Perhaps you think this is funny. I do not. Not only is it retrograde, but it is a dreadful abuse of children.

SMOKE AT THE BALLOT BOX

Following is a brief summary of some of the results of American voters' choices last night on pot initiatives:

2012 State Ballot Initiatives

Updated: November 7, 2012

Arkansas

•Arkansas Medical Marijuana Question – sought to legalize marijuana under the guise of medicine and allow for the establishment of marijuana dispensaries licensed by the state. The question was sponsored by Arkansans for Compassionate Care. Defeated - 52% opposed 48% supported.

Oregon

•Measure 80, Int. 9 Oregon Cannabis Tax Act Initiative - sought to legalize and regulate the cultivation, possession and sale of unlimited amounts of marijuana. The measure would also prohibit regulation and fess to grow hemp.  Defeated – 56% opposed 44% supported.

Montana

•Initiative Referendum 124 - sought to reaffirm legislation passed in 2011 that replaced the state’s current “medical” marijuana law and replaced it with a more restrictive program.

Passed – 66% voted to keep legislative changes to the “medical” marijuana program.

Colorado

•Initiative 64 The Campaign to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol –initiative allows those 21 years of age and older to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and cultivate six marijuana plants. The initiative also allows for over-the-counter sale of marijuana, reduces penalties for larger possession charges and legalizes hemp farming. Passed- 55% supported 45% opposed.

Massachusetts

•Question Three– legalizes marijuana under the guise of medicine and allows for the establishment of marijuana dispensaries. Passed – 63% supported 37% opposed.

Washington

•Initiative 502 – allows adults 21 and over to purchase marijuana from state-licensed and state-regulated businesses. Creates a regulatory system, much like the liquor control system, in which a board oversees licensing of marijuana producers, processors and retailers, and imposes an excise tax of 25% at each step.  Passed – 56% supported 44% opposed.

 

THE MARRIAGE OF ENFORCEMENT & TREATMENT

In local addictions mythology, The Four Pillars is considered the Holy Grail: Harm Reduction, Enforcement, Prevention and Treatment.

Most citizens have long acknowledged that, from the beginning and in reality, there has only been one pillar - Harm Reduction - and three matchsticks, which are either underfunded or outright maligned.

Many continue to believe that Enforcement and Treatment are natural enemies.

They are not.

Please read this recent study from Scotland which casts a much healthier and optimistic light on the subject.

ANNOUCEMENTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, ANNOU-ENCEMENTS!

Two of our partners in Recovery work are holding special events in the coming weeks.

Welcome Home is holding an Open House for all in early November. Here is their invitation.

VisionQuest is running a 12 Step Comedy fundraiser in December. If you recognize how funny work and life in Recovery can be, you'll want to join in the fun and support this group.

Check out their poster for this event here.http://dpnoc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Xmas-poster-2012.pdf

DEWY

The video below is a marvelous short piece on some terrific Preventative work that is happening quietly right in our midst.

The item was sent to us by Jay Niver of the Alcohol-Drug Education Service in Surrey. Jay is, as well, one of the creators of the video.

Bravo! and more, please...

Do We?

REEL RECOVERY FILM FEST - AGAIN!

Orchard Recovery Center presents the second annual REEL Recovery Film Festival October 19 -20^th. 2012. The film festival, which includes screenings of feature and short films on the hope in recovery from substance abuse, will take place at District 319 (319 Main Street, Vancouver).
The film festival kicks off with an evening gala on October 19, which includes food by Culinary Capers, two film screenings, and a live Q & A with Greg Williams and Joe Calendino. Tickets to the opening night gala are $100.
The following day, seven films will be screened from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. This year’s festival highlights include Bill W., Unguarded, Beauty Mark, Lost in Woonsocket, The Secret World of Recovery, Spare Change, and Lipstick & Liquor.
Individual movie tickets are $5 and a festival pass is $25. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.