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DISPELLING THE DIS-INFORMATION
CREATED BY
(OKLAHOMA’S BUREAU OF NARCOTICS)
This is part of a series devoted to addressing much of the dis-information being generated by the 'Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.' This dis-information sometimes takes the form of (ah, let’s just call them), untruthful statements,[1] misleading statements, and (almost) diabolical slight of hand use of statistics.
In this case, what follows (below) addresses the issues (and much dis-information) sent to us in a reply letter written by a higher up at the Bureau of Narcotics. This letter was itself sent to us in reply to our website:
http://reefermadnessmuseum.org/chap04/Oklahoma/Wolf_MythStart.htm
Which essentially calls into question much of the information presented by the Bureau’s own website (page entitled) “Marijuana Fact-Sheet.”
The purpose of this series is NOT to go around calling someone a liar (although at times it might appear to be the case). But instead to provide the reader with intellectual ammunition that he or she can use to counter such statements in the future. Thus whenever possible, we will try to provide adequate documentation. When opinions are expressed, we will try to always make mention of that fact.
NOTE: It is the museum’s policy to never give out the names of modern-day individuals WITHOUT their permission (which in this case we did not receive). Thus (in a form of self censorship) here we make use of brackets [ . . ] whenever the individuals name would normally appear.
Original Reply Letter: Friday, January 11, 2013 6:30 AM |
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HISTORY:
With reference to our website:
http://reefermadnessmuseum.org/chap04/Oklahoma/Wolf_MythStart.htm
And in keeping with our museums policy of (a) obtaining the facts, and (b) always giving those who we say unkind things about a chance to defend themselves (present their side of the story). We contacted the Bureau, showing them our complaints and providing documents to the effect that their own website was/is in great error. And YES we have asked them to either take it down or make corrections. Neither of which (for whatever reason) they have chosen to do. Instead we received the above letter, which as the reader will soon see is also full of technical and very serious statistical errors. NOTE however that unlike their website, this reply letter (shown above) is mostly composed of their comments and opinions, which as such forces us to answer in turn. However, whenever possible we have tried to include provide the documentation behind our own reply statements.
OUR OWN REPLY LETTER:
[Ms. . . ], First thank you for (at least) replying to my original request asking you (begging you actually) to take down your website. As I stated elsewhere, it is so full of numerous errors that I feel it best to simply take down the whole thing and start all over etc. Hopefully with the objective of reevaluating the very concept of even having the anti-medical Cannabis (Medical Marihuana) laws in place.
However [Ms. . .], your reply letter contains so many numerous errors (both technical as well as mathematical) that I feel it best to also go over it, sentence by sentence. Please understand that no one is trying to humiliate you, etc., . . However, in case you think us too picky over the facts, or too emotional, just try putting yourself in our shoes. Many of us have seen friends go to jail, have their lives ruined, and in some cases even loose their lives over (what to you must be an academic issue) but to us is a medical matter of life or death. I guess you can say that we also have an axe to grind, but in our case in the right direction.
Your reply letter starts out as follows:
Friday, January 11, 2013 6:30 AMMs. . . , while (I guess) you view the above statement in the positive; ---interpreting it as meaning that there are lots and lots of medical studies out there to support your viewpoint. However, because so many of us have been lied to (so many times) in the past (by those with the badge of authority), that your opening statement is (politely put), viewed by many with a great deal of skepticism.
From: [Name Withheld]
“Andrew,
I am not going to walk you through all the stacks and stacks of marijuana research. You can find it on the internet with the click of a mouse.”
For one thing it is effectively AGAINST THE LAW to do any ACTUAL medical research on Cannabis (Marihuana) in this country. As you must be aware that Cannabis (being treated as a control “I” substance) requires the researcher to obtain a permit from the Federal Drug police. Permit’s that are NEVER ISSUED; -- Thus no medical research. Perhaps you might find the following little story a bit amusing, but I and all so many others, find it a very sad tale.
"Today, American researchers who wish to obtain legal cannabis for scientific study must apply to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), which maintains a government-funded, 1.5-acre marijuana farm in Oxford, Mississippi. Compared with street marijuana, however, the government's plants are low in cannabinoid content, and some researchers have also complained of the institute's slow and seemingly arbitrary decisions. In 1994 Donald Abrams, a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, proposed to study the effects of smoking cannabis on HIV-related weight loss, but his application was rejected by NIDA, even though it had been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. When he then resubmitted his proposal, this time emphasizing the drug's potential negative effects, NIDA not only approved the study but also provided him with nearly a million dollars in funding. Another researcher, Lyle Craker of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, applied to the Drug Enforcement Administration in 2001 for the right to grow cannabis for research purposes as a way of sidestepping these potency and access issues. For three years he heard nothing, until a federal court ordered the Drug Enforcement Administration to respond. They said no, so he sued them. That case is still under way. . . . The chill affected researchers as well as clinicians. Medical journals published dozens of studies before the tax act but few after its enactment. As researcher Lester Grinspoon noted, "virtually no medical investigation of cannabis was conducted for many years" as a string of additional laws, including the 1951 Boggs Act and the 1970 Controlled Substances Act, further deterred research." --- T. Geller - Chemical Heritage MagazineHowever, be that as it may, while actual medical research has been outlawed, “Safety Research” has not been. Thus you are correct that with a click of a mouse, one can indeed find stacks of marijuana research. But there is only one problem with them – Just about all of them have positive (not negative) things to say about the matter. And those few that do are (well how shall I put it), candidates for the “Journal of Unreproducible Results” (by the way there really is such a journal), meaning that other subsequent studies were unable to confirm their validity, found improper methodology, or obtained out and out contradictory data. Some of the studies your “Marihuana Fact-sheet” website made reference to (example those performed by the late Gabriel Nahas) would easily fall into that category.
