Colorado
Feds May Not Be Able to Flex Muscles After New State Laws
Similar to an annoying gym rat who screams as he exhales while hogging up any full body mirrors, our federal government acts like a “juicehead”, usually eager to show off and flex any chance it gets. We witnessed this during the medical marijuana raids of the Clinton and G.W. Bush presidencies but in 2008 we were then promised newer and smarter ideas. We were promised a fully body approach complete with calisthenics and nutritional eating. However, despite such claims we find ourselves back to square one, paying taxes to a government that is more concerned with feeding its inflating ego and only working out its upper body. Last fall, dispensary raids conducted a rate previously unseen.
Recently, 23 medical marijuana businesses in Washington were sent threatening letters from the DEA, informing them they would have to shut down or face prosecution. The letters were sent out to dispensaries that are in violation of Washington state law as they are operating within school zones. Matthew G. Barnes, of Seattle’s DEA sent the letters which asked dispensaries to “Please take the necessary steps to discontinue the sale and/or distribution of marijuana…within 30 days.”
While the federal government has made it clear they would like to dismantle the entire medical marijuana program, they have chosen a careful route in doing so. Because they do not want to be accused of interfering with state laws, they so far claim to only target dispensaries that are in violation of state law. Many feel that threats to Harborside Health and other high profile California collectives had nothing to do with state law. In addition to the comments included above, Mr. Barnes made statements that did not seem to be concerned with upholding Washington State law as he said “The DEA will not turn a blind eye to criminal organizations that attempt to use state or local law as a shield for their illicit drug trafficking activities.”
The statement actually seems to insinuate that these collectives were attempting to “traffic drugs” at a profit and that respecting state laws had little to do with the decision. Of course anytime the White House is challenged on the issue they still maintain that they only get involved once state laws are broken. This is a statement that could soon backfire as three states will allow its residents to vote on totally legalizing marijuana, even for recreational use. How sacred will state law be to the feds if Washington, Oregon, or Colorado or all three legalize marijuana? Will the feds continue to flex their muscle and admit their disregard for state laws after using it as their defense for so long? Will they try to be more subtle, or will they walk away from the mirror and try to use all of their resources and strength to help instead of harm?
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 24, 2012
Court Ruling Could Reverse Dispensary Bans in California…
The Los Angeles City Council has come under much scrutiny after its controversial decision to ban all medical marijuana dispensaries. Many even wondered if they had the legal authority to even enact such a law with a decision by California’s 2nd District of Appeals stating that dispensaries could not banned. The city decided to move forward with the ban even though it was clear they would have to spend considerable tax dollars defending their ill advised legal decision. A lawsuit has already been filed by the “Patient Care Alliance” challenging the ban. Additionally, Americans For Safe Access have been in the process of collecting the necessary signatures to get a ballot initiative off the ground that would present residents with a chance to overturn the ban themselves. The lawsuit and the ballot initiative may not even be necessary in the end as we recently learned that the court case Pack V. Long Beach was thrown out by the California Supreme Court. Previously, the decision in Pack V. Long Beach ruled that marijuana dispensaries could be banned on the basis that medical marijuana is not permitted by federal law. As a result, municipalities such as L.A. and Long Beach used the decision to ban dispensaries. The state supreme court ruled that since the municipalities have abandoned their federal argument in the recent bans, then everything pertaining to Pack V. Long Beach has been invalidated. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access applauded the decision and said “The California Supreme Court has essentially pulled out the rug from under local officials who have used the Pack decision to deny access to medical marijuana for thousands of patients across the state.”
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NAACP Backs Marijuana Legalization Effort In Colorado…
A group familiar with social struggles announced its support for Amendment 64 and Colorado’s marijuana legalization efforts. The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) was formed in 1909 setting out on a mission “to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination.” The oldest civil rights organization is now seeking passage of Amendment 64. However, their support is not entirely linked to the right to smoke marijuana itself as the group is also very much concerned with the disproportionate numbers of African Americans being jailed for cannabis related convictions. Rosemarie Harris Lytle, president of the NAACP’s Colorado branch said “Marijuana prohibition policy does more harm to our communities than good. “That is why we have endorsed Amendment 64 which presents a more effective and socially responsible approach to how Colorado addresses the adult use of marijuana.” Arrests numbers by race are discouraging across the country but Colorado seems to have an even greater racial disparity in marijuana arrests than other areas of the country. In Colorado, African Americans make up 4% of population but make up 9% of marijuana possession arrests and 22% of sale and cultivation charges. In Denver the numbers are even more alarming as 11% of Denver’s population is African American even as they represent 31.5% of marijuana possession arrests.
