I'm too old to fool with pot. As it is right now, I'm having a hard enough time unscrewing the Prozac bottle....LOL! And keeping track of the of the heart medications is a full time occupation. Where was all of this when it could have done me some good? Sometimes an attempt at humor, however pathetic, can lighten things up.....And, sometimes, not......LOL

WOW! What a nice prescription for gettting a good nights sleep. I was twisting and turning all night long from back pains. With tingerlly fingers from slowing and blocked blood flow through the night. I got a hold of a none filtered, roll your own, camel cigerrette with the greenest tobacoo I've ever seen and smoked it to see if its medical functions were really true to relieve the pain that I was told it would do. My 3o, 33,34 year old children who have been rolling their own since before i knew it was right, told me, here dad ,here is some medicine that will make you sleep better throughout the night.I slept finally [after four years ]a good none twisting ,8 hour night ,with also no need to have to get up and pee in the middle of night .I guess the smoke must have absorbed the liquid side of me.I 've smoked just one camel a night for the last three nights now and don't even need to smoke the camel even to its hump and I'm ready for a good nights sleep. It works for me anyway. I'm glad I chose to be the guiney pig for this testing. I need to get some more of this kind of camels. I quit smoking cigerretts 15 years ago and now that Ive found a better brand ,I'll continue with one a night. Come on AMERICA! Wake up to finally legalize a common natural medication, that does work and finally get a good night sleep. Hasn't the states and feds. made enough money for fines from this one? Aren't us tax payers buy now feed up with paying taxes to continue feeding full jails and prisons who really did nothing wrong, with no where left to put the real crimanals? My doctores perscription --- Take three puffs in the evening just before bedtime, but do not do what president Billy did. You must inhale. Try it, you might be like Mikey, You might like it. NIGHTY NIGHT! Sleep tight.

Where does the"minister" get his pot if not from a dealer? Does he grow his own?

This is not what the local police are for. Bangor Police should not get into the middle of this. And the people of this so called church should be arrested when they meet and smoke dope. This Temple of Advanced Enlightenment is an excuse to smoke pot.

Okay I read thier website http://www.templegreen.org/ these people have totally lost it. They must have made up this website while they were on pot.

I'm with pcm2000 not what to police or for!!

I WONDER IF CHEECH AND CHONG ARE MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH

I still dont understand people that are against responsible us of canabis... This drug is less harmful and less addictive than either tobbaco or alcohol. On top of this the federal government spends millions of dollars a year to combat the single largest cash crop in the United States. If the prohibition of canabis was stopped, it could be taxed and help the governments budget in these hard economic times. Further more the prohibition of canabis was used to jail foriegn workers during the great depression. The US needs to stop being closed minded and stop the prohibition!

If you want to smoke pot, thats fine. But I believe this is the first time I have ever heard of a so-called church trying to get a license to distribute, and , to have the police be a part of it all! And to top it all off, this is all in the name of Religion!

Wow. This is the probably the craziest thing I have read in the paper.

This is a direct quote from this lunatic fringe website

"The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, 42 U.S.C. 2000, et seq., requires the government to permit the importation, distribution, possession, and use of a Schedule I hallucinogenic controlled substance when done so for religious purposes. Members of our Temple use cannabis as a religious sacrament; therefore, the members of “The Temple of Advanced Enlightenment” would be able to use, possess, cultivate and disseminate among other Temple members, cannabis as protected by International Law, the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, The Constitution of the State of Maine and in accordance with Divine Law".

What they fail to adhere to is the fact that the US Supreme Court overturned this act in 1997. Funny how they failed to mention that on their website.

WTF.....TELL ME, MY FRIENDS BIPOLAR MEDS ARE NOT WORKING TOO GOOD FOR HIM LATELY, WHERE CAN I FIND A CLERGY MAN THAT CAN WRITE A SCRIPT FOR HEROIN, THERE MUST BE ONE IN BANGOR SOMEPLACE? BANGOR DAILY SHOULD BE ASHAMED FOR ALLOWING STORIES LIKE THIS TO BE PRINTED IN THE PAPER. OK TO USE (ILLEGAL) DRUGS AS LONG AS YOU HAVE A SCRIPT.....WHY DOESN'T THE THE CLERGY MAN PUSHING THIS LINE UP AT ALL THE AREA HIGH SCHOOLS AND PASS OUT SCRIPTS LIKE CANDY TO THE KIDS?

Brooks its not like it is easy to get a prescription. Doctors do NOT hand them out like candy. This is actually not really a prescription. The people cannot go to a pharmacy and say "hey where is it". They actually have to find and purchase it for themselves. All the doctor can do is document it in their medical records and by law the doctor cannot get into trouble and the patient can prove if needed. This is not used for all types of disease or conditions. Generally, it is used for glaucoma, epilepsy, anorexia (no appetite) in cancer patients and certain other debilitating diseases.

Maybe your friend should go to a new doctor and try a different type of medicine.

Also, lets just put something into perspective. Pot is not a narctoic like heroin. It is a hallucinogen. People need to understand that. It is very mild and can do a lot more good than bad.

Pot is not a hallucinogen either, it's a psychotropic. It's not as severe a penalty to posess pot in Maine as it would be to have shrooms or acid. Maine is one of a few states that has decriminalized marijuana, meaning you can't really go to jail for it, you have to pay fines depending on how much you have. Maine passed the medical marijuana law sometime ago but never made any kind of mechanism for patients to get a "prescription" filled. In all reality, the state police or the DEA should be working with patients and interested parties to make this work because otherwise patients could technically be arressted for buying from a dealer. I think some time ago they were distributing the pot they had seized from raids and parties to patients but that's unsafe - you never know what kind of quality it is or if it's laced with something.

California has a good program (or had one until the feds came in to shut some shops down). A patient will get a card, go into a cannibis pharmacy and choose different types of pot and ways to ingest it...smoking, vaporizing, food, mouth spray, etc. The person in the shop actually has doctor credentials and can tell you what the different strains do and make suggestions depending on the ailment. This is documented in the movie "Super High Me," which actually was fairly educational in parts.

Can man really correct God's mistakes by making one of His plants illegal and trying to abolish it from the earth? I think not; God's creation will prevail over man's folly. These prohibition laws are just an excuse to hire more police and increase gov't parolls. We're all suckers for letting our tax dollars be wasted on this glorified babysitting that we call law enforcement and incarceration.

Juddy53 Maybe there is a reason that you've been denied 3 times for disability. As you stated in your comment "One in seven Mainers receiving food aid" Why don't you smoke a camel and get a job and you won't feel a thing...Then you wouldn't need disability and food aid. you might be able to afford a tank of LP

WOW MAAAAAAAAAAN!

PROHIBITION = BLACKMARKET = CRIME...LOOK AT HISTORY.

Marinol is in pill form of Marijuana, you do not as Mainahmom states have to find it yourself...If one does not know pharmacokenetics of a drug/prescription I suggest they study up before passing on information....

Marinol is marijuana in PILL form, it is the ONLY FDA approved marijuana substance. There are zero INHALED drugs approved by the FDA to date. Currently the FDA is looking into constructing a patch form and an inhaler form of marijuana such as the Marinol.

Marinol is used as an appetite stimulant in patients with Aids, Cancer, Anorexia as well as the Elderly significantly under weight according to BMI criteria. Marinol is also used for mild pain suppresant, is also used quite frequently for nausea after Chemotherapy and radiation. It is NOT a hallucinagen..it is a Psychotropic drug that required by State Laws to be locked up as a controlled substance....

It is given as a prescription by your physician IF you meet criteria for the drug!

Seriously, potheads and druggies need to stop trying to get ways to legalize marijuana...Stop making idiotic excuses to why it should be legalized for it is already LEGAL in PILL form...The difference???? YOU AREN'T INHALING OVER 400 DIFFERENT KINDS OF CHEMICALS...It doesn't take a Pharmacology degree to figure that out..It's called common sense!

To add...No I do not personally use this medication..I have given it to patients for many years..We also Studied the drug in college as part of our Pharmacology studies and recently attended an inservice on the upcoming possibility of inhaler/patch form. I'm not being judgmental, i just get irritated when people try to legalize crap for their own benefit...It is legal for people who MEDICALLY NEED it! Try thinking of the 10 year old with a brain tumor having their immune system wiped away from Chemotherapy and Radiation and how they vomit and the room spins for hours on end...This drug HELPS them!! They need it to survive...The local pothead stupored doofus smoking it to "relax" or to find "spirituality" what a crock of stupidity...

Not all medicinal cannabis is smoked. I love how opponants jump on this train. Most medicinal cannabis is made into tea, tinctures, oils or made into brownies or other treats. Sometimes it is ground up and placed in a capsule, just like herbal supplements.

We are in a unique position to be able to give free home care and free medicine to qualified Maine citizens in need. How could anyone not want that? Especially with a recession and almost certian budget cuts at the MDEA and many other social services like healthcare.

I wonder how many of these opponants would try cannabis if they believed it might save their life or the life of a loved one.

lol...ok hrdwkngmom...trust me honey I have taken many a course too and I do know about marinol. However, marinol does not have the same effect as smoking.

obviously by your attitude maybe you should try it sometime.

Really, there isn't much to debate here....Cannabis Sativa has been used for medicinal and spiritual purposes for a whole lot longer than we have considered it a "drug". The Native Americans used it for a multitude of rituals. Cannabis is even covered in the Holy Bible.(Genesis 1:29) Those who claim that this temple is merely an excuse to smoke pot are blinded by their own faith-based misconceptions. The people of this temple are not "lunatic fringe" or anything of that nature. These people are a union of multi-faiths who wish do do something good for the community. Why demonize that? Would you rather have all of your tax dollars go to a Methodone clinic, where they give junkies the ability to get their fix for free, but still enable them to be junkies? Or, would you rather have a group of honest, community-minded individuals helping these same people recover without the help of a manufactured chemical? I have met the Rev. Loring on many occasions, as well as several other members of the Temple. They are all decent, honest people. Demonize the pot all you want, but leave the finger-pointing out of it.

and. i never said i was not wrong about the hallucinogen part; however, most people always want to say it is a narcotic which it is NOT.

Sucking in over 400 chemicals into my lungs to eat, get fat, frumpy, and talk like a blooming idiot t o improve my attitude....HAHA..No thank you Mainahmom...I'm not getting clearer mental pictures of you...And I think you are a googler yahoo searching Marinol and adding your stupidity to these idiots...

You like sucking in over 400 chemicals into your lungs to improve your "mood" you have it it...Don't sit on here pretending you have knowledge of a Medication after you googled it...You're intelligent! And you don't take a course on Marinol...You have to actually attend Pharmacology Studies and earn a degree. Mental pics...wow...You really are something aren't you...Do you need directions to this wonderful Temple?? It's a freaking idiotic ploy to legalize something ALREADY LEGAL....Geez lady you are slow!

Actually hrdwkngmom i have taken pharmacology. No, i am not a nurse; however, i do have clases. you want to start in on me like you are something special. i never said one thing to you on this site...so, don't get me started. look in the mirror you dumb bitch before you start judging others. oh, wait, i forgot....you are soooooo much better than everyone else. you with your nursing degree and all! lmao

Temple green... YEAH I WANT YOUR ASS IN MY HOUSE PROVIDING MEDICAL CARE TO A LOVED ONE!!! THC is LEGAL just NOT the way YOU like it!! Get over it, you will never succeed and if you do....Well I'll pat ya on the back....You want it legalized for YOUR benefit to use it freely and you are using other means as a way to fight your self loathing battle!

never said i smoked either. i have studied up on marijuana though. in my classes. did research reports and had debates about it. it is kinda a big thing now a days. don't you have an important job that you need to attend? please tell me where you work so i never go there and never receive your care.

Temple green she can't help that she is close minded

oh one more thing hrdwkngmom...

I DO HAVE A DEGREE!!

never said i took a course on marinol. said that i have taken many a course too AND (read) know about marinol. not yahoo or googling. boy you really are something yourself. run people down like you are high and mighty when all you are are a self righteous close minded...do i really need to say it? I think people reading this will get the point.

Way don't you all sit down, have a good ole pow-wow / prayer meeting and talk it over, I'll say this much, if you get a room full of drunks together, you will have lots of arguing and fighting, due to the fire wate, if you get a room full of stoners, there will be lots of mello people, now throw in a dozen cookies, and yeah you might get a fight over who ate more cookies, but that's the extent of it. It's all in the perception of the beholder. Also, you don't see stoners driving like a bat of hell either.

Temple Green - I will have to respectfully disagree with your position on marijuana as it is in fact illegal. I do however, commend your desire to help those in our community who cannot help themselves. Is your congregation providing services to community members who do not desire medicinal assistance but do require help with chores and caring for themselves? Also, have you done anything to screen your congregation members whom you are sending out to care for the elderly or infirm? This is not to say that your members in particular need screening, but anyone, regardless of background or religion needs to meet certain qualifications to be sure they do not take advantage of or heaven forbid harm those they are caring for intentionally or unintentionally. Are you reimbursement for training programs like CNA courses to your members you are sending out? Unfortunately, a desire to help people is not enough to fully equip someone for this responsibility and you need to make sure you have fully considered all the consequences of this, substances aside. I don't want to question your motives, but if providing these services is to prove a point, or elevate your platform please consider that doing this will impact the lives of our most vulnerable populations, not just your own, and please find another way to promote your cause.

Haha Not self righteous or close minded..Simply stated you should NOT be giving WRONG medical information for others to read...I'v worked for the Same place for almost 14 years so I think I provide adequate care!

You name call as a means to make yourself feel better..I do not run people down, just you...Why?? Because you continuously post WRONG information and I post FACTS....You then get angry for the facts differ from your googled searches...

I am far from closed minded miss mouth...I agree wholeheartedly with the medical use of marijuana for those who MEDICALLY NEED IT....Given to them as a SCRIPT from their PHYSICIAN!!

The reason these people can't get LEGAL marijuana is for the mere fact they DON'T MEET MEDICAL CRITERIA!

So you bet your a#$ I think they are losers for using other means to get what they want for personal benefit!

You mainahmom just get soooo angry when others challenge your posts! If you don't want your posts challenged..Don't bother posting, simple as that!

And if you did take "courses" in Pharmacology...I would NOT want you distributing medications when you can't even correctly identify their classifications!!

A degree in what Mainahmom?? Judgmental name calling? That's so mature and articulate of you...

One day you may need the care I provide and if you knew a dang thing about my educational levels, and compassion...You'd probably be very thankful!

So keep on iin agreement with these fools that it is ok to use religion and clinically ill patients medical problems as a means for their self beneficial crap!

Oh and....Did I touch a nerve??

