Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 6: Am I too old to use marijuana?

And here we go with the sixth episode of Marijuana Mondays. If you don't know what I am talking about it, read: Marijuana Mondays. Last week a 30yo gentleman asked me if he was too old to smoke marijuana.Of course, I've got the answer to that question and I've decided to add some more marijuana goodies this time, Marijuana Media. Email me your questions, issues, or concerns at anthonytaurus(at)hotmail.com.
Check the last episode: Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 5: Why is marijuana illegal?

Pot Mumblings

Police Chief: Officer Accused Of Choking Civilian Was Disciplined
In Tennessee, police officer Cpl. Bill Cosby (I know lol) choked James Anders unconscious because Cosby believed Anders swallowed marijuana. In the end, there was no marijuana at all. In fact, the guy didn't even have any marijuana in his system. Of course, all charges were dropped and now the guy is suing the police department. What really makes this case stand out to me is the response by Judge Barry Tatum. While it is unfortunate that this dirty cop was allowed to keep his job, Judge Tatum indicated that he does not want to ever see Officer Cosby in his court again. It's so bad that the judge said he will dismiss all cases by this officer and will dismiss any future cases this officer brings to his court.

It's about time that judges start taking some recognizing their responsibility to the people as it pertains to these overzealous officers. How many times have people been hurt because of cops like this animal? And what happens? They get more and more bold with their aggressive tactics because judges allow them to get away with this brutality. Juries acquit officers of murder. Judges give passes to cops on a daily basis. In these days and times can a police officer do any wrong? Fortunately, there's a court in Tennessee where a cop is being treated with the respect he earned, NONE.

"Tatum said Cosby has 'cast a permanent cloud over law enforcement and the judicial system.'"

Officer Cosby is a dirty animal with a badge. He shouldn't have it, he shouldn't be respected as an officer, and there are many more like him that should be marginalized the same way.

Cannabis Q&A

Am I too old to smoke marijuana?
We are never too old to partake of the sweet green. Marijuana is not some teenage only thing. It's not the new silly seizure dance of the week. Personally, I don't think teens should smoke marijuana. We have to remember that it's smoke, combusted material. While I am no scientist, I do believe that any kind of non-food substance will do harm to a growing child. Also, I believe that children are too immature to handle the effects of marijuana.

Although my first two experience with marijuana were at the ages of 14 and 16, I took my first real puff of marijuana at the age of 23. I am glad that I wasn't as interested in marijuana when I was younger. I appreciate the feeling more. I can enjoy it without worrying if some adult catches me. I have more money and better connections. Seriously, what don't we, as adults, enjoy more these days... besides work? I think it's simply better to start smoking when you are older - mentally secure, physically grown, and comfortable in life.

A word of safety. Many of us don't appreciate the reality that prohibition puts marijuana into the hands of criminals who most likely don't care about you. First time users won't know what to look for, smell for, ask about, and so on. This is new territory. Make sure you have a trusted friend. If you don't have a trusted friend, don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Without marijuana regulation, people could put anything in your marijuana just like the days when rat meat was common in canned food.

If you're a first time smoker with no one to guide you, take a picture of your marijuana and email it to me at anthonytaurus(at)hotmail.com. Make sure it's clear with no blurry parts. If your camera has a macro function, learn to use it (you will have to get CLOSE). Then describe the weed itself in the email. How did it feel between your fingertips? Was it dry, sticky, spongy, moist? How does it smell? Fresh, chemically?

Green Tip of the Week

Marijuana is not for everyone. Remember everyone processes things in a different way. It's like milk. Some people are just lactose intolerant and shouldn't drink it at all. The same can be said of marijuana. While it's ok for many people to smoke marijuana, there will be a small percentage of people that won't have the greatest reaction to it. Some people may need more than others to get the desired effect. And some people can get high just by simply being around someone who smokes marijuana near them.

So, if you are going to smoke, start very slow. Short and small puffs just to start it off. Try shotguns. A shotgun is basically someone blowing marijuana smoke in your face. There are different levels of shotguns from the scatter shot to the slug. Think of the scatter shot as second hand smoke concentrated in your direction. And a slug would be someone flipping the joint around in their mouth (burning tip in the mouth) and then blowing it directly into the other person's mouth, a much higher concentration of smoke.

Marijuana Media

The Caribou Barbie Reality Show

First Presidential Debate

Ooohhh, I so wanted to take a break from politics but how could I do that after Barack Obama thoroughly destroyed John McCain in the first debate. Of course, most Republican pundits will say that McCain won but that's all just false reporting. When you break it down issue for issue, McCain never had a chance.

However, McCain did have a few smart things to say. Unfortunately, anything good that McCain said was overshadowed by his own obvious inferiority complex and visible fear, frightened to look Obama in the eye when speaking to him. Obama, I thought, may have been too relaxed, too much of a gentleman - something most Americans don't identify with. While I felt that Obama could have been more aggressive, I respected that he didn't bother to stoop that low.

Judging the Vice Presidents

I think after three interviews with Sarah Palin, most Americans know that Caribou Barbie is a moron. Charles Gibson gave her some fairly decent questions which she fumbled. Then Sean Hannity practically gave her a free and easy interview which no one with a brain respected. In fact, he did Sarah Palin a disservice by throwing her easy questions. It didn't make her look good. It helped confirmed her stupidity. With all of the sexist talk, Katie Couric did America a favor by eliminating the concept of sexism and giving Sarah Palin a real interview which Caribou Barbie failed with flying colors. Thank you Charles Gibson & Katie Couric.

While it was a boon to Republicans early on, the economic crisis and her own stupidity have erased any leads the McCain/Palin ticket might have enjoyed. Even some Republican pundits have called for her to step down because she's thoroughly dragging down the party. [source]

On the other hand, we've got Joe Biden. Let's be honest here, while Sarah Palin is busy destroying herself by talking, Joe Biden is practically untouchable on anything. Outside of his minor gaffes, Republican pundits can't really say anything about Joe Biden. Seriously, in 35+ years as a senator in the United States, I find it difficult the best thing anyone can complain about is his silly soundbites - no scandals, no fraud, nothing. He's got 35+ years of government experience, 10 years more than McCain himself, small town appeal and incredible foreign policy experience.

The Caribou Barbie Reality Show

With all of that said, can we really expect Sarah Palin to win any debates against Joe Biden. If anyone can remember the deer-in-the-headlights look that Caribou Barbie had with Charles Gibson, you know this debate will be more funny that helpful to McCain. If you remember the painfully uncomfortable feeling you had when she explained her foreign policy experience to Katie Couric, you know this debate is going to have its tense moments.

