synthetic marijuana
Teen Marijuana Use Rises as Synthetics Prove Unsafe
Tales of teens being rushed to hospital after synthetic marijuana use are generally terrifying and true. The crisis appears to become a blatant consequence from the Fight against Drugs and also the criminalization of marijuana. Untested items for example K2 and Spice were available in the shops of supermarkets without any age limitations, while marijuana continued to be hidden away in black marketplaces.
Holding a constructive dialogue with this teens might not be our most powerful suit like a country. The amount of teens who attempted synthetic marijuana this year was 11%. In 2013 time decreased to eightPercent. Will we think this is actually the consequence of educating our teens on drug abuse, or teen fears after learning from the fatal/near fatal unwanted effects of synthetics.
Much less People in america are viewing marijuana as dangerous. The popularity isn’t unique to teens as grown ups sentiments are trending by doing this too. We hope this doesn’t result in parents neglecting to talk with their teens regarding marijuana. This season, research demonstrated that 40% of teens seen marijuana as dangerous, lower from 44% last year and 75% two decades ago. Gil Kerlikowske, director from the National Drug Control Policy is worried about these statistics. He said around the amounts lately by saying “Youthful individuals are obtaining the wrong message in the medicinal marijuana and legalisation campaigns. Whether it’s ongoing to become spoken about like a benign substance which has no harmful effects, we are carrying out a great injustice to youthful people by providing them that message.” This all sounds fine and dandy but exactly how did disregarding the details, staying away from conversation with this teens, and criminalizing a plant exercise for that previous century?
 
Like the knockout game, social networking, and “totes mcgoats”, there might be much adding towards the widening generational gap. Many couldn’t realise why teens would do this not regulated substance, even if these were told it may be dangerous. The government supplements this argument by classifying cannabis weight loss dangerous than cocaine and comparable to heroin. Teen encounters don’t match these claims usually producing a breach of trust. Communication between your “Greatest Generation” and also the “Baby Boomers” also left much to become preferred, and as a result, it brought in drug craze the 60s and 70s. Regulation, conversation, and a little of good sense would go a lengthy method to keeping our teens safe.
Marijuana Industry News April 12, 2013
Maryland Senate Passes Medicinal Marijuana Bill, Fate As much as Governor….
 
Maryland has among the oddest medicinal marijuana laws and regulations within the U . s . States. It’s not outright allowed, however, an affirmative defense is permitted. People can avoid conviction of the possession charge should they have a debilitating condition for example MS or cancer. Furthermore, if someone doesn’t have a “debilitating” condition, but could still prove medical necessity the sentence could be reduced to $100 fine. There’s been serious discussion to completely legalize medicinal marijuana during the last many years in Maryland, however, Governor Martin O’ Malley continues to be up against the idea, particularly stating fears of federal government bodies defending Maryland condition employees. The Maryland Condition Senate has passed another bill that legalize medicinal marijuana and also the Governor has had a rather much softer stance. It’s not known without a doubt if he’ll sign the balance now that it’s on his desk however, many expect the governor to enact what the law states. The Governor lately known as the balance a yellow light. It might signal an enormous victory for activists as Mr. O’Malley is really a close connect of Leader Obama.
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Federal Government Grows Prohibit on Chemicals to produce Synthetic Marijuana…
 
Synthetic marijuana has turned into a problem that nearly appeared to increase from nowhere. Items for example “K2” and “Spice” made an appearance in supermarkets and increased in recognition rapidly. This Year there have been over 11,000 er visits credited to synthetic marijuana. Of individuals accepted in to the er 75% were age range 12-29. The items are frequently offered at supermarkets and don’t have age limitations. Developing teen metabolisms appear to become influenced probably the most seriously. Congress already outlawed certain compounds accustomed to create synthetic cannabis, including jwh-018. However, it is extremely hard for what the law states to maintain synthetic makers, as they possibly can use a variety of compounds to produce new items. The Whitened Home is thinking about trying to outlaw a couple of new substances including UR-144, AKB48,and XLR11. Many experts have credited the increase in market interest in synthetics as a result of the marijuana prohibition.
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Marijuana Policy Project Replaces Vandalized Billboard…
 
