Colorado
Residents of Oregon May Vote to Legalize Marijuana
While the bad news tends to stay ingrained in our psyche, it is important to note all of the success the marijuana reform movement has accomplished. Dispensary raids and the DEA’s recent refusal to admit that marijuana is less harmful than crack and heroine can give the false impression that patients and marijuana advocates have not been successful. This sentiment could not be farther from the truth. There are already 17 states and Washington D.C. (plus more states with proposed legislation)that have already enacted laws that permit medical marijuana. Additionally 13 states have approved measures to decriminalize low level marijuana possession.
2012 may be the year where marijuana reform is taken to even further heights. Earlier in the year we already learned that both Washington State and Colorado will see its residents vote on whether or not they want a legalized and regulated marijuana system. The groups New Approach Washington and Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol were instrumental in collecting enough signatures to get the issues to the ballot this November. If passed in either or both of those states, marijuana will be regulated and handled in a similar fashion to alcohol.
Late last week we at marijuana.net were encouraged to hear that it appears a third state may also be joining the legalization list. Oregon activists collected and submitted over twice the required signatures to the state in order to get the issue on the ballot and voted on by residents. The proposed law is being called the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act. Another interesting aspect of the bill is that it would also permit farmers to grow hemp, which can be used in a variety of ways including food, fuel, rope, building materials and paper. If approved, Oregon stands to create many jobs including new employees that would be required to operate the hemp farms.
Though the government still is attempting to derail the will of the people, their battle appears futile. Elected officials often forget who they work for and with over half the country supporting legalization and approximately 75% supporting medical marijuana, reform seems to be a matter of inevitability. Their jobs require votes and it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict where they will come from if they ignore several generations of Americans who will no longer tolerate the failed war on drugs, unnecessary youth incarcerations and denying relief to needy patients.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
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New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
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President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 22, 2012
Uruguay Looks to Legalize Marijuana In Effort to Reduce Violence and Crime…
Efforts by Central American countries to convince the United States government to reconsider their rigid stance on marijuana has proved unsuccessful. America’s demand for marijuana has lead to a rise in cartel power and violence all over Central America. Both President Obama and Vice President Biden have been hammered by criticism from leaders in the region on recent trips. Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico has been very vocal regarding how United States drug laws are having a devastating impact on Central America. Leaders in Uruguay are taking the initiative and will not wait for United States to take action at a glacial pace. Uruguay’s Defense Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro said this week that prohibition was causing “more problems than the drugs themselves.” Analysts believe this is only a start and that many nations will follow Uruguay’s lead.
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New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Bill To Legalize Medical Marijuana…
Recently New Hampshire lawmakers approved a measure that would permit medical marijuana. There has been momentum for such a program for several years as a similar measure was passed in 2009 only to be vetoed by Governor Lynch. He has done so again with the new 2012 bill however advocates and lawmakers are hoping they can gather enough votes to override the Governor’s veto. The bill passed by a wide margin in both New Hampshire’s House and Senate though it is still unclear if enough legislators would support overriding the governor’s veto.
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Two House Representatives Refuse to Let DEA Official Avoid Answering Marijuana Questions
Jared Polis (D-CO) is one of the nation’s most recognized marijuana supporters in Congress. Along with Barney Frank and Ron Paul (R-TX) Mr. Polis has certainly fought hard for marijuana patients. This week he grilled Michele Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration during a Congressional hearing. As Ms. Leonhart was asked questions regarding marijuana, she seemed unwilling to elaborate as to why the federal government has marijuana classified as a schedule 1 drug. Steve Cohen (D-TN) also demanded straight forward answers from Leonhart Below you can find an excerpt of the exchange between Polis and Leonhardt:
POLIS: Is crack worse for a person than marijuana?
LEONHART: I believe all the illegal drug are bad.
POLIS: Is methamphetamine worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: I don’t think any illegal drug is good.
POLIS: Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: Again, all the drugs –
POLIS: I mean, either yes, no, or I don’t know. I mean, if you don’t know, you can look this up you should know this as the chief administrator for the Drug Enforcement Agency. I’m asking you a very straightforward question. Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: All the illegal drugs are bad.