Ms. . . , you should also note that those negative studies that you are so fond of quoting were for the most part never published in peer review journals; and for the most part originated from and were financed by federal narcotic officials (who obviously expected a certain type of result).
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“What I will share with you is my experience over the past 18 years. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics performs hundreds of drug awareness programs for thousands of Oklahoma school students every year. We are passionate about helping kids stay clear of drug abuse/addiction.”Ms. . . , with maybe the sole exception of the Islamic church, I know of no one who has any problems with education per say; ---- As long as it is the truth that is being taught. And here is where the problem with your statement lies. Ms. . . , If you really were passionate about helping kids, I would start with the truth and stick with it throughout. In the words of Steve Kubby, Children have a lot of respect for adults, especially those in authority. But when they find out that they have been lied to they quickly loose that respect. ---- And worst still, once a young person learns that you have been lying to them about Marihuana, they will think that you have also lied to them about Heroin. And with the results being predictable.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“We also work closely with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, as well as the Oklahoma Drug Court system to assist drug addicts with treatment options rather than jail/prison.”
Yeah! Right! Tell that to Will Foster who was sentenced to 93 years in prison for Medical Marihuana. Now let’s see, I guess people at your office are going to tell us that he had a Mental Health issue or a substance abuse problem. However, most of us would say that Mr. Foster had arthritis and some serious back pain problems. That after having tried numerous (non-addictive) pain medications, a chiropractor recommended that he try Medicinal Cannabis (Medical Marihuana) and that it worked. Most people would also say (after hearing the facts behind the case) that the narc’s (through legal slight of hand) set him up at trial – made it sound like he was a big time drug lord or something. But that is neither here nor there, the point being made here is that innocent Medical Patients ARE being put in Jail ; -- Courtesy of the War of Drugs.
So a question for you Ms. . . , do you believe that Cancer Patients should be forced to undergo drug assistance treatment or be allowed to seek out proper medication treatment?
The reply letter then goes on to say:
And we focus heavily on stopping drug dealers/traffickers/cooks/growers who profit from selling with reckless disregard for the individuals, families and communities impacted by their greed.”[Ms. . . ], why do you insist on lumping Heroin dealers and Medical Cannabis Patients together is beyond us. As the issue at hand is solely the use of Medicinal Cannabis (Medical Marihuana), I for one am totally taken aback by your statements. What in this lords green earth are you talking about; --- What do you mean by “profit from . . . with reckless disregard . . . impacted by their greed”?
Are you saying that seeking out medical treatment is wrong and greedy? That a Cancer patient seeking proper medical attention is (in effect) reckless and has a disregard for others?
Are you saying that someone who is diagnosed with Cancer is now a criminal; that Cancer should be considered a crime? It would appear from your statements that you do.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“People who suggest "the drug war should end" or "our drug war is a failure", or "marijuana is not harmful" need to look at places where there is little/no drug enforcement. You have to look no further than Mexico border towns/states. Mexican authorities are overpowered and outnumbered. The drug cartels make all the rules. Those that try to stop them (police, politicians, other cartels) are removed/eliminated. Law enforcement officers, rival cartels and politicians in Mexico are assassinated almost every day because the drug dealers, NOT POLICE have all the control, enforce all the rules. That's the epitome of a "failed drug war".[Ms. . . ], please, I know that you are using a lot of cut and paste rhetoric consisting of prepackaged statements etc. However, I cannot bring myself to believe that even you believe the above to be true.
The problem in Mexico is that THEY DO have their own version of the “War On Drugs,” which in turn has created a “Black Market,” which in turn guaranties BIG PROFITS for those who participate. ALL this in turn is what has created the drug violence. The situation in fact is very similar to that created by the alcohol prohibition laws of the 1920’s. A look back through any Oklahoma newspaper archives can tell you how wonderful that experience was. Only instead of Frank Nitty sticking a tommy-gun out the window of a model-T ford (over alcohol turf), we now have Mexican gangs fighting it out over Drug turf. Humm, what’s that expression, “Same bottle, different label.”
Most logical people will point out that it is the “Black Market” that is causing the problems in Mexico. As long as the profits are there, the problem will be there. Example: With reference to Alcohol prohibition. Where is Eliot Ness and Frank Nitty today, slugging it out over Alcohol sales? Why is it that we no longer hear of anyone being killed or blinded by drinking “Bad Liquor”? The answer is obvious, because alcohol is now legal and thus there is NO BLACK MARKET.
