JUSTICE FOR JESSICA - BUTTS FAMILY MURDERS - Atlanta TX, January 27th, 1992; PART 1

Last edited, Aug. 31, 2010

Jessica Butts, age 12, raped and murdered. Atlanta TX, 1992.

Along with her mother, Gerri, 29, who was strangled, and baby Mackenzie, age 3, drowned in the bathtub.

Maybe you've read I was an advocate for Brianna Maitland, of VT, who disappeared March 19, 2004... but prior to that I learned of the Butts family, and their triple murder. Their case is what got me revved up to volunteer to help not only the Maitlands, but Maura Murray too, who disappeared Feb. 09, 2004, in Woodsville, NH, who also is still missing.

On the one hand, with the Butts family, there are the brutal, tragic multiple murders of 3 innocent people. On the other hand, the shocking disappearance of a person with the shadow of foul-play hanging for what seems like eternity over what happened and where are they.

The Butts family murders are tragic in another way too, in that the suspect, Kevin Hailey, has been the primary suspect all along... from the beginning, and the evidence in the case, more than an investigator could ever want. Yet, nearly 20 years after the fact, the case is, in my opinion, still  locked and located, not in a prison cell, but rather, a political  nightmare - the makings of a good mystery novel perhaps, except, when considering the victims, it's a sham!

I am not law enforcement... but I have connections. And quite by coincidence, in helping the Maitland family, I was asked to work with a criminal profiler from Texas who offered his assistance to the Maitlands. I call him Sam, at his request, but it turns out, ironically, he was a detective at the time of the Butts family murders, working with the Texarkana  PD, who initially investigated the murder of the Butts family.

Small world!

This link is to the original website setup by investigative reporter, Sonny Long, who can be credited for keeping the murders active: Butts Family, by Sonny Long, and his personal link here: Sonny Long

I recently wrote him, as I did years past, but haven't received a response yet.

According to this link, Kevin-is-pleading-guilty-to-murder; the prime suspect admitted to strangling the mother Gerri Butts... a "plea agreement" in which it appears he doesn't have to admit being involved in the deaths of Jessica or Mackenzie.

What kind of bull-crap is that!!!?

As you'll see... it all came down to the power of the district attorney, and a family connection he had to the suspect.

All of which my ace in the hole verified via e-mail to me.

Jessica told her classmates she was going to die, and she did. She was strangled with a telephone cord, and raped. There was at least one pubic hair found on her body, as well as a louse egg ( crabs, for the innocent). Kevin's palm print was found on the bathtub, where baby Mackenzie was drowned.

Think I'm mad... you're damn right!!!

Many years, it's my opinion, the District Attorney responsible for bring justice to this case, stuffed it in a box... called Don't open!, and being related to the suspect, it's not surprising. Here is the family photo:

More to come...

REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - CONCLUSION

Last Edited 08/23/2010 10:26PM

I had called this an "interlude", with more to come, but then realized that other than the obvious dangers like driving under the influence, operating dangerous machinery, or the fact cannabis is not legally sold, and one must purchase it on the black market, that I am, actually, finished!

And I know, I'm repeating some of what I started back in my history of cannabis, but let's forget that for now since sometimes taking a fresh, new look at something it comes out better - or so I hope. These scans are from old sources I collected over the years that verify cannabis was used regularly and legally through to the 1920's, and was regarded as a commodity like tobacco. It was called ganja(h).

 We think of cannabis today as that noxious weed called "marijuana" - considered a "dangerous drug" that at all costs must be prohibited and illegal. I would like to point out, that is a relatively recent change in attitude that began in the 1930's. The original Marihuana Tax Act was actually struck down by the Supreme court as unconstitutional in 1970. Then, President Nixon's advisors recommended legalizing cannabis, but Nixon wanted no part of that, and it was reclassified as a schedule one narcotic, so that prohibition of the plant would remain illegal.