Vandals happen to be focusing on advertisements for any very long time, however, it is just lately where they’ve had the opportunity to target marijuana ads. In Tigard Or a commercial that implied marijuana was safer than alcohol appeared to upset a minumum of one person. For only being up for 2 days it had been torn lower. A brand new sign is rising, due mainly towards the group Marijuana Policy Project. This time around, in mention of first billboard, the saying “The Truth can’t be destroyed” continues to be added. Marijuana Policy Project is certainly the most effective and common marijuana reform organizations across the nation.
Teen Highlights the Failure of Prohibition
Banning the sale and consumption of alcohol did not exactly create the moral utopia some expected in the 1920s and 30s. In fact, it created bootlegging and organized crime which still presents major problems almost a century later. Banning and ignoring marijuana has also created an unregulated black market, however our government does not seem to be learning a quick lesson this time around.
Many experts also believe that banned substances can become in vogue. While marijuana happens to be a banned substance with little to no side effects, its chemical copies offer far more devastating consequences. Synthetic marijuana or cannabinoids, can mimic many of the effects of marijuana, but also carry the potential for massive health complications. These include high risk for strokes, heart problems, stomach/intestinal issues, and mental problems. Despite this, synthetic marijuana has become very popular with teens as it can be purchased at local convenience stores. Last year, a federal ban was enacted to stop the sales of products that include these lab created compounds such as JWH-018.
A teen from Cypress, Texas, knows all too well of just how serious the side effects of synthetic marijuana can be. Emily Bauer spent two weeks in an ICU after purchasing and using synthetic marijuana. Two weeks before her ICU stay, she was experiencing persistent migraines. Her symptoms grew worse as her mental state deteriorated. She became violent and when her parents decided to have paramedics take her to the hospital, she fought vigorously and bit guardrails and anybody who attempted to help her. Her symptoms were so severe that it appeared she would not recover. Bauer survived but has endured a traumatic experience. She finds herself part of the group that is most at risk to wind up in the hospital for synthetic marijuana use, those between the ages of 12-17.
Unfortunately, the propaganda and exaggeration machine has eroded the trust between teens and government officials. Teens have heard and found firsthand that marijuana is not nearly the villain that films such as reefer madness have made it out to be. The problem now has become trying to earn this trust back. People are willing to try out dangerous products such as K2 and Spice despite health warnings. Additionally, the bans may never be fully effective as labs can create new synthetic cannabinoids with relative ease. The government has a tremendous credibility issue and has to engage in a realistic conversation on marijuana. It is here, it is not going away, and with proper regulation will be far less harmful than prescription drugs, homemade drugs, alcohol, and synthetics.
Medical Marijuana Industry News October 5, 2012
Los Angeles Patients and Activists Score Huge Victory as they Force City Council To Repeal Dispensary Ban…
The decision by the Los Angeles City Council to drop their current efforts in banning marijuana dispensaries is a huge lift for many concerned patients. While we at marijuana.net have posted the story already on our page, we thought it was important to bring more focus to the issue. The city wanted the ban as they have proved unable to come up with an adequate system of regulation. Instead of rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty, they decided the work would be too difficult and tried to brush the issue under the rug. A dispensary ban would have likely lead to a resurgence of unregulated gang related marijuana sales on the street level. This week’s victory shows how the voice of the people still matters and how great things can be accomplished. Americans for Safe Access was able to collect the over 27,000 signatures needed to block the ban. After the signatures were collected the City Council had the option of repealing the ban themselves or putting the vote to the people. Many analysts expected the issue to go to a vote. While we have been hard on how the City Council has handled the situation, we would like to applaud them in this decision. As it was becoming more clear that there was enough voter support to repeal the ban in the City Council decided not to drag out the inevitable.
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Synthetic Marijuana Linked to Kidney Failure in Oregon Residents…
Over the course of the past year fears have grown over synthetic marijuana use. Most state governments and the federal government have outlawed its production. Many health complications have been linked to synthetic cannabis use with kidney failure now emerging as the newest problem. In Oregon, 6 cases of kidney failure have been linked to use of popular products such as “Spice” and “K2”.
State Public Health Division Director Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H, said “People need to know that synthetic or designer drugs like ‘spice’ or ‘synthetic amphetamines’ are chemicals that are not safe, can contain dangerous contaminants, and may cause serious harm to users – even death, If you become ill after taking a designer drug, seek medical attention immediately and bring the drug in so it can be tested.”
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Republican Senate Candidate in Washington State Endorses Marijuana Legalization Initiative…
Bi-partisan has become a dirty word in Washington D.C. as neither party seems willing to give the other credit. Hopefully in Washington State this can be corrected. Many people may associate marijuana reform with Democrats, but many Republicans, especially those who favor state rights seem to moving toward supporting marijuana. This is the case in Washington State as Republican Senate hopeful, Michael Baumgartner, has endorsed Initiative-502. This ballot initiative will be voted on by residents of the state and would create a system of regulating, taxing, and distributing marijuana in a similar way that alcohol is handled. In actuality, the marijuana industry will be handled by the states Liquor Control Board. Mr. Baumgartner explained his support of Initiative 502 by saying “It’s taking a different approach to a very expensive drug war, and potentially a better approach. They’ve checked all the boxes as far as what you would want to see happen in terms of provisions to keep it away from children and limiting access in the public space. I’ve just been impressed with the initiative and the people running it.” While he may be a longshot to unseat U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, he may be successful in motivating the already high support for the bill.
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Medical Marijuana Industry News July 27, 2012
Activists Vow to Fight Back Against Los Angeles Dispensary Ban… The decision by the Los Angeles City Council to ban marijuana dispensaries shocked many throughout the nation. Safe patient access has been now become an even greater concern. Patients are concerned that they will have to resort to illegal means of obtaining marijuana. It appears …continue reading
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
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New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
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President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.
Medical Marijuana Industry News May 25, 2012
Andy Caffrey Plans to Smoke Marijuana in front of U.S. Capitol if he wins election…
