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Attorney General

California’s DCC Requests AG Opinion on Interstate Cannabis Commerce

On January 27 this year, Matthew Lee, General Counsel for the Department of Cannabis Control, sent a letter to Senior Assistant Attorney General Mollie Lee requesting an opinion on whether “medicinal or adult-use commercial cannabis activity … between out-of-state licensees and California licensees, will result in significant legal risk to the State of California under […]

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Marijuana Industry News April 26, 2013

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California Condition Set up Committee Passes Medicinal Marijuana Regulation Bill…

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The legislative mess that signifies California’s medicinal marijuana law continues to be well recorded.  Since Proposition 215 was passed in 1996, when medicinal marijuana was initially legalized in California,government bodies, patients and collectives have observed a lot of confusion regarding what is allowable underneath the law. The possible lack of proper regulation has permitted illegitimate collectives to thrive while well intentioned institutions have frequently found trouble.  Condition Assemblyman, Tom Ammiano introduced AB 473, an invoice to possess California’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Control oversee a lot of this program.  He walked from an identical bill this past year when congress tried to give a provision to permit cities to prohibit shops.  Now, condition set up committee passed  AB473 the 2009 week.  It’s unclear whether it can survive the whole political process and be law.

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Michigan Congress Introduce Decriminalization Bill…

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Michigan has already established probably the most progressive marijuana laws and regulations around the books.  Attorney General Bill Schuette had attempted to battle against medical and native decriminalization laws and regulations despite citizens outwardly supporting reform measures.  It seems his efforts may fail short as state-wide decriminalization bill with bi partisan support continues to be introduced.  Democratic Condition Repetition. Shaun Irwin features an invoice that considerably reduce the seriousness of low-level marijuana possession charges.  For individuals caught with under one ounce, the penalty will be a civil infraction along with a fine.  Presently, individuals with no valid marijuana prescription caught with similar amount could address annually of incarceration along with a misdemeanor charge.  Repetition. Irwin lately stated “Even though we are investing no less than $325 million annually on arresting, trying and incarcerating marijuana customers within this condition, we all know marijuana has not been more available. We all know that police force is not effective at keeping marijuana from the hands of anybody within this condition.” The balance has got the support of some Republican congress within the condition government too, including Repetition. Mike Shirkey.  Mr. Shirkey spoke concerning the bill lately and stated “This is actually the proper time to possess this debate in Michigan.  “We are using lots of money, energy and assets in Michigan and nationwide to complete something we have unsuccessful at.”

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NY Condition Set up Committee Passes bill to Legalize Medicinal Marijuana…

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Despite the fact that most of New You are able to citizens have supported medicinal marijuana for quite some time,  there continues to be little movement around the problem.  Recently, however,  NY political figures appear to become conditioning their stance.  Governor Andrew Cuomo has began to guide electric power charge toward reform and it has notoriously adopted stop and frisk.  Now a committee in the condition set up has transpired a medicinal marijuana bill.  The election was almost unanimous and went by a margin of 21-4.  New You are able to congress have battled to obtain previous medicinal marijuana bills off the floor.  However, Gabriel Sayegh, director of recent York’s Drug Policy Alliance feels things may change soon.  He told news shops “I believe it is becoming progressively obvious that regarding medicinal marijuana, New You are able to is actually behind the occasions.”  He continued to state “We still heavily criminalize it, yet we’re encircled by states which are permitting medicinal marijuana.”  There’s been lots of movement recently within the northeast also it appears only dependent on time before NY joins the growing listing of states enabling using medicinal marijuana

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Marijuana Industry News March 15, 2013

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International Leaders Want U.S. to Go After Legal Pot in Colorado and Washington…

Even as it is clear a vast majority of Americans wish to see marijuana laws reformed, the Federal government has resisted.  One of the most complex situations for federal authorities is permitting legalized marijuana while abiding by international treaties.  In 1961, the U.S. took part in the U.N. Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.  Officially we are expected to uphold our part as a party of this agreement.  However, the United States has not exactly been weighed down by the past burdens of international treaty.  Raymond Yans, president of the International Narcotics Control Board, recently said that federal law (where marijuana is still illegal, despite state laws on the contrary) was “good, but insufficient.”  The momentum has clearly shifted and now fewer politicians in the United States seems inclined to come on to national airwaves and voice support for the continued and failed War on Drugs.  Whether or not it is correct on the part of the American people, we typically do not respond well to the U.N. lecturing us.  If Raymond Yans decides to come to America and give a speech on how he feels a 50 year old treaty is more important than suffering patients, or individual liberties, it should make for excellent television.

