Colorado
State Legislators show Support for Marijuana Legalization in Colorado
In a matter of a few years marijuana has made tremendous strides in shedding its taboo status and gaining mainstream acceptability. Polls are regularly showing an increase in positive views on medical marijuana and marijuana legalization. Is our elected representation shifting their attitudes as well?
How many high profile state democrats would have backed marijuana legalization in the 1970s, 1990s, or even 2005? The efforts of Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have played a large roll in changing the political atmosphere in Colorado. RMLA helped to collect more than the 86,000 signatures needed collected to get amendment 64 on the ballot. If passed the bill will legalize marijuana and set up a system, as the name suggests, to regulate marijuana like alcohol. The chair of the Denver Democratic Party, Cindy Lowery-Gra ber, has recently stated her support for bill and said “this is a mainstream issue. Polls show that more than 60 percent of Democrats and a solid majority of independents believe marijuana should be treated like alcohol. A broad coalition is forming in support of Amendment 64 and I am proud to say that it now includes the Colorado Democratic Party.”
The endorsement comes from the right person at the right time. Democrats have a strong presence in Colorado and the state’s residents may be poised to be the first (several other states like Washington will also vote on legalization in November) state with totally legalized marijuana on a state level. Colorado has taken precautions to avoid the legal mess in California as they have put a more structured program run by the state. This singular authority eliminates the problem of individual municipalities interpreting medical marijuana law as they see fit. It seems many elected officials agree with Cindy Lower-Graber as 8 of the 10 largest counties in Colorado support amendment 64.
The fight for marijuana reform is no longer being fought solely by hardcore activists. Although the feds seem intent on fighting its own people over a healing plant, many other government officials have now joined the movement. As stated above, supporting marijuana publicly was a difficult political platform previously, but in a few years it may be a difficult position not to support it.
Medical Marijuana Industry News Update April 6, 2012
Hemp Comeback Could Be in the Works for Kentucky Farmers…
In an age that is increasingly tough on America’s agricultural industry, some good news may be ahead for Kentucky farmers. Kentucky used to be one of the largest hemp producers before legal changes made its production illegal. Hemp is now often imported from Canada and lawmakers may seek to bring the industry and its economic benefits back home. Hemp is known for its versatility and has a wide range of uses including bio-fuels, clothing, paper, lotions, building and composite materials, anti inflammatory medicines, omega-3 supplements, and many other products. Building support for hemp reform has taken years but state Sen. Joey Pendleton sees a brighter future. He recently said “We’ve come a long way” and “The first year I had this, it was lonely.” Many others in the Kentucky legislature have now shown their support and Senator Pendleton said he believed that 2013 would be the year where new laws permitting hemp production will be passed.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary in Lake Elsinore Raided…
Federal authorities targeting medical marijuana dispensaries had a busy week in California. Oaksterdam University was raided and now the Drug Enforcement Administration has moved on to force Compassionate Patients Association to close its doors, at least for the time being. Agents also searched the home of Ernest Cruz Acosta, who runs the collective. The attorney for the collective said that Compassionate Patients Association has followed all state laws. No arrests have been made as of yet.
Billboard in Colorado Tries to Cultivate Different Image of Marijuana Supporters…
The push for marijuana reform seems to have been slowed, for years, by the negative stereotypes associated with users. Advocates have fought long and hard to change that perception. The group from Colorado, Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol have placed their message on a billboard. The billboard depicts an ordinary woman who says “For many reasons I prefer marijuana over alcohol. Does that make me a bad person?” The group has been very active and even organized a successful ballot initiative to place marijuana legalization in the hands of voters. The billboard is not the first of its kind as Florida has also seen advocates getting their message out this way.
Colorado Collectives Warned by US Attorney
The early part of this week has delivered mixed news for medical marijuana patients. Those who attended the Cypress Hill Smokeout were treated to an excellent day long music festival and community gathering. There was one unfortunate development regarding Colorado, where the federal government has put their collectives on alert however.
Colorado has taken extraordinary steps to ensure patient access including a state wide licensing system for patients (which is what many advocates are hoping to see in California after the state Supreme Court takes on the issue later this year) and a tighter grip on dispensaries operating under state law. Additionally, a ballot initiative was successful and voters will get the chance to legalize marijuana for recreational use this November. As we mentioned last week, 23 of the over 700 collectives in Colorado were closed down, which only represented approximately 3% of all dispensaries.
