Medical Madness
The U.S. Justice Department told federal prosecutors to back off their Bush-minded vendetta against medical marijuana users in sanctioned states on Monday. Prior to that, even though 14 states have legalized medical marijuana, state-licensed users/suppliers within those states were still vulnerable to prosecution from the DEA and federal agencies.
The practice of busting state-sanctioned users/suppliers stems from a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision under the Bush administration. The court case, Raich v. Gonzales set a precedent that federal mandate takes priority over state mandate when it comes to the handling of medical marijuana use.
Monday’s new developments will hopefully see an end to the prosecution of the sick (another testament to our ailing health care system) and provide them their due medicine. Whether or not the recreational use of marijuana should be allowed is not being questioned here. However, when a state votes democratically that they wish to allow the use of medical marijuana, it seems obvious to respect their wishes. These states came to a majority decision to allow such a practice, and while federal government may represent United States as a whole, they do not necessarily represent the beliefs of the individuals within those states (see electoral college for further examples).
The tyrannical reign of Bush the Second has come to an end, and in his place we have a sympathetic and logical leader. While a federal mandate still seems far-fetched, at least the staff of our newly acclaimed Commander-in-Chief has the decency to give states their due sovereignty.
14 states currently allow varying levels of use for medical marijuana:
-Alaska
-California
-Colorado
-Hawaii
-Maine
-Maryland
-Michigan
-Montana
-Nevada
-New Mexico
-Oregon
-Rhode Island
-Vermont
-Washington
Medical marijuana can have extremely helpful and practical uses. Cancer might be the most clear indicator of this. The fact is, medical marijuana may very well be the only substance that can truly quell the nauseating symptoms of chemotherapy sickness. Being well-nourished plays an important role in the recovery from most, if not all ailments, and medical marijuana can enable those in the depths of chemotherapy sickness to feel less nauseous, and most importantly, to eat.
I have personally seen what chemotherapy sickness looks like, perhaps more than most. And while “the munchies” may be fun to snicker at, it can be an invaluable side effect to millions in need. One in five Americans will experience skin cancer in some form or another… and that’s excluding the infinitesimal number of other types of cancers. When it happens to you, we’ll see how anti-medical marijuana you are. You may feel differently about it when the shoe is on your foot.
There is always the argument that pot can be addictive, but there remains no evidence to this day that marijuana can be physically addictive. It can induce a psychological addiction, but so can food. And look, over 2/3 of our population is overweight. Are we going to ban food? Any alleviation of physical distress is as, if not more vital to an individual undergoing chemo as food is to the average American.
Cancer is just one fair application of medical marijuana. Here are some others:
-HIV/AIDS
-anorexia nervosa
-multiple sclerosis
-epilepsy
-Alzheimer’s disease
-Crohn’s disease
-glaucoma
-cachexia
-hepatitis C
-amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
This new attitude put forth by the Justice Department is a monumental step toward an empathetic government. We salute the Obama administration in this endeavor, and while we may never see federal legislation to legalize medical marijuana during Obama’s presidential tenure, we would like to remind whoever does make it happen in the future that he/she rests on the shoulders of giants.
Students Took Downtown
The streets of Downtown Fargo were abuzz on Thursday as we celebrated HPR’s first “Downtown Student Orientation” event. It was a tremendous success. Over 40 Downtown businesses helped make this thing happen, and we fervently thank them for their participation. We would also like to thank Veronica Michael and her team of student organizers for all of their diligent work.
Some participating businesses fared better than others, but there seemed to be a direct correlation between businesses’ personal involvement and their success. As with anything in life, you reap what you sow. Those who put the greatest effort into making a great venue for the evening were rewarded accordingly with eager participants.
The HoDo was definitely a highlight of the night. The Upfront Troupe presented a full-on vaudevillian variety show. The music was nothing short of astounding as it underlined the acts of the night. They had stand-up comedy, tango dancing of the highest caliber, hula hoop dancing, beat poetry and everything in between. Again, the music was phenomenal, and it only accentuated the unforgettable theatrics.
Salon Why? hosted a Halloween-themed dance party with eyeball jungle juice for adults and live dance music by DJs dI:Sh, Star IV and Joyride. It must have been quite an experience to get a hair cut that night.
Newly-dubbed music venue The Drunken Noodle was in full force with the bluegrass experience of the Johnson Family Band. While bluegrass and Asian-style noodles might sound like an odd mix, we suggest you try it sometime… very rewarding.
Amanda Standalone (who you can read about in this week’s cover story) played Sammy’s Pizza with style, Cody Conner and Pat Lenertz made their presence known at Vintner’s, Below Radar was dishing out fine free chili, and the list goes on….
At the end of the night, the mob of students that filled the Black Building atrium was enormous. The prize packages given out were plump with goodies, and the night with good times. Wrap it all up with music by The Fillers and you have yourself one memorable evening. Thanks to everyone who made the event possible - musicians, students, business owners and everyone in between.
We’re now in the process of examining the event and finding ways to improve on it. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, send us your feedback. We’re eager to hear your input.
And Our Nomination Is…
As long as folks are going to be looking for an interim President at NDSU to replace Joe Chapman who resigns Jan. 2, there is one name we’d like to throw into the hat, for lots of good reasons.
HPR nominates Doug Burgum for the post. He’s a perfect fit. He not only has blood running green and gold, but he knows every NDSU cheer imaginable. Having served as NDSU Student Body President and later Senior Vice President of Microsoft, North Dakota would benefit immeasurably should we land developer and philanthropist Doug Burgum, if only on an interim basis.
It would be a joy to see him work his magic on his favorite institution in his favorite state.
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