Americans For Safe Access
Marijuana to Finally get Day in Court
Rigid fear mongering politics is not exactly a new strategy when our government wants its people to be against a cause. However their dishonesty and misleading tactics do not usually face a federal trial. Thankfully, after decades of lies and ten years after Coalition for Rescheduling Cannabis (CRC) filed their initial petition, medical cannabis will …continue reading
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
Developing Stories in California
From a national standpoint, marijuana reform efforts have been achieving a great deal of success as of late. Voters in Washington, Colorado, and Oregon will actually have the opportunity to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana use this November. Even though the situation is not as upbeat in California, the state remains the epicenter for American …continue reading
Are California Lawmakers Lost in the Clouds?
Although it is often medical marijuana patients and advocates who are accused of hazy judgment, recent legal developments have us wondering how clearly those in power are thinking. With conflicting decisions and a poor medical marijuana system that was never properly regulated, patient’s safe access has been seriously compromised.
Lawmakers have acted lazy and lethargic when it comes to regulating California’s medical marijuana program. Instead of basing decisions upon research and information, they never checked on how the program is being run or made changes. Now that the system is not functioning as they would like, many are trying to dismantle it. How would Social Security fare if we never monitored or adjusted during its 70 year lifespan? The difficult task is actually analyzing what works, speaking with law enforcement, legitimate dispensary workers, lawyers, and patients in order to determine the proper course of action. After 16 years, California is in desperate need of re-reforming its cannabis laws. Patients are confused as to where they can seek relief.
Despite the guarantees of “Safe Access” outlined in Proposition 215, many municipalities have taken it upon themselves to interpret the legal language as it suits them. Legal experts have witnessed a series of confusing rulings, with the most recent ruling having been issued approximately a week and a half ago. The July 2nd ruling by The Second Appellate District Court of Appeals stated that city municipalities do not have the right to outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The ruling is being applauded by many marijuana advocates and patients. It appears to have at least delayed some of the pending dispensary bans in places such as Long Beach and San Leandro. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access said “The court of appeal could not have been clearer in expressing that medical marijuana dispensaries are legal under state law, and that municipalities have no right to ban them.” All eyes will now turn to the California’s Supreme Court as they will be taking up the issue after the new year and will hopefully end the legal guessing game.
The lawsuits and pending court cases could have been avoided had California’s elected officials taken some sort of initiative on this issue. After Dennis Peron fought for the right for patients to medicate, California became the first state to permit medical marijuana. Did anyone think that a hands off program for the first legal cannabis state would just govern itself? It is time for our representation to get their heads out of the clouds and do their job, even if that requires actual work and thinking.
New Marijuana Regulations in California to be put on Hold
Proposition 215 and Dennis Peron changed the course of history in 1996 by overcoming staggering political opposition to medical marijuana. It was a great first step and should have been followed up with a more structured system for how to regulate and dispense medical marijuana. The lack of additional regulation has steadily become a growing problem with the recent dispensary raids symbolizing state lawmakers futility in evolving the program.
State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano had recently pushed for legislation, Assembly Bill 2312, that would create a state run medical marijuana program. Currently local municipalities have different interpretations of how to regulate cannabis dispensaries. With many pending lawsuits, momentum for a dispensary ban in Los Angeles, and the fact that the state supreme court will not be taking up the issue for at least a year, many were hoping to see lawmakers provide a solution. Ammiano’s bill passed in the State Assembly recently but was expected to face a difficult time passing California’s Senate committee vote. The bill aimed to set up a “Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement”. The Bureau would oversee the entire program and allow local governments to collect tax revenue from marijuana sales.
While the bill or a similar one is needed, many analysts and members of law enforcement were not pleased with it. As in any developing billion dollar industry, there were varied interests at stake. As a result many were wondering just exactly who would be part of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement and what interests they would serve. Additionally, the extent and specifics of what the Bureau would do seemed vague. Law enforcement officials criticized the bill as being a free pass for dispensaries to operate without worry. While that may not be entirely accurate the bill did seem ill equipped at ensuring a patient oriented industry. It seems the criticism reached Ammiano as he canceled the Senate vote earlier this week.
