VICS TRIAL DRAGS ON, Ted Smith

After spending 12 days in court in May and June, the trial of Mathew Beren and Micheal Swallow has another 8 days scheduled from July 31 to Aug 10. That will probably not be enough time yet to hear all of the testimony. In May, 2004, the Vancouver Island Compassion Society had its production facility raided by the police in Metchosin (Cannabis Digest #3). It has taken three years to get to court because the defense has fought every possible angle and has filed a constitutional challenge against the cultivation charges and the Medical Marijuana Access Regulations.

The first 1½ days of this stage of the proceedings was used by the defense arguing the trial had been delayed so long that the charges should be thrown out. The judge ruled that none of the delays had been the fault of the crown lawyers and the trial should proceed. The next 1½ days were spend by the defense and crown going over the credentials of Lynn Belle-Isle, author of a recent study by the Canadian Aids Society reviewing the federal Medical Marijuana Access Regulations (www.cdnaids.ca & Cannabis Digest #11). This study focused upon the use of cannabis by people living with HIV/AIDS, though the problems they identify apply to other medical applicants to the MMAR. The report supported the continued existence of medical cannabis providers. “We favour providing authorized persons with a variety of legal options and projects,” reads the CAS study. “Offering only one legal source and one strain of cannabis for distribution to authorized Canadians may not be a constitutionally adequate alternative…”

Obviously Lynn’s testimony will be very important to the trial, however, she could not continue on the stand because she had to fly to Poland for a conference. She will come back to finish her testimony in August.

The next two days had Dr. Robert Melamede, Associate Professor and Biology Chairman of the Biology Department of Colorado on the stand informing the court about cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, gamma radiation, and the medical cannabis laws in his state. While he has not tested the effects of gamma radiation on cannabis, he has extensively studied its effects upon other food products. This meant he could not prove that applying gamma radiation to cannabis significantly changes the chemical structure of the cannabinoids, terepenes and flavinoids, therefore altering and possibly reducing the medical benefits normally experienced from a normal plant. Since Health Canada has not publicly released any information they have collected about the effects of gamma radiation on cannabis, something that should occur when the crown calls witnesses in defense, the court is only able to speculate what these effects may be. His other testimony regarding the endocannabinoid system was fascinating. He actually teaches a full 4th year level course on the endocannabinoid system, as science is proving the ability of these naturally produced chemicals regulate most important bodily functions. Being a medical cannabis user himself, Dr. Melamede also had many things to say about the current laws in some of the states, especially California and Colorado. It was refreshing to hear about changes happening south of the border, where we usually hear nothing but horror stories about the drug war.

In an attempt to become qualified as an expert witness as a medical cannabis cultivator, researcher, distributor, and authority on the MMAR, the next 7 days in court were spent with the VICS founder, Phil Lucas, on the stand. The crown has argued against Mr. Lucas being qualified as an expert on any issue in this case because he was the employer of Matt and Mike as the director of VICS, which set this operation up in an attempt to supply the VICS with all of its medicine while conducting research with the rest. Mr. Lucas has been a legal advocate for the defendants since the raid began taking place, sending information immediately to the RCMP in the hope of saving some or all of the plants. He has admitted on the stand that he has been surprised not to be charged, or even questioned, by the police at any time. The crown prosecutors said that they would have no problem admitting evidence from Mr. Lucas as a qualified witness with extensive experience and direct knowledge of the facts of the case but that they would not accept his evidence as an expert.

The defense has admitted that Mr. Lucas has a bias in the case and is attempting to use the Morgentaler case to argue that a defendant can submit expert testimony. They have submitted income statements, balance sheets and other records to the court to show how much was being produced in the facility and the financial dealings of VICS in the hope that the court will consider the economic components of the operations acceptable. The judge will be accepting written arguments in regards to whether or not Mr. Lucas will be able to testify as an expert, though he will not finish making his decision until sometime after the trial starts again.

