Connecticut
New Yorkers Reaffirm Support For Medical Marijuana
Residents of the Empire State may not have legal medical marijuana in their state, but there certainly seems to be momentum to change that. New Yorkers are known for speaking their mind and they certainly are not afraid to share their opinion in polls, especially when it comes to medical marijuana.
Northeast patients overall have received a great deal of good news recently. With New Jersey finally making progress on opening dispensaries, Connecticut passing laws to permit medical marijuana, and Rhode Island also set to open marijuana dispensaries, the quality of life in the northeast should be improving for many. While New York is the typically the trendsetter in fashion and night life, they may actually be copycats when it comes to compassionate relief. The momentum from other states in the northeast seems to be spilling over into New York. Recently, 74% of New Yorkers told Mason-Dixon Polling & Research pollsters that they want to see an end to federal raids on marijuana collectives and respect state laws.
This matches previous polls which show an overwhelming amount of New York residents are in favor of medical marijuana. The message seems to have been received by lawmakers as Governor Andrew Cuomo seems to be shifting his position on the issue. On the campaign trail for the 2010 race for governor he took a very rigid stance against medical cannabis. He had very harsh words for proponents of medical marijuana and said “The dangers of medical marijuana outweigh the benefits.” When asked about its potential to raise revenue candidate Cuomo said “A lot of things could raise revenues. Legalizing prostitution could raise revenues. I’m against that, too.” Much seems to have changed since 2010 as comparing medical cannabis to prostitution may be a thing of the past. Only months later the governor said “We’re looking at both sides of the issue if you will and we’re reviewing it, but we don’t have a final position.” Last month his position evolved even more as Governor Cuomo stated I understand there’s more research and there’s more evidence, and it can always be re-evaluated. I don’t believe there’s going to be time this legislative session to look at that issue.
Andrew Cuomo is a seasoned second generation politician. Perhaps he is looking ahead and unwilling to pick a fight on an issue that has the support of an overwhelming amount of some of the most outspoken voters in the country.
Marijuana Friendly Gary Johnson Nominated as Libertarian Candidate for President while D.C. Program off to Rough Start
It has been an eventful week for marijuana law as Connecticut is poised to enact a strict medical marijuana program, aimed at avoiding the legislative pitfalls seen in other states, especially California. Over the weekend there was also the Global Marijuana March, which saw hundreds of thousands gather across the world with events held in over 160 cities in 29 different nations.
As always, there were many other stories that developed over the weekend. Although presumed to be the nominee for months, two term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson has officially been named the Libertarian Party’s choice for President in the upcoming 2012 election this November. The long time supporter of marijuana reform/legalization won by capturing 70% of the party’s 632 delegates at the Libertarian Party’s convention held in Las Vegas. Mr. Johnson told Reuters that “I am very humbled. This is just the start.” In addition to his promise to reform marijuana laws, Gary Johnson has taken aim at big government spending and income tax laws. Gary Johnson shares Ron Paul’s view on ending income tax and replacing it with a “Fair Tax”. The proposal would see an end to the current income tax structure and replace it with flat rate 23% tax on new goods. Resold goods would not face any sales tax. Mr. Johnson is also hopeful that Ron Paul and his supporters will back the ex-Governor.
As Gary Johnson prepares for a possible journey to the White House, he may face the issue of marijuana reform before he even unpacks his bags. Washington D.C. has finally started to move forward with a medical marijuana program that has been weighed down by legal disputes. The program was originally voted on and approved by D.C. residents 12 years ago. Six licenses have finally been granted to cultivation centers with hopes of patients being served within a few months. Despite the approvals finally being issued, some applicants seeking to open dispensaries are filing lawsuits. They feel they have easily met the criteria laid out by the Health Department in order to open and have been denied anyway.
According to the Washington Times, 3 law firms have filed a total of 5 civil complaints that contest the way in which the D.C. Department of Health scored and denied the applicants. Dr. Duplessie is one of the plaintiffs and is seeking his application to be re-sent to Department of Health with a third party to oversee the second review. The Washington Times article quoted Dr. Duplessie as saying “It appears that the D.C. Board of Health has either not read my application or the playing field is not level, I think the process is beyond flawed.” Dr. Duplessie’s attorney has questioned what they believe is a lack of transparency, and said city health officials should elaborate on their decision further than simply saying “it’s just our right.”
While the D.C. story is not what patients want to hear, it is important to note how much progress has been made. With a presidential candidate and the city of Washington D.C. supporting cannabis reform, the future for patients appears bright. Despite whatever recycled statements are emitted from the well dressed men in landmark buildings, compassion seems to be winning out.
