Olympic Double Dope Standards

HI readers, and bleeders

I would not expect any kind of sensible and fair 'drug policy' from the strict Olympic dope police. But recently the issue of 'Marijuana' and SPORTS came up again and spread, like the Blueberry Cheese plant.

For some clarity i would ask the reader to consider the question of DOSE. Pot brownies (that Delpopolo claims to have ate) are often made with less than half a gram of cannabis, and a lower dose is better for having an enjoyable high, opposed to a strong Knock Out dose. Almost everybody i know has learnt this with Pot food.

One wonders about how sensitive the Olympic Drug tests are? how many 'particles or UNITS of cannabis' are allowed in the body. ZERO? or are a few allowed for naturally occuring cannabinoids. And what about naturally occuring DMT in the human brain? All athletes and humans, and many animals, birds, insects and plants have naturally occuring DMT (in varying amounts of UNITS) but trace amounts of it are actually present. Are the Olympic Dope Police aware of this fact? so as to build tests that overlook it? I digress.

I still dream that one day Michael Phelps and Judo fighter Delpopolo, and all the other Marijuana using athletes would come out in support (of small doses, maybe infrequent) but still, come out and say that, for them, Marijauna worked. In fact, these SPORTS characters are what the drug reform movement requires to boost the campaign for responsible drug use, and responsible drug policy. The debate should revolve around dose. Like the question how much SUGAR, how much MEAT and how much ALCHOHOL is healthy for each individual, and, can the individuals and their communities make THEIR OWN regulations based upon their practical knowledge and experience with all Drugs, foods, vitamins, drinks and special E-numbered additive sweeters?

Good day, thanks for bleeding.--Steve Fly

Delpopolo is 23, the same age Michael Phelps was when the swimmer was photographed inhaling from a marijuana pipe in 2009. Phelps, who never failed a drug test, apologized, received a three-month suspension from USA Swimming and is celebrated as the most decorated Olympian in history.

"That was evidence that he does do that," Lee said of Phelps during an interview with USA TODAY Sports on Monday. "And you're still going to be able to achieve your dreams regardless. Look at him. He's awesome. He's the best athlete ever in the Olympics. It's a double standard. If you already make a name for yourself, then what happens afterward really doesn't matter. … I'd rather have my situation (of not going) than getting kicked out of the Olympic Village" like Delpopolo.
-- http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/london/judo/story/2012-08-06/pot-athletes-testing-alcohol/56830434/1

The Cannabis Diaries Part 3

Cannabis Britannica: Empire, Trade, and Prohibition 1800-1928 By James H. Mills


Got up, had tea and granola. Checked email. Washed and went to the toilet for a number two. Smoked a small roll-up with a thin lacing of Indica. Found the Cannabis Diaries by Debra Bell linked into Google news articles and started to read them. Chatted with friends about the issue of Cannabis and cannabis propaganda in the form of books that are promoted by the newspress, due to the overblown sensationalism and perfect media frenzy about them. Had a cup of coffee and talked a little of the war on some people who use some drugs.

Read a news item about Alister Campbell's defence of Tony Blair that gave me a slight headache after reading. I typed 'Cannabis' into my google news window and found hundreds of articles showing the law enforcement at work, jailing kids, kicking down doors and panicking about a few plants that tend to produce thinking in those that consume them.

I ate a waffle, and then started to write about faith-based drug policy and the correspondence with faith-based political policy, leading to the illegal wars and world banking crash. I played some music by the Meters and turned the volume up a little. Then, my phone rang and my mum told me sad news. I wept a little, gathered myself and continued where I had left off with an article about Cannabis and 'Faith-based' drug policy and the horrors of prohibition and the war on some people who use some drugs. It starts like this:

"Faith-based drug policy and faith-based war policy are responsible for the untold deaths of Millions of people and the suffering of Billions more around the world today.

Add to the physical damage inflicted upon cities, homes and people the dramatic effects upon global finance, global climate change and geo-politics. The mind boggles at what humanity might achieve if it were to plough money and resources currently spent on warfare and drug prohibition, two of the most obvious failures and weak points of human civilization.

Bertrand Russell, the brilliant Philosopher, once said that the greatest accomplishment of the 20th century is 'suspended judgement' and inversely, I might add that 'blind faith-based judgements' have led to the worse atrocities of the 20th & 21st centuries.

In the 21st century, George W. Bush and Tony Blair, both confessed practicing religious followers have been responsible for the worst faith-based judgements possible: the decision to invade Afghanistan and Iraq leading to the global mess described above."