Several members of VICS are expected to testify about the problems they have experienced with the MMAR and the benefits they get from working with a local compassion club. Also expected to testify is Senator Pierre Claude Nolin, the chair of the 2002 Report of the Senate Special Committee on Illegal Drugs that recommended legalizing cannabis. Part of the Senator’s research with that report involved the medical uses and distribution of cannabis, including the MMAR. Of course, Lynn Belle-Isle is also expected to return to finish her testimony. Eric Nash for Island Harvest might also appear to discuss the various problems that his clients have experienced with the MMAR.

The crown may call Dr Richard Viau, Acting Director General of Health Canada’s Drug Strategy and Controlled Substances Program, and Valerie Lasher, former head of the Medical Marijuana Access Division in Health Canada. They are expected to provide scientific, regulatory, financial and political explanations for the problems that exist with the MMAR. However, the crown may not call these witnesses if they do not feel it is necessary.

It is difficult to speculate how the trial will work out. Though many firmly believe that the MMAR are inadequate and unconstitutional, as previous court cases have shown, most judges are reluctant to strike down federal regulations unless absolutely necessary. Since this will be a decision from the Supreme Court of B.C., it is not binding upon other courts. If the crown loses, they are likely to go to the next level, the B.C. Court of Appeal but no further because they have never appealed a medical cannabis case to the Supreme Court of Canada. The defense may not be able to afford an appeal because the cost of printing the transcripts will be staggering and there is only a certain amount of time to pay for them before the file is permanently closed.

My last appeal was dropped for this very reason. As this is a trial for a grow operation, losing would not mean that the clubs would be shut down, especially if the judge gives the guys a light sentence. He could, though, give them a harsh sentence if he is not happy with the financial records or the fact that they made a mockery of the MMAR by growing 937 plants with a valid license to grow 9, with another 2 licenses in process that would have allowed 34 more for a total of 43 legal plants. Certainly we hope that the MMAR will be ruled unconstitutional and for Health Canada to be forced to work with compassion clubs and that this decision will be upheld by higher courts. For now it does not look as though the trial will end until September, before the judge starts another longer case.

 

International Hempology 101 Society AGM

The International Hempology 101 Society will be having its 9th Annual General Meeting at 7 pm on Thursday August 16 at 826 Johnson St.

This meeting is open to all members of the society and the public interested in at least witnessing the discussion. Members of the society can nominate other members to fill the 9 positions on the board. The agenda will cover the financial statements, UVSS club and lecture series, web page, newsletter, textbook and the Cannabis Buyers Clubs of Canada. We have not yet incorporated the CBC of C as a non-profit and will only do so when we can create a coop with full legal protection. Until that time, the International Hempology 101 Society has accepted responsibility to provide any legal resources necessary to ensure that CBC of C operates. This allows for us to make financial arrangements, like utilities, without having to record every transaction at the club or pay taxes that do not guarantee police protection.

Anyone interested in helping or finding out more about the society should attend the meeting.

 

POSSESSION LAW IN TROUBLE, by Ted Smith

On July 13, 2007, Judge Borenstein of the Ontario Court of Justice dismissed charges of possession of a few grams against a man from Toronto and declared that the law was invalid because the Medical Marijuana Access Regulations had not been passed in law.  Lawyer Brian McAllister successfully argued the MMAR should have been passed into law according to the July, 2000 Parker decision that forced the feds into starting the cannabis programs.  The MMAR has been a policy since July 31, 2001, but has never been law through parliament.  That process would involve a committee made of with representatives from different political parties.  This decision will be appealed to the Ontario Court of Appeal, which could give the government more time or could strike down the possession law for everyone until the MMAR is passed into law.  Courts in other provinces are expected to follow this decision by throwing out possession charges until the law is passed.

