Open letter to Residents of the USVI

BP man,
God also made Anthrax and Tetanus right out of the earth.

Good one. Made me laugh. Brilliant reasoning. Anytime someone uses Bacillus Anthracis (Anthrax) and Clostridium Tetani (Tetanus) as part of a comeback, they have my attention.

Interesting point Lizard. Take a look at the statisics of Portugal, Spain and England after they decriminalized some drugs and began treating drug use and addition as a public health problem. A definite marked decrease of personal and property crimes

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/08/31/raphael-alexander-evidence-of-success-in-decriminalizing-drugs.aspx

Bombi!
I don't live in any of the countries you mentioned. I have said in the past I have no problem with the medical use of grass. Buy it in any drug store and control it the same way you would do for any legal drug. What quality control would your Doctor have on the Grass that is home grown. Now your group is talking about industrial type hemp. Oh and now tourism will be affected in the future if Grass isn't legal, that's a dead give away that it's not just for medical use.

Lizard, just to be clear. I meant for you to look at those examples as an alternative to the general expense and failure of the "war on drugs and as a paradigm shift. What the DEA and the Judicial system has done in the past and is still doing doesn't work. It would likely cost less to offer a treatment program than keep minor offenders locked up and branded criminals. If we examine drug use and abuse as a public health issue then the funds that are presently expended could be used for real and effective mandatory treatment instead of incarceration. Also what is being done on an educational basis in our schools doesn't seem to work. The D.A.R.E program has proven to be ineffective and has not succeeded in preventing drug use and abuse by children and young adults. There has to be a successful program that can be integrated into schools curriculum, we just haven't discovered it yet.
Lizard I share some viewpoints of usvinorml but not others. I'm not sure that I'm actully a member. But, any legislation that I support would include the aforementioned comprehensive treatment and substance abuse programs as well as a method to control cultivation, distribution and taxation. Industrial hemp is actually a good idea for VI agriculture. It thrives in less than perfect conditions and soil. There is just about NO THC in hemp so it's value lies in the seed which is an incredible source of nutrition and the oil pressed from the seed. The leaves can be used as animal fodder and the stalks for fibre or fuel. !6 ounces of organic cold pressed hemp oil goes for $16-20 and one of the best sorces for the good omega fatty acids http://www.ratical.org/renewables/TherapHoil.html
As far as the tourism issue, I have reservations. First I don't want the VI to be notorious for cannabis use and I'm afraid that it may actually detract from the image that has been cultivated over the years.

Is hemp seed and hemp oil legal?
Yes, hemp seed and oil is legal in over 35 countries worldwide including Canada, Great Britain, Germany and France to name a few.

Hemp seed (non-viable), hemp oil and hemp derivatives can be legally imported, sold or consumed in the USA, where hemp presently remains illegal to grow & cultivate.

Are hemp and marijuana the same thing?
Hemp and marijuana are very different varieties from the same plant species Cannabis sativa L.The major difference between the two varieties is in the level of THC, the psychoactive ingredient found at levels between 5-20% in marijuana while at trace levels of 0.000010% in hemp (maximum allowable limit).

Will hemp products make the consumer high?
NO! Absolutely not. The trace levels of THC present in hemp derivatives do not provide anywhere near the potency (percentage of THC by weight) required to give the consumer a drug high.

What are the chances of failing a drug screening test?
Recently, several studies have shown that based on the trace levels of THC present in today's hemp food and body care products, that the chances of being tested and obtaining a "false" positive drug test is very unlikely (just about impossible!).

See "Evaluating Interference of THC in Hemp Food Products With Employee Drug Testing"

What do hemp seeds and hemp oil taste like?
Hemp seeds, either whole or hulled have a wonderful "nutty" flavor similar to sunflower seeds or pine nuts.

Hemp seed oil is "emerald green" in color, with a very light, nutty flavor. See our recipe section for numerous ways to eat and consume hemp seeds and hemp oil.

Are hemp food products healthy for you?
Yes! Hemp seeds are one of the world's richest sources of a complete protein (second only to soybean) comprising some 23% of the seed composition, 34% dietary fiber and 31% fat in the form of a nutritious oil that contains both of the essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and 3) in a 3:1 ratio deemed optimum for long term human consumption. In addition, hemp seed oil also contains three other unsaturated fatty acids including the super- polyunsaturated Omega 6 derivative gamma linolenic acid (GLA), stearidonic acid and oleic acid. For complete nutritional information please see our Hemp Nutrition and Composition sections.