In 1976, President Carter, realizing it was a basic human right for an individual to consume what God provides us, legalized cannabis, along with home-brewed beer and wine. In what I consider to be a outrageous over-reaction to his action, allegedly by the DEA and Congress, Pres. Carter was over-ruled, and cannabis remained illegal, while home-brewed beer and wine were legalized.

As a side-note, when the 18th amendment was overturned, permitting home brewed beer or wine was not included, and remained illegal until 1976. Many today don't realize that it was Pres. Carter who finally allowed making your own, and spawned the current generations of micro-breweries.

There is every reason I can think of, why cannabis should not be illegal to use, possess and grow. There is every reason to strike down the use of the AKA "marijuana" to label it, as that is what it was called in Mexico, not in the US. It's a commodity missing in our economy, and it's "PORK" draining needed tax dollars and jobs from our economy, alienating people and putting countless millions of people who use it at risk.

Simple fact is - if it were legal and sold like alcohol and tobacco, we would be able to provide a far better response to the real problem of drug abuse in this country. Quite simply, cannabis is  not the problem, but rather, part of the solution.

The following are the references to past history when cannabis was not a problem and not called marijuana:

NOTE: Cannabis was referred to as Ganjah, not "marijuana"... which you can see (two images hence) isn't listed in the dictionaries of the time:

What? No "marijuana"???

That was 1888. By 1921 things hadn't changed much even though two very important federal laws were in effect controlling narcotics, and alcohol prohibition was in effect.

Now spelled "ganja"... and still "smoked like tobacco":

Still, no reference to a drug called "marijuana": How mysterious is that???

*******

The laws prohibiting cannabis are still unconstitutional in my opinion. Very little valid scientific evidence is available to maintain it's current status... and the public harm as a result of the questionable rationale behind those laws are an affront to the very foundation that made this country great, and a true democracy.

I hereby request the federal and state governments to provide sound facts and evidence validating the laws and prohibition against cannabis. I invoke my constitutional right to a "redress" of this policy, in that it is my belief laws against cannabis are based on anecdotal evidence, is still unconstitutional, and creates the very violence we are fighting to end.

It further constitutes a "hate crime", in that it's conception and current focus is still on the people of Mexico. They are still often "blamed" for the "drug problems" in the US, and I feel this trend, begun in the 1930's, constitutes a violation of civil rights, and violates "hate crime" laws. 

I seek evidence from the judiciary branches of government to show cannabis does indeed qualify for Schedule One classification. And I would like to know why tobacco doesn't???

I further contend that those US citizens who prefer cannabis, are being subjected to torture and harassment by current laws and policies, are subject to widespread discrimination and alienation, as well as Cruel and Unusual Punishment. 

If person's concerned with solving the "drug problem" in this country are serious, then, recognition that cannabis is not the dangerous drug they claim it to be, must be addressed! 

One final question: Why, in 1937 if cannabis was truly the subject of being a dangerous drug, as movies at the time made it out to be, why wasn't the new law called the "Ganja Tax Act", considering that's what Americans called it? Maybe we could do the same with "tobacco" and rename it something like dungweed, and pass a Dungweed Tax Act. What an idea! But we'd need an enemy, a specter, to be the villain...  just imagining it now - prohibition of dungweed... a star on You-Tube, a Hollywood movie... 

Dungweed Death - The Perils of Dungweed.

Fact is I could write a great deal about the dangers of tobacco... which I find ironic - in that there really is no question in my mind how dangerous tobacco is. How deadly. But in 35 years researching ganja, and I really cannot say it's dangerous. I'm truly convinced it's safer than alcohol and tobacco, even beneficial.

I would not support prohibition of tobacco, as dangerous as it is. Those who wish to use it should be permitted. But I would certainly put much stronger regulations on it's sale, considering the cost to society. Just today I drove by a couple that looked 12, walking along the highway lighting up a cigarette. It's against the law - but I doubt they would be arrested, put in jail, and sentenced to juvenile lock-up for a year? And that's my whole point... when and how did ganja become the demon it is known as today?