A U.S. attorney in Colorado, John Walsh, does not want anyone to feel comfortable as they seek medical relief. The 23 collectives were shut down because they were not in compliance with state law. In most cases it involved collectives being too close to schools. President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder (who may have his hands full explaining his position on the US government’s right to target and kill US citizens overseas in the name of anti-terrorism) have said several times since their time on the 2008 campaign trail that they are not seeking to interfere with collectives and patients abiding by state law. Eric Holder even reiterated this idea as recently as December. However, John Walsh is saying that no collective should feel safe and that it is in his office’s discretion to go after any and all collectives in Colorado. Of course his office has to answer to the White House so we can wait and see if team Obama plans on keeping their word during an election year.
While we do not want to see patient access restricted, we should all take into consideration that a U.S. attorney may not want to describe a scenario where they basically green light a medical marijuana program that follows state laws, but is still under violation on a federal level. While John Walsh says everyone is on notice, they did only carefully select 23 to shut down. A spokesman for the U.S. attorney’s office mentioned that dispensaries can be shut down for other non cannabis related violations such as possession of firearms and possessing marijuana when they are not in compliance with state laws. It sounds as if the U.S. attorneys are letting everyone know that they will go after any violation they can uncover. This should not be news as we know the feds are salivating to flex their muscle. However, with a vast majority of the country supporting medical marijuana, voters will have quite a bit to say in only a matter of months. It is important that advocates take action and make it out to the voting polls this November and support patient compassion and relief.
Feds Oversee Colorado Marijuana Collective Shutdowns
The latter part of 2011 put a chill down the spine of many patients who were concerned about where they would have access to medication. Federal raids in California received a great deal of media attention as many news outlets claimed medical marijuana in America was over. Now that the dust has settled and the vast majority of collectives remain open, the raids seem to be targeting an altogether different goal than a total annihilation of the program.
The federal attention has now shifted toward Colorado. Several months ago, federal authorities issued letters informing 23 collectives that they would have to relocate or close their doors because they were too close to schools and in violation of Colorado law. Earlier this week federal agents were sent in to oversee the shutdown, which occurred without incident according to reports. While this is an inconvenience for patients, hopefully most will still be able to access relief without major issues.
Most patients felt that President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder indicated that the administration would not conduct federal raids on collectives. That seemed to match the tone of the statements made on the 2008 campaign trail, however, team Obama choose their words very carefully. They mentioned not raiding any establishment that followed state law, and even as recently as two months ago Eric Holder reiterated the position by saying “our thought was that where a state has taken a position, has passed a law, and people are acting in conformity with a law, not abusing the law but acting in conformity with it, and, again, given our limited resources, that would not be an enforcement priority for the Justice Department.” Of course the statement seems to be filled with exit clauses, but it does indicate that those following state law should not be a federal target.
Much of the media signaled the end for medical marijuana toward the end of 2011. That does not seem to be a well thought out idea as no state has revoked its medical marijuana program even in the face of federal pressure. Additionally, there are 17 other states considering medical marijuana laws and other states considering total legalization. Although California is in a state of legal uncertainty, the pending decision of the state Supreme Court may re-establish order and consistent laws so that patients are ensured their legally protected “safe access”. Colorado has over 700 medical marijuana collectives. With 23 shutting down, that represents approximately 3% of collectives. While those who are against providing accessible relief brag about the closings, it truly is just a drop in the bucket. Of those 23, many may relocate and be able to open up legally elsewhere.
While no advocates/patients want to hear about dispensaries being forced to shut down, it is important to keep everything in perspective. America has changed its views on marijuana and the Federal government does not even seem willing to challenge state laws. While the closings appear to be defeat on the surface, the fact that the federal government is only willing to enforce its laws on 3% of Colorado collectives may signal a victory for patients and advocates alike.
Colorado Residents Will get to Vote on Legalizing Marijuana in November
The 2012 election already was gearing up to be a historic election between the GOP and President Barack Obama. We also cannot lose sight of the house and senate races which will bombard our televisions. Besides its 9 electoral votes being up for grabs, Colorado figures to be a focal point this November as they were finally able to collect enough signatures to get the legalization effort on the ballot.
