Rational Nation USA
Liberty - vs- Tyranny
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| Cannabis Leaf |
Medical Science has demonstrated the benefits of medical marijuana in relieving the pain cancer patients experience. Yet the the federal government has seen fit to attempt to take the property of Harborside Health Center and force closure of California's largest medical marijuana supplier. As to be expected for ginned up BS reasons. Perhaps this act will help the win the never ending war on drugs. Okay, snark off now. But I'm quite sure mst of you will get the point.
The Los Angeles Times - The federal government is moving to shut down the nation's largest and highest-profile medical marijuana dispensary operation, filing papers to seize properties in Oakland and San Jose where Harborside Health Center does business.
Copies of the federal Complaint for Forfeiture were taped to the front doors of the two dispensaries Tuesday, alleging that they were "operating in violation of federal law."
Medical marijuana advocates, as well as some state and local officials, decried the action, saying it hurts patients in legitimate need of the drug and breaks repeated promises by President Obama's Justice Department that it was targeting only operations near schools and parks or otherwise in violation of the state's laws.
The U.S. attorney for Northern California, Melinda Haag, said she now found "the need to consider actions regarding marijuana superstores such as Harborside" because they presented unique opportunities for abuse.
I simply must break right here. Every package store (that's liquor store for those outside Mass.) in every village, town, and city present the opportunity for alcohol abuse. Thus adding to the death toll on America's roadways by drunks driving, adding to the number of alcoholics in society, increasing spousal and child abuse, increasing the number of divorces etc., you all can add more if you like.
I think everyone can see the point of the above, at least I hope so. There is nothing wrong with responsible drinking just as there is nothing wrong with responsible use of medical marijuana. But of course the feds must continue the ridiculous, illogical, and irresponsible attack on something that is in fact a non issue.
Harborside was co-founded by outspoken marijuana activist Steve DeAngelo in 2006 and was the subject of a reality show, "Weed Wars," on the Discovery Channel last year. While other dispensary operators have sought a low profile since California's four U.S. attorneys began cracking down on the industry in October, DeAngelo has consistently railed against the federal intervention, advocated for better state regulations and become a leader in the movement.
"People are not going to stop using cannabis, they're just going to buy it in the illegal marketplace … on the streets," he said Wednesday in an interview. "Why are federal prosecutors using their discretion to do something so profoundly destructive?" {Read More}
Of all the crazy, zany, endeavors the feds involve themselves in this is without a doubt one of the zaniest. But who ever said the feds, particularly when it comes to the war on drugs hysteria, were rational.
Via: Memeoranmdum