But [Ms. . . ], if you still need anymore proof, just look at Portugal where (in effect) they have ended the war. There the number of drug deaths is way down, so are arrests, and in fact so is just about all the problems associated with the Black Market and the “War On Drugs.”
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“[With reference to the situation in Mexico] You don't see that happening here in the United States because we have an aggressive law enforcement policy against those who threaten peaceful communities, families, our children and our schools.”Actually, we do see that happening here in the U.S., abetted not to that degree. I myself was involved in a situation (in another state) where an elderly lady was turned away from a Medicinal Cannabis Health Club because of improper ID. Some 30 minutes later she turned back up saying that she had just been robbed while trying to obtain Marihuana out on the street.
And unfortunately her story is very atypical of what is happening in America today. Because Medicinal Cannabis is classified as a deadly drug (on a par with Heroin) under our laws, patients are forced to seek their medicines OUT ON THE STREETS. In effect we are forcing otherwise lawful citizens to associate with some of the most base elements of our society. In the words of [. . censored. .] of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics: -- [those who] “Profit from selling with reckless disregard for the individuals, families and communities impacted by their greed.” Yet, those are the very people into whose hands we are turning these patients over to.
If you need anymore proof of that, just look at all the drug related, “Drive by Shootings” that we are constantly hearing about. Do you believe that Drugs had anything to do with it –- NUTs! The violence is over who gets to control the black market and it’s high profits.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“I would suggest anyone who opposes our efforts or supports the legalization/decriminalization of drug use has never stepped foot inside a drug home--homes we encounter on a daily basis. I have been inside hundreds of drug homes all across Oklahoma over the past 16 years--more than I care to remember; images and odors I wish I could forget. Anyone that has witnessed how small children are forced to live in deplorable conditions with little or no parenting, care, nurturing, or attention would never support the decriminalization of this drug-addicted lifestyle. Often, these homes are full of children left to take care of each other while their parents are under the influence of drugs or sleeping off a drug binge. As many as 84-percent of the children in the Oklahoma Foster Care system today (March 29, 2011) come from homes where one or both parents are drug addicts. And all admit they started on marijuana when they were teenagers.”Ms. . ., the above statements (while having a great bumper sticker shock effect) are nonsensical and are a good example of why we here in Oklahoma are now being seen as such a laughing stock elsewhere. As stated earlier, many of us have been mislead (ok, lied to) by the narcotics police so many times that we have now learned to be a bit skeptical about anything said by them --- especially of their statistics. Mind you, I am not saying that they are not true, simply that (after a good faith effort) they simply cannot be confirmed.
However, for the sake of argument, let us pretend that they are accurate and examine the math behind your figures.
A very high (and very tragic) number, HOWEVER, one that breaks down quickly after.
Thus your statistic (again while tragic) constitutes less than even 1% of the totals.
Now assuming that “National Institute on Drug Abuse’s”, is correct and 33% of all Americans over the age of 12 have used marijuana somewhere in the past. A statistic that (realistically speaking) many of us find VERY LOW, but in any case; What does that do to your bumper sticker statistic? [Ms. . . ], I can assure you that whatever reasons those individuals had for getting themselves into that situation, --- their past use of Marihuana (for whatever reason) simply wasn’t one of them.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“Frequently, any money obtained by drug addicts goes toward feeding their addiction. As a result, I’ve seen many homes with no edible food, running water or electricity, and the rent hasn’t been paid in months. Addicts have difficulty getting or keeping a job, so paying for basics like food, tooth paste, soap and health care needs for their children goes unmet.”Sir, I am not a betting person, but if I were (and if it were legal) I would wager you everything that I own that there are fewer than a couple of handfuls of (so-called) Medical Marihuana addicts who would fall into that category. That is unless they have to use their limited funds defending themselves in court against an unjustified arrest. Either that or they are Cancer Patients, who for obvious reasons have now fallen on hard times.
“Decriminalizing this lifestyle is a frightening and reckless suggestion. So too is the suggestion that efforts by the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics to prevent/intervene is somehow part of the problem. Should we ignore these homes? Turn our backs on these kids/families?Decriminalizing what lifestyle? Is Cancer now being classified by the “Oklahoma Bureau or Narcotics” as a chosen lifestyle? And as for Turning Our Backs on the Kids; Is that not what we are now doing? How is arresting a Medical Cannabis (Medical Marihuana) patient going to help them out?
“Should we legalize drugs? If so, is the government also going to provide free drugs to them, as well as pay their rent, purchase food for the children and provide child-care for the kids?”Yes, the Oklahoma Voters League, does indeed feel that WE SHOULD end the prohibition laws against the use of Medical Cannabis (Medical Marihuana). As for providing these patients with FREE Cannabis for their medical needs, etc., . . . the subject of socialized medicine verses the free market system, is way beyond the topic at hand. I for one am not prepared nor qualified to enter into discussion.
