Michigan
A Tribute to Peter McWilliams
“Stubbornness is also determination. It’s simply a matter of shifting from “won’t power” to “will power.”
? Peter McWilliams
The brightest minds are not bound to one area of expertise. True genius transcends departmentalized intelligence and spreads its branches out far and wide. Unfortunately our society seems to have placed an emphasis on the narrow minded expert. We want our athletes to play ball, our entertainers to dance, and our social commentators to discuss single topics.
Perhaps not a household name, Peter McWilliams has inspired people from all walks of life. He was raised outside of Detroit in Allen Park, Michigan. After attending Eastern Michigan University he found inspiration in Paul Krassner and his publication “The Realist”, which was regarded as one of the premiere counter culture publications of modern times.
Peter would quickly become an established writer himself and his diverse skill set was on display even in his early works. Already publishing many works including insightful poetry , in 1974 he wrote, directed, and produced the religious satire movie originally called “The Greatest Story Overtold” under the name Peter Alexander. The movie has since been re-released as “The Thorn”. In 1975 he and Denise Denniston released “The Transcendental Meditation TM Book”, which enjoyed a three week stay on top of the New York Times best sellers list. He would go on to have 5 books in total to make it to the prestigious best seller list. Another early highlight was How To Survive the Loss of a Love which he wrote with Harold H. Bloomfield in 1976 and expanded upon an earlier version Peter wrote in 1971. Already displaying his varied expertise in satire, human emotions and meditation, Peter McWilliams decided to share his proficiency of computers during a period of time where distrust and a lack of user knowledge in how to use computers was at an all time high. In 1982 he released the “The Personal Computer Book” and “The Word Processing Book”.
In 1990, Peter McWilliams returned to the subject matter that may distinguish him the most, his understanding of humanity, emotion, and coping with pain. “Life 101: Everything We Wished We Had Learned About Life in School but Didn’t” received great reviews and is still available on Amazon.com. True to his nature, the book has been heralded as deep, philosophical and yet easily accessible with a style that resembles conversation instead of condescension.
His next work would be a smooth transition into the political and social commentary realm. The 1993 book titled “Ain’t Nobody’s Business if You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country” was released and still receives positive reviews. The book examines what Mr. McWilliams categorizes as “victimless crimes” and how people have been hurt tremendously by consensual crimes throughout history. Another major point of the book is that over regulating social behavior produces an environment that is ripe for black markets and organized crime. The book resonated with many, including libertarians who appreciated his views on personal freedoms.
The book makes commentary on marijuana, a victimless crime according to Peter. Coincidentally, this point would hit closer to home than perhaps he had envisioned. In 1996, Peter McWilliams was diagnosed with both AIDS and cancer. Conventional treatments produced extreme nausea for him and Peter found relief with the use of marijuana. Two years later he would give a nationally televised speech at the 1998 Libertarian National Convention. The speech was inspirational for many defenders of civil liberties, including those scared to embrace their sexuality. Fourteen years ago was still a difficult period to admit to being gay, but Mr. McWilliams courageously revealed this during his iconic speech.
Peter McWilliams suffered greatly for his open views on medical marijuana. Shortly after his address to the Libertarian party, he was arrested for growing marijuana plants that he says he planned to give to caregivers in order to provide relief for patients. He believed he was targeted specifically because of how effectively he was conveying social change and the benefits of medical marijuana. At the time he was helping Todd McCormick write a book titled “How to Grow Medical Marijuana”. Both men were arrested by federal authorities. A judge ruled that Peter McWilliams could not mention his terminal illness or that he believed that medical marijuana was saving his life during the trial proceedings. He was required to cease using marijuana or his mother would lose her house, which was used as collateral for his bail bond. His extreme nausea returned and although not officially confirmed, it is believed that Peter McWilliams died from choking on excess vomit.
This tragic ending was not befitting of such brilliance. Peter McWilliams had a golden touch with just about anything he encountered. That is why it is so confusing that we can applaud intelligence in one field but then disregard it in another. This was not a lazy man trying to abuse marijuana for recreational pleasure. He embodied the diversity of the marijuana community with such insight and compassion. Peter McWilliams’ mind would not be confined to one area of focus and almost 12 years after his death, his influence is still strong. We were able to speak with Julia who maintains www.petermcwilliams.org, a site dedicated to remembering the great activist. She mentions, as many others have, about Peter’s inviting writing style and that he had a way of directly talking to people as if he knew the reader. When asked how to describe the influence he has had she said “The fact that 12 years after someone died, it should mean something that people are being touched by his life and still reading his books.” The site has much to offer including a description of Peter’s works including books, photography and other entries not covered in this article. Additionally, the site includes quotes from Peter and many of his well established peers that include Paul Krassner, Gary Johnson and Dennis Peron. There is also a video tribute by Julia and much more.
