Oklahoma Compassionate Care Campaign

Yukon Family Pushes to Legalize Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma For Autistic Son

2012-02-04T07:26:00.001-06:00

Supporters of medical marijuana say it can be used for a wide variety of treatments including glaucoma, cancer and AIDS. But now support is growing, including here locally, to give it to children who suffer from autism.
When legislators return to the statehouse next week, medical marijuana will be back on the table. And one local family says they will be pushing for it to pass for the sake of their autistic son.
Life with 7-year-old Deacon is a constant challenge.
"It's like crisis mode all the time just trying to make it through the day, and that's no way for any of our children to live," said Catherine Mejias, Deacon's mother.
The Mejias family has tried a long list of doctor prescribed medications, as well as alternative treatments. Nothing has worked.
"We are just looking for something that will make him happy," said Gill Mejias, Deacon's father.
They think that something may be THC, a chemical in medical marijuana.
The idea is controversial, but gaining momentum nationwide after parents in states with legalized marijuana have claimed success.
"I feel like I have my son back," said Mieko Hester-Perez of Fountain Valley, California on "The Doctors."
But legalizing marijuana in Oklahoma will be a tough sell. Last year Senate Bill 573 didn't even make it to a vote and during an online town hall meeting this summer, Governor Mary Fallin said she cannot support legalizing marijuana.
"I just feel like marijuana use if it's legalized will lead to possible other substance abuse and I just see substance abuse as a major, major issue," Fallin said.
Deacon's family, however, argues 16 other states have legalized medical marijuana and they would like the same options for their son.
"I just want to give it a try, I'm willing to try anything for him," Catherine said.
Doctors say although THC works for some children, more research is needed.
There are a handful of formal studies currently underway on the effects of marijuana on Autism.
- Article originally from NewsOn6.com.

OK Medical Marijuana Bill (Feb. 6) and Med. Marijuana Day (April 20) at Oklahoma Capitol

2012-01-23T00:11:00.005-06:00

The Oklahoma Legislature is back in session February 6, 2012.

The Drug Policy Reform Network of Oklahoma has changed plans for a rally at the Capitol.

Instead, we are planning to combine the medical marijuana day with a full drug policy reform/end prohibition rally. We believe a rally outside and a lobbying day inside will get the most participation and coverage. You can “roar” with the crowd outside and/or just quietly visit your legislators inside the capitol. This event is scheduled for April 20, 2012 (a.k.a. 4:20)

That doesn’t mean we aren’t going to be busy before April 20. Starting Feb. 6, you (yes, you) need to contact your state senator and ask them to support Senator Constance Johnson’s Senate Bill 573 (The Compassionate Use Act of 2011). This is a basic medical marijuana bill, allowing medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. The bill is currently assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee. Please contact the Chairman of the committee as well.

To indentify your state senator, call your local "Board of Election/Election Board", or the State Election Board (405) 521-2391. You can also find this information online at www.lsb.state.ok.us

Health and Human Services Committee Chairman, Senator Brian Crain: (405) 521-5620, crain@oksenate.gov

We are still going to the Oklahoma Capitol! It is time to tell our elected officials that we want medical marijuana to be available right here, right now! We did it in 2010 and had a great lobbying day at the Capitol. Patients and medical marijuana supporters visited their elected officials and presented them with medical marijuana information. OETA and News 4 did great television news stories on the event. View the News 4 story at http://www.kfor.com/news/local/kfor-news-medical-marijuana-story,0,4726019.story

On Friday, April 20, 2012, 1pm-4:20pm, we are going to do it again!

We will meet at the capitol steps, to have a brief discussion, before visiting our senators and representatives. If it is raining, we will meet on the second floor rotunda. There will always be a volunteer at one location or the other to give you directions. We will be presenting our legislators with written information about medical marijuana and requesting their support for medical marijuana legislation. Any loud chanting or guest speakers will be outside at the rally.

It doesn't matter if you are a potential medical marijuana patient or just someone who wants to see medical marijuana available in Oklahoma; we need you to attend this event.

Please attempt to arrange a meeting with your state senator and representative by calling their office. Arrange the meeting between 1:00-3:00 p.m., April 20.

It isn't a problem if you can't arrange a meeting with your elected official. We are going to visit their office anyway.

If we can't speak directly to our elected officials, we will leave the information with their staff.

No one will have to visit their legislators alone. Our volunteers will gladly go along to support you. We will stick together to demonstrate that many good people support medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

If you can't make it to the Capitol that day, please contact your legislators anyway. Please call, email, fax and/or write letters today! Let them know that they can meet actual medical marijuana patients during our visit to the capitol.