CALYPSO...Has an intelligent, compassionate, and articulate response to this "Temple" I think i like Calyspso..Kudo's!

Thanks hrdwkngmom ;). By exploiting religion as far as I'm concerned they will only hurt themselves, which is fine with me since they're all consenting adults, but pulling those who are lonely, sick, and hurting into a fight that's not their's is another story completely. I'm sure that the heartbreaking "what-if's" are weighing on you as well. I sincerely hope I'm wrong in my cynicism about this plan of theirs.

People do not need any new reasons to use weed. (religion) If they enjoy it that should be enough. This is a civil war that our own

government started against a lot of good people. Many people won't speak up because of fear but many others have never missed

a hit. They achieve their freedom through privacy.

I think a larger picture of the consequences are not only about the elderly, the sick and the terminally ill being vulnerable is also the risk of societies unpredictable monetary seeking dealers who we all know will take this as a way to get to their "people". The consequences of this can be dire for these monetary seeking pushers are out for one thing and that is the profit of their sale and the possibility that those purchasing the "deal" are not getting what they are purchasing, laced with whatever necessary to make the almighty dollar at the cost of anothers life.

Mainahmom, I think you are just as intelligent as I, I think in all reality we have the same thought processes on issues and I really dislike the fact it turns to argumentative postings. That is just not my personality. For future postings in wich I am sure we will agree as well as disagree...The name calling foul language is really not necessary...

Everyone has their opinions, it does not make them better or less of a person. We are human with the ability to utilize free speech.

I personally try to look into the entire scenario of a story before posting. Definitly not posting to agitate you.

The reason that the FDA has not approved marijuana is because there is no way for the pharmaceutic industry to make money off it. Once they came up with Marinol (the pill), the FDA got in line. I'd be interested to know how many of the people posting their opposition to marijuana as medicine are taking some other form of medication themselves. Keep in mind that Mainers are the top consumers of Oxycodone & Allens Coffee brandy in the world.

I'd like to know bangorian how many whom are "for" it are using other substances as well? Medications are what they are, prescription drugs. Marijuana is what it is, marijuana, illegal and disgusting.

o.k. everybody is talking like mj and spirituality is something new.What about my man Bob Marley,rastafarian not comedien...But don't be diss'n Marley either.

Who cares. the fact is it IS illegal now.... It will take a Majority vote to overturn that and it won't be happening anytime soon!

They are breaking the law, they should go to jail. Its that simple.

hrdwkngmom,

YOU are the one giving incorrect "medical advice". You might want to check out your pharmacology information and get a good grasp of pharmacokinetics before you pass judgment. And trust me, you really don't want to whip it out and compare qualifications with me.

Note that your body produces THC, as the endocannabinoid anadamine. You have mulitiple types of cannabinoid receptors in different systems of your body. The CB1 and CB2 receptors are well-understood and we are learning more every day about the CB3 receptors. Each has a function in the body, primarily in the CNS and PNS, but also in smooth muscle tissue. Do you find it interesting at all that our bodies have receptors for, and produce analogues to, the same chemicals in marijuana? Perhaps it is meant to be.

Yes, there are FDA approved inhaled drugs, get your facts straight. Even insulin is available in inhaled form. What you meant to say was that there are no FDA approved SMOKED drugs. The FDA, however, IS running clinical trials on marijuana vaporizers which heat, but not burn cannabis, thus eliminating potentially carcinogenic substances. It is also interesting to note that clinical research has FAILED to support that smoking cannabis increases cancer risk. It is, however, supported by science that the antitumorgenic properties of cannabis compensate for the teratogenic effects. Smoking is also not the only, nor is it the "best" way to use whole cannabis. Vaporizers or extracting the active ingredients into butter or cooking oil are both safer alternatives.

Also, Marinol is NOT marijuana, it is only synthetic THC--one of the many bioactive compounds in cannabis. In fact, CBD (another cannabinoid in marijuana) may have more therapeutic effects than THC does. It is especially useful for spasticity and involuntary muscle contractions as in MS, Crohn's, Parkinson's, etc. There is firm scientific evidence to support that whole-cannabis is far more effective than Marinol in nearly all illnesses. Bayer (of Bayer Aspirin) and GW Pharmaceuticals uses whole cannabis extracts in their prescription medication, Sativex. It has shown to be far more effective than Marinol with fewer side effects. Unfortunately, it is only available by prescription in England and Canada (Germany was pending last time I checked).

If you doubt the effectiveness of real cannabis compared to Marinol, take a stroll into CancerCare of Maine and ask around in the waiting room from people undergoing hellacious chemotherapy. When truly dangerous prescription drugs and Marinol fail to keep them from vomiting, good old mary jane usually works. Or check with people suffering from severe Multiple Sclerosis. Their only other options are taking prescriptions KNOWN to cause cancer.

Perhaps the Reverend's plan isn't the ideal solution, but the subject does need to be visited and our current law revised so that those 75+ year old ladies at CancerCare that are unable to tend a garden of their own can get something that makes their life better and also increases the liklihood that their chemo will be successful.

Actually, in the case against the UDV, the use of their substance DMT was "infact" illegal becuase their was no written exemption like the Native American Church has for it's use of peyote. This proves that spiritual use IS protected. The supreme court granted a permenant injunction against the DEA for interfering with their beliefs. Religious Freedom doesn't mean you get a license to harm everyone around you. But responsible, respectful and sincerely religious people have always had equel protection, no matter what the laws.

Our website provides more than adaquate research into our culture and philosophies. Actual archeological evidence of cannabis being smoked in a pipe with tobacco was found in Canada and predated Columbus by nearly a decade. The Native Indigenous peoples never knew boundaries like International Borders.. There are also several indigenous tribes in Central America that use Cannabis, but they call it Santa Rosa, they've been doing it for hundreds of years.

Would we prosecute all the Churches that helped move slaves north to freedom becuase they broke "the laws" as well.

The Supreme Court has alkso spoken on the topc of States rights. Maine's medicinal marijuana law, A VOTER INITIATIVE outweights legislative law becuase it is enacted by the people. Maine's medical marijuana laws outweight federal legislative laws. Period, it's been decided.

And yes, We have put trremendous thought into just how volunteers should be trained, reimbursed, and screened. We do not want to harm anyone. This medical project could take well over a year to properly and responsibly implement.

As for my spirituality and the practices of the Temple. We have an age limit of 18 to join the Temple, this is a reflection of a PARENTS right to choose what is best for their children. Our religious arguments are based on historic events, court cases and laws. We are well within our rights to practice privately as we choose. As far as I am concerned, I already have a treaty with nthe United States, it's called the CONSTITUTION. If the DEA or anyone else wants to violate my civil rights and break that treaty, then I am prepared to make a peaceful stand.

We have more than a handful of lawyers nationwide and supporters from around the globe. The Temple will never implement a medical marijuana plan without the co-operation of the State of Maine and it's citizens. I wish good will and peace to all.

We also have police posted inside of schools to protect children. We have cops that donate time to the D.A.R.E. program. Would it be for bad if they spent an hour watching sick people collect medicine? Would it be so bad for everyone else in the State to have a sense of security that someone is onsite to ensure public safety?

Thank you Temple for the clarification. Although I am still in a different school of thought regarding spirtuality, it does unburden my mind to know that you are taking precautions to protect the community you hope to serve. God bless.

Like, oh WOW!, man... Bring it on.

Hi Hardworkingmom, I have to say that I agree with you whole-heartly, thanks for your knowledge on this matter. You are right about the potheads trying to get this crap legally, that's a joke. people don't take the potheads seriously and why should they! We need more people like you that know exactly what they are talking about to teach all of us , again thank you. Have a awesome holiday season!!! :)

KEEP GOD AND RELIGION OUT OF POT -- GIVES POT A BAD NAME. Pot is good, religion/god is bad.

hrdwkngmom, I also work in the medical field, and could not agree with you more, this is just a way of having thier dope and smoking it too.

Hmm, if you two moms "work in the medical field", have you ever heard of evidence-based-practice"? Because what you both are saying is not only not fact-based, it also goes against scientific and medical evidence. Thankfully neither of you are my practitioner. And thankfully there are numerous oncologists and neurologists in the area that understand when a natural product has higher benefits, lower risks, and is more effective than many pharmaceuticals.

If I really wanted to just sit and "smoke dope" I would not stand up and be heard, I would go hide and "smoke dope". This isn't about me, it's about helping people that need it, either spiritually or medicinally. Our grandchildren deserve to inherit more than just debt and disease. Thanks for all the support everyone! I'll be headed to Augusta soon to speak with the Senate and House of Reps.

Well to whoever you are above that says my pharmacology is wrong...I said (read again) Marijuana is NOT legal in inhaled form, only pill form...Did not say other drugs...Marijuana is INHALED..Hello..Smoked or not you INHALE...

Yes you are right about the difference in pill form/Inhaled...I also said..THE DIFFERENCE IS THE 400 CHEMICALS in marijuana ARE NOT in the Marinol...Hmmm...Guess I am wrong there as well....

Studies and statistics show that Marinol actually has a greater effect than inhaled marijuana and FACTS show that patients who only inhale enough marijuana to snide off n/v and pain STATE THEMSELVES that Marinol has a greater effect that is why THEY choose to SMOKE it not SWALLOW it!

If you choose to Challenge my knowledge that's your choice.

Although Marinol is not a CURE for N/V it is used in conjunction with other medications to ease the side effects of Chem and Radiation. It is not used alone as a cure.

It is also not used alone for Anorexia/AIDS or underweight ederly, it is used in conjunction with other medications such as Meg-ace, an increase in caloric intake, supplements and close monitoring.

Not a quick fix or a cure! Nor is it the right choice for everyone!

The fact is the medication is legal and prescribed to those who medically meet the criteria.

So to justmehere...Read the posts..SMOKING MARIJUANA REQUIRES INHALATION!! And as far as comparing qualifications...I never posted qualifications, never professed to be qualified to opinionate..They are fatcs... facts I did not have to Copy and Paste...

The point being made or put out there I should say, for I don't think I make a difference in any post on the BDN is that these people are using religion to get a drug legalized that is already legal..Just not the way they want it to be..They are not Physicians, Oncologist, Neurologist or anyone other than an average Joe...

If you put an Oncologist on the Bangor Daily News to testify to the fact they feel INHALED Marijuana should be legal...I may have a different OPINION...You can't produce that...What we have here are the everyday average pot smokers who want to pass out pot and smoke it freely without consequences...

Tell me Templegreen...What's your terminal illness? What is your medical diagnosis? First you come to the BDN and use Spirituality as your baseline for your fight...Now you use the terminally ill...Hmm....Wonder what the next excuse will be for your self beneficial fight!

And to justmehere..Sounds like you are a Pharmaceutical Sales Rep..And if not copy/paste info above...I'd love to hear more of your knowledge for I personally think that ones knowledge in Pharamacology can never end...maybe you could teach me something I have yet to learn!

And one last comment...I love my career, I enjoy every minute I spend in my career, I have dedicated proudly the last 14 years to my employer as well as every single patient I have ever come into contact with in my last 16 years in this field! I think those who make statments such as the ones "hoping" to not encounter my care or the care of the others above are down right wrong....Just think...I could be the one caring fot your family member as we speak..You could have already come into contact with myself or the others above and seen first hand the care that is given...Who knows I may be the one who performs a life saving proceedure on you or a family or friend.

I take pride in my career choice, I will also say that I do not hold all knowledge the world has to offer..BUT...The above article will always be a bunch of crap! So think for one minute...You could have already experienced my care or the care of those above and I truly feel you are wrong to make such a statment.

And happy Holidays to all!

Bangor Police should have zero interaction with this, they could use their officers to nail speeders on Broadway and red light runners on Union Street, a bit more important right now then having them oversee someone give out pot to people legally allowed it.

Man if i had a dime for everytime this kind of stuff come up, I wouldn't need to rely on my 401k when my time is up.

hrdwkngmom, Why do you feel so fiercely that my sincere beliefs are somehow wrong? I am directed by my conscience and my heart. Any spiritual leader wants to help people lead fundamentally better lives, they want to heal the sick and lead by example. Where would our world be without compassion? Natives American especially believe in the healing power of naturally occuring plants and herbs. The Supreme Court even recognizes a Rastafarians right to a religious use defense. One thing I will say though, you have many excellent yet debatable points. I respect your opinion and your honesty. You have helped bring more people to our side in support of our rights, than any other. Thank you for helping bring light to both sides of this debate. And as far s doing this without consequence, please think again. The consequences of being responsible, tolerant and honest are way too high for your average "stoner".

hrdwkngmom, Why do you feel so fiercely that my sincere beliefs are somehow wrong? I am directed by my conscience and my heart. Any spiritual leader wants to help people lead fundamentally better lives, they want to heal the sick and lead by example. Where would our world be without compassion? Natives American especially believe in the healing power of naturally occuring plants and herbs. The Supreme Court even recognizes a Rastafarians right to a religious use defense. One thing I will say though, you have many excellent yet debatable points. I respect your opinion and your honesty. You have helped bring more people to our side in support of our rights, than any other. Thank you for helping bring light to both sides of this debate. And as far s doing this without consequence, please think again. The consequences of being responsible, tolerant and honest are way too high for your average "stoner".

Hmm, well I didn't "cut and paste" anything and the last thing I would ever be is a pharmaprick. I happen to be a research physiologist. But anyways, inhaled cannabis is legal in the state of Maine with a prescriber's recommendation. Plain and simple in the lawbooks. Additionally, patients without a specific verbal or written recommendation are also afforded an affirmative legal defense if it is documented that they suffer from certain conditions such as cancer, MS, Crohn's, glaucoma and others. There are plenty of oncologists, neurologists, GE's and other prescribers in the Bangor area that do give such recommendations to their patients. A few that I know have even treated their own family members with cannabis with great results. When they have watched everything else fail, they learn from their desperation. That is how I learned--the hard way. When phenergan, Zofran, and steroids failed, mother nature succeeded in both drastically reducing n/v and tremendously increasing appetite. Enough that the next 3 rounds of carboplatin and VP-16 yielded no vomiting after the infusion period. Weight loss not only stopped but reversed until pt. regained 90% of pre-chemo body weight, thus regaining nutrition, strength, and constitution. Not many beat SCLC in the end, but it sure made the ride out a lot longer with a far better quality of life.

Also note that I mentioned oil extraction of cannabis into cooking oil or butter. Those are not inhaled, they are ingested. Longer duration of effects, although titration is more difficult. Vaporization does require inhalation, however there is no smoke, thus no carcinogens. Clinical trials show that most marinol users that try whole cannabis prefer the whole cannabis due to the side effects. Marinol is pure synthetic THC with high psychoactive properties. The CBD in cannabis (a legal chemical by the way) actually moderates the THC from cannabis. In effect, it is "anti-THC". In practice, what a high CBD content does is minimize the undesirable psychoactive effects while still allowing hippocampal effects stimulating appetite and reducing nausea.

