Arizona
McCain’s Change on Marijuana Helps Him Cope With Otherwise Difficult Town Hall Meeting
Senator John McCain (R-AZ) established fact for a lot of reasons. Besides his service throughout Vietnam and winning the Republican nomination for leader in 2008, town hall conferences will also be famous. The very long time Senator continues to have conversations using the people directly. This readiness to have interaction with voters inside a more intimate setting saved a presidential campaign which was basically dead and out if money in early stages from the 2008 election.
A current town hall session made more than ever before head lines. Senator McCain received an earful from many attending for his support of military action on Syria. The majority if People in america are against military action with Arizona citizens being exactly the same. In the event, Mr. McCain guaranteed there’d be not a “single American boot on the floor.” Some attending strongly voiced their opinion the promise wasn’t enough to aid military action in Syria. Senator McCain might have pleased individuals with his take on another problem. While talking about marijuana he transformed his past tune and individuals in the town hall that “maybe marijuana needs to be legalized.” Also, he continued to state he respects “the will of those.Inches
Arizona already supervises a medicinal marijuana program. Despite efforts by Governor Jan Maker to obstruct and halt the Arizona medicinal marijuana program, citizens have supported a contemporary method of marijuana for several years. Fortunately Senator McCain’s alternation in tone on marijuana might have assisted him pacify some. The situation highlights how American’s sights have transformed significantly within the last couple of years. Supporting marijuana legalisation appeared is the positive story from news reviews from the town hall. The planet is really a different place when supporting marijuana legalisation may have the ability to have an chosen official off the new chair.
Megan McCain, daughter from the Senator has accepted smoking previously and it has voiced support for legalisation. Perhaps Mr. McCain has gotten some insight from his daughter. He happens to be referred to as a family guy. It will likely be interesting to ascertain if the longtime Senator’s change of heart encourages more competitors to complete exactly the same.
Arizona Authorities Lose Another Challenge to State Medical Marijuana Program
Arizona authorities such as Sheriff Joe and Governor Jan Brewer find themselves under the spotlight frequently, though not always in the way they would like. Arizona is developing quite the reputation for creating divisive law (banning ethnic study classes, requiring police officers to use profiling to seek out illegal immigrants). Fighting progress tends to be a losing battle
They have also been challenging the will of the people regularly. In the case of the state’s medical marijuana program, many high profile lawmakers, including Governor Brewer, have tried hard to reverse a law that was passed by a majority of Arizona residents. The most recent attempt made its way to the Arizona courts.
Last week, Judge Michael Gordon of Maricopa County Superior Court ruled in favor of Arizona’s medical marijuana law. The case evolved from a dispensary zoning issue into a larger debate of whether or not Arizona’s medical marijuana law is defeated by federal law. In his decision, Judge Gordon said “This court will not rule that Arizona, having sided with the ever-growing minority of states and having limited it to medical use, has violated public policy.” He also went on to say “No one can argue that the federal government’s ability to enforce the (Controlled Substances Act) is impaired to the slightest degree.”
To no surprise Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne and Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery have vowed to appeal the ruling. It seems that certain Arizona lawmakers may not quick learners. Only days after the decision to uphold the Arizona medical marijuana law, the state’s first dispensary opened in Glendale. It appears progress is winning.
Presidential Debate On Foreign Policy Omits International War on Drugs
Last night millions of Americans tuned in for the 3rd and final debate of the 2012 presidential election. The event was less tense than the last week’s town hall debate which the saw the candidates create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Perhaps surprisingly, the attack on the American Consulate in Libya was only briefly mentioned. The candidates did engage on some important international issues regarding Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan. However noticeably missing was much of any conversation on our South American neighbors.
The war on drugs is foreign policy area that has a much more direct impact on the lives of daily Americans. Violence over drug trafficking is out of control and the Cartels have now infiltrated and have a presence in several states including Arizona and Utah. Additionally, U.S. authorities have found underground tunnels complete with railcars that have been constructed by the Cartels that run between San Diego and Tijuana. This foreign threat could not be hitting closer to home and there has been almost no mention of the war on drugs on the national stage last night.
Failure to alter the failed course of the war on drugs has now become a decades long blunder. By electing to ignore the problem, tens of thousands have died in only a few year span. Additionally, our borders have become less secure. It is honorable that the United States is compelled to help the civilians in the Middle East, but we should not forget some of our closest allies both geographically and culturally who live in Mexico, Central America, and South America. Failure to act and amend our laws has also cost the United States money through incarcerations and court expenses while also diverting police resources from other issues.