There has been a push (lead by the group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol) in Colorado to collect enough signatures and get the marijuana legalization initiative on the ballot. Initially, almost double the required 86,105 signatures were submitted. State officials rejected many of the signatures on the basis that they were invalid. The initiative fell just short by about 2,400 signatures but over 12,000 were submitted just before the deadline. Yesterday, the Colorado Secretary of State’s office announced that enough signatures were collected and that the initiative will be placed on the ballots for voters to decide. Colorado voters had a similar opportunity in 2006 to legalize marijuana but chose not to. California also rejected similar measures in 2010, but advocates are hopeful that the current initiative is a better plan and polls show much more support around the country for legalization.
Colorado will not be the only state where recreational marijuana could be legalized. Through the efforts of New Approach Washington and their high profile team of U.S. attorneys, Judges, and law enforcement members, enough signatures were collected to place the issue on the ballots. The Washington plan calls for a system of regulation similar to alcohol. Other states may be poised to make serious changes to marijuana laws as well. Michigan and Missouri are among several other states where ballot initiatives are underway to legalize cannabis. There are also 17 other states with pending legislation to legalize medical marijuana and likely a few more on the way.
Calendar year 2012 already has the ingredients to make even more history than a normal presidential election year. This truly may be the year where we have one or more states that have totally legalized marijuana. While this may not provide any additional protection from the federal government, raids are harder to conduct when marijuana is permitted and available throughout a state and not just in easily identifiable store fronts. The federal government may be forced to consider reclassification earlier than they would like, unless they plan on storming the back yards of residents.
Families find Stress and Relief with Medical Marijuana Laws
As we constantly hear about “family values” in this election year, we find ourselves questioning the sincerity of those statements. The United States witnesses so many families struggling with healthcare, and even for those lucky enough to have access to pharmaceutical treatments it is often not enough to provide relief. Two families have been featured in the news recently as they try their best to provide a better quality of life for their children.
A recent article entitled “Without Marijuana, I’d Probably Be Dead” describes 17 year old Chaz Moore’s health struggles. Doctors say that Chaz is one of 50 people in the entire world who have been diagnosed with myoclonus diaphragmatic flutter. The condition causes muscle spasms that can occur dozens of times in one day alone. For most of his life, Chaz Moore was healthy, athletic, active and seemingly normal. Several years ago this all changed drastically and Moore started to notice hives and spasms several times a week. The symptoms became progressively worse as Chaz’s father recalled, “One week, we went nine times to the ER, we were going nuts, just totally freaking out. Nobody knew what was wrong.” Traditional medicine proved to be ineffective until Chaz was taking a combination of 16 pills per day.
Although doctors were able to treat his symptoms at first with an aggressive pill cycle, eventually the spasms returned and were unable to be controlled. Shan Moore eventually suggested to doctors that Chaz try marijuana as a way to regulate the attacks. To date, it is the only treatment that has proved to be consistent. Although Moore is one of 41 minors who possess a medical marijuana card in Colorado, he could benefit greatly from further marijuana legal reform. His situation requires him to medicate during the day and this has put him at odds with school administrators. Chaz Moore now takes online classes from his home.
Unfortunately, another family seeking relief for their child has even more legal hurdles to overcome. Gill and Catherine Mejias are seeking an alternative approach toward their son Deacon’s autism. Deacon is only seven years old which makes the situation even more sensitive. While it may sound extremely controversial to use marijuana in treatment for young children, many parents are claiming it has helped their children who have autism (click here for a letter from a mother titled “Why I Give My 9 Year Old Pot”). Deacon’s parents claim that his teachers noticed a drastic turnaround in his behavior after he started taking Marinol.
However, Catherine Deacon says that Deacon typically builds up a tolerance to synthetics and the Marinol regimen has lost its effectiveness. Oklahoma is not a state that permits medical marijuana although the Mejias family is hopeful that will soon change. State Senator Constance Johnson (D-Oklahoma City) has proposed senate bill 573, which would allow doctors to prescribe medical marijuana. The Mejias family has stated they will move to another state if the bill does not pass. Oklahoma state governor Mary Fallin has indicated she would veto any bill to legalize medical marijuana.
We are a country that places an emphasis on “family”. Is it not equally important that the word “compassion” closely accompanies family? Current laws have forced little choice but to break the law for those who have true family values.