It is important to include the following information when contacting your representative and senator:

1.) If calling, politely ask for the legislator and ask to leave a message if he/she is not available (almost always).
2.) Ask the person’s name that you are leaving a message with. Repeat their name to indicate that you might be

writing it down. This encourages them to actually deliver your message.
3.) Give your name and address listed on your voter registration. Make it clear that you are an active voter.

4.) Ask them to deliver the following message to your senator or representative:
“Please cosponsor the Compassionate Use Act of 2012”

5.) If they say, “What legislation?” or otherwise try to disregard your request, say:

“I want legislation that allows patients to use medical marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation,

and establishes cultivation and distribution regulations.”
6.) Ask them to repeat your message (read it back).

7.) Ask them: “If the legislator is too busy, will you please contact me with his/her response?”

8.) Using their name again, thank them.

Please make contact with your senators and the Chair of the committee as soon as the session begins. We must put the pressure on these people, so they realize that Oklahomans want medical marijuana too.

To learn more about our campaign for medical marijuana go to: www.OKmedicalmarijuana.org

Are You missing our e-mail updates?

2011-04-11T02:06:00.000-05:00

I just noticed of the 168 email subscribers about 90 of them never confirmed their subscription. If you have not been receiving our blog/website updates via email please resubscribe and then check your email for a conformation link. Thank you all for your support! http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=OklahomaCompassionateCareCampaignBlog&loc=en_US

You will receive an email verification message once you submit this form. FeedBurner activates your subscription to “Oklahoma Compassionate Care Campaign Blog” once you respond to the verification message.

SB 573 - Update

2011-03-03T21:35:00.001-06:00

Friends,

Senate Bill 573 did not receive a hearing this session. It will not move forward. This was expected.
It has been obvious, for many decades, that the Oklahoma Legislature is more socially conservative than the average Oklahoman.

2/3 of the medical marijuana bills, which have passed in other states, have been through ballot initiatives (vote of people). Oklahoma allows for ballot initiatives. It is most likely that a petition drive and ballot initiative will ultimately be the only way to pass medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

Regardless, Senator Constance Johnson has done a great service for the medical marijuana movement in Oklahoma. She is the first state legislator, brave enough and compassionate enough, to introduce a true medical marijuana bill. She is the kind of leader I salute.

Now we must not lose our momentum. It is time for true commitment to our mission.

This year we must work harder to persuade our doctors to endorse this campaign.

This year we must work harder to improve media coverage of our campaign.

This year we must cough up a little more personal time to help with the movement.

This year we must learn to raise money, so we can afford statewide publicity.

Liberating medical marijuana will be rewarding, but be prepared to work much harder this year.

Peace 2 ya,
Jeff Pickens
DPRNOK/OK CCC
President

Med. Marijuana Deadline, 2/28

2011-02-22T13:07:00.001-06:00

Med. Marijuana Deadline, 2/28

Compassionate Use Act 2011: Deadline Feb. 28

Senator Constance Johnson (OKC, District 48) is the only senator brave
enough and compassionate enough to introduce a real medical marijuana
bill in Oklahoma.

The Compassionate Use Act of 2011, Senate Bill 573 (medical marijuana
with a doctor's recommendation) , has reached the second stage in the
Oklahoma Senate! The bill has been assigned to the Health and Human
Services Committee.

For the bill to continue on the process of becoming law, it must be
approved for a hearing. The committee Chairman, Sen. Brian Crain
(Tulsa, District 39) has indicated

that no bills will be heard in the committee this session! If the bill
is not approved for

hearing, before Feb. 28, it will be dead for the session. This would
mean that we would have to start all over next session.

People, who need medical marijuana, are suffering right now! We
don't have time to wait for Sen. Crain to be in the mood to hear our
bill.

There is a way! The top ranked senator, the Senate Pro Tem, Brian
Bingman (Sapulpa, District 12) can override Senator Crain and approve
the bill for hearing.

We must contact Senator Bingman now! Call his office and email him as
much as possible between now and Feb. 28. Ask him, or leave a message,
to "approve Senate Bill

573, the Compassionate Use Act of 2011 for a hearing."

Senator Brian Bingman

(405) 521-5528
bingman@oksenate. gov bingman@oksenate. gov>

I have pasted some basic advice about speaking to his office, below this
message. I have

pasted a copy of the actual proposed legislation (Senate Bill 573), so
you can review it.

You should definitely read something before you ask your elected
officials to support it.

We are closer to real marijuana reform than we ever have been in
Oklahoma. Senator Johnson has made a great contribution to our movement
by introducing this bill, but

we must make the real effort to convince the politicians that the time
for change has come. Make those calls today, or you have no one to
blame except yourselves.