 

Willie Nelson – Hemp will help save the planet, by Veronica Horn

Willie Nelson was born April 30, 1933 in a tiny Central Texas farming community. Willie reached fame during the outlaw country movement of the 1970s. Legendary singer and advocate for the American farmer, he has also become recognized for his participation in the movement to legalize marijuana and hemp in North America.

“HEMP IS INTERTWINED WITH AMERICAN HISTORY. We grew it to rig the great New England sailing ships, traveled west in Conestoga wagons covered in hemp, dressed in homespun hemp cloth when we got there and wound up wearing hemp jeans. We tied our cargo with hemp rope and fed the poultry with hemp seed. We used hemp to help develop this country.” Willie Nelson.

It’s no big surprise that Willie Nelson believes in hemp. A long time advocate of smoking cannabis has now moved his advocacy into a different realm. He is spreading the word that hemp can help save the planet.

Willie is on the road again, embracing biodiesel and becoming an icon of biodiesel use. BioWillie (www.biowillieusa.com) is the singer’s unique brand of B20, a fuel made of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent gasoline. He has also developed his own line of biodiesel run vehicles; the limited edition “Willie’s Willys” pickup was unveiled at the 2006 National Biodiesel Conference at the San Diego Convention Center.

His personal vehicles and tour bus all run on biodiesel. Biodiesel is the name for a variety of ester-based oxygenated fuels made from hemp oil, other vegetable oils or animal fats. Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel that runs in any conventional, unmodified diesel engine. The lifecycle production and use of biodiesel produces approximately 80% less carbon dioxide emissions, and almost 100% less sulphur dioxide. Biodiesel is safe to handle and transport because it is as biodegradable as sugar. Biodiesel can be made from domestically produced, renewable oilseed crops such as hemp.

The Department of Defence used more than 10 million gallons of biodiesel in its non-combat vehicles last year. The singer logs thousands of miles on the road, but instead of filling up his customized bus with diesel fuel, he uses his own brand of BioWillie.

“”It’s cheap, and we don’t have to start a war over it,” Willie says.

“It” is an alternative fuel, made from crops grown in America; while slightly more expensive than regular diesel, its sweet smell already has its namesake crooning.

“I sleep right back there over that engine,” says Willie as he gives a tour of his bus. “I’d rather be breathing french-fries or soybeans than diesel fuel.”

“I see this as a way for the farmer to grow fuel and food and put him back in business again,” says Nelsen.

Willie has even lent his name to a small company dubbed the Willie Nelson Hemp Collection - all items are made of hemp or a blend of hemp and cotton.
Already acquainted with the plant’s recreational possibilities, Willie quickly became sold on hemp’s value as a cash crop that could save America’s family farmers, and freely bought into the clothing enterprise.

Willie is unabashed in his views, “As far as I can tell, the primary reasons and uses for the hemp plant are to smoke it, wear it, or use it to make fuel to burn in our cars. And I’m in favor of all three.”

On September 18, 2006 Willie and several of his traveling companions were issued misdemeanour citations for possession of pot and mushrooms during a traffic stop in central Texas. Troopers say they smelled a strong odour of marijuana when the driver opened the bus door. During a search of the bus, approximately 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana and 2/10 of a pound of hallucinogenic mushrooms were found on the bus.

The 73-year-old Willie, his 50-year-old manager David Anderson, his 75-year-old sister Bobbie Nelson, and two driver’s age 59 and 54 were issued citations for possession of mushrooms and marijuana and released.

Willie won’t land in the joint, nor will any of his posse’ after pleading guilty to a misdemeanour count of marijuana possession.

On April 24, 2007 State District Judge Paul deMahy fined Nelson and Anderson $1,024 US each, along with six months probation. As part of a plea agreement, the citations against Bobbie Nelson and the two drivers were dismissed.

Willie Nelson participates as Co-Chair on the NORML Advisory Board, and will be headlining the 2007 Austin Freedom Fest in August – a benefit concert to help end marijuana prohibition in America.

