New AMA position calls on DEA to look at rescheduling cannabis
Kris Hermes, Americans for Safe Access
The largest physician-based group in the country, the American Medical Association (AMA), voted Nov. 10 to reverse its long-held position that cannabis has no medical value. The AMA adopted a report drafted by its Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) entitled Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes which affirmed the plant’s therapeutic benefits and called for further research.
The report concluded that “short-term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.” The report urges that “the Schedule I status of marijuana be reviewed with the goal of facilitating clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines, and alternate delivery methods.”
The change of position followed a 2008 resolution by the Medical Student Section of the AMA (SSAMA) in support of reclassifying cannabis out of Schedule I. The past year, the AMA considered three other resolutions on cannabis.

Breckenridge, High in the Rockies
By Brian Vicente, Sensible CO Executive Director
In a decisive victory for equality, a high-profile Colorado ski tourist destination voted to legalize adult possession of cannabis. Breckenridge voters on Nov. 3 passed Measure 2F by a 73 percent vote to remove from the Town Code criminal penalties for private possession of up to one ounce by adults 21 and older.
In a cutting-edge move, the ordinance also removes criminal penalties for the possession of drug paraphernalia. This is the first ordinance change in Colorado — and likely national — history to remove penalties for both cannabis and associated paraphernalia.
“This vote demonstrates that our Breckenridge citizens overwhelmingly believe that adults should not be punished for making the safer choice to use marijuana instead of alcohol,” said Sean McAllister, Breckenridge attorney and chair of Sensible Breckenridge.
“As state and national focus grows on this important issue, the popular ski town of Breckenridge has taken center stage on marijuana reform — and not just for medical purposes,” said Brian Vicente of Sensible Colorado, the statewide nonprofit which assisted the local effort. “With this historic vote, Breckenridge has emerged as a national leader in sensible drug policy.”
The campaign, which had no formal opposition, received a chorus of local support including endorsements from Breckenridge Colorado Town Councilman Jeffrey Bergeron, former State Represen­tative and Breckenridge resident Gary Lindstrom, and the Summit Daily News.
Measure 2F was placed on the ballot when over 1400 local supporters signed a petition supporting the reform measure. The ordinance change goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2010.

By Allen Bartleman, Attorney at Law*
United States Attorney General Eric Holder outlined a new federal policy** about medical cannabis use and distribution last March. Deputy US Attorney General David Ogden clarified this Oct. 19, directing US Attorneys in medical cannabis states not to focus on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with state medical cannabis laws.
    However, US Attorneys are directed to continue to act in state cases involving unlawful possession, unlawful use of firearms, violence, sales to minors, financial activities inconsistent with legal use (money laundering or financial gains), larger than permitted quantities, sales or possession of other illegal drugs or ties to organized crime. Feds will still trace revenue to foreign operators and protect federal land from damage by illegal growers. Money laundering and organized crime remain high federal prosecution priorities.

By Ryan Fletcher, VoteHemp.com

In a bid to get the Obama administration’s attention and halt DEA obstruction, a North Dakota farmer, Vermont farmer and other American entrepreneurs dedicated to developing and marketing healthy, environmentally friendly hemp products planted industrial hemp seed Oct. 13 at the DEA headquarters and museum.