The answer: We're still fighting the war today... it's called "Illegal Immigration". Mexican's called cannabis "marijuana". But you already know that from reading my posts, and watching the History Channel's, "Hooked on Drugs..." found in my recommending media list. Americans are caught in the cross-fire... innocent victims to a ploy to prevent illegal immigration by draconian laws against growing, possession and use of cannabis. 

I rest my case... Americans did not call cannabis marijuana. There was and is no no real danger except in the minds of the politicians who perpetuate an idea, long past failure. 

Today, we build hundreds of miles of cement walls, and post thousands of law enforcement agents on the border with Mexico. Thousands in Mexico have lost their lives because we have not solved the immigration issues in almost 100 years between us and Mexico.

*******

Time to Grow Up... and Get Real!

***

And I almost forgot... And this is very important for those of you who use "marijuana", or I mean ganja/cannabis. Don't expect an organ transplant if you need one... period! You're not worthy!

The following links are to the real stories of people denied a transplant because they used cannabis. 

DENIED 1

DENIED 2

DENIED 3

Please... Stop the Hurt and Condemnation!!! 

REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART FOUR

last edited 08-29-2010

Life just doesn't seem easy... in fact, I was raised to know it isn't. It's why my own mother tried so hard (in vain) to influence (and save) me, by her aggressive efforts to influence me to take her road in life, and in doing so, strongly discouraged my own road in life. "Her Road" was in fact, as she knows it, the ONLY road in life - what she calls "the short road".

One might say, if I'd surrendered to her efforts, I'd be better off today. But I chose to rebel. Not uncommon - in fact, it's a part of growing up to be an adult - to rebel against one's parents. It was my misfortune that my mother is simply quite overbearing, without understanding of personal bounds or personal freedom. The consequence, as a result of a final battle between her and I when I was 24, I have PTSD. It's a long story.... one for another time perhaps.

My question is:  how can another person, no matter how closely related, dictate how another person lives their life? I see a lot of that type of influencing going on - which I call bullying. You may recall the story I told about the girlfriend I had during the 70's - her mother would call around 2AM, wake her up, to call her a slut and insist she had a man in her bed - which she did, that being me. So I know it's not just me, with the issues.

I took the "Road Less Traveled", based on the book by Jack Kerouac, but not solely based on the book... the whole culture was dominate during the 70's among 20-somethings... much came together in my early 20's, a renaissance of discoveries, a rebirth, a chance in life. I thrived in the 70's... and everything looked like it would happen... except, I underestimated the tenacity my mother would exert to keep me on her "short road" - job, wife, children and house. None of which I was opposed to - I simply wanted to do it my way.

I can only attribute my failures to inexperience. How was I suppose to know that I had a Constitutional Right to pursue my own road in life? It's not like they exactly covered that topic in HS. In hindsight... I should have cut off communication with what i considered a hostile antagonist in my 20's, but I didn't. I had the right to do so, I just didn't fully understand my rights. There's also the fact that I attribute much of my "awakening" to my use of cannabis. I've written about that previously, plenty of times.

But what if... the marijuana I attribute to being a great miracle in my life, instead produced a mental condition... like schizophrenia? Would that explain why my parents thought I had deviated from the "main road" in life... why I got a job as a custodial at a local community college? A disgrace of the worst kind to my mother. Was I insane???

SCHIZOPHRENIA, and Cannabis: 

In many online discussions regarding legalizing cannabis, the topic of how it "causes or enables schizophrenia" is a common concern. My opinion is that there is a lack of understanding with regards to the illness, and the potential role of cannabis.

First, the following link provides an understanding of schizophrenia: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH:

"What is Schizophrenia?

Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disorder that affects about 1.1 percent of the U.S. population age 18 and older in a given year. People with schizophrenia sometimes hear voices others don’t hear, believe that others are broadcasting their thoughts to the world, or become convinced that others are plotting to harm them. These experiences can make them fearful and withdrawn and cause difficulties when they try to have relationships with others."


