribing physician, cautions and even has a child-proof cap. "To put this in perspective, if you wanted medication for your child to relieve pain and suffering would you use a drug approved by the Minnesota state legislature or the FDA?" he said.
Conflicting testimony
Throughout the hearing, supporters of the bill couldn’t make up their minds if the smoking of marijuana was harmless or a killer. One moment DFL Senator Murphy declared a witness who had testified to having used marijuana as a “picture of health,” and the next, DFL Senator Higgins stated that marijuana was for “…folks who are terminal. This is not for people thinking about what their health will be like in a couple of years,” she said.
Political hash based upon ideology
Terminal or picture of health, Mr. Levine offered the most candid testimony when he admitted the decision to legalize marijuana was political, not medical. MFC urges Minnesotan’s to call their legislator and tell them to vote against SF 345.
After witnessing the Senate Health, Housing and Family Security Committee hearing on legalizing medical marijuana, I'm convinced SF 345 needs intervention before it pollutes Minnesota with pot like second hand smoke in a public restaurant.
SF 345 reads like it was written by a baby-boomer who once supplied friends and acquaintances with pot grown in a basement, grow light hideaway. Here’s how it works. Once approved by the “commissioner of health”, a “primary care giver” (as young as 18) may grow a maximum of 60 plants to supply marijuana to no more than 5 qualifying patients. This means, depending upon the yield, the 18 year-old may legally grow enough pot to produce approximately 27,000 to 136,000 joints. Enough to smoke 73 to 372 joints a day for 365 days.
However, according to testimony by Mr. Neal Levine of Minnesota for Compassionate Care, a group lobbying for the legalization of medical marijuana, these limits don’t “produce that much [marijuana]” and there is “debate” whether they are sufficient to meet the patients needs.
Not supported by prominent national health organizations.
To his credit, Mr. Levine admitted there was only a small body of medical evidence supporting the medical use of marijuana. According to Levine however, “no-one ever died from smoking marijuana”. In fact, the American Medical Association, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the American Glaucoma Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Cancer Society have all rejected smoking marijuana for medical purposes.
Remarkably, in his opening remarks bill author DFL Senator Steve Murphy (Dist 28) told the committee that opposing testimony didn’t “represent physicians or nurses or their associations.”
Less consumer protection information than on a candy bar wrapper
Although studies show that marijuana is a psychologically addictive drug that causes withdrawal symptoms, memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, loss of motor skills, decrease in muscle strength, increased heart rate, and paranoia the bill lacks the most basic consumer protection information.
“Take a look at the label of a prescription bottle,” testified Tom Prichard of the Minnesota Family Council. The label identifies the name of the drug, potency, dosage, frequency, refills, interactions, side-effects, prescribing physician, cautions and even has a child-proof cap. "To put this in perspective, if you wanted medication for your child to relieve pain and suffering would you use a drug approved by the Minnesota state legislature or the FDA?" he said.
Conflicting testimony
Throughout the hearing, supporters of the bill couldn’t make up their minds if the smoking of marijuana was harmless or a killer. One moment DFL Senator Murphy declared a witness who had testified to having used marijuana as a “picture of health,” and the next, DFL Senator Higgins stated that marijuana was for “…folks who are terminal. This is not for people thinking about what their health will be like in a couple of years,” she said.
Political hash based upon ideology
Terminal or picture of health, Mr. Levine offered the most candid testimony when he admitted the decision to legalize marijuana was political, not medical. MFC urges Minnesotan’s to call their legislator and tell them to vote against SF 345.
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