“I can assure you, these addicts can't hold down a steady job to pay these expenses themselves. They aren't doing it now.”Once more, we beg to disagree with you. I know of no “Medical Marihuana Addicts” that can’t hold down a steady job. UNLESS that is, their aliments (which they are taking the Medical Cannabis for) are of a very sever nature.
However, you are entitled to your own opinion, and I grant you if someone is undergoing chemotherapy, it would indeed be hard for this individual to hold down a “steady Job”.
“How would that change if we decriminalized drugs/stopped enforcing laws? People argue that drug addicts are hurting no one but themselves and the government/law enforcement should leave them alone. Tell that to these kids and other family members whose lives have been torn apart by the selfish choices made by their love-ones.”It will, that is what we are working hard to do. Just think of it, being able to tell those kids that their parents are no longer going to have to live in fear of their medical conditions. That those (ah, evil) narc’s are no longer going to arrest their parents for using Medicinal Cannabis. That they can now fill a safe and legal doctors prescription at a drug store instead of out on the streets. That would be a great day indeed.
“People who support decriminalization often say prohibition has done more harm than good. They frequently point to the prohibition of alcohol.”That is correct, today we no longer see Al Capone et al, nor smugglers of whiskey bottles, nor moon shine stills all over the country side etc. But most important, we no longer see the gang violence that took place over which gang got to control what territory.
“Since the decriminalization of alcohol in 1919, it has become the most abused drug in the world. “Ah, no, no (I know that you were writing this in a hurry and everyone makes mistakes, but), 1919 was when the prohibition laws were passed -- they went into effect in 1920. That’s when all the “Alcohol Drug”, related violence got started. It was in 1933 that common sense finally took over and the grand experiment was ended. However, you are correct, alcohol is bad and a highly abused drug (worldwide).
“Prescription drugs are legal, taxed and regulated, as well. And prescription drug abuse, addiction, fraud and prescription drug deaths are at record levels in Oklahoma (638 deaths in Oklahoma last year 87% involved prescription medication).”[Ms. . . ], I know that you were probably writing your reply letter in a hurry and also making use of (references to), a lot of cut and paste statements. However please, you are making it sound as if your office is opposed to ALL prescription medicines. I trust this is not the case.
Additionally, I make the assumption that your reference is made solely to those deaths caused by poisoning (which include suicide, accidental, criminal, etc). I say this is an assumption because (as you know), many of us have by now become very skeptical of any figures brought out by your office. However, as there are around 36,000 deaths in Oklahoma per year, [4] the figure of 638 poisoning deaths thus sounds about right. And as you claim that (up to) 87% of these (555 in total) were from prescription drugs, this figure also sounds about right. As you must know Prescription Drug Interactions is said to be the seventh leading cause of death in our country. Usually taking place when doctor “A” prescribes medicine A and doctor “B” (who doesn’t know about doctor A) prescribes something else, and the two drugs interact in a bad way, etc.
HOWEVER, [Ms. . . ], don’t you see the flaw in your argument. Look at the following chart. [5]
| All Causes | 2,437,163 |
|---|---|
| Diseases of Heart | 599,413 |
| Malignant Neoplasms | 567,628 |
| Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases | 137,353 |
| Cerebrovascular Diseases | 128,842 |
| Lack of Health Insurance (2005) | 44,789 |
| Poisoning | 41,592 |
| Drug-Induced (both legal and illicit) | 39,147 |
| Intentional Self-Harm (Suicide) | 36,909 |
| Septicemia | 35,639 |
| Motor Vehicle Accidents | 34,485 |
| Firearm Injuries | 31,347 |
| Alcohol-Induced | 24,518 |
| Illicit Drugs (2000) | 17,000 |
| Homicide | 16,799 |
| Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) | 9,406 |
| Viral hepatitis | 7,694 |
| Cannabis (Marijuana) | 0 |
Here the question is; “How many of these 555 deaths took place as a result of CANNABIS (aka) MARIHUANA? ZERO So how can you be opposed to its use? If your office truly wanted to minimize the number of needless such deaths, should you not be in the vanguard advocating for the right of doctors to openly prescribe a very useful medicine – One that has safely been used for thousands of years, with no known deaths.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“Decriminalization with regulation does not (solve) the problem.“Yes it does solve the problems – it was “decriminalization and regulation” of alcohol prohibition and NOT law enforcement efforts that finally ended the gang violence that the laws had brought in the first place. Surely you of all people must know that. And while you are entitled to your own opinion, however your viewpoint is at odds with just about every “objective” historian out there.
Just ask yourself the following questions:
I believe you can see that the list of such questions is endless, but the issue here is that it was “Decriminalization and Regulation” that finally ended the alcohol (the drug) war violence. GRANTED there are a lot of problems associated with alcohol BUT those problems would be there anyway (with or without prohibition laws) AND pale in comparison to the damage brought on by prohibition laws themselves. You have only to see the effects of the anti-Medical Marihuana laws to see the effect this form of prohibition is having.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“It opens a floodgate for this behavior, as seen with alcohol and prescription drugs, and marijuana in states that have decriminalized/"medicalized" it.”This statement is simply not true, and the statistics contradict such a statement. The number of Marihuana users (medical or whatever) pretty much stays the same. The only difference is that innocent and law abiding individuals are no longer being arrested.