It is important to include the following information when contacting
your senator:

1.) If calling, politely ask for the Senator and ask to leave a message
if he/she is not available (almost always).
2.) Ask the person's name that you are leaving a message with.
Repeat their name to indicate that you might be writing it down. This
encourages them to actually deliver your message.
3.) Give your name and address listed on your voter registration. Make
it clear that you are an active voter.

4.) Ask them to deliver the following message to your senator or
representative:
"Please approve sb573 (The Compassionate Use Act of 2011), allowing
medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation" , for a
hearing.

5.) If they say, "What legislation? " or otherwise try to
disregard your request, say:

"Senator Constance Johnson's legislation allowing medical
marijuana with a doctor's recommendation, it has been assigned to
the Health Committee."
6.) Ask them to repeat your message (read it back).

7.) Ask them: "If the legislator is too busy, will you please
contact me with his/her response?"

8.) Using their name again, thank them.

If contacting them in writing (email, fax, letter), it is important to
state your request clearly and make sure you properly identify yourself.
They only care about real Oklahomans that are registered to vote!

Peace 2 ya,

Jeff Pickens

President

DPRNOK

P.O. Box 10641

Midwest City, OK 73140

405-506-DRUG

SB 573 Update from Senator Johnson - Crain refuses to hear any bills - we need pressure!

2011-02-18T12:11:00.001-06:00

"The bill is in Sen. Crain's committee where he has decided he's not hearing any bills. I'm asking around (other committee chairs) to see if anyone will hear it. It's not dead as of yet because the deadline is 2/28--and certainly not because of a short session--

Please encourage members to keep the pressure on. I will visit w/ the Business and Commerce chair (Newberry) but I don't expect much.

So yes, ultimately it could become dormant as of the 28th, but it's still not dead yet. The bill is still alive for next year. Then there's the amendment process in which an amendment can be offered on the floor assuming we can locate a bill that is germane. Of course, they control that too. A fall back plan could be to introduce a simple resolution (no force/effect of law), but they could also block that.

I know none of this is encouraging, but voters should make sure their legislators understand how they feel about their refusal to consider this issue for discussion. "

Tulsa Oklahoma - Board Meeting - Open to public

2011-02-13T22:48:00.000-06:00

This message sent to you by:

Drug Policy Reform Network of Oklahoma

P.O. Box 10641

Midwest City, OK 73140

405-370-5512

www.okmedicalmarijuana.org

www.dprnok.net

The Drug Policy Reform Network of Oklahoma is having its monthly meeting in Tulsa, OK, Wednesday, February 16, 6:30 pm-8:45 pm, at the Zarrow Regional Library, South Mtg. Rm., 2224 West 51st Street, Tulsa, OK 74107.

Even if you are not a Board Member, your input is needed at this meeting.

We want as many people as possible to attend these meetings. These meetings are where/when we decide what the organization will do next.

There will be refreshments and open discussion of all decisions.

We will be discussing fundraising projects, industrial hemp legislation for Oklahoma and the current medical marijuana bill (Senate Bill 573), which has been introduced to the Oklahoma Senate.

This meeting will also be conducted through an online conference call service (Talkshoe).

You can participate in this conference call by using the information below to call in on your phone and/or computer.

http://www.talkshoe.com/tc/51497

Phone number: 724-444-7444

I.D. 51497

1.Go to the website and/or dial the phone #

2. Follow the instructions and join in as a guest

Attention: If the meeting location is canceled, due to weather, we will still have the meeting via Talkshoe.

Peace 2 ya,

Jeff Pickens

President

DPRNOK

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced - Take Action Now!

2011-02-12T23:36:00.001-06:00

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced!

Major progress has been made to legalize medical marijuana in Oklahoma. The author of this bill, Oklahoma State Senator Constance Johnson, has requested Oklahomans to contact their state senators (not U. S. Senators) to ask them to become co-sponsors for SB 573. It is the Compassionate Use Act of 2011. It will legalize medical marijuana for Oklahoma. Contact info for your state senator is available here.

Also Contact Senator Brian Crain. SB 573 has been assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee, but it needs to be approved by the Chair before being heard. Please contact Sen. Brian Crain today!

Senator Brian A. Crain
2300 N. Lincoln Blvd., Rm. 417B
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
(405) 521-5620
Email
Executive Assistant: Katie Duvall

It is important to include the following information when contacting senators: 1.) If calling, politely ask for the Senator and ask to leave a message if he/she is not available (almost always).
2.) Ask the person's name that you are leaving a message with. Repeat their name to indicate that you might be writing it down. This encourages them to actually deliver your message.
3.) Give your name and address listed on your voter registration. Make it clear that you are an active voter.
4.) Ask them to deliver the following message to your senator or representative: "Please cosponsor sb573 (The Compassionate Use Act of 2011), allowing medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation."
5.) If they say, "What legislation?" or otherwise try to disregard your request, say: "I want legislation that allows patients to use medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation."
6.) Ask them to repeat your message (read it back).
7.) Ask them: "If the legislator is too busy, will you please contact me with his/her response?"
8.) Using their name again, thank them.