“Willie Nelson has been the most prominent proponent for legalizing marijuana in America for several decades, and he has never wavered from his commitment,” said NORML Executive Director Allen St. Pierre. “The 2007 Austin Freedom Fest is a wonderful opportunity for NORML supporters to gather for a celebration in a unique, and to demonstrate their support for ending America’s laws criminalizing cannabis.”

 

KRIEGER IN AND OUT OF JAIL, by Ted Smith

After first being told by Judge Pepler that he would be allowed to use his medicine while serving a 4-month sentence in jail, Grant Krieger was forced to spend 9 days in the Calgary Remand Center without cannabis. He was released only because his lawyer filed an appeal, not because he was so quickly overcome with symptoms from MS that he could not get around the jail without a wheelchair.

Grant is one of the most determined medical cannabis advocates in Canada (see Cannabis Digest #2, 11 and 13). His battles in and out of court span over a decade. Despite his own severe medical problems, Grant began to establish medical distribution ‘safe houses’ and delivery systems across the prairies in 1999.

However, since his release it appears as though these clubs have stopped operating so as not to violate Grant’s release conditions. Hopefully others will be inspired to start clubs in the absence of Grant’s network. If the Alberta Court of Appeal forces the jails to allow Grant to smoke cannabis while incarcerated, it would be the first time in Canadian history that an inmate can use the herb while behind bars. It is likely that the case will be to the Supreme Court of Canada, which will take a few years, if Grant can afford to take it that far. We wish the best of luck to Grant and send a thank you to all his Alberta supporters.

 

GREEN CROSS HELPS C.B.C. OF C., by Ted Smith

Another visit to the laboratory of the Green Cross Society of B.C. in Vancouver in June will help the CBC of C make even better food and skin products. Approaching one year of existence, the Green Cross is a busy place. (See Cannabis Digest #12). One of the best features of this new club is a cannabinoid profile of their products they show on the daily menu.

The Green Cross has retained the services of Dr. Paul Hornby to test the cannabis products and has given him space in the basement for his company HEDRON ANALYTICAL INC. With his mass spectrometer he can test for cannabinoids, molds and trace amounts of heavy chemicals. Last year, Dr. Hornby taught the ½ hour Cannabis Chemistry lecture at the University of Victoria and found the time went by too quickly. This year he will be teaching the class again, though we plan upon having a full 1 hour special lecture.

We had Dr. Hornby test 3 of our 27 edible and topical cannabis products: Ryanol, Cannoil and a cookie. Time and the cost of chemicals placed a limit on the number of items we could. The test results showed the amounts of CBD, CBN, THC and THC-acid that were present in each sample.

Many people are not aware that THC-acid, not THC, is present in the plant, and that it is only by heating, by either burning, vapourizing or cooking, that the conversion from THC-acid to THC occurs. That is why you cannot simply eat a bud and get high. There are some medical benefits from THC-acid, so it is not entirely without effect. We thought that the double-boiler method that we used to heat the vegetable oils and butter that we use in all of our products, except the rice crispie squares, did a good job of generating this chemical change. However, these test results have proven that there is still more THC-acid that can be converted into THC if the cannabis preparation is cooked properly. The results from the test were as follows:

               CBN      CBD     THC    THC-acid
Ryanol   .065%  .019%   .49%    .64%
Cookie  .049%  .017%   .62%    .35%
Cannoil .068%  .026%   .57%    3.7%

As you can see, the cookies have the highest percent THC and the best conversion rate. This is because when we bake the cookies more of the THC-acid gets converted into THC. It is surprising, though, considering that the cookie has extra food material that is included in the test. The Cannoil could have 6 times more THC is it is all properly converted, something we are keen to do. Now we will be cooking all of our cannabis in the oven for 1 hour at 200 C before cooking it into the butter or vegetable oils. By the time you are reading this, all of our products should be made using this new technique.