I’ve already discussed in an earlier post, the "paranoia" a user of cannabis may experience. And that it's my opinion that the fear is real, and not a delusion. The question is, of the 1.1% of the US population, how many cases can be a direct result of the use of cannabis? Truth is, no one knows. What we do know however is that people have been using cannabis for thousands of years… and there is no factual data showing a link between it’s use and madness.

The commonly discussed attribute of cannabis used to discuss mental illness, is the THC (Δ9- tetrahydrocannabinol). That's the "active psychotropic" chemical in cannabis that produces the high. It is the chemical that makes cannabis a Schedule One Narcotic, and users of cannabis subject to arrest. It is the chemical that is the source of concern that cannabis may cause, or bring out the condition known as schizophrenia. 

Although this is a major concern, this is not why cannabis is illegal in this country. It's illegal based on a series of events beginning in the early 1930's that escalated out of control. But to reign in on the misconceptions about cannabis, one needs to look closely at the mental health concerns in present day terms.

Considering all the millions of persons who have either used or are using cannabis, the percentage of disorders currently documented fail to correspond to use of cannabis. It is known that pure THC is very depressing to use. It's not enjoyable. The only reason THC works to provide a source of worth to the user is a non-psychotropic component called cannabidiol. This component of cannabis appears to be the key... to why cannabis is not only safe, but beneficial. The following into to a link from Wikipedia: Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid found in Cannabis. It is a major constituent of the plant, representing up to 40% in its extracts.[2] CBD alone is not intoxicating but displayed sedative effects in animal tests.[3] Some research, however, indicates that CBD can increase alertness.[4] It may decrease the rate of THC clearance from the body, perhaps by interfering with the metabolism of THC in the liver. Medically, it has been shown to relieve convulsion, inflammation, anxiety, and nausea, and to inhibit cancer cell growth.[5] Recent studies have shown cannabidiol to be as effective as atypical antipsychotics in treating schizophrenia.[6]


It's the balance of the primary components - THC and Cannabidiol that makes cannabis the perfect commodity, and recreational drug, as we like to describe such things. Essentially, it is a plant with desirable characteristics. At present, outlawed and causing extreme violence in Mexico, and political suffocation in American politics. The victims - "We The People..."


The plant, cannabis, is a miracle in my opinion... very safe to use, beneficial in many ways, an art to grow, and a major commodity that is needed for our society to prosper. Providing alcohol and tobacco as the only recreational drugs is stupidity. Not only are they both difficult to control, but tobacco alone is simply a highly addictive poison. Society needs a safer alternative - one that is not simply intoxicating or feeds an addiction. Cannabis has shown anti-cancer potential, helps with pain in a much safer way that opiates, and users of recreational cannabis tend to be far less prone to violent behavior than their sober or alcohol infused counterparts.

The argument that legalizing cannabis will result in an increase in schizophrenia, is simply unproven, and unlikely in my opinion. This is not to say there aren't people who may experience psychological problems when using cannabis. I'm simply saying if cannabis use caused schizophrenia, the percentage of individuals suffering from the various forms of the illness would be substantially higher.

As they say on the popular Myth Buster's TV show, the "myth is busted", in my opinion. The danger still remains, however, in that the potency of THC, and the balancing effects of cannabidiol, the cannabis that's distributed illegally is more dangerous to society than if it were legal. From years of experience I can tell you stoners, those who use cannabis, are by far more comfortable to be around than a keg party. Hey, not knocking you if you prefer the keg party, just saying...

The solution is to legalize and provide controlled sources of the plant, much like we do with alcohol products. Permitting individuals to grow their own with clearly specified strains of the plant. Legalization would also help reduce the stigma associated with use, and make it far less likely that those with psychological issues would avoid seeking professional help. Cannabis users aren't made "stupid", and to assume an individual can't make a decision when selecting the variety of plant they prefer, is unrealistic.

The current problem with cannabis is that it's illegal, fueling violence in the area of growth and distribution, and creating a sub-culture that has no choice but to take what they can find, and shut-up about it. The majority of cannabis users I've known over the years would never tell their doctor they use cannabis. And this same sub-culture has no idea usually where their cannabis came from, or what the THC level is. It's a commodity, one that would benefit our society, give us a break from the hard stuff, a choice.