POLIS: Does this mean you don’t know?
LEONHART: Heroin causes an addiction that causes many problems that’s very hard to kick.
POLIS: Does that mean that the health impact is worse than marijuana, is that what you’re telling me?
LEONHART: I think that you are asking a subjective question.
Marijuana.net Will Be Attending the High Times Cannabis Cup In San Francisco this weekend…
There is no rest for the weary as marijuana.net will be taking the excitement from San Jose’s Hempcon with us to San Francisco and the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. If you are in the Bay Area come check us out on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. We will continue with our popular raffles and we encourage patients to learn more about which medication is right for them with a free one on one session with our strain master . We’ll also be showing off our comprehensive strain library and be providing education on the newest marijuana reform developments.
Bruce Margolin’s Congressional Run Brings Hope for Marijuana Patients and Activists
To the dismay of some of our elected officials, marijuana reform is moving higher on the list of voter priorities. President Obama has has been dogged by questions regarding what appears to be a shift in his marijuana enforcement position. More recently, voters showed that they are no longer willing to tolerate the failed 40 year war on drugs and elected retired judge Ellen Rosenblum, a huge supporter of marijuana rights.
High profile attorney and longtime ally of the marijuana movement, Bruce Margolin, provides even more hope for those seeking a common sense approach to cannabis law. Margolin announced last month that he would be running for California’s 33rd Congressional district. This district covers the Los Angeles’ coastal area and many feel the district could benefit tremendously from Mr. Margolin’s leadership. He is running on a platform that seeks changes in many key areas such as immigration reform, economic fairness, and defending civil liberties.
Bruce Margolin also has a long track record for defending patients and activists. He has lent his assistance to individuals involved with marijuana cases for over 40 years. On his legal website 1800420laws.com, Mr. Margolin directly states his view on marijuana by saying “NO ONE belongs in jail for marijuana.” He also has served as a director of Los Angeles chapter of NORML for 29 years, contributing to so much of the progress in the marijuana reform movement. His long track record in marijuana law has made him the premiere legal expert on cannabis law in the United States.
With the injection of Super Pacs on an already polarized nation, the 2012 election already had the makings of a historic and nasty election. Additionally, there will be at least two states (Washington, and Colorado) and possibly others where residents will have the opportunity to vote on legalizing recreational marijuana use. Bruce Margolin is entering the congressional race at the perfect time. Patients, marijuana activists, immigrants, same sex couples and so many others desperately need representation in this political climate where federal authorities are still intent on violating our freedoms.
Proposed Marijuana DUI Law in Colorado Fails
One of the major hurdles in the marijuana reform movement is how to enforce driving laws. With alcohol, there is a clear system that most people understand with tests that are not likely to turn up false positives. Testing drivers for recent marijuana use, however, has proved to be much more difficult.
Recently marijuana.net ran a story about a proposed law in Colorado that would set a limit as to how much THC could legally be permitted in a drivers system. Initially the bill to regulate marijuana DUI was passed by Colorado lawmakers by one vote, 18-17, two weeks ago. However, politics is often unpredictable and one of the bills major proponents, Nancy Spence was unable to make it to Tuesday’s vote. She was out of state attending a grandchild’s birthday party. Ms. Spence was urged to return quickly by her constituents but she expected the vote to take place a day later. Everyone voted identically as they did two weeks prior, except for Nancy Spence’s absent vote which killed the legislation and resulted in a 17-17 tie.
Critics and opponents have long been seeking a system to test if marijuana patients are suitable to take the wheel. Nationally, it would probably result in even more support (though over 70% of Americans already support medical marijuana) and maybe even by the government if safety measures were taken to ensure driver safety. However, the proposed law in Colorado seemed to be set entirely too low. It would appear that patients would face penalties who were not under the influence of marijuana. The 5 nanogram limit, as stated by Colorado lawmaker Pat Steadman may not work because “Some of these people wake up in the morning and roll out of bed at 5 nanograms.” In response to the vote yesterday, he mentioned that he thought the bill would do nothing to make the roads safer.
