MEPs demand ‘secret’ EU cooperation agreements with big tobacco

Members of the European Parliament in the budgetary control committee have written to the European Commission to provide the parliament with all documents and correspondence concerning cooperation agreements the Commission has with the tobacco industry. The request was made on Tuesday, two days before the same MEPs held a "damp squib hearing" with OLAF chief Giovanni Kessler, EUobserver.com reported on Thursday, on the investigation that was conducted on former European commissioner for health John Dalli.

MEPs from the budgetary control committee want access to all documents concerning cooperation agreements between the EC and Imperial Tobacco, Japan Tobacco International, British-American Tobacco, and Philip Morris International, all signed between 2004 and 2010. "All documents and correspondence concerning these agreements are of special importance to evaluate and analyse the possibility of conflicts of interest of the Commission emerging from those agreements," MEPs from all parliamentary groups said in the latter, "especially in the light of Article 12.3 of the JTI-Agreement, 12.4 of the BAT-Agreement, and Article 11 of the ITL Agreement."

"We demand comprehensive information on the relationship to the tobacco industry, in full disclosure," the MEPs write. The same MEPs met OLAF chief Giovanni Kessler on Thursday, who on his part said the resignation of former supervisory committee president Christiaan Timmermans was unrelated to the Dalli investigation. In comments to MaltaToday, German MEP Inge Graessle (EPP) said the allegations that had cost John Dalli his job - that he was aware of an attempt by a Maltese businessman to solicit a bribe to influence tobacco laws that Dalli was reviewing - are not yet clear enough.

"I wonder how the work was done and what the conclusions were that led to the resignation - this for me is relevant: what is the criminal act at the heart of the investigation? We still don't know, and I'm interested in the work that the police will do on the investigation." "I'm sure a commissioner from a bigger member state would not have been dealt with that way," Graessle said referring to the instant resignation of Dalli on the strength of the covering letter accompanying OLAF's report. "We should also care about small member states."

Cigarette Tax Hike Would Save Lives

County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Tuesday that she’s not simply trying to raise revenue by seeking a $1-per-pack cigarette tax hike, she’s trying to save lives. WBBM Newsradio’s John Cody reports Preckwinkle proposed the cigarette tax hike as part of her plan to close a $268 million shortfall in the county’s nearly $3 billion budget for next year.

The move would raise the tax on a pack of cigarettes in Chicago to $6.67 –second only to the $6.86 tax on cigarettes in New York City. The per-pack Chicago cigarette tax would break down this way: $3 in county taxes, $1.98 in state taxes, $1.01 in federal taxes, and 68 cents in city taxes.

Reynolds' 3Q EPS In Line, Sales Lag

Leading cigarette maker, Reynolds American Inc. ( RAI ) delivered adjusted earnings of 79 cents (excluding a one-time charge of 5 cents) per share in the third quarter of fiscal year 2012, up 6.8% from the prior-year quarter earnings of 74 cents. Benefits from improved pricing and volume gains for moist snuff products offset decline in cigarette volumes and marketing expenses. The results were in-line with the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Revenues and Operating Margin Reynolds' net sales in the reported quarter declined 3.8% year over year to $2.12 billion due to declining cigarette volumes.

Quarterly net sales also missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.19 billion. Governmental actions that prohibit the use of tobacco products, along with diminishing social acceptance of smoking, are adversely impacting Reynolds' volume. Adjusted operating income increased 1.7% to $764 million while adjusted operating margin increased 2.0 percentage points to 36.1%. Segment Details RJR Tobacco : This is Reynolds' largest operating segment comprising operations of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, a subsidiary of Reynolds American and the second-largest U.S. tobacco company.

It includes popular cigarette brands like Camel, Winston, Kool, Doral, Salem and Pall Mall. Segment revenue declined 6.1% to $1.77 billion in the third quarter. Volumes declined 6.9% in the segment compared to a 2.7% decline for the industry due to losses on shipments and increased promotional activity by competitors. RJR Tobacco's market share declined 1.0% year over year to 26.4% in the third quarter. The premium Camel brand held a market share of 8.5% in the third quarter, almost flat year over year.