Sometime in the fall we will return to test the same products made with the new process to see if there is a better conversion rate. In the meantime, we have already heard back from members that the products seem more potent. When Gayle and I go back in the fall the renovations will definitely be completed. The Green Cross is fixing up a large basement for members to use computers, listen to music and smoke their medicine. It is taking them much longer than they hoped to finish the space, but when it is finally done it will be the best medical cannabis facility in the country. If you are ever in Vancouver, you should check them out. They accept membership cards from the CBC of C, and other recognized medical cannabis clubs.

 

Got Hemp Milk? by Veronica Horn

Hemp seeds are the most-balanced source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. The body cannot produce these EFA’s so they have to be taken in with the foods we eat. However, when foods are processed, their EFA’s lose their nutritional value and even become toxic. Hemp milk also has a strong digestible protein profile, is a good source of iron and contains no trans fat. Hemp seed has no psychoactive properties but hemp oil is the best fat to promote efficient assimilation of THC and other beneficial cannabinoids.

1. Mix 1/4 - 1/2 cup of hemp hearts with one cup of water and let soak over night
2. Blend on med. high, or with a hand blender until a smooth consistency. Strain if desired and dilute with up to another cup of water. More hemp hearts make milk thicker and tasty.
3. Add vanilla, honey, or other flavourings to taste. Enjoy!

Store in a glass jar in the fridge. Use within a couple of days.

You can buy hemp hearts at Simple Remedies, Shift and Hemp & Co. Show your membership card for a discount.
 

Warnings, Updates and Suggestions, by Gayle Quin

Ted and I have only 1 visit left before Mike is released on Sept 15. He sends his most heartfelt thanks for all the encouraging and loving words everyone sent. His letter is still posted on hempology.ca and in the distribution room for those who have not read it. He is serving 9 months of a 1-year sentence.

Reach For The Pot has completed its 3rd annual tournament and a very special thanks goes to all who came every Wednesday night to participate. The winning team this year was The Holy Rollers comprised of Carol, Sam, Odin and Rick. The game is usually held at Hempology 101 almost every Wednesday evening at 7 pm, on the back lawn of the courthouse in the summer and at the Ministry of Health in the winter. It’s a fun way to test your knowledge of cannabis trivia, visit with like-minded people and everyone who plays wins a prize!

Hempology 101 meetings the last two weeks in August consist of a series of contests. These contests include the best written word piece (song or poem), art (2- or 3-dimensional), t-shirt, pipe and bong, and the last and most popular – the joint rolling contest! Come participate or watch the festivities.

Come help Hempology celebrate its 12 Anniversary on September 5 with a march around the town! We start at the back of the courthouse and go have our picture taken on the front steps of the Legislature. It’s always a fun evening.

We are getting new organic hemp/cotton t-shirts for the CBC of C. Cost should be $25. Thanks to both Hemp & Co. and Old Nicks for helping keep the costs of the shirts and printing as low as possible. Get your favourite colour before its gone.

There are two more skin products at the club, Comfrey massage oil and Aloe salve. Now we have 27 food and skin products.

Comfrey is an excellent circulatory stimulant, so is good for heart and kidney support. It will also feed bones, reducing pain, inflammation and healing time of breaks or contusions. It is our first product with hemp seed oil added for its anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties.

Aloe Vera salve is our newest product and consists of Aloe Vera gel, long known for its skin and intestinal healing properties, shea butter, which is a natural sunscreen and will help all types of burns and most skin conditions, beeswax, lecithin, Vitamin C, and lavender essential oil. Look for more complete information in the Product Guide.