If contacting them in writing (email, fax, letter), it is important to state your request clearly and make sure you properly identify yourself. They only care about real Oklahomans that are registered to vote!

AS INTRODUCED:
An act relating to medical marijuana; creating the Compassionate Use Act of 2011; providing short title; clarifying scope of act; prohibiting penalties against physicians in certain circumstances; exempting certain provisions of law in specified circumstances; defining term; providing for codification; and providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA: SECTION 1. NEW LAW A new section of law to be codified in the Oklahoma Statutes as Section 2-800 of Title 63, unless there is created a duplication in numbering, reads as follows:
A. This act shall be known and may be cited as the Compassionate Use Act of 2011.
B. Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede laws or regulations prohibiting persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the diversion of marijuana for nonmedical purposes. In addition, this section shall not affect any other rule or law that regulates:
1. Penalties for sales to minors;
2. Penalties for the possession of marijuana by minors;
3. Driving under the influence;
4. Workplace protections against accommodations for marijuana use; or
5. Health insurance or pharmacy policies.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no physician in this state shall be punished, or denied any right or privilege, for having recommended marijuana to a patient for medical purposes.
D. The provisions of Section 2-402 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes relating to the possession of marijuana and Section 2-509 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes relating to the cultivation of marijuana shall not apply to a patient, or to a patient's primary caregiver, who possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician.
E. For the purposes of this section, primary caregiver means the individual designated by the person exempted under this section who has consistently assumed responsibility for the housing, health or safety of that person.
SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2011.

SB 573 assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee

2011-02-12T20:55:00.000-06:00

SB 573 assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Here is an update coming from Norma Sapp. She writes in part,

Hi All, SB 573 has been assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Here is a list of all the committee members. You should write to all of them with your personal stories. Keep it brief, but please let them know of your feelings.

Senator Brian Crain - Chair cra...in@oksenate.gov
Senator Sean Burrage - Vice Chair garlick@oksenate.gov
Senator Rick Brinkley brinkley@oksenate.gov
Senator Constance Johnson johnsonc@oksenate.gov
Senator Rob Johnson johnsonr@oksenate.gov
Senator Dan Newberry newberry@oksenate.gov
Senator Steve Russell purinton@oksenate.gov
Senator Jim Wilson wilson@oksenate.gov

Please click on all of these [below] and read about these Senators. It may give you some ideas on how we can "work" these guys. For instance, if you know someone in their District, please call that person and let them know we need constituent phone calls to them as soon as possible! Also if you know anyone that goes to their Rotary Clubs, please contact that person to see if they can speak to them at the next meeting.

We also MUST have a House Author, so now is the time to write to your House members to ask them to be the House Author on SB 573.

Note: We have an OKNORML member who has been going to the Capitol. His name is John Marmol, and he says if you plan a visit to your Senator and don't know your way around the capitol he will meet you there and help you find your way around. He plans on spending 2 or 3 days a week at the Capitol. Just let me know if you would like to meet with him and I can put you in touch.

Do not hesitate to call me if you have ANY questions.

Norma Sapp/OKNORML
Norman,Ok
405-760-9568
ekco@swbell.net

Committee Senators Web Pages:

Senator Brian Crain - Chair http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/crain_bio.html

Senator Sean Burrage - Vice Chair http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/burrage_bio.html

Senator Rick Brinkley http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/brinkley_bio.html

Senator Constance Johnson http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/johnsonc_bio.html

Senator Rob Johnson http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/johnsonr_bio.html

Senator Dan Newberry http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/newberry_bio.html

Senator Steve Russell http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/russell_bio.html

Senator Jim Wilson http://www.oksenate.gov/Senators/biographies/wilson_bio.html

Medical Marijuana to be Grown in White House Garden this Year

2011-02-06T09:33:00.000-06:00

WASHINGTON, D.C. – It is the first week of February, and for Michelle Obama, this means it is time to start planning the White House organic garden. While the garden will again contain a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as a few ornamental flowers, a new addition is sure to create the most controversy ever.
The White House organic garden will include several varieties of medical marijuana. The District of Columbia, like many states, has enacted medical marijuana laws allowing the cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes. A special gardener with a marijuana growing license has been appointed to oversee this particular plot of the garden.

TAKE ACTION: SB 573 the Oklahoma Compassionate Use Act

2011-01-26T13:29:00.002-06:00

Medical Marijuana Bill introduced in Oklahoma !

