Angus Reid Poll Shows 55 Percent of Americans Say Yes to Marijuana Legalization

According to a new poll from Angus Reid Public Opinion, 55 percent of adults in the United States support the legalization of marijuana. 1,003 people were polled from various political parties and walks of life. Of note, 61 percent of Independents and 63 percent of Democrats support marijuana legalization.

Forty percent oppose the legalization of marijuana and five percent voted as undecided.

A higher number of men support legalization, 57 percent of men as opposed to 53 percent of women. (See our article on gender differences and legalization) Even so, there are advocacy organizations such as the NORML Women's Alliance and Moms for Marijuana that are going strong.

Those polled range in age with the ages of 35 to 54 being the most supportive of legalization, although even respondents over 55 years of age also voted yes.

Less than 10 percent of those polled do NOT support the legalization of any other illicit substance, which we think is a good thing.

To show your support, contact your Congressman or Congresswoman and let them know that the majority of U.S. citizens are in support of HR 2306 which is the '‘Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011.

SOURCE: http://blog.norml.org

The 10 Sexiest Celebrity Stoners

James Franco

I am loving this piece on the 10 Sexiest Celebrity Stoners :) Making the list are: 

James Franco (my favorite!) 

Brad Pitt 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Charlize Theron

Sarah Silverman

Natalie Portman

Kirsten Dunst

Woody Harrelson (I <3 Woody!)

Kimora Lee Simmons

Steven Colbert (HUH?) 

Head to http://www.nerve.com/entertainment/the-ten-sexiest-celebrity-stoners for great pics of the celebs and   their stoner profiles :) 

CNBC Profiles the Top 16 Medical Marijuana Strains

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>CNBC has done a brilliant slideshow on the top 16 strains of medical marijuana. And, they give a great description of the strain and the effects of it beside the stunning photos!


Among their picks -- Mr. Grinspoon for depression and nausea, Blue Dream (I <3 Blue Dream) for back pain which "lacks sedative qualities present in many other strains, although the euphoria experienced is relatively strong." and G-13 Haze for depression, ADD and ADHD.


You ROCK, CNBC!

>CNBC Top 16 Medical Marijuana Strains

Book: 420 Things to Do When You're Stoned (The Official High Times Pot Smokers Handbook)

This book is from High Times and features 420 things to do when you're stoned...a must read!

Funny Sh*t: Saturday Night Live -- Jarrett's Room

I <3 Gobi! BAKED LAYS...lmfao!

Top 10 Stoner Movies

Cheech and Chong Up In Smoke

In no particular order, because we know everyone has their own preferences, here are our picks for the top 10 stoner movies ever :)

1. Cheech and Chong Up in Smoke

2. Friday

3. Half Baked 

4. How High

5. Reefer Madness (hilarious!)

6. The Union: The Business Behind Getting High (a documentary actually)

7. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle

8. Homegrown

9. Pineapple Express

10. Saving Grace (the movie...not the television show)

On the mention of television shows, I must give a big shout out to Weeds, and the best thing that ever aired on Fox during prime time -- Family Guy Episode 420.

This is the song only with still clips, the actual clip is very hard to find on YouTube...

10 Celebrity Potheads Some Might Surprise You...

Ok some of these you may have already known about...but a few of the names on this list are surprising:

The full article can be seen at the link below:

>http://www.thelegalizationofmarijuana.com/2008/12/17/10-celebrity-potheads-that-might-surprise-you/

Animals Getting High: New Book

This story comes to us courtesy of Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/30/animals-high-drugs_n_887849.html?ref=fb&src=sp

After a long day of roaming the wild, can you blame a bird for throwing back a few fermented berries?

Perhaps not, according to author and neuroscientist David Linden, who says that wild animals will "voluntarily and repeatedly consume psychoactive plants and fungi," much like humans.

In his new book, The Compass of Pleasure: How Our Brains Make Fatty Foods, Orgasm, Exercise, Marijuana, Generosity, Vodka, Learning, and Gambling Feel So Good, Linden discusses an array of wild creatures getting stoned on pretty much whatever they can get their claws on.