Instead of using the last best chance to talk directly to the American people about a range of crucial foreign policy issues, the two candidates seemed satisfied by sampling falling back on their domestic economic talking points during last night’s debate. There was no mention of the European Debt Crisis, only a whisper regarding Greece’s financial meltdown, and of course the violence only miles from our border. If violence, money, and the security of this nation are important to whoever lives in the White House in January, the War On Drugs cannot afford to be an ignored issue.
Medical Marijuana Industry News October 19, 2012
Montel Williams Calls Anti-Medical Marijuana Ads Racist in Arkansas…
Before it was cool for celebrities to come out and support marijuana reform, patients and activists always knew they could count on Montel Williams. The former talk show host suffers from MS and has been very vocal about marijuana providing him with relief and has done a great deal of work to highlight marijuana’s medicinal benefits. Now that medical marijuana is gaining acceptance, opposing groups are ratcheting up their efforts to promote propaganda. Montel Williams is coming out against an ad that opposes the proposed medical marijuana program in Arkansas that will be voted on by residents in three weeks. In the ad promoted by the Family Council Action Committee, a black man is shown dealing drugs as the narrator says “dope dealers” will be able to take advantage of legalized medical marijuana. Yesterday Mr. Williams told a crowd in Little Rock that the ad was “the most egregiously false, racist statement you’ve ever seen in your life.” Montel Williams said of his medical marijuana use that “For me, cannabis became a choice that my doctor and I had to make.” Arkansas can become the first southern state to pass medical marijuana legislation.
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New Jersey Dispensary Receives Go Ahead to Start Selling Medical Marijuana…
For those who appreciate a good legal drama, New Jersey has provided a great deal of material. New Jersey passed a bill permitting medical marijuana several years ago and has seen progress come in small intervals due to bureaucratic delays and challenges from Governor Chris Christie. No patients have been served in the years since the program received its initial approval. However, that all appears ready to change as Greenleaf Compassion Center in Montclair has received a permit to distribute marijuana. New Jersey Health Commissioner Mary O’Dowd said “This permit marks a significant step forward in the implementation of New Jersey’s medicinal marijuana program.” Patients who have been approved are expected to be receiving their medical marijuana cards any day. Analysts are still unsure as to exactly when Greenleaf Compassion will open its doors but most feel it will be operation before the end of the year.
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Arizona Officials Keep Up Battle with Residents and Medical Marijuana….
Arizona has some of the strangest and maybe even most unfair laws on record. However, officials only seem to be able to focus on two issues, immigration and marijuana. Earlier this week marijuana.net reported on a story where Arizona police officers raided a patient’s home and arrested her on felony narcotic possession, seemingly because they were not familiar with what a marijuana tincture is. Now, Maricopa County will be making its case in court as they refuse to provide zoning permits for medical marijuana dispensaries, despite a state law passed by residents that has legalize medical cannabis. Officials in Maricopa County claim that the law is in violation of Federal law. Ironically, many critics have made a similar accusation in regards to how Arizona handles immigration law. The Arizona “show me your papers” and other parts of the state’s immigration laws seem to be at odds with Federal laws, though state lawmakers do not seem to mind. Today a judge in Maricopa County will hear the opening arguments in a case filed by the ACLU.
Arizona Continues Crusade Against State Residents
It is truly a shame when a disagreement cannot be worked out and the only discourse to solve a problem is within the confines of a stuffy courtroom. Unfortunately, we see it every day as families are unable to come to an agreement and take their affairs before a judge. A similar situation is going on in Arizona, as once again disputes between a lawmakers and medical marijuana patients.
Although Arizona’s medical marijuana program was voted on and approved by residents, Governor Jan Brewer and other officials have directly challenged the will of the people. After an embarrassing court showing the Governor dropped her most recent lawsuit against the people of her state. However, there still has been echoing voices in the background of Arizona’s government to keep up the fight against its own sick residents.
While the Governor has been staying somewhat silent on the issue recently, apparently her police officers have taken the ball and started running. In a raid of state legal medical marijuana patient Charise Voss Arfa’s home, police seized a tincture bottle. After taking the bottle police charged her with a felony narcotics arrest, even as marijuana and its tincture extracts are supposed to be covered in the state’s medical marijuana laws. Now the state will have to deal with a lawsuit challenging the legality of the arrest.