Ted and I are getting anxious for September 12, and the start of the second year of the Hempology 101 Societies Free UVSS Lecture series to start at 3:30 pm. The room will be announced in August. The lectures feature several guest speakers each semester and are available for free to the general public. If you cannot attend personally, you can watch the class on a link through hempology.ca or the new web page rollingstoner.tv, which will also show other programs about the CBC of C and Hempology 101. One show, for example, be a weekly show called, TOKING WITH TED, where the club’s founder will interview members, activists and other members of the community to discuss the medical uses of cannabis, encounters with the law and other political issues. Thanks and good luck to Richard from Nanaimo who is putting this project together.

Watch for the improved effects of the ingestible products after our last visit to Vancouver and the Green Cross Society- see article on page 4. The web page, www.hempology.ca is updated constantly with different information- check it out.

 

A Member’s Profile, by Dave Hodgkinson

To All Members of the CBC,
I have had a wide range of problems with the use of different substances over the years. Unfortunately, about 8 to 10 years ago I contracted Hepatitis “C”. Well, I was incarcerated until about 18 months ago and I had heard of the Club over the years but didn’t think much of it because; I was a wheel myself at that point in my life. Never the less I hung around the CBC a few times and learned that Cannabis was being used to help all kinds of people with all types of health problems. So, instead of being the “ know it all” I had been in the past I started to listen to different people regarding battling Hepatitis “C”.

Anyway, approx. 6 months ago I gave up using other drugs that were not marijuana related. Three months ago I started to eat 2 – 9 capsules of Milk Thistle per day (heavy Liver detoxifier) as well as using one expensive, good quality Multi-Vitamin per day and 4 – 12 tablespoons of hemp hearts. Hemp hearts are full of great things that our body requires. As well as this I ate about 3 – 4 Double Chocolate Chip cookies per week. On top of this I drank lots of fresh juices and water.

Almost three months to the day I got my main physician to do a complete blood work up on me and miraculously my Hep “C” had completely left my body.

So, I’m happy to share my story with the members and I thank the staff for all their help and advice. Hopefully we can help some others affected by Hep “C” to try this simple cure. From what I’ve heard it is one hell of a lot better than going on Pegartron and Interferon which can be worse than kicking a heroin habit.

If anyone has any questions they would like to ask me I will give permission to staff at the Club to give out info to get in touch.
Thanks to Everyone. We can help others affected by Hepatitis.

AIDS GROUP ATTACKS MMAR, by Gary Fergusson

March 9, 2007 (reprinted in digest)

The Pacific Aids Network (PAN) fully supports the continuation of the Medical Marijuana Access Division (MMAD) of Health Canada and the Medical Marijuana Access Regulations (MMAR) that governs it. in perpetuity. The beneficial effects of cannabis are varied and numerous, they are as much about human genetics as plant genetics in the medical realm. There can be little, if any doubt of the beneficial effects on such illnesses as HIV/AIDS, MS, MD, cancer, various types of seizures, and brain injuries bi-polar & and other mental disorders. This statement is braved in concert with powerful recent research and the existence of the (MMAD) since 1999!

What must be recognized is that the over 1100 various strains are target specific with a million strains farmed over a millennia from around the world, namely, one strain is not effective for all medical aliments and treatment side effects alike. It must be noted side effects are minimal or non-existent, moreover there has never been a reported death directly related to the ingestion of cannabis. As mentioned above human genetics and plant genetics are believed by scientists, herbalists, and medical cannabis users alike to have individual traits in relation to the medical implementation of cannabis for specific aliments or side effects.

Given the above statements, it is a fallacy to conclude that the one strain of government grown cannabis brand produced is the best for all will truly encompass the full spectrum of medical aliments this Government grown cannabis was produced to address.

Furthermore, the delivery of cannabis by smoking is now less common than it once was. Pharmaceutically produced synthetics such as Marinol and Nabolone along with most all such produced drugs come with their long list of potential side effects. Well-grown, properly produced organic cannabis though not tested is viewed by many as not being such a substance. Moreover, it is only Government grown cannabis that comes with a warning. Indeed with good reason for it is gamma radiated and grown in a mine in which no real testing into the effeteness of this product after being radiated has been enacted. No lawsuits have ever been brought against a compassion club for serving a dangerous product. Given this historic reason no warning is necessary when cannabis is cultivated, cured, and stored correctly. This is the same as potatoes no warning is necessary unless a crop duster has accidentally poisoned the field in which case the crop is destroyed!