The list includes birds, elephants and monkeys that scavenge for naturally fermented berries as well as African boars, porcupines and gorillas that ingest the hallucinogenic iboga plant. There are also goats getting a jump by munching on wild coffee berries and, of course, the infamous magic mushroom-loving flying reindeer.

An excerpt from the book explains:

But do we really know whether these animals like the psychoactive effects of the drug, or are they just willing to put up with them as a side effect of consuming a valuable food source? After all, fermented fruit is a tasty and nutritious meal. While it’s hard to dissociate these motivations in animals, many cases suggest that the psychoactive effect is the primary motivator for consumption. Often, only a tiny amount of plant or fungus is consumed, so while its nutritional effect is minuscule its psychoactive effect is large.

As Linden puts it, "Bob Dylan and Siberian Reindeer Agree: Everybody Must Get Stoned."

Our Review Of The Union: The Business Behind Getting High

We just watched the documentary entitled "The Union: The Business Behind Getting High" which is almost 2 hours long. It is by far the most comprehensive documentary on cannabis that we've ever seen. In addition to scientists, professors, law enforcement and legal professionals and medical professionals, the documentary features Tommy Chong and Joe Rogan.

We would recommend this documentary to everyone and anyone...we watched via Netflix...

Can Cannabis Alleviate Lyme Disease Symptoms?

This article by author Bruce D. Budnik talks about how medicinal cannabis can be used to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms caused by Lyme Disease, a common disease carried by ticks.

Cannabis Alleviates Symptoms of Lyme Disease
By Bruce D. Budnik

Living in the rural areas where there is tall grass and bushes everywhere, lies a creature that can make you very ill from its bite. There are many different species of ticks, but only few are able to infect us with a deadly virus. Emedicine.com- "Ticks are arthropods, like spiders. There are more than 800 species of ticks throughout the world." It's true to say that they are uncontrollable and can attach to anyone of any age. Unfortunately, there is barely much you can do about the number of them in your yards and surrounding woodlands. They can travel with many different animals like; dogs, cats, cattle, raccoons, rabbits and humans. They are attracted to warm, dark spots of the body barely visible with the human eye, making them even harder to spot. I think all could agree a bug clinging to your skin without your knowledge is rather creepy and scary. I'm sure we all remember one time or another child or adult, discovering one stuck on us.

Emedicine.com-"Ticks are the leading carriers (vectors) of diseases to humans in the United States, second only to mosquitoes worldwide." That is a staggering comparison statement considering West Nile Virus is at fault to so many lost lives through the years. Along with other life threatening illnesses mosquitos' carry pose a high threat as well. In schools nationwide, health classes teach children proper behavior to prevent Deer Tick bites. There are known precautions that can be made to prevent them from biting such as; long sleeves, jeans, boots, long socks and checking yourselves, along with children, on a basis after being in the garden, lawn or anywhere they could possibly dwell.

Promptly remove the tick with tweezers, making sure to remove all the legs from the skin, wrap it in foil, bring to your doctor to have it cleared as a tick with Lyme disease or not. Deer tick bites left untreated show a red, target like ring around the surface area of the bite, resulting in " Lyme Disease" or "Lyme Borreliosis." This is a serious matter, resulting in so much pain that you may end up in a wheel chair or even bed stricken for days at a time. It takes away the enjoyable aspects of life and can make you're everyday routine miserable. We all know suffering from intense pain is no laughing matter, and being nauseous constantly is a burden within it's self. This is what this disease places in you're body, sucking precious time from your life, you're mind as well.

Many doctors treat this disease with a regiment of antibiotics. This is the efficient way to cure this disease. Although antibiotics can upset you're stomach, affecting appetite severely. Which can result in weight loss as the disease progress. Headaches come and go and can include wretched migraines. They can be so unforgiving and punishable taking a toll on you every single time. Regular sleeping patterns will be constantly interrupted causing chronic fatigue and disrupting ones circadian rhythm. Brutal sharp pains running all the way up your temples causing pain in your forehead and eyes. Stiffness down your neck, back, legs and joints can make you feel helpless, tired and irritable.

