Weed Wars: New show on Discovery

[Midnight Rudy]

Its called Marijuana Gold Rush..it aired on Dec 2...not sure if they will have anymore but it was alot better then the one on Discovery.

http://blog.iowamedicalmarijuana.org/archive/2011/12/10/national-geographic-marijuana-gold-rush.aspx

Thanks for the link! This is a far better production. Stevie D shows his true colors in that one too. Here is a direct quote.

"I see myself as a social entrepreneur. I think that the profit motive can power social change... that that can be a more effective way and a more rapid way of bringing about change, than by collecting donations and funding non-profit organizations."

This is a fancy way of saying "I gots mine!"

 

[d4nk]

The place I work is supposed to be in that nat geo show. Gotta check it out i guess

 

[StonedStupid]

This show worth watching? I don't have cable or anything so I have to catch shows online or download them.

 

[skull and roses]

I watched all 4 episodes and I think what the show did was to make the case, and prove to the anti's that medical marijuana is indeed a shame for rec use. I think most people would say that, yes marijuana does help some seriously ill people, but the vast majority are rec users. So to me this show if anyone actually watched it(probably not many), hurt the medical marijuana movement. i mean come on what does "i have to medicate" in order to pick out my stupid tie say to mainstream america that is paronoid that their KIDS are going to smoke the evil weed if its deemed "acceptable".

 

[gaiusmarius]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FybfMqohBNc&feature=player_embedded#!

here's a link a to a really good newish documentary about medical cannabis.

 

[StonedStupid]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FybfMqohBNc&feature=player_embedded#!

here's a link a to a really good newish documentary about medical cannabis.

Thanks for the link. I am watching it now. What is this documentary called?

 

[vta]

Mickey's the Greatest !

Mickey's the Greatest !

Word games never kept anyone out of jail
Posted by Mickey Martin

Triple Word Score?

So the debate rages on after Steve Deangelo dropped the “I do not believe in legalization of cannabis for recreational use” card on the final episode of Weed Wars. The Deangelo brothers have been called turncoats, hypocrites, and busters by America’s cannabis community for their inability to manage the message and willingness to throw the entire legalization effort out the window, in what one can only assume is an action of self-preservation under the attack of Federal pressure, and the pressure of being the new American TV sweetheart.

So then Steve tried to walk back his (and his brother’s) disastrous statements in major media outlets by stating this:

The term “recreational cannabis” was imposed from outside our movement. It’s time to define our own lexicon of cannabis. -Steve Deangelo

Is that what the fuck you were doing? Maybe that is what you should have said. Instead of saying “I do not support legalization of cannabis for recreational use,” you should have said “I do not like the term recreational.” And when you say “our” who exactly are you talking about? If I were to define my own “lexicon” of cannabis it would not be intertwined with the medical industry. The term “medicine” carries too much baggage in our society to deem all cannabis use as such. You may not like the term “recreational,” but that is the common terminology being used to define non-medical cannabis use.

So let us look at this evil word “recreation” that has been imposed upon us.

rec·re·a·tion/ˌrekrēˈāSHən/ (noun)- Activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.

Well I can see where your issue is. Your employees use cannabis for enjoyment WHILE working, so I can see why you do not like this terminology. I mean, when Terryn ate the edible in episode 4 while working he did not seem to be seeking health and wellness; nor when he sat there looking confused and messing up the ladies order did he seem well. He seemed confused and disoriented, while performing customer service…..so I can see how you think “recreational” does not fit because of the “not working” thing. But that does not seem to be the rub with you guys.

Here is what Andrew Deangelo said in a tweet that further confuses the situation:

Recreation is an activity, not a commodity. Try to ingest recreation, just try it. It cannot be done. -Andrew Deangelo

So this is where you want to hang your hat on this debacle? On the term recreation? So you are saying that because one cannot ingest “recreation” that your statement against legalizing cannabis for recreational use is somehow more valid or less offensive? I do not think so….under the same premise you cannot “ingest” health and wellness either. Just try it. It cannot be done. It is a state or condition…not a commodity. So what was the point you were trying to make again?

