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Alpena man claims marijuana for medical use

May 28, 2009 - 03:23 a.m. EST

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David Allen Rude of Alpena
Ray McDade
David Allen Rude of Alpena

An Alpena man was in court Wednesday, claiming he can freely use marijuana as defined by Michigan’s new medical marijuana law.

The new law took effect on December 4. The terms and conditions of the law, however, are being contested in Alpena and Presque Isle counties.

David Allen Rude claims he suffers from several debilitating medical conditions that are easier to cope with when he uses marijuana. He was arrested in February with what investigators say are 25 marijuana plants. The new law allows qualified users to possess up to 12 and Rude says he only had 11. He also says some of the plant material taken is stems and roots, not usable plants as defined by the law.

Circuit Court Judge Michael Mack has asked Alpena County Prosecutor Ed Black and Rude’s attorney, Joel Bauer, to join him in reviewing the confiscated plants. The two sides are expected to be back in court in June. Black is also contesting the merits of Rude’s doctor.

Rude is charged with two counts of delivery/manufacture of marijuana.

Meanwhile, the accused in Presque Isle County, Daryl Pastuszak was also in court Wednesday, observing Rude’s proceeding. Pastuszak’s case is similar in nature. He is being represented by Roger Bauer, the father of Rude’s attorney.

Both men have medical marijuana cards issued by the State of Michigan.

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  1. May 27, 2009

    9:36 p.m.
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    Javanna (Anonymous) says...

    it's just a little pot! it's not like he was making meth, and he wasn't even selling it he was using it.

  2. May 28, 2009

    12:01 a.m.
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    jhiz (Anonymous) says...

    Yeh it probaly was medical back when he was 18 years old, northendlou. The medicinal properties of marijuana have never changed. Give the guy a break, how many non-violent offenders are we going to fill our jails with wasting precouis tax payers dollars, the same tax payers who voted for medical marijuana. What happened to personal rights, the people of the state of Michigan overwhelmingly voted for the medical marijuana law. Deal with it.

  3. May 28, 2009

    9:41 a.m.
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    thinking1 (Anonymous) says...

    i think the point that should be looked at is he had 25 plants of marijuana and the merits of his doctor. 25 plants seems like a bit much for medicinal purposes now doesn't it?

  4. May 28, 2009

    1:33 p.m.

    mayorherb (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  5. May 28, 2009

    2:18 p.m.
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    Bo (Anonymous) says...

    I don't know!!? Are they big plants ,or little plants ???!!

  6. May 28, 2009

    2:54 p.m.
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    NorthDog3 (Anonymous) says...

    I went to school with Dave. I hardly recognize him in a suit, given the fact that he was widely known as a partying rock and roll animal in high school. "I think this law was written specifically for you Dave."

  7. May 28, 2009

    3:10 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Well dont know all the facts here. So not here to judge.Im a Medical MJ card holder and police showed up at my door. Had six plants growing in a locked enclosure outdoors.Went to court the 26th . I was in compliance with the number of plants. But law enforcement didnt like my locked facility. So they said i wasnt in compliance. they ransacked my home took my guns and all of my grow op and charged me with MGF/Delivery of marijuana.In court my attorney Matt Able had the MAGNET officer on the stand and got him disqualified as a expert wittness because he had no clue what the Preposal 1 law was didnt know when the law took affect didnt know the term of a locked enclosure was. Seemed to boil down to the locking system I guess.Well thats not law enforcements call . Thats the call of the MDCH (Michigan Department Community Health). And if anything i wasnt in compliance with them.We here in Shiawassee County have an over zealous P.A. that wants to put me as a feather in his cap for reelection. And wants to make this into some major drug bust. In reality all he is doing is attacking a crippled ole man. Been out of work with GM for two years and am on SSI now doctors have me on 3000 mg of vicoden a day and would love to get off that stuff. Im sure that will kill me much sooner that marijuana. I was pupose to be trying to grow my own marijuana.And i didnt have pounds of the stuff to sell anyway. OOOOO by the way they took my meds bout 14 grams . Im leagle to have 2.5 oz's. Well i have commited no crime but im sure being treated as a common criminal by these polititions. The case got bound over to circuit court. And the thing of it all it isnt even their jurisdiction its the MDCH's. So where do they come up with MFG/Delivery of marijuana

  8. May 28, 2009

    3:36 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  9. May 28, 2009

    4:05 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Isnt that just the way it is polititions wasting your hard earned tax dollars on a war they cant win

  10. May 28, 2009

    4:37 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Well i can see im beating a dead horse here.Good Luck Mr Rude . I guess the people of Alpena just want to rag on you personaly

  11. May 28, 2009

    5:04 p.m.
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    Bo (Anonymous) says...

    Would it be that as a card holder,They know who you are and where you live, making it easy to come to your door?Easier then looking for the real druggies? Had a problem with the easy hits in this county ,but seems to be better since the election !!