A marijuana patient and activist is seeking to win the congressional seat for California’s 2nd district which includes much of the northern region of the state. Andy Caffrey has been known to light up a joint during his campaign stops. If elected he has vowed to continue the tradition on the steps of the United States Capitol building. The district has been occupied by long time law maker Wally Herger (R-CA) since 1987. Earlier this year, Mr. Herger announced that he would not be seeking re-election in November. Caffrey is hoping that he can win the soon to be vacant seat by advocating for major changes in marijuana law and voiced his frustration with both Republicans and Democrats. The race will be interesting as many hats have been thrown into the race with almost all of them supporting legalized or medical marijuana. Caffrey has spent previous time working with the environmental group Earth First.
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Appeals Court Rejects Medical Marijuana Suit by Disabled Plaintiffs…
Struggling patients were not granted the compassion they were seeking by federal courts. A lawsuit was filed against California (Marla James vs. the City of Costa Mesa) cities for cracking down on marijuana dispensaries. The plaintiffs claimed the actions of city municipalities were in direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The plaintiffs who are legal marijuana card holders say that other treatments have failed to reduce pain. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination in providing public services. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals seemed to sympathize with the plaintiffs but felt they could not offer protection because the Americans with Disabilities Act recognizes federal law instead of state legislation.
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US Judge says GPS Use in Marijuana Bust Illegal…
The Drug Enforcement Agency followed Robert Dale Lee by installing a GPS device on his truck. In September of last year, Kentucky State Troopers pulled over Lee already having vital info provided by the GPS. Lee arrived in Kentucky with over 150 pounds of marijuana in his truck from Chicago. A US judge is throwing out the case because the DEA failed to get a warrant before installing the GPS. In January, the United States Supreme court ruled against the DEA having permission to use GPS locators without a warrant.
United States Senate Officially Outlaws Synthetic Cannabis…
While the outlawing of synthetic cannabis pretty much was handled several months ago by the US Senate, it is now official. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) previously objected to the legislation but now the Senate is finally able to move forward. A bill was also passed by the house toward the end of 2011. Both bills will likely be combined and then be presented to the president for his signature. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) has led the federal charge against synthetic cannabis. Synthetic marijuana products such as “K2” and “Spice” have come under fire as they have been linked with serious side effects and emergency room visits, especially by teenagers.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 30, 2012
Rhode Island Lawmakers Consider Legalizing Marijuana For Recreational Use…
Rhode Island has been full of marijuana updates lately. Earlier in the week it was reported that RI is considering three new medical marijuana facilities. Currently, medical marijuana is permitted if patients meet certain criteria. They are allowed to possess 2.5 ounces and 12 plants but there are no dispensaries. In a newer development, it was revealed that legislators in Rhode Island are now even considering legalizing marijuana for recreational use. The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear both sides of the debate on Tuesday. Decriminalizing cannabis will also be discussed at Tuesday’s hearing.
Initiatives to Make Marijuana Enforcement Lowest Priority are Underway in 6 Washington State Cities…
Washington State has already considered serious marijuana reform by the actions of New Approach Washington. The group was able to collect enough signatures for marijuana legalization (Initiative 502) to make it to the ballot and face a vote by the people. In the meantime however, it looks as if residents in Washington will attempt other ways in which to reform marijuana law. Sensible Washington is making a huge effort to push the decriminalization initiatives in Spokane, Olympia, Kent, Bellingham, Everett, and Bremerton. Seattle and Tacoma have already passed similar legislation making marijuana enforcement for personal adult use the lowest priority by authorities.
New York State Bans the Sale of Synthetic Marijuana…
Lawmakers in New York State have been pushing for a ban on synthetic marijuana for the past several months. They have finalized the ban preventing convenience store and tobacco shops from selling the popular products such as “K2” and “Spice”. Many have been concerned with recent health reports on the products. Teenagers seem especially vulnerable as there have been many emergency room visits reported that have been linked to use of synthetic marijuana. Many of these instances involve teens not being able to speak or acknowledge their surroundings. The National Poison Control Center has received 8,000 calls involving synthetic cannabis since 2011. The rise in the numbers is staggering as New York had 4 such instances in 2009 and 2010. New York State Senator Charles Schumer has led the charge for both a national ban and New York’s ban on synthetic cannabis. He has met opposition on a federal by those who feel any ban should be left up to individual states. Most states have already enacted similar bans.
Doctor believes that symptoms of Synthetic Cannabis Use not always Recognized
Prohibition paves a golden road to the black market. The mafia flourished during America’s alcohol prohibition and marijuana.net has recently covered many stories that highlight the Mexican Cartel’s profits during the current war on cannabis. The alternate and unregulated drug market has witnessed new products that are striking fear in parents and health care workers.
Complications from synthetic marijuana are being reported regularly these days. The problem seems much more pronounced in teenagers, with emergency room visits on the rise. Most of the news outlets refer to all synthetic marijuana, ingredients, and effects as if they fit into one category. A recent article entitled “Side effects of synthetic pot-aka Spice- may be missed by ER Docs” has appeared on MSNBC’s website. This article mentions major problems in diagnosing and treating teens who suffer from side effects of synthetics.
Dr. Joanna Cohen is a pediatric emergency physician and told MSNBC that “These drugs are unregulated…symptoms can be unpredictable because the drug is mixed with other types of chemicals and substances.” The problem is also complicated by the fact that there is no standard in the synthetic marijuana market. With 39 states and a federal ban on JWH-018, synthetic creators have used many other compounds. This can make detection of use by teens difficult as there is not necessarily consistency to the side effects. The article also specifically describes several cases where teens were unable to speak, move, or respond to touch after being rushed to the emergency room after use of synthetic cannabinoids. The side effects are different, unpredictable, and impossible to determine as many unknown chemicals can be found in the products used by teens.
While rogue chemists may have replaced the iconic prohibition kings such as Al Capone, the situation remains similar. The black market in 2012 may not have the identifiable faces that made bootleggers so famous, but the effects of this market may be far worse. Synthetic products such as “K2” and “Spice” can be purchased at convenience stores and will likely just appear in different packaging if outlawed. These stories only highlight the need for a regulated and safe marijuana market, where the demand for products that can result in emergency room visits will fade away.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 24, 2012
La Moves Nearer to Dispensary Prohibit
 