However, it is pressurized by a weak economy and promotional activity by competitors. Value brand Pall Mall held a market share of 8.7%, up 0.1 percentage point. Compared with the year-ago quarter, the segment's adjusted operating income declined 3.9% to $606 million, with cigarette volume declines and increased promotional costs more than offsetting pricing gains and productivity benefits. Adjusted operating margin expanded 0.7 percentage points to 34.2%. American Snuff: This segment comprises operations of American Snuff Company, a wholly- owned subsidiary of Reynolds American and the nation's second-largest manufacturer of smokeless tobacco products. It sells some of the largest selling moist snuff brands like Grizzly and Kodiak.

Segment revenue increased 6.7% to $174 million in the third quarter. Volumes increased 6.6% in the segment compared to the 5% volume gain for the moist-snuff industry. The moist snuff market share increased 0.9 percentage points year over year to 32.2% in the quarter. Grizzly brand volumes grew 7.8% while market share expanded 1.2 percentage points to 28.8% benefiting from the company's investment in brand building programs. Grizzly is the best selling moist snuff brand in the U.S. Adjusted operating income increased 11.4% to $100 million, driven by volume and market share gains for the popular Grizzly brand.

Adjusted operating margin increased 2.4 percentage points year over year to 57.4%. Profit margins on moist snuff products are generally higher than on cigarette products. Santa Fe: This segment comprises operations of Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reynolds American and manufactures Natural American Spirit cigarettes and other additive-free tobacco products. Segment revenue increased 14.7% to $125 million in the third quarter. Volumes increased 13.9% in the segment. Natural American Spirit's market share expanded 0.2 percentage points to 1.2%. Read more: http://community.nasdaq.com/News/2012-10/reynolds-3q-eps-in-line-sales-lag-analyst-blog.aspx?storyid=183864#ixzz2AP8an9Hk

Sutton shopkeeper fined £300 after selling cigarettes to teenage boy

A Sutton shopkeeper has been fined £300 for selling cigarettes to a 15-year-old boy under in July. Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards carried out a test purchasing operation at the Ashfield Store on Stoney Street, which involved a young volunteer. Tak Kin Lai (49), of the same address, allowed the volunteer to buy a packet of cigarettes without identification. He pleaded guilty to the offence at Mansfield Magistrates Court on Wednesday (24th October). It is against the law for a shop to sell cigarettes and alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.

Shops are encouraged to refuse to sell to people who they believe to be under 18 and who cannot provide photo identification, such as a driving license, passport or Proof of Age Standards Scheme approved card. Retailers are urged to always ask for identification if there is even the slightest doubt about the age of a customer. Trading Standards promotes the use of Challenge 25 schemes for all retailers which allow them to easily check proof of age and they can help shops to set up systems designed to prevent underage sales.

Members of the public are being encouraged to report any retailers they know are selling cigarettes, alcohol or other age restricted products to under-18s. Coun Mick Murphy, chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council’s community safety committee, said, “There is an 18 years-of-age restriction that applies to the sale of tobacco so the shopkeeper should have flatly refused to serve the 15-year-old boy involved in this exercise. “We need to protect young people from the health risks associated with smoking so it was reckless of the shopkeeper to sell cigarettes to someone under 18.”

Government Urged To Pass Tobacco Control Bill

The Programme Director of Vision for Alternative Development, a non-government organisation has noted that the passage of the Tobacco Control Bill is the effective means of preventing the marketing and usage of the product. Mr Labram Musah Massawudu said to minimise the social cost of tobacco use, government must eliminate the activities of the tobacco industry through the passing of the Bill to reduce lung, oral and neck cancers, heart diseases and poverty among smokers.