Naturally produced cannabis used in a holistic/naturopathic form is invaluable in assisting many, many persons we assist. Your consideration of this matter would be greatly appreciated. PAN website address: http://www.pacificaidsnetwork.ca

Regina v. Michael Judge Curtis Van Santvoord, 2007 BCCA 23

Michael Van Santvoord plead guilty, on July 12, 2006, in Provincial Court in Courtenay to two counts of production of marijuana pursuant:

[16] The Crown filed a report prepared by a police officer describing the alleged impact of marihuana grow operations in the Comox Valley. Among other things, the report asserted that much of the illegal harvests were believed to be destined for the United States. The report also indicated the harm caused by such operations through the use of dangerous weapons and booby-traps, the theft of electricity, the dangerous use of pesticides, the potential for house fires, the damage to the interior of rental properties, and the increased audacity of growers who, says the report, are not worried about being caught because of lenient sentences.

[17] The only submission made by the Crown with respect to the broader social implications of the actual crime before the court was that Mr. Van Santvoord likely paid no tax on his profits from the operation.

20] The sentencing judge next took issue with some of the statements made in the police report about the effect of marihuana grow operations in the Comox Valley. There is no need for this Court to discuss that aspect of the sentencing proceedings. Interesting as the report might be, none of the factors listed in it was connected to Mr. Van Santvoord’s case. No evidence was led as to the type of neighbourhood where the first house was located, and it seems that the second house was on farmland. There was no contention that either of the places was booby-trapped or that weapons were involved. Nor were there any allegations of electricity theft or poor environmental practices. There was no claim that the drug was destined for the United States. Finally, there was no assertion that any landlord had suffered damage.

[21] Before setting out the principles of sentencing that he would apply, the sentencing judge referred to excerpts from a book written by an American judge that questioned the effectiveness and consequences of drug laws in the United States. The sentencing judge also made note of the comments of Southin J.A. in R. v Schedel 2003 BCCA 364 (CanLII), (2003), 184 B.C.A.C. 166, 2003 BCCA 364 where, speaking for herself, she said:

[83] While at one time I accepted the received wisdom that marihuana offences were serious crimes, I now am of a different opinion, having been persuaded to the contrary by, among other writings, the judgment of my colleague, Prowse J.A., in R. v. Malmo-Levine 2000 BCCA 335 (CanLII), (2000), 145 C.C.C. (3d) 225, 34 C.R. (5th) 91, 2000 BCCA 335.

[84] By that, I do not mean that I would have come to the same conclusion in that case as did she. I have not yet abandoned my conviction that Parliament has a constitutional right to be hoodwinked, as it was in the 1920’s and 1930’s by the propaganda against marihuana, and to remain hoodwinked.

[85] The growing, trafficking in, and possession of marihuana (“Cannabis” in Schedule II to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, R.S.C. 1996, c. 19) is the source of much work, not only for peace officers but also for lawyers and judges. Whether that work contributes to peace, order and good government is another matter.

[87] In my years on the bench I have sat on over 40 cases which had something to do with this substance, which appears to be of no greater danger to society than alcohol.

 

Essential Fatty Acids and Beautiful Healthy Skin and Fur, by Carola Schleuss CNC, CMP

Owner of and practicing at Simple Remedies Herbal Solutions

Maintaining healthy skin and beautiful fur is as simple as eating. Hot spots, warts and rough scaly skin can look awful and feel painful, and if our animal friends could talk to us they would tell us, it feels hot, itchy, dry, and makes them feel irritable, self-conscious and truly uncomfortable. Their fur might be dull, stinky, patchy and full of dander.