 

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Mass. Attorney General Dismantles Ban on Dispensaries…

Due to a successful ballot initiative by residents, Massachusetts is one of the newest states to approve the use of medical marijuana.  Of course, controversy soon followed.  Even before any dispensaries have opened, local municipalities have enacted bans.  However, outright bans have been ruled illegal by the attorney general.   A spokesperson for the Massachusetts attorney general’s office said “The act’s legislative purpose could not be served if a municipality could prohibit treatment centers within its borders, for if one municipality could do so, presumably all could do so.”  However, local municipalities will have considerable power in overseeing dispensaries.  They will be able to set out guidelines as to where dispensaries can be located, such as requiring they be a certain distance from schools, parks etc.  This represents a major victory for patients as other states have adopted medical marijuana legislation, only outlaw dispensaries.  This leaves the program in limbo.  Most patients cannot be depended on to cultivate their own effective and safe medicine without the help of dispensaries.

 

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Governor Andrew Cuomo Includes Marijuana in NY State Budget Discussions…

Last year, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo decided to shift his hard line view on marijuana reform.  The second generation New York governor ran his 2010 campaign with a seemingly inflexible view on marijuana.  However, clarifying New York’s decriminalization law from the 1970s has been gaining momentum, especially in New York City.  While possession of less than 25g is supposed to yield a civil citation (ticket), a loophole has allowed police to slap harsher charges.  However, if marijuana is in plain view, then the offense is escalated to a misdemeanor charge.  A tactic known as “Stop and Frisk”, easily allows police to capitalize on the loophole.  Officers will tell someone to take marijuana out of their pocket, police can then arrest the individual for having it in “plain sight”, even as they were following the instructions of the officer.  The tactic tends to disproportionately target young Hispanic and African Americans even as white teens smoke marijuana in higher numbers, and represent more of the general New York population.  Governor Andrew Cuomo was initially mocked for proposing a solution to “Stop and Frisk”.  He has argued that “plain sight” and concealed possession should both result in a civil citation charge.  The proposal has gained popularity as communities have grown weary from seeing their teens jailed, and having criminal charges following them for the rest of their lives.  Brooklyn Democrat, Karim Camara, echoed the growing sentiment and told reporters  “We’re not only punishing the individual; we’re punishing society.” Mr. Camara cited how difficult it is for teens with a criminal record to get into college.  Additionally, measures that would save the state money (especially post Sandy) are getting their time in the limelight.  As New York state enters into bitter budget negotiations, Governor Cuomo appears to be holding at least a semi hard line on reforming marijuana law.  It is not yet clear how this will play out politically and if this will force state republicans to accept the change in marijuana law.

 

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Marijuana Industry News March 8, 2013

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Ex-DEA Officials Pressure White House to Go After New Recreational Marijuana States…

As we have previously reported at Marijuana.net, federal authorities have remained relatively quiet on the issue of legal marijuana ever since the voters of Colorado and Washington state decided to legalize recreational use.  The issue is gaining national acceptance as a recent Reason/Rupe poll suggested that 72% of Americans do not think marijuana users should be arrested.  The poll also found that 68% of respondents do not feel growers should be arrested.  Fifty three percent of those included in the national poll said they felt marijuana should be regulated in a similar fashion to alcohol.  Even with swelling public support, former DEA officials are trying to convince the federal government to overpower Colorado and Washington.  The retired DEA members feel that if the feds do not act now, they may lose the issue forever.  Peter Bensinger, a former DEA administrator recently told the Associated  Press that “My fear is that the Justice Department will do what they are doing now: Do nothing and say nothing.  If they don’t act now, these laws will be fully implemented in a matter of months.”  In a country where consensus is becoming a rare phenomenon, these soaring levels of support may already have signaled the point of no return.  As we start to feel the impact of sequestration and lack of compromise, DEA officials may find it a tough sell to continue using tax dollars to go after marijuana users and growers.  Additionally, federal law is actually preventing billions in potential tax revenue that is desperately needed.

