ArkNORML News-  July 2001

Agenda:  Local decrim. ordinances, Arkansas medical marijuana act- petition notary and turn in, news items, letters to the editor, Congressmen and other evidence of activism. Open Forum.

Organizational News-  We filled in our officer corp for the year 2001 with the election of Clint Evans as Treasurer and Joy Wilkerson as Secretary.  Minutes of the May meeting will be available at the meeting.   Robert Huffstetler is crowned activist of the month for his efforts in leading the medical petition drive during Riverfest, then publishing a fine letter to the editor in the Arkansas Democrat the following week. 

Local News-  Arkansas was again in the national spotlight when Pres. Bush nominated Congressman Asa Hutchinson for DEA chief.   Hutchinson is known as a drug war zealot and promised to "fight to win the war on drugs."   However activists should know that we are having an effect, as newsman Steve Barnes asked the nominee straight out, "Congressman, Should marijuana be decriminalized?"  Asa responded with. "No, that would send a terrible message to our children."  Right Congressman, like busting 700,000 people a year for possession of the leafs of a plant and ignoring the bill of rights and telling propagandist lies is a good message to our youths. 

Regional News-  Nevada became the first state in 20 years to decriminalize possession of marijuana as the legislature there moved to carry out the wishes of the people as expressed in their succesful initiatives for medical marijuana.  Nevada had been the only state to punish first time possession of marijuana with a felony.  Now it is just a fine for possession on the first two convictions.  Guess who now has the most draconian penalties on the books for possession of marijuana?  Could it be, the "Natural" state?  Gary Johnson, the Republican Governor of New Mexico, spoke for legalization and reform at both the NORML convention in April ande the DPF (Drug Policy Forum) convention in June. 

National News- The Supreme Court in May ruled unanamously that state laws allowing patient access to whole herb cannabis do not protect Cannabis clubs or large scale growers from Federal prosecution.  Although a setback to availability of the herb to affected patients, the decision does not negate the reforms passed in 9 states.  Over 90% of busts and prosecutions for marijuana are carried out by state and local authorities.  So state medical marijuana laws are still very effective in protecting individuals from personal possession busts, with some states allowing patients or their caregivers to grow their own. 

World News- Canada legalizes medical access to marijuana...... President of Uruguay calls for legalization..... British police will now issue a "severe scolding" for those caught in possession of cannabis......Portugal decriminalizes marijuana..... European Union rejects American style intolerance towards Cannabis.....etc...etc...etc.

                                                                   In Solidarity, Glen Schwarz- Pres. ArkNORML