As for pain control, cannabis is more effective (yes, clinical trials in England at University College Medical School) on neuropathic pain than morphine. There are other trials supporting this and others that contradict it, but in some cases the pts were likely to be suffering from true central pain which is effectively untreatable short of sedating into unconsciousness. I'm sure you have seen that opiates are often less than ideal for real neuropathic pain, that is why they use adjuvants like neurontin or tricyclic antiD's to help. Since cannabis (probably the CBD in it) works on the CB2 receptors in the PNS, they do help alleviate the burning and electrical sensations. Tha is one of the largest sources of relief for MS patients also, all without taking drugs that stimulate tumor growth and make you feel like you have severe flu for 3 days per week.

Don't forget that both the ANA and the AMA campaigned hard against the ridiculous removal of cannabis from the US Pharmacopia back in the 30's and 40's. Cannabis had a longer track record or safe and effective use than opium and opiates.

Just keep your mind open and hope you never have to learn about this the hard way. Quite frankly, it sucks.

Well Templegreen...I disagree with your approach..I disagree with the use of religion and terminally ill. You are entitled to your beliefs but I ask you what your credentials are that make you think that you in any way have the ability to care for the ill? you have no credentials...Even I with a medical degree would not enter a home and provide medical care unless responsible through emergency need.

If you want to help your community, there are so many people in this town who need help, spiritually, financially, and emotionally. There are so many homeless walking the streets in freezing temperatures....Why not start a blanket drive? A boot drive?? A winter coat drive?? Why not start a community of folks like yourself to make sure the elderly in this city have their needs met??

There are so many children in these Bangor Schools that are behind in their schooling for so many programs have been cut, teachers are forced to manipulate 31 children into a class and teach them for 6 hours leaving little or no time for extram help...Start a peer group of tutors to help these children to educational success!!

Your fight to legalize what is already legal..Well it doesn't help the thousands in this state who are in dire need of community service volunteers!

Have you ever entered a Nursing home where you see 5 elderly women sitting in the hall with their heads down? Have you ever wondered why their heads are hung low? They are lonely, they have little to nothing to occupy their time....Ever thought of organizing a group to enter the local hospitals or nursing homes in town to either visit, casually say hello, or even be the caller for a bingo game?

If you had a fight for something beneficial i would have no issies, If you were fighting fr a cause I would have no issue....I just truly believe in my heart that your fight is for self benefit....That is my opinion and my thoughts. If I had a family member that was ill or dying and smoking marijuana was prescribed by their physician....I would have no issue for the physician knows what they are doing..Atleast I would hope....But...You are not a medical professional, You are not an oncologist, you are an average everyday citizen of this city...

You write as though you are very articulate...Put it to good use...

I am not a judgmental person...I am although very opinionated and blunt with my thoughts...I do not feel as though I am better than anyone on this earth for I myself are an average joe...I feel I gain knowledge from every person i come into contact with...I am sure I will learn something new from you...BUT..I strongly disagree with your fight....I feel you are wrong...

Seriously hrdwkngmom,

Do a simple journal search and you'll find plenty of credible and authoratative research on the subject. The neuroscience and oncology journals are a good start as are JAMA, NEJM, etc. The Institue of Medicine and the National Academy of Sciences have also published good works on the subject. Even the ANA has a position paper on furthering cannabis research. Don't let the dealers and recreational users color your opinion of something with real effectiveness, no potential for fatalities, no known interactions, and mild to moderate and transient side effects.

Trust me, Jackson Lab doesn't breed/engineer mice specifically for cannabis research just for the hell of it. The science is real.

"Dave ain't here man."

Justmehere...I understand what you are saying..you failed to understand the point I was trying to make. I feel this temple or whatever it is started out using religion as their basis, it then turned to medical necessity. I have always been intrigued with Homeopathic Pharmacology and would choose to use something earthly derived for myself and my children...But..I still feel 100% against the use of religion and others terminally ill factors by an average eveyday person who has no credentials, no basis for their fight.

I have seen first hand what pain can do to the lives of families. My sister, my best friend was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis at the age of 7, I watched her in agony throughout our childhood and would have given anything to stop the screams in the night, to take her pain away and to not watch her live in a hospital hooked to MSO4 pumps for days to weeks on end...Then came the infamous Methadone in wich I took a larger stance upon than this for I was truly against the thought of her being on methadone for the thought of her being looked at as an addict from outsiders who had little to no knowledge of her illness...She weighed 80 pounds, could not care for her children, lost her business, could barely walk...Methadone saved her life and brought her back to the person we all knew, she is wonderful, doing great now and it has been a god send for the last several years...So I do know first hand of watching someone in agony...I simply am saying that if these Physicians felt it was beneficial and the side effects were less than the prescription drugs and they felt strongly of their findings, they would be fighting tooth and nail for their patients benefits..I do not see that, I like I said see average people without Medical degree taking a stance to fight for something I truly believe is beneficial to them...

Thank you for your knowledge, I will be sure to take a look at a few things for honestly, educating yourself is an everlasting process...Good Night..

hrdwknmom you need to find a joint somewhere and smoke it and get a good nights sleep. apperantly after hours of you doing your medical duties you go to the computer and blab off with your mouth about things you do know nothing about, such as pot and foodstamps for two to start with. If you have a job with plenty of money that you don't need food stamps grace be for you you rich bitch. If you have never smoked pot ,to relieve some of lifes thrown at you troubles and take me downs [such as youself] than perhaps you need do only medecine, work hard, stay away from the computer, and most of all keep your mouth shut with all of your gestures and opinions about the two.

The Temple Green individual is correct. You are helping him to be heard better on this issue by getting more people changing their thoughts about pot only with all your negitism against it and your sounding to me like you believe your s------ don't stink. Maybe you need wiff your fingers after a wiping! You need to take your medicine bag to icheke[ref.to 12/9/08 at 12:38 PM] with a green weed camel in it and find for the both of you that it does not put you to a point where you don.t feel a thing.

CalyPso why do you want to think that pot is illegal. Isn't everything in life illlegal as long as the politics ,government, and the law think they have the right to rule the lives of people to tell us what we can and can't do, have or smoke.? Isn't that a living form of communissum? Or am i wrong on that as well. That just because this is great America that the civilized government has the right to set standards of living for its people. Again sounds like dictation to me.If I'm not mistacken wasn't it America who went to iraq to take out a dictator and had him put to death? That is all this pot issue is about , so the politics can charge one a fine of $800.00 for growing a greenbud tree in their own back yard.Maybe America needs to change its ways of thinking ,by letting American people go back to making their own choices to what they believe is best for themselves ,without dictation and fines for something that should be by choice not by law.

RealCherry I agree with you for the most part. Yes! do keep GOD and religeion out of pot issue.God put it here for its use ,as well as the pork of a pig for all mankind. It's the dictating American government that says its something we can't do. I do agree Pot is good! BUT you must agree god is not bad ,GOD is good.There I go ,dictating to you what i think you should believe.

Thank you Juddy53.....I don't mean God is all bad, I just mean people do bad things in the name of God, I bet more people have died fighting over god than pot, that's all. I do like God, I was just being fecicious.

Oh juddy you just proved that in all aspects of life you are a disgrace..

Woo hooo I'm rich..I guess I missed that! Geez, guess I shouldn't be trying to figure out how I will pay for oil this month! Wonder what I am doing with all my riches while I am in the grocery line with a mere 100.00 to feed a family of 4! Guess my working full time with overtime and volunteering 3 hours of my day to a 94 year old in need, working the Food bank every friday for 3 hours to help the church is just a means to show my bitch side...

I guess in my self righteou shit don't stink bitch attitude I shouldn't be staying awake till 11pm to go pick a friend up from work to take her home so she is safe every night she works is just another way I show my ignorance...

I have had MORE than my share of hardships in this world, I have had MORE than my fair share of termoil and dismay for you and I both! I choose to make a difference for others who are unable to make difference for themselves....I don't need to smoke marijuana to feel better..

Seriously..That kind of ignorance and disgusting remarks..I have wasted time to dignify with a response!

Juddy...Only in grace would the next joint you smoke happen to be laced with something that makes you vomit for hours and shit your pants!

HWM that is disgusting! Is that what you call a dignified response?

Pooping in your pants is not fun, but it does give you a warm feeling. Whoops i said poop..

That's called a disgusting response....Point I am making by doing that is that just because someone disagrees with anothers thoughts or opinions..Does it give the right to be so down right disgusting?? No it does not. It shows immaturity and lack of charachter...So I posted that comment on purpose..You seem to find what I wrote not to your liking...But...You seem to enjoy reading name calling, charachter bashing nonsense that reflects ones opinion of another and not on the subject at hand...So..Yes disgusting...Done as a way to make a point!

hardwknmom apears to me from what all of the kindness that you are doing throughout all days and nights I need wonder how you have so much free time to respond by criticizm to many issues as you do on the computer. How are you going to pay for this months oil bill? I'll play the part of dear Delouise. answer;;; pawn off the computer today and call the computer sender a disconnect notice to your computer line. This will give you many dollars to pay for the fuel.

You do not like others comments or opinions...Oh well...That's your right...You choose to be a disgusting being and respond to things with a disgraced charachter..Your choice...I choose otherwise.

I didn't need a joint for that to happen. It just happened by my reading your comment.,and SteveyDee is correct, It Does Give Me a Warm Felling, but vomiting you up didn't taste good. gotta go now, need to clean my britches.

Despite personal beliefs, I would never place myself in the care of professionsals who were not open to EVERY possiblity that could save my life or enhance the quality of my life while I die. What would you do hrdwkngmom if you found yourself careing for a patient that used medicinal marijuana? Take it away and scold them? Are you so bold as to decide what is or is not appropriate when it comes to a patients right to choose?

The fact is... smoking pot is illegal whether we agree with it or not. There are lots of things that are illegal that I don't necessarily think should be, but that doesn't give me the right to pick and choose which laws I will obey. I do strongly believe that the gov't has its hands in places it doesn't belong in attempts to legislate morality and common sense. The only way to solve the problem is to elect officials who will shrink gov't (the difficulties of that are a whole separate issue). It has taken hundreds of years for the gov't to be able to exert this level of control and it may well take hundreds of years worth of dedicated citizens to undo it. We live in a democracy and thus to a certain extent we all have to take responsibility for our gov't including its laws. Just breaking laws you don't agree with is not the answer. It appears that Temple Green understands this as well since he is using the proper channels to stand for something he believes in, although I still don't agree with the cause (or continuing to break the law) if we all had the same level of commitment to our beliefs that Temple does we could actually create some real changes in the direction of the country. And for the record... name calling and judging people's lives which you know nothing about does not make your arguements for effective, quite the contrary actually. Assuming we are all educated adults, some of the behaviors I've seen since reading BDN posts are not exactly constructive to say the least.

As for my qualifications, I'm a Native American by blood, grew up on a reservation, was taught in a Native American School. I grew up Baptist and went to Sunday School until the age of 16. Native Americans are a tad differant than other religions, cultures, theologies. We are a people linked to our life experiences here on this blessed Mother Earth. We are connected to everything that is natural and live in harmony with our surroundings. For every illness there is an herb to cure it.

If people really understood Native American Culture, we wouldn't be killing our planet every day. Becuase I belive that we have Federal protection for our spiritual use. Maine patients are only protected on a State level. Which is why we feel we can be of help on this issue.

Why would anyone think that as a Temple we are not concerned for the homeless? That we do not care for the hungry? These are shallow cheap shots at best. I think some people might be scared they would be out of a job. I don't know too many people in this State that believe medicare or Mainecare adaquately provide for their needs. My grandmother is 85, is missing a leg and has a list of ailments too long to list. What kind of qualifications do I need to make her a meal? What kind of certificate do I need to help her clean her house or remind her when it's time to take her meds? What course should I go sign up for that will allow me to converse or play a game of cribbage? We are not trying to replace professional staff members who are desperately needed. Real care giving takes more than a hypodermic needle and nifty name tag. Doctors and Nurses have their place, but so do the patients and their duly chosen personal care givers.

> To make a meal you should know if she has any dietary restrictions... and what if she doesn't know which meds to take, which prescriptions are new, which are old, etc. I know your heart is in the right place, but I thought you agreed that you must first equip and screen your congregation members before sending them out

And yes, We have put trremendous thought into just how volunteers should be trained, reimbursed, and screened. We do not want to harm anyone. This medical project could take well over a year to properly and responsibly implement. - your quote

i smoke everyday, i work everyday, i own my own house. i just dont understand why i'm looked at as a bad person when i do absolutley nothing wrong. what can I do to get marijuana legalized? not only for myslef but for everyone. idk this just seems ridiculous.

Ahh yes the old Marijuana for depression prescription; that should cover just about everyone. My parents want me to move out of the basement, I had a hard day at work, I got a speeding ticket...please Doc maybe if I just had a few joints my life would be better. The truth of the Dislightened Ones is coming to be seen. Only long-haired Hippy people need apply. Sorry boss cant make it to work today, im sad and will be smoking pot all day.

Oh well if anything good happens from this atleast it got a bunch of stoners to read the paper.

hrdwkngmom is a disgraceful liar spouting off from her moral high horse. I love the FOUR HUNDRED CHEMICALS mantra you keep repeating. How dumb are you? I'm glad you struggle to feed your family of 4. You deserve nothing more.

Why is it that I am the only one who gets bashed when SOOOOO many others post the EXACT same thing??? You ignorant people are just that..Ignorant...

You think it's moral to state I deserve to struggle to feel my family and my children deserve nothing more?? You ignorant piece of trash??

Let me tell you something...I struggle to feed my family for my youngest child endured 2 years of agonizing medical treatment........We were left with over 100,000.00 in medical bills after our TWO insurances paid their portion!!! You piece of trash! I work 2 jobs, their father works 60 hours a week..I worked on little to no sleep for 5 months, lye awake at night with a small child in agony in a caged crib in a portland hospital, my husband busted his rear to work as many overtime hours as he could, I re arranged my work schedule to fit trips to Portland, Augusta and Boston for medical treatment.All the while working long overnight hours and weekends and trying to manage life in the midst of termoil!!!!!!! You are truly pieces of trash who think it's funny/appropriate to bash people into the ground!!!

I for your information am a Cardiac Critical Care nurse with a degree in Pharmacology, I also work at home late nights doing Medical Transcription, as well as holding a degree in Child Development.