Senator Constance Johnson ( Oklahoma City , District 48) has introduced an actual medical marijuana bill! The bill has only been introduced, it has not been passed.

If passed, Senate Bill 573 (sb573) allows for the medical use of marijuana

with a doctor's recommendation. I have pasted the current wording (text) of the bill at the end of this message. Please review the wording to understand what we are supporting.

This is major progress. This is exactly what we have been campaigning for in Oklahoma .

Now it is up to us to support Senator Johnson's brave effort. It is time to contact our state senators. We need to contact them at least once a week to remind them that we support this medical marijuana bill. Please read the instructions below to contact your senators effectively.

Please call, email, fax and/or write letters to your Oklahoma Senator today! Ask them to

"Please cosponsor sb573 (The Compassionate Use Act of 2011), allowing medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation."

To find out who your state Senator is go to the Oklahoma Legislature Website www.lsb.state.ok.us, or call the State Election Board (405) 521-2391.

It is important to include the following information when contacting your senator:

1.) If calling, politely ask for the Senator and ask to leave a message if he/she is not available (almost always).
2.) Ask the person's name that you are leaving a message with. Repeat their name to indicate that you might be writing it down. This encourages them to actually deliver your message.
3.) Give your name and address listed on your voter registration. Make it clear that you are an active voter.

4.) Ask them to deliver the following message to your senator or representative:
"Please cosponsor sb573 (The Compassionate Use Act of 2011), allowing medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation."

5.) If they say, "What legislation?" or otherwise try to disregard your request, say:

"I want legislation that allows patients to use medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation."
6.) Ask them to repeat your message (read it back).

7.) Ask them: "If the legislator is too busy, will you please contact me with his/her response?"

8.) Using their name again, thank them.

If contacting them in writing (email, fax, letter), it is important to state your request clearly and make sure you properly identify yourself. They only care about real Oklahomans that are registered to vote!

Peace 2 ya,

Jeff Pickens

President

DPRNOK

Any questions please contact the DPRNOK at occc@dprnok.net or call (405) 506-DRUG

NORML

NORML has set up a "Take Action" page for this as well:

Lawmakers for the first time will consider legislation that seeks to exempt qualified medical marijuana patients from statewide criminal penalties.
Senate Bill 573 seeks to create the “Compassionate Use Act of 2011.” Under this Act, “The provisions of Section 2-402 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes relating to the possession of marijuana and Section 2-509 of Title 63 of the Oklahoma Statutes relating to the cultivation of marijuana shall not apply to a patient, or to a patient’s primary caregiver, who possesses or cultivates marijuana for the personal medical purposes of the patient upon the written or oral recommendation or approval of a physician.”
Under present law, the cultivation of even a single marijuana plant is classified as a felony offense, punishable by up to life in prison. Passage of SB 573 would provide needed legal relief for patients who presently suffer under some of the strictest marijuana penalties in the nation.
Further information about this and other statewide reform efforts is available from Oklahoma NORML, or by writing: ekco@swbell.net. You can also contact your state Senator about SB 573 by entering your zip code below.

http://www.capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=23769501

Ok, Drug Policy Reform - 13th Annual Celebration, Potluck & Elections

2011-01-14T12:40:00.000-06:00

13th Annual Celebration, Potluck & Elections

Please join us as we celebrate our 13 year anniversary and potluck dinner. We will also be holding elections for our open board seats. Please bring food and/or drink to contribute to the party. If you don't have time or cash for refreshments, don't worry about it, there will be plenty for everyone. We hope you will join us!!

Wed., Jan.19, 2011,
6:30pm-9:00pm,
302 N. Main,
Stillwater , Oklahoma
Across from Shortcakes Diner (back-up location right next door at 110 W. Mathews),

Call 405-370-5512 or email howzkeepa@yahoo.com for more details.

For more information on the elections please take a look at our last newsletter here.

Reminder:

Now would be great time to renew your membership with us and of course donations are welcome!

Become a member of DPRNOK today!

for just $10 a year and receive our newsletter with your membership.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If your membership information is different from that of your billing information please fill out the “Special Instructions” form before you make your final payment authorization. Remember Your membership will expire one year from submission of membership fee.

Please donate today and help us continue the fight to reform drug policy.Thanks!!

All donations will help us continue the fight to reform drug policy in Oklahoma and are very much appreciated.Thank you!!

JUDGE ALLOWS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DEFENSE IN FEDERAL COURT

2010-12-11T08:31:00.002-06:00

Cannabis Planet interviews Steele Smith, the central figure in what could be the most significant Federal Marijuana case in US history, the first allowing a medical defense based on State law.