  12. May 28, 2009

    5:11 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    The department community health is supose to keep your information under wraps. Just like doctors are supose to

  13. May 28, 2009

    5:17 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    See the problem i have is. Im a MMMA member and they have club meetings. They are a non profit org. and they say they have to let everyone in. Including the NARC's.I have asked that they ask if there are any law enforcment attending the meetings and leave it up to members if they would like to stay or leave. That didnt go over so well. They think im trying to scare people away . I just want members to be safe

  14. May 28, 2009

    5:20 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    At election time people need to be asking their elected officals their view on Medical Marijuana and vote accordingly

  15. May 28, 2009

    5:43 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    OK northend . thats your take on this and i will respect you for that.But as far as 60's pot heads i think that a lil unfair . We are talking bout people with MS terminly ill people and many other debilitating illness's here that want off perscription drugs.To say these people are 60's pot heads is really unfair and narrow minded

  16. May 28, 2009

    5:46 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    You read the law northend i have it posted above. might enlighten you a bit

  17. May 28, 2009

    5:49 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    And it wasnt the leaders that had this law passed . It was 64% of the Michigan Voters remember . Guess you were part of the 36% right :)

  18. May 28, 2009

    6:29 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    You're preaching to the choir kingpinn. Northendlou, is very knowledgeable on the law. He is the law. He'd rather see people on handsfull of debilitating drugs than smoke 1 marijuana joint. His mind is made up and there is no reasoning with him.

  19. May 28, 2009

    6:52 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Well thats a shame. At least he could read the law .And not associate this law with 1960's potheads

  20. May 28, 2009

    6:57 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

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  21. May 28, 2009

    7:40 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  22. May 28, 2009

    8:04 p.m.
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    alpenanow_site_staff (Site Staff) says...

    This is just a reminder to not post links to outside websites and to refrain from calling other posters names.

    Let's continue having a mature debate on the subject of the story.

    Thanks!

  23. May 28, 2009

    9:18 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Im am really sorry if i have offended anyone here. My first time here didnt know bout the outside website thing. Didnt mean to offend u Lou sorry. Probly last post here. So everyone take care be safe

  24. May 28, 2009

    9:57 p.m.
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    gordiehowe (Anonymous) says...

    more than half the people who turned out to vote, voted for this proposition. So let's get real here... Time to start focusing on real drugs..

  25. May 29, 2009

    1:25 a.m.

    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

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  26. May 29, 2009

    4:08 a.m.
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    Hurricane_Brandy (Anonymous) says...

    I agree Gordie, I also think that DARE should be a more than one year course for our youth. Let’s not waste as many tax dollars on trying to pick off every tom dick and harry that has pot (not saying at all we shouldn't go after people who distribute or do much harder drugs) and turn those dollars towards a better program. I think they should do a course that is more in-depth once students are old enough to take it seriously and are more apt to be put into a situation where drugs are involved. I think that the school system makes talking about this subject (also sex education and drinking) taboo when really they should be pounding the realistics of drugs, home. They do cover these subjects in school but it's more of a brief over view rather than the real dirty truth. I'm just saying if we are going to spend tax dollars on drug prevention why not spend it on future prevention. I think that is more promising than nailing a guy who has a few plants when everyone knows he'll just go back and do it again. Mr. Rude is a waste of time and valuable money, whether he needs it or not he'll make up any excuse why he does and do it again, thus wasting more money.

  27. May 29, 2009

    8 a.m.
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    HonestEd (Anonymous) says...

    Don't we have bigger issues to deal with than marijuana?!? Personally I believe they should just legalize the stuff, tax the heck out of it, and focus on the drugs that are actually ruining people's lives! I've never even smoked a cigarette so I'm not an experienced/biased fan of weed, but I've never heard of a weed overdose, I've never heard of someone robbing or killing someone so they could feed their weed habit, but that's not true at all for the tough drugs in our community like meth, crack, etc. Legalizing the stuff will get these people out of our jail system (which will save us a great deal of money in court fees and jail expenses) and the tax dollars it will create will help pull this state out of the toilet. Sounds like a win-win to me.

  28. May 29, 2009

    8:39 a.m.
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    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

    well put HonestEd.I couldnt agree more.

  29. May 29, 2009

    10:02 a.m.
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    mayorherb (Anonymous) says...

    well it is the law,every one wants to follow the law,and now the law has changed no one wants to follow the law.the law states he can have up to 12 plants,he can have up 2.5 oz of dryed ready to smoke,he can have the same drying ready for use when it is cured..i have the site for the rules if you would like to contact me,i would happy to copy and paste them to you or give you the site...hope things work out for you bro...mayorherb@y

  30. May 29, 2009

    11:53 a.m.
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    huronraised (Anonymous) says...

    The problem is that this guy had 25 plants not 12. You can't have it both ways. We’ve heard for years about legalizing small personal amounts for people who are very sick. Now that it the law and people like this guy are still trying to skirt the system. All people like this guy do is show what a fraud the whole "medical marijuana" law is. If it is your goal to legalize marijuana completely just come out and say it. Don't hide behind "the sick who are suffering" and say its for them. Try a ballot initiative to completely legalize marijuana in any amount and see if it passes. Personally I don't care one way or another anymore. Just stop hiding behind "the sick" and be honest about your intentions.

    Kingpin, first of all most of us don't care about what happens in the Saginaw area. Second, if your case got bound over then you must not have such a solid defense. Third, if it is a violation of MI law then I’m pretty sure the police would have jurisdiction as the MDCH has no ability to enforce the law. Fourth, what kind of a feather in a prosecutors cap would some guy doing something hundreds of people get arrested for every day be, especially 1 1/2 years before the election. Your an articulate writer but for those who can read between the lines your true colors look to be coming out. Take care and look out for all those evil NARC's at your MMMA meetings fighting that war "they" can't win.