Next thing I know I'm rolling another joint, my second of the day as I felt a creative surge coming on, to try to write this stuff out and bring some balance here to this madness. Especially after reading the Cannabis Diaries by Ms. Bell and the rapid spread of the book and the far-right conservative views within it, throughout the media sphere, as if it were supported by the Government and the Newspress in a way that any other book about cannabis, would not. Unless a celebrity was involved somehow.

In fact, in my experience living in the UK for 24 years, the British Government and the British press suppress any positive drug research, or anything presenting an alternative to prohibition and zero tolerance. Professor David Nutt however, seems to me to be a special case, where the public get a small taste of how Governments really operate when it comes to drugs and changing human consciousness through using lies.

The British Institute of Psychiatry has a disgusting history of misuse and abuse of drugs, especially during and shortly after the second world war, paralleled only by the deranged CIA' MK-Ultra programme where drugs were administered to people without their knowledge and combined with torture and horrific surgical procedures. Meanwhile, both the US and UK governments continue a prohibitionist stance on some of these drugs that they use in clandestine operations and often as bait, to lure in more potential criminals to keep the crooked criminal (in)justice system turning. I think.

So, here's what I wrote about two hours ago, based upon the so called 'Cannabis Diaries' by Debra Bell.

"I would place Debra Bell, with Jacqui Smith, who some might say look alike (as police detectives?) with a common faith-based war against scientific research ever taking a foothold in the creation of responsible British drug policy. The word 'responsible' is suspiciously missing from the words 'Drug Policy'

I might replace the word 'responsible' with faith-based in the UK and US models. (although America is making some progress with responsible Cannabis drug policy)

Jacqui and Debra both exhibit a similar faith based psychological condition, sending them on a faith based mission to fight a medicinal plant, a plant that can be of great benefit to humanity, if used in the right set and setting, like all other media that interact with human consciousness. Not to mention the infinite benefits of Hemp.



AN OPEN LETTER TO DEBRA BELL, author of the Cannabis Diaries.

HI Debra, debra @ talking about cannabis.com

Hi, I live and work in Amsterdam within the Cannabis Culture/industry.

I notice that you have a new book and a multimedia campaign to forward your views on Cannabis, but alas, I don't yet see a public forum for proper debate and feedback, which is strange to me as you seem to want to talk' about cannabis, according to your books title. So...

I would like to invite your son, William, your husband and yourself, plus anybody else who would like join to me here in Amsterdam, to possibly talk about your new book and cannabis at an open forum. We'll even record the events and/or stream them live on internet if you like.

My personal view is that the United Kingdom spearheads the war on some people who use some drugs, along with the United States, and who coincidentally, spearheaded the illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Do you see a link between these two phenomena? because I do, and it makes a mockery of the law, fairness, equality and every principle of what humanity stands for.

Also would you comment on the sacking of the independent drugs advisor David Nutt by the British Government, possibly due to his intelligent comments about Cannabis and other drugs, and also maybe on the Governments bigoted inability to accept scientific research in favour of faith-based policy, precisely as they ignored international law and intelligent legal advise concerning invading another country.

Just out of curiosity Debra, do you support the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan by British forces? I apologise if you see this as a digression, but for most Cannabis users and supporters I have found that they also oppose the war, another strange coincidence you might say. As a supporter of prohibition, I wonder if you support the war too? Maybe you do not support these wars?

I understand that your book is anecdotal, and that your simply writing a diary of your experiences. But, due to your further pronouncements on Cannabis and outreaching programme (talking about cannabis) I feel that you want to get involved in the bigger picture with politics, law and policy making, psychology, sociology, neuro-science etc. Yet, as simply a writer of diaries, I can't see any reason why others should pay any attention to what your saying in the sense of good scientific research, good clear and balanced information and the broader question of (responsible) drug policy? Why does the FRANK website not have a free response forum? or a free comments page, to increase the ability for first responders?

I'll counter every story of a mother or parent you mention, that feels happy that they have found your Cannabis Diaries, due to similar nightmare experiences, or bad fallout from the war on some people who use some drugs, with a story of parent who has thanked me, personally for giving their son or daughter Cannabis in a safe and responsible setting, here in Amsterdam, and left happy, together, as a family. This reinforces my view, contrary to prohibition, that some drugs in the right set and setting can help build family bonds, and help diffuse the build up of some tensions, bringing relaxation, humor and a greater ability to suspend judgement.