To Be Continued...

REEFER MADNESS - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART THREE

In my last post I focused on the topic of the paranoid feelings users of cannabis report. I summarized by saying it's not an illusion... I think, if one went back to the 20's, with alcohol prohibition, you'd find plenty of paranoid people.

The "dangers" I list; well, some of them may appear odd at first glance; it does depend upon your current point of reference.

About those dandelions growing in your yard? If you haven't been spraying them with weed killer, do you realize the leaves have as much or more nutrients than spinach. It's not a weed. That's a myth.

*******

"Dangers of marijuana, marihuana, ganja, ganjah..." (common and historic references for cannabis - common - sativa/indica):

Insane Laughter: Nothing sticks with a person more than the nervous, insane laughter of the actor(s) in the original 1930's, "Reefer Madness" film, considered a public safety warning at the time, to become, an hilarious comedy years later. True, when first using cannabis and getting buzzed or high, laughter is usually part of the experience - and for someone who literally had a childhood and teenagehood without laughter, the second time I tried cannabis in the 1970's, I laughed till I really hurt. So too, my two friends. The laughter part of it is nothing like the film mentioned earlier, it's simply a relaxation of a "primal fear" to laugh. After awhile the laughter part of it goes away, and the more mellow, meditative experience begins.

The Munchies: If there's one basic argument for keeping cannabis illegal, it's the fact that I last heard a report on NPR (National Public Radio) that stated 1 in 4 person's in the US are obese. Apparently, the reason people get the munchies is a drop in blood glucose levels. Need to feed the need. So eat. For myself, with a BMI under 20, eating is a very good thing, and for that reason alone, I should have the right to use a medicinal plant of my choosing. I don't.For those in the 1 in 4, do you think ruining people's lives for having cannabis is any more reasonable than arresting you for buying 6 cheeseburgers, 10 bags of fries, and a Super Colossal diet soda? Hey... I do need to eat...

Tobacco: Yes this is a danger... because, if you smoke cannabis you do so either through a pipe or a joint, though many may use a vaporizer these days. Except they have to buy it and everything is data-mined these days. So they probably don't. Point is, to smoke cannabis, you need fire - like matches, or a lighter. But, if you don't smoke cigarettes, why do you have a source of fire? Someone like your boss or nosy neighbor might ask you that question. Solution: Tobacco! However, it contains the poison nicotine, which is very much physically addictive, unlike cannabis. It's only practical use is as an insecticide, by the way. And killing human beings.

Diminished Job Opportunities: This danger is divided into two parts; 1) drug testing at the work-place and 2) a drug conviction on your record.

1) During the 90's I worked at a public school - an elite school with lots of wealthy tax-payers in town. I forget the exact year, but it was when the drug-testing surge took place. The school principal announced one day that all employees would be subject to a random drug test. The teacher's union, of which I wasn't a member, opposed the rule. We had a meeting, and was I surprised to hear nearly every teacher was opposed. The rule never took effect, it was dead. But that was then and this is now.

Now, nearly every large school, company, state or federal job tests for illegal drugs. They ignore alcohol and tobacco. Since most illegal drugs are processed and quickly out of one's system, marijuana is the exception -  that's what "they" call it - marijuana. So since cannabis "ash" can linger in fat cells for up to 30 days, it is the drug routinely tested for. Other drugs, two, three days, stop use. The obvious lean toward singling out cannabis users is obvious, and a danger.

2) Beginning after the terrorist attack on the WTC, personal privacy disappeared. If you've ever been busted for cannabis, aka marijuana, it's on your record forever. As you stand in line for a job you'll notice those ahead of you could have a history of assault, rape, murder, but the good news is the pedophiles are behind you. Comforting thought as you try and be a productive member of society.