  31. May 29, 2009

    2:43 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    It is the law and they don't hand out the cards like trading cards. If a person legally has the card for its' intended legal purpose, then I think it is 100 percent wrong to not leave these people alone. The people have spoken and in a democracy, I believe tne majority rules and like it or not, we must follow the rules and live with it. There are the idiots that ruin it for the truly needy and will find shady Doctors to give them whatever they want and that is why we have Doctors that go on trial isn't it? The reasons for getting the cards are outlined in the law. It's pretty cut and dried. I just think it would be termed illegal harrasment to toss a persons house and confiscate items of theirs when they know they have the card and are using this as an invite in. How can this be legal? Owning guns is not illegal. If it is, the greater majority of us have them in our home. We live in a hunters paradise. Are fishing rods next? How about bows? Slingshots? bb guns? pellet guns?

  32. May 29, 2009

    3:21 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    I am all for the war on drugs. I support the fine job that HUNT is doing to get the illegal opiates and illegal heroine, crack, oxy, vicodin, meth, etc. off the street. They are killing people and causing thefts and bad behavior of all sorts. I do not by the way think they belong sitting in on MMMA meetings for the sole purpose of taking names in order to harass & arrest. If these are legal card carrying paople, aren't they breaking the law by bothering their personal law abiding lives? It is the law now. This is just wrong!

  33. May 29, 2009

    5:08 p.m.
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    gordiehowe (Anonymous) says...

    Really, they need to be worried about meth making becoming more of a problem up here and being an epidemic like in SW michigan. If they keep spending to much time hassling potheads they are going to drop the ball on this and it's going to be too late. I will give the authorities props on the fact that we have not seen too much of a problem with this YET. Seriously, I would not support any increase in funds for drug enforcement if the focus is not where it should be and that is hard and dangerous drugs PERIOD. I don't smoke pot and I don't really care who does- I think the argument that it is tied to other drugs and crimes is garbage and I know I am not alone. frankly if someone is cruising around getting high, bust em just like you do with people drinking. BTW, I saw an empty fentanyl packet in the cemetary the other day, I am more concerned about THAT one empty package than If Mr. Rude had a whole acre of pot growing.

  34. May 29, 2009

    6:07 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    We've had a famoous fentanyl death here resulting in people in prison for it. Still, it is prevelant as is heroine which she thought she was getting. This is what I find extremely disturbing. This deserves beaucoup time and attention! How many pot deaths does anyone know of? There are OD occurances in this town frequently. Never have they been reported to be pot. Drugs!!!!!!!!! Totally agree with you gordiehowe. Never heard of violence because of pot either. Alcohol & drugs!

  35. May 29, 2009

    10:50 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    northendlou--I don't call you a liar & I don't appreciate you doing so. You, dear sir, are all for prescribed drugs above all costs. How do you think a good number of our addicts become so? Legal prescription in the first place and then down hill from there. Seen it time & time again. That bad back that was real becomes 'chronic' and the next you know, addict! You sir are a liar. You preach & preach about following the letter of the law but there isn't one word uttered by you in support of the medical marijuana law. As a lawman, is it your place to decide which laws you will support & which ones you will not? I am not supporting what you call pot heads. I am supporting Medical Marijuana for those that the law says are eligible to use it. I believe you have a mental block in the compassion department and feel sorry that you can only see things one dimensionally. That is your right. As I said before, I hope and pray the day never comes that you don't have to watch a loved one suffer for months if not years with cancer and know you could make it eaasier but I'm sure you'd refuse it, make them suffer, or drug them up and take away their last ounce of dignity & recognition. Do you even have a loved one?

  36. May 29, 2009

    11:22 p.m.

    jesseinalpena (Anonymous) says...

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  37. May 29, 2009

    11:22 p.m.
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    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

    I think northendlou needs to roll a fat one and smoke it.Relax buddy.Got news for ya,Alcohol is way worse than a joint.I have seen many angry abusive drunks but never an angry abusive pot smoker.I have lost loved ones from alcohol,never heard of anyone dying from pot.Times have changed.We need to legalize it and tax the hell out of it and get out butts out of debt in this country.It will happen eventually.So better sooner than later.

  38. May 30, 2009

    12:06 a.m.

    abby (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  39. May 30, 2009

    1:06 a.m.

    jhiz (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  40. May 30, 2009

    10:42 a.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    Investigators said 25 plants but were they what a foot high? 2 feet? seedlings? Plant seeds, which I surmise they are from, of any kind of plant and from the seedlings, what would the percentage of viable adult plants be? I am not argueing for or against here but the plants I start indoors from seed for my garden don't all end up being healthy viable plants. Could this have anything to do with the number? I then choose the healthiest to put outdoors. Before anyone states the obvious, I know these plants of Mr. Rude's don't get to go outdoors. I don't know Mr. Rude, but I surely don't want to be judged by who I was at 18. Does anyone? Man or woman? I'm surely much older, wiser, have contributed to society, and do believe am a good member of my community. At 18, probably not so much, probably a lot more self centered, short-sighted, and less forward thinking. Hopefully we can all say this.

  41. May 30, 2009

    10:47 a.m.
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    mayorherb (Anonymous) says...

    well every one he could of had 25 plants,but if 11 was in the ground and the rest was drying that is legal,you are allowed that but have not read if that is the case or not.not a lot in here telling us what is going on,which that is the way it goes in court.and again the law states,you can have 12 in ground,2.5 oz that are dried ready to smoke,and enough cureing for when some of the 2.5 runs low...and again MY E-MAIL IS mayorherb@y AND IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE RUES send me a note in my mail and i will send you rules,i think every one should sign up even if they do not plan on useing it

  42. May 30, 2009

    2:35 p.m.
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    huronraised (Anonymous) says...