Mr Massawudu made the observation in an address at a day’s journalists’ briefing and education on tobacco industry interferences, threats to public health and World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) last Monday in Accra. He commended the Ministry of Health for showing enthusiasm and commitment in the fight against the tobacco industry by taking steps in implementing the FCTC through the directives of the ministry while the Tobacco Control Bill passes through the due processes.

Mr Massawudu said Ghanaians stand to gain in poverty reduction and health improvement if government domesticates the FCTC through the Public Health Bill which was passed by Parliament on July 11, this year and awaiting presidential assent. In November 29, 2004 Ghana became the 39th country to ratify the FCTC to “adopt and implement effective legislative, executive, administrative and/or other measures and cooperate, as appropriate, with other parties in developing appropriate policies for preventing and reducing tobacco consumption, nicotine addiction and exposure to tobacco smoke”.

Mr Massawudu said the tobacco industry has filed lawsuits challenging various public health measures in a number of countries in a clear attempt to undermine the pursuit of effective policies. The Programme Director said the tobacco industry is expanding its war against public health, beyond national courts and into the international arena and therefore governments must understand these new threats, and stand together to defend their sovereignty.

“As tobacco control takes hold, the industry continues to adjust its bullying tactics so that it can advance its ultimate aim, to hook a future generation of smokers. “After attacking public health policies in national courts and via bilateral agreements, they are now enticing governments into doing their dirty work at the World Trade Organisation,” Mr Massawudu said.

He said the effective means of minimising tobacco use is to eliminate the activities of the tobacco industry by imposing tax increment on tobacco products, introduction of pictorial health warnings on packs and comprehensive ban on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship. According to the WHO, tobacco smoking related deaths worldwide has increased from five million in 2005 to 8.5 million this year while the global cigarette market has also expanded by 23 per cent in 2012 reaching 464.4 billion dollars. Some of the topics discussed were tobacco industry efforts to undermine Public Health and industry combining revenues to infiltrate and undermine treaty’s success and intimidation through lawsuits by tobacco companies. Mr Massawudu asked the media to show interest and create awareness on key provisions of the Public Health Bill especially on the tobacco control measures.

Smoking ups death risk in stroke survivors

Those who quit smoking before their stroke also had less risk of poorer outcomes than current smokers, researchers found. Researchers in Melbourne, Australia, tracked 1,589 patients who experienced a first or recurrent stroke in 1996-99. They followed them for 10 years, using medical records and in-person and telephone interviews, and tracked demographics, deaths, recurrent strokes and heart attacks.

They found that compared to those who never smoked, those who smoked when they had a stroke were 30 per cent more likely to have a poor outcome. Among those who survived the first 28 days after stroke, current smokers had a 42 per cent higher risk of poorer outcomes. Ex-smokers had an 18 per cent higher risk of poorer outcomes.

"This research provides fresh incentive to quit smoking now or never start because it shows smokers fare far worse after strokes than non-smokers," said Amanda Thrift, Ph.D., the study's lead researcher and professor of epidemiology for the Department of Medicine in the Southern Clinical School at Monash University in Clayton, Victoria, Australia. In the study, those living in disadvantaged areas were much more likely to smoke, with 52 per cent of current smokers belonging to the most disadvantaged group, compared to 31 per cent of those who never smoked. The results were published in the American Heart Association's journal Stroke.

Voltaggio to Provide 'Small Plates' to Cigar Lounge

Fan's of celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio's cooking soon will have two places to go in Chevy Chase to sample his creations: Range and Civil Lounge—scheduled to open later this fall or this winter at the Chevy Chase Pavilion, which is undergoing a $32-million renovation. Range is slated to open in mid-November in a 14,000-square-foot space in the upscale shopping center, Patch reported earlier this year.

Next to Range will be Civil Lounge, a "105-seat lounge [that] will offer beer, wine and a large selection of spirits," in addition to cigars. And, once Range has been "...open and into its first few months, Civil will be opening its dining options and Range will be included in providing small plates for the menu," a representative for Voltaggio confirmed with Washingtonian.