Freedom of Expression: I admit, this is an odd danger... but it's true. During the 50's through the 70's, while cannabis use was actually quite illegal, it was not yet quite on the forefront of law-enforcement's priority list; that happened, from my perspective, in the mid 70's to 80's. Nancy Reagan's "Just Say NO" speech galvanized the world... but to what end? To demonize cannabis users? Since it's popularly pushed that marijuana is the stepping stone to harder drugs? How much harder can you get, then from the legal ones already available?

Much of the personal expression part of cannabis use during the 60's and 70's gave way to hushed silence on the subject. During that time cannabis was widely used and talked about by artists of all kinds... until the last few years.

Head-Shops, mostly forced to close down these days, were very popular during the 70's. Good for the economy and a friendly environment. They sold art, exotic clothing, herbs and lots of cannabis related gear like pipes, bongs, and papers. They usually had incense burning, so the atmosphere was usually surreal. But unlike Haiti, where colors are everything - they paint their buses in wild floral colors, in the US, drab black and white is still the norm.

Freedom of expression is a significant victim to the "Just Say No" mentality. Considering the alternatives... and the danger that your cannabis incurs is that you have to censor what you'd like to say or do, like start up a head-shop.

Loss of Personal Freedom, Pursuit of Happiness: Let's face it... use cannabis and your opportunities in life diminish. This is a result of laws and stigma about cannabis, and has a "catch-22", in that, if you appear to be complacent or relaxed under duress, or between jobs, it's easy to blame the marijuana. I'm surprised the "experts" don't realize with current discriminations and laws directed towards cannabis users, it's a no-brainer that they appear to be slackers.

The best part about cannabis is it's not physically addictive. And over time, less is enough... not more. With regards to psychological addiction, it depends upon the individual. Many people use it on only occasionally, easy enough to do. Others use a small amount each day for pain, relaxation, or meditation. It is a natural medicine... one used for thousands of years. I admit, still others seem to go through an ounce a day... but the thing is, unlike alcohol where the more you use the more intoxicated you get, it's the opposite with cannabis - you only get so high. Mostly, those who use an ounce a day simply like smoking it.

There is no hang-over, just a relaxing night no matter how much one consumes.

To Be Continued...  Next: More dangers, like schizophrenia - is it myth or reality?

"REEFER MADNESS" - 2010 - Dangers of Marijuana - PART TWO

I concluded "Part One" with the phenomenon generally known as a paranoia; after using cannabis, seems after smoking it, rather than when eating it in a brownie. The paranoia is usually passive, non-specific, produces anxiety of varying degrees - usually depending upon one's environment at the time. It can be most acute in the early period of use, before an individual understands the link to their environment. I wouldn't say I've ever found this effect to to very common. 

But it inspires concerns with another, well published concern: Schizophrenia. I read that this fear is the number one concern if cannabis becomes legal. I sympathize with you, however, far better that cannabis is legal and non-stigmatized, than illegal, and those with a problem are afraid to come forwards. The other problem with this fear is that it's now quite official-

The person who experiences this side-effect may decide to stop using it for awhile, with a bonus in that there are minor to no withdrawal symptoms. And that may become that user's past... imagine, being able to say "no thanks", after a personal decision. Try making a list of legal substances that you can try and easily say "no" to? Tobacco???

Some people gradually are able to conceptualize the origin of their fears when using cannabis to come to terms with issue. Some call a mental health center, to come to terms with what they now realize is a problem - and I don't mean the cannabis. inhibits both a person with problems seeking help, and providing a hostile environment for people who want to use cannabis.

The problem as I see it is that the environment that a cannabis user lives within, regardless if it's their "castle", is in this country a pretty hostile one, one where I've seen the push to close "head-shops", the so called hippie shops businesses that sold tie-dyed t-shirts, bongs, Indian apparel and other unusual clothing, exotic t-shirts, jewelry, rolling papers, cards  and pipes. They always had incense burning. I loved going into a head-shop. 

In NH I consider whatever the state had to do with prohibiting or closing down such shops operating legally, to be violation of NH Article 84. I believe it's time to Get together openly all of us in America and form forums of discussion and promote actions. We will have our differences. That's human nature. But we're intelligent people - without threat, we should be able to make a big difference in what this country is supposed to be about.