Why was hemp originally outlawed in Canada and the USA in the late 1930's?
Many people believe this was a conspiracy by a number of major US corporations who stood to lose a lucrative market share of the raw fiber industry for paper and composites. Others feel it was a case of "throwing out the baby with the bath water" referring to both marijuana and hemp as one in the same. Yet, at the same time, an exception was written into US law allowing for the importation of sterilized hemp seeds, oil, fiber and derivative products, which remains the same today even though it is illegal to grow hemp in the USA.

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Hemp is the only biomass resource capable of making America energy independent. The government suspended marijuana prohibition during WWII. It’s time to do it again.

The way to end this political stalemate is to start literally from the ground up. When farmers can grow hemp for biomass they will make a profit energy farming. Then it will not take long to get 6% of continental American land mass into cultivation for biomass fuels -- enough to replace our economy’s dependence on fossil fuels. And as the energy crop grows it takes in CO2 from the air; when it is burned the CO2 is returned to the air, creating a balanced system. We will no longer be increasing the CO2 content in the atmosphere. The threat of global greenhouse warming and adverse climatic change will diminish.

This energy crop can be harvested with equipment readily available. It can be “cubed” by modifying hay cubing equipment. This method condenses the bulk, reducing trucking costs from the field to the pyrolysis facility.

Sixty-eight percent of the energy in the raw biomass is contained in the charcoal and fuel oils made at the facility. The charcoal has the same heating value in Btu as coal, with virtually no sulfur to pollute the atmosphere. The pyrolytic fuel oil has similar properties to no. 2 and no. 6 fuel oil. The remaining energy is in noncondensible gases that are used to co-generate steam and electricity.

To keep costs down pyrolysis reactors need to be located within a 50 mile radius from the energy farms. This necessity will bring life back to our small towns by providing jobs locally. The pyrolysis facilities will run three shifts a day.

Charcoal and fuel oil can be “exported” from the rural small town in the agricultural community to the large metropolitan areas to fuel the giant power plants generating electricity. When these utility companies use charcoal instead of coal, the problems of acid rain will begin to disappear.

The charcoal can be transported economically by rail to all urban area power plants. The fuel oil can be transported economically by truck creating more jobs for Americans.

When this energy system is on line producing a steady supply of fuel for utility companies, it will have established itself in commerce. Then it will be more feasible to build the complex syngas systems to produce methanol from biomass, or make synthetic gasoline from methanol by adding the Mobil Co. process equipment to the gasifier.

To accomplish this goal of clean energy independence in America we must demand an end to hemp prohibition, so American farmers can grow this energy crop. Our government foolishly outlawed it in 1938.

Hemp is the world’s most versatile plant. It can yield 10 tons per acre in four months. Hemp contains 80% cellulose; wood produces 60% cellulose. Hemp is drought resistant making it an ideal crop in the dry western regions of the country.

Hemp is the only biomass resource capable of making America energy independent. Remember that in 10 years, by the year 2000, America will have exhausted 80% of her petroleum reserves. Will we then go to war with the Arabs for the privilege of driving our cars; will we stripmine our land for coal and poison the air we breathe to drive our autos an additional 100 years; will we raze our forests for our energy needs?

During the Second World War, the federal government faced a real economic emergency when our supply of hemp was cut off by the Japanese. The federal government responded to the emergency by suspending marijuana prohibition. Patriotic American farmers were encouraged to apply for a license to grow hemp. They responded enthusiastically and grew 375,000 acres of hemp in 1943.

The argument against undertaking this massive hemp production effort today does not hold up to scrutiny.

Hemp grown for biomass makes very poor grade marijuana. The 20 to 40 million Americans who smoke marijuana would loath to smoke hemp grown for biomass, so no one could make a dime selling a farmers hemp biomass crop as marijuana.

It is time for the federal government to once again respond to our current economic emergency by utilizing the same procedure used in WWII to permit our farmers to grow American hemp so this mighty nation can once again become energy independent and smog free.

References:

1. U.S. Energy Atlas, David J. Cuff & William J. Young, Free Press/McMillan Publishing Co., NY, 1980
2. Progress in Biomass Conversion Vol. 1, Kyosti V. Sartanen & David Tillmall editors, Academic Press, NY, 1979
3. Brown’s Second Alcohol Fuel Cookbook, Michael H. Brown (Senate hearing transcripts)
4. Environmental Chemistry, (4th edition), Stanley E. Manahan, P.W.S. Publishers, Boston, MA, 1979
5. Hemp for Victory, U.S. government documentary film, USDA 1942-43

Produced as a Public Service for the Business Alliance her Commerce In Hemp (BACH), Help Eliminate Marijuana Prohibition (HEMP) and the American Hemp Council.