Lyme disease can come and go, but for some it wont let up. In most severe cases, this is classified as " Chronic Lyme Disease" with people suffering constantly, not in spurts. Many people with Lyme disease may not think cannabis could be one of the more affective long-term medicines to help alleviate symptoms. Cannabis is a safer, more soothing medication that can eliminate pain in all forms.

Medically, cannabis can be used for many reasons. It fights the aches in your joints and pain throughout your whole body. The more potent the strain brings on the more potent medication. This could be the answer to questions about cannabis being an alternative medicine with the people suffering from "Lyme Disease" who are looking for other, more natural methods of healing. Cannabis can provide the energy needed to make it through the rough days when your symptoms are high. During the evening it can make lying down and falling asleep a delightful occasion, instead of a frustrating restless one. After a great night sleep, you could wake up feeling refreshed instead of sore and tired.

In the morning cannabis is an incredible way to help loosen your joints and stiffness from previous nights tossing and turning. The unfortunate early sunrises when you woke up sick and tired could truly be a thing of the past. Ingesting cannabis will make your appetite stronger, bringing some much needed nutrition. Walking instead of limping, around the house brings back pleasant mornings. Also for the non-smokers you could have a tasty, potent and original edible medication of your choice.

Ask you're doctor or physician about medical cannabis on what opinions they have. This could be a breaking point in you're life, helping to dissipate most symptoms of Lyme disease. If all other methods of alleviating pain become hopeless cannabis could officially help you. Like a general, Lyme disease truly shows no mercy and no surrender; its time to show it whose going to be the last one standing. See additional articles in The Cannabis Times.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Cannabis-Alleviates-Symptoms-of-Lyme-Disease!&id=4979819

Oldest Weed Stash Found in the Gobi Desert

This is old news, but I (Angela) remembered this fascinating news story from 2008. The oldest smoked marijuana stash was found in China and estimated to be 2700 years old. No one, and I mean no one, tells the story better than Michael K from Dlisted.

Legislation To End U.S. Marijuana Prohibition Coming Thursday

By: Steve Elliot
http://www.tokeofthetown.com/

The first bill ever introduced in Congress to end federal marijuana prohibition is coming on Thursday, June 23. Historic, bipartisan legislation which would end the United States' war on marijuana -- and allow states to legalize, tax regulate and control cannabis commerce without federal interference -- will be introduced by Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas).

Co-sponsors of the bill include Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.), and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)

The legislation would limit the federal government's role in marijuana enforcement to cross-border or interstate smuggling, allowing people to legally grow, use or sell marijuana in states where it is legal.

Leading critics of the war on marijuana will explain the legislation's significance for state and national marijuana policy at a national press teleconference on Thursday.

A group of police and judges who fought on the front lines of the failed War On Drugs is announcing its support for the legislation, which is called the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011.

"Clearly the 'war on drugs' has failed, and nowhere is that more clear than with respect to marijuana," said Neill Franklin, a former Baltimore narcotics cop and executive director of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). "It baffles me that we arrest nearly 800,000 people on marijuana charges in this country each and every year at taxpayer expense when we could instead be taking in new tax revenue from legal and regulated marijuana sales.

"Making marijuana illegal hasn't prevented anyone from using it, but it has created a huge funding source that funnels billions of dollars in tax-free profits to violent drug cartels and gangs," Franklin said. "More and more cops now agree: Legalizing marijuana will improve public safety."


Photo: Jimmy Carter Library & Museum
Former President Jimmy Carter: "Maybe the increased tax burden on wealthy citizens necessary to pay for the war on drugs will help bring about a reform of America's drug policies" 
​Last week marked the 40th anniversary of President Richard Nixon's declaring war on marijuana and other drugs. In an op-ed in the New York Times last week, timed for the 40th anniversary, former President Jimmy Carter called for reforming marijuana laws.

The legislation also comes on the heels of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, which released a report on June 2 calling for a major paradigm shift in how our society deals with drugs, including calling for legal regulation of marijuana. The report sent a jolt around the world, generating thousands of international media stories.