Many critics are upset about the recent direction of Arizona law, especially as officers have not proved their competency. Arizona is known some “unique” laws that range from the silly, to the absurd (click here for a list). However, in recent years they are also known for passing laws that create tension and division within its residents, most notably the law that requires residents to “show me your papers” should they match a particular profile. Additionally these new directives are placing officers out of their comfort zone. They are trying to uphold the marijuana laws but are not familiar with a tincture. The immigration laws obviously lend themselves to even more problems as officers must make a determination on the fly based only on physical observation.
While this kind of political grandstanding may help to motivate political bases, it is extremely short sighted. The electorate has changed and this can clearly be seen in this year’s U.S. Senate race. In a state that traditionally elects Republican candidates, Democratic challenger Richard Carmona looks to have a very realistic chance of winning the Senate seat. While old guard tries to wring the people dry through infringing on civil rights and turning to the courts, a new generation of patients, non whites, and the compassionate will remember, like any scorned family member, that officials choose the courts over listening to the will of the people.
Medical Marijuana Industry News September 7, 2012
More and More Evidence Supporting Marijuana’s Ability to Fight Cancer…
Marijuana.net has extensively covered the constant updates on the ability of cannabis to provide medical relief. One of the most promising areas of marijuana medicine is in its potential to reduce and fight cancer. Many simply cannot believe this as the propaganda machine has told a very different story. However, research and even a government study has indicated that marijuana and hemp oils may be the future of cancer medication. A new article on Daily Beast, highlights many of the marijuana medical breakthroughs over the course of the last 15 years, especially in cancer research. The article avoids political talking points and tired discussion, rather, opting to describe studies and research conducted at prestigious educational institutions including Harvard and Lancaster University and research printed in medical journals such as British Journal of Pharmacology and Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry.
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Jimmy Carter’s Drug Czar Criticizes President’s Handling of Marijuana…
Every four years both major political parties in the United States hold conventions. Jimmy Carter continuously serves as a punching bag for Republicans and a stepping stone to gush over former Ronald Reagan. Decades later, while still perhaps not viewed as a successful president, some forward thinking ideas from President Carter are gaining traction. In 1977, President Carter wrote a letter to Congress urging re-prioritized efforts to focus on heroin and barbiturates as they were accounting for 90% of narcotic related deaths. Redirecting the drug war still has not been properly done but the momentum for this 35 years later is at an all time high. Echoing this are recent statements by Peter Bourne who served as the director of the National Drug Control Policy. Mr. Bourne characterized President Obama’s approach to drug enforcement as “totally insane” and urged the president to enact executive orders if Congress was unwilling to amend laws. The president is familiar with utilizing executive orders as the partisan gridlock of Capitol Hill has prevented many new laws from being passed. The president most recently used an executive order with his new immigration directive, which will allow those who came to this country as children illegally to stay here without fear of deportation. Bourne went on to say that federal raids of marijuana dispensaries and keeping marijuana as a schedule I drug (the same classification as heroin meth and other destructive narcotics) “doesn’t make any sense at all”. Peter Bourne also praised legalization efforts such as Colorado’s Amendment 64 and Washington’s Initiative 502.
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More Marijuana Doctors than Patients In New Jersey…
The soap opera that is New Jersey’s medical marijuana program continues. It has been well documented and publicized that New Jersey lawmakers have dragged their feet on the issue. Medical marijuana was passed several years ago under exiting Governor Jim Corzine. Still, there has not been one single patient served. The current Governor, Chris Christie who delivered the keynote speech at the Republican National Convention, has tried to delay the program as much as he could. Getting approved as a medical marijuana patient is extremely difficult and seems to require more vetting than becoming an approved doctor to prescribe marijuana. Currently there are 130 approved patients who will eligible to receive marijuana prescriptions when the program finally gets underway. However, there are over 160 doctors who have been approved to issue these prescriptions. Conversely in Arizona, regarded as a tough state to receive a marijuana prescription, issued 700 prescriptions in its first year and has a significantly smaller population than New Jersey. Another issue perplexing patients is even getting an appointment. Of the 160 doctors, many are not even accepting patients.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 17, 2012
Los Angeles Marijuana Dispensaries Ordered To Close on Sept 6…
Several weeks ago the Los Angeles City Council decided to issue an order to ban all marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The move has caused a fair amount of commotion and legal experts do not even know for sure if they city is operating within their rights. A recent decision by California’s second District of Appeals ruled that local municipalities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. Earlier in the week, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office sent out 1,000 letters to buildings they believe are dispensaries informing them that they need to close their doors or face possible fines of $2,500 per day fine after September 6th. There is a considerable amount of legal confusion in the air. Besides the 2nd district decision, there are also referendums in the works with activists collecting signatures. This could also delay or eliminate the city’s ban. Kris Hermes of Americans for Safe Access said “We don’t have a clear-cut response for them on what’s going on. It would be imprudent to tell them to stay open. But at the same time, there is all this other activity going on that could change the situation in a matter of weeks.”