Regarding the move he said “There is no doubt that my colleagues understand the need for this legislation, and I have a lot of faith in this committee that we can hammer out a well-balanced regulatory policy during the fall to answer calls from local governments, law enforcement including our Attorney General, patients, and the public to enact a highly regulated system for medical marijuana and provide a clear set of rules for everybody.”
If in fact Tom Ammiano canceled the vote in order to present a more comprehensive solution, then the news is not a total loss. However, many are wondering if they will ever see the state politicians come together and place the rhetoric aside and protect dispensaries and patients. To date, political solutions have failed and the “Safe Access” granted in Proposition 215 seems to be in jeopardy.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 15, 2012
Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession…
Rhode Island will follow the momentum for reform that is taking that is going on northeast. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has already proposed eliminating unintended marijuana arrests in New York’s controversial “Stop and Frisk” program. That debate is sure to heated as Albany lawmakers are known for partisan politics. Governor Lincoln Chafee is a step ahead of New York as he has just signed a bill that will decriminalize marijuana possession of less than one ounce. Previously that amount would have resulted in a misdemeanor with possible jail time and a $500 fine. Under the new law the penalty will be a civil citation and a $150 fine. Minors would be required to complete a drug awareness program and community service.
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Medical Marijuana Bill Passes New York State Assembly but tough Road Ahead…
As mentioned above New York lawmakers will consider the Governor’s proposal to eliminate or amend the plain sight provision in the “Stop and Frisk” program which has become a loophole for law enforcement officials to arrest New Yorkers on serious marijuana charges. In another development coming out of the Empire State legislators in the state’s assembly have passed a bill that would see New York join the growing number of states that permit medical marijuana. However the bill appears to have a tough legislative road ahead of it. Multiple medical marijuana bills have failed in New York state in the past. The momentum seems to be gaining as more state lawmakers are joining the 80% of residents who feel a physician should have the right to prescribe medical marijuana. Governor Cuomo has indicated that he would likely not sign the bill. There is hope for the future for New York patients as the governor has amended his view considerably since his 2010 campaign.
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Imperial Beach Residents may get chance to Repeal Ban on Dispensaries…
Imperial Beach residents may get a chance to change what is considered the most restrictive marijuana laws in San Diego County. Even those with medical licenses are not permitted to keep any cannabis plants. There is a petition being circulated in Imperial Beach and so far the response has been very supportive of repealing the ban. Over 15% of registered voters have signed the petition. Eugene Davidovich of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) said “Strong regulations like the ones we’re proposing would keep medical cannabis away from children and schools, and create a safe means for those who are qualified, to have safe, reliable, local access to that medicine.” He also went on to say . “At the same time, we’re taking into strong consideration the concerns of the neighborhood.”
Marijuana.net Will be Attending the 2012 Hempcon in San Jose…
For those who plan on being in the San Jose area we encourage you to check out Marijuana.net at Hempcon this weekend. As always, we will be providing education on patient issues, new legal developments, and the future of cannabis in the United States and rest of the world. We will even have our staff on hand who can provide advice on what strains are appropriate for individual. The one on one session will result in a recommendation based on several criteria including ailments to be treated and desired effects. We will also be continuing our popular vaporizer raffle which has been a success as many previous events. Hope to see you there!
Pressure put on LA City Council to drop Plan to Ban Dispensaries
Today activists have joined marijuana.net in the Smokeout for Safe Access protests held in front of Los Angeles’ city hall. Protestors were brought together by the efforts of the Cypress Hill Smokeout and Americans for Safe Access and are aimed at fighting back against the federal government crackdown on medical marijuana as well as the proposed dispensary ban in LA. the message is loud and clear and that patients are tired of a guessing game when seeking relief. If you can make it to the Cypress Hill Smokeout festival Saturday where featured artists such as Cypress Hill, Korn, Sublime, Mobb Deep and many others will be in attendance please stop by our tent and say hello.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 17, 2012
City Council Enables Lengthy Beach Collective Association People to stay Open
 