Eventually, we're going to come to a point where we will want Caribou Baribie off the show, out of the house, voted off the island because she IS the weakest link. But, until she goes, she will make for some damn good reality television. What makes it really good is that it will be REAL reality television, totally unscripted.

The Vice Presidential debate between Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin will be GREAT!

Women are just too damn picky...

So, as I was twittering away, one of my blog buddies, the great and popular Raw Dawg Buffalo asked me to respond to his recent post: She gotta give me my ax. You go read it.

Here is my response (edited and amended):

I think it comes from a high school mentality that women never quite shed. From middle school to high school young women develop these specific desires as they get crushes on boys, teachers, actors, musicians, and so on.

Then they talk about breaking men apart to create their perfect man. "I want his eyes, but his lips... ooo ooo ooo and his muscles...." And, we are all guilty of breaking up the opposite gender to create the perfect partner. But honestly, I think women hold on to that "perfect man" like it's the last cup of water on earth.

Most men don't have this problem. We get rejected so often, at some point we settle. Usually the first settlement is a bad idea forcing us onto two paths: sexual/any women or the right woman. Personally, I am on the "right woman" path.

Back to women...

Ask any woman, no matter their age, to describe their ideal man in high school. They will remember. Then ask, how has that ideal changed since high school. We'll find that it generally hasn't changed at all. They still want the same things.

Unfortunately, there's no such thing as the perfect man. There's a right man but he's not going to be perfect. And, when women have spent some 20 years getting bad men, rejecting good men, and scaring off great men, they settle for the exact opposite of what they wanted in the first place - some short, bald, fat, short-dick retard that they don't have to do much with - because that biologial clock isn't just ticking. The alarm has sounded.

Blog Love: Ep. 1: Sauda & the Snob

The Sauda Voice

The Sauda Voice is one my favorite blogs to read because the author is so smart (and she is also absolutely gorgeous). Sauda sent out a general request for a guest blogger. I decided I'd answer her call. Honestly, I didn't think she'd take me seriously. Why? I don't know. But, she did. Now the question became what to write about. I have so many drafts and just general ideas, I didn't know which to offer. She gave me some guidance - Black women's issues or politics. I don't know anything about women, much less Black women; my job is to just love them all. But, I know a little something about politics.

So, what to do? Do I work on a draft or one of the ideas floating in my head? The drafts are good but I want to give Sauda something great. So, what did President Anthony come up with? An extraordinary commentary on Reagan-era economic policies that have helped shaped Republican identity and create the economic crisis of the United States. Sauda loved it. But, it was so long, she had to break it up into two parts.

Go visit the Sauda Voice to read President Anthony Taurus' commentary:
Reagan Destroyed America (and How Obama Can Fix It) (Part I)

The Black Snob

So, as I was perusing the blogs that I frequent (check the Honorary Citizens list to the left), I came across the Black Snob and her most recent post: Why I Heart Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Of course, I already know why. Who, with common sense, doesn't love Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert? I said, "...with common sense...." See how that works.

Anyway, I click on the post and I see the funniest image of Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert. It's funny because I know exactly where it came from. See..

That's just hilarious!

Death Investigation at Swains Lock

On Tuesday, September 23, at 4:09 p.m., United States Park Police units responded to Swains Lock, at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, for a report of a visitor in cardiac arrest.

The initial investigation revealed a 78 year old male was walking with his wife along the canal towpath, when he collapsed. His wife called 911 and Montgomery County Medics responded and began treatment. He was transported to Suburban Hospital and later pronounced.

The man has been identified as Robert E. Moran, Jr., of Potomac, MD.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Medical Emergency on Baltimore Washington Parkway

On Monday, September 22, 2008, at approximately 4:09 p.m., the United States Park Police were dispatched to southbound Baltimore-Washington Parkway south of Powder Mill Road for the report of a medical emergency. Arriving units reported Emergency Medical Services on the scene performing CPR on an individual who was subsequently transported to a local hospital by ambulance. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the decedent had been sick for several days. The decedent had stayed home that day and later determined the need go to the hospital. A friend of the decedent was contacted who responded to his residence to take him to the hospital.

While driving southbound on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway south of Powder Mill Road, the friend noticed that the decedent had slumped against the car's passenger door. He had been complaining of not being able to catch his breath. The friend pulled to the roadside and found the decedent unresponsive. The friend contacted 911 who had him begin CPR.

The decedent has been identified as 25 year old Anthony Ray Eldridge, a Lanham, Maryland resident.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 5: Why is marijuana illegal?

And here we go with the fifth episode of Marijuana Mondays. If you don't know what I am talking about it, read this: Marijuana Mondays. Some folks want to know, rightfully so, how and when did Marijuana become illegal in the United States? Of course, I've got the answer to that question. Email me your questions, issues, or concerns at anthonytaurus(at)hotmail.com.
Check the last episode: Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 4: LEGALIZE IT

Marijuana Mumblings

Pot rally has cops fuming
The Freedom Rally in Boston is "the largest marijuana reform gathering on the East Coast." Fortunately, all these guys do is come together to talk marijuana reform. However, some people decide to light up their joints. This makes any police group angry for two reasons: 1) it shows the overaggressive tactics of local police which makes them looks useless and pitiful and 2) shows that marijuana smokers are peaceful and nonviolent which goes against every lie authorities try to tell the media. It's funny.

Area law enforcement say 'no' to marijuana decriminalization
We're still in Boston here. It seems the good folks in Massachusetts get to vote on "Question 2" which will seek a smarter common sense policy in regards to small quantities of marijuana. Instead of arresting people and giving them records for life, Question 2 would require police officers to give tickets instead. It's a common sense policy. The only reason police don't like Question 2 is because they wouldn't be able to arrest individuals anymore. It's as if Boston police live to do as much harm as possible to the people of their own community. It's sadistic.

Drug Task Force Aims To Spoil Marijuana Harvest
This gem comes from Minnesota. Marijuana harvest season is here. It occurs around this time every year for outdoor crops. Seeds are planted in the Spring around April and they grow through the summer maturing some time in the fall. There will be more stories like that as local police departments and the DEA look for patches of marijuana crops everywhere there's arable land. Unfortunately, all of their efforts won't really do much to hurt the marijuana market just as marijuana eradication efforts didn't do much all the years before. Prices will be the same. Quality will be the same. Availability will be the same.

The only thing I can tell folks is to not go near a marijuana patch around this time. The police are getting smarter (that was a joke). If they haven't already pulled up the plants, they'll be waiting for any farmers to show up for harvest time. At any rater, it's another $70+ billion of taxpayer money down the drain to catch maybe 1-5% of marijuana production. The funny thing is that real marijuana growers and dealers expect more of a dent from theft than they do from police.