 

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New Jersey Lawmakers Seeking to Keep Medical Marijuana Patients on Organ Transplant List…

Many lawmakers around the United States have long snickered at medical marijuana.  The easy and quick analysis is that it MUST be front a for those looking to circumvent the law.  However, for many this is the most serious issue they have ever encountered in their life.  As millions worldwide have improved their quality of life with medical marijuana use, naïve talking point politicians have been slow to research the issue.  One major problem for elderly medical marijuana patients is that they typically taken off organ recipient lists.  This places them in a difficult situation.  How does one value the long term (needed organ transplant) over the short term (immediate daily pain relieved by cannabis)?  New Jersey is attempting to fix this before it becomes a major issue in the Garden State.  Earlier this week, New Jersey’s Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee passed S-1220.  The panel stated that S-1220 “would provide that a registered, qualifying patient’s authorized use of medical marijuana would be considered equivalent to using other prescribed medication rather than an illicit substance and therefore would not disqualify the person from needed medical care, such as an organ transplant.”  It took New Jersey several years to cut through their bureaucratic red tape and institute a medical marijuana program passed under previous Governor, Jim Corzine.  However, it is reassuring to see that they are taking a compassionate approach with this issue.  In a press release by the bill’s co-sponsors, lawmakers said that removing patients from the organ recipient list because of medical marijuana use is a practice that is “unconscionable as the patients have followed their doctors’ orders and have taken a legal medication to reduce the pain and suffering associated with their illness. Transplant centers should not be able to discriminate against people for using this prescription pain killer.”

 

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Michigan Judge Rules that Medical Marijuana Patients Cannot be Denied Unemployment Benefits…

The story above highlighted a victory for patients in New Jersey.  We also have good news to report for those patients in Michigan.  Last August, a Michigan court ruled that the Michigan Marijuana Act of 2008 “does not offer any employment protection to card holders” and “does not regulate private employment.”  In September the decision was upheld when former Walmart employee, Joseph Casias, was let go for marijuana use even as he was suffering from an inoperable brain tumor.  He was also denied benefits after being let go.  This week, Ingham County Circuit Judge William Collette ruled that medical marijuana patients can receive unemployment benefits after termination of employment.  Medical marijuana has had a wild ride in Michigan over the course of the past several years since it was legalized in 2008. Even as Michigan lawmakers and state Attorney General, Bill Schuette, try to fight against medical marijuana, residents have made it clear they support a patient’s right to use medical cannabis.  Michigan has some of the most progressive medical marijuana laws and is one of the only states that allows for minors to receive legal marijuana for certain qualifying conditions.

 

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Michigan May Be Election’s Unsung Hero

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Now that we are almost a week removed from the historic 2012 election, new stories are emerging in the aftermath.  Colorado and Washington State are receiving most of the headlines in the world of marijuana reform for enacting landmark legislation that will see recreational marijuana legalized.  Massachusetts has received some attention as well for approving a medical marijuana program and becoming the 18th state to do so.  These stories cover both the west and east coast, but as was the case in the presidential election, the Midwest would have a lot to say about marijuana reform.

Michigan is known for its progressive medical marijuana program.  It is one of the only states that allows for suffering minors to receive legal medical cannabis prescriptions.  Its flagship city, is now going to take a more progressive approach toward rebuilding its ailing economy and crime problem.  Last week, Detroit voters decided to decriminalize marijuana.  Several other Michigan cities witnessed residents enact similar measures as Flint and Grand Rapids also decided to shift away from failed marijuana policies.