You want to know where my money goes??? 730.00 a month goes to medical bills to 4 different hospitals, my income tax...I deposit the check and write another to the medical bills! On top of that we have 2 children to house, clothe and feed.....Our 401K's...Well mine was taken out so I could pay off the local Affiliated lab as well as the Endoscopic surgery, the PH Probe proceedures, the endless RAST testing and to a Formulated Milk from the United Kingdom to feed my child at the cost of 40.00 a can 3 times a week!

I pay of my hospital bills for if it were not for the endless care given to my child, he would not be here today!

You pieces of crap..Have you ever held your child for hours, rocking them in a ratty broken recliner in a hospital 4 hours from home with a tube down his nose, IV in his head??????

YOU WANT TO KNOW HOW I MANAGED TERMOIL? I TURNED TO THE LORD, I TURNED TO OUR PASTOR AND THE CONGREGATION FOR PRAYER!!!

I DIDN'T HAVE TO COME HOME AT 5 AM AND SMOKE A JOINT TO TAKE AWAY THE AGONY OF LIFE!!!!!!!!

YOU ALL CAN TAKE YOUR NAME CALLING IGNORANCE AND WASH AWAY YOUR BAD DAYS WITH A JOINT!

lol...wow..my side job is medical transcription too hardworking mom; although, i have a business management degree.

other than that. quit the pity party. we all have struggles and you got everyone mad at you. take the wrath.

Funny is it not? I find humor in a family living in termoil from illness..I guess my children and family deserve a life as such because I post comments others do not agree with....It is far from a struggle...It is something you can never imagine enduring until you are forced to live it....You called me the judgmental B....Hmmm....I think you are cold hearted, and ignorant people who have hearts of Stone....

You will suffer your own wrath one day...I sure do hope you can handle it when it smacks you in the face! You enjoy your marijuana legalization debate.

This place is starting to sound like another "Temple" from a few years ago. Somebody better take a closer look at them before they start passing out the Kool Aid!

Like I said last week on a post: The problem is that people write/talk on these blogs with their hearts and it taints their minds. This temple has caused nothing but hatred for my countrymen and women; if only there was something I could ingest to make everything all better......

i don't think it is funny you have (had) a sick child. i love children. have two of my own. one, like i told you in previous times has epilepsy. and you proceeded to tell me shouldn't (since i work in a hospital) have the best health care and that i don't need to worry about the hardships of money and now you expect people to feel horrible for you and say that you had to pay $$$ for your child's issues....and....to top it off....you work as a nurse and side transcriptionist. you should be the one with the "wonderful" health insurance.

i'm sure many feel horrible for your child. but, you however, also need to realize that everyone has tough times. you don't seem very genuine or sincere. you may do all that you say, but that doesn't make you a nice person. it could be just what you want people to think of you. yet, when you get on here no one knows you so you can be who you are without fear.

i, too, have used the lord for many an issue. my marriage fell apart in a matter of weeks. i lost a baby in those weeks. i survived a fire in those weeks. and i moved half away from everything i knew in those week. i know what hardships are. i had two children that i had to tend to all the while. and, i managed to do it with the lords help. not the churches or the pastors. more like my bedside. i would sit in my room and ask him why he did this to me? why on earth did you put me through all of this heartache? i would talk and talk to him in quiet places while my children were sleeping. now, years later...i know why he did it to me. he did it to make me stronger. he did it to make me better. he wanted me to learn from it. i have. you have. we all face stuff. you can't go acting like what you face is tougher or worse or no one else understands. people do. people who smoke pot i am sure you come across on a daily basis and i am sure if you got to know one of them before you knew they smoked you would like them after you found out. people on here post things because they can. they say things to get others going. you do it. i do it. its human nature. you just need to show compassion sometimes and you don't...ever.

that is your lesson for the day.

When did this turn into a soap opera? Can we please get back to Captain Gateway and his band of sickly dime-baggers?

WOW!

Taking care of my gram isn't anything like what would be provided to anyone under this proposed program. I'm just pointing out some of her needs and some of the similarities. Care takers don't spend the entire day drawing blood and performing highly skilled operations under in-home circumstanses. IF we can get people to simply work together, training could be obtained, safety could be safeguarded. Only by working together do these things become possible.

HardWorking mom, I will come to collect that pat on the back someday. I gaurantee it.

Well Mainah_mom..AKA BETHANY..Who changed her posting name to bash in another form as another person..I said nothing of YOU in prior postings..You simply took them as an attack upon yourself...I do not attack anyone's charachter or hardships, nor do I wish pain and suffering be inflicted upon those whom i don't agree with.>As YOU yoursel have done many times...

You ATTACK every post I make for your resentment of my opinion on another post...

This arcticle is about legalization of marijuana for the "Temple's" reasoning. I did not in anyway to my knowledge attack anyone's charachter other than stating it was MY FEELING the Temple was grasping at ways to legalize an already legal substance for their means of benefit..

I did not attack them in any way, I infact stated to "temple" that I am sure I could learn something from him for I learn something frome EVERY person I meet from all walks of life!!

You were given my e mail several times to use freely if you wish to bash me, my parenting, my work ethic..You chose not to utilize that option..You choose to attack me on EVERY post on EVERY subject....You change your screen name to in fact attack me again under another assumed name..

This is about Marijuana legalization..Not your personal affliction with my opinionated thoughts...So again..Please feel free to use my e mail instead of taking the focus off of the real issue...Attacking others for your disagreement with their thoughts isn't going to solve your personal issue with me..

I'm through with the charachter assasinations and the people on here who wish bad things upon my children...And one last thing as I go back to my "rich bitch, self righteous, unfit mother of a life to my children you so wish starvation upon for you feel it is all they deserve life"....I say to you that I sincerly hope that you yourself have learned a lesson or two in this world, and if to say the least, you learn to keep the nasty, belligerant thoughts you have of others inside your head instead of letting them roll off your fingers for tomorrow...You could meet me and find I am truly not the person you have portrayed my charachter to be..

To Temple...I just ask that you take into heart the thoughts, feelings, opinions and knowledge of all whom post and use it as a means to realize that your battle has consequences and that there is more for you to learn on the matter....As well as all whom post..Including myself...

Happy holidays....I'm done..

hrdwkngmom...I have noticed your posts before and you give out way, way too much info about yourself than we all need to know about. You should be carefull...there are a bunch of nuts out there. I wouldn't be giving out your personal e-mail and such...I wouldn't let so many people bother you like they are...its not worth the stress.

Thanks for the concern dadlmom but I'm fine giving out my e mail for I would rather one focus their attention onto the subject and personal thoughts on another should be kept off for it takes the needed attention away from the real issue at hand...As far as personal info, I;m ok posting my hardship, that is a part of my life that has made me the strong person I am..Their nasty comments about my children do not cause stress, it makes me angry and is the reason I will not be debating on here any further for I truly feel that the ognorance portrayed upon others is just not worth the effort.

I post only on issues I feel are important as far as the future of my children and yours, for this generation is the voive for the next. I have never been interested in political views or things such as this for they were not important because they were not issues involved in my life...I now look at things in a different perspective because it as I said is the voice of this generation that make the difference for my children's future.

I only posted on this issue at hand because I felt that it does affect my children's future and I also felt that there was a strange change in the temple's reasoning for their plight..First religion, now medical..I simply say that I am not the only one posting with this view and I have not attacked anyone...So after reading the posts that attacked my children I have wholeheartedly decided that I'm hanging up the thought I can possibly make a difference with my small voice...Again to anyone whom feels I offended their charachter or attacked them in a vicious ploy to destroy the Temples fight..Not my intentions. Good luck to both sides of the debatable issue!

Stop ranting; Im quite sure that is undebatable.

When i first got on here and started reading some of these comments from this article, I thought wow, you don't need to smoke pot for a good laugh, just read some comments, but all the name calling, and telling someone they are ignorant, is not funny to me.

I agree with

I agree with you momof1, When I first started reading this post I actually was amazed with the intelligence some show, the facts were being weighed and debated and I have been checking back time and again to see how the facts were playing out before I posted.

Then you come back and you see that some have taken it upon themselves to turn a debate on an controversial matter into a personal attack against others. That kind of behavior is exactly why people who are intelligent in thought and back with knowledge stop posting, even reading comments.

The ones who turned this interesting debate into a diabolical mess are the ones who do the exact same thing on other posts. You people who i wont name out, you call people dirty names, you use vulgar language, you tear apart peoples knowledge and opinions like vultures. You are the ones who make society undesirable. You post your vulgar thoughts out of jealousy that you have yet to obtain the educational levels of some of the more informational posters.

It's really too bad the BDN doesn't put a stop to your IGNORANCE. It's a shame you have continued to be allowed to post.

Hopefully this controversial matter will become debatable again for I found interest in the Medical knowledge as well as the Philisophical knowledge of the ones who were truly here to debate the issue and possible learn something. To those of you who find pleasure in wishing a life of "nothing" because that is what this mother deserves. Maybe you should meet up with this religious group to learn a more Christian approach to your thoughts.

It really is too bad you cannot see past yourselves and your mean spirited ways to see the points others are making rather than assuming you have the authority to wish harm upon another. The leader of this group, this religious temple, he should have as a reverand put a stop to your ignorance in its tracks but he did not. he is a reverand? Self Ordained?

Many states have passed laws allowing marijuana to be used legally for medicinal purposes.. Maine being one. However, federally it is still illegal. SO, while I think the church is doing a great thing, and has great ideas.. it's still FEDERALLY ILLEGAL to use marijuana, even for medicinal purposes... to put it simply, federal law trumps state laws. Asking the police force to assist in this is wrong, and puts them in an awkward position. I live in California, and yes, we use to have "pot houses" where people could purchase marijuana for medicinal purposes, however, these are getting shut down and federal agents are on top of them..

My opinion, change the law federally...

If people want to lose thier brain cells, I say who are we to stop them. I don't smoke pot but know some who do. This does not make them bad people. Yes, it is illegal. Do any of you speed when you're late for work? Roll through a stop sign now and then? Speed up when the light turns yellow? These acts are illegal too. Let's all try to stop the Holier than thou attitude. HWM, I'm sure yoiu have commited at least one of these offenses. Also, for an educated lady your spelling leaves a little to be desired.

In my opinion, and this is just my opinion only, no one really care's who smoke's pot and who doe's not, but when you try to bring religion in to it, when was the last time you went to mass, and asked the priest is it o.k. to bring in the dime bag? sure, we will use it as the sacrement, and save on the host.

On Dec 1st of this year...

Washington, DC -- The U.S. Supreme Court refused to review a landmark decision today in which California state courts found that its medical marijuana law was not preempted by federal law. The state appellate court decision from November 28, 2007, ruled that "it is not the job of the local police to enforce the federal drug laws." The case, involving Felix Kha, a medical marijuana patient from Garden Grove, was the result of a wrongful seizure of medical marijuana by local police in June 2005. Medical marijuana advocates hailed today's decision as a huge victory in clarifying law enforcement's obligation to uphold state law. Advocates assert that better adherence to state medical marijuana laws by local police will result in fewer needless arrests and seizures. In turn, this will allow for better implementation of medical marijuana laws not only in California, but in all states that have adopted such laws.

Religion and politics have had people fighting for centuries. Please don't fight, it is only through civil debate that truth can be aquired.

Templegreen, you just wanna use this for an excuse, but what are you teaching the children? What religion are they are they allowed to believe, as for they are are not allowed participate until until they are 18.

Reach out in the Darkness. It is worth a try good Rev. and may God be with you.

I have been fighting for this law since 1989, and have been an active educator for the legalization of marijuana and the medical marijuana laws non stop. At this time I am going to trial for being a Care giver for providing and growing medical marijuana for patients. Those who have appointed me as

their caregiver have done so in writing and have had a notary sign and stamp it to make it a legal document. They have their doctors approval and have

it in writing also, yet the authorities don't care and are taking me to trial again.

This is my second time of being busted for the same thing, with my first case on its way to the law court in Portland. I had the proper paperwork for the first bust also, but they refused to accept it in the lower courts and the jury was not familiar enough with the law to make an educated judgement of the case, which the judge should have done before or at least after the case. It is now on appeal, while yet another case is looming on Dec. 17th in Somerset County. Hopefully the jury will see though the DA's chicanery. If not it will be another appeal for the law courts to decide, but it would be nice to see the people tell them enough is enough. Is it a law or is it not?

These cases are ridiculous, as I have had the proper documentation, which the DA, Courts, and Police are not going to give in on as they don't want the medical marijuana law to work in Maine. They see it as non existent, even though We The People voted it in. They can't stand it and are doing every-

thing they can to thwart it and my quest to make it a workable law for Maine's medically needy who use marijuana as their medicine with nowhere to go to get it.

If anyone is interested in supporting me and the work I am doing for my patients, it is 8:30 AM on Dec 17, 2008. The trial is schedules for 2 days at the Somerset County Superior Court in Skowhegan.

I thank the good Rev. for his new ideas and his support. More people need to get involved and help make these needed changes. It is the law in Maine, but you would never know it according to the legislature or law enforcement who are against it and don't want it to work. Legislators have had plenty of opportunity to fix this and provide us a means of supply yet they haven't so We The People have got to do it again. Dirigo

Don Christen

Maine Vocals / Maine Citizen's for Medical Marijuana

I find it ironic that this person who calls himself a Reverand only answers the questions he chooses. You were asked at some point by someone close to the top what your credentials were that you could provide medical care, you were asked by another what your credentials were as far as your knowledge. You answered that you were a Native American and that you provide family duties to your grandmother.

Do you hold any form of an Educated degree in the medical aspect of this? I think that a lot of comments reflected upon that as a safety issue.

I myself asked if you have attended any form of Theological Seminary education on religion? Not sure how to put that, Have you earned a degree of a Pastor/Reverand from any accredited School or are you self ordained? Self proclaimed?

Do you have a medical necessity requiring the need for medicinal marijuana usage?

It's becoming clearer to me as I read all the posts here that your governmental/congressional/federally influenced fight does reflect to others that you are doing this out of self motivation.

I am just curious to why you choose to answer only the questions you feel comfortable in answering. If you want a true debate sir, you should be honest in all aspects and hold nothing back.

I also find it ironic that not once during the argumentative posts that used hatred as a means to defend their opinion, you not once made an attempt to place religious beliefs, christianity, and your ability as a Reverand to bring folks together and not allow such hatred for others to be a part of what reflects you as a Christian.

After these posts including mine regarding the sad statments full of hatred made by a few above, you now say, "Please do not fight."

I am myself now questioning your motives.

The best part is when posters criticize us 'trolls' when they post the exact same things about lack of education, morals, and question our character/life choices. The cognitive dissonance is astonishing.

Marijuana is a personal choice. YOU have no right to deny any intelligent being of their right to their own body. End of debate.