Calling All Activists!
When the 2008 election was still up in the air, Barack Obama was campaigning as a medical marijuana-friendly candidate. In that time, we have seen numerous states struggle towards legalizing medicinal marijuana, and still others that have already passed their legislation are finding constant resistance in the forms of unconstitutional bans and arbitrary paperwork that continually holds up the process of getting safe medicine to patients.
California has seen more dispensary raids from the IRS and DOJ during Obama’s reign than during all of GW Bush’s eight years. Why is this happening? We need to raise our voices, louder and more unified than ever. America stands at a crossroads, but now more than ever patients and all citizens must stand behind what they believe in. In this modern era of instant communication, our country can have a stronger, more powerful voice, if only we are willing to use it.
For people who care about the laws of our land and the future it endows, there is so much that can be done. Stand up and make your vote count! Become active in your community. Join a protest at city hall, help spread education and awareness about all the benefits of medical marijuana, or maybe even go as far as to head to D.C. and march on the state capital. Show them who we are by making our presence known through peaceful protests. For those who are less inclined to leave the home, or who simply cannot, there is still much that can be done. Concerned citizens should call their legislators, write a letter to your congressmen, sign petitions, send emails, start a blog and rile up some additional supporters and encourage them to get involved.
Dispensaries have flourished in recent times and have grown some of the finest medication in the world. Colorado, California and other states have led by example, but make no mistake,we still have a long road ahead. The medical marijuana system may not be perfect yet, but it is working in the right direction. Other states, like New Jersey and Hawaii, have passed laws that allow for programs, yet their laws were poorly constructed and they remain unusable. In Hawaii you can get a card to allow you to medicate legally, but there contain no provisions for legally procuring medicine. It is legal to grow and own up to seven plants, but it is still illegal to purchase marijuana plants or seeds to begin a personal grow operation. Also, many employers utilize zero tolerance drug policies that make no exceptions for people who are otherwise abiding by state laws. How does a patient grow their own plants if they can’t hold down a job, therefore they have no income for a home to grow in, or even have money to feed themselves?
Americans need to stand up now and tell all the power-hungry naysayers that we will no longer tolerate the abuse of power and stifling of freedoms. We the people have no more excuses for being lazy. If you can’t figure out how to get involved, then look no further. Marijuana.net will spell it out for you.
Are you in California? Cypress Hill’s San Bernadino SmokeOut was Saturday March 3rd, and two days earlier was the March on LA’s City Hall to demonstrate unhappiness with how laws are being carried out. Thank you to those who made it out. There is more for us to do. Those near San Francisco will also have their opportunity to ensure Safe Access. March will see several County Board Meetings that need people to help out.
Maryland is another state seeking to pass laws in favor of medical marijuana. They need help to guarantee it passes. Furthermore, the right law needs to be passed so that Maryland does not become another New Jersey or Hawaii. Want to help? Check this out.
Michigan is reviewing its current laws and is looking to alter them with several bills that will give its program a chance to grow into something as grand as California, and not stumble where the Golden state has. Concerned citizens near Lansing are holding a forum on March 4th to coordinate a uniform front as they approach legislators and hope to pass a proper set of laws.
We can’t list what every state is doing right here, but we encourage you to find out and help wherever you are. Marijuana.net has been covering developments for some time so please check our archives to find what is relevant. Here are a few other resources for anyone who wants to help.
National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
One more thing. For those who find that political activism is the right thing to do, don’t stop with marijuana laws. This country needs more people to help it be the best it can be. As more people stand up for what they believe in, America will find itself less dominated by the interests of corporations and power-grabbing politicians. It is our country, fight for it.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 2, 2012
California Courts Rule against using Nuisance Ordinance to Shut Down Collectives
As the legal debate continues in California over medical marijuana, there were several new twists in the situation this week. The Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled that municipalities cannot use nuisance ordinance to shut down marijuana dispensaries. This would seem to be a victory for advocates as municipalities have shut down medical marijuana collectives through use of the nuisance ordinance before. The court also included in its decision that dispensaries can only dispense marijuana from where it is grown and cannot be imported from any outside source. The state supreme court is expected to review California’s medical marijuana laws later this year. Another court case that was decided this week involved a lawsuit against the Obama administration. The suit claimed that the White House was disingenuous and claimed they would not conduct any raids on dispensaries. The case was thrown out.
Marijuana Advocates From all parts of the Community Gather in Michigan