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Medical Marijuana Makes Arkansas Ballot for November Election…
Activists in Arkansas faced a major setback when they were unable to deliver enough votes to get medical marijuana to the ballot earlier this summer. However, a renewed effort has been successful with 74,406 signatures being submitted this time. The number is higher than the 62,507 needed. However ballot initiatives often see a significant number of signatures disqualified. This was not the case in Arkansas as the Arkansas Secretary of State said earlier this week that “Our office verified over 69,000 signatures for Arkansans for Compassionate Care. They will be certified to the ballot.” If residents approve the measure Arkansas will join the 17 other states (and Washington D.C.) that permit medical marijuana. They would, however, become the first southern state to start a medical marijuana program.
US Government Burns Through More Than One Billion Dollars in Recent Marijuana Crackdown
Over the past year, the federal government has intensified its anti-marijuana crusade. Analysts are unsure of the exact reasons, especially as it seemed tolerance was in the air when President Obama was elected. Starting last fall, federal raids on medical marijuana dispensaries were carried out in several states including California, Montana, and Colorado. However, burning through marijuana this way may just show how out of touch our elected officials with the wishes of the average American.
However, the DEA reported this week that they have destroyed well over 1 billion dollars worth of marijuana since launching an intense effort on July 1st. The popular news site “The Raw Story” said that, according to the Justice Department “Federal, state and local law enforcement in the seven states have eradicated more than 578,000 marijuana plants from public lands. The DEA estimates the value of this marijuana to be well over $1 billion.” Over 80% of the plants destroyed by the government were located in California.
Sending out huge teams to search, locate, and terminate the plants does not come without cost. No one has confirmed just how much the recent effort is costing taxpayers. There are understandable reasons as to why the government would go after the grows (other than just pursuing their outdated policies on marijuana). The Department of Justice said they removed “Huge amounts of trash, miles of irrigation line, and many pounds of fertilizer and pesticides were removed from grow sites on public lands.” All of this only further highlights the need for a regulated system. Under a more defined system,
As the American public calls for both medical and recreational legalization of cannabis, how long can we expect federal agencies to keep these efforts up? Though they frame their actions as a way of helping the public, no one wants to lose their job. Recently, heads turned when Todd Akin showed just how disconnected he was with his comments on “legitimate rape” and women’s health. Both major political parties stand to lose considerable power as the people will continue to bypass ineffective leaders with ballot initiatives to legalize, tax, and regulate marijuana as a way to fix both our healthcare and economic system. Instead of destroying 1 billion in cannabis (plus the cost of sending out agents) jobs, tax revenues, and preserving the natural beauty of America could be our focus instead.
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.
Updates on Upcoming Ballot Initiatives
We at marijuana.net are always trying to report on the newest developments for the upcoming 2012 election in November. Ballot initiatives have been the largest contributor to a restoration of rights that we have seen dissipate over the last century. Because of this, we would like to provide highlights on some of the ballot initiatives that could see result in more legalization and decriminalization of cannabis.
First we were happy to read about new polls that show Colorado residents seemed inclined to legalize marijuana this November. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol collected enough signatures to get the issue to the ballots and will be voted on by the people. However, a previous 2006 vote in Colorado was rejected by the people so there is still doubt. Fortunately polls are showing that a majority of residents in Colorado seemed more likely to approve the measure this time around. A survey conducted by the Public Policy Polling group showed that 47% are currently in favor of Amendment 64 and legalization while 38% oppose the measure with 15% unsure. There appears to be a very real chance that Colorado will be legalizing and regulating marijuana after November.
Michigan has demonstrated the value of ballot initiatives for a while now. Kalamazoo had its residents vote and approve a measure that made marijuana the lowest priority for its police department. Additionally, Detroit will vote to drastically decriminalize marijuana this November. Grand Rapids appears to be the next Michigan city ready to take matters into their own hands. A group named Decriminalize GR collected enough signatures which had to amount to 5% (6,565 signatures) of the Grand Rapids population. The signatures were approved and were considered valid by the City Commission.
