Since 1970, marijuana has been considered a so-called Schedule I drug, a category that also includes heroin. Schedule I drugs have no medical use and a high potential for abuse, and they carry severe criminal penalties under federal trafficking laws.
I talked about Jay Wexler's Weed Rules: Blazing the Way to a Just & Joyful Marijuana Policy. A long report dropped Friday afternoon before a holiday weekend, which is dated from last summer, which is prime "bury me" placement. It turns out that federal scientists recommended reducing the schedule of marijuana from one (no) to three (allowable by prescription, including testosterone).
It's up to the DEA:
That recommendation is being considered by the D.E.A., which is expected to formally announce its decision within months. The reclassification will be subject to public comment and debate before it is made final.
It's time. After all, "In 38 states, marijuana is legal for medical use; it’s legal for recreational use in two dozen states and territories." And, the federal government has not prosecuted even though they can. Marijuana is not harmless. It is also not heroin.
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I also read an earlier book by Jay Wexler entitled When God Isn't Green which discusses various religions with ceremonies with environmental problems. For instance, burning paper and dumping statues into the river.
He basically accepts their right to do so, within reason, though it seems to find that needlessly killing a bunch of animals via counterproductive "mercy release" might be a step too far. The book is interesting if somewhat tedious with an occasional stupid bit of humor.
And, a worldwide tour of religions really needs pictures.
Other Books
Opposable Thumbs by Matt Singer is a good basic account of Siskel and Ebert. This one has pictures and enough background details for fans. It is not a complete look at them or film reviewing. But, I liked it. A quick read is nice these days.
A Woman's Life Is A Human Life by Felicia Kornbluh focuses on the fight for abortion rights (including clergy who provided referrals) in New York. She also has a less detailed account of a former neighbor who helped lead a battle against coerced sterilizations. The subtitle speaks of her mother, who provided a draft of the abortion repeal law in New York. But, she is not a big part of the overall book. She is more of an inspiration/catalyst of sorts.
The book has a lot of interesting material though it is a bit of a trudge at times. It also loses its thread after the 1970s, including the Puerto Rican doctor basically disappearing from the narrative. On the other hand, any book with a blurb from Melissa Murray is worth a look.
Murray and Kate Shaw co-authored a long article on the claim in Dobbs that it promoted democracy. A lot there. I overall agree with it. It didn't include the fact that John Hart Ely Jr. not only opposed the Hyde Amendment [equal protection] but ultimately supported Planned Parenthood v. Casey.
Why is this point repeatedly skipped over?
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