    Mayorherb (nice play on words) if he is found to have had 25 plants are you and people like you going to stand up and demand that he be prosecuted as an example that you don't want someone making a mockery of the law you guys have worked so hard to get? If not then you will lose all credibilty with people like the fence sitters that still beleive this is about helping sick people and these abuses will lead to the laws repeal. JMO

    jhiz that axe of your has to be razor sharp by now, good thing your so open minded and willing to discuss the issues.

  43. May 30, 2009

    4:02 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    If Mr. Rude was breaking the law, he should be penalized to the full extent! If, and I say if he is a slacker trying to use this law just to get high and then abusing its' guidelines at the same time, he surely does deserve bigtime punishment. I do not know the facts but I surely hope they get to the bottom of it because this surely is giving a black eye to something meant to be humanitarian and for some fool to muck it up for seriously ill people would be a sin. I know 2 of you don't believe in its' medicinal purposes so let's just agree to disagree about that rather than bullying and name calling of everyone of the opposite belief. This is a law and like it or not if it is followed, is legal. OMG Northendlou--why are you such a bully? If it were your dad and it helped him keep his food down and he never did it before his cancer, would he be a brain dead doper or excuse me dope? Or would you just say no for him?

  44. May 30, 2009

    4:42 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    Northendlou--Do you ever think about what you post? Do you know what brain dead means? Have you ever had the privilege of making the decision that,yes, he's brain dead, he will never regain consciousness, the only reason he is alive is the machine---all that's left to do is sign here and turn off the machine. All you hear is the squish squish and the crying. And your heart beating so loud you know everyone hears it and your ears are roaring so loud your head is going to explode!!!!! I wonder if I'm the only one that goes through this every time you so glibly blast BRAIN DEAD! THEY'RE JUST BRAIN DEAD! I hope It's just me that relives this when you thoughtlessly blast your rudeness. I had a child like you that I had to remind regularly before you open your mouth, engage your brain. I'm not the only person in this town that has dealt with BRAIN DEAD. My whole family has with three people so far so I believe you are an equal case offender. You are 61 so grow up and get control of your mouth and think of others.

  45. May 31, 2009

    1:57 a.m.

    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

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  46. May 31, 2009

    11:15 a.m.
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    Madmike (Anonymous) says...

    Is it 4:20 yet??

  47. May 31, 2009

    3:38 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    Thank you Bubba--Wish someone else would've had a parent like you. To make a joke of someone else's pain is the least funny thing I can think of. Does the word inappropriate mean anything? I'm not sure I know what a fatty is but I'm sure I don't need anything more than I have. Most bullies do have a god complex when in truth it is covering up a lot of insecurities and insufficiencies. Too bad. Just a mean old has been.

  48. June 1, 2009

    2:52 p.m.
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    gordiehowe (Anonymous) says...

    How ironic that someone who constantly complains about democratic ideals suddenly decides that the republican notion of giving states more power to enact their own laws, a more decentalized government, wants to start waxing off about marijuana still being a federal crime hahaha

  49. June 1, 2009

    4:47 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    Gee, I wouldn't like to respond to that question. Seems like most would be tickled pink that our state is makeing its' own decisions. This isn't the only example. What about assisted siucides in some states being legal and in some not? What about Same sex unions being legal in some and not in some? Prostitution? Guess if the people feel strongly enough, they will speak up and do what they want. Maybe we aren't all sheep. Maybe we aren't all frightened to death of something different. Just throwing it out there for snotty remarks.

  50. June 1, 2009

    7:36 p.m.
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    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

    alpenamd,yes it surely is against the law.But hopefully the law will change.We got the hunt team flying around all day at times looking for marijuana plants.How much does that cost i wonder.How much of our tax dollars are being wasted in courts and in jails for the hunt team trying to bust people for something that is not worth while.I say spend that money looking for heroin,cocaine,ect.not for something thats is not even as bad as alcohol which is legal.Do you drink alpenamd?have you ever drank and drove?I am gonna guess yes.Why would you do that if it is against the law?A law is a law right?No matter who you are.So dont you think its pretty hyprocritical to wanna slam a man who just smoked a joint.
    The day will come when its legal probably not anytime soon but it will.And then we will look back and see all the time and money that was wasted trying to bust marajuana users.
    Kind of like GM.We spent billions of tax dollars to bail them out and then they file bankruptcy a couple of months later.Wow that was really worth it.And everyone was told this was gonna happen.But no one would listen.Just like this whole marijauna thing.It will be legal someday so quit wasting time and money please.Nail the people who deserve it.

  51. June 2, 2009

    10:12 a.m.
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    Hurricane_Brandy (Anonymous) says...

    Bubba22
    You will not know how much it costs for the Hunt team to do what they do because they don't have to post their budget which is wrong.

  52. June 2, 2009

    11:45 a.m.
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    Hurricane_Brandy (Anonymous) says...

    Please then Alpenamd tell me where to find it because I've been looking for a while.I'm getting my information from a lack of information. All I can find is the funding sources. I’d like to know where they spend their money not where it comes from. Please don't insult my intelligence like those have done to you, it makes you no better. If you have a place where I can find it, good I'd love to review it and admit that I am wrong. Yes I also know that it is publicly funded.

    Signing off from planet Brandy.

    Sorry to the rest for getting really off topic.

  53. June 2, 2009

    1:09 p.m.

    abby (Anonymous) says...

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  54. June 2, 2009

    2:17 p.m.

    abby (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  55. June 2, 2009

    4:09 p.m.
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    arie58 (Anonymous) says...