Residents of Michigan have been very active in pursuing marijuana reform. Last year, Kalamazoo residents voted to make marijuana law enforcement the lowest priority for police officers. A ballot initiative is underway to get a marijuana legalization bill to the voters in November. This week marijuana advocates from all walks of life joined came together to pursue changes in cannabis laws. Patients, caregivers, and advocacy groups all met at the Clarion Hotel in Ann Arbor in an effort to coordinate their legal efforts and testimony.
New Jersey Joins other states in Synthetic Marijuana Ban
New Jersey has joined the nationwide crackdown on synthetic marijuana. On Wednesday New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey S. Chiesa announced that the state has outlawed synthetic cannabis. Across the country many have been worried about the potential side effects of products such as “K2” and “Spice” which have been linked to seizures and heart attacks especially in teens. The substance will now be held in the same regards as heroin and cocaine can result in a $25,000 fine and 3 to 5 years in prison if convicted of possession. New Jersey is now a part of an overwhelming 39 states that have outlawed synthetic marijuana products.
New Developments in a number of States Bring Expect Marijuana Advocates
You will find already 16 states enabling legal utilization of medicinal marijuana (and Washington D.C). Furthermore, there’s momentum in a number of states to setup a regulating system for legalized marijuana. This type of system would treat marijuana like alcohol and would potentially result in a large tax revenue increase.
Voters in Michigan may get the opportunity to approve legal marijuana in November. Condition election authorities have just approved the forms that advocates uses to collect the required 323,000 signatures needed to obtain the problem to some election. Comprised of much talked about congress, the audience New Approach Washington needs an identical system to controlling marijuana. Two other states could also decide to setup a method of regulation and taxation too. Several several weeks ago Missouri approved the audience Show-Me Cannabis Regulation received approval to gather signatures for 2 marijuana initiatives. In Virginia, lawmaker David Englin continues to be vocal in the support of House Joint Resolution 140 which may also produce a regulation system for marijuana. It’s unclear when the law would pass but congress in Virginia are attempting to let the creativity flow in an effort to generate necessary funds.
Moving to the medical problem, Ohio condition Attorney General, Mike Dewine, grants permission for advocates to begin collecting signatures that can lead to a public election in November. What the law states could be referred to as Ohio Medical Cannabis Amendment. Once we have observed in other states, the brand new direction of medicinal marijuana appears to incorporate condition wide regulation. The Ohio law would also follow and generate a condition oversight commission. Ohio is really a condition where job deficits have hurt its economy considerably and lots of advocates believe that alternative treatment might be more essential now than ever before for that Buckeye condition.
With 6 states thinking about medicinal marijuana legislation presently, the amount of states legally enabling utilization of cannabis might be at 20 or over relatively soon. You will find certain to be additional ballot initiatives which are actually the best way to achieve legislative alternation in the U . s . States. Possibly earlier than later, marijuana advocates may have the ability to boast concerning the America getting 1 / 2 of its states enabling legalized marijuana.
Developing Tales for 2012
Marijuana.internet hopes everybody were built with a safe and healthy New Year’s celebration. Whether you had been huddled inside a crowd in Occasions Square, or simply were built with a relaxing evening watching on tv, hopefully the passing of 2011 was satisfying for you personally. While you might imagine we’ve got some tales that you want to keep close track of for 2012.
The tides of 2012 have introduced in lots of significant occasions. Most of the tales pointed out over the past weekend within our Year In Review piece count keeping track of for 2012. The Government raids, Netherlands suspending marijuana for vacationers, and lots of cities thinking about serious reform of the marijuana laws and regulations are some of the tales which will develop further this season.
Already for 2012, we all know the community can anticipate great occasions like the High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup happening in La on Feb 11-12. Furthermore, in the end spoke about Michigan citizens pushing for any ballot initiative to legalize marijuana over the past weekend, Michigan may also be thinking about making clear their medicinal marijuana law. Arizona Governor Jan Brewer presently has accepted what many experts already felt, she’s striving to overturn Arizona’s medicinal marijuana law, despite many citizens in her own condition wanting it. Also establishing for any legal fight this year are generally Los Angeles’ and Lengthy Beach’s suggested dispensary restrictions and also the fight to regulate “synthetic marijuana”. Another interesting story involves Colorado and Washington condition possibly placing the problem of marijuana legalisation around the ballot for 2012
As everyone knows 2012 has got the makings of very attracted out and brutal election. This really is clearly worth keeping track of for a lot of issues not restricted to marijuana. However, with growing requires deleting marijuana, advocates are hopeful for any sensible approach with lots of votes at risk. When they haven’t been involved publicaly with marijuana reform yet, it will likely be interesting to determine what direction the Occupy movement takes, and possibly when they will “Occupy” limited federal recommendations.
 