It is ironic that we have so much public support to legalize cannabis, all the obvious medicinal benefits; the great musicians who found inspiration using it; Movies, TV shows, and countless, thousands of books on the subject. Some of the topics are amazingly funny and there are parts where the actors outright mock the prejudice and laws against cannabis users as quite ludicrous. A couple movie suggestions:  "Harold and Kumar", "Cheech and Chong",; Cable TV: "Weeds", Comedians: Sarah Silverman.

My biggest disappointment was Michael Phelps, Winner of 8 Olympic Gold Metals - who failed to stand up against his accusers; Kellogg Co., and the "anti-drug" establishment. This photograph of him after he'd won the gold medals could have been a turning point in understanding, that smoking pot is not by nature a crime. He might just as well be having a beer; since in my opinion there's not much difference in pursuit of happiness, in the act. It does not harm people, nor apparently, if he actually inhaled, let alone if he ever used cannabis. But this photo, available here tells it all:

SOURCE:

This photo, more than anything, speaks about the prejudice born and now grown up about cannabis. We have blind drunk actors, unfaithful Presidents, perfectly sober terrorists, sinfully corrupt Wall Street Exec's... so WHY IS MICHAEL PHELPS THE BAD GUY??? What did he do? Why is it Michael Phelps felt the need to apologize? It's a picture of him with a bong, that's it!

Getting back to number one, what is now called marijuana, is really the target of the  "drug reform policy"  - the federal government and many state governments depend on it as the weather station. It's one of a few recreational drugs that leaves behind a signature tell-tale by-product that can be found in many people up to 30 days after it's use. This makes cannabis the ideal "tracking cookie" for the millions who prefer it to the potentially more harmful legal alternatives - alcohol and tobacco.

The "by-product is not THC - meaning the by-product itself is not psychotropic (producing a high). It's simply stored in fat cells much as ash left in an old campfire can be used to determine there once was a camp-fire. What makes this dangerous is the common misconception that cannabis use is associated with hard drug use, like crack, opiates, etc. ... which in my opinion is what scared Michael Phelps into apologizing and disappearing from the public light.

The federal government refuses to acknowledge the reality about cannabis, that it's essentially harmless when used responsibly. They refuse to reschedule it, from currently being a Schedule One Drug, which is simply bogus, and which laughs in the face of California residents, and millions of other supporters of legalization. The Obama administration did at least decide to let California do what it wants to do with minimal federal intrusion. So far he seems to be true to his word. And I appreciate that. But it's not enough. Not nearly enough.

I discovered after posting a reference to this phenomena on another blog, that not everyone is aware of the paranoia cannabis users may experience. I would like to point out it's generally temporary, and really does depend a lot of the person's environment. Cannabis users simply becoming more aware of their surroundings, and the people they're with. The fear general inspires a flight response, unlike alcohol which would more likely inspire a fight response.

These two phenomenon extent to the problem of driving an automobile. The person using alcohol tends to feel invulnerable and compelled to get in a car and show off, speed, push the petal. The cannabis user might be lulled into a sense that a car is an extension of freedom. Fine if they're the passenger, but not fine if you think driving 35 in a 55 is okay, or waiting an hour (an exaggeration of course - but even waiting 30 seconds is not okay) to make your turn. Some individuals believe they drive better under the influence of cannabis - and they'd be wrong. They are the people who should be subject to arrest, not those using it in the privacy of their home or with others. Know your plans for the next few hours after consuming any recreational drug. I strongly suggest you consider having a designated driver - a friend that doesn't indulge.

There's no reason for a user of cannabis, a natural plant with many beneficial uses, to be paranoid, and subject to the mayhem and indirect deaths that occur as a result of inappropriate government prohibition. Cannabis heightens awareness... and I must emphasize the paranoia one may feel is generally simply that - heightened awareness, of how a person feels. Fears of getting busted is a real fear. It's not an illusion.

To Be Continued...