    This is a very sensitive issue for many reasons!

    I don’t know the history of the above individual nor do I personally care. If indeed he abused drugs in the past than don’t use him as the example for those who will use Cannabis responsibly.
    I have to say that I wish that there would have been a better alternative for my family members (other than heavy narcotics) that died from cancer.
    The heavy meds that were prescribed may have helped with the pain for a short time but the horrific effect of the chemo was not diminished. For us the family to watch our loved ones struggle with the side effects of Chemo it was unbearable.
    Pain medication (oral) is disastrous to the liver and kidneys.
    Our Mother had to have her kidneys removed as a result of all of the medications that she had to ingest on a daily basis. Add dialysis and more meds!
    Cancer is not a fair player and having to take such heavy meds is unfair as well.
    I guess the truth is that the only way that anyone will ever understand the toll and pain of cancer is to have to live with it. For our family it was a very long hard road filled with grief and anguish. Have any of you looked into the side effects of most medications that are prescribed to cancer patients, let me tell you it is frightening.
    If cannabis can help a person stricken with cancer than whom are you to judge.
    Medical Marijuana is not laced with angel dust, PCP or any other enhancement it is medically grown and used to off set the effects of chemo.
    If people truly educated themselves about this issue then this wouldn’t be a Hunt concern.
    I would think that the abuse of oxycodone and methadone would be a bigger concern.
    No, I don’t advocate the recreational use of Marijuana, but I do believe in quality of life.

  56. June 2, 2009

    4:21 p.m.
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    countrymama (Anonymous) says...

    alpenamd

    I read an article recently regarding the state/federal laws. The Attorney General stated that the Feds would only seek to penalize manufacturers that were breaking both federal and state laws.

  57. June 2, 2009

    5:36 p.m.
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    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

    jee whiz,jaywalking is illegal to.Should we spends tens of thousands of dollars busting every jaywalker around,waste money by hiring a team to bust them,waste money in the courts fighting it,waste money putting them in jail????why not its illlegal.These jaywalkers dont deserve to see the light of day,there useless scum.
    Does anyone get my point now?sure marijuana is illegal but how important is it when you have crack,cocaine,heroin,exctesy,illegal prescription drugs and on and on.I would say marijuana is pretty low on the totem pole compared to all of this.Wish some people would just be a little more opened minded about what should be a priority in this town.
    I believe our hunt team does a fine job here.My only problem is dont spend so much time on the marijuana and spend more on what can kill our kids.
    And for the narrow minded in here (n.e.l.}who thinks just cause someone smoked a joint is a no good scum weedhead.Does that mean if you drink a beer your a no good alcoholic who should go to jail?I know lots of people who smoke weed,doctors,laywers,fireman,cops and so many more.Just because you may do it doesnt mean your useless to society.So ease up and quit acting like your perfect or better than everyone else.

  58. June 2, 2009

    7:03 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    arie 58 my story is the same as yours. I watched a family member for 5 long years with cancer. Operations, nosetube feedings, pain, pain medication that took him to somewhere else, no quality of life, not knowing who he nor anyone else was most of the time.....If mmj would have been available to help improve his awareness and lower his suffering, it would have been so much better. He is not the only family member either but that's generally my point. For that, I get called a weed head and a doper and told I don't support HUNT so be careful what you say. There's always someone lurking around to twist everyhing to sound like their one sided story.

  59. June 2, 2009

    8:37 p.m.

    birchtree (Anonymous) says...

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  60. June 2, 2009

    8:44 p.m.

    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  61. June 2, 2009

    9:12 p.m.
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    birchtree (Anonymous) says...

    Wow! Mr. Rude needs to grow a few of you some plants.

  62. June 2, 2009

    9:48 p.m.

    bubba222 (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  63. June 3, 2009

    5:56 a.m.
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    Velocity (Anonymous) says...

    How do you mistake 11 plants for 25? How can you mistake stems and debris as a plant? I do not get that part.

  64. June 3, 2009

    9:19 a.m.
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    arie58 (Anonymous) says...

    Abby:

    I take critisium very well.
    No one will ever change my mind when it comes to health care and cancer treatment.
    I understand that the above individual named in the article had prior problems.
    That should not reflect on the rest of the individuals who decide to use a holistic approach i.e. cannabis in conjunction with chemo.
    It is easy to judge others when there isn’t an understanding of the medical benefits of Marijuana.
    I would like some of the critics of MM to attend the yearly Cancer walk and see the varying stages of cancer and the horrific effects of this disease
    Being a part of the event was incredible, such amazing individuals with stories of survival and yes there are those that were honored for their courage that passed. I have hundreds of hours of research on varying cancer treatments and must say there aren’t many choices in treatment.
    Here are a few of the pluses with MM:
    Appetite enhancement- most patients do not have the desire to eat and they end up lowering their immune systems further. MM helps with appetite.
    Anti nausea- Most patients taking chemo live for weeks to months with constant nausea and vomiting MM helps abate these symptoms.
    Cancers was once known as the wasting disease, individuals did not have the desire to eat so therefore they died from starvation.
    Taking meds that have a codeine compound also has the negative effect of lessening a person’s appetite.
    My family experiences with Cancer is seared into my memory and I have to say no amount of criticism will change the fact that better medications and approaches to the treatment of cancer are necessary and if one chooses to use cannabis that is their right as human!
    We have to stop trying to influence other people’s lives and choices.
    There-in-lies the point to be humane, life isn’t black and white as Hunt suggests.
    I highly doubt that you will see a cancer victim standing on a corner selling joints, they are to busy trying to survive.
    Again, I do not advocate the recreational use of Marijuana.