Questions & Answers

When and why was marijuana made criminal?
Marijuana was first made illegal, at least in opinion, in 1937 under the Marijuana Tax Stamp Act. The act itself did not criminalize marijuana but instead placed heavy taxes on it.The reasoning marijuana was made criminal back then, which continues today, is racism. A lot of people say that it was because of the paper industry. Supposedly, logging companies which provide much of the material for paper production didn't like the competition from hemp. It was known at the time that a field of hemp would produce more paper that what could be obtained from the logging industry, which is true. But, this is a bullshit reason for criminalizing marijuana.

Henry Anslinger, a racist bastard as too many whites were in that time period, appealed to Congress to make marijuana illegal by claiming: "There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos, and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz, and swing, result from marijuana use. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers, and any others."

However, in 1967, the Marijuana Tax Stamp Act was repealed because marijuana production was so low that the act was seen as criminalizing marijuana due to the high taxes attached. Unfortunately, in 1970, the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) came about which would organize specific drugs into 5 "schedules" with Schedule 1 being the worst. The CSA was an effort of the United States to comply with the United Nations' policy against narcotics. Unfortunately, many people believe that the CSA is unconstitutional and should be repealed. However, politicians continue to weaken the US Constitution by ignoring it.

Currently, the only way to go about getting marijuana legal is to remove it from the CSA like alcohol and tobacco aren't in the CSA.

Marijuana Tip of the Week

Store your marijuana in airtight glass bottles instead of the little plastic bags or cases you may receive when buying it. The bottle will serve two purposes.

First, it will help contain the smell a lot better than plastic by not allowing air to escape as plastic would. The best bottles to use are baby food bottles because they have a soft gum-like seal on the underside of the cap. Most other bottles have a flimsy paper seal that eventually wears out and allows the smell to come out.

Second, containing the marijuana in such a way will increase its cure. Most times commercial growers will give marijuana a short cure because it's just a waste of time for them since it can be smoked once it's dried. However, a proper cure will bring out the natural flavors of marijuana giving it a better taste and smell as well as equalize the moisture levels which can produce a smoother smoke.

The next time you get marijuana, keep some of it in a small baby food bottle in a dark place (light degrades THC in marijuana) for two weeks. If it's good marijuana that's grown well, the taste and smell will pop out at you even more.

Oooooo Drill Baby Drill

I am not one for fashion but I'd like to send a big thank you to Threadpit for this fashion option...

Big Brother Works Both Ways

The minute we're born, the doctor slaps our little bottoms and the nurse enters our information into a computer database. This is something that we have to accept in this digital world. Let's call it the Matrix. Yes, I like that, too. At any point in time, our entire lives can be opened like a book or a computer folder. Everything that we were, are, and will become exists in this folder and its subfolders on computers around the world. All it takes is for someone to compile this information to get a detailed view of who and what we are.

This is the "Big Brother" that we've all talked about - someone is always watching and always listening. This is the very purpose of Bush's unwarranted wiretapping on American citizens. Every step we take is tracked - cellphone, email, computer, internet, credit cards, etc etc etc. Every letter I type in this very blog post is dynamically screened to weed out for specific words - bomb, kill, anthrax, suicide, allah, islam, bush, and so on. In fact, I may have just set off some red flags in Dick Cheney's basement.

But, today, I read something that gives me some comfort.

Sarah Palin had her email accounts hacked. Politically, this didn't reveal much so far. It seems these were just personal email accounts that she may have used for government business. Of course, this leads to other potential implications of wrongdoing. Pastebin, Wikileaks and Gawker all have something related to Sarah Palin's email being hacked which you can see for yourself - screenshots, pictures, emails. But, that's not what this post is about although it's a strong example.

See, a group, or pseudo-group, of hackers known as Anonymous did the dirty work of breaking into Sarah Palin's email. It gives me comfort because it lets me realize that there is someone out there, a group of someones, with the ability to fight fire with fire. It's similar to the slaughter of the Native Americans as they tried to fight gunpowder and spheres made of metal with bows and arrows made from wood.

We live in a true Matrix and we've got to be able to fight back digitally. We, the people, need hackers as the government has hackers and as corporations have hackers that can be, will be, and have been used against us. This hacking lets me know that not even government officials are safe from the system they've developed. There is always someone out there watching and listening. And, those kinds of individuals exist on both teams.

However, I do fear, as an ordinary individual, that this loose group of digitally savvy individuals has no set conscience, rules, ethics, or laws. But, that is the nature of those that live in secrecy. We have to trust that there is some good and hope that there is more good than bad.

Update: Please be sure to check out the comments to this post by "Anonymous". The name doesn't imply that it is a representative of the group Anonymous. The name only shows up because the person didn't identify themselves. But, it's important to get a better understanding of the positive value of hackers from a true hacker's perspective.

Motorcycle Checkpoint Conducted

On Sunday, September 14th, officers from the United States Park Police District 2 Station, in conjunction with the Virginia State Police and the Arlington County Police, conducted a motorcycle safety checkpoint on the southbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in the area of Reagan National Airport. Over 4,000 vehicles passed through this checkpoint, which was conducted between 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. During the course of this enforcement action, 75 motorcyclists were stopped. Of the motorcyclists stopped, eight operators had no driver’s licenses, eight operators had registration violations, seven motorcycles were found to have safety inspection issues, one operator had a revoked permit, one operator was in violation of a learner’s permit, and three motorcycles were impounded. Twenty-six citations were issued as a result of the above findings.

The goal of the checkpoint was to enforce existing laws and educate riders through motorcycle safety tips brochures. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,810 motorcyclists were killed in 2006 – an increase of five percent over the 4,576 motorcyclists killed in 2005. There were 88,000 motorcyclists injured during 2006. Also, per mile traveled in 2006, a motorcyclist is approximately 37 times more likely to die in a crash than someone riding in a passenger car. Due to the overwhelming success of this enforcement action, it will be repeated in the future.

We Are Always On Trial

I had a conversation with a friend of mine the other night. It really made me think about how I treat my friends and even my family. The conversation started when my friend felt that I would scrutinize her too much. I didn't disagree with her. In fact, I admitted, rightly so, that I did and I would continue to do so. Of course, any normal person would feel somewhat offended at constantly being scrutinized. However, the reality of the world is that we're always scrutinized all of the time. Every single time we are seen and by every single person, we will all be scrutinized in some way shape or form.