The menu "could include a Cuban sandwich, salads, soups and charcuterie made at Range," Civil Lounge co-owner John Anderson told Washingtonian. The cigar lounge, which plans to be open by the new year, will have "130 lockers that cigar fans can rent on an annual basis," as well as "a special smoke removal system to keep clean air flowing in and smoke out," Washingtonian added.

Russian govt OKs bills banning public smoking, tobacco ads

Russia’s government has OKed a bill that would ban smoking in public and tobacco ads. The government on Thursday approved a landmark deal that would crack down on smoking in a country where 44 million people, or 40 percent of adults, light up.

The approval of the bill, which has yet to be discussed in parliament and signed by the president, follows a plea by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who on Tuesday called for a crackdown on tobacco companies “making money on children.”

Smoking rates have shot up in the past two decades, fueled by extremely low prices for cigarettes and largely uncontrolled advertising. Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

British American Tobacco in anti -deforestation drive

The project was a partnership between BAT and the Tobacco Research Board. A rocket barn is an
affordable, easy-to-build or retrofit tobacco barn that reduces wood consumption while improving the quality and quantity of produce, helping both smallholder farmers and the environment. “Afforestation is a focus area BAT/NT roll-out was on in 2008 and has been very successful. (BAT forecasts) 100% self-sufficiency in wood curing fuel will be attained by 2014,” BAT said.

This, according to the company, would entail the use of timber off-cuts sourced from commercial forests for supply to farmers for tobacco curing and other domestic uses. “In addition to planted woodlots, timber off-cuts are being sourced from commercial timber forests as a contingency measure.Rocket barns, proven to deliver up to 50% curing efficiency against the traditional conventional barns, are being rolled out to our contracted small-scale farmers.”

Meanwhile, BAT shareholders are next week expected to vote for or against a proposed indigenisation and empowerment plan that could result in the firm relinquishing 10% stake to an employee share ownership trust. Under the proposed plan, 26% of the company’s issued share capital would be held by indigenous Zimbabweans by October 28 2012. Shareholders would be expected to approve or disprove proposals carried in the circular at an extraordinary general meeting to be held on October 26.

Billings favors tobacco rule repeal

When the Mississippi Department of Corrections announced last December that it would go tobacco free at all buildings, grounds and prisons operated by the agency; they did so knowing that the process would be daunting. The movement, which was not initiated by the state legislature, came about as a cooperative effort between the Mississippi State Department of Health and the MDOC. "Implementing this tobacco-free policy within the MDOC system will help minimize illness and chronic disease in inmates, thereby reducing the need for the inmate population to seek medical treatment," said State Health Officer Dr. Mary Currier.

"Additionally, MDOC staff will have the advantage of improved working conditions and ultimately improved health. Overall, the state of Mississippi will benefit from decreased healthcare cost as a result of this policy." On Monday, Bolivar County Supervisor Preston Billings questioned the program. "I am getting quite a few letters and phone calls from inmates and their families," he said after the board accepted Warden James Moore's report. "We were in a meeting in Tupelo recently and I spoke with MDCO Commission Christopher Epps pertaining to the smoking situation."

Billings said that during that conversation he asked the commissioner whether or not there was an appeals process to the tobacco free rule that could be taken by the people of this state on behalf of the inmates. "He told me that there was no way that it was going to be appealed," Billings continued. "I told him then that I objected to the rule and he told me that as of now it would take an act of the legislature to overturn it." Billings went on to say that in spite of the comments made by Epps that he was still in favor of the inmates of the state of Mississippi having access to tobacco products. "Now I understand that no one on the grounds is allowed to have tobacco," said Billings.

"But, for the record, I want it to be known that I am in favor of the tobacco free rule being repealed." Other states, like California, have led the way in making their correction facilities tobacco free and in doing so, tobacco products have continued to climb to the top of the list of contraband being introduced into the systems. Moore told the board that since the MDOC's policy change went into effect, that they have confiscated a large amount of contraband. "As many of you are aware, we have had a couple of shakedowns over the past couple of weeks," said Moore.