  65. June 3, 2009

    10:21 a.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    Ditto. I agree totally. We are of the same heart. Thank you.

  66. June 3, 2009

    11:28 a.m.
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    exhorder (Anonymous) says...

    My father was diagnosed with rectal cancer and was treated with chemotherapy and radiation. As a result he was left with scar tissue which has been very painful for him being in any position other than laying flat on a bed. He began taking all sorts of pain killing medicines, some that seem to help, some that just made things worse. He has even got a pump inside of him that has 3 different medicines in it. He has had the level of those drugs elevated twice to try to eleviate his pain to no avail. His cancer has since come back and he will eventually die from it as he cannot go through chemo and radiation again. Our only goal is to try to keep his pain to a minimum for his remaining time with us. I see no reason whatsoever why my father should not be able to use medicinal marijuana if it in fact lessens his pain. I'm all for MMJ if it helps people with their illnesses. I don't think they should have to fear prosecution or persecution either.

  67. June 3, 2009

    12:32 p.m.
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    arie58 (Anonymous) says...

    Exhorder:
    Please don't think that I am attempting to placate you, but I really truly am so sorry for you, your father and family.
    This is another example of the devastation that cancer reaps on not only the patient but the family as well.
    There is nothing worse than trying to help someone through this process.
    When a family member is diagnosed with this disease it destroys not only the patient but all of our loved ones.
    I hope that there is a viable alternative for your father and if is happens to be MM, what ever it takes to lessen his discomfort I would fight for.
    As my father said the day before he passed, “The good lord gave us two miraculous gifts:
    The love of our family and our memories.”
    He left this life with is dignity and was loved tremendously.
    Abby: Remember the good moments and count on them for comfort.
    Don’t ever forget we are cancer survivors as well!
    You are in our prayers.

  68. June 3, 2009

    1:11 p.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    Exhorder, My heart goes out to your dad and your whole family because as arie58 says, when dad has cancer, the whole family is suffering with him. A smile on your face even when your heart is crying and plenty of soft touching seemed to help my godfather when he was kind of aware. Try to remember to take good care of yourself too because this disease also ravages the caregivers. I will pray for you all. Thank you arie 58. I humbly accept your understanding. You have no idea how far a kind word goes.

  69. June 5, 2009

    7:39 a.m.
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    jusme (Anonymous) says...

    Not many ppl are capable of growing marajuana as potent as what you get on the streets. there for they are getting the true effect of what the thc has to offer and not just a high. What you get off the streets is boosted with so many chemicals and whatever else that it is sprayed with during the growing process. yes you can add me to that list of supporters, call me anything you want to! a doper, a dope! whatever! and for the very FEW that can actually say that they have never tried it. good for you! Great for you! Hey we've even had a president that's tried it! Hows that for all ya'll! and their are many ppl that have done the same thing that have lead very successful lives. I have epilepsy, which is not controlled by my meds, not controlled by this mechanical device that I have implanted in my chest.. and I also have a card! I do not grow because I have a child and I do not buy off the streets. I do however have a grower who is also legal and is allowed to grow for me! I do not smoke like they are cigaretts, I do not smoke in front of my child, and I am not irresponsible in any way. And I can tell ya from past experience that it is not the same as the pot i've smoked in my younger years that was bought off the streets "looking for a hight" I can see the diffrence in the use of it as a medicinal purpose! Thanks! and i'm ready for your unkind words... bring 'em on!

  70. June 5, 2009

    3:42 p.m.
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    989bradley (Anonymous) says...

    Geeee....State issued permits, used by OUR local government to do witch hunting. Taking away guns from good citizens, giving innocents criminal records. Who are the real criminals here??? There are so many loopholes in the medical marijuana law that it will be years before they are closed, and the decent people who need it are left alone.

  71. June 10, 2009

    12:33 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  72. June 10, 2009

    3:34 p.m.
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    twosides (Anonymous) says...

    Now that is funny lou.

  73. June 15, 2009

    6:40 a.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness./Marijuana

  74. June 16, 2009

    12:07 a.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Tell that to the M.S. patients, cancer patients, people in wheelchairs. And so many other terrible illnesses.You sir a doctor i take it would rather see these patients taking prescription drugs. Same drugs that they arrested five doctors for in this county.Sure glad that the men that wrote that document didnt have thier head in the sand.Look at the big picture once and see that these are sick dieing people not 60's potheads as you would like to see them as

  75. June 16, 2009

    12:18 a.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    You suport any law on the books you say alpeanamd.Just for the record kind sir what is your take on this law
    History: 2009 MR 6, Eff. Apr. 4, 2009.

    Rule 333.127 Management of medical marihuana.
    Rule 27. (1) A qualifying patient who has been issued and possesses a
    registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or
    penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege, including but not
    limited to civil penalty or disciplinary action by a business or occupational
    or professional licensing board or bureau, for the medical use of marihuana
    in accordance with the act, if the qualifying patient possesses an amount of
    marihuana that does not exceed the following:
    (a) Two and one-half (2.5) ounces of usable marihuana.
    (b) If the qualifying patient has not specified that a primary caregiver
    will be allowed under state law to cultivate marihuana for the qualifying
    patient, 12 marihuana plants kept in an enclosed, locked facility.
    (c) Any incidental amount of seeds, stalks, and roots.