Please copy. Produced as a public service by:

Access Unlimited
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Here I was all excited to see this thread had made it to page 2. Thinking...now I can keep up with it, without all that scrolling past the original post. NOW, 2 very long posts. Come on page 3!

Just having a little fun, Bombi!:@)

With 13 States already having medical mj, and 2 more pending, no doubt, others are soon to follow...15 Countries currently have medical mj or complete decriminalization...my question: Where will all of these people living in these places take a vacation? Where they CANNOT use their medication? Or where they can? Seems pretty straightforward to me...however, our current laws ( http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?wtm_view=&Group_ID=4569) basically tell these folks that they are not welcome to come here for a vacation, because their 'medication' will put them at risk for penalties, incarceration and/or ruined reputation by uniformed individuals...I, personally don't care if you use mj for medical reasons, religious reasons, or for recreation...IMHO, it should be decriminalized completely, however, I think that the way to total decriminalization is one in which baby steps are taken...first for medical and religious reasons...once the community accepts it for what it truly is (i.e. - not an addictive, nor lethal lethal substance), then I believe that total decriminalization would be accepted...Industrial Hemp is used all over the world...and the odds that everyone reading this and unknowingly owning something that contains it? Somewhere in the vicinity of 90%!! Yes! 90% It's that widely used! Regarding Tourism: Hmmm...I wonder how much of a benefit to our economy would be had if 20 to 40 million, yes, MILLION, Americans that use mj for purely recreational use were allowed to come here and use, provided they bought a Permit? Hmmm...but, as it stands, they go to places like Amsterdam...Anyone out there think that we could benefit from an ADDITIONAL 20 million visitors per year???

As a side note, in my 35 1/2 successful years in AA, I've never seen an alcoholic who used MJ NOT have a slip - ever. And why should there be another layer of bureaucracy added re this permit nonsense that we taxpayers will have to foot the bill for? The VI can't even make a profit with the lottery, fer cryin' out loud. Most mj users in the States are already breaking the law. Do you really think they'll apply for & pay for a permit? I sure don't. If you're not using it for medical purposes what's wrong with reality the way it is? There are enough escapes as it is & legalizing it won't bring in a ton of tax money because people will still buy it on the street. You think the sellers will report their income? Yeah, sure. Like the taxi drivers do. :-X

I don't care about REAL medical use but for the record, I'm not "uneducated" on the subject by any means and to have people tell me they'll "educate" me is patronizing. Last time I'm opening this thread so blast away. 😛

Seriously, If you are trying to stay healthy look into hemp oil. No worries, you won't grow bell bottoms and tie dye. It contains all 10 essential fatty acids. It tastes way better than fish oil.

Trade what do you think about the mandatory drug abuse treatment instead of jail? yes? no?

Sorry for the long posts Juanita. I just think that hemp would be a good match for our marginal soil and seasonally dry climate.

Hey Marty,
20 million recreational dopers can stay where they are!

Actually, Lizard, being US Citizens, they can go where they please, you know that...oh, you meant in your OPINION they shouldn't come here? Ahh, I see now....Vote that way when it's on the ballot, then. That's the beautiful thing about Democracy....

IMHO, the Territory would greatly benefit from some of those 20mil coming here and spending their money...but that's just MY opinion...

"Do you really think they'll apply for & pay for a permit? I sure don't. "
Yes, I do...and, 'why' you might ask? Because it's much cheaper to buy a One Year Permit for $100 for a Resident than it would be to pay a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for the second and $2,000 for any additional....this is another area where 'education' will be useful....even if one thinks they don't need any 'education' J/K w/ ya, Trade!

"Do you really think they'll apply for & pay for a permit? I sure don't. "
Yes, I do...and, 'why' you might ask? Because it's much cheaper to buy a One Year Permit for $100 for a Resident than it would be to pay a $250 fine for the first offense, $500 for the second and $2,000 for any additional....this is another area where 'education' will be useful....even if one thinks they don't need any 'education' J/K w/ ya, Trade!

I haven't figured out how to pick out sentences from a post, so I'll just make it bold....sorry.

Not that simple....apply and pay for a permit? Start with a business license, inspection of facility, inspection of property where the product is grown, background checks and heath cards for all (which means they must have a social security card, etc.), compliance with all agricultural standards, government policies, the list goes on and on. And then...just when all those many thousands of dollars have been spent to ensure the "dealer" (pun intended) is legal, the the FDAC gets to inspect EVERY crop, even every joint, if they want. I personally don't care one way or the other. Legal is fine with me. Just don't think it's going to be easy or cheap.