To show this, let’s look at what one of the studies had to say about the matter. First take a look at table-I (below) which shows the prevalence of Marihuana use among 12 -to- 17 year olds. [Defined as having used Marihuana at least once within the last month before the study] [6]
| Column I | Column II | Column III | Column IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year |
Number of states with MML |
Prevalence States with MML |
Prevalence States without MML |
| 2002-03 | 8 | 9.67 % | 8.33 % |
| 2003-04 | 10 | 9.84 % | 7.66 % |
| 2004-05 | 10 | 8.95 % | 7.12 % |
| 2005-06 | 11 | 8.57 % | 6.63 % |
| 2006-07 | 12 | 8.40 % | 6.45 % |
| 2007-08 | 13 | 8.27 % | 6.40 % |
Note that it shows that Marihuana use among that group (at first) appears to be approximately 1.5 percentage points higher in states that have Medicinal Marihuana laws (MML) then in those states without such laws. However, that figure is very misleading. To begin with everyone knows that when a substance first becomes legal/available a whole lot of people go and try it. A sort of bubble builds up, however after a while things always go back to normal and that seems to be the case here. Again, with reference to Table-I, look at column II, which shows the number of states that have done the right thing and legalized Medical Marihuana. Note how it keeps growing. In 2003 we only have 8 states, but in 2004 we now have 10 (the bubble effect explains why the figure in column III, went up. However, note that between 2004 and 2005 no new states legalized and thus (with the bubble effect wearing off), the figure now drops by almost a whole percentage point.
The table below (table-II, also from the same study), pretty much documents this bubble effect on a state by state bases. That is to say, every time a state legalizes there is a spike in Marihuana use, but soon thereafter things go back to normal.
A quick survey of the internet will quickly locate numerous studies, published in prestigious journals like the “Annals of Epidemiology,” that pretty much say the same thing. Also note that this bubble effect (and then everything going back to normal) also seems to have appeared in numerous European countries that also have done the right thing.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“It always amazes me that people want to blame law enforcement and the "war on drugs" for the problem, rather than blaming individuals who make the conscious choice to put this poison in their body regardless of the consequences to them or their family.”[Ms. . . ], if I may reverse the situation. What amazes (many of us) is that anyone other than a narcotics official (someone who makes his living off the “War on Drugs”), would blame anything else but. As for Medicinal Cannabis (Medical Marihuana) being a “poison”, P-L-E-A-S-E give us all a break. Show me the bodies? Give me the name of just one individual (at any time in world history) that has ever been known to have died of Cannabis use. I know of no such case.
“Oklahoma has lost 6 law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty in the past 10 years by individuals under the influence of drugs, and countless other deaths from people driving or committing crimes under the influence of drugs,[Ms. . . ], once more I know that you wrote your reply letter in a hurry and probably made use of your standard cut and paste statements. However, you are making it sound as if “MEDICAL CANNABIS” (Medical Marihuana) patients were responsible for those deaths.
Furthermore, as you know, your office is notorious for (ah, how shall we put it), having less then accurate figures. Let me give you an example: According to your own memorial website: http://www.ok.gov/obndd/In_Memoriam/index.html
A total of (8) EIGHT narcotics police officers are classified as “Fallen Hero’s” of one kind or another. BUT WAIT . . . according to your own website (3) three of those agents actually died of heart attacks.Look, I don’t mean to make fun of the dead and any death is a tragedy, but even you must admit that your own website is (ah) exaggerating the figures a bit.
Now please, no one is making light of the dead, but I for one would question whether those three deaths would qualify for the title of “Fallen Hero’s.” Thus the website should state that only (5) FIVE agents have died in the line of duty . . . . . BUT WAIT. . . according to your own website (1) one of those agents actually died as a result of a long battle with Cancer.
Now again, no one is making light of the dead, but I for one would question whether that one death would qualify for the title of “Fallen Hero’s.” Thus the website should state that only (4) FOUR agents have died in the line of duty . . . . . BUT WAIT. . . according to your own website (1) one of those agents actually died as a result of an automobile accident.
Now again, no one is making light of the dead, but I for one would question whether that one death would qualify for the title of “Fallen Hero’s.” Thus the website should state that only (3) THREE agents have died in the line of duty . . . . . BUT WAIT. . . according to your own website (1) one of those agents actually died as a result of a plane accident (granted he was looking for Medicinal Cannabis (Medical Marihuana) plants at the time, but still it was a plane accident).
Now again, no one is making light of the dead, but I for one would question whether that one death would qualify for the title of “Fallen Hero’s.” Thus shouldn't your website state that only (2) TWO agents have died in the line of duty . . . . .