"During these shakedowns we have successfully confiscated about 16 pounds of tobacco products and eight cell phones." Moore explained that some of these items were found outside of the facility while others were found on inmates' persons and around the yard. He also said that people who are trying to get the contraband into the facility are getting more creative. "Just the other night, I think Friday, someone threw a basketball full of tobacco, cell phones and other contraband," he said. He then said that at some time in the future that he would approach the board of financial support in possibly building another perimeter fence to thwart future efforts of introducing contraband.

Moore said that while it was a learning process that he felt that the entire facility staff was doing a great job of enforcing the policy and keeping the contraband of the facility grounds. The Mississippi Department of Health said that cessations programs are being made available to facility employees and the inmates in custody. "MSDH and the Mississippi Tobacco Quitline are providing tobacco cessation information to MDOC staff on the effects of tobacco use and the benefits of being tobacco-free," said Currier.

"MSDH is also collaborating with the ACT Center for Tobacco Education, Treatment and Research to develop a treatment program tailored for the inmate population. This treatment program will enable healthcare providers at the MDOC to provide tobacco cessation treatment for inmates needing assistance with quitting." Read more: The Bolivar Commercial - Billings favors tobacco rule repeal

Big tobacco tricks with treats

Mint, cherry, melon, chocolate and grape are the candy flavors many Wisconsin youth will get while trick-or-treating this year. They are also the same flavors used by tobacco companies to fool teens like me into using tobacco. When I found out they were trying to manipulate me and my friends into using tobacco products with their “delicious” flavors, it sounded more “manipulicious” than delicious. Manipulicious is the name of our FACT (Fighting Against Corporate Tobacco) group’s latest activism campaign.

FACT was created for and by Wisconsin teens and allows us use our voices and fight back against the tobacco companies. Our Northwestern High School FACT group is doing all we can to spread the word that underneath the colorful wrapping of chewing tobacco, little cigars and other tobacco products you’ll find many of the same old poisonous, cancer causing chemicals as cigarettes. As teens, we are sick of being targets of the tobacco companies and are committed to take a stand and fight with FACT.

Lower crop, quality boost Karnataka tobacco prices

Tobacco prices for bright grade are holding around Rs 140 a kg at majority of the auction platforms in Karnataka. “As the auction enters the 15th day in the State, prices are steady and ruling high due to improvement in quality of the crop this year,” K.N. Vishakantaiah, Tobacco Board Regional Manager, told Business Line.

Prices are ruling 15 per cent higher than last year and about 30 buyers/platform are active. So far, the Tobacco Board has marketed 7,564 bales at an average price of 120.53 a kg. According to B.V. Javare Gowda, President, Karnataka Tobacco Growers Association, prices are better than last year due to lower crop. But growers’ expectation is not matching the current market price as all farm inputs have become dearer.

 The Tobacco Board is planning to conduct mock e-auction in few platforms in Karnataka on October 19. The Board Chairman is visiting the tobacco-growing region in the State during October 18-19 to interact with the growers and to participate in the mock drill.

RIVERSTONE HEALTH IS TOBACCO FREE

RiverStone Health went tobacco-free Monday, making it the 48th medical or healthcare organization in Montana to implement the policy. The new policy applies to anyone on its campus and prohibits the use of all tobacco products. Riverstone's health board adopted the plan from the organization's leadership training program that was asked to develop an idea that would make a difference in the community.

Linda Turner, who works in RiverStone Health's environmental services, is a member of the program. "We want everyone to be able to breathe fresh, clean air and not have anybody... especially because we have WIC here and the clinic, so there's children and stuff and everybody deserves to breathe clean air."

According to RiverStone Health, about 175 Montanans die from secondhand smoke each year. Turner says the new policy follows the mission of RiverStone Health: to improve life, health and safety. Employees say they will enforce the policy through education.

Two arrested in Kent for cigarette smuggling

Legal cigarettes you can buy from this site: camel, marlboro, pall mall, vogue. 