Anyway, my friend felt that my scrutinizing lead me to making judgments that may not be entirely fair. I understood but I saw it differently. Here's the conversation:

Anthony Taurus: judgments are based on evidence you have
AT: given new evidence, judgments can change
JG: lol@ new evidence ...like its a trial
AT: it is a trial
AT: what you do and say can and will be held against
AT: so watch your mouth and watch your step
JG: what am i on trial for ?
AT: friendship
AT: trust
AT: relationship
AT: etc etc etc
AT: we're all always on trial
JG: interesting....
JG: i thought we were already friends...
AT: doesn't mean that it will last

So, what I did here is compare relationships, whatever they may be, with court trials. We are always judged depending on what we've done. This is, of course, beyond our external identity. In other words, we are already be beyond race, culture, gender, and so on. For example, a friend, has stolen from me. I'd have to consider this new evidence into our friendship and come to a new judgment regarding the relationship. This can be translated to crime in society. For example, a woman was found innocent of murdering her husband. Fifteen years later, the now 25 year-old son comes forward as a witness to that crime. That is new evidence which requires a new trial, new judgment, and a sentence.

Overall, I believe we all act like individual nations. We have our own laws of what we will allow people to do when in our nation or in our presence. This is regardless of what society may consider criminal. In simpler terms, we all have our likes and dislikes. For example, I can't stand tobacco smoke. In your nation, it may be totally legal. In my nation (The United States of Anthony, of course), it's a crime. So, I wouldn't want a cigarette smoker anywhere around me. In my court, a cigarette smoker would be tried, convicted of the crime of smoking tobacco (and not marijuana), and then potentially sentenced to banishment.

Allow me to backtrack a bit. I have a friend that I've know for 15+ years. He smokes cigarettes. 15+ years of friendship is nothing to throw away. Cigarette smoke is a minor negative compared to all of the positive. In other words, as we take into consideration negative evidence, positive evidence should also be taken into consideration.

In the end, my feeling is that we are all always on trial. At work. At home. On the street. In the elevator. As long as there exists a relationship, we will be judged. Parents-children. Employer-employee. Boy-Girl. Friends. Strangers. The real question is, how will you "sentence" or react to those judgments.

Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 4: LEGALIZE IT

Well, ladies and gentlemen, we continue with the fourth episode of Marijuana Mondays. If you don't know what I am talking about it, read this: Marijuana Mondays. I want to take a break from the usual format and discuss more specifically about LEGALIZATION. Email me your questions, issues, or concerns at anthonytaurus(at)hotmail.com.

See the last episode: Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 3: Water Bong Reality

Social

We all know someone who smokes marijuana. If you think you don't know someone who smokes marijuana, you just haven't been told anything yet. Unfortunately, there's a stigma regarding marijuana users as being mostly lazy. Fortunately, so many millions of people, in the US alone, smoke marijuana that it's impossible to maintain such a negative stigma. A large portion of society, from your blue collar janitor to your white collar businessmen doctors, lawyers, and politicians smoke marijuana. How can we justify the criminalization of so many millions of people including your friends, your family, your coworkers, and so on?

Science

Let's talk LD50. LD50 stands for Lethal Dose at 50%. It refers to the the amount of a substance it would take to kill 50% of the test population. For example, the LD50 of alcohol is about 10.5 grams per kilogram. This amounts to BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) level of 0.4 which is liberal as some research shows that even a .25 could be fatal to some. The legal limit for alcohol in NY is 0.08. However, marijuana toxicity is nonexistant. Don't take my word for it: DEA Administrative Law Judge Francis L. Young wrote this in 1988:

At present it is estimated that marijuana's LD-50 is around 1:20,000 or 1:40,000. In layman terms this means that in order to induce death a marijuana smoker would have to consume 20,000 to 40,000 times as much marijuana as is contained in one marijuana cigarette. NIDA-supplied marijuana cigarettes weigh approximately .9 grams. A smoker would theoretically have to consume nearly 1,500 pounds of marijuana within about fifteen minutes to induce a lethal response.
[source; pg. 55-56, Findings of Fact #8]

Yes, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the same agency that will break down your door and point assault rifles at your children, knows that marijuana is NOT dangerous. In fact, there are absolutely no recorded deaths from marijuana use alone. However, there are many recorded deaths from tobacco, alcohol, aspirin; and, have you ever heard of water toxicity? Yes, people have died from drinking too much water. Ask Jennifer Strange.
On another note: I'd like to see a 1500-pound joint!

Medical

It's always a sort of good joke to hear a marijuana user say they smoke because of their glaucoma although they may have perfect vision. But, the truth is that marijuana has been used medically for a very long time. Unfortunately, it's well covered up. Fortunately, government is succumbing to pressure from the medical and science community to do further research on marijuana. However, other nations around the globe are far ahead of the United States when it comes to marijuana research. Nations such as Israel, Spain, and Germany have found that marijuana's compounds have many medical uses including pain relief, arresting and regressing cancer growth, epilepsy, anti-inflammatory and tons of other applications. [source, source, source, source, source]

Crime and Punishment

Local, state, and federal agencies spend approximately $70 billion per year trying to fight marijuana. This is pitiful. It's pitiful because these agencies haven't even put a dent into the marijuana market. For example, in 2006, over 800,000 people were arrested for marijuana and approximately 3 million plants were "eradicated" along with grow houses and so on. However, the price of marijuana didn't change. The variety of marijuana didn't change. In fact, nothing changed. It took local, state, and federal authorities $70+ billion dollars, the cost to arrest and detain 800,000+ individuals, and a full year to do... NOTHING. Imagine what you could do with $70+ billion dollars - education, healthcare, jobs, roads, etc etc etc. Instead that money is just gone. And, it's a yearly thing. The people of the United States are duped into burning money on a system that simply fails.

To make matters worse, there is a human cost to prohibition. Families are broken up. Property is seized. Individuals who are genuinely good law-abiding people have their lives ruined. If they go to jail, they run the risk of being dealing with truly dangerous criminals. Also, there is death on both sides of the equation. We've learned this lesson from alcohol prohibition from 1920 to 1933. Al Capone and Elliot Ness were major figures responsible for an increase in death around the nation as authorities tried to prohibit alcohol use. We learned back then that prohibition doesn't work. We should have remember that lesson.

Economy

Governments can look at marijuana from two points of view: income and cost. Under the current laws, the US has absolutely no income when it comes to marijuana sales. It's a crime. You can't tax crime. But, you can tax legal marijuana. Imagine how much revenue local, state, and federal government could receive is marijuana were legalized.

Marijuana has many uses outside of medicine and leisure. Keep in mind the only thing smoked from the marijuana plant are the flowers. This leaves the actual leaves, branches, seeds, and stems which are simply thrown away. Those throw away parts have many uses as food, clothing, rope, shampoo, paper, biofuel and so much more. The important thing about marijuana is that it grows extremely quickly. Marijuana can mature, from seed, in approximately 4-5 months producing plants as tall as 6 feet. If in a perpetual system, marijuana can be harvested approximately every 2 months. That kind of turn around is important because of marijuana's many uses.