Oh and best of luck on your trial, FreedomFyter

Temple Sir I have to share this with you as well as everyone on this arcticle regarding your religion. Yesterday I was at the local corner store, I guess you live close by, I was waiting in line and the young fellows in front of me were discussing you as a person. The Man at the counter was laughing with them as they called you pathetic. At first I thought they were referencing to this arcticle but as the conversation continued these young men who proclaim to be your aquaintances stated the fact you are in the Adult Entertainment industry and professing to be a Reverand.

So tonight I took it upon myself to Google you and low and behold there you are, your profile is here>

http://www.gobignetwork.com/profiles/Kevin-Loring.aspx

I am curious Reverand Loring, how do we mix porn with religion?

What one chooses to put into thier body is thier choice. I don't care for weed, but if someone wants to ingest that toxic substance, it is thier own choice. As i stated before, we are all guilty of something. Leave the stoners alone.

Maybe it's time you get blown out of the water! You are a liar, a cheat, and you should be ashamed of yourself to use religion as your reasoning!

How about everyone checks out the Reverand's side job!

You are a disgrace Mr Loring. You do NOT deserve the right to use the credential of REVERAND or PASTOR.

BUSTED!

http://www.cityoflove.com/index.aspx?url=http%3A//www.cityoflove.com/detail.aspx%3Flang%3Den-US%26dID%3D18829%26Digest%3D4wbVkpbRmdpv6+YYmQaO8A

Now to all the hatred typing posters who disgraced another human being for their opinion. I challenge you to now look at this man in true form. The posters who were against this man's use of religion were 100% in the right. The ones as myself who questioned the motives of this man, we are 100% right. I challenge you Mr Loring to explain yourself because there are several more links that can be posted with your photo's if you choose to deny ownership of this business you call 1st Choice Escorts I can also instruct the posters to use the cell phone number you listed as contact info but I am sure they have seen that already.

I challenge you Mr. Loring to explain yourself now!

Oh and My name is Steve, We spoke a bit ago I called your cell to inquire on pricing, thanks for the info!

Thats messed up!!!! Unless its a different Kevin Loring...I didn't see any pics along with the site.

I would like Mr. Loring to come back and respond but you may do as I and google him. He also provides a cell number on his temple web site. As well as you can look for the names in previous arcticles on this subject that are also listed on these sites.

I do believe folks we have stumbled upon a dirty little secret here REVERAND..

Isn't it ironic how an overheard corner store conversation can steer ne into the right direction...Maybe just Maybe Mr. Loring, this is the works of the Lord above!

Temple, Please come back to respond, you have been soooooo quick to have come backs for the last cpl days. Why so quiet now?

I neglected to state that I am one of the ones also who has doctors authorization but because of my bail one of the judges in his infinate wisdom has denied me the right to my medicine. He full well knows the alterative to not using marijuana for spasm and pain is to use oxicotine and muscle spasm medicines. For all who don't know Oxicotine and Oxicodone are the pharacies form of Heroin... This makes no sense at all but you figure it out all of you

know it alls.

I don't know the Rev. but he has an idea, and wants to involve law enforcement to oversee it. What harm could that be for the medically needy?

It's just a racist type attitude that needs to stop. Think about it.

Another thing beyond the medical use is the Prohibition is a failure and has helped to bankrupt the state and nation. How much could we save if we did just legalize it and tax it. Savings would be enough to fund a health program for everyone, and then some... It is still Refer Madness, just like the 1930's

when Prohibition started. Haven't we learned anything since then? Something called science and research have proved all the reasons to make it illegal have been wrong yet it continues now because it is big money for law enforcement and a reason for the government to erode our rights.

Remember when the Cops were descent to us and didn't have their attitude they now have. They need to remember / know who they work for again and lose their attitude. None of you young people can, because it was a long time ago, back in the 60's and early 70's. We used to respect them then.

Solo..Interesting find. I hope that it turns out to be legit for light will shine upon this man for all to see his true motive. Good Luck.

So this morning I was eager to see if Mr. Loring had any response to the recent findings of his alleged side career. I see he has not made any attempts to guide his good name. Maybe he was busy juggling both of his recreational activities.

solothoughts...well done; the Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways!

Temple green also keeps repeating himself. The article 2 weeks ago had the same comments he has now. What a hoax.

Oh thanks go to the world wide web. I just think it's strange how all of the sudden those who were so abusive in their comments to defend Mr. Loring are also steering clear of response.

It really does go to show that the Good Lord above works in all sorts of ways..Who would have thought a quick stop at the store for a powerball could provide so much info!

Anyways, I don't wish bad on anyone here, I just think that this man is a true "HOAX" Maybe now all will see.

He has no place in this, leave this to the Scientists, Physicians, and Philosiphers who have the true knowledge!

Things sure are quiet now...must be smoking a blunt and watching porn...if in fact they have woken up yet.

ROGUE I agree, silence in all aspects. These fools are probably working extremly hard on damage control now, removing their 1stchouce entertainment link from the web and sitting there wondering how on earth they can possibly justify themselves at this point. I also think the silence goes to show how the backers of this fool had no problems running their mouth for days on end, all of the sudden their fingers did the walkin!

I was thinking strongly of e mailing the writer if this arcticle and having her investigate further and plaster a front page editorial on the matter. I see Juddy, mainahmom,temple and the others have decided to retire their fingers. Maybe they all work together and are all smokin their dube trying to wash away the bad feelings they have on their recreational lifestyles. The Temple is having a bad day so they are washing it away with each inhalation!

Porn and religion mixed with drugs is the way people, come on follow the temple!

alright. i stopped because i, unlike you obviously, have a job that i have to attend to. i do not care to keep commenting and commenting. i do not smoke and stated that. also,never stated that i agree with these guys. just saying that this debate is quite ridiculous. i could care less what anyone else does. care what i do. i do not need to continue on and on.....i am a woman not a child.

But you carried on and on for days dear. You chose to lye in agreement with these fellows, you shose to repeatedly post in conjunction with them. I'd like to hear your opinions now? I'd like to see your "good side" I'd enjoy reading something from you regarding the fact that so many people posted against this "temple" because of their use in religion.

As far as your being a woman, not a child. A woman in my opinion would choose to respond to dislikes in a positive manner with a respectful tone to her words. You chose otherwise, that does not make you a child but it does in fact make you less of a woman.

I don't want to argue, I just want temple man to respond to the new found information regarding his RELIGIOUS ties to marijuana. I wanted you to come back and state a RESPECTFUL opinion of Temple who you backed in your posts. I am curious to know if you are still interested in backing his beliefs?

I have a job young lady, I own my own business so fortunatly I am able to sit on my butt if I choose for one day. Do you need a job dear? I need an assistant so I can sit on here all day.

no, my job allows me what i need. thanks. and as i stated i didn't say i agreed with temple or his practices. i simply stated that marijuana has had many studies done on it and i do have knowledge of some things...and, guess what...i have an opinion.

and, as far as being a woman or any comments i said. i made them to one specific person who continuously does it herself. and, i tried being decent with her at the end yet she still wants to start. so, i stop. because....i am mature. you have a good day and you have a great christmas. i don't need to sit here and defend myself or tell you why i believe what i believe....because, how others choose to live their life is what may be right for them. gay, pot smoker, bisexual...lol...i don't care. as long as people are happy, respectful, loving, compassionate and have faith i think they are good people. i am open minded and non-judgmental. and, i am sure i am quite a bit older than you solo.

I'm 57 and I do not have faith in these people, I have faith in the Lord above to guide the path in wich I CHOOSE to walk. So do you call yourself a Christian? Do you raise your children in Christianity? If so I find it very hard to understand how you could say the things you say. I am normally a quiet poster, I pick my battles wisely so to speak. You did not make comments to just ONE person in this arcticle, or any other for that matter. You made very cold hearted statments on many posts to many people regarding controversial issues, I will say though that you keep your composure until you read something you disagree, and once you do it's hell to pay for that person.

I haveread many many posts on here from everyone, I will say that eventhough the mother you disrespectfully boiled your water on has posted back, I not once have read her hope for bad things for you or your children, I have also failed to see where that woman called you foul names and tried to disgrace you. I actually read a post from her a cpl days ago to YOU directly that stated she did not with to have battle with you and that she was not looking to post to irritate you.

She may post a lot on this matter very lengthy posts indeed but like I said, the more informational posts there are it helps others look with another view.

I think you should look at that subject with her again, in a different view. What do you think?

I'm glad you love everyone for who and what they are, that is a good trait to have, if only more people lived with that view. But if you are a Christian, how can you sit there and defend a Temple who mixes Drugs and Porn and then uses religion as his basis? You think it is ok for a Pastor or a Reverand to walk around with bible in hand during the day, profess to be spiritually devined yet run a port and stripper business at night?

I see nothing gracious coming from such a mixture.

Solo please don't waste your time turning their ignorance to you in regards to myself. I know who I am, what I believe and that my beliefs will differ sfrom so many others. I will say this, I NEVER made the nasty comments to mainahmom or Juddy or anyone for that matter that they inflicted upon my family.

I have fully accepted that differences in opinion are forever present in this life we live, what I don't accept is the use of one's family, children. or nasty names. I can easily remove myself from that mix.

To you Mainah_mom...I cannot remember any one time where I bashed YOU..I know I have opinions on issues, but I am not the only one with the same opinion. I have made statments like pot head, stoner and so forth but I can't recall anywhere in my posts where I directed anything negative to you other than telling you that it isn't safe for you to give out medical information if you are not qulified..Simply stating that a lot of "stoners" are reading this post and will be on the phone to their Doc in an attempt to get medications incorrectly identifiied.

I posted on this issue for religious beliefs as well as the safety of our most vulnerable citizens...The elderly, the ones who suffer in agony from pain, the children, and the terminally ill. For no other reasons.

I do respond to you, do you expect me to not? From yesterday after the horrible statments made here, I will not ever respond to ignorance of any sorts. You repeatedly state I am self righteous and think I am better than all...You could not be further from the truth but you are entitled to your opinions never the less.

I myself solo and rogue have been waiting patiently to read a response from the temple leader reverand guy...

have a nice day!

I've been waiting too... if this gets much wackier it would make for one cool made-for-TV Movie! Where's mainelyme... isn't he into movie scripts and stuff?

He sure is and his christian beliefs as well. His input on this arcticle would have been well read. I just can't for the life of me figure out why "Temple" has not defended himself.....Maybe he can't! I did check out the web links and it sure the hell makes yousee things for what they REALLY are for this guy!

hrdwkngmom -- your name MUST be an oxymoron, cause how could you be working so hard at being a mom if you ARE ALWAYS ON THE COMPUTER?!?! and pooping ones pants is not that disgusting.

OK, I'll give you a litle bit of time to look in Webster's to see what an oxymoron is......... was that long enough? So are you an oxymoron or just a moron? Ha ha ha....smoke a joint, girl you know you want to....ummmm suck in the smoke....ahhhh let it out, it's all good now!

Yes well done solo, So "rev" Loring, come-out come-out wherever you are.

Ya gotta wonder if the Rev is at the Temple passin out the Kool Aid with all the attacks on him and his followers. Sound familiar?

I have been back and fourth today waiting to see what the rev has to say about the whole "find" I am starting to get a little disapointed with him.

btw calyspo..that mainlyme guy is spending all his time on that other thread about gay marrage...thats too funny you say that thou..lol!

no, he's probably crawled underneath a rock right about now.

I say lets roll a big fattie and sit back and relax and take away the days pains, miseries, and take care of my depression. It might take 4 big fatties to read all of mainah_mom and hrdwkngmom posts to this article.

Pot is definitely much better for the soul than alcohol or them sickening Oxycontins

one fattie down and i am not even close to the end of these posts

one fattie down and now I am HUNGRY!!!

well then, bring on the munchie's.

SOLO, where does it say the temple mixes drugs and porn? Also, if u r christian the temple should be an ok place. Smoking the jibba is mentioned in the bible

WOW, i feel so happy now, I just burned a half a jibba and I am not feeling depressed anymore. This stuff should be prescribed not that prozac, or others that are crap and not good for your body

bangorme...The article states nothing of porn, Mr Loring plays himself off as a christian Reverand who knows so much about Christianity. He is a liar and a cheat. I think you read the posts about his after hours recreational activities or should I say career. That is the issue, This man is using religion as a way to get marijuana legal so he can smoke it freely without consequence.

No one really cares if he smokes dope, smoke a whole bag if you'd like, Don't use religion to do so.

Don't call yourself a Reverand or a Pastor when you are off running a stripper agency, an adult entertainment industry and website out of your center street home!

If one chooses that lifestyle..Smoke pot and deal in sex, go ahead, keep it behind closed doors, don't bring yourself into the public eye and USE RELIGION!

some of you are posting just to get a rise and that's fune, i actually chuckle at times but to REAL CHERRY I know I read a post from you on another arcticle telling everyone how you have several e mail accounts and usernames and that you do not work, you sit home all day, you are a loner and how you use all of your usernames to argue with yourself because it gives you humor!

Now dear, who's the oxymoron? I think you my dear are the one who needs the prozac to go along with your dube.

I'll pat myself on the back now because I think I finally shut the Temple dude up! Isn't is funny how his fingers could not stop typing for days on end on several of his arcticles and now HE HAS NOTHING TO SAY!

ohhhh and before I forget REALCHERRY...I also forgot to add how in your somehow twisted lonelines you FULLY ADMITTED TO COPYING OTHERS USERNAMES AND ADDING ONE LETTER TO SO YOU COULD POST IGNORANT COMMENTS AND MAKE PEOPLE THINK IT WAS THE REAL PERSON ORIGIONALLY OWNING THE USERNAME JUST SO YOU COULD CAUSE A NEGATIVE ARGUMENT.

Now I ask again, Who is the oxymoron? and just to let you know, oxymoron is a figure of speech not an uctual word nor a "name" given to others.

I would advise you to change your screen name again and call yourself BITTERAPPLE.

Hey look REALCHERRY I found your post!

>>>> You need to log out then log back in. Sometimes it takes several tries, but it will eventually log you out then you can log in with another username that you have set up. It's fun, I sometimes will register a username that someone else is using. Most times, it won't allow duplicates, but I change one little thing about it, like adding an extra vowel or consanant and it works, then people get confused, then I can post differing opinions with all the different names I use. It doesn't take much to get a rise out of people. Sad, I know, but that's how I spend my day. I am a homebound person who doesn't have any friends or a life, so I just make people angry and watch the fallout, then I even argue with myself, using the different usernames.....it's fun!

I caution all the posters that before posting negatively against anothers comments, Think of this for you are probably commenting this lug heads purpousful stupidity.