Obviously probably the most interesting developments are spontaneous and never foreseeable so stay updated and reading through once we cover what appears poised to become an eventful year. Allows us know of the tales you’re keeping track of with this year.
The Entire Year in Review
As you may know, 2011 would be a wild ride year for marijuana reform. While there have been much talked about occasions like the Federal raids in California and Montana, there have been also many positive developments. Allows recap the lengthy year:
 
We found that indoor marijuana growing accounts for approximately 1% from the U . s . States overall electric consumption. This interesting fact will hopefully cause us to become eco-friendly, about being eco-friendly. Get more information at more.
 
Medicinal Marijuana formally surpassed the A Million offered mark. What is the news was a watch opener for a lot of and shows that it’s no more a fringe group. Take a look at our previous coverage.
 
While claims were already available regarding marijuana’s benefits toward helping with Post traumatic stress disorder, official studies launched confirmed this. Because of so many soldiers yet others going through distressing occasions, what is the news was heralded. Take a look at our article about this problem.
 
Israel introduced that they are likely to significantly improve their medicinal marijuana program. The best minister’s office designed a statement we frantically are awaiting within the U . s . States, “The Cabinet today approved plans and supervision concerning the way to obtain cannabis for medical and research uses. This really is in recognition the medical utilization of cannabis is essential in some cases. The Ministry will – in coordination using the Israel Police and also the Israel Anti-Drug Authority – oversee this and you’ll be accountable for supplies from imports and native cultivation.” Additional coverage.
 
This season provided us positive news regarding medicinal marijuana states visiting a significant decrease in DWI’s and overall traffic deaths. The entire year also demonstrated more teens are trying to find marijuana, but it’s a general trend and no greater in states with legalized medical cannabis. More the following.
 
Holland made the decision to outlaw marijuana sales to vacationers. They raided the still legal High Occasions Cannabis Cup. They postponed the brand new limited laws and regulations. Now they don’t appear sure. Was a fascinating year for Amsterdam as you would expect, we’re certainly confused.
In a lot of ways, Colorado demonstrated us that medicinal marijuana could be controlled, which condition government will really attempt to safeguard patients. Colorado released the very first ever condition license for medicinal marijuana.
 
New Approach Washington come up with the very best and many much talked about legal cast with former and current U.S. lawyers and idol judges, within their efforts to possess marijuana controlled like alcohol. Take a look at more
 
Delaware approved their medicinal marijuana program. Take a look at more about that.
 
Many states including New You are able to and Ohio have medicinal marijuana bills pending. Here’s more about pending states.
 
We discovered that marijuana use might help to combat weight problems and it is generally utilized by individuals with greater intelligence.
 
We’d quite an eventful political year for marijuana. Candidates expressed their sights on marijuana and Newt Gingrich stole the head lines together with his comments. Ron Paul supported his previous claims and Gary Manley, the so known as “marijuana candidate” was excluded from debates. Ron Paul also became a member of Barney Frank yet others by presenting legislation that will legitimize the with tax breaks for care providers and solid legal status.
 