Finally I would like to address William, your son: 'Like what you like, enjoy what you enjoy and don't take crap from anybody' I implore you to write back. Start writing and publishing, maybe attempt some poetry, make a small movie and post it on youtube, Yes, you can, love Steven"

SOME SOURCES:
Drugs and the future: brain science, addiction and society. By David J. Nutt


The Beatles Diary: The Beatles years / Barry Miles
By Barry Miles, Keith Badman


Cannabis and cannabinoids: pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutic potential. By Franjo Grotenhermen, Ethan Russo


Cannabis in medical practice. By Mary Lynn Mathre


America's Longest War. By Steven B. Duke, Albert C. Gross


Cannabinoids. By Mary Ellen Abood, Roger G. Pertwee


Conversations with Tennessee Williams. By Tennessee Williams, Albert J. Devlin

Phelps is yet another great role model for cannabis

To cont...(snipped from the west Oakland Leaf)

Phelps is yet another great role model for cannabis

By Paul Armentano* NORML

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps joins a growing list of successful Americans who enjoy marijuana during their down time. This tabloid news story made international headlines. Phelps is hardly alone in his herbal inclinations. According to national and federal surveys, nearly one out of two Americans have tried weed.

Consumers include people from all walks of life. America’s current President said he smoked cannabis regularly as a young man. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former Vice President Al Gore, former Republican House Speaker Newt Gingrich, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and astronomer Carl Sagan all admitted cannabis use.

According to the US government, 70 percent of current cannabis users are gainfully employed. Statistically, most cannabis users are successful academically and financially. A National Bureau of Economic Research study even reported that cannabis use is associated with earning higher wages.

Some former and current users — like Virgin tycoon Sir Richard Branson, Progressive Auto Insurance founder Peter Lewis, and New York State Mayor Michael Bloomberg — are even multi-millionaires.

Perhaps our fascination with this story is because Phelps is recognized as one of the most talented and successful athletes today. He holds the record for the most gold medals won by any athlete in history. Phelps isn’t an anomaly in this regard either. Many top athletes use cannabis off the field — noting that it helps them to relax after the excitement of sports competition and alleviate the pain from nagging injuries. It won’t leave them with a hangover or adversely impact their performance the next day.

A 2007 New York Times investigation estimated that up to 70 percent of pro-basketball players occasionally indulge in the use of pot. Many high profile football players — most notably Miami Dolphins star running-back Ricky Williams, former Dallas Cowboys all-star Mark Stepnoski, and even Super Bowl XLIII MVP Santonio Holmes have spoken candidly about their off-field cannabis use. Canadian snowboarder and 1998 Winter Olympics gold medal winner Ross Rebagliati tested positive for cannabis use in the days prior to his history-making performance.

There will always be some who will criticize Phelps because they believe the 14-time gold medalist is sending a poor message to young children—that you can smoke cannabis and still be successful in life. Well, sorry that the truth hurts.

According to a recent University of Alberta study, the majority of adults who use cannabis do so as a pastime to “enhance relaxation.” Researchers concluded that their use is intended to enhance leisure activities and manage the challenges and demands of living in contemporary modern society. Participants reported using cannabis because it enhanced relaxation and concentration, making a broad range of leisure activities more enjoyable and pleasurable.

No doubt Michael Phelps indulged in the use of cannabis for these very same reasons. He ought not to be condemned for it nor branded a criminal for his actions. For that matter, neither should anyone else.

* Armentano is Policy Analyst for NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws

Phelps, hypocrisy ... and the Kellogg’s boycott

By Bruce Mirken* Marijuana Policy Project

Cereal giant Kellogg’s announced in early February that it won’t renew Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps’ endorsement contract because he’s been photographed apparently smoking marijuana. While hypocrisy is hardly rare in American life, this struck many as a particularly egregious example.

It’s causing thousands of Americans to swear off Rice Krispies and other Kellogg’s products. A boycott endorsed by the Marijuana Policy Project, Drug Policy Alliance, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and others was launched in February.

“Michael’s most recent behavior is not consistent with the image of Kellogg,” a company spokesperson told Ad Age.

Bear in mind that in 2004, Phelps pleaded guilty to drunk driving. But apparently that offense — also illegal, and it actually might have resulted in someone being hurt or killed — was not an issue for Kellogg’s.

As of this writing, baseball star Alex Rodriguez had not lost any of his endorsement deals even after admitting use of banned steroids -- an overt attempt to cheat at his chosen sport.

That athletes drink is hardly news. If Phelps had been photographed hoisting a beer, no one would have said a word. Yet, there is simply no question that if one wants to relax with a mood-altering substance, cannabis is far safer than alcohol.