The tension between law enforcement and Michigan residents has been steadily rising for several years now.  Even as Michigan residents have voiced their desire to alter marijuana laws, state Attorney General Bill Schuette has been notorious for disregarding the will of the people.  Nobody likes a sore loser, and elections are set up to highlight which ideas win out.  However, it seems that many are sticking their fingers in their ears and singing loudly and ignoring the vote tallies.  Previously, those who lost the elections were expected to step aside.

In Michigan, we still now hear the losers resolving to carry on as if there was not some monumental election last week.  Flint police Chief Alvern Lock said “We’re still police officers and we’re still empowered to enforce the laws of the state of Michigan and the United States.  We’re still going to enforce the laws as we’ve been enforcing them.”  We at marijuana.net are wondering exactly when Michigan police were granted the authority and time of day to act as enforcers of federal law.  It would seem there is much to do in fighting crime in Michigan besides moving heaven and earth looking for artificial crimes.  As Brian Morrissey of Coalition for a Safer Flint stated “”If the city police want to follow state law rather than city law, then maybe the state should be paying their salary.”  Is there room for police in Michigan to moonlight as federal agents?

Even if officials are still desperately clinging to failed policy and false memories of the imaginary golden age of the 1950s, this election clearly showed the people are not living inside such ridiculous bubbles.  Elected officials are not accustomed to answering to anyone, but they certainly have bosses.  In fact, over 100 million of them casted their votes last week.  Lawmakers and officers may not yet respect their bosses, but the writing on the wall is clear.  There may be more peaks and valleys but marijuana reform is coming, via the will of the people and bureaucrats beware, suppressing the majority has a habit of accelerating change.  Many analysts believe we saw this last week, as the non-white voter turnout was higher than ever and perhaps in response to voter suppression attempts.  We would like to take this time to congratulate the voters in Detroit and to send a friendly warning to authorities.  The Detroit metro area is one of the most populous regions in the America, located in one of the larger states.   Politicians and law enforcement beware, you are drastically outnumbered in your misguided quest to fight the people.  Even as the economy improves, nobody wants to be unemployed, most especially elected officials.

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Medical Marijuana Industry News August 3, 2012

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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.

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Medical Marijuana Industry News June 1, 2012

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Anti- Marijuana Stance may have caused Congressman his Job…

The Huffington Post’s website recently posted an article that describes a congressional election that may have been won and lost because of medical marijuana.  What has marijuana advocates even more excited is this did not occur in California, Washington, or Colorado, but in Texas.  El Paso Democrats decided to let Rep. Silvestre Reyes exit office in favor of Beto O’Rourke.  While the race was for the primary, the mostly Democratic district is expected to choose O’Rourke, the winner of this race.  Over the years,  Reyes has been very adamant in his opposition to marijuana reform.  The election seems to have highlighted El Paso voters concern with the growing violence along the Mexican border.  Beto O’Rourke helped to push a 2009 legalization resolution in response to the growing problems along the border.  Reyes, who maintains very close ties with President Obama and former President Clinton opposed and said that the district risked losing federal funding even if they simply discussed and debated the issue.  Residents did not find the explanation of his opposition satisfactory and have moved on.  Activists nationally are showing their political muscle as the Attorney General race in Oregon also may have been determined by the candidate’s position on marijuana.

 

Click here for the Huffington Post article which describes the story in further detail

 

Poll: California Residents overwhelmingly support medical marijuana but split on total legalization…

As the Los Angeles City Council is considering a ban on all dispensaries in the city, California residents should make them think twice.  A new poll shows that an absolute vast majority of residents in the state support medical marijuana.  Apparently, the growth of medical cannabis has not caused residents to want an end to the program.  Today, the City Council may choose to shut down all of the dispensaries while allowing patients to grown their own medication.  Activists say that could compromise “safe access” as many patients do not have the means or knowledge to grow safe medicine.  Another plan will also be discussed that would limit the amount of legal dispensaries to 100.  All of this is a temporary fix until the state supreme court issues a ruling which is expected next year.  The poll also shows that Californians are mixed on recreational legalization and only 46% favored it.  Interestingly enough, the rest of the country may support legalization even more than residents in California as a recent poll showed 56% of Americans were in favor.  With such strong support from the people on medical marijuana but still opposition from lawmakers, an eventful year is expected.