The Commission is comprised of international dignitaries including Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations; Richard Branson, entrepreneur, founder of the Virgin Group; and the former presidents of Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Switzerland. Representing the United States on the Commission are George P. Shultz, Paul Volcker and John Whitehead.

More than 46 percent of Californians voted last year to legalize marijuana in their state, and voters in Colorado, Washington and possibly other states expected to vote on the issue next year. In the past year, five state legislatures have considered legalizing marijuana, including California, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Washington state.

Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, but the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) continues to arrest people under federal law, and U.S. Attorneys have in recent months sent threatening letters to state policymakers in an apparent attempt to meddle in state decision-making.

Rep. Frank's legislation would end state/federal conflicts over marijuana policy, reprioritize federal resources, and provide more room for states to do what is best for their own citizens, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project (MPP).

You can write to your Representatives by using this handy form; just enter your state and zip code, and mention that you support the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

What: Tele-Press Conference on the Ending Federal Marijuana Prohibition Act of 2011

When: Thursday, June 23, 2 p.m. EST/11 a.m. PST

Call-In Info: 1-800-311-9404; Passcode: Marijuana

Great Article on Medical Marijuana and How It Can Help You

We came across this fantastic article on the various benefits of medical cannabis and wanted to share it with our friends, fans and visitors :)

Medical Marijuana - How It Can Help You
By A Aaronson

Medical marijuana is legal in several states and can provide benefits for people with a wide variety of medical issues. A doctor can prescribe cannabis (the medical name for marijuana) for different conditions. Most commonly, cannabis is prescribed for the relief of extreme pain. It can also increase appetite in chemotherapy patients who struggle with nausea. Overall, medical marijuana has a positive effect on society, because it gives doctors another tool for helping patients. Cannabis is a natural medicine that can help alleviate the symptoms of several different medical problems. It can treat conditions that occur often and affect many people, as well as the symptoms associated with serious, life threatening illnesses.

One of the general issues that medical cannabis can help with is chronic pain, especially back or neck pain. Often, long term conditions of constant pain, such as those associated with the neck or back, are something that a person just has to deal with. Opioid painkillers are one option, but they are highly addictive, and addiction to painkillers can be a debilitating condition that affects people's relationships, family life, and career. The alternative to this is medical marijuana, which does not pose the risk of addiction that traditional painkillers do. Similarly, anti-inflammatory drugs also pose problems with long term use, whereas cannabis does not carry the same risks. Cannabis actually works nearly instantly when smoked. Its pain relieving properties can be felt within minutes.

Gastritis is one condition that can be treated via medical marijuana. Cannabis is able to regulate pain, stimulate appetite, and relax one's muscles, especially in the gastrointestinal area. For those reasons, cannabis can be used to reduce the painful symptoms of gastritis. The added benefit is the quick acting nature of cannabis when smoked. During a gastritis flare up, a person can combat the attack by smoking medical cannabis.

HIV/AIDS patients are commonly prescribed cannabis in states that allow its medical use. The symptoms associated with HIV and AIDS, and the medications prescribed for them, can cause pain and loss of appetite. Studies show that cannabis can help AIDS patients to regain their appetites, regain lost weight, and to improve their overall outlook on life. Depression is one of the many issues that AIDS patients face, and cannabis use has also shown to be effective in treating depression associated with HIV/AIDS.

One condition that affects women is Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) which features symptoms such as abdominal cramping and pain, as well as irritability. Once again, these are symptoms that medical marijuana has a proven track record in combating.

By applying the medical perspective on these issues, it is possible to see that the issues that face us, even when psychological or emotional, often are medical in nature. Likewise, by adopting cannabis as a legitimate medicine into the framework of medical ideology, it becomes clear that medical marijuana should in fact have a vast range of medical uses, and they should be treated with the same seriousness as any other medical issue. This process of the medicalization of our society actually has benefits in the form of opening up people's eyes to cannabis as a reliable and effective medicine.

If you think you would benefit from medical marijuana Orange County professionals are ready to work with you. For more information visit http://thcmd4u.com/

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Medical-Marijuana---How-It-Can-Help-You&id=5205482] Medical Marijuana - How It Can Help You