Word games never kept anyone out of jail. While you fuckers are over there dancing around the semantics of what is recreation and what is wellness, and if because recreation makes you feel well is it also medicinal and can we sell weed to anyone who wants to recreate because they are actually performing health and wellness activities?…blah, blah, blah. STFU! You cannot decide that you want to play word games in order to dance around the fact that you threw the entire legalization effort under the bus. America did not hear that you think recreational is a bad “lexicon.” What they heard is that you “do not support legalization.” That is it. You see…you actually have to change the lexicon BEFORE shitting all over it. You have to make the distinction between your displeasure with the term recreational and your preference for health and wellness; and on top of that, you have to get people to buy into that. NEWSFLASH: People are not buying into it.

Instead, you decided to shit on the term that most of America uses to describe non-medical and non-therapeutic uses of cannabis. The only impression that the public took away from the final message of your big show was “those guys do not support legalization.” They are not sitting there pondering your definition or disapproval of the word “recreational.” They heard the message….”DO NOT SUPPORT LEGALIZATION.” And that is a very dangerous message right now, as we inch closer and closer to that goal.

Look….I prefer the term “adult enjoyable use”; others prefer “social use” or “personal use.” The fact is that it is okay to like those terms and use them, but realize that this is not the term most people use. Me and my wannabe hipster friends call cars “whips”; but if I call my mom and say “Hey ma…I got a new whip,” she would politely respond with “what is a whip?” Why? Because this is not the common terminology most understood by wide portions of our society. We use the term “car” because everyone understands that. The same way everyone understands “recreational vs. medical” uses of cannabis…..well, everyone but you guys apparently.

You can continue to play the game of bullshit semantics if you like, but the fact is that you made a fatal error in your messaging. And instead of manning up and saying that you misspoke or were mistaken, you continue to take us on some unwanted field trip to the health and wellness factory that is Harborside’s dreamland. Instead of saying, “That is not what I meant,” you continue to try and convince us all that we are wrong and that your new found definition for being “whacked out on edibles” at a softball game is the right way to go. It just does not hold water and you guys should scrap the bullshit and stand up for what is right….legalization of cannabis for whatever fucking type of use you want…recreation, social, enjoyable, adult, health and wellness…whatever. We are grown ass people. We should not have to dance around some stupid word games to make people understand that legalizing cannabis is the right thing to do. You guys failed to bring that message. Your message instead was “Fuck legalization.” And that is what is so sad.

 

[gaiusmarius]

i can see the value of some of these arguments for sure. but when it comes down to it, word games are exactly whats keeping a lot of people out of jail in Cali right now.

of course it would have been better if Deangelo had spoken for legalization of all cannabis use. but man is a self preserving animal and can not be blamed for not wanting to be locked up for life. so while word games seem to be all that stands in the way of locking folks up, don't be shocked if people play those word games.

not trying to say the show was perfect or great, but if all you are looking for is the negative, that's all you will find.

 

[festivus]

One of the giants of the Medical Cannabis movement (Dennis Peron? sorry, memory issues ) hit the nail on the head by saying something to the effect of-
"All cannabis use is medicinal".

Recreational users get the same benefits as med users, regardless of the label.

 

[kmk420kali]

I can understand how people who are unfamiliar with my career, or my writing, could draw the wrong conclusion from one of the closing comments I made on Weed Wars: “I do not believe in legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes." I'd like to thank my old friend Steve Bloom for raising the issue in the post entitled, “Say It Ain’t So, Steve DeAngelo," and for providing me this opportunity to clarify my position.

Cannabis is one of the safes - possibly the safest - therapeutic substance known to mankind. As such, any and all criminal penalties against those who use it are unjust and immoral, and should have ended a long time ago. Furthermore, and for the same reasons, adult Americans should be empowered to make their own decisions about whether and how to use cannabis, in the context of a taxed and regulated distribution system. It's my personal view that people should (when possible) consult with their physician before using cannabis - or any other therapeutic substance. But I don’t think anybody should be subject to criminal penalties for failing to do so.