I wouldn't be surprised if that was against BDN rules...something that you agree on before you start posting in the first place.

terms of service...that was what I was trying to say.

And these people belittle me. Thank you solo thoughts!!!! I may have gotten angry at the posts made but I see now that I cannot get angry at stupidity. I feel sorry for those lonely beings. I'm now wondering if Cherry was the HARDWORKINGMOM who posted negative things that got pointed in my direction. It's a bit clearer now! Thanks again!

I hope the BDN get's wind of your find solo thoughts, I would love to see the posts left for him there!

A "hippie church?" Oh,please. Get real people. They tried to do this in the sixties.

THC doesn't stand for "The Holy Chemical."

Solothoughts, great investigating! I too wonder where the good REV is now? Oh wait, we all know, the hours of operation are 11:00 AM to 4:00 AM. He must be off collecting the $$$$ from the "entertainers" Hey, I wonder if they show the videos from the "entertainment" at their "worship" services. What a joke.

I told you good folks back two weeks ago what this Loring family was, back through 1964, and all I got was stupid comments from the toilet bowl cleaner at the "Temple" and others, but mostly comments that sided with my point of view. I knew about this sideline of Loring's, but did not expose him, because I knew it was Maine-based, and it would be found out sooner or later with internet research. Thank you "solothoughts", whoever you are! All this "educated" and "religious" rhetoric offered up unto this article was just a total amount of menusha - neck deep - by these fanatics who are coupled into this "church". But, you know, like the Jerry Falwell's, the Baker's, and the rest of the "Use God For Personal Gains" thing, and like one of the bloggers stated, God has mysterious ways of performing his works. There have been several articles lately with churches...one being sided with homosexual sympathies; the other with a egotistical, Liberace-type, self-loving minister in Bangor who feels it is duty to advertise himself and demand businesses comply to his demands. Too many nuts out there! Now, I professed not to ever make blogs on this web ever again, because of the comments against me, but I cannot leave this one alone. This, I tell you, is the last one, ever. Ever notice why there is a completely new set of bloggers here lately? The "older" ones, albeit a month ago, are mostly gone, except for about six of them, the "Dirty Half-Dozen", as they are known to be. I receive emails from several of these former bloggers and they are fed up with the routine of the nasty personal remarks and hypocritical innuendos being made concerning people and their comments, without justification or warrant, and the harassment being purveyed. Even though complaints have been issued to the BDN, they have done nothing to curtail the problem. They cannot even effectively investigate the people that they present in their articles,; "Reverend" Loring and his dopeheads are a prime example of this reporting. Well, to all, I bid farewell. I turn my efforts unto other things. Comments herein do not make much difference, anyway, when they are facetious...only the ones that are honest reflect interest. It would be interesting to see what happens to "Reverend" Loring and his constituents in his "Temple of Doom" now that he has been exposed. Best look at Indian Island, and see if there is a greenhouse up there, MDEA! SleazyWonder is off...for now! Oh, sorry, Indian Island is US Government territory...get the USDEA or the FBI up there...Maine DEA does not have jurisdiction.

Loring looks like an Indian Chia Pet with a stick of crap in his mouth!

Yous people need to show a little more respect for the "Holy Sacrament"....cough, cough, cough.....

Shucks...I was hoping when I signed on this morning we all would have a response from the Temple man himself..What a dissapointment. He had so much bull s. to ramble and now nothing! I'm thinking of weedled off REALCHERRY too!! Maybe now these debates can become constructive again!

Americanbandstand...I think once all the bad seeds are weedled off of here through exposure and intolerance you should rethink coming back to debate with all of us again.

Mainahmom..I think she had some usefull information and points as well as long as she can regain self control to not smack down others for their differences in opinion.

Wow, I sure wish Mr. Loring would come back to explain himself!

i am not the only one who says things i would like to mention solo.

mainah mom..I agree with solo that you have in this post as well as others had very good points, differing opinions is what a debate is all about. I think you and I should wipe the slate clean and start over...

solothoughts: yes, you are right, but my name doesnt' imply anything oxymoronic, I am just a realcherry, never been popped ya know. And if you believe anything from any of these posts, you are so gullible. Maybe I am solothoughts, maybe I am hrdwrkngmom, maybe I'm all of these...who knows for sure? the sad truth is, all of my tactics work, everyone gets riled up, unless it's just all me, getting all my aliases riled up and fighting each other, maybe I have multiple personality disorder, maybe I'm a BDN editor getting more business, maybe I'm a woman, maybe I'm a man, maybe I'm a teenager, maybe I'm everyone....you just never know....Ha ha freeking ha. I tell ya one thing, the stoners are the ones who are getting the biggest kick outta this and they are the ones with the most sensible, funny posts....don't take yourself or any of this too seriously.....seriously.

Oh realcherry you only wish you could be someone other than yourself...That is why in your somehow twisted way you pretend to be all these different people...I myself find no humor, I find it very disturbing and actually feel sad for you that you have no other goals in life than to be here on the BDN comment pages...I find humor in comical posts..Not Belligerant, foul mouthed, bashing posts...You seriously need to have a psych eval or some in home services to help you with your issues.

The stoners are not sitting her finding humor in this they are probably thinking..DAMN IT, NOW WE WONT BE ABLE TO SMOKE LEGALLY...

And the vulnerable, terminally ill people or the ones hoping for this to be legalized medically...Are probably suffering a high degree of dissapointment because they believed in such an idiotic fool....

And the ones who religiously supported this guy for spiritual reasons...They are probably in disgust that a REVERAND would be a Pimping porno perv pretending to be a Reverand with a cause.....

No one is listening to you anymore for they know what you stand for lady. They all now have it in their minds when they read nasty ignorance..it is probably YOU!

well, i would like to say that i am SURE (as I know many) there are "stoners" as everyone so much loves to call them that do use this for medical reasons and i am SURE that it is documented in some of their medical records and it is proven for them to work. i do not believe these people are disappointed. i don't think many of them agreed with this man either. most people would not bring religion into something like this. and, i would like to add that most "stoners" are very responsible, intelligent people. not all that smoke once in awhile are non-functional, lazy, eat all the time, fat slobs. some people do this to control certain conditions, some people do it to control stress, some people do it for a social aspect. just as if you came home every night and drank a beer, or drank once in awhile with a friend. most people who smoke do not want trouble and do not look for trouble. the people that do, i guarantee, DO NOT only smoke pot.

hrdwkngmom...slate is clean..but, i would like to say that i believe you are wrong about it never being legalized. some day. it will be legal. you can almost guarantee that. with all the studies and research being done now. only reason why it is not legal is because they can not figure out how to tax it. if it were legal the tax wouldn't matter because people would just grow their own and then the government would not make any money off of it...boo hoo. it will be someday. maybe not in my time. maybe not yours. but, mark my words...this is a great herbal medicine. and, it does not cause cancer..there is NO scientific evidence. the only thing they can positively say is that it can attribute to cancer as most people who smoke pot also smoke cigarettes. that, is a fact. it is a fact that this is an herbal remedy that has MANY benefits for certain conditions/diseases.

All you idiots out there that are bashing pot, It is a hell of alot safer than Salvia which is legal to smoke, and you halucinate , drool, lose your site for a brief point on that crap if you get the powder form. You people need to wake up and realize that we have methedone clinics that are handing out doses of synthetic heroin and letting people drive off with their kids in their cars. There are more important things to worry about other than pot.

And I agree that I am sure someday it will be legalized for inhaled marijuana, What I stated before was that it is legal now in some forms and also stated that they are exploring other methods such as a patch or inhaler.

My whole point on this matter was that it should be left to the Scientists, Physicians and Oncologists to do the work, not peole like this Temple guy. And I am sure in certain cultures it is used for spiritual reasons, but that is their choice to do that, they keep quiet, keep to themselves, and live their lives peacefully..

This hypocrit put himself out there for the world to see, he uses others and Christianity for his own self motivation.

If he were a Physician, an Oncologist, or a Scientist I would have looked at it in a totally different light.

My point was that this man was putting himself out their for persecution when he himself lacked in credentials, he himself as we all know now is a liar!

As far as the causing of Cancer, It is my belief that almost everything you come into contact with causes cancer. I remodel my house independently and inhale dust, paint fumes, and all other sorts of chemicals even while wearing a mask..I myself whom have never used marijuana can get cancer.

The patients in the last 2 years or more in wich we see who have Stage I through stage IIII lung cancer have never touched even a cigarette in their life. So In defense of marijuana Cancer is a risk factor for everything you you inhale or come into contact with!

In the end of all of this I am happy he was blown out as a Reverand because in this day it is hard enough to get our children involved with the Church and Christianity, it makes it even harder when you have someone profess religion, mix it with porn and use it for self motivated reasons.

And I;m glad the slate is cleared!

http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20000508/marijuana-unlikely-to-cause-cancer

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,196678,00.html

HWM look at these two websites. these are just two of the many studies done on it.

i agree that there are FAR more worse things than smoking a joint. if you have ever drove up and down stillwater avenue you would know the many many many people who go to Acadia to get their fix and then leave in their car. that is a worry. that is something i do not agree with. my does acadia keep people their? why don't they set them up to get them off this shit verses keeping them their so that they can't? i don't agree with nor do i understand that. i would much rather have someone smoke one once in awhile if it helps them. these harder drugs have far more demises.

and...you are right...EVERYTHING now a days causes cancer. shit, they say everything causes something. one year eggs are bad for you (my family and i go through eggs galore), then real butter is bad but margarine is good and now its the opposite, they say not to drink too much whole milk as it is bad for you, or don't eat fish too much because of the mercury.

what the heck did people do before all of this research? they ate. they lived. sometimes too much emphasize is put on cancer. and, i am sure they ate lots of red meat, drank cows milk without being pasteurized, at the hen's eggs and caught many a fish.

Because it is tax dollars, they can tax it, mainecare pays for the methadone....I posted many times about the fact they are allowed to leave in their vehicles on the arcticle on methadone clinic. I do not feel that anyone under the influence should be behind the wheel of a car. It's never been looked into, it's never been addressed and as long as the tax dollars are shuffled out for it it wont be changed...Unless someone gets killed or a child run over from someone who just left the clinic, and it isn't front page news...Unsuspecting drivers have no idea who's behind the wheel on Stillwater Ave!

Methadone is a wonderful drug for some patients who cannot withstand the effects of some drugs such as Oxycontin, Hydromorphone and many more but Because of the street abuse of Oxycontin and other drugs Methadone has been used instead because of the fear of what could happen to the elderly patient who goes home with a script!

I don't want to say too much negativity about the clinic because I think that it has the potential to help some of the addicts who truly want help, truly want to be free from addiction and take all necessary steps to do so.. But I think that there are way too much "under the carpet" things that go on over there that have not been looked into...

I had it said to me in another post that I was wrong, that it was not the Methadone that make people doze off, it is that persons mixture of other drugs the clinic is unaware of....My response is why are they not urine tested before they recieve their dose for the day....Why are the "take home" people not tested to make sure that the right levels are in their systems and that they are not taking their take home to the corner to sell for the real thing?

Interesting to say the least..

another good point. mainecare. they will pay for you to do meth, they will pay for you to get an abortion, they will pay for your birth control...but, they will NOT pay to get your tubes tied...yet, they will pay you to have more kids.

one messed up system working with another messed up system.

if these people want to get off drugs and really want to change their lives...their ARE other places more discreet to go. other places where it is not so highly abused. it can be a good thing, but has turned into a very bad thing around our areas up here. and, yet, they still want to open more clinics. i think it is a horrible thing, but that is my opinion..what do i know?

The formula my son was on till the age of 5 came from the UK and I will tell you, it smelled of chemcals to the point I was fearfull of it. I had to research galore beofre I felt comfortable enough to give it...Thankfully now he is on Rice Milk and no linger needs that but the thought crossed my mind of the chemical smell to it and the threat of CA.

I'm not against a whole lot, I just think of my childrens futures, the here and now doesn't really matter as much as what we as adults in this generation accomplish to make their futures more livable...The rate this country is headed it's very scary to think what they will be debating about when our age!

As far as my marijuana stance goes...I guess I am trying to keep my children educated, and personally trying to keep them away from all mind altering substances...Was never against medical use, only against those who use it as an excuse...

I actually have a funny story regarding pot but not so sure I can post it on here hahahah!

I will vote against another clinic, I didn't want the first one but small vices don't make a large difference.. The problem with it is that most of these people don't have the financial ability to seek help in a better suited facility, and the Physicians ability to prescribe has been severly hindered. Leaving the public to deal with another problem.

I think we all would have seen a better outcome with preventative measures and a larger opportunity for the psychological and health issues that cause one to travel the addiction road.

The mental Health and substance abuse programs in this State are in dire straits and the Government isn't doing a damn thing to turn it around, just add another clinic in Brewer so we can cause a larger population. I feel for the addicts who truly seek help and that it is made difficult through the abusers.

Nice to see you two getting along! I'm still wondering where Mr. Loring is though, maybe I should call him again and ask him to please some back and explain...

Anyhow, I'm happy to see constructive debating again!

Everyone fairing in this wonderful weather?

Hey solo..We are venturing out, time to head for work. Still have power but the yard is flooded and my trees are looking scary haha! Have a great warm day everyone, I'll check back tonight for Temple man but I;m thinking he's done here haha!

Sometimes I wonder if this paper would be better served by requiring us to use our real names, instead of just allowing us to post anonymously. Some of the opinions here are just inflamatory - bored, lonely people throwing darts to get a response, hidden behind a veil of secrecy. The effect of this is that it really lowers the intelligence of the conversation. Too bad - this could be so much more than it is. What do you think BDN?

thats not true manahmom, they do pay for tubal ligation(SP). Thank god!

So I'm writing an a meail to Ms. Harrison of BDN , Maybe she will be willing to write another arcticle and Mr. Loring will begin to defend his after hour duties. I hope the next arcticle does not state REVERAND...For that is a disgrace.

Well, Mr. Loring where are you? You went from being a Pastor to a Porn star in a matter of a few minutes. wonder what career you will choose next?

Why does the DEA continue to say Cannabis has no accepted medical use when the Federal Governments Department of Health OWNS A PATENT ON CANNABIS FOR MEDICAL USE?

Cannabis / MARIIJUANA CURES CANCER, ALL KINDS.. REGROWS NERUONS,

After reading the comments it really is shocking how igorant people are of the facts concerning the benefits and non dangers of Marijuana.

Patent owned by the US Department of Health...