However, [RETURNING TO THE REPLY LETTER] [Ms. . . ], even if your statistics of 6 law enforcement officers (killed in the line of duty by drug users) was correct, your very statement begs a question. How many of these deaths involved the use of Medical Cannabis (Medical Marihuana)? I venture to say that the answer would be zero.
However, let us reverse the statement – How many needless deaths now occur BECAUSE OF YOUR anti-Medical Cannabis laws? The following example; --- although having nothing to do with Marihuana still gives us much to think about:
OKLAHOMA WOMAN SEEKS MEDICAL TREATMENT, IS JAILED INSTEAD, DIES |
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The reply letter then goes on to say:
“. . [committing crimes under the influence of drugs], or trying to get money to support their addiction. Most of the home invasion, copper thefts, identity thefts, armed robberies and other personal crimes committed in the United States are by individuals with a substance abuse problem”Here again, the question must be asked. How many of these thefts, armed robberies, etc., involved persons, “Under the Influence of Medical Cannabis (Medical Marihuana)? I’m willing to bet that the answer is, 'not very many'. And as for “trying to get money to support their addiction”, here one must ask, WHAT ADDICTION ARE you talking about? Cannabis (Medical Marihuana) as you know is non-addictive.
“. . (88% of the inmates in the Oklahoma state penitentiary in McAlester entered the facility with a substance abuse problem--regardless of the crime(s) they committed).“[Ms. . . ], elsewhere your letter stated:
“. . . We also work closely with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, as well as the Oklahoma Drug Court system to assist drug addicts with treatment options rather than jail/prison.”Yet here you are stating that you are putting 88% of . . . which leads one to believe there is a contradiction here. HOWEVER, you might be correct. Some statistics state that as many as (almost) 60% of those behind bars are there for DRUG or DRUG RELATED offences.
Here in Oklahoma the exact statistics are (as you must be well aware) all but impossible to obtain. Despite an extensive good faith effort on my part, all that I have been able to come up with are the most vague (suspiciously vague) statistics imaginable. Women arrested for prostitution are bunched in with sexual predictors, and of course NO ONE is in there for simple drug possession. But when one asks the question – What were the other crimes? No one seems to know. I can thus only assume that those other (so called) crimes were simply “add-on crimes.” Example: a rifle was found in the back room of a medical cannabis (medical marihuana) patient etc. Things that would NOT have been classified as crimes were doctors allowed to openly prescribed Cannabis and thus not illegal in the first place.
The reply letter then goes on to say:
“Yet, the police are the bad guys?”[Ms. . . ], YES, that’s it in a nutshell. This war that you are fighting against Medical Patients is considered by many as being evil. Do you not think that this is the case? What other terminology would you use to describe someone who denies a Cancer patient his/her right to proper medical treatment?
“Law enforcement, combined with treatment and education has been responsible for helping stop the flow of drugs, restore lives enslaved by addiction, and steer kids clear of this evil. “[Ms. . . ], your statement is incorrect as well as nonsensical – Illegal drugs are more available now then ever before. Courtesy of the “War on Drugs”, which creates a Black Market, which in turn creates unholy financial incentives etc. As an example: Some time back speaking before an audience (the subject at hand being Gun Control laws) I asked them to raise their hands if “THEY COULD NOT” obtain an illegal drug (say like Medical Marihuana) within 48 hours or if they didn’t even have the foggiest notion of how to get started. And here I should say, that these people were the elite’s of their community, yet very few raised their hands. Point being made then was; How can a law take guns out of the hands of bad people when it can’t even do away with drugs. Point being made now; Illegal drugs are more available now than ever there was in the past.
However, that is neither here nor there, returning to the subject of Medicinal Marihuana. We must also question your usage of the words “enslaved by addiction” etc. Please explain how a non-addictive medicine is in any way going to enslave a Cancer Patient. I would think our state government place to be doing everything possible to save his or her life, not trying to figure out ways of putting that person in jail.
“Anyone that has spent any time around drug-endangered children and drug homes would realize that decriminalizing this lifestyle is the last move we’d ever want to make. We DO NOT need more stoned people in society today!!!”[Ms. . . ], what does this statement have to do with Cancer Patients, or any other medical patients for that matter. Are you saying that a patient undergoing chemotherapy is living in a chosen “Lifestyle”? Please it is these kinds of statements that are making Oklahoma a laughing stock. Bad for the tourist industry if you know what I mean.
“The best way to solve the drug problem is change attitudes toward drugs. Kids are being told that marijuana isn’t harmful, but rather “medicine”. And that's where parents must take responsibility. I frequently visit with students in schools who are not afraid of drugs or getting caught using drugs. They see casual drug/marijuana use as fun without consequences.”I for one am not qualified to speak about recreational uses (I assume that is what you are talking about), but right they are that Cannabis (Medical Marihuana) IS MEDICINE. After all our museum has documented well over 2,000 (pre-WW II) medicines that made use of it (at least) as one of their ingredients. And here note that we are talking about legal medicines that sold in drugstores, each under its own unique brand or trade name.