At the same time, it's my strong belief that our movement’s use of the concept and terminology of “legalization for recreational purposes” has caused us tremendous damage. Our opponents have used the term to paint us as unrestrained hedonists who advocate a society-wide lifestyle of self-indulgence. In the '80s, this kind of propaganda succeeded in undoing all the accomplishments our movement had made up till then - and kept us on the defense until medical cannabis reinvigorated the movement in the mid-'90s. But the anti-recreational propaganda left a bitter legacy of workplace urinalysis, housing discrimination, transplant denials, student-aid denials, interference with parent’s custodial rights and more horrors sadly still with us.

There was a time, before our discoveries of industrial hemp and medical cannabis, when an individual-rights argument was the main tool in the activist toolkit. Today, we have more compelling and effective reasons to advance for changing the laws than an individual's right to get high. The discovery of the endo-cannabinoid system has established a sound scientific basis for the incredibly widespread therapeutic efficacy of cannabis, and almost two decades of experience has taught us that the vast majority of cannabis consumers are using it for wellness purposes. In addition, dozens of public opinion polls have shown that Americans support medical cannabis in numbers far greater than “recreational” cannabis.

For me, all of this points us in the direction of emphasizing the use of cannabis for wellness purposes, rather than for “recreational" purposes. That’s why I've said I don’t believe in legalizing cannabis for recreational purposes - and still believe that. But I do believe adult Americans should be empowered to make their own health and wellness decisions about cannabis. Several months ago I released a paper, "Wellness Not Intoxication," in which I called on the movement to reevaluate its use of the recreational-cannabis concept.

However, since I’ve begun to advance the wellness strategy in the news media, I’ve learned it's vulnerable to creative editing. That’s what happened on Weed Wars, where Discovery editors kept in the one line about “legalization for recreational purposes," but edited out my other companion comments denouncing all criminal penalties, and calling for a regulated system of distribution.

Over almost 40 years of activism, my views have changed and adapted as I've integrated new experiences and new lessons into my outlook. None of us will do everything perfectly, every time. If we're lucky, we'll get it right most of the time, and be willing to admit and learn from those times when we didn’t get it right.

Looking behind, I recognize that I left myself open to creative editing and misinterpretation in advancing the wellness strategy. The experience has taught me it’s tricky to reduce that theory to sound bites, and I will need to craft my phrases with more precision in the future. I could see using an alternative like, “I believe all criminal penalties for cannabis are unjust, but think there are better reasons to advance for reforming the law than recreational use." So I'll head back to the workshop to better hone my tools of rhetoric, and make them more
impervious to misinterpretation.

I appreciate CelebStoner offereing me this opportunity to take another, closer look at my choice of language, and for us all to discuss the underlying issues. But I have to admit I was saddened by Steve Bloom's choice of language and allegations. I try to assume best intentions on the part of everybody in the movement, even when I disagree with their choice of strategy or terminology.

We, of course, should not shrink from constructive criticism of each other when needed; but our real enemies are so many, and so powerful, I think our movement needs to be very careful about unleashing forces of disunity. My hope is that this exchange can serve as the basis for a continued dialog on wellness and recreation, with all of us communicating in a more thoughtful and respectful fashion.

Meanwhile, the response from Weed Wars has been overwhelmingly positive. We've received hundreds of messages from ordinary Americans saying the show had changed their views about cannabis. Retired cops and schoolteachers, and PTA moms from all over the country have expressed their appreciation for the show, and told us how it changed their minds, and the minds of their friends and neighbors. Millions of Americans have been shown that cannabis can be safely distributed in a way that brings benefits to communities, rather than harm. That shift in consciousness is a huge plus for all parts of the now very diverse cannabis-reform movement.

A few factual corrections in Steve Bloom's post:

1. He's made millions selling pot to medical patients in California.

I have not made millions from Harborside, which is a non-profit, community-service organization. I make a salary like everybody else at Harborside - and only that salary. It's about one-third what I would make in a private company of comparable size and success. Every year, we submit our complete financial records to the City of Oakland, so they can verify our non-profit operations. Our permit has been renewed four years in a row.