Agents for the Comptroller's Field Enforcement Division and deputies from the Kent County Sheriff's Office reportedly seized 7,000 packs of contraband cigarettes and arrested two alleged smugglers Sept. 21. According to a news release from the comptroller's office, Robert Wierzbinski, 36, and Angelica Wierzbinski, 37, both of Flushing, N.Y., were charged with one count each of transporting unstamped cigarettes and possession of contraband cigarettes.

The comptroller's office said the Wierzbinkis were arrested during a traffic stop on U.S. Route 301 in Kent County. The pair reportedly possessed $42,000 worth of contraband cigarettes. According to court documents on the Maryland Judiciary website, Robert and Angelica Wierzbinski were both released Sept. 22 after each posted $35,000 bail. “I'd like to thank Corporal Harry Kettner and Sheriff John F. Price of the Kent County Sheriff's Office for helping my agents continue the fight against cigarette smuggling in Maryland,” said Comptroller Peter Franchot in a statement.

“As soon as Corporal Kettner realized this wasn't a routine traffic stop, his office contacted my agency's Field Enforcement Division and agents were immediately dispatched to assist with the investigation.” The current laws make transportation of unstamped cigarettes in the state a felony carrying a maximum $50 per carton fine and up to two years imprisonment. Possession of contraband cigarettes is classified as a misdemeanor, with a maximum fine of $1,000 and no more than one year in jail.

“Every smuggler caught is one more opportunity to crack down on illegal activity and I applaud the agencies involved for helping to aggressively uphold and enforce Maryland's tax laws,” Franchot said. The comptroller is supporter of harsher penalties and stiffer fines for charges of transporting unstamped cigarettes and possession of contraband cigarettes. “The current penalties for cigarette smuggling aren't strong enough to deter people from continually trying to transport cigarettes illegally. Many times, my agency has found those who are arrested are repeat offenders, and that is unforgivable” Franchot said.

Marin County city considers tough smoking ban

Ardian Totolaku, an unemployed restaurant worker, believes in his God-given right to smoke cigarettes. He likes to smoke while he is hanging out on the streets of downtown San Rafael and in the comfort of his three-bedroom condo on a tree-lined street not far from Highway 101. Soon, however, the 44-year-old Albanian immigrant might be prohibited from smoking in either place. The San Rafael City Council will decide today whether to ban smoking in more than 40 percent of the city’s private residences or while sitting or standing on any sidewalk downtown.

“It's not right,” Totolaku said as he lingered outside the Fourth Street Starbucks on a recent afternoon. He took a last drag from his cigarette and added: “The government is going too far. Humans die because the Lord decides when it is time to go, not because of smoking.” But the City Council is not waiting for divine intervention. The proposed ordinance would prohibit smoking tobacco or marijuana in any multi-family residential unit, condominium or apartment – more than 10,000 of the city’s 24,000 dwellings.

 In addition to the downtown ban, the measure would restrict smoking near any business or multi-family residence. It also would prohibit smoking at public events, playgrounds and outdoor dining areas. The proposed ban, one of the toughest in the state, is similar to restrictions adopted by Sonoma County and the cities of Belmont and Richmond. Supporters of the San Rafael measure say it would protect bystanders from the health hazards associated with secondhand smoke, a known carcinogen that can seep through ventilation ducts, doorways and open windows in residential units with shared walls.

 “The person that is being subjected to the smokers’ behavior has rights as well,” said Mayor Gary Phillips, a supporter of the measure. “Particularly when you take into account the health factors, we feel it is best to weigh in on the side of the person who is being subjected to the smoke.” San Rafael, in eastern Marin County roughly 15 miles north of San Francisco, is one of California’s wealthier cities, with a median household income of $71,339, according to its website. San Rafael is a commuter city in the heart of Marin County that is home to more than 57,000 people. A statewide survey released in 2009 showed that only 7.5 percent of Marin County residents smoked, the lowest rate in the state.