Anti-Argument
We have to ask ourselves a very simple question: Who benefits from the prohibition of marijuana? And, we'll have to look at it from the point of view of those who lose money if marijuana were legal and widely available

Criminals
I think this is pretty clear, the absolute advantage criminals have under marijuana prohibition. If the people can take marijuana out of the hands of the criminal, we can do a better job of controlling its supply, distribution, and economy much like we do with alcohol and tobacco. It's important to understand. Criminals don't care about you. They care about money. They will sell to whoever will buy including your children. At least if the people have control over it, they can dictate who can sell and who can buy.

Alcohol and Tobacco
I lump these two together because they both do the job of inebriating the people. But, marijuana does a better job than both. The problem with alcohol and tobacco is that both are very addictive and both can kill you. Marijuana is not addictive and marijuana, as our favorite DEA judge mentioned, is not likely to kill you. While alcohol is a depressant and tobacco is a stimulant, marijuana can cover BOTH sides because Indicas help in relaxation while Sativas help in stimulating the mind. [source]

Pharmaceutical Companies
With the known benefits of medical marijuana, it pays for big pharma to help keep marijuana out of the hands of the people until they can find a way to make money from it. Think of it like cocaine or heroin. While they're both illegal drugs by themselves, they make up a significant amount of billion-dollar prescription medication in the form of codeine, adderall (ADD), oxycontin, hydrocodone, percocet, and so on. Now, apply that example to other medications across the board. These companies stand to lose billions from a plant that is quickly grown and easily available.

Oil Industry
Let's be honest. We know these guys have the money to buy out any politician with the weight of their bankbooks. And, they throw that money around willingly. The oil industry does not want any govt to seek out energy alternatives. Marijuana is one of those plants that provide a solution to our energy concerns.

There really is no reason that marijuana should be criminal or prohibited. Any argument available is easily countered with honesty and common sense.

USPP Road Closures for Nation’s Triathlon

Please review the times and locations of road closures to be initiated by the United States Park Police on Sunday, September 14, 2008 for the Nation’s Triathlon. All closure times are subject to change.



Estimated Closures
Locations

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Rock Creek Parkway at VA Ave to Ohio Drive

6:00 am - 12:00 pm
Rock Creek Parkway from Connecticut Ave/Calvert St. to VA Ave

5:00 am - 12:00 pm
Independence Ave from 23rd - 14th Street

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ohio Drive - West Potomac Park

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ohio Drive - East Potomac Park (Haines Point)

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
East Basin Drive

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
Maine Ave from 395 ramp to Independence Ave split

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
Constitution Ave. from 17th to 15th Street

5:00 am - 1:00 pm
15th Street from Constitution Ave to Maine Ave

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
17th Street from Constitution Ave to Independence Ave

6:00 am - 1:00 pm
Madison Drive from 7th - 14th Street

5:00 am - 12:00 pm
Parkway Drive from Rock Creek Parkway to Lincoln Circle

6:00 am - 12:00 pm
Clara Barton Parkway from Glen Echo to Chain Bridge (rt 123)


Please visit the Nation’s Triathlon website at http://www.thenationstriathlon.com/ for more information.

Anne Kilkenny: Pawn takes Queen

I love chess. The reason I love chess is because of the strategy. I am a strategist at heart. My favorite book, my bible, is the Art of War by Sun Tzu. Politics is strategy; better yet, it's warfare. It's a chess game with an incredible number of pieces. And, it's not turn-based. That means, no one is going to wait for you to make a move. If you don't move, you start losing pieces. Right now, this chess game is between Barack Obama and (maybe) John McCain. It's my belief that Obama is beating McCain handily. However, it's not the shutdown and closeout that I like to put my opponents through.

I want Obama to put McCain away hard and fast. That means he needs a strong piece on his side. Someone who can move in quickly, take the queen, and put the king in the kind of check that makes other players think long and hard about their next move. Obama needs the people of Alaska. He needs Anne Kilkenny.

I first read about Anne Kilkenny in an article that my friend sent me: Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean”. So, many people have something to say about Sarah Palin but they're incredibly afraid to say it. Then, I found an article on Sarah Palin by Anne Kilkenny herself: About Sarah Palin. Mrs Kilkenny is a woman from Wasilla, Alaska. She knows Sarah Palin and the Palin family. She knows the truth. Most importantly, she's willing to talk for anyone who's willing to listen.

But most importantly, the people of Alaska know the truth. These are the people that the Obama campaign need at this very moment in time. Sarah Palin has messed up a lot and left a lot of bad feelings in Alaska. It's time she get vetted properly and publicly.

It's time Sarah Barracuda know a little something about REAL politics!

There will be no 9/11 memorial in The US of Anthony

Last year, 2007, I wrote a blog about my day during 9/11. It's not especially adventurous or as action-filled as other stories. I was stuck downtown at Union Square, early in the morning. That's it. No one I knew died. The worst of my friends' stories is that someone lost her shoe and I haven't spoken to her in maybe a year. So, there's not much for me to tell and I don't even want to waste my time with a copy/paste.
That blog has not been transferred to the United States of Anthony.

I do want to waste my time wondering...

...why in the hell Osama bin Laden is still sipping honey-sweetened, lemon-flavored ice tea on the back of a dromedary under the "Afghani-Pakastani border" sun, next to his cave which is fully equipped with DirecTV + his favorite sports package, a half-pound of 70%-THC Afghani hash, and a 10-year supply of Funyuns®?

Can I ask that question?

Can I get an answer to that question?

Well...

I'm waiting...

Update: 9/11. 2pm. Keith "Olby" Olbermann has something great to say

Usher: I knew it.. I knew it

Normally, I am not big on gossip. In fact, I hate it. Fun to read, but I am not the one to write about it. But, I have to show some appreciation to Usher for telling us before we "heard" it. See, the thing about Usher's music is that he's probably one of the few artists that actually uses his own life's experiences in his music. And, he doesn't hold back. You've just got to listen.

Let's think about the past. Before his breakup with Chili, his album's songs were Burn and Confessions.

Burn (chorus)
I don't understand why.. See it's burning me to hold onto this.. I know this is something I gotta do.. But that don't mean I want to.. What I'm trying to say is that I-love-you I just.. I feel like this is coming to an end.. And its better for me to let it go now than hold on and hurt you.. I gotta let it burn.

See right there, he's telling Chili he don't feel like it's going good in the relationship and it bothers him.