2. Allegedly, a producer named Kylie Krabbe pitched the idea to Discovery in 2010. She lined up The Farmacy, based in Los Angeles, as the featured dispensary. According to her complaint, Discovery thought the concept was 'too edgy' for them and rejected her proposal. Then, lo and behold, Discovery inked a deal with Harborside instead. If that's true, it's really sleazy.

Discovery’s dispute with Kylie Krabbe is Discovery’s dispute alone. I never met Kylie or heard about her idea or knew anything about the lawsuit until I read about it in the news media.

3. Just last year DeAngelo proposed a legalization initiative for California. When Richard Lee beat him to it with Prop 19, DeAngelo pulled back and said he'd wait for 2012. Now it appears that he's not in favor of taxing and regulating marijuana for all uses any longer.

Regarding Prop 19, I initially argued against it going on the ballot, because it was clear to me it would not win in that election - not because I backed an alternative initiative. I never advocated for a different initiative in 2010. Of course, once Prop 19 made it on the ballot, I endorsed it and vigorously campaigned for it, as I would for any pro-cannabis initiative. And I am emphatically in favor of taxing and regulating cannabis.

I don’t think my willingness to support even those pro-cannabis efforts I have some disagreement with makes me a hypocrite. It makes me a principled pragmatist who's willing to support reasonable efforts even if they partially conflict with some of my ideas. I'll do the same thing again every time a measure to reduce or end criminal penalties for cannabis is on the ballot.

4. To his credit, DeAngelo and his then partner Eric Steenstra founded the hemp clothing line Ecolution in the mid-'90s. Unfortunately, business didn't go well and they soon closed up shop.

Ecolution was one of the foremost hemp companies in the world. After more than six years of success, in which millions of people were educated about industrial hemp, it was severely impacted by a general downturn in the hemp industry, which claimed well over 50% of existing companies. Having had enough of thinking about buttons and zippers, I decided to move to California and put my professional experience to work in the medical cannabis movement, rather than struggle through the downturn. Harborside reflects the same dedication to professionalism and excellence that made Ecolution a success.

http://www.celebstoner.com/201112309475/blogs/misc/steve-deangelo-responds-to-critics.html

 

[CannaBunkerMan]

While possibly blinded by semantics, I'm still willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. He heard the criticisms of his peers, and felt that it misrepresented his beliefs, and he's willing to explain why.

It's tough to claim altruism for a cause when you make money in the process. It's a tough balance that MANY of us face ourselves, although there seems to be some cronyism involved in where he funnels the nonprofit's profits. Is it really his decission who to hire for these alternative treatments? I'd say, screw the "alternative treatments", and donate all of the profits to NORML. Let NORML fund a PROPER reality TV show about the cause. If Keith Stroup produced a reality TV show, it would be done right.

 

[Hydrosun]

http://www.celebstoner.com/201112309475/blogs/misc/steve-deangelo-responds-to-critics.html

Great post. His attempt to "Clarify" his position makes me trust him even less than before

Sounding OK here:
"...adult Americans should be empowered to make their own decisions about whether and how to use cannabis"

"any and all criminal penalties against those who use it are unjust and immoral"

Falling off the boat here:
"...an individual-rights argument was the main tool in the activist toolkit. Today, we have more compelling and effective reasons to advance for changing the laws than an individual's right."

What can be more compelling than your natural born rights and freedoms? If you truly believe you are free and refuse to submit to any immoral slavery or despotism, then how can any argument be more compelling than fundamental freedom?

And then The Pot Calling the Kettle Black:
"Steve Bloom has made millions selling pot to medical patients in California."

"I have not made millions from Harborside, which is a non-profit, community-service organization. I make a salary like everybody else at Harborside - and only that salary. It's about one-third what I would make in a private company of comparable size and success."