 
The Lengthy Beach City Council continues to be trying to prohibit medicinal marijuana collectives for many several weeks. The 2009 week, the town Council finally chosen around the problem because it had formerly been postponed toward the finish of 2011. The council chosen 8-1 in support of the collective prohibit. The only real silver lining for patients is the fact that collectives in the Lengthy Beach Collective Association (LBCA) is going to be permitted to stay open for many several weeks hoping that California’s Top Court will problem a ruling on medicinal marijuana. Many advocates have pressed for that high court to part of and hang more stringent recommendations for California’s medicinal marijuana program. Individual cities happen to be interpretation Proposition 215 in a different way, or even even disregarding it entirely. People from the LBCA include Natural Remedies and Avalon Wellness Collective who’ve been recognized to provide proper care to patients.
 
 
Medicinal Marijuana Week
 
 
Now people from the medicinal marijuana community required action against the us government. People in america for Safe Access brought the charge as a number of political actions were planned for that week. Medicinal marijuana week was produced in reaction to a lot of concerns among community people including federal raids. Community people were urged to make contact with the Whitened House, congressional people, and condition governors to be able to urge for federal reclassification of marijuana. Furthermore a listing of rallies seemed to be provided.
 
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“Legalize Louisiana” Group Forecasts finish of Marijuana Prohibition
 
 
Efforts to repeal marijuana laws and regulations are going ahead nationwide. Among the latest efforts originates from Louisiana. The audience, Legalize Louisiana, stated the finish of marijuana prohibition is originating. Susan Womack of Legalize Louisiana stated “The finish of prohibition against cannabis can come much like it included alcohol.” She also continued to state we’ve 16 other states, including Washington, D.C., that curently have models showing the tax dollars that (marijuana) revenue produces.” Many advocates of marijuana reform believe that Louisiana could reap tremendous economic benefits. Both Hurricane Katrina and also the British petroleum oil spill have battered the location recently.
 
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News The month of january 20, 2012
California Top Court Aims to obvious up Condition Medicinal Marijuana Laws and regulations
 
For more than fifteen years ,California has developed in the middle of numerous lawsuits regarding its implementation of Proposition 215. While Proposition 215 guarantees safe use of patients, many local cities have attempted to prohibit marijuana shops. Choices in appellate courts have allowed local government authorities to enact restrictions but later this season the condition Top Court will review if restrictions are allowed as Proposition 215 guaranteed safe access. Joe Elford of People in america For Safe Access was very happy to begin to see the high court taking on the problem. He was cited as saying “These cases were very problematic for patients as well as their capability to securely and legally access a medicine that actually works on their behalf.Inch
 
 
 
Major Studying Analyzing Medical Marijuana’s Impact on Post traumatic stress disorder may begin soon
 
Working underneath the Arizona College of drugs, the audience Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) aims to begin a significant study analyzing marijuana’s potential benefits for coming back soldiers suffering the results of Post traumatic stress disorder. The research is not able to maneuver forward before the National Institute on Substance Abuse concurs to supply the appropriate marijuana for that study or ensure it is shipped legally. Past research has outlined a hyperlink between cannabis and a decrease in Post traumatic stress disorder signs and symptoms, however this three month study will be the most thorough research about them. Dr. Suzanne Sisley will manage the research whether it progresses. Sisley thinks the study is essential and stated “We actually believe science should supersede politics, this illness must be treated inside a multidisciplinary way. Drugs like Zoloft and Paxil have proven entirely insufficient.”
 
Medicinal Marijuana Study Shows Benefits for Aids and Helps Patients
This past year would be a very productive one for scientists analyzing medical marijuana’s potential. One of many benefits they found incorporated Post traumatic stress disorder treatment and discomfort relief for individuals in chemotherapy treatment. This youthful year has already been shaping as much as contain more medical updates as new research implies that marijuana works well in assisting patients with Aids/Helps.
Lately, research was carried out in the College of California in North Park which demonstrated marijuana to work in stimulating appetite for patients struggling with Aids/Helps. Although a lot of already assumed the bond between THC and appetite, this research directly examined and demonstrated the hyperlink between THC and also the body’s the body’s hormones that create hunger. Online, People in america for Safe Access showcase most of the previous Aids/Helps marijuana studies. Also incorporated would be the conclusions by most of the world’s most exclusive medical organizations. The Institute of drugs have formerly mentioned their position on medicinal marijuana for Aids/Helps patients by saying “For patients for example individuals with Helps or who’re going through chemotherapy and who are suffering concurrently from severe discomfort, nausea, and appetite loss, cannabinoid drugs might offer broad-spectrum relief not present in every other single medication.”
Supplying regular updates about this existence threatening disease is essential. Aids/Helps continues to be effecting millions even while it appears we here less about this when it required our media and a focus by storm within the late 80’s and 90’s. Based on avert.org, this year there have been 34 million people coping with Aids/Helps and 1.8 million deaths connected using the disease. In 1990, under ten million were infected.
Any positive news on strategy to Aids and Helps is encouraging. For roughly 3 decades the amount of recorded cases continues to be climbing. Although it was not understood and ignored by many people as only having the ability to effect homosexuals, Aids/Helps has proven its endurance. Together with cancer, it signifies our greatest failures in medicine. Many doctors have moved course from getting a cure to stretching the lifespan of individuals infected. One significant problem using the philosophy change is the fact that many all over the world do not need treatment and medicine. However, a current New You are able to Occasions article does highlight the reason why we are able to still expect a remedy. Meanwhile, marijuana seems a lot more than in a position to provide relief for patients because they wait for a cure.