  76. June 16, 2009

    12:31 a.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    In the words of alpeanamd
    I support any law that is enacted, but just wondered how a law can be legal and illegal at the same time. Must have touched a nerve with you. Didn't mean to toss cold water on your drug celebration.

  77. June 16, 2009

    7:57 a.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    By the way i do self addressed envelope 5 bucks i will send you a couple alpeanamd.On to bigger matters

    False Arrest

    Submitted by Kingpinn on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 05:23.
    An action for malicious prosecution is the remedy for baseless and malicious litigation. It is not limited to criminal prosecutions but may be brought in response to any baseless and malicious litigation or prosecution, whether criminal or civil. The criminal defendant or civil respondent in a baseless and malicious case may later file this claim in civil court against the parties who took an active role in initiating or encouraging the original case. The defendant in the initial case becomes the plaintiff in the malicious prosecution suit, and the plaintiff or prosecutor in the original case becomes the defendant. In most states the claim must be filed within a year after the end of the original case. Showed them my card at the door

    History: 2009 MR 6, Eff. Apr. 4, 2009.

    Rule 333.127 Management of medical marihuana.
    Rule 27. (1) A qualifying patient who has been issued and possesses a
    registry identification card shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or
    penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege

  78. June 16, 2009

    8:44 a.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    This is for corrupt elected officals. Gotta love the 4th

    Submitted by Kingpinn on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 05:56.
    The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution reads:

    The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

    The American Revolution was fought, in part, to create a system of government in which the Rule of Law would reign supreme. The rule of law is often identified with the old saying that the United States is a nation of laws and not of men. Under the rule of law, the actions of government officials are prescribed by the principles and laws that make up the U.S. legal system and do not reflect the Arbitrary whims and caprices of the government officials themselves

  79. June 16, 2009

    1:40 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

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  80. June 16, 2009

    1:53 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

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  81. June 16, 2009

    4:28 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Ok Lou fair nuff

  82. June 16, 2009

    4:32 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

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  83. June 16, 2009

    7:14 p.m.

    jhiz (Anonymous) says...

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  84. June 16, 2009

    7:21 p.m.
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    jhiz (Anonymous) says...

    During the three minutes that it took you to read this article, about five people were arrested for simple possession of marijuana, and $171,232 was spent on law enforcement and correction costs.

  85. June 16, 2009

    8:17 p.m.
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    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    Maybe me,alpenamd.northendlou,need a group hug.Maybe smoke the peace pipe

  86. June 17, 2009

    10:05 a.m.
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    rolandb71 (Anonymous) says...

    Just a note on pain management, some drugs can make severe pain bearable. Some drugs actually weaken your resolve and make pain that was bearable unbearable. Also, tylenol advil and aveive over the counter pain drugs kill more people each year than recreational marijuana abuse.

  87. June 17, 2009

    12:25 p.m.
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    jusme (Anonymous) says...

    I wonder if the two ppl arguing this point so hard actually have a card? Or are you just arguing a point to try and make it right from your point of view? as for alpenamd, are you actually a doc? or just use the name to make ppl think you have some kinda background? Cause if you were, you'd already know that ppl cant just come off the street complaing of back pain and obtain a card. You do have to have a medical history dating back quite a ways showing that you are under the care and have been under the care of a doctor for an ongoing condition. Obtaining this card is not something that you can just walk in and ask for. And the process is not an easy one.

  88. June 17, 2009

    12:59 p.m.
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    huronraised (Anonymous) says...

    justme, maybe the process isn't designed to be easy but I would bet its no harder than getting any other narcotic pain pills. How many people do you know of that "can't work" because they have a Dr's note so they live off of the rest of us. How many people do you know of that have multiple prescriptions for things like Oxycodone, Vicodin, Methadone ect... I hope you don't know many but I have seen lots of them. How many unscrupulous doctors out there hand out scripts like candy. We have had one proven here and several suspected.

    The fact is that this article is about a guy busted with 25 plants not 12 like he was supposed to have. Those that want to defend this law have to stand up and say he should be punished if guilty. If they don't then they prove themselves to be frauds who only wish to legalize marijuana and their ulterior motive is shown. You can’t have it both ways people.

  89. June 17, 2009

    3:13 p.m.

    summertimeblues (Anonymous) says...

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  90. June 17, 2009

    4:50 p.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  91. June 18, 2009

    10:14 a.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

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  92. June 18, 2009

    8:53 p.m.
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    eyeswideopened (Anonymous) says...

    jusme...did you notice that alpenamd didn't bother to answer your question?
    alpenamd, I would just like to know what kind of perks you get from the drug companies, it must be good because you can't seem to bring yourself to see that medical mj could be useful for some people, I for one would rather see someone smoke alittle instead of being on vicodin and xanax and depocote, I am sure that all these pills together will be more harmful than a little bit of pot each day, ooooh they are, they cause liver problems! go figure, but you won't get a kick back from the pot, if you really are a doctor, so you would rather do some thing harmful to a person than let them have a medical marijuana card ,
    northendlou I realize that you saw one end of the drug problem ...being a cop, but do you think you could bring yourself to say that you haven't seen the other end of it ...like some doctors have , the ones that have done research, and really believe that some patients would benefit from smoking, or ingesting pot, or are we all wasting our time, having a good debate on this subject?