The skin is an organ that is cleansed by the blood and lymphatic system. When the blood and lymph become burdened with excess toxins they exit the body one way or another, usually as uncomfortable skin conditions, such as hives, eczema, psoriasis, hot spots, lumps, warts, or acne. Chemicals, food allergies, and or extreme emotional stress on the system cause most skin conditions. The beauty of whole foods and herbs is that they aid in the cleaning or elimination of toxins, as well as regenerating and healing the tissues.

Begin helping your animal friends to feel better by changing their diet to a good quality natural human food, and add in essential fatty acids (EFA’s) such as hemp oil, fish oil, or raw pumpkin seeds. Just like people, animals don’t make essential fatty acids; they have to get them from their food. EFA’s are very important for healthy skin, bones, strong immunity, nourishment for the nervous system, balancing hormones and metabolism of fats. EFA’s alone will make an incredible difference in the way you and your animal friend feels and looks. For more information on feeding your animal friend wholesome foods read Dr. Allen Shoen DMV, book, Kindred Spirits, or e-mail me at info@simpleremediesherbalsolutions.com for a complimentary whole food list for people, dogs and cats. Before the 1950’s people all over the world fed their animal friends the same food they ate. They still do this in many countries, and their animal friends live longer healthier lives.

Some animals tend to be a bit hotter by nature, but usually excessive heat is an indication of chemical exposure from a poor diet and vaccinations. Quinoa our 10-year-old lab/coyote/cocker spaniel is a bit hot, but, she came into the world this way; she also has had too many vaccines, and began her first four years of life on mostly organic dry pet food. Quinoa suffered from hot itchy skin as well as a few warts. She has been on a whole food diet since she was about five, and has greatly improved. Recently we increased the amount of vegetables and herbs in her diet. She now gets mostly grated vegetables carrots/kale/lettuce/cabbage, a herbal blend of alfalfa powder, comfrey leaf, dandelion leaf, spirulina algae, seaweed (kelp, bladder wrack, Dulse), a variety of animal proteins 30%-40% (lamb, eggs, fish, chicken, organ meat), nutritional yeast, oils from (fish, hemp, olive, coconut), food grade bone meal. Most supplements are given in small amounts.

All the herbs/vegetables (plants) are cooling to the system as well as highly nutrient rich especially minerals for optimal absorption. The beauty of plants is they have all kinds of healing properties such as anti-viral, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammatory… helping with skin condition such as hot spots, eczema and warts.

Externally we use calendula salve, tea rinses and aloe vera gel to help Quinoa’s skin cool down, and essential oil of lavender and oil of oregano for their anti-viral properties. Internally we use aloe vera gel for its cooling and healing properties, burdock root for its blood cleansing properties and Echinacea /Red clover for their blood and lymphatic system properties and essential fatty acids hemp oil and fish oil.

Stay well through nutrition… Nature’s cures

HEMPOLOGY 101 AT UVIC, with Ted Smith

September 2007
12 Cannabis B.C. (Before Christ)
19 Marijuana Tax Act of 1937
26 Cannabis around the World

October 2007
3 Hemp Products
10 Cannabis Research
17 Cannabis Chemistry
24 Families and the Drug War
31 Cannabis in the Media

November 2007
7 Medical uses of Cannabis p.1
14 Medical uses of Cannabis p.2
21 Health Canada + the MMAR
28 History of CBC of C

January 2008
9 Hemp History
16 History of Prohibition
23 Economics of Legalization
30 Growing Cannabis

February 2008
6 Cannabis and Your Health
13 Medical Cannabis Products
20 – Break –
27 Cannabis and the Law

March 2008
5 Social Impact of Prohibition
12 Pot in Politics
19 Medical Cannabis in Canada
26 History of Hempology 101

Elliot Building, Room 062
Weds at 3:30 – 4:10 pm
PUBLIC WELCOME
FREE