Theresa and Steele Smith face 10 years in Federal prison for cultivating Medical Marijuana in compliance with California State law.

Help change Federal Cannabis law click "Like" on the US v. Steele Smith Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/SteelesCase

Remember Denise Stahl

2010-11-28T11:18:00.002-06:00

Remember Denise Stahl, the one who got ambushed at the State Capitol Last year?
She has a new blog entry you may find interesting.
http://leaglizemedicalmarijuanainoklahoma.blogspot.com/2010/10/starting-treatment-next-week.html

Working Board Meeting/Action Alert

2010-10-11T07:41:00.000-05:00

OCCC Activism Alert!
The Wed. Oct. 20 board meeting at 6:30PM in the Belle Isle Library, at Villa and NW Expressway, Oklahoma City will be our first Calling Party of the year. Instead of talking about doing something, we are actually going to get the work done while we are meeting. Please bring your cell phone and be prepared to call at least ten people.

We are going to call every person that has signed up to be contacted about our political activities. The calls will be simple; we will see how our supporters are doing (especially if they are potential medical marijuana patients), remind them to contact their elected officials about our proposed med. marijuana legislation and encourage them to meet at the Cheech and Chong presentation, Nov. 18, at the Tulsa Convention Center. We will be passing out fliers for our organization and the med. marijuana campaign, outside the event. In the past, work has often not been completed when our volunteers agree to do it on their own time. This time we are going to get it done while we are together at the board meeting. YEA TEAMWORK!

Meeting Notice

2010-05-19T10:55:00.000-05:00

The Drug Policy Forum of Oklahoma, the group behind the Oklahoma Compassionate Care Campaign, will be holding a board meeting this Wednesday, May 19th in Stillwater, OK at Cafe Bella, located at 622 S. Main beginning at 6:30PM. The public is welcomed to attend.

Medical marijuana isn't allowed as a defense in court in Oklahoma. Why?

2010-03-20T00:06:00.002-05:00

Medical marijuana isn't allowed as a defense in court in Oklahoma. Why?

A Commentary:

The Likely Reason Why Medical Marijuana Defendents Can't Use That as a Defense in Court

If there is such a thing as compassionate conservatism in Oklahoma, then the least thing they can do about the medical marijuana issue is to simply pass a law to ban courts in Oklahoma from denying medical marijuana patients from using medical necessity as a defense against criminal charges. I don't know how the legal system gets by with doing such a thing. But the motivation behind it possibly arose decades ago in 1976 when the feds lost big time in a celebrated case. That was when the feds charged Robert Randall for cultivating marijuana. In his defense, Randall used the Common Law doctrine of necessity. His necessity was a medical one to use marijuana to treat his glaucoma. He had already undergone exhaustive tests that indicated that no other glaucoma drug could halt deterioration of his eyesight. The judge, in believing evidence for banning marijuana for medical use was unfounded, dismissed charges against Randall.

He then petitioned the government to enable him access to medical marijuana. He was not denied. But Randall did not celebrate his victory as America's first legal medical marijuana patient in silence. He advocated other ill people needing help with medical marijuana should do what he did. In response, the feds tried to put a stop to Randall's access to medical marijuana. He came back with a lawsuit against several government agencies. The feds quickly settled out of court. The settlement provided a legal basis for the Food and Drug Administration to set up the Compassionate Investigational New Drug Program. Initially, only available to patients afflicted by marijuana-responsive disorders and orphan drugs, the concept was expanded to include HIV-positive patients in the mid-1980s.

Due to the growing number of AIDS patients throughout the late 1980s and the resulting numbers of patients who joined the Compassionate IND Program, the Bush administration closed the program in 1992. Some people suspected the program was undermining the FDA's status of marijuana as a schedule one drug, meaning a drug having much potential for misuse with no accepted medical value, and so not allowed to be doctor prescribed. Thirteen medical marijuana patients were grandfathered in to prevent lawsuits from them. Today, it's believed only four of them remain. Each get around 300 free joints at taxpayer expense in a tin can from the feds every month. While not conducted by the government, they were recently given medical examinations. Nearly all abnormalities found were believed related to diseases the marijuana was treating, rather than due to smoking marijuana itself. One of those patients, Irvin Rosenfeld, can be seen testifying in a video with a link to it in the upper right column of this page.

It's the 21st century now, and it's highly unjust that only a handful of patients in this country can fully look forward to living their lives free of any criminal charges related to personal use of medical marijuana. Who knows if the next U. S. President will also not want to prosecute medical marijuana patients at the federal level?