 

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White House Ignores Returning Soldiers Pleas for Medical Marijuana…

It is not secret that for generations American soldiers have returned home only to fight a new internal struggle.  While marijuana has showed great promise in treating PTSD symptoms, the federal government has refused to alter their position.  Thousands of veterans banded together and sent in a petition requesting that the White House reconsider its stance on medical marijuana.  Unfortunately they have been rejected.  PTSD is a serious and often underrepresented condition.  Statistics actually show that suicides are far more of a risk for military personnel as they outnumber combat deaths by a staggering 25-1 margin.  Al Byrne, co-founder of the Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access (VMCA) said in response,  “Vets have used cannabis for PTSD since the Revolutionary War, we know what we need and to be told by our President, the Commander in Chief, that he does not care about those he has sent to war by denying medicine to the wounded is unconscionable.”

 

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Strange News: Denny’s Customer tries to pay for meal with Marijuana…

Although marijuana.net is pleased with the progress the marijuana reform has made, the following story shows us why educating is so important.  We encourage readers to check out our legal section and to verify the marijuana laws in your state.  However, even education may not have been enough for a man in Niagara, NY.  The man tried to pay for his burger and fries at a local Denny’s (approximately $10) with one dollar of acceptable United States currency, and the rest with marijuana.  When employees did not accept the well thought out proposal, the man bolted for the nearby woods.  Reports indicate that employees informed police of where the man lived.  It is unclear as to what charges may be brought if he is caught because he did not eat any of the food and New York has decriminalized marijuana possession for amounts under 25 grams.  The penalty is a civil citation carrying a maximum of a $100 fine.  It is unclear if authorities will view the action more severely considering he attempted to use the marijuana in a transaction.

 

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Michigan Voters could get to Election on Repealing Marijuana Prohibition

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Although twelve months 2011 is heading in to the sunset, it won’t be doing this silently.  This season saw many much talked about occasions within the marijuana community.  So stay updated as Marijuana.internet will recap this wild year for marijuana later within the week.  Meanwhile however, we have interesting updates for example advocates organizing in Michigan for any ballot initiative that will repeal marijuana prohibition.

When the ballot initiative collects enough signatures then your problem is going to be placed at the disposal of the voters.  This prospect has already been losing light on which looks to become another eventful year for marijuana reform.  The particular petition drive is placed to start The month of january 12, 2012.  The web site https://help.repealtoday.org/ continues to be established to start the legal procedure for getting this problem around the ballot.  They have published the next statement: “We really are a coalition of Michigan parents, instructors, lawyers, doctors, health care professionals, former law enforcers and many more with an array of skills and values.  We feel police should stop enforcing marijuana prohibition and rather refocus their focal points to arrest violent crooks along with other real risks to public safety.”

2011 already trained us that federal raids and political muscle is going to do little when it comes to removing advocates from going after sensible marijuana reform.  Rising in the ashes from the political scare tactics were many cities pushing for marijuana decriminalization, medicinal marijuana and legalisation.  Among the greatest profile groups, New Approach Washington, includes many current and former U.S. lawyers in addition to idol judges (Get more information at our previous coverage of recent Approach Washington).  There’s considerable try to be achieved before we are able to think that marijuana legalisation is going to be at the disposal of voters.  However, in the event that were the situation this is an legendary event.  For just one, while Michigan has legalized medicinal marijuana consequently of the similar ballot initiative, condition Attorney General Bill Schuette has consistently fought against from the program.  He’s his displeasure with Kalamazoo voters who chosen to create marijuana enforcement its cheapest priority, and reported that condition law would still reign supreme, regardless of the wishes of Kalamazoo citizens.

A voter started repeal of marijuana prohibition in Michigan may likely setup more lawsuits between Mr. Schuette and Michigan citizens.  If advocates maintain their vigor, 2012 might be full of much more highlights than 2011.  Because this year shuts, come along in celebration for which will probably be a much greater year for sensible reform.