 If passed, the ban would require a final vote Oct. 15 before going into effect in mid-November. The ordinance would apply to all tobacco, marijuana and hookah smokers – even users of medical marijuana who have a doctor’s prescription. Violators could face fines ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the number of times they have been cited. The proposal has set the stage for a fierce fight over how far the government should go in regulating people’s private lives. City officials say they have received roughly 30 emails and calls from residents who say the ban would leave smokers with few places to go.

 Smokers in downtown San Rafael last week said the government should butt out. Standing on a curb in San Rafael, Chris Gatty, a human resources manager from Fairfax, complained between puffs on his cigarette that the government is unfairly targeting smokers who stand still – walking while smoking still would be permitted. “While we're at it, cleaning up the streets, we should get rid of the homeless, too,” said Gatty, 42, gesturing toward a group of disheveled men on a busy corner. “Smokers are being unfairly targeted by the government.

If I lived here in a condo, I’d move.” But Jennifer Harper – Gatty’s friend and a nonsmoker – said she was “all for the police state.” Harper said she had tried unsuccessfully to persuade Gatty to quit smoking. And as a hairdresser working downtown, Harper said she had to close the door of the salon from time to time to keep secondhand smoke at bay. “I'm all for it,” Harper said of the ban. As he took a cigarette break on the sidewalk, Ben Arlington, a San Francisco resident who runs ticketing operations for concerts, wondered where he would smoke if the ban were approved. “I suppose I would stand in the street,” said Arlington, 34, gazing at the traffic. “I think that would be problematic for me, though. I value my limbs.”

Wednesday Sector Leaders: Cigarettes & Tobacco, Education & Training Services

www.freetobacco.info - free tobacco blog with fresh articles.

In trading on Wednesday, cigarettes & tobacco shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 1.3%. Leading the group were shares of Star Scientific (STSI), up about 6.7% and shares of Alliance One International (AOI) up about 1.2% on the day.

Also showing relative strength are education & training services shares, up on the day by about 0.7% as a group, led by New Oriental Education & Technology (EDU), trading higher by about 4.4% and Career Education (CECO), trading higher by about 3.8% on Wednesday.

Marijuana now legal for medical use in Connecticut

Connecticut on Monday became the 17th state to legalize marijuana for medical use, but patients with any of the 11 conditions allowed to use it under the new law won't get state-sanctioned access to the drug for at least several more months. William Rubenstein, commissioner of the state Department of Consumer Protection, said Monday that a system for supply and distribution won't be set up until sometime next year. "It's an enormously complicated task," he said.

"The law was signed May 31, and we're still doing our due diligence to make sure we have a system to supply a safe product that's free from theft and diversion and abuse." In setting up the system for Connecticut, he said, the department is taking lessons from the other states with medical marijuana laws about what works and what doesn't. "No one wants us to be like California," he said, referring to what many consider a poorly regulated distribution system there that makes the drug too easily available and subject to abuse. A full set of regulations for Connecticut's supply and distribution system will be prepared for consideration by the state Legislature's Regulations Review Committee by July, Rubenstein said.

The public will have a chance to comment on proposed regulations at a public hearing before then. "Connecticut's law has been called the most restrictive in the country, but I prefer to call it the best designed," he said. Under the law, patients with AIDS, glaucoma, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and six other conditions will be able to access a one-month supply provided they meet a set of conditions designed to keep tight controls on the product. Their doctor must first register the patient with Consumer Protection, certifying that they have been diagnosed with one of the illnesses and that they would benefit from using medical marijuana, and then the patient must complete the registration with a photo, identification and other information. Use of medical marijuana is prohibited in vehicles, workplaces, schools, dormitories and all public places, and in the presence of anyone under age 18.

Rubenstein said a temporary registration system for doctors and patients has been set up on Consumer Protection's website. Anyone on the temporary list would be allowed to possess marijuana they obtain on their own while the department establishes the official supply and distribution system, he said. He advised anyone with one of the 11 conditions who believes they would benefit from using medical marijuana to see their doctor. "They should make an appointment with their physician to discuss the appropriateness of medical marijuana for their situation," he said. Under the law, all marijuana sold for medical purposes must be grown in Connecticut in indoor, secure facilities, and only 10 producers will licensed.