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Colorado Legalization Initiative Could Mean Big Bucks for State…
Earlier in the week marijuana.net ran a story that described how much money could be made in the state of Washington should residents vote to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis. Colorado has also released a report that shows how much money could be generated if their similar law, amendment 64 is passed. A report released by The Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP) indicated that in the first year alone legalizing cannabis could generate $60 million in its first year and rise to $120 million by 2017. Of the $120 million $80 million would go toward alleviating financial burdens of local and state government with the remaining $40 million being directed to a fund that would construct new schools. Showing its potential for job creation the program would create 350 new construction jobs. This is independent of the jobs created for medical personnel, dispensary workers, security companies and several other industries.
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New Jersey Off to Slow Start in Registering Patients…
Matching the snail’s pace of the launching the entire medical marijuana program in New Jersey, only 50 patients so far have been approved to be legal cannabis patients in the Garden State. The good news is that the program is moving forward after almost no action for two years after it was approved by exiting former Governor Jim Corzine. So far state lawmakers have delayed the program for as long as they can and the small patient registration numbers come as no surprise. The point of the program is to prevent patients from having to secure their medication from illegal sources. So far the program is doing the opposite. Chris Goldstein, a spokesperson for The Coalition for Medical Marijuana in New Jersey said “Patients meanwhile are going on the underground market. “It’s not like they’re not accessing medicine out there.” New Jersey aimed to be a state with strict guidelines but has been outpaced by other known strict medical marijuana states such as Arizona. However, there is reason to believe that patient registration will pick up as every aspect of the program has been hastened by the threat of lawsuits. Expect more of the same as advocates will surely pursue the legal route if patients are not being accepted into the program.
New Jersey Shows that the Wheels of Progression Cannot Be Stopped
Despite the best efforts of Governor Chris Christie, state legislators, and local townships, New Jersey’s medical marijuana program is moving along. Patients have clearly stated that they are in favor of the program that was passed several years ago only to see bureaucratic delays on every level. However as marijuana becomes widely accepted and research confirms its medical usefulness and lack of side effects, those trying to slow the unstoppable force of progression seem to be accepting the futility of such action.
Other states have deployed similar political tactics to delay the start of their marijuana program. Arizona’s governor Jan Brewer has tried several times to prevent dispensaries from serving patients. The result has created a rift between voters and the governor. Looking to avoid such tension New Jersey has given approval for patients to register and receive their medical marijuana identification cards. Patients with terminal cancer, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, MS, and other qualifying conditions will have the opportunity to apply for the ID card. Patients can go to the New Jersey Department of Health Website to register or call 609-292-0424. A registration card costs $200 and will be valid for 2 years.
Patients in New Jersey may still have to wait a bit for their medication as only 6 dispensaries have been approved and only one seems close to opening its doors. Greenleaf Compassion Center has previously stated that it would have a crop available to distribute by September. However they still have not yet received the final approval to dispense marijuana. While there still may be time before the program is serving patients around the state, it seems to finally be moving on the right track. There are over 150 doctors have registered to be a part of the program. State Assemblyman Assemblyman Reed Gusciora also felt the program was moving in the right direction and recently said “The opening of a patient registry is a crucial and welcome step. . . . This represents the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Our elected officials often forget they are expected to work for the people. New Jersey officials have finally gotten the message but were close to facing lawsuits. Democracy is all about abiding by the will of the people and right now the people are expecting progress. Trying to stop that is as pointless as trying to stop the ocean currents.
Marijuana Updates Across the Country
With the federal government’s refusal to reclassify marijuana, medical cannabis progression has been achieved state by state. Most states have with medical marijuana programs are the result of ballot initiatives and efforts of local residents as state policy makers are unwilling to disobey federal law. The birth of modern medical marijuana got off to a bumpy start, and there may yet be future setbacks. However, in a country that cannot agree on much, it appears we are coming together over compassion, relief, and the law.
In Maine we recently learned of a story that shows how important it is to regulate cannabis and not turn a blind eye . Glenn W. Martin, a marijuana grower, used to illegally sell his crop to customers in New York and Boston. He has struggled, like many, with rising cost of living and had trouble paying his rising property taxes. Now that Maine has altered their laws, he is allowed to sell to patients and no longer has to hide his skills and the industry that he excels in. Last week Martin said “I’m focusing on how to make a high-quality product,’’ and It’s one of the best things to happen in our area.”