While the future of the industry may be very much intertwined with a standard system for analyzing marijuana DUI, we are pleased to see that vulnerable and innocent patients will not be arrested even when they are not impaired to operate a motor vehicle. This law will likely come up again as it has failed 3x already. Hopefully a more commonsense approach is utilized for what appears to be an inevitable law.
Hashish
The cannabis plant is consumable in many forms. One of the most storied and controversial preparations of marijuana is hashish. Hashish is a compressed and purified form of the resin that grows in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Historically, bud harvests were pressed between palms or other plant leaves until all excess plant matter, save the resin, was rubbed away. This left a much finer substance, varying in consistency from fine powder to a paste of oily substance. The final product has a much higher cannabinoid content than regular bud clippings. Today, there are numerous ways of preparing hash, from mechanical tumblers, to ice baths, chemical separation treatments, and even vacuum distillation. This can result in powdered hash, hard blocks, nuggets of goo (for lack of a better description), or even a resiny oil, often called “honey oil”. These preparations can range from 30-90% in THC content, as opposed to untreated buds (up 27% THC). Although, as marijuana research and development has progressed, growers are now using high CBD strains to produce hashish that offers medical benefits to a greater diversity of patients.
Though hashish has been found frequently in historic sites throughout the Near East, Middle East and Indian subcontinent, many historical sources tie the name “hashish” to the word assassin and the story of al-Hassan bin al-Sabbah, a warlord from the mountainous region south of the Caspian Sea. In a nutshell, Hassan used hashish preparations in training and maintaining the loyalty of his warriors, often sent out to kill (assassinate) his enemies. This story came to the West, compliments of Marco Polo’s travels in the late 13th Century. This is the most accepted tale, but many scholars refute this story’s accuracy. From the 13th through 18th centuries, the use and spread of hashish stayed mostly in the East. But in the late 1700’s it began to spread West as Napoleon’s conquests into Egypt exposed his troops to it. Despite his prohibition, use of hashish continued and expanded, finding its way to the New World.
By the start of the 20th century hashish production and trade was widespread, with centers in the Middle East, Chinese Turkestan, and on the Greek/Turkish borders. However, as time marched on, many laws prohibiting hashish production and trade were passed across the world. As quickly as it had risen to prominence, it was quickly blacklisted. Today it can be found, in many places but is still castigated in others. In Amsterdam (home of the Ice-olater production method), many kinds of hash can be found, or in India and Nepal as “charas.” In California, Colorado, and other compassionate use states, it can be found at dispensaries. And these cultivators are some of the pioneers pushing the strains in new directions to help benefit patients whose afflictions leave them with few treatments.
On the other end of the spectrum, Oklahoma recently passed a bill including sentencing for anywhere from two years to life for production, sales or distribution of hashish. House Bill 1798 names a mandatory 2-year minimum sentence, as a felony, for first time convictions. Subsequent offenders face sentences without leniency or parole to a lifetime sentence. This is a newly-minted law for a cannabis-based product, not heroin, crack or cocaine (although those laws are just as strict). By the way, Oklahoma and Colorado share approximately 100 miles of border. At the same time, Colorado is looking into DUI laws for cannabis. This may not be welcome news to most patients, but it is a key part of regulation and acceptance. Most people rail against sobriety check points (for alcohol), but they deter drunk driving and therefore save lives. Hopefully Colorado’s legislators will spend time to review the science behind the detection of cannabis in the body. It is not as simple as a test as for alcohol inebriation.
Colorado Lawmakers Appear set to Enact Marijuana DUI Law
As the discussion of medical and legalized cannabis continues, our focus is often on why the federal government has stubbornly not made any changes to marijuana law. Surely, if they could just move marijuana from a schedule I to a schedule II substance, then the debate would be over. While many of us wish that were the situation, it may not be quite that simple. Many legal analysts feel that authorities are unsure of how to enforce “smoking and driving” limits.