But right you are about the harms of Marihuana. Tell them about the number of people (especially the number of medical patients) that are arrested for it each and every year. That one patient even was sentenced 93 years in prison for its Medical use. That should put the fear of God into them.
“They don't see the down side that our agency is forced to deal with on a daily basis (crime, addiction, child neglect, health-related problems from drug use, deplorable living condition, lack of steady jobs/health insurance due to a constant focus on getting their next fix). Sadly, many kids see this lifestyle as "normal". They share the attitudes of their parents, thus becoming a generational cycle of use/addiction in their family. We are arresting 2nd and 3rd generation drug addicts, [and] all admit to me they started on marijuana as a teenager.”[Ms. . . ], there probably is a downside to any medicine, but may I remind you that Cannabis (Marihuana) is NON-ADDICTIVE, is probably the safest medical drug out there, and in many cases can even (medically speaking) save your life. Considering the up side, the down side if very minor. As for your statements implying that Medical Marihuana is some kind of starter drug, that (statistically speaking) has long ago been disproven. Throughout this web page, proof of such is provided.
“And while pot smokers argue that marijuana is harmless, I’ve seen it wreck more lives than ANY OTHER DRUG. Not that they smoke pot and die. That doesn’t happen. But it puts them on a path (more like a train track...and there are a lot of trains that come down that track in their lives and smack them hard).”Well [Ms. . . ], you are right about that one. From the statistics that I have seen more Oklahomans are arrested (and have their lives ruined) for Marihuana then any other illegal activity out there.
“When I visit with people in jail, drug rehab or juvenile detention facilities, I like to ask them one simple question: “How did you get here?” I get the same answer EVERY SINGLE TIME. They all admit they started drinking beer and smoking weed with their friends when they were teenagers, and their decision put them on this track. This track led them to problems at home, school, with police, other drug use, etc…”[Ms. . . ], I don’t believe that even you believe that one. Surely you must know that a person in that position will say anything to get out of it. And it doesn’t take a genius to figure out what you want to hear, etc. After all, to quote [ . . censored . . ] of your own Bureau of Narcotics: “We also work closely with the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, as well as the Oklahoma Drug Court system to assist drug addicts with treatment options rather than jail/prison.”
Yep, it don’t take a genius to figure out what to tell you.
“People don't wake up at 40 years old and decide to cook meth or jam a needle full of heroin in their neck. They worked their way up to that point. Every meth, heroin and cocaine addict I have ever visited with admitted they started on pot, got bored with it or were introduced to other drugs and it led them down a path for many other problems in their lives.”Once more (as mentioned elsewhere), the math behind such statements simply isn’t there. Whatever reason someone had to use Heroin, it simply didn’t have anything to do with a Cancer Patients need to use Medical Cannabis (Medical Marihuana).
Marijuana is not medicine, it is not healthy, and pot smokers need to stop trying to convince kids otherwise.”Once more, our museum has documented well over 2,000 (two-thousand) pre-WW II Cannabis medicines that legally sold in this country at one time. As you can see from our website:
http://reefermadnessmuseum.org/Apendix/MfgIndex.htm
These medicines were made by a whole host of pharmaceutical companies including Abbott Labs, Johnson and Johnson, Eli Lilly etc. ALL of which begs the question -- If Cannabis is NOT MEDICINE then what was it doing in so many medicines?
“And when problems start piling up in their life, they need to stop blaming police, laws and their parents, and start taking personal responsibility for making the choice to use drugs.”And well they should. I mean why should someone undergoing chemotherapy have to live in fear of the police? What did they do to deserve that situation?
More to consider:[Ms. . . ], its 18 states now, and LEGITIMATE doctors (as well as other health care professions) are in the vanguard of the movement to end this insanity.
There are several "facts" about Medical-Excuse Marijuana people need to research. First of all, take a look at the people behind this effort. Legitimate doctors and scientists didn't push for legalization of marijuana in these 16 states that have legalized medical marijuana on the state level. This was a well-organized and financed movement by groups such as NORML and others that, for decades, have fought to get marijuana legalized for recreational use. Medical use is simply their first step. If you read magazines supported and promoted by marijuana users, you'll see countless articles urging people to push the "medical marijuana" agenda.
And as for your statements about recreational verses Medical uses. Could these words not be reversed? Why do you have an agenda to prevent proper medical uses? Granted your job depends on it, but still there are numerous control drugs (morphine etc.), that are both controlled BUT legal for medical purposes. [Ms. . . ], you should examine your own agenda, one that is doing so much harm to so many people.
[Ms. . . ], most people would say that you CAN’T have it both ways. You claim (falsely we all believe) that “MARIJUANA IS NOT MEDICINE”, yet then claim that it has (been) “shown to help some people”. AND OH, you can obtain it in its synthetic form. --- Doesn’t that sound like so many contradictions to you? As for your statements about “inhaling a smoked product.” This issue is addressed elsewhere on our website: – see http://reefermadnessmuseum.org/chap04/Oklahoma/Wolf_Notsmokable.htm“Secondly, marijuana is NOT medicine. THC in marijuana has shown to help some people and it is already available to patients at every pharmacy in the United States in a pill or liquid called Marinol. However, most doctors will never prescribe Marinol because there are dozens of other drugs safer, stronger and more effective to treat these illnesses without the side effects created by inhaling a smoked product.”