Does anyone actually believe Steve D on this issue? I don't know what the exact truth is but my speculation is that Steve D would refuse to make less than millions because Steve D believes other's (like Steve Bloom) are out there making millions.

I don't begrudge anyone making money with cannabis, but the hypocrisy shown by Steve D doesn't sit well in my stomach. Why does it take three pages to clarify his possession on freedom? The answer is because Steve D is now part of the problem and cares more about "the context of a taxed and regulated distribution system" than he does about basic human freedoms.

Again Steve D is no leader of any movement, his words and actions demonstrate that he cares much more for his wallet than the freedoms of his neighbors (um, I mean the "patients" he fleeces at Harbor Side).

 

[Jellyfish]

i can see the value of some of these arguments for sure. but when it comes down to it, word games are exactly whats keeping a lot of people out of jail in Cali right now.

of course it would have been better if Deangelo had spoken for legalization of all cannabis use.

But nobody's even asking him to speak FOR legalization. Just not to speak out AGAINST it. And even if he did (speak out in favor of legalization), how would that automatically send him to jail?
When he says shit like that, it's like he's just doing a little extra, free ass-kissing to Big Pharma.

 

[gaiusmarius]

But nobody's even asking him to speak FOR legalization. Just not to speak out AGAINST it. And even if he did (speak out in favor of legalization), how would that automatically send him to jail?
When he says shit like that, it's like he's just doing a little extra, free ass-kissing to Big Pharma.

good point, that final statement against recreational cannabis use was a bummer, will not argue that with you.

as to the question of jail being more or less likely if he endorsed recreational use, don't you think a jury might be less inclined to accept the medical defense, if some one is on the record being for recreational use on national tv? still as you say at least he could have just shut up about recreational use.

 

[odogyouknow]

Was there a new episode on last night or what?

 

[gaiusmarius]

nah we are just beating the dead horse

 

[guest8905]

even in his rebuttal, SteveD does not mention legalizing anything. He pushes REGULATION, which any smart smoker will tell you in bullshit and no where near legalizing.

and of course he wants to regulate and tax it, he and his cronies are the ones who would benefit and it would push the regular grower or user or small collective out the door.

meh......

 

[Fat Tone]

What's the new episode about brothers??

 

[Mithrandir420]

i was also surprised about his "i dont support recreational use" statement....they need to emphasize states rights and individual freedoms more....thats why im torn on this show. i like how they are portraying it for the most part to mainstream america, but then i also know their sleazy background, their work with the ASA and don duncan, and their anti-mom and pop grower stance...harborside wants to take over the market and be the only ones who get to play. there is even a part in episode 2 where andrew deangelo is talking about competing with all those damn "bedroom growers"...


festival also looked lame...selling a bunch of carpets and other hippy shit. ICmag cup was way better!



i was thinkin the same thing...he needs to dose a half 8th of the goomies. i cant believe the camera guy didnt help him with his mistake of trying to freebase the pipe. and smoking with a lighter is so damn unhealty.....people need to get on the glowrod....i laugh when i see the owners of harborside still sucking down butane lighter into their bong hits...

I have read more than one thread on a few forums where this is mentioned, but no one seems to want to discuss it. IMO this is what people should be really talking about. I would like to find more info on the whole thing. Also on the ASA / DD / Davidovich / San Diego issues.

As for the show itself, I thought it was just more reality show tripe. Likely 99% scripted as they all are. Glad it only lasted 4 episodes.

 

[Gastro]

even in his rebuttal, SteveD does not mention legalizing anything. He pushes REGULATION, which any smart smoker will tell you in bullshit and no where near legalizing.

and of course he wants to regulate and tax it, he and his cronies are the ones who would benefit and it would push the regular grower or user or small collective out the door.

meh......

What on earth is wrong with regulation? It has to be regulated, just like alcohol. It is a simple fact that smoking harms a developing brain and therefore it is a communities responsibility to make sure it is not easily accessible for minors. And for course it is going to be taxed, it is a high in demand consumer product, any high in demand consumer product will eventually get taxed one way or another.