A failure of governing has resulted in the people taking the initiative. We need access to medication and a system of regulation that will tax, test, and dispense marijuana. As politicians have begged for the issue to disappear we can thank the people for accepting that cannabis is here to stay, and needs to be regulated.
Marijuana Industry Needs To Become Wall Street
The United States policy direction is largely dictated by successful industries and their lobbyists. Once the money has the ear of the politician, favorable laws that can ensure market consistency tend to follow. Wall Street, for example, thrives on being able to predict consistency and we all know that candidates on either side of the aisle think of New York’s financial district when drafting many laws. While the success of our investments on Wall Street is volatile and anything but consistent, investors do not have to question if they will be open for business, or if their industry will be shut down due to federal influence. When regulations are not working for them they simply put the pressure on Congress to help increase profits.
The idea of consistency is a tremendous hurdle for the legalized marijuana industry. Three states will put a legalization, taxation, and regulation plan to a vote by the people this November. According to a recent article by The Seattle Times, Washington State could see as much as 1.9 billion in new tax revenue, or they could see $0.00. This is all contingent upon the how much interference Washington State will have from federal authorities. However predicting the federal government’s response has been difficult at best. Team Obama indicated they would not divert resources toward medical marijuana patients and dispensaries that are in compliance with state law. That has not proved to be the case and many jobs and patients have become collateral damage from this change in policy direction by the White House.
This November could prove to be a turning point for the marijuana reform movement. Even if one of the three states eligible (Colorado, Washington, Oregon) vote to legalize and regulate cannabis, the move will symbolically show the country is heading in a new direction. While full legalization may not prevent federal agents from storming dispensaries, it could force them to think twice. Exactly how eager is our government to prevent job/economic growth and billions in tax revenues? We also need to take into consideration that although much of our money goes toward funding the overzealous DEA agents, as they too are on a budget.
As our article suggested yesterday, the wheels of progression cannot be stopped and eventually the federal government will not possess enough agents and dollars to continue their assault on our civil rights. However, with any struggle the powers that be will not give up willingly and are unmoved by patient stories, youth incarcerations, and our rights as citizens. This industry needs to ratchet up its pressure on our elected officials. We need to demand that the will of majority is considered and that we need consistency in order to regulate and forecast how much revenue we can rely on in the worst economic period of our generation. We need laws that protect jobs. In the sense of political movement and protecting our interests, we need to become Wall Street.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 10, 2012
Ten Dispensaries in Colorado Warned to Shut Down by Federal Government….
U.S. Attorney John Walsh has issued a new round of threatening letters to marijuana dispensaries. This time the letters are targeted at 10 collectives in Colorado. The ten dispensaries targeted by Walsh are in violation of state law with many being closer than 1,000 feet to a school. The collectives have 45 days from when they received the letters to either close or move their business. California dispensaries have dealt with a crackdown on their medical marijuana industry as well, however, since Colorado has more defined laws there have been far fewer closures. In November Colorado residents will have the opportunity to legalize medical marijuana due in large part to the efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol.
For more on this story click here
North Dakota Residents May Get to Vote on Medical Marijuana…
Much of the success of the marijuana reform movement is linked to ballot initiatives votes by the people. North Dakota may also see its people vote on legalizing medical marijuana this November. The group North Dakotans for Compassionate Care helped collect the required 20,000 signatures. The signatures were recently submitted to North Dakota Secretary of State Al Jaeger’s office. Only 13,500 signatures were required, however the signatures will be reviewed to determine if they are valid. If the signatures are valid voters in North Dakota will have the chance to legalize medical marijuana. If voters pass the proposed measure then patients will be able to possess up to 2½ ounces of pot for medical reasons and grow their own supply.
For more on this story click here
Governor of Vermont Seeks Help From NORML in Re-Election Effort…
It used to be that groups such as NORML struggled to acquire funding. Apparently the tables turned with politicians seeking help from marijuana activists. Recently, Governor Shumlin of Vermont decided to contact NORML’s executive director Allen St. Pierre. He pledged his support for NORML’s cause be a national spokesperson for the national marijuana reform movement. Of course no political favor comes without a price tag and the governor asked for a contribution toward his re-election campaign. This shows cannabis reform has reached the highest level of politics. Governor Shumlin vowed to push for a decriminalization law if Allen St. Pierre and NORML donate the money. Shumlin is known to support a new approach toward cannabis law and the election for Vermont’s Governorship should interesting as Shumlin’s Republican opponent, Randy Brock said he was against any decriminalization message and was worried about the message it sends to children.