Confessions (chorus)
Everything that I've been doing is all bad.. I got a chick on the side with a crib and a ride.. I've been telling you so many lies.. Aint no good it's all bad.. I just wanna confess.. Its been going on so long.. Girl I been doing you so wrong.. And I want u to know that.

He's confessing. He doing Chili dirty this whole time. Did she know? Did she not know? Eh, who cares!

Now, let's see some songs after he got that old lady (yeah I said it) pregnant and the made the mistake of marrying her. I am going to use Love in this Club and Moving Mountains.

Love in this Club (you know all I need is the chorus)
I wanna make love in this club.. In this club.. In this club.. In this club
I wanna make love in this club.. In this club.. In this club.. In this club

Now, what you don't understand about that? Who the hell wants to make love in the club? Didn't Chris Rock already remind us that there is no sex in the champagne room. NONE. Usher isn't even in the strip club. He's talking about making love in the regular club. We've already established you make songs about how you're feeling and your EXPERIENCES. I'm telling you, Usher is making, or want to make, love somewhere in the club. That's why his baby momma is strapped to his ass when he goes out. She knows the deal. That's how her old ass got him. She was one of the hoes in the club. He tripped up is all.

Moving Mountains (I'm going strong here)
Now, now she loved me, shawty I loved her.. Used to jump up in the maybach and roll out.. Used to care, she used to share.. The love that she used to give me can't be found.. I lost my way, she said she'd stay.. And lately I've been sleeping with a ghost.. My stock is down and out, I used to be worth my weight in gold.. That was before the great depression kicked in and rocked us.. And that was before the hurricane came in and stopped us.. I told you to leave, but you lied to me.. When you said that, baby no worries I promise to get us back

I know sorries, just wouldn't do it.. Her heart is obliterated, I'm trying to travel through.. But it's like moving mountains.. It's like moving mountains... hey.. But I keep climbing and hoping things would change.. And the sky turns grey, and the water from the rain washes progress away.. It's like moving mountains... It's like .. moving mountains... Why just leave me, just leave me, be.. Just leave me, just leave me, be.. Why you just leave me, just leave me, Be.. Why you just leave me, just leave me be ooh

Now there's a lot going on here. We'll break this all down. In the first part, he's talking to Chili. He's reminiscing how it used to be with her. Then he fucked up with the old lady and now his "stock is down"! He's sleeping with a ghost because Chili is NOT there anymore. It's like she's died in the sense that he can't even communicate with her right now. He's depressed and calling the whole situation a hurricane. Let's call it Hurricane Tameka.
(check the Usher side-eye as she tries to snatch a drink OUT of his hand)

In the second part, he's still relating to Chili in the first few lines and then goes into how he's feeling about the aftermath of Hurricane Tameka. It's like moving mountains. Think about Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans. Three years later and it's still a major disaster. If getting America to help Black folk isn't like moving mountains, I don't know what is.. well.. maybe dealing with an old lady that pussy-trapped you. Anyway, the last few lines are telling us exactly what he wants to happen. Usher wants his life back. He wants Tameka just leave him the hell alone. Go on. Get gone. Git!!

On another note, this is what makes Usher one of the best R&B singers of this era. He's too damn real.

Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 3: Water Bong Reality

Well, ladies and gentlemen, we continue with the third episode of Marijuana Mondays. If you don't know what I am talking about it, read this: Marijuana Mondays. I've got a good question regarding the reality of how useful water is as a filter in bongs and we continue with Tips on Tinctures. Email me your questions, issues, or concerns at anthonytaurus(at)hotmail.com.

See the last episode: Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 2: Seeds & Grow Times

Marijuana Mumblings

$88,000 tax bill follows marijuana arrest
Get ready for the hypocrisy that is our government. It would seem in North Carolina it's alright to make money from crime. That's right folks! You can grow marijuana or even traffic in cocaine, as long as you pay taxes on that drug. Huh!? Well, this article is about Darwin Bisping, medical marijuana user/grower in North Carolina. After being arrested and fined, the Department of Revenue followed up with 88,000 bill for taxes he was supposed to pay on his "illegal" drug.

It's called the tax stamp act and almost every state happily obliges. I find it interesting that state governments can find a way to make money on something that is not supposed to be here. It's like saying, "Hey! Tell us you've got illegal narcotics. Tell us how much of it you have. Then, pay a tax on it. We'll look the other way. But, you can still get arrested for it. And as far as us making money off of you, we didn't see anything so we're not accomplices to the crime!"

Former detective: Legalize pot
I chose this particular story to give some time to Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, or LEAP. This is an organization of former law enforcement - police officers, FBI agents, DEA, lawyers, judges - that want drugs legalized. Incredible, I know!

They understand three things. First, the war on drugs is NOT working. Second, marijuana shouldn't be a criminal issue because it's a health issue. And third, prohibition keeps drugs in the hands of criminals and out of the control of government regulation. This is specifically why alcohol prohibition ended in 1933. The government knew it was better off regulating alcohol because people were going to manufacture it, people were going to drink it, and you can't arrest everyone who does it. Think about it. We've already got 12 or 13 states with medical marijuana laws and most other states have decriminalized it.

And, let's not forget my favorite US Rep. Barney Frank who introduced HR5843 in Congress. Support it.

Questions & Answers

Do bongs really filter out the harmful stuff in marijuana?
The water in bongs does act as a filter, a very low quality filter. It filters EVERYTHING including the THC which is what you want to get in your system. The prevailing thought is that it only filters out the harmful stuff. That is not true. Remember, smoke is a gas. It's particles and molecules as air. The idea is that as you pull the marijuana smoke through the water, the heavier stuff will fall down as well as hydrate the smoke so it's easier on your lungs.

The problem is that it only passes through the water for a split second. On top of that, it passes as a bubble - a sphere of air inoculated by the pressure it exerts on the water around it. In other words, that bubble of air is going to protect most of whatever is within the bubble. It's not some complex honeycomb of supertiny holes like a HEPAfilter. In fact, if water was a decent filter, we'd be using it more often as a filter.

If you're seriously worried about harmful chemicals in marijuana smoke use a vaporizer.

Marijuana Tip of the Week

Tinctures: Part 2: Edible/Drinkable Marijuana
First we'll need a bit of a science lesson. Today's word is decarboxylation. If you can't say it, don't worry about it. It's better that you understand it. In marijuana, there is no THC. Huh!? Well, it's actually THCA or THC acid. It process well in the body. However, when applying heat to the THCA, it decarboxylizes into THC which is what the body can process. This is why we eating marijuana straight is not popular. Oooooh! Now, I know why! And, if you didn't catch it, this is why we can eat marijuana when it's cooked or baked. But there's another way decarboxylation occurs - time, a lot of time. So, on to the tip.

