Category Archives: Politics

Mental Health, Politics, Violence

More Reefer Madness in Florida?

On March 29,  a Florida man stabbed his parents during a mental episode following vape pen use.  The description of his behavior suggests that Alexander Figueroa was in the throes of a cannabis-induced psychosis. 

The Florida Supreme Court issued a ruling on April 1, allowing for the legalization of marijuana.  Governor DeSantis correctly states it would diminish the quality of life in Florida, but the state of mental health and public safety should be the biggest concern. 

Floridians have experienced many cases of“Reefer Madness” over the years, and a ballot to legalize marijuana will give residents the chance to vote on further normalization of this drug.  This article is the second in a series of explaining outstanding episodes of “Reefer Madness.”   Read Ten Years After the Deaths of Levy Thamba and Kristine Kirk, part 1

Parkland Shooter Blamed Marijuana for his Actions

Nikolas Cruz killed 17 students and injured 17, at Marjory Stoneham Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, on Valentine’s Day, 2018. In his initial police interview, he confessed “that he had used a lot of marijuana and had taken a lot of the prescription tranquilizer Xanax.”   He also talked about “hearing voices.” Continue reading More Reefer Madness in Florida? →

Child Endangerment, Politics

Virginia Governor Youngkin vetoes cannabis parental rights bill

Cannabis advocates fight to prohibit parental pot use from being part of child protective services and custody agreements. NORML has long pushed for this legislation, but Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia saw right through this sham.  

On  March 8, the governor vetoed a bill that had the potential to prevent parent marijuana use from consideration in child protection, visitation and custody!  This is a win for child safety, keeping Virginia in line with the international treaties on the rights of children. Read Legal Drugs are Fashionable — and Treacherous for Children.

The governor should also veto a bill to commercialize marijuana.  Virginia legalized marijuana in 2021, but does not have recreational pot stores. We urge our followers in Virginia to send this form asking the governor to veto the bill. 

Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida recently commented on the negative aspects of a Florida ballot to legalize pot. He mentioned the failures of other states and horrendous smell from public smoking, but does not mention the dangers to children.  

His veto is important for many reasons

Virginia had two appalling instances of marijuana use affecting the ability to parent — recently.   In one case, the mother of a six-year-old lied about marijuana use on her gun ownership application.  The boy shot and severely wounded his 1st grade teacher, in an incident that made national news. Continue reading Virginia Governor Youngkin vetoes cannabis parental rights bill →

Drug Policy, Politics

Keep Cannabis a Schedule I Drug

The Secretary of Health and Human Services has recommended changing the Schedule I classification for marijuana (cannabis).  HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra, an attorney from California who made the announcement,  has no background in science or medicine.  It was a political move, rather than scientifically-informed recommendation.

The ultimate decision falls on the DEA and the Department of Justice. If the HHS recommendation is followed, marijuana would be a “Schedule III” drug instead of its current “Schedule I” status.

Pro-cannabis supporters see that possibility as a major victory, because it would pave the way for expanded legalization. We encourage our followers to contact the DEA directly to object to this proposal, and also reach out to your elected officials.

Recent attempts to reschedule marijuana were rejected in 2016, under the Obama administration, and in  2015  by Judge Kimberly Mueller of the Ninth Circuit Court.  It was also dismissed in 2012, by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. The three judges presiding on that panel included current Attorney General Merrick Garland.  Information about the dangers of marijuana has grown substantially in the last decade. Continue reading Keep Cannabis a Schedule I Drug →

California, Politics

California Child Cannabis Poisonings taken up by AB1207

At long last, California has taken action to stop the surge of cannabis poisonings in children. The Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act, AB1207, passed in the legislature and went to Governor Newsom’s desk for his signature last week.   It won’t solve the problem, but it may keep California emergency rooms slightly less busy.

The California State Senate voted 23 Aye, 10 No and the Assembly voted 63 Aye, 0 No,  landmark measure.  Introduced by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin of Thousand Oaks, The Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act – will implement key measures to protect children and youth. It defines more clearly types of unacceptable products, packaging, and labeling attractive to children or teens. Continue reading California Child Cannabis Poisonings taken up by AB1207 →