  93. June 18, 2009

    9:52 p.m.
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    eyeswideopened (Anonymous) says...

    thank you lou. there is hope for you yet. I agree that a lot of people will try to use it as a free pass, but just as many are using vicodin, xanax ect. as a free pass, it is not the people that we have to worry about, it is the doctors....the ones that will give the card and the ones that give out the pain killers like candy! people will lie, it is up to the doctors to check the medical records of these people, and prescribe accordingly . But I do believe that it is more than .01 percent of the population that could benefit from its use, because if that were the case....why are doctors giving out so many pain killers?

  94. June 18, 2009

    10:21 p.m.
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    This is a reminder to keep your posts on the topic of the above story.

    If your posts are about other posters--and thus, off-topic--your comments will be removed.

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    If you copy and post text from other websites, your posts will be removed.

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  95. June 18, 2009

    11:45 p.m.

    jusme (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  96. June 22, 2009

    7:05 a.m.

    jusme (Anonymous) says...

    (This comment was removed by the site staff.)

  97. June 22, 2009

    10:52 p.m.
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    eyeswideopened (Anonymous) says...

    I was watching t.v. the other night, there was a program on about inmates, it was funny, not one of them said that they were steeling to buy pot, they all had the same story.....got hooked on prescription pain killers and then moved on to cocaine , crack, and so on, not one of them said any thing about pot just the meds that were given to them by their doctor.

  98. June 23, 2009

    12:35 a.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

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  99. June 23, 2009

    1:52 a.m.

    Kingpinn (Anonymous) says...

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  100. June 24, 2009

    12:24 a.m.
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    eyeswideopened (Anonymous) says...

    Get real alpena I won't say md because I don't believe that you are one.....or maybe you are, and thats why you get so bent out of shape when people say drug use starts with doctors!!!!!! they give out too many pills....and not just the candy man!! ALL OF THEM DO!!! thats where the drug problems are starting! and your comments "sure do learn the rest of us a bunch" about how closed minded you are.

  101. June 24, 2009

    8:35 a.m.
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    summertimeblues (Anonymous) says...

    Turn that channel back one to CNN, last weekend all addictions were on in order of abuse. Tobacco was by far the worse, cocaine and heroin followed, prescription drugs were next, alcohol was half as addicting as tobacco, and mj was last on the list, and the least harmful. Closed minds will stay closed , donnot try to change people that see things their way and only their way. Lets just lock up the people that belong behind bars and start spending our money to fix the infrastructure of this falling apart country.

  102. June 25, 2009

    1:05 a.m.
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    jhiz (Anonymous) says...

    There is no link between marijuana smoke and lung cancer, Alpenamd. The prohibition of marijuana has been long the cause of crime. Take away the black market, regulate it and take the cartels out of it. The war on drugs has been a complete and utter failure, its time for a new approach, one in which suppourts sensible drug policy.

  103. June 30, 2009

    11:39 a.m.
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    abby (Anonymous) says...

    Yet another famous person dead at 50. perscription drugs all the way given to him by doctors. By the bagful! Disgusting. The Doctor or Doctors and the pharmacists should be proscecuted! Obviously MJ did not have the sense to handle it himself.

  104. July 11, 2009

    4:27 p.m.
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    freedomlover1 (Anonymous) says...

    northendlou (Anonymous) says...
    Why would that be kingpin? If not for pain like you claim you need it for, to what, alter my state of mind. Your argument just got sank by your own post. My case is closed. No futher questions.

    Agree with you all the way for once. The Guy who needs it will follow the rules, The user wants it both ways, ain't that AMAZING!

  105. July 23, 2009

    11:41 a.m.
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    DavidRude (Anonymous) says...

    Hello everyone! This is David Rude here, and no, I NEVER had 26 plants. The HUNT team is lying, and if ya think they don't lie, I've got some swamp land for ya. There were only 11 seedlings barely a couple inches tall - that's why Ed Black doesn't want the judge to see it. And they do not decay - hemp fiber is stronger than wood! And yes, I am a legitimate medical patient. I have had over 20 major surgeries in the last 10 years with more surgeries coming soon. I have medical records in Alpena General, Cheboygan Memorial, U of M Ann Arbor, Petoskey, Traverse City, and the Lansing Medical Center - my total records would take up over 2 reams of paper. Doctors want to give me opiates but I do not like them - they make me more sick. Marijuana helps me to cope with being sick all the time and being in pain. It helps me to be there for my family, for my two beautiful little girls. Whoever said that not wanting to feel sick should be a crime? What good has dragging me through court done for Alpena? It has financially devastated me - I can't imagine what Alpena taxpayers are being billed. And if anyone doesn't think HUNT officers lie, they're trained liars! I have a hearing on July 29 @ 10:00 if anyone is interested in how their tax payments are being spent.

  106. July 23, 2009

    12:15 p.m.
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    jhiz (Anonymous) says...

    Mr. Rude,

    Not feeling sick should not be a crime, medical marijuana is a good thing. I believe you when you say the HUNT team lied and fabricated a story saying you had 26 plants. I'm glad you came out and spoke your side of the story. The people need to know about the injustices executed by the HUNT team on the daily. 97 percent of the HUNT teams arrests are for simple marijuana possesion, what a waste of money. I bet they sent a swat team to your house wasting further more money, these guys are out of control and need their funding taken away. People who are in pain and need of medicinal marijuana should not be bothered with the burden of John Wayne wannabe officers. Medical marijuana is a natural substance, used since the beginning of time for all sorts of aliments. The government has built up a stigma with tons of reefer madness propaganda, that is simply not true. Mr.Rude the people are behind you, god bless and best of luck.

  107. August 6, 2009

    9:05 p.m.
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    jhiz (Anonymous) says...

    HUNT = Corrupt Cops.

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