Recently, in California, a number of clinical, scientific medical studies of the type rarely done before have come out with findings that justify using marijuana as medicine for a number of serious ailments. In Oklahoma, it's time to put PATIENTS before politics. After all, the infamous suicide "Doctor" Kevorkian had some clients who didn't want to live any longer with multiple sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease, the kind of serious ailments believed good for marijuana treatment. Did they ever resort to marijuana? I don't know, but perhaps if they did, some would be alive today.

"Any sane person who knew they were going blind, who know marijuana could prevent them from going blind would break the law to obtain marijuana. And that activity was not criminal, but rather an act of self preservation." Robert Randall from 1976 in his successful use of necessity as a defense against charges of marijuana cultivation, a defense not allowed in Oklahoma. Randall died in 2001 with some vision still remaining.

Below is a photo showing marijuana growing at a Mississippi University farm. The buds from the female plants will be harvested. This is where it's believed marijuana for the remaining legal federal medical marijuana patients comes from as well as a source for marijuana for research institutions willing to meet strict requirements for obtaining and storing it.

Free the Weed For Medicine!

Board Meeting March 17th in Oklahoma City

2010-03-16T03:06:00.002-05:00

The group behind the Oklahoma Compassionate Care Campaign, the Drug Policy Reform Network of Oklahoma, will hold a regular board of directors meeting on Wednesday March 17th at 6:30pm in the Belle Isle Library, Meeting Room B. It is located at the intersection of Villa and NW Expressway in Oklahoma City. All concerned about drug law reform, including legalizing medical marijuana in Oklahoma, are welcomed to attend.

Medical Marijuana Pateint -KFOR News Oklahoma

2010-03-03T13:11:00.000-06:00

View her blog here:http://leaglizemedicalmarijuanainoklahoma.blogspot.com/

2010-03-02T14:23:00.001-06:00

Report: Medical Marijuana Day

2010-02-23T00:29:00.001-06:00

Many thanks to all the fine people who turned out to the State Capitol to personally lobby their legislators to legalize Medical Marijuana for Oklahoma. Newspaper story here. As a result, we found that there is, indeed, support among a number of state legislators for legalizing medical marijuana while a number of them hold no position, or are against it. So the job is not over. Please continue to show your support and help us find new support for this cause. It's time to put aside politics before patients and get on the side of 21st century findings in medical science.

Reports we were at the Capitol to support SB 732 are wrong. We were supporting our "Oklahoma Compassionate Care Medical Marijuana bill" and we feel no need to investigate rather or not marijuana is a medicine. We know it is!!

New Blog
http://leaglizemedicalmarijuanainoklahoma.blogspot.com/

A new blog has been spawned by the response of one Oklahoma State Representative (Senator Aldridgeto) to a request from a medical marijuana patient seeking to meet and discuss medical marijuana. He agreed to the meeting,but had some special guest waiting for the patient. Oklahoma Law Enforcement Director R. Darrell Weaver with Oklahoma Bureau
of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBNDD), the head of the Narcotics
Unit. Read more about it here.

Released Feb 17th 2010

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR)

New California Studies Show Marijuana Effective for Relieving Chronic Pain and Easing Muscle Spasms

The full CMCR publication can be downloaded, here.

New Facebook "Fan Page"

2010-02-08T20:58:00.001-06:00

If your on Facebook please "Fan" our new page.Thanks!!

P.S. Hope everyones ready for our event at the State Capitol Feb. 17, 2010
we are hoping for a big turn out. Thanks for your support!!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Oklahoma-Compassionate-Care-Campaign/321018501114

“Medical Marijuana Day” at the Oklahoma Capitol

2010-01-16T11:12:00.000-06:00

The Medical Marijuana Movement is on a roll in the United States. New Jersey just passed medical marijuana and
approximately twenty states had medical marijuana legislation introduced this session.
Now it’s our turn. That’s right; right here, right now, OOOOklahoma!
On Wednesday, Feb. 17, medical marijuana patients and supporters are meeting at the State Capitol.

We will meet on the second floor Rotunda at 1:00 p.m. and have a brief discussion before visiting our
senators and representatives. We will be presenting them with written information about medical marijuana
and a copy of our proposed legislation.

It doesn’t matter if you are a potential medical marijuana patient or just someone who wants to see medical marijuana available in Oklahoma; we need you to attend this event.

Please attempt to arrange a meeting with your state senator and representative by calling their office. Arrange the meeting between 1:00-3:00 p.m. To find out who your state senator and representative are, call your local “Board of Election/Election Board”, or the State Election Board (405) 521-2391. You can also find this information online at http://dprnok.net/blog/take-action-now/find-your-state-rep/.
It isn’t a problem if you can’t arrange a meeting with your elected official. We are going to visit their office anyway.
If we can’t speak directly to our elected officials, we will leave the information with their staff.