Remember that tincture we made last week. There are two ways to make that edible - time and heat. The easiest way is to simply let the solution sit in a dark place for the next 30+ days. The fastest way is to apply heat. But, we'll apply the heat as a pre-step. Bake your marijuana for about 5 minutes at 325 degrees in the oven. Or, you can microwave it for 2 minutes. This will help decarboxylize before you create the actual tincture. On top of that, you'll have a faster tincture to use for drinking.
Warning: Heating marijuana will stink up your home! Remember this is what we're trying to get away from when we decide to make a tincture.

Reduction: You can reduce the tincture by allowing the alcohol to evaporate. This will increase the potency of the tincture. Pour the tincture into a bowl. The more surface area, the better it will evaporate. The more potent it will become.
Warning: Becareful how much of the tincture you use. One ounce of alcohol per one gram of marijuana yields about 30 doses of tincture. It depends on the person and the tolerance level.

Squirt a dose in your Kool Aid and wait about one hour. It takes time to act, about an hour, as it goes through your stomach. I can probably handle about 60 doses by myself.

Wake up people: Hulu.com

I just want to give a quick heads up on this site called Hulu.com.

"Hulu is an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites — all for free, anytime in the U.S. For more details on Hulu's service, check out the Hulu product tour.
Content: Hulu brings together a large selection of videos from more than 90 content providers, including FOX, NBC Universal, MGM, Sony Pictures Television, Warner Bros. and more. Users can choose from more than 850 current primetime TV hits such as The Simpsons, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Office the morning after they air, classics like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The A Team, Airwolf and Married...with Children, movies like Men in Black, Ghostbusters, and The Karate Kid, and clips from Saturday Night Live, Friends and other popular TV shows and movies."

In other words, the big networks are tired of seeing their stuff plastered on the internet, especially on Youtube. I agree with them. Why should Youtube get paid for showing off someone else's content? That's like bootlegging. Also, they realize that this IS the digital age. They are going to have to find a way to embrace a culture that has everything at its fingertips. So, I applaud the effort of these large networks in developing hulu.

However, there are still some issues. They still serve advertising. But, it's only 15-30-second ads every 15 minutes or so. So, those 30 min shows we are used to seeing become about 20-22 minutes long, including the opening theme songs. Incredible to think that television has been serving us a 1/3rd in commercials. Did we really every pay attention anyway? Also, they don't have ALL of the shows or seasons even going so far as to take some seasons down after they've been uploaded to the site. They do still want people to buy.

On the good side, the quality of the sound and video is much better. I would assume in the future, they will have more HD content. They have full episodes and clips you can embed or share. So screw Youtube! YEAH! Anyway, I wanted to give folks a heads up on this website because of this video on Youtube.

I found that video on hulu, free for everyone to see.

And, what's cool is that when you embed the video, you can adjust to the specific part that you want people to see, instead of telling people, "Oh wait for 2 minutes into it to see the part I am talking about!" You'll find out how I use that on Tuesday with this very same clip.

Oh did you think I just write and publish the very same minute? Ha! I could leave for a week and you wouldn't even know I was gone. I love scheduling blogs!

Story of a Mastermind Criminal Child

When I was in the 5th grade, PS 125 in Harlem, the teacher, Ms. C, used this reward system called Scholar Dollars. Basically, depending on the grades we got on tests, good behavior, and so on, we'd get Scholar Dollars. We would use this money to pay for trips to the bathroom, get water from the fountain, or anything else that I can't remember 18 years later.

Well one day, we were doing something on the floor of the classroom. I can't remember exactly what. But, I remember wanting to go to the bathroom. As I got up to ask permission, I grabbed for my wallet and found that it wasn't there. I looked back to the area and saw my wallet on the floor.. OPEN. I had a cheap red wallet with velcro. There's no reason it should have been open. I am pretty sure my wallet fell out of my pants as it has happened before. However, I knew someone saw it and decided to snatch my money.

I pick up my OPENED wallet and found around 13 scholar dollars left. I was robbed. I was pissed. 200+ scholar dollars gone. They had the nerve to leave me with a little something. Just take it all damn it. Don't make it look like I was just broke. I was a good student. An honor roll student. I had cake (slang meaning I had a lot of money). Oh, the heart break. I complained to Ms. C and she had no feelings for me. It was my problem and that's the end of that. I had to go to the bathroom and I had just enough left to do that. Ms C took my money. She was heartless to my plight.

When I got home, I told my father about what happened. He looked over the money I had left and said we could just make copies. EUREKA. That's a fine idea, dad. We went to his copy machine which used roller paper - thick, waxy, heavy ink. This simply would NOT work. My father said it was fine. I knew better. Unfortunately, my father was not exactly one for proper execution. In fact, he still isn't one for the proper execution of anything.

I knew, if this were going it to be done, it had to be done right. I wound up in the basement of Columbia University at their copy center. My mother had connections there so when I got there, they actually recognized me. The guy did the copies for me. But, I'd have to use that scary monster of a paper cutter on my own. I sucked it up and braved the cold hard steel torture device for perfect cuts of my new Scholar Dollars.

I went back to school with my new money. I only made enough to get back to where I was before. But, I had a lot of small bills being that's what I was left with. So, I used the students to change my 1's and 5's to 10's and 20's. I was back on top folks.

Little did I know this would be the start to my criminal career in the 5th grade.

Ms C realized what was going on. She made an announcement, among loud whispers of my name from those little snitches, that things were going to change. I knew it was because of me but she didn't point me out. Ms C set up a bank where we'd keep our money and only be allowed to deposit or withdraw once a week. And, my friend, Moses, was the banker.

I didn't think about her subsequent counter measures as a reaction to my activities. I was greedy by now. I wanted more and I was getting away with it. So, I figured out a way to get more when she set up a new barrier. She'd eventually start signing the bills individually to counter my counterfeiting. That only lead me into the world of forgery as her signature was about as difficult to forge as those Scholar Dollars. She ended up using colored paper which I suppose was harder to get.

But, that didn't stop me. Why waste my money counterfeiting and my time forging signatures when there were fresh sheets of 100 Scholar Dollar bills in the bank book, already signed? The banker was my friend. So, I got into theft and got him into theft as well. My friend would get the sheets to me and we'd split the money as I'd handle the cutting. We had thousands between us. Kids with bad grades needed a little something. They'd come to me for it.

Eventually, Ms C canceled the Scholar Dollars. I laughed. I broke the system. Counterfeiting. Forgery. Theft. Money laundering. Who would have thought a 10yo could break the system? Although, I've always felt that Ms C knew it was me, she never confronted me. But, the experience taught me a lot - due diligence, patience, moderation, planning. When someone starts changing up the game, find a new game to play.