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Attorney General Eric Holder provides Update and further Confusion on Medical Marijuana

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In the wake of the recent federal raids that have shaken the medical marijuana industry, many have been expecting legal answers.  Will the raids continue in California?  Does this signal a shift in President Obama’s medical marijuana policy?  Analysts were sure that either the president or attorney general would be engaging America directly and explaining what can be construed as a change in policy.

Unfortunately, Attorney General Eric Holder only added to the confusion in a recent session of the House Judiciary Committee.  Representative Jared Polis (D-CO), concerned over rumors of upcoming raids in his state, tried to get Mr. Holder to clarify the White House’s stance on medical cannabis.  Holder stated that those who comply with state marijuana laws “should not be an enforcement priority.”  He also went on to say “If in fact people are not using the policy decision that we have made to use marijuana in a way that’s not consistent with the state statute, we will not use our limited resources in that way.”  For advocates this may sound like the worst is behind them but these statements do not seem very different than Mr. Holder’s 2009 statements, which certainly did not protect against federal raids.

While there is no legal clarity presented to the public with Holder’s statements, like most legally savvy individuals who appear regularly in the media, all statements seem to have an escape clause.  The attorney general makes sure to use terms like “priority” and “limited resources”.  Both of these terms seem flexible and subject to change.  Additionally, previous statements of this nature did nothing in preventing California federal raids.  The White House seems to want everyone to know that they do not want to step on state law.  Such an accusation during an election year may not serve the Obama administration well.  Of course, it only makes the water more murky as we ask why are federal agents raiding establishments who are in compliance with state law, especially a state law that does not agree with federal law?  Is it not true that this whole issue stems from Federal law outweighing state law?  But November 2012 is not far away so such double speak is to be expected.

The recent session of the House Judiciary Committee could have provided answers, but this administration seems to thrive under a confused legal situation.  With a chance to reclassify marijuana as a schedule II drug and put an end to the guessing game, our government instead opted to sit on the fence and keep everyone on their toes.  Mr. Holder may get his chance to see his statements at work.  If they respect state law so much we will see if they move forward with the proposed raids in Colorado.  Colorado has the tightest and most regulated medical marijuana program, so respecting state law in this case may be to just simply walk away.

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Federal Attack on Marijuana has Market Impact

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In another shocking development, the us government has proven that they’re novice at predicting how their actions will modify the economy.  Although this might be a tale with a, medicinal marijuana costs are increasing as a direct consequence from the recent Federal raids.  For a lot of patients, it is really an unfortunate development.  Most People in america happen to be feeling the economical crunch, and already cash strapped patients trying to alleviate discomfort may have to find away out to stretch the dollar further.

Reviews indicate that the us government was lately focusing on shops in breach of Proposition 215 and California condition law.  Since California made medicinal marijuana legal under condition law in 1996, patients happen to be treated to some steady reduction in prices.  Large growing procedures were now allowed and didn’t require secrecy.  The quantity of cannabis available clearly has jumped, so far.  Tommy LaNier, director from the National Marijuana Initiative, place it very candidly and mentioned “Supply is lower, so costs are up.”

The Us Government has every to enforce its laws and regulations nevertheless its conflicting message makes existence hard for patients.  Leader Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder have mentioned that they don’t aim to target legitimate medicinal marijuana patients.  This might actually be true, however the recent raids appear to contradict this.  Everyone knows that particular shops aren’t putting patient concerns first and possibly they must be shut lower.  However, rather than a business shakeup they might used less dramatic techniques from the companies.  An extended phase out process might have saved stress and cash for battling patients.  Farmers indicate that lots of strains will rise around $2,000-$2500 per lb.

Because the year in politics has proven, our government is effective in disregarding long-term economic factors.  Many sick patients discovered hard method in which their supply of medication was shut lower, as well as once they situated another facility it might be costing them more income.  If the us government made the decision to acknowledge medical marijuana’s value and controlled it, they might get rid of the speculating game making existence simpler on already battling patients.

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