Marinol is a THC pill and liquid that has the same effect without the harmful chemicals created by smoking marijuana. Just take a moment to fully study both sides of this issue and see what forces are behind the "Medical-Excuse Marijuana" movement before you make your decision.
Above you also state that “most doctors will never prescribe Marinol because there are dozens of other drugs safer, stronger and more effective.” This has NOT been our experience. Soon, we are planning to put up a separate websection on “Marinol verses Natural Cannabis,” and I promise that I will get back to you when it is up and running. Here (in short) are some of the points that we will be bringing up:
Let me say that I for one am very glad (if true) that at least one ingredient has been isolated and may soon make its way into medical use. But can you tell me what research you are talking about; Again as you have already been made aware, your bureau’s past use of statistics doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.Research has found that CBD, an ingredient in marijuana found to be helpful for some patients, can be generated in marijuana without THC, the ingredient that produces that high.
[Ms. . . ], Do you have any solid proof of this. It sounds like something that someone picks up out of one of these “True Men’s Adventure’ magazines or someplace like that. As I understand it there is NO UPTICK in illegal activities due to Cannabis/Hemp/Marihuana use at all. And specifically NOT IN CALIFORNIA. Just look at the following news flash: As per --Mexican drug cartels are flooding to states like California that have “medical marijuana” on the law books. They know police are prevented from stopping cartel marijuana growing operations because they hire a “front man” with a medical marijuana card to claim its medical marijuana. Medical-excuse marijuana laws [do] not stop crime, they invite organized drug criminals to relocate to these states. We don’t want this in Oklahoma.
http://www.kmud.org/news-humboldt-california/marijuana-cannabis-news/item/2051-marijuana-eradication-operation-full-court-press-photos-posted
“Marijuana Eradication Operation:Sure doesn’t sound like “Mexican drug cartels are flooding into the state,” nor (unfortunately) does it sound like the police over there are being prevented from . . . etc.
Operation Full Court Press concludes a three week long, multi-agency marijuana operation . . . has resulted in the seizure of 632,058 marijuana plants, 1986 pounds of processed marijuana, $28,031 U.S. Currency . . . and the arrest of 132 individuals. Of those arrested, 118 persons were booked on various federal and state charges to include marijuana, firearm, and immigration violations, while 14 were foreign nationals detained on administrative immigration violations. “
GIVE ME A BREAK, you know as well as I that the narc’s (you guys) don’t just arrest someone for drugs. You usually pile on a lot of extra-special charges. Example; there was a rifle in the back room while using Medical Cannabis, and “Ah Ha”, having a fire-arm while committing a felony etc. So of course very few prisoners of the war on blacks are there solely for “simple marihuana possession.” And as for a “Judge revoked suspended sentence”; - What exactly do you expect, that a chemotherapy patient is going to STOP using something that may save his life.“ Legalization supporters claim millions of defendants are incarcerated in jail and prison cells on simple “Drug Possession” charges. Truth is, only .07% (less than 1 percent) of all inmates in the United States are in for possession, according to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. And most of those either pled down to possession from more serious charges, or they failed the drug court mandates causing the judge to revoke their suspended or deferred sentence.”
“I hope I have given you some things to think about. It's not charts, graphs, studies, and research. My information comes directly from the homes, jails, people, parents and kids we interact with every day at the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Thank you for visiting with me about this. God bless. “[Ms. . . ], I believe your statements have given all of us something to think about but not in the way that I believe you intended it to be. The stated facts and figures (as used by your office) are simply in error. But please, returning to the original subject of your website – I once more request that it be corrected or simply taken down. It truly is making all Oklahomans a laughing stock and is not doing wonders for our tourist industry.
OBNDD [ . . . ] Officer
419 NE 38th Terrace
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Office # 1-800-522- [ . . ]
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FOOTNOTES:
[1] - This kind of terminology may be considered by many as being a bit harsh, however, the facts speak for themselves. As we have documented on our webpage: -- http://reefermadnessmuseum.org/chap04/Oklahoma/Wolf_MythStart.htm
Much of what the Bureau is saying on their own website is simple untrue. And granted, it is possible that the Bureau originally believed their information was accurate. It should be noted that they have officially (by this museum) been informed that their statements were in error, proof has been provided, but for whatever reason have continued making them.
[2] - http://newsok.com/number-of-children-in-oklahoma-foster-care-system-rises/article/3697125
[3]- Table ST-F1-2000 – 2000 census – released Sep 15, 2004
-- http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/40000.html
[4]- Oklahoma Vital Statistics Births and Deaths -
http://www.ok.gov/health2/documents/HCI_VS2006Report.pdf
[5]- http://drugwarfacts.org/cms/?q=node/30
[6]- http://www.columbia.edu/~dsh2/pdf/AdolescentMarijuana.pdf
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