So far there has not been any uniform way to determine if drivers are fit to drive after marijuana use. One key point is that because of tolerance and other issues, cannabis does not impact everyone in the same manor. Colorado lawmakers have passed a bill that will set parameters for how much THC a driver can have in their system. This bill would set the legal limit at 5 nanograms of THC in order to legally be able to operate a moving vehicle. The vote was close and only passed by a slim 18-17 margin. The bill will now face the state senate but is expected to pass there as well by a wider margin. Those who passed the bill are not necessarily advocates of marijuana. The deciding vote was cast by state Republican Sen. Nancy Spence who said “I’m just sick of the abuse that the state of Colorado has taken from the medical marijuana industry.” However, we must question if the tides have turned when staunch opponents have accepted that medical marijuana is here to stay and would rather regulate the industry instead of eradicating it.
One major problem, as it always has been when conceiving of the “one size fits all” marijuana test, is that marijuana is fat soluble and will remain in the blood long after the effects of THC are felt. As Colorado state Democrat Pat Steadman put it, “Some of these people wake up in the morning and roll out of bed at 5 nanograms.” If any common sense goes into these laws (our hopes should not get too high for that considering the decades long war on drugs and information suppression on marijuana) then officers will use a series of tests to determine a drivers competency. In DWI stops an officer typically analyzes the condition of a driver by other methods such as walking a straight line and hand/eye coordination tests before making them submit to a breathalyzer.
This law may not be ideal but the issue of “drugged driving” will always stand in the way of marijuana reform unless it is properly dealt with. Marijuana DUI laws will hopefully evolve and perhaps even more reliable tests will be utilized in determining and individuals capacity to operate a motor vehicle. In fact they will likely HAVE to evolve, because as the law stands (5 nanograms is considered a very low amount) anyone who uses marijuana may be prevented from driving legally. Perhaps insurance and automaker lobbyists will be on the marijuana activist’s side. In any case, we have accepted that politicians are not equipped with the foresight to legislate in the modern world so, for now the hope may have to be a law that can be tailored in the future. Additionally, there are studies that show that legal medical marijuana states have experienced a decrease in fatal car accidents, likely due to less alcohol related incidents. Of course other studies show marijuana increasing the risk for fatal car crashes even if overall accidents are down. Because of this, a continuing conversation on marijuana and the dangers associated with driving needs to unfold. However, without this first important step, marijuana reform will likely remain in the legal stalemate it currently suffers from.
As with many social issues that are on the political fringe, change occurs behind smoke and mirrors. The White House has made it a point to urge states to enact drugged driving programs. Additionally, President Barack Obama said he could only enforce the laws on the books and placed some blame on Congress in his recent Rolling Stone interview. While none of this guarantees legalized federal marijuana laws, he may be setting the groundwork for a massive system addressing one of the biggest concerns of those in opposition to marijuana reform.
Medical Marijuana Gains Momentum in Connecticut
Marijuana culture just experienced its premiere holiday, 420. The entire weekend was full of events and marijuana.net observed and enjoyed the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup in Colorado. We noticed a great environment with patients sharing stories and socializing. Although the weekend was fun for the community, it is time to roll the sleeves up and get back to work.
Patients in the northeast have been seeing a huge momentum shift toward medical marijuana. Connecticut has now taken a major legislative step toward creating a medical cannabis program for many struggling patients. Connecticut’s State Finance Committee approved a measure to permit medical marijuana. The vote passed easily by a 36-15 margin. The bill will now face further legislative obstacles but support clearly has grown significantly. State Sen. Toni Boucher has been a longtime opponent of medical marijuana in Connecticut. She attempted to attach many amendments to the bill that would limit the rights of physicians and patients. One amendment would only permit marijuana use for terminally ill patients. Every one of her amendments failed to pass.
Federal authorities have been trying to strike at the heart of the medical marijuana industry. This does not mean that every dispensary holds patient safety as their number one priority. However, many do and the government should start to think about its failure to provide quality healthcare for decades and the amount of resources being directed toward combating more affordable and safer medication for America’s sick patients. With the successful events over the 420 weekend across the globe and new states ignoring federal threats in order to help patients, big government actions are ringing hollow. Marijuana is quickly becoming a civil rights movement for a new generation.