Juanita, the 'permits' I am speaking of are for the end user...the folks that are in growth and distribution will have a much more lengthy and expensive process than even what you have listed...and with good reason, as we, I mean 'they', will be involved in a very large and profitable business and the gov't wants/needs their share...

Lizard, no, I think you have me confused with someone else...this is an economic and business venture...no recreational users here....

Oh, yawn. I am so tired of this group using this board to promote their agenda. I won't give it the time of day anymore because it bumps up the post! This is just like an advertiser putting something on here, and Islander should ban all their propaganda.

Why should the government condone and promote reckless behavior? If any adult wishes to abuse marijuana and get high by other controlled substances, go ahead and do so. You have convinced yourselves that marijuana is completely harmless;however, I will not support any effort to make marijuana legal. I think it is dangerous to encourage people to smoke it. There may be some medicinal value to it, but I think people are more interested in getting high and trying to escape from reality.The doctors should be allowed to prescribe medicine developed from marijuana. This is different from legalizing and promoting recreational use of marijuana.

mminstx...you do realize that if you don't click on the Thread, you can't read it? Is someone forcing this issue on you?? Don't want to learn what others have to say on the subject? DON'T READ IT!!

NT, please don't take this offensively, as that is not my intention, but, in my opinion, you are keeping a closed mind on this subject...knowledge is power....learn a bit about what you intend to type. If you were to educate yourself and read the sites www.usvinorml.org and www.norml.org and others, like www.stoparrestingpatients.org or www.mpp.org and the list goes on and on, if you were to become familiar with what we are trying to accomplish, you wouldn't lump the majority of the members of these fine organizations with the recreational users. I'm not saying that recreational use is wrong, to each their own, however, by moving public opinion sufficiently, we can achieve the repeal of marijuana prohibition so that the responsible use of cannabis by adults is no longer subject to penalty.

Here's a way to look at it: If your grandmother was in extreme pain from, oh, say arthritis...do you think she should be subject to fines, penalties and incarceration for using a cream that works to relieve her pain (please note, I said CREAM...she is NOT smoking it!), does NOT get her high or alter her state of mind in any way, but just happens to be illegal? Would YOU try to get the laws changed if YOU found a medication that worked for YOU, was legal in some States, but not where you live? Although there will be a stigma attached to this plant for years, only knowledge, time and education can make the changes that need be made.

There is a plethora of information out there...read some of it....you might find that there is more to it than what you have been exposed to thus far....when my doctor prescribed it for me, I was more than a little taken back..."What"?!? Me?? Do what??" I mean, this was a DOCTOR telling me that this is the medicine I need for my ailment! Isn't that like telling an alcoholic to have a couple stiff drinks before bed to help him sleep?? Sounded silly to me...so I started researching it...wow. The amount of information I was unaware of astounds me to this day...If you only visit one site, I recommend www.norml.org, as there are loads and loads of pages, about every subject, regarding this plant....read some of it...you may find that a mind is like a door...it works much better when open....

~Peace~

The Secret to Legal Marijuana: Women!

http://www.truthout.org/12060901

(tu), Aquaponics, thanks!

No problem, Marty...seemed to fit the thread...and sort of related:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/12/11/cannabis.kid/index.html

I do not want 20 million recreational dopers coming here.

I have three friends who cannot find jobs on STX as it is. What do you think when 20 million visit because of the recreational drug use? They will be moving here in spades. I know plenty of people who came to visit, fell in love with the islands, went home and sold everything to return. What if only a small percentage of the 20 million move here? How will they support their habit? I'm thinking burglaries and other crimes.

And who says that marijuana doesn't kill? Ever watch 1,000 Ways to Die on Spike TV. Every other episode shows dopers getting high and doing something stupid because they can't think clearly.

i am unsure of why people seem to think that medical use of marijuana is THE SAME AS recreational drug use. it's not.

if you like a fine brandy after a wonderful meal, your are ingesting a substance that is responsible for many deaths due to its misuse.

this is a plant that grows from the ground and contains many chemicals, some of which are beneficial to us. digitalis, salicilates, st. john's wort... the list goes on.

i just wish that people knew more about cannabis and about the many people who rely on it to get through a day without pain, endure chemotherapy and preserve sight. my, my... please, please, please READ.

i do not use drugs to get high. i want people to have access to cannabis as needed for medicinal purposes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_%28drug%29#Medical_use

wow

MARINOL:-o

brownies

heh!8-)