No one will have to visit their legislators alone. Our volunteers will gladly go along to support you. We will stick together to demonstrate that many good people support medical marijuana in Oklahoma.

If you can’t make it to the Capitol that day, please contact your legislators anyway. Please call, email, fax and/or write letters today! Ask them to “Please introduce and endorse The Oklahoma Compassionate Care Medical Marijuana Legislation.” Let them know we are sending the legislation to their office and that they can meet actual medical marijuana patients on Feb. 17.

Patients Day at the Capital

2009-12-17T11:08:00.001-06:00

Feb, 17th
Day at the capital with medical marijuana patients

A day at the capital with medical marijuana patients has been set for February 17th 2010 @ 1:00 p.m. If you are interested in participating, please contact us!!

DPRNOK
P O BOX 10641
Midwest City OK, 73140
Via E-mail

Please call, email, fax and/or write letters to your Oklahoma senator and representative today! Ask them to - Please introduce and endorse The Oklahoma Compassionate Care Medical Marijuana Legislation. The campaign has a tiny budget. We need your contributions to afford more publicity. We need volunteers to help with a wide range of activities. With your help, we can build a strong statewide coalition for medical marijuana. Your active participation is the most important contribution of all. To endorse this campaign or get more information contact: 405-714-1236 or E-mail. Endorsements may also be made here on our official web site.

OCCC needs your help!

2009-12-05T19:22:00.000-06:00

We are seeking endorsements from Oklahoma doctors, patients, and prominent organizations.

We need Oklahomans who could benefit from medical marijuana to tell their stories and/or even testify to legislators about those who are either sick or in pain and who want or need medical marijuana. All interviews will be kept private unless we have your permission to tell your story.

Please use this online form to tell your story, or phone (405)714-1236.
Mail to: DPRNOK, P O BOX 73140, Midwest City, OK 73140
Our web site: Drug Policy Forum of Oklahoma

Please call your OK senator and representative and tell them to sponsor, or support, the Oklahoma Compassionate Care Medical Marijuana bill. Find and e-mail your state legislators here, or off the Internet at the Oklahoma Election Board (405)521-2391, or contact your county election board.

ARE YOU A PATIENT WHO COULD BENEFIT FROM USING MARIJUANA AS A MEDICINE? ARE YOU A HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL WHO IS AWARE OF ITS THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS? PLEASE CONTACT US NOW!!

Oklahoma Compassionate Care Campaign

Yukon Family Pushes to Legalize Medical Marijuana in Oklahoma For Autistic Son

OK Medical Marijuana Bill (Feb. 6) and Med. Marijuana Day (April 20) at Oklahoma Capitol

Are You missing our e-mail updates?

SB 573 - Update

Med. Marijuana Deadline, 2/28

Med. Marijuana Deadline, 2/28

SB 573 Update from Senator Johnson - Crain refuses to hear any bills - we need pressure!

Tulsa Oklahoma - Board Meeting - Open to public

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced - Take Action Now!

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Bill Introduced!

SB 573 assigned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee

Medical Marijuana to be Grown in White House Garden this Year

TAKE ACTION: SB 573 the Oklahoma Compassionate Use Act

Ok, Drug Policy Reform - 13th Annual Celebration, Potluck & Elections

IMPORTANT NOTICE: If your membership information is different from that of your billing information please fill out the “Special Instructions” form before you make your final payment authorization. Remember Your membership will expire one year from submission of membership fee.

JUDGE ALLOWS MEDICAL MARIJUANA DEFENSE IN FEDERAL COURT

Remember Denise Stahl

Remember Denise Stahl, the one who got ambushed at the State Capitol Last year?She has a new blog entry you may find interesting.http://leaglizemedicalmarijuanainoklahoma.blogspot.com/2010/10/starting-treatment-next-week.html

Working Board Meeting/Action Alert

Meeting Notice

Medical marijuana isn't allowed as a defense in court in Oklahoma. Why?

The Likely Reason Why Medical Marijuana Defendents Can't Use That as a Defense in Court

Free the Weed For Medicine!

Board Meeting March 17th in Oklahoma City

Medical Marijuana Pateint -KFOR News Oklahoma

Report: Medical Marijuana Day

Released Feb 17th 2010

The Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research (CMCR)

New California Studies Show Marijuana Effective for Relieving Chronic Pain and Easing Muscle Spasms

New Facebook "Fan Page"

“Medical Marijuana Day” at the Oklahoma Capitol

Patients Day at the Capital

OCCC needs your help!

Remember Denise Stahl, the one who got ambushed at the State Capitol Last year?
She has a new blog entry you may find interesting.
http://leaglizemedicalmarijuanainoklahoma.blogspot.com/2010/10/starting-treatment-next-week.html