A network of standalone pharmacists will distribute the marijuana, which would be available in the commonly known smokable form, as well as in forms that many consider more suitable for medical uses. These can include products that can be inhaled in a vaporizer, edible products and tinctures that can be applied under the tongue or other ways, Rubenstein said. Department staff, he said, are talking to pharmacists and representatives of the medical marijuana industry about how best to create a supply and distribution system in Connecticut. Matt Simon, legislative analyst for the Marijuana Policy Project, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, said it is unclear whether Connecticut's highly restrictive law will be workable.

"Connecticut is trying to make sure the dispensing operations are done in a professional manner, but it remains to be seen whether it will be too onerous," he said. The biggest challenge, he said, may be in attracting producers. Maine, he said, provides one example of a state that appears to have successfully set up a workable system of eight dispensaries that are run "like a health care facility," Simon said. Carol Jones, director of medical case management at the Alliance for Living, which serves those with AIDS and HIV in New London County, said the organization is hopeful that state officials will keep the needs of patients in mind as they write the regulations. "We at Alliance for Living certainly hope that all of our clients have access to any medication that is approved to treat their disease or side effects of the disease," she said. "Now that medical marijuana is legal, should our clients need that we certainly are in favor of them having access to whatever medication they may need."

Medical marijuana ordinance to get final Los Angeles City Council vote Tuesday

The Los Angeles City Council will decide Tuesday whether to repeal its ban on storefront medical marijuana dispensaries or to have voters decide whether to squash the law or let it survive. The City Council in July banned all storefront medical marijuana dispensaries, but allowed patients and licensed caregivers to grow their own cannabis. The so-called "gentle ban" ordinance also allowed three or fewer parties to collectively grow pot.

Estimates by the city put the number of dispensaries in the city at close to 1,000. Medical cannabis supporters bashed the law, saying high-quality marijuana is difficult to grow and the gentle ban would deny cancer, AIDS and other chronically ill patients one of the only medicines that provides relief from painful medical treatments. The Committee to Protect Patients and Neighborhoods, a coalition of medical marijuana advocacy groups -- Americans for Safe Access, the Greater Los Angeles Collective Alliance and the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770 -- gathered 49,021 signatures to ask voters to overturn the law.

The tally was well over the 27,425 signatures needed to qualify the measure, and the referendum was certified by the City Clerk last month. "We have always been seeking a fair compromise to resolve this complicated issue," said Rick Icaza, president of UFCW Local 770, which represents about 500 workers at 50 marijuana dispensaries. "We would like to see a law that regulates and restricts medical cannabis dispensaries, but preserves safe access for patients, and good union jobs for dispensary employees." Councilman Jose Huizar said "storefront medical marijuana dispensaries are not contemplated under state law and are therefore illegal" and "nothing the City Council will do tomorrow or in the future will change that." "At this point, I'm more concerned with enforcement on illegal, for-profit dispensaries, which the federal government is currently engaged in," Huizar said. "While I support the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes, the state needs to create a better way of providing access for seriously ill patients while removing the scores of profiteers and recreational users who currently dominate the market."

The clerk's verification of the signatures forced three options in front of the council. The panel must decide whether to repeal the ordinance, as favored by the petitioners, put the referendum on the March 5 citywide election ballot, or call for a special election. A special election would cost taxpayers an estimated $4 million, according to the city clerk, and is likely to be the unpopular option. Also Tuesday, the council will vote on a resolution sponsored by City Council President Herb Wesson that asks state lawmakers to fix state law to give municipalities clear guidelines on how to regulate the distribution of medical marijuana. The existing law "fails to respond to fundamental issues and ... has been inappropriately used as a legal shield to stymie local governments from solving many resulting problems," according to Wesson's measure. Council members are expected to discuss options to replace the gentle ban if they decide not to repeal the ordinance, but voters do.