US Patent 6630507 - Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants

Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties, unrelated to NMDA receptor antagonism. This new found property makes cannabinoids useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of wide variety of oxidation associated diseases, such as ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The cannabinoids are found to have particular application as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and HIV dementia. Nonpsychoactive cannabinoids, such as cannabidoil, are particularly advantageous to use because they avoid toxicity that is encountered with psychoactive cannabinoids at high doses (** IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SMOKE ENOUGH POT TO OBTAIN DANGEROUS DOSES !) useful in the method of the present invention. A particular disclosed class of cannabinoids useful as neuroprotective antioxidants is formula (I) wherein the R group is independently selected from the group consisting of H, CH3, and

COCH3. ##STR1##

A Few Studies... on cancer and diabetes. But, there are thousands on everything from Lymphoma to Post tramautic stress syndrome..

Cures for invasive brain or breast cancer..

There is a Reason that God called it Holy in Ex 30:33 and it was the main ingredient in the holy anointing oil distributed by the priest for healing..

Cannabis / Marijuana is NOT a narcotic. IT is a wonderful plant and gift from God.

IT is Sickening that the police are so hypocritical and ignorant.

Cannabis Treats Lung Cancer.

http://www.nature.com/onc/journal/v27/n3/abs/1210641a.html

Cannabis stops invasive breast cancer.

http://mct.aacrjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/6/11/2921

Cannabis slows breast cancer growth and invasiveness

http://www.letfreedomgrow.com/cmu/cbd_breast_cancer.pdf

Cannabis Treats Cervical Cancer

http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/djm268v1

Cannabis Inhibits Skin Cancer Growth

http://www.jci.org/articles/view/16116

Lest we forget..Brain Cancer.. A multitude of studies..in Canada, Spain and Israel..

http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20040815/marijuana-stall-brain-tumor-growth

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn6283-cannabis-extract-shrinks-brain-tumours.html

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

• Cannabinoid Reduces Incidence Of Diabetes

http://www.norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6909

• Marijuana Compound May Help Stop Diabetic Retinopathy

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/02/060227184647.htm

• Cannabidiol reduces the development of diabetes in an animal study

http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=219#3

• Anticoagulant Effects of a Cannabis Extract in an Obese Rat Model

http://www.level1diet.com/14687_id

• Neuroprotective and Blood-Retinal Barrier-Preserving Effects of Cannabidiol

http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=219#3

• Effect of tetrahydrocurcumin on blood glucose

AboveTheiIgnorance.org

LetFreedomGrow.com

and just search medical marijuana studies.

wow, then this must be the #1 drug of choice, glad you got on here and enlightened us of of all it miracles cures, will cure all of you're medical health problem's, no need to see the doctor anymore, juat see the good 'REV.' and you will never have to take another one you're prescribed meds again.

you must be one of those oncologist from the Dana Farba inst.

that graduated from harvered university.

I set up businesses as a web developer. Not every venture works. None of these are ever "my business". I just do the programming and marketing. I've made alot of websites over the years. I would never post PORN. The link that is posted was for an escort company, which actually is legal int his State. Either way, I never got paid for my work and shut down their web site. I grew up on the streets, I don't regret working for a living. A long time has past since then and I've grown and changed alot as a person. What's truly remarkable is how many women in this State do this kind of work and get many of the same reactions drug addicts do. Most of these women, (escorts, dancers, entertainers) are hard working moms, not prostitutes. It's ok to try and slander me all you want. It seems people just want a reason to pick me apart and if that's the best you've got then ok. Every Temple member who have actually sat and talked with me knows of these things. I'm quite open about my history and past. It has made me the person I am today. As a web developer, you go where the jobs are. Same goes for truck drivers, nurses and teachers. Too bad noone posted a link to any of the other projects I've done online, like the website that tuaght parents how to keep their kids safe online, or the online games I've built, or the online radio station.

Noone posts anything about the 70+ people I've helped get off of drugs. Noone posts anything about the animals I've taken to the vet at my own expense, and noone posts anything about the thousands of cigerette butts I've helped clean up off our city streets.

My phone number and address are listed quite publically and I'd gladly sit with anyone and share my life story for those who are willing to listen. Maybe you'll learn something.

Mr. Loring you are a liar at best. Your websites clearly indicate you as the owner of this agency. An honest answer to this would have been in your favor for I am sure some would have understood if you had come back and stated it was a long time ago. Although that would not have worked either because the site clearly states 2008.

I ask for all Christian people I know including myself that you remove REVERAND from your ploy and until you have Educated yourself through the wonderful theological seminaries in this state you refrain from calling yourseld a reverand or a pastor.

This business is not your history and past for it was started in 2008. The entire time you are calling yourself a reverand.

Another thing I would like to add is that I have spent many years on Web Design as a Graphic Artist, developing hundreds of Web Sites for people from all over. Graphic designers names who created the web site are always listed in fine print or under an assumed name or business name.

It's a shame you could not respond with an apology for your lies and an apology to the Christian People who posted so clearly they had a problem with your pretending to be a pastor and using religion to do your works.

My suggestion to you sir is that you should Remove Reverand from your Name for you do NOT have the right to mix religion with your porn. You may do what you wish as a human being but I will say this your choices are yours, your wrong choices are yours, you do not have the right to pass yourself off as a Reverand of the Lord.

You truly sir, are a disgrace for doing so. And one more thing Mr. Loring, thank you for your very late response but I think we were looking for an I'M AN ASS...

And one more thing MR.Loring, you were NOT open with your past ventures to the BDN in any way shape or form. No one is slandering you sir, it is the truth. You slander the public and the vulnerable people who believe your crap! You sir are a liar, a cheat, and a hypocrit!

I am impressed that he came back and commented. I wouldn't have taken the web page down....

Well he finally surfaces! I ask you this one question, Reverand for that is what you call yourself...When have you met a Pastoral figure that would agree to anything related to porn???? Personally I think you are just a liar and you were not forthcoming with the News Paper for if you were forthcoming of your activities they would have been printed.

I ask you this as well, what are your studies that give you the right to use the word Reverand? I think you have already been asked this once or twice.

You profess to have so many works with children and teens and parents and all..Our church is in dire need of a youth pastor...Do you have the credentials??

I agree with solothoughts, remove the Reverand before your name and you will I am sure be less scritinized.

I think you are a liear as well about the designing the web pages....I truly believe they are your pages for your works....So all of us are asking you, where does porn fit into a christian lifestyle? Where does porn have a place with a reverand or a pastor?

A real pastor or reverand would have declined to perform such a task, even for emplyment purposes....You are just a liar....Thanks for responding though...

I'm not a christian for one. I'm a Native American. Historically speaking "God" is the leading cause of death and intolerance. The Pure One or God, ordains people, not churches, not schools and most certainly not other faiths. Don't you think I know I'm the last person for this task? That I haven't prayed for someone else? My creator chose me for this task and I accept it as my fate. I never hid what I have done for a living.

I will never take Reverend from my name, that is rediculous. What else is rediculous is that any of you would try and compare me with christians, which I am not. I also worked at Diva's too and Bliss Caberet in Florida and BEFORE my life as a reverend, I lived in sin. Now I work to give back to my community and help to keep people from making alot of the stupid choices I've made in my life. But I don't suppose any of you have ever made a mistake much less been forced to take jobs you didn't personally agree with so that you could eat. The choices we are given in life are hard, I'm glad I chose to work, rather than steal or rob people or sell drugs.

Any one of you could have called or emailed me, instead of hiding out in here and complining I wasn't around. LOL. I'm sorry I haven't been here to fill your lives with purpose. You could never defeat my arguments and thusly must resort to such loathsom tactics. The only thing I can do is understand that you are differant than I. I forgive you all, you are just trying to protect what you feel is right, as am I.

(A simple check reveals that the so called company was open for all of 30-60 days, had no sales and was completely within the guidelines of Maine State law. These girls came to me becuase they were tired of being used by their respective employers. Tired of being sent to jobs that were unsafe. I tried to create a safe environment, which most men wouldn't have anything to do with oddly enough. How many of you are married and had a bachellor or bachellorrette party? Was there a dancer or entertainer? It's a very very common thing in the United States. )

Any further comments can be sent to my email address listed on the website. Stop hiding and reveal yourselves. Let's see what we can dig up on you.

The site is also back up, we had a sever problem, I didn't take it down.

Like I and others say, you do not DESERVE the RIGHT to use the name REVERAND for EVERY definition of the word reflects CHRISTIANITY!

I think you have showed all this to be true Mr. Loring.

You are what others called you> IDIOT> The definition of IDIOT is UNEDUCATED IGNORANT and ohhhh A PERSON LACKING IN PROFESSIONAL SKILL!

take note to the following sir. I think you have proved to all just who and what you are.

IDIOT, noun A member of a large and powerful tribe whose influence in human affairs has always been dominant and controlling. The Idiot's activity is not confined to any special field of thought or action, but "pervades and regulates the whole." He has the last word in everything; his decision is unappealable. He sets the fashions and opinion of taste, dictates the limitations of speech and circumscribes conduct with a dead-line.

Reverend Abbr. Rev. Used as a title and form of address for certain clerics in many Christian churches. In formal usage, preceded by the: the Reverend Jane Doe; Reverend John Jones.

reverend

adjective

1. worthy of adoration or reverence

noun

1. a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church [syn: clergyman] [ant: layman]

2. a title of respect for a clergyman

I have now succeeded in fufilling my task of proving to MYSELF that you are just as all above stated. I think YOU succeeded in showing the REST OF THE WORLD of your idiocy on your own. You have a Nice day MR.LORING.

Well, I was wondering about the definition of "pornography" as you were saying solo. I am not sure if escort services are "porn"? I thought porn was sexually explicit material...sex on film, magazines, ect. I know some escort services do perform these acts, but they are not allowed. I wouldn't point your finger at him for selling porn....unless I missed something...lol!

I take it you did not view his web sites...All of them...And I NEVER said he was SELLING PORN. Get your facts dtraight before you make that accusation dear.

Pornography is ANY form of writings, pictures, or ACTIVITIES USED FOR AROUSAL!

Now everyone have a nice day conversing with the Temple man himself now that he has come back to humiliate himself some more.

Well, I looked at two of the websites that you posted on here. Your nothing but an old fart solo..haha. I wasn't making accusations, it was a question silly since I said I wasn't sure. You have about 50 years on top of me, I figured I would ask the expert :)

RA.. RA.. RA.. GO SOLO GO. and he still fails to answer the question, where do you get you're pot, do you grow it or what? you are such an honest man, well then tell us.

I don't have any pot. We had one single bud for that one sermon. It was for a photo opporunity with the BDN. I'm not retarded. I know the cops or DEA will eventually come here. That's why we are not growing ny marijuana until we get an exemption. We absolutely refuse to buy street marijuana, it is unsafe. If you had taken the time to read the website, you would know we don't buy marijuana. If you had read the site you would also have read the VOLUNTARY REPORT which clearly states we are not growing any pot.

At least now I know to what length people will go to make themselves feel better. My entire life has been a living hell. I suffer from severe circulatory problems, sensory input dysfunction, knees that are apparently seperating, and some progressive form of arthritis that my doctor says he can't do anything about.

I was adopted at 3 months old. I went to Indian Island School. I was in a class of 12 kids. I spent every day tormented, beat up and ridiculed. I was too white for the tribe and too Native to hang out in Old Town. At 18 I was arrested for helping my abusive girlfriend "break into" her granfathers house. I spent 90 days in jail and did 4 years of probation. I never failed a urine test, I paid not only my restitution but also hers. Ever since then I have known that I must do what is right, but how can I do that in a world that never forgets or forgives? Diva's gave me a shot and helped me make enough cash as a web designer to get my own place. Later I moved to Florida to see if the grass was greener. I worked at Bliss Caberet. Florida was so fake, the people will stab you in the face while smiling. I decided to come home to Maine. I'd rather live with the hicks and the hippies, becuase Maine people are good, decent, hardworking people. When I came home, everything was crazy. A group of entertainers wanted to get away from their employers. Insisting that I had the skills and experience to create a safe work environment where they could be respected and protected. I spent every night sleepless. My conscience ate away at me. I hated what I was doing and where my life was going. After a huge argument, I shut down 1st Choice Entertainment without ever making a single sale. I couldn't, in good conscience, ensure their safety.

I had been an athiest since the age of 18. God had never shown me any mercy or compassion. I've been serving that sentence for over 10 years. When 911 happened, I found that I was back at the starting point. No one wants to hire me. I started helping out those around me, hoping I could find for myself, some truth and maybe a few true friends, something I had never had. Instead I found the Pure One. I learned how to love and be loved again. I understood why I was here. Word started spreading around that I could help some of the addicts out of their cycle. After all, I had been homeless, arrested, jailed and had abused drugs in my life. I knew what they were going through. I understood.

Now I spend my life making up for the wrongs that I've done, trying to create a better place for all of us. No one should ever have to go through what I have gone through and if I can save just one life, it will be worth it. To this day, I scrap by, mostly on odd jobs. Mowing grass, shoveling snow etc... It always seemed funny just how pious some people are. Who really learns in this world? The one who never falls? Or the one who falls and gets back up, time and time again.

My life is not my own. It is devoted to the people of Maine. If you want to take it, then take it. I'm not afriad, I've been waiting my whole life for it. No one has ever wanted me around, except those I've helped. Except for the lives I've saved and the families that get to watch their children grow, not just die out on the streets all alone and cold.

The only thing I regret in this life is not doing better in school. I did go back to school and get my GED. I scored in the top 2% of the nation for Science, the top 4% for Social Studies. I went to Omega Tech in brewer. I gradiuated with High Honors and got my A+ in computer repair and upgrade. I am also a Dell Certified Systems Expert. I can program in 5 languages and create databases.

I've been beaten down my entire life. Now at nearly 30, I have finally started to understand what it really means to be human, to have faith and to show compassion. It has made me stronger. It has made me who I am today. You can think whatever you want of me, it doesn't hurt my feelings any.

How is that? Are you satisfied? How else can I show you that I mean you no harm? What do I have to do to be accepted? Is this really the best that we as a society can do?

It's 2009 almost, we should have flying cars, not be bickering about irrelevant crap. We should be helping each other out, not tearing each other down. Tell you what, come to my house and tell me to my face to go jump off a cliff...and I will. If that is what it will take to please you then I will gladly give my life to make you sleep better. I don't want to live in a wworld of thate and intolerance. But that is the reality of the world we live in.

If you think I'm soooo bad, just wait until Maine catches up with every other State as far as crime, drug abuse, violence and hatred. Maine, the way life's supposed to be. What a joke! It should say, Maine the way the elite few want life to be.

I think its really cool that you totally changed your life around! I dont think you have to prove yourself on this silly forum, half of these people are just on here to start stupid drama it seems. You will never convince one sided people anyway. Keep doing what you are doing and do what you think is right.