That's the story of a mastermind criminal child. And, I still haven't been caught yet!

Suspect Pursuit Leads to Arrests

On Tuesday, September 02, 2008, at approximately 10:05 a.m., officers assigned to the Rock Creek Station reported to the area of Grove 24 for a citizen complaint of two suspicious males in the wood line. Upon arrival, officers observed the two individuals and detected an odor of marijuana. The suspects were detained and during a search of the area narcotics were discovered. One suspect fled on foot to his vehicle in the parking lot. A short pursuit ensued with the suspect stopping in the 1400 block of Rock Creek Ford Road. The suspect again fled on foot and was soon captured by assisting officers.

The two suspects were arrested and face charges in the District of Columbia.

Anyone with information about this incident, please call the United States Park Police, Criminal Investigations Branch on (202) 610-8737.

Marijuana Mondays: Ep. 2: Seeds & Grow Times

Well, ladies and gentlemen, we continue with the second episode of Marijuana Mondays. If you don't know what I am talking about it, read this: Marijuana Mondays. I've got three fresh questions regarding seeds and grow times. Email me your questions, issues, or concerns at anthonytaurus(at)hotmail.com. See the last episode: Marijuana Mondays: Episode 1: "I got that 'dro!"

Marijuana Mumblings

US Congressmen tired of pointless marijuana arrests
The title says it all. There's a growing faction in Congress annoyed with marijuana arrests and are doing something about it. The reasoning is two-fold.

First, Congress is realizing more and more that the targets of police aggression in regards to marijuana enforcement is towards mostly peaceful individuals - hard-working people as well as their children, people suffering from some terminal illness, and just the general population of fun-loving individuals. In contrast, the real criminals - violent attackers, killers, gun dealers - are basically getting away because they're the ones that know how to evade the law.
Think about it like this: DEA and local police departments are arresting hundreds of thousands of people per year yet there's no dent in violent crime and the big fish are still pumping out more and more marijuana every year. If the DEA and local police departments were interested in stopping crime that harms others, why don't they go after the big fish? Simply put, the big fish shoot back. They're scared to do their jobs so to save face they're arresting any petty individuals they can find.

Secondly, "we, the people" are responsible for Congress getting upset. This is evidence that democracy works. You've got to say something. But, you've got to speak to the right people. Don't just yell in the streets. Find out who's responsible for your area. SPEAK UP - district assemblyman, county lawmakers all the way up to your federal representatives and senators. Write complaints. Make them short and sweet because no one wants to read hundreds of thousands of 10-page letters. Show your support for marijuana. This is what democracy is about. We, the people! If everyone is quiet, then we are at the will of those who speak up - pharmaceuticals, tobacco, alcohol, oil industry, and so on.

Medical Marijuana Endorsed by Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is the second largest cancer charity in the US. They are just another in a long list of medical-related organizations that support or endorse the use of marijuana medically. Why? Because it works. If it didn't work, there'd be no reason to support it

Questions & Answers (with real questions this time)

How long does it take to grow marijuana from start to finish?
From seed to first puff, marijuana can take approximately from 3-5 months. Marijuana has about four stages. The seedling stage, sprouting the seed, will take about a week. Vegetation, when the plant is growing, will take about 4 weeks. Flowering, when the plant begins to develop buds and mature, will take about 8-12 weeks. Since we can't, or shouldn't, smoke marijuana fresh from the plant, we come to drying and curing which can take about 1 week for the dry and 1 week for the cure.

These times can be drastically changed, more or less, by the person growing as well as the strain of marijuana being grown. The grower can manipulate the lighting and nutrients to signal the plant when to step into the next phase. Also, the strain itself has its own genetic timetable as well. Indicas have a shorter time-table than their lanky sativa cousins. A grower can rush or prolong a grow through the time spent in vegetation. The longer you keep a plant in vegetation, the bigger it will get. Inversely, shortening the vegetation time will speed it up but it won't be as big. However, that's not a bad thing. Some growers skip vegetation periods altogether to keep plants small and manageable for a personal grow by manipulating the light period.

Where do you get seeds from?
First, let me mention that acquiring marijuana seeds in the United States is a FEDERAL OFFENSE and most likely a crime in your state as well.
With that out of the way, there are three ways to obtain marijuana seeds.

• First, the dealer route. Low level street dealers usually sell you seeded marijuana which isn't as potent as sinsemillia, or seedless. However, and obviously, you get the gift of seeds.
• Second, the seed vendor. There are many companies overseas that sell marijuana seeds. They advertise in many US publications just like any other business. Grab a High Times or visit the website. There are rules to this game because the US Customs can intercept your package and you may be in for a legal rough ride or just a letter saying, "Hey, we took your shit. Don't do it again." Not those exact words but you get the idea.
  Anyway, the key here is to not trace it back to you or the actual grow area. So, no credit cards, no checks. Send money orders. Be careful because some companies will take your money. You can't complain because.. DUH.. you're committing a crime.
• Third, direct from the grower. If you should be so LUCKY as to meet a real grower, s/he may bless you with some grade A magic beans. But, don't be a dick and ask outright. Who the hell are you? At least be a friend first. Most growers, even though they sell marijuana, don't mind sharing/giving seeds if they can spare.
  

How do you know what you're growing with these found seeds?
You should always know what you're growing by where, or who, you got it from. Just ask that person. However, there are times where you simply won't know. The best you can do is identify it by the leaves as it's growing. Fat broad leaves are usually Indica. Indica should tell you, at least, how long it will take to grow and what kind of high you'll get which would be a body high also described as "couch lock".
Remember to send me questions: anthonytaurus(at)hotmail.com

Marijuana Tip of the Week

Tinctures: Part 1: Smoke marijuana right out in the open on a cigarette.
We'll be making what's called a tincture. A tincture is an herbal extract made from using alcohol.
Ingredients: 3.5 grams of marijuana, high proof alcohol (Bacardi 151 or Everclear 190 proof), coffee filter, 2.5 ounce baby food jar
Directions: Prepare your marijuana by grinding it nice and fine. Take a knife to it if you don't have a good grinder. Place the marijuana in the small jar. You don't want to use too much or else it'll be too diluted. Close it up and put it in a cool, dark place for about a week. Make sure you shake it up at least once a day. At the end of the 7th day, strain the mixture through a coffee filter to ensure you get pure liquid. Squeeze it through the filter to make sure you get every last juicy drop. And, this is your tincture.
Usage: Place a liberal amount of the tincture on a cigarette. Let dry and the alcohol will evaporate as well. Now, enjoy your cigarette.
Stay tuned for Episode 3 where I will continue with part 2 of Tinctures: Drinking marijuana