We realize the federal government has had its feelings hurt by its ineptitude to provide any compassion or relief to its people. Like a scorned lover, federal authorities seem to feel that if they cannot have you then no one can. Fortunately federal laws targeted against American residents is not derailing the enthusiasm and momentum for medical marijuana. The 420 weekend gatherings demonstrated this clearly and Connecticut now joins one of many states considering relief over grief.
Winners of Colorado Cannabis Cup
The 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup was one of many celebrations over the 420 weekend. Marijuana.net was on hand to promote safe access, education, and patient rights. We also entered applicants in to win vaporizers. Those results will be posted on Wednesday, so check your email! We will also be describing some of the other businesses and organizations who attended the weekend’s festivities. Now below check out the list of winners.
Best Indica
1. Pink House Blooms- SFV OG
2. Kurple Fantasy– 420 Wellness Almeda
3. Cataract Kush– River Rock North
Best Sativa
1. Star Dawg Guava– Clinic on Holly
2. Red Headed Stranger– Natural Remedies
3. Jack Herer – Medicine Man Denver
Best Hybrid
1. Skunkberry– Green Man Cannabis
2. Jack Flash– Fresh Bake Boulder
3. Rascal OG– Clinic on Holly
Best Concentrate
1. Top Shelf Extracts- 707 Head Band Chatter
2. Strawberry Cough Nector- Clinic Highlands
3. Blueberry Extract- River Rock North
Best Non Solvent Extract
1. Essential Extracts
Best Product
1. Mamma P’s Wholesome Grinders
2. Hitman- Glass Chess Piecebook
3. Essential Bags By The Trim Shop
Best Glass
1. Mad Hatters
2. Hitman Glass
3. Dope Ass Glass
Best Booth
1. Incredibowl
2. Pink House Blues
3. Black Valley
Best Edible
1. Mint Chocolate Bar- Doba Chocolate
2. Chocolate Treuffel – Dix Elixirs
3. Bubble Browny
Highest CBD Strain
1. CBD Oil- River Rock South
2. R4- The Greenworks
3. Torah Borah0 Natural Mystic Caregivers
People’s Choice
1. Pink House Blooms Super Silver Haze and Clinic on Holly for Kosher Kush
Lifetime Achievement Award
Keith Stroup
Medical Marijuana Industry News April 20, 2012
420 Recognized Around the World…
Today people are gathering around the world in celebration of the hugely popular international marijuana holiday. Events will be held in appreciation for everything marijuana has to offer. Marijuana support has been growing steady and the community, as always, peaceful and fun gatherings are expected. Fortunately this year 420 falls on a Friday, leaving the entire weekend full of events. Marijuana.net will be at the High Times Medical Marijuana Cup in Denver. We will be celebrating 420 by providing patient awareness and education at the cup. You may also find us mingling with patients at the Deep Green Festival in San Franscisco. Check back tomorrow for a history on The Cannabis Cup and other 420 events.
Click here for More on the History of how 420 came to be
Oaksterdam Reopens in Limited Capacity…
Patients and dispensary workers were happy to find out that Oaksterdam has opened its doors again. News of Oaksterdam University’s raid by federal authorities drew national attention. Patients, students, and dispensary workers were shocked but claims to see the university open again proved true. The school had to release 25 employees at the school and another 20 dispensary workers affiliated with Oaksterdam after federal authorities seized assets. Oaksterdam is currently going to be operating at a smaller capacity and they will not use actual marijuana in classes and demonstrations. Richard Lee will not be overseeing Oaksterdam.
Proposed Law In California Could Make Local Municipalities Permit Marijuana Dispensaries…
Local governments have adopted different interpretations of California’s medical marijuana program. Some municipalities have attempted to ban dispensaries with others limiting them. There have been conflicting court rulings making the legalities even less clear. Assemblyman Tom Ammiano has introduced legislation that could fix legal inconsistencies in California. AB 2312, The Medical Marijuana Regulation and Control Act, would set a standard for California medical marijuana law. It would actually require municipalities to permit medical marijuana dispensaries. The bill has cleared its initial hurdle and was passed by the Assembly Committee on Public Safety. Many think the bill has a legitimate chance to pass and now will go before the Assembly Appropriations Committee.