Thank you, it means alot. :)

Sounds like you have definitly had a tough life Mr. Loring, I will pat you on the back for turning your life around because so many cannot or do not have the resources or support to do so.

Throughout this entire debate forum bitch session whatever you want to call it that I disagree with your choice to use religion, and it is my opinion, it isn't ok for a lot of people not just myself.

I also remember when I got angry for the statments that were made about my children deserving nothing, I posted a comment of our very debilitating part of our life with our youngest son and I clearly remember the statment of That's life, get over it, everyone has tough times...Maybe so, does ones struggle give the right to smack them down? No it does not.

I stand strong in my beliefs that you are wrong in mixing Christianity with your choices. Using the Surname Reverand isn't your right and all Christian people would agree.

I;m glad you are not Athiest anymore, I am happy you have found peace with your past, some people are not capable of doing so. I am not a bible thumper or anything of that nature, I just believe that when people such as yourself have these beliefs that you try to push onto others that you are making it difficult for parents to teach their children right.

We are trying our hardest to raise a 14 year old teenage boy, he is vulnerable, he watches the news, reads the news paper, he saw your story, he read your story, it was actually discussed in Health Class. This sends mixed messages to young vulnerable minds. This is a task we as parents will be fighting for the next 4 years.

We as so many other parents are trying damn hard to get our son to church, to send him down the right road and it's sooooo not easy to keep a teen on track in this day and age.

I completly understand there are worse things out there, I dropped my teen off at High School a few weeks ago, there were a group of kids standing in a circle and he refered to them as "losers" I asked him why he would make such a statment, he should not judge...He them explains to me that they are "pill heads" who have "pharm parties" So I ask him what on earth a pharm party is....He tells me that a group of kids will steal all their families pills, grammas pain pills, mama's xanax, pop's viagra..they meet up at one kids house, dump the pills in a bowl and take em till they pass out!!! I almost died right there...Here I am thinking in my day as a teen...How scary how can I as a mother keep my kid from such activities???

The only way is for me to talk talk talk, tell him ALL drugs are bad, the consequences, every single day we have to instill morals, encourage right choices.....Pray he is listening and makes the right decision based upon OUR teachings!

Then we have this type of "crap" as I call it, we have newspaper headlines about smoking pot should be legalized for all it's GOOD uses...

We have a newspaper arcticle that states you are a REVERAND and how this reverand says it's SPIRITUAL...

My kid looks at me and says..Ma'h this Pastor says pot's really good for you, and god says it's good for cleaning the soul, and they are gonna legalize it!!!

Well I tell ya, I was angry as hell because I have spent the last several years teaching my son ALL drugs have no good outcome! Now I have to explain to him this is YOUR thought process...Not the worlds....That when Scientist come forth with their evidence they will do what is best for the people...I have to explain to him that there is legal marijuana in pill form and it ends up a lengthy conversation regarding the safety and effectivness of drugs...

Those are the reasons I have been angry at your plight...Those are the reasons I posted on this arcticle....No other reason....So that possibly YOU could see a DIFFERENT approach.

I learned things on this post that even as a nurse for the last 16 years I have not explored...JUSTMEHERE..posted alot of intriguing information...I appreciated that for I am not closed minded...

But I still stand strong against your use of the word Reverand, there has got to be a way for you to express yourself in a different mannerism..Such as Spiritual Advisor or something of that nature.....

But I am done here on this post for I know the post I am posting now will just get me smacked down and aggravated by ignorant responses....I just hope that all of us here who tried to get you to see what was wrong about your ploy have opened YOUR mind to another way of thinking...Maybe your plight can be taken in a different direction..Who knows the outcome and it's not up to anyone but the good lord above...

And I'm actually glad mainahmom and I cleaned the slate..So something positive came about afterall...

Good Luck!

hwm, totally agree with ya.

Templegreen, although i disagree with some of you're idears, i have no hatred towards anyone.

Well it does sound as though we are all starting to at least accept one another. These message boards are a horrible way of debating. It leaves no room for vocal tone or body language. I think "text" is great for quick notes but has no true value in meaningful communication.

As for myself, I felt like my parents and the government had lied to me about cannabis. It took me years to figure out the truth for myself. I'm just trying to help people. The French give their children wine with their meals. Responsible and moderate use of alcohol has led to way lower rates of alcoholism in their country.

My ways are definately not for everyone, Thus far we have rejected over 30 applicants for Temple Membership. Hopefully this brings some peace of mind to some.

what? I guess i don't get it, do you mean you gotta be pre qualified by a application before you can attend church?

Not at all, we screen applications for temple membership for a variety of reasons, age being a top priority. Anyone can attend a sermon, only trusted and responsible members are allowed to take the sacrament, it is a holy medicine for spiritual healing.

Most importantly, we are not trying to open the floodgates for people who just want to smoke reefer. We spend time talking with each potential member and "weed out" those who will not follow Divine Law.

Our Temple is for serious spiritual growth, not potheads. We take this matter very seriously. Those who disobey our rules automatically give up a religious use defense, we will not help them.

Responsibility and Moderation are key factors of Temple life. Some people, having completed our online application, feel our rules are too strict. Others blatently disregard our rules. The vast majority however are in fact sincere, honest and responsible.

I've spent enough time in the streets to identify potential problem members. Any member caught using drugs or buying street marijuana are making a sacraligious offense. We don't give warnings, we don't give fines, we simply will not protect them, period. These same rules apply for violence and intolerance. If a member or potential member wants to voluntarily violate our rules, we will eject them immediately.

This is one of the main reasons we do NOT support the legalization of marijuana.

I apologize for prefering to speak to you in this manner. As a married woman, I feel I have no business calling or even personally emailing you. You mentioned that you had a difficult life. I knew you in high school briefly and I had no idea. You seemed like a really nice kid :) Anyway, you also mentioned that you felt abandoned ,in a way, by God. It seems to me you have turned things around. You are obviously well spoken and you seem to have some real talent at web design. I've learned as I'm sure you have in your church days that God answers prayers in His time and not ours. Considering how He's carried you through, perhaps He didn't turn his back on you? If you ask me ( lol... which you didn't, I know) God made a smart, strong man out of a broken hearted boy. I know people like to mention the Crusades and other atrocities carried out in the name of religion. Those acts were carried out by self-serving men... there was no biblical basis for their deeds and no excuse for them and I'd appreciate if you didn't throw them in my face to discredit my point of view. I wasn't there and God certainly wasn't. I know you have abandonded your Christian beliefs and that's your choice to make. I did have to share my observation with you though. Sometimes things seem clearer when your on the outside of a situation like this. Assuming you still believe in God, please don't think He ever stopped loving you. Just something to consider. All of your hard-ships have given you a strength and a perspective that most Christians don't have. Maybe he was preparing you for something bigger than a traditional high school graduation? I sincerely believe that he's given you unique gifts and the tools and abilities to do a lot of good and touch a lot of lives. Again... its a free country and you certainly have the right to worship however you please. I'm not trying to slam religion down your throat, but I did want to share my observations and perspective with you. I know you can understand and respect that even if you don't agree with me.

Must have been in the lower 20% in spelling though. So basically to become a Reverend I need my GED, to work at strip clubs, abuse drugs, lie and be able to create databases?

dandlmom don’t tell a criminal to keep doing what he thinks is right...he already broke into a house and served hard time which is the foundation for his following...beautiful. This isn’t the path society needs to be taking.

What is your "devine" law? You said you dont grow your weed and you dont buy it so where does it come from?

I like to think that I did lose touch with God as most know Him to be. I spent many years wandering. My perception of Him changed and only through the use of cannabis as a spiritual tool was I able to once again be in His grace. The only way to get through to me was in a unique way. I really am not trying to bash anyone's religion. I believe we all worship the same creator, we just know him by different names. We also have received the same basic messages, we just have different "instructions" to carry out. We also seek truth and what is inherently the Creator's messages through a wondrous variety of messengers. Each with a special task, message and faith. I believe that Inspiration is of a Divine nature. Literature, music and art invoke the deepest emotions of the human soul and change people's lives.

I know I am here to help the sick and to help guide the lost. I believe in my heart that addiction is a sickness, not a crime and CAN be cured, of that I am proof. I believe that some addicts and criminals are treated unfairly. Some are never really given another chance to reintegrate into society and this forces them into desperate and stupid decisions that only complicate the matter. This perpetuates the cycles of addiction and crime.

Getting responsible and fairly subdued spiritual and medicinal cannabis users out of the black market reduces crime and increases the safety of the general public. Would anyone really worry that much about us if this were to pass?

Think about it a bit. (Hypothetically)

A small group of people create safer streets and volunteer regularly to help out in the community. The needs of sick people are being met and jails and court systems have been freed up for serious offenders who pose a threat to the general public. That group was fairly unnoticed and taught responsibility, tolerance and faith in a higher power. The group worked for further civil rights and protect your freedom to disagree with them based on your beliefs. But this group uses Bread as a sacrament in a responsible spiritual manner. Even though bread (in this scenario) is prohibited by the Government because five people were allergic to wheat gluten and died from Bread. This caused a huge public panic about the dangers of Bread. The government will arrest everyone who eats or sells bread. They crack down on bakeries and desecrate churches. Bread must be stopped at all costs beyond any rational or reason. But the government admits that Bread is not that bad, has a patent on Bread, and allows exemptions for Bread research and Medicinal Bread. The Medicinal Bread was a synthetic Bread Pudding that cost over $700 a loaf. More than 75% of the population were in support of Bread in some manner and generally accepting of Bread's safe responsible use. But still people were sentenced to 50+ years of prison for baking a loaf of Bread. They sit with killers and rapists, thieves and swindlers. They are scorned and shunned by their families and communities out of fear and intolerance. They feel sad for their loved ones who simply didn't understand their beautiful and unique connection to their Creator and their sacred and respected use of Bread.

Oh yeah, back in the day...

Ergot (The pre curser to LSD) is a powerful and dangerous hallucinogen. It is a fungus that grows on rye, wheat, barley and sometimes oats as well as grasses. Breads made from contaminated grain is thought to be the source of the bizarre behaviors that many many people were killed over for being a witch or other demon.

Ergot was a very real danger before we understood it further. Bread is now commonly accepted as safe but very easily could be listed on the CSA as a preparation of a controlled substance. Wheat, rye, oats and barley could ALL be controlled substances and we would never have known the benefits of a whole wheat pancake or the beauty of a birthday cake out of misguided fear.

Thats an excellent rant but you failed to answer the questions.....again.

One word: Cult.

Its ok....Christianity started as a cult too.

Rouge Wave....... wow. Don't you believe on some level that people can change? Don't you believe in the human spirit? Time and time again you attack me. out of some weird self righteous intolerance. Your animosity would lead me to believe you were a pissed of drug dealer just trying to save his own skin. But I don't honestly care what you think of me. There will always be those who won't accept me as there will always be those who don't accept you.

Real Christians are good honest people. They are loving and tolerant of other cultures and ways of life. True Christians are a blessing to our communities and a credit to this country. Just like True Members of all other Faiths. It doesn't mean that we are less than Christians. It doesn't mean we must sit in servitude or spiritual slavery.

You wanna talk of failed questions... You can't even show your name. Everyone knows who I am. I've tried to give you all the answers you could want. To be open and honest. You would simply tear me down to get some sick personal satisfaction.

Let me tell you about Cults. The word cult is used with negative connotations just like racial slurs. And because I am a Native American it somehow seems okay for you to act out your ridiculous RACIAL and RELIGIOUS intolerance. A clear violation of my civil rights and this goes on without social consequence. Well according to the government (Change.gov) 76% of Americans feel the same way I do about cannabis on some level. It is you who are the minority, intolerant of other cultures...you must be a truly lonely soul. I feel sorry for you. I wish we could understand one another, but you won't even try. I bet this is the same attitude you apply towards your family and children. I feel for them as well.

It keeps getting deeper and deeper with you! You think the word Cult is used as a negative connotation when I think it does not. All religions at some point started as a cult in the eyes of others. Pilgrims, Mormons, Christians, Quakers, Shakers...it doesn’t make them bad. I could give two sh1ts whether you were Native-American, anti-American, Canadian-American or anything else. Only you seem to care so you can feel bad for yourself or exploit it for whatever cause you are after…who really knows with you.

I don’t accept you because I don’t believe you. I believe people can change but I don’t believe you. I believe in the human spirit when it’s not laced with crude tainting. I am tolerable of other cultures I am not however tolerant of slackers, ignorance and strains on society. You speak of yourself as a religious man but ever since the initial article you have been all about cannabis. Even in the last rant of yours, you bring up facts supporting your belief system but fail to mention how this fits in the religious scheme of your cannabis cult.

I am not a lonely soul Rev. and I never violated your civil rights; you are an American like me, we are one and the same so take your ridiculous RACIAL and RELIGIOUS intolerance crap, pack it and pass it.

I've tried only to teach and speak openly, to answer the questions you all wanted to know about. I'm not a slacker by any stretch of the imagination. I never asked that you believe as I do. The evidence I present is a product of the research I have done and the efforts I go through in order to help people. I don't care if you belive me, others in fact do belive me. I can only help those who want to be helped. My beliefs are not for everyone.

I wish you wouldn't say such hurtful things. I have tried to reason with you, argue with you and everything in between and there is no changing your opinions. I am closer to my creator because of my beliefs. Because of my creator, I had the strength to change my life. Because of my creator, I have the strenth and patience to deal with people like you. I have the understanding that you will never even try to work together. It is ok. That's why the creator put you here, to help me learn patience and understanding.

My creator put me here to educate and try to steer people like you towards the light...not that kind of light and put the pipe down.

Sure, right after your church stops using alcohol (wine) as a sacrament. That'll probably happen about 2 years after you strip the peyote from the Native American Church. And while we are denying everyone's rights, let's stop churches from performing marriages, cause that is apparently an issue for the State. Let's point out the sarcasm before anyone starts saying these are my "beliefs".

Equal protection is just that, equal. I don't care what people believe as long as we can live and work together in peace. Why is it when I question your "God" I'm just supposed to have faith? But when I present you with my Beliefs and Creator the Pure One, I'm required to justify and prove everything you simply shrug away?

The Indiginous peoples of America were force fed Christianity in an effort to domesticate the "savages". In this day and age, I can't believe this type of mentality still exists. We practice Earth based traditions and experience life in ways that are both beautiful and spiritually fullfilling. Was it in the name of education that the Native Peoples were all but obliterated? Is it in the name of Democracy that we are, to this day, economically decimated? In what perversion of "power" does the State and Federal Government continue to trample the soveriegn rights of the tribes and people?

Your idea of "Education" sounds more like slavery to me.

Just a quick question Templegreen, are you people a cult?