Can The Aurora Shooting Make Us Rethink Medical Marijuana?
Now that we are about a week and a half beyond the horrific shooting in the Aurora movie theater during a premiere of “The Dark Knight Rises”, we are still trying to deal with the shock of what occurred. We would like to extend our condolences to the families of the victims in the Aurora shooting.
There is simply no reason to detail the disturbing events as almost everyone is already familiar with the tragedy at the Aurora movie theater. This article was not written to get into a second amendment debate. The country seems evenly divided on gun rights but we do have to ask exactly why it is that the right to self-defense force enjoys much more protection than the right to seek self-relief? Should they not at least be equal? Firearms are responsible for thousands of U.S. deaths every year opponents of marijuana are still eagerly awaiting the first death attributed solely to marijuana use.
Perhaps the right to bear arms is necessary, but we know for sure the right to relief is absolutely a right we should all be entitled to. As mentioned before the country is evenly divided on gun ownership yet gun rights are protected by politicians with unusual vigor. However, a physician’s right to prescribe cannabis is supported by almost 75% of the country, though by far fewer elected officials. We live in a representative democracy and we have to start to wonder exactly when is it that lawmakers will start to resemble us. They certainly do not talk or dress like most of us so is it not in their job description to push for legislation that is in line with what we want and not lobbyist interests?
However politicians are similar to us in one way, they also seem to have no clue as to why James Holmes walked into that movie theater armed to the teeth. What drives someone to acquire weapons and then indiscriminately open fire without a care to individuals or their families? It should only be a matter of time before politicians blame video games. However blaming that familiar suspect is far too simple an explanation as millions play video games but only a micro percentage of the population storm into public places with the intent to take down as many people as they can. We cannot solve this problem quickly but we can solve one other problem troubling this nation. In the amount of time it would take for the ink to dry on a bill, we could solve the issue of intolerable pain, lack of compassion, and an inability to understand. Our government could legalize medical marijuana. Senseless violence is difficult to stop, so it
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
Power to the People
The cynic will often lament the absence of American democracy. Phrases such as “we have no power” or comparisons to a police state are very popular. There is a cynical side to all of us, but equally, most of us hold onto a least a shred of optimism even if we bury it under negative talking points. Such defense mechanisms make it easier to converse with strangers and get through the day. There is no doubt that the decks are stacked against us, as most of us do not have paid lobbyists fighting for our jobs, but to those who think the average person can longer make a difference, November may provide a breath of fresh air.
Our elected officials have failed us on many issues and have become complacent and/or unwilling to take a controversial stand. As a result, with no more free time at anyone’s disposal, we the people have risen. Marijuana.net reported earlier in the week that Oregon was on its way to becoming the 3rd state (also Washington and Colorado) to put a marijuana legalization vote to its people. Ignored political issues do not find their way to the ballots itself, rather, it requires the sweat and effort of activists willing to go door to door and collect signatures. It takes optimism even as some may slam a door in their faces. It takes compassion, never to forget teens in jail or sick patients running out of options and it takes resiliency to fight on even as our federal government uses every tool at its disposal to sidetrack these efforts.
Advocates were rewarded with even more positive news as this week it was announced that Massachusetts voters will have the option of voting to enact a medical marijuana program. If passed the law would allow for up to 35 dispensaries statewide. Over 11,000 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. The system looks as if it will be strictly regulated and Massachusetts residents would only qualify if they have debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, ALS or Parkinson’s disease and others. The state will register dispensaries, employees, and patients and will set rules for the cultivation and storage process. Additionally, if access to transportation, physical inability to travel, or financial hardship compromise a patient’s access then they will be able to register with the state’s department of health to grown their own plants.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. It is the specific intent of reform opponents use to make us feel this way. However, they are now the minority and even if they have the ears of our representation, we have proven that they all can have each other. True power rests in the hands of the people and successful ballot initiatives bypass the dysfunction and corruption in Washington D.C. Change is coming and with all its documented problems, the United States of America still offers such beautiful freedom. Perhaps we have to work harder for it than we want but it is there, waiting for signatures and the support of our neighbors. As the election season heats up, expect to hear more news about more legalization/medical votes. When the curtain is closed behind you, pay close attention because your state may have the option of voting for compassion.