Friday, January 25, 2013

Ulster Prevention Council Weekly Blog 1-25-13: No Name Calling Week

It's National No Name Calling Week. Do you remember being called names by your peers? I had what my peers called "missionary glasses" the old style glasses from the 60s shaped like cats' eyes. Mine were baby blue and had stars in the corners. I remember being called "Four Eyes". In 5th grade I was called HodgePodge as my last name was Hodges. Later I can remember being called Pop'N'Fresh, referring to my pale skin and body shape. All of these seem fairly benign in comparison to the names that I hear youth use today.


Here's a link to an article in the Huffington Post by William Lucas Walker. It's a little long but I did relate to it and perhaps you will, too. Please support No Name Calling Week, and have a discussion with youth you know regarding this important topic.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-lucas-walker/no-name-calling-week_b_2521125.html#.UQGC779X2ot

Cheryl DePaolo
Director of Ulster Prevention Council

Monday, January 7, 2013

Ulster Prevention Council Weekly Blog: 1-7-13: Medical Marijuana

Today I’m taking a look at New York State Senate Bill 1682 sponsored by Democratic Senators Montgomery, Krueger and Sampson.  A different bill introduced by Senator Savino is also expected to be introduced.              

Senate Bill 1682 would amend the public health law in relation to medical use of marijuana.
The bill would allow use of marijuana in health care, including palliative care, veterinary care and research. As written, dentists, podiatrists and veterinarians would be able to approve patients, and there is no age limit.

A practitioner would certify that a patient has a serious condition, that the patient is under the practitioner’s care, that the condition can and should be treated with the medical use of marijuana, and that other drugs or treatments would not be as effective. Certifications would be effective for a six month period.

Patients and caregivers would be allowed to be in possession of up to eight ounces of marijuana. Consuming marijuana in a public place would be unlawful.

Local health departments and registered non-profit organizations would sell, administer, deliver, dispense or distribute marijuana to those holding valid certifications. Organizations would dispense up to a thirty day supply.

Marijuana would be dispensed in a container with an orange label and marked “CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, DANGEROUS UNLESS USED AS DIRECTED".

Practitioners would be required to file reports for each certification every ninety days including a brief statement of the level and pattern of marijuana use by the patient and the effectiveness of the medical use of marijuana for the patient.

An outside evaluator would conduct an analysis of the practical operation of this act, the clinical value of medical use of marijuana under this act, and the effect on illegal use of controlled substances.

This act would take effect immediately provided that the department of health shall make regulations and issue forms within 180 days.
 
Cheryl DePaolo
Director of the Ulster Prevention Council