 
The controversy in La regarding marijuana dispensary closings continues to be happening for several weeks. City Councilman Jose Huizar is leading your time and effort to shut lower the collectives. He’s mentioned that crime comes with the collectives which he’s worried about the content legal marijuana transmits to children. Advocates have accused him of attempting to look tough on crime on his method to run for Da. The storyline from the potential prohibit isn’t new however it seems a election from the la City Council will occur soon. If council votes from the collectives there’s certain to be legal challenges. Many citizens have taken care of marijuana prescription cards and California condition law (propsosition 215) guarantees “Safe Access” for patients. La isn’t the only town thinking about a prohibit that will not in favor of condition law. The California Condition Top Court may ultimately define how California’s medicinal marijuana system progresses. Lengthy Beach chosen to enact an identical prohibit, but has permitted people of the Lengthy Beach Collective Association to stay open for many several weeks pending the greater courts decision.
 
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New You are able to Senator Chuck Schumer Joins individuals Seeking Synthetic Marijuana Prohibit
 
Synthetic marijuana is really a growing concern for a lot of over the U . s . States. Many states have passed laws and regulations targeted at making synthetic cannabis illegal. The authorities made the component JWH-018 illegal for just one year pending further review. JWH-018 was formerly (and sure is still incorporated sometimes) the primary element of synthetic marijuana. Many reviews have appeared of teens being rushed towards the er after utilization of items like “K2” and “Spice”. New You are able to Condition Senator Charles Schumer has became a member of your time and effort to prohibit the harmful items. Senator Schumer is trying to rally support for Harmful Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011 and was cited as saying “Synthetic marijuana shouldn’t be legal simply because it masquerades as potpourri.”
 
 
Vallejo Collective Raided By Government bodies
 
A marijuana collective in Vallejo was raided the 2009 week. Matthew Shotwell, the operator of Greenwell Cooperative, was arrested . Government bodies on federal, condition, and native levels matched within the raid. The California condition Franchise Tax Board and California Condition Board of Equalization also appear to possess performed a substantial role the problem too. Within the summer time the Condition Board of Equalization visited several companies such as the Greenwell Cooperative to evaluate whether proper tax codes appeared to be adopted. While there’s been no official word that tax infractions were the reason for the raid, it appears likely. The Federal Government has mentioned that they’re not focusing on shops who’re following condition law. It was why many shops were shut lower within the summer time and fall.