2011 saw marijuana’s acceptance achieve its modern high water mark. Polls show roughly 50% of the nation is perfect for legalisation and as much as 85% support medicinal marijuana. Very couple of if any political issues come with an 85% consensus. Read this article.
Sadly, the unsuccessful fight against drugs switched 40 this year. A lot on the planet has transformed since that time, but Richard Nixon’s Fight Against Drugs remains a continuing.
 
Sythetic Marijuana put their hands up on everyone’s radar. 2011 saw many cities attempt to regulate the underground community, possibly not enough past too far.
Copenhagen made the decision they no more wanted a underground community for marijuana and required major steps toward legally controlling it. Take a look at our coverage.
 
Calls were noisy and obvious for any deleting of marijuana. Two prominent governors lead the charge.
 
Michigan citizens demonstrated they’d not buckle when confronted with the infamous anti-marijuana condition Attorney General, Bill Schuette. Not just did Kalamazoo voters make marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, they’re also on the road to voting on repealing marijuana prohibition.
 
Regrettably, California’s earliest dispensary, Marin Alliance For Medicinal Marijuana Closed it’s doorways.
 
We can’t wait to know what you think regarding your ideas regarding 2011. Leave us comments on these tales or make reference to highlights that didn’t appear here. Marijuana.internet is searching toward talking with you. Be safe while you celebrate 2012.
Michigan Voters could get to Election on Repealing Marijuana Prohibition
Although twelve months 2011 is heading in to the sunset, it won’t be doing this silently. This season saw many much talked about occasions within the marijuana community. So stay updated as Marijuana.internet will recap this wild year for marijuana later within the week. Meanwhile however, we have interesting updates for example advocates organizing in Michigan for any ballot initiative that will repeal marijuana prohibition.
When the ballot initiative collects enough signatures then your problem is going to be placed at the disposal of the voters. This prospect has already been losing light on which looks to become another eventful year for marijuana reform. The particular petition drive is placed to start The month of january 12, 2012. The web site https://help.repealtoday.org/ continues to be established to start the legal procedure for getting this problem around the ballot. They have published the next statement: “We really are a coalition of Michigan parents, instructors, lawyers, doctors, health care professionals, former law enforcers and many more with an array of skills and values. We feel police should stop enforcing marijuana prohibition and rather refocus their focal points to arrest violent crooks along with other real risks to public safety.”
2011 already trained us that federal raids and political muscle is going to do little when it comes to removing advocates from going after sensible marijuana reform. Rising in the ashes from the political scare tactics were many cities pushing for marijuana decriminalization, medicinal marijuana and legalisation. Among the greatest profile groups, New Approach Washington, includes many current and former U.S. lawyers in addition to idol judges (Get more information at our previous coverage of recent Approach Washington). There’s considerable try to be achieved before we are able to think that marijuana legalisation is going to be at the disposal of voters. However, in the event that were the situation this is an legendary event. For just one, while Michigan has legalized medicinal marijuana consequently of the similar ballot initiative, condition Attorney General Bill Schuette has consistently fought against from the program. He’s his displeasure with Kalamazoo voters who chosen to create marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, and reported that condition law would still reign supreme, regardless of the wishes of Kalamazoo citizens.
A voter started repeal of marijuana prohibition in Michigan may likely setup more lawsuits between Mr. Schuette and Michigan citizens. If advocates maintain their vigor, 2012 might be full of much more highlights than 2011. Because this year shuts, come along in celebration for which will probably be a much greater year for sensible reform.
Michigan Dispensary Owner Provided Medibles For Sick Patients
For individuals choosing the medicinal advantages of marijuana but wish to avoid any kind of smoke, food items (snacks, lollipops etc.) are a good option. Matt Taylor, co-who owns Compassionate Apothecary in Mt. Enjoyable, Michigan, is attempting to supply patients with relief. With lots of shops facing trouble within the Great Ponds Condition, Taylor was worried about how patients would suffer. Taylor states now people are likely to get seed products and cultivate their very own medicine, but he doesn’t believe this to become achievable for those who are crictally ill and don’t possess the means or energy to do this. Before centers were closed he attempted to supply as numerous medibles because he could. Taylor feels that lots of sick patients require a electric option and it is advocating Michigan authorities to reconsider their stance.
To learn more, see:
SourceNewspapers.com ‘Medibles’ a choice for patients who don’t wish to smoke