Marijuana Advocates do something both Locally and Abroad
During the period of yesteryear couple of days, marijuana advocates have shown oneness and determination within the continual quest for sensible reform. From Colorado to Belgium, activists switched in the warmth within their efforts to legalize marijuana.
In Colorado, a ballot initiative headed through the group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol continues to be produced to legalize marijuana for medical and leisure use. Even though the recent financial bill that will have permitted collectives use of accounts unsuccessful, there’s been a lot of support for that legalisation initiative. To be able to obtain the initiative around the ballot for voters to determine, 86,105 signatures are needed. Over 160,000 were posted, however, condition authorities declined about 50 % from the signatures because that they are not valid. One more 2,400 signatures are needed to maneuver the initiative in to the next legislative phase. Over 14,000 signatures were posted to condition authorities a couple of days ago. Activists are hopeful they have done all they are able to which they’re going to have a lot more than the required signatures.
On the other hand around the globe advocates will also be trying their finest to create change. In Belgium, activists became a member of Polish parliament member Janusz Palikot, that has received considerable attention together with his public demos. Palikot and the surging left wing party happen to be pushing for dramatic changes to Poland’s marijuana laws and regulations. Janusz Palikot’s threat to illuminate a marijuana joint in parliament resulted in a huge number of media focus. Government bodies threatened to arrest him so he amended his plan and just lit marijuana incense throughout a session of Polish parliament. Palikot has adopted this up by leading an exhibition where marijuana was smoked freely inside a public protest. The activists were with decriminalization measures and consider Poland’s stance on alcohol production hypocritical. Belgium continues to be creating vodka for hundreds of years.
Marijuana.internet is going to be keeping track of the developing issues in Colorado and Belgium. Colorado may join Washington Condition where voters may have the chance to legalize marijuana this fall. Polish advocates could have a tough road ahead however they appear to become vitalized and prepared for any long-term legal fight.
Colorado Legislation to permit Banking for Shops Fails but Momentum for Reform Accumulates in Alabama
While there absolutely are developments which should lift the spirits of patients, regrettably you will find still obstacles when it comes to a really compassionate health care system. Besides organizations which are only worried about a fast profit at the expense of patient care, advocates experienced a legitimate defeat .
Of course, it’s most likely a much better idea to begin with unhealthy news. Because the Washington Publish reported, an invoice that will have allowed medicinal marijuana shops to get access to accounts unsuccessful to outlive the legislative process in Colorado. The balance might have setup organizations much like lending institutions, that shops would in a position to utilize. Presently, no banks are prepared to conduct business with marijuana collectives because they don’t want to stay in breach of federal law. Obviously, everyone knows that keeping piles of money and marijuana available offers a lot of possibility of criminal activity. Furthermore, backers from the law believe that dispensary use of banking provides an essential paper trail to make sure a legally run operation. Political figures don’t appear to become lined facing a smart method of marijuana finance. However, such as the banks, they seem to be scared of federal penalties. Democratic Sen. Pat Steadman stated “I’m unsure this can be a problem the condition can solve.”
Obviously now we are able to start more beneficial news. Medical and legalisation efforts happen to be released from coast to coast and could increase the already 16 states (and D.C.) that enable some type of legalized marijuana. Alabama might be searching to become listed on the growing list. Repetition. Patricia Todd, D-Birmingham is supporting an invoice that will see Alabama enact its very own medicinal marijuana program. Repetition. Todd is mainly trying to provide relief for individuals struggling with Aids/Helps, but regrettably observed her similar proposal fail formerly. However, another politician is joining her cause. Repetition. K.L. Brown, (R-The city of jacksonville) has additionally introduced legislation that will allow patients to own as much as 8 oz . of marijuana. This news is exciting to advocates as this signifies bi-partisan support and may possibly bring people of both Republican and Democratic parties towards the table. Alabama joins other states within the south and 17 overall which are thinking about legislation that will legalize medicinal marijuana.
We are keeping an eye on these developments. Weight loss states make an effort to seriously alter marijuana laws and regulations, deficiencies in an economic structure for shops might not be tolerated. Possibly someone will propose an innovative approach which will satisfy advocates and political figures. Meanwhile, we are able to still hang our hat on the truth that medicinal marijuana is clearly not disappearing, the concept has become thriving in places we weren’t aware of.