Alcohol is more addictive. According to the Institute of Medicine, 15 percent of those who ever drink become dependent on alcohol; for cannabis, it’s said to be nine percent (and for tobacco, 32 percent).

Alcohol is massively more toxic. Every year, people die from alcohol overdoses, too often in college drinking parties and the like. And the chronic effects of heavy alcohol use, like liver damage, kill thousands upon thousands more. There has never been a medically documented cannabis overdose fatality, and the chronic effects of even heavy cannabis use are relatively mild and decidedly non-lethal.

Unlike cannabis, alcohol tends to make users reckless, aggressive and violent. As a review in the journal Addictive Behaviors explained, “Alcohol is clearly the drug with the most evidence to support a direct intoxication-violence relationship. ... Cannabis reduces the likelihood of violence during intoxication...”

So a boycott is on. The reaction to MPP’s initial email alert about it was huge.

Realistically, boycotts are hard to pull off, and many more fizzle out than succeed. But cannabis consumers are a huge market: According to federal surveys, 100 million Americans acknowledge having used it, and nearly 15 million admit using it in the past month. And millions more who don’t use cannabis agree that prohibition is irrational and far more dangerous than cannabis itself.

If that sleeping giant has been awakened, it could get interesting; and Phelps could find new products to endorse.

* Mirken is director of communications for MPP , mpp.org

Michael Phelps' and the GOLDEN BONG

It seems world record breaking atheletes like to get high! Respect to Mr. Phelps, and shame on the media vultures, moralists and propagandists who thrust an individuals private interests into the shitsphere of the news spinners. I think Phelps should keep his psition and work with the pro-marijuana groups to forward the American anti-prohibition movement and bring the big sponsors on board. Michael is welcome to come and blaze with me in Amsterdam anytime. Just email flyagaric23@googlemail.com

Go on, dive in.

--fly

Some varying feedback from the newspuss...

Like Most 23-Year-Olds, Phelps Smokes Weed
Monday, February 02, 2009
Posted By Dave "Large" Larzelere 1:00 PM
The rampant hypocrisy about marijuana use in this country, and seemingly the world over, never ceases to amaze me. My generation was raised by parents who came of age in the 1960’s, when pot use first became common amongst young people, and the generation that is now in its 20’s grew up with parents who came of age in the 70’s. The 70’s! In the 70’s, smoking pot was taking it easy after a long night of tooting it up at the disco. I mean, does anyone out there who is old enough to remember the 70’s ... actually remember the 70’s? No. You know why? Cause they were high. -- like_most_23-year-olds,_phelps_smokes_weed

"Michael Phelps' Image Takes a Hit After Marijuana Photo Surfaces

Monday, February 02, 2009
By Joshua Rhett Miller

Aug. 17, 2008: Michael Phelps displays his eighth gold medal after the men's 4x100-meter medley relay final at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Michael Phelps took a big hit — and now his wallet could take a big hit, too.

A photo of Phelps smoking marijuana out of a bong at a party in November has brought his endorsement career to a crossroads, marketing experts say. And the megabucks that were flowing in could soon go down the drain unless America's superstar swimmer, who won a record eight gold medals at the 2008 Olympic Games, changes his ways.

"It's certainly not good and it’s a disaster in terms of the near future," said Robert Tuchman, president of Premiere Corporate Events, a sports entertainment firm. "He's very unlikely to have new sponsors come on board and endorse him. And there's the potential for other sponsors to pull the plug on him, using this is an opportunity. He's going to take a big hit on this."
-- http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,486809,00.html

"Key sponsors back Phelps after marijuana photo
By ROB HARRIS

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Two of Michael Phelps' leading sponsors expressed support for the Olympic great Monday, a day after he apologized for being photographed in a British newspaper inhaling from a marijuana pipe. Luxury Swiss watchmaker Omega termed Phelps' actions a private matter and "nonissue." Swim wear manufacturer Speedo called the 23-year-old American a "valued member of the Speedo team." -- http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iSNSkEqTfEwLtGUKqGt4O_9zbY2gD963LEP80

"IOC accepts Phelps' apology for marijuana photo

LAUSANNE, Switzerland (AP) — The International Olympic Committee expressed confidence Monday that Michael Phelps will learn from his "inappropriate behavior" and continue to serve as a role model after a British newspaper published a photo of him inhaling from a marijuana pipe.

Phelps, who won a record eight gold medals at last year's Beijing Olympics, apologized and acknowledged "regrettable behavior" after the picture was published Sunday by the tabloid News of the World. - googlenews