Moving across the country, there has been great news coming out of Arizona. Residents of the state passed a marijuana program about two years ago. However, Governor Jan Brewer and other state officials made every effort they could to derail the program. Having realized that ultimately the state has little choice but to allow the program to operate, there has been a different tone lately. The governor recently rejected formal letters by 13 county lawyers to stop the program. Ms. Brewer stated that she could not do so and was bound to the resident passed law. It now appears that dispensaries should be operating relatively soon. The town of Gilbert has started things off and is expected to hold a lottery to determine which dispensary applicants will be granted permission to start operating. Six potential dispensaries will be keeping their fingers crossed and hope that their name is on one of the two selected lottery balls drawn. Gilbert has 900 qualified medical marijuana cardholders and overall Arizona has 30,000 approved patients.
It may have taken some time but Arizona finally appears ready to abide by the wishes of its residents. On the side of the country Maine is showing a progressive approach to 40 years of failed laws and is starting to allow a necessary industry from operating in the shadows. Maine and Arizona are on opposite sides of the political spectrum but are showing that relief and compassion has little to do with blue vs. red states.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 3, 2012
Federal Crackdown on Dispensaries Continues in San Francisco…
There does not appear to be any end in sight for federal raids targeting marijuana dispensaries. Attorney General Eric Holder has reiterated that they will not use federal resources to go after law abiding collectives, however that statement no longer appears true. Without any evidence of wrongdoing, federal authorities announced their intention to shut down the iconic and world’s largest marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. This week we learned that two prominent San Francisco collectives, Vapor Room and Hope Net would also be forced to shut their doors. HopeNet Co-founder Catherine Smith said, “The Justice Department sent our landlord one of those nasty letters. So this is our D-Day, we have to leave.” Ray Chico who operates the popular jar company Doob Tubes, said the dispensary closings are hurting more than just patients and collective employees. He noticed his business also take a turn for the worse and has been forced to let go of staff.
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Michigan Court of Appeals Rules Cities Cannot Ban Marijuana Dispensaries…
Recently California’s 2nd Circuit of Appeals ruled that cities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The Los Angeles City Council seemed undeterred by this and went forward with what may be considered an illegal ban on dispensaries. Michigan courts have now issued a similar ruling. In the city of Wyoming Michigan an ordinance was passed that outlawed collectives. John Ter Beek of Wyoming Michigan filed a suit in 2010 challenging the ban, and the ACLU also joined the suit. Michigan’s appellate court ruled that a local ordinace does not overrule a state law. In this case since medical marijuana is protected on a state level, local municipalities cannot enact laws that conflict with state laws and outlaw dispensaries. Dan Korobkin of the ACLU was pleased with the ruling and said “In 2008, people across the state overwhelmingly voted to protect patients who use marijuana to treat their medical conditions from punishment and penalty.”
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Arizona Asked to Expand Medical Marijuana Program…
Arizona’s medical marijuana program got off to a rocky start and was delayed by two years after being passed by a vote of the people. There are still calls by opponents of medical marijuana for Governor Jan Brewer to end the program. Ms. Brewer did not have her most triumphant political moment in court and was chided by a federal judge for the way they handled the situation. However, as the Governor has received a great deal of criticism by marijuana advocates, they may be praising her today. Thirteen county attorney’s in Arizona drafted a letter formally requesting that Governor Brewer halt the medical marijuana program. She has rejected the request and wrote a response letter where she said “I am duty-bound to implement the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, and my agency will do so unless and until I am instructed otherwise.” Patients will be pleased to hear this as the it ultimately is the responsibility of elected officials to carry out the will of the people, even if they do not agree with a situation on a personal level.
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Activists Urging Costa Mesa Voters to Lift Medical Marijuana Ban…
Advocates of medical marijuana submitted close to 6,800 signatures in an effort to get an initiative on the ballot to legalize non-profit medical marijuana collectives. Dispensary owner Robert Martinez said “It’s imperative to provide safe access for veterans and cancer patients. I’m super stoked to bring these signatures.” The number of signatures is 1,000 more than the 5,812 required signatures which represents 10% of the Costa Mesa population. However, often many signatures are invalidated during ballot initiatives and if the effort requires more signatures activists will only have until August 10 if they wish to have the issue placed before voters this November.