Medicinal Marijuana Industry News Feb 3, 2012
More Delays for Nj Medicinal Marijuana
 
Just when a few of the final roadblocks appeared to become removed, patients within the Garden Condition still might have to brace themselves for delays. As the program finally made it the condition legislative process, local cities happen to be denying the zoning permits for that potential shops. For individuals suffering, the delays took its toll. Following a lengthy fight within the condition government, many expected Nj to begin showing empathy, but rather the ‘abnormal’ amounts of presidency are flexing their muscle, ensuring to not eco-friendly light shops. Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon (R., Monmouth) features legislation that will avoid the local zoning boards from rejecting the medicinal marijuana centers based only on local resident complaints. Governor Chris Christie has established that he might veto this legislation. It was already a difficult week when it comes to his status on civil privileges as Christie had some very questionable claims around the sixties civil privileges movement.
 
 
Scientists in Israel say More Doctors ought to be Prescribing Medicinal Marijuana
 
Research conducted recently in Israel was carried out at Sheba Clinic in Tel Hashomer, demonstrated that 67% of participants reported these were in support of the therapy. 60 1 % mentioned that they significant enhancements within their quality of existence. The director from the Israel Cancer Association, Miri Ziv mentioned that “Medicinal marijuana became one from the remedies open to cancer patients in Israel recently [and for that reason the association thinks the problem ought to be controlled through the professionals within the area.” At the end of 2011, Israel approved a sizable expansion of the medicinal marijuana program and expect it to develop from 6,000 to 40,000 patients in in the future.
 
 
Suit will endeavour to bar Medicinal Marijuana Prohibit in Fort Collins
 
An voter approved ordinance passed in November was targeted at suspending medicinal marijuana shops in Fort Collins Colorado. The proprietors from the six Fort Collins shops have filed a suit challenging the experience. The suit claims the ordinance is breaking the Colorado Metabolic rate due to freedom of expression, set up, property, and the authority to have fun playing the political process. Attorney Brett Barney is representing the dispensary proprietors and was cited as saying “We are wishing to locate a judge who still thinks within the Metabolic rate.”
 
Financial Possibilities may open for Colorado Shops
Although rely upon the economic climate might be in a historic low, many experts wouldn’t recommend keeping cash under our beds. Even while rates of interest on accounts is nearly nonexistent, companies depend heavily on controlling their cash and financial records with the major banks. For individuals running marijuana shops, they’ve been avoided from using the most fundamental of economic tools, a banking account. It has led to difficult documentation and shops have to house more money available than is protected, opening the opportunity of robbery.
In September of this past year, Colorado Springs Condition Bank closed their accounts with marijuana shops. At that time these were the final bank to freely work with medicinal marijuana shops. Democrat Sen. Pat Steadman and Republican Repetition. Tom Massey are trying to find to alter this. They’ve introduced Senate Bill 75 which may create financial cooperatives that might be controlled just like a bank. Obviously these lending institutions wouldn’t be insured government, since many banks are.
Insufficient proper banking and forcing a business to depend only on cash appears to provide ripe possibility of a growing underground community. If there’s a conflict between federal and condition law however the shops remain open, why would a regulating body think that the reply is to prevent monitoring the paper trail? If there’s any suspicion of illegal activity, accounts and assets could be frozen immediately. Sue Harank, co-who owns Denver’s All downhill Herbal Wellness agreed and mentioned “It’s in everybody’s interest these individuals don’t have piles of money laying around.” Another advocate in Colorado, Robert Friechtel, director from the Medicinal Marijuana Business Exchange was cited as saying “Forcing shops to visit cash-only is crazy. Just how can proprietors securely and effectively run their companies with no spot to deposit money?”
This isn’t the very first example that highlights how Colorado is paving the way in which for any well run and controlled medicinal marijuana program. Being attentive to the issues in California, Colorado has produced a uniform system using their condition licenses. California continues to be forced to go to its condition Top Court to be able to clarify how Proposition 215 is used as numerous cities are unclear regarding how you can enforce medicinal marijuana laws and regulations. Colorado appears set on safeguarding its patients and without correctly run shops just how can safe access be guaranteed? Senate Bill 75 is really dependent on good sense. Many patients depend around the shops and then any business proprietor can’t be likely to function correctly by hiding money in a basement or acting like gangsters.