Breaking News: Connecticut Legislators Pass Medical Marijuana Bill with Governor Expected To Sign
Lawmakers in Connecticut have passed a bill that would legalize medical marijuana. The news was expected but advocates and patients were still waiting anxiously. The bill passed by a 21-13 vote. The bill now awaits the approval of Governor Dannel P. Malloy, who expected to sign the bill into law. If this happens Connecticut will join 16 other states and Washington D.C. where marijuana is permitted for medical purposes. The bill took extra precautions to avoid federal interference as lawmakers have grown concerned with raids conducted in California. Marijuana.net will be reporting on this story again in further detail once Governor Malloy makes his decision.
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.
Medical Marijuana Industry News March 23, 2012
Jeremy Lin calls a foul on “Linsanity” marijuana strain
New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin has taken the world by storm with game play that electrified Madison Square Garden. The internet has been abuzz with plays on his name, but “linsanity” has taken hold. Like other parts of popular culture, it would not be long before business owners would try to profit off of “Linsanity”. Jeremy Lin was not amused with those trying to capitalize on his name and his lawyers have sent out many cease-and-desist letters to dispensaries who are selling the “Linsanity” strains. Twenty four other dispensaries highlighted the problem with the “marijuana name game” and tried to apply for patents to a name they have no connection to. Lin’s lawyer, Pamela Deese said “You can’t file a trademark when there’s a clear connection to someone else’s name, In this case, Jeremy Lin has the right to his name and related names and marks, as well as his signature, voice and likeness. That’s all part of his intellectual property.”
Medical Marijuana Bill Overcomes First Legal Obstacle in Connecticut
A recent Quinnipiac poll of Connecticut residents was released on Wednesday. The poll showed an overwhelming support for medical marijuana with 68% of respondents favoring while only 27% opposed. Only hours after the poll results were released, a legislative committee in Connecticut voted in favor (35-8) of a newly proposed medical marijuana law. Lawmakers also approved a medical cannabis measure in 2007 only to see it get vetoed by then Governor Jodi Rell. Current Governor Dannel P. Malloy supported a medical marijuana bill last year that failed. Several Republicans voiced their concern over the potential for federal intervention. Under the proposed state run system, prescriptions would be valid for one year and all patients would register with Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection.
New Data shows that many Medical Marijuana Cardholders Over 50 in Arizona
New research in Arizona shows that patients possessing medical marijuana are hardly young rebels. The Arizona Department of Health Services has released new dating showing that patients between the ages of 31-50 make up the largest percentage of cardholders (40%). Patients who are 51-81 represent 35% of all medical marijuana cardholders in Arizona and 18-30 year olds make up the smallest major block at 25%. Less than 1% of medical marijuana patients are under 18. The data may surprise many as marijuana, even for medical use, is closely associated with younger populations. Some officials in Arizona claimed the data shows they are doing a good job of keeping recreational users out of the medical program while Carolyn Short, chairwoman of Keep Arizona Drug Free, felt that some recreational users are faking symptoms and that medical marijuana should only be available after patients have exhausted all other medical options and treatments.
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Legislators in Connecticut Consider Medical Marijuana Again
While most of the focus from the major news outlets yesterday was on the Super Tuesday results, patients in the northeast may have been even more engaged in another development. Connecticut residents may find relief as state lawmakers are again proposing a medical marijuana program.
Previous efforts to legalize medical marijuana in Connecticut have failed, however advocates feel they have addressed the issues that led to political failure. The executive director of the Connecticut branch of NORML, Erik Williams, has reportedly said that a newly proposed bill would be the best in the nation if passed. Marijuana cultivators would have to submit to a detailed licensing process. The bill would require dispensaries to have licensed pharmacists either present or on call which Williams claims is a key difference between this and past legislation.
Erik Williams is not the only one who senses a different political environment for medical marijuana in Connecticut. State senator John Kissel, (R-Enfield) said “For some reason, even though this is a short session, I think this is the year.” Another state representative, John Hetherington, (R-New Canaan) backed up Senator Kissel’s feeling. In 2007, a bill made it through the state legislators only to be vetoed by former Governor Rell. While the current governor Daniel P. Malloy has not commented on this new bill, his spokesman Andrew Doba said, “The governor has said in the past that he supports the concept of the palliative use of marijuana for debilitating illnesses.”
Momentum seems to be in favor of patients residing in Connecticut as many state legislators and the governor seem to support medical marijuana. If Connecticut legalized medical cannabis they would join several northeast neighbors. Rhode Island, New Jersey, Vermont, and Delaware have legalized marijuana (click here for all states with legalized marijuana) while states such as New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland (here is a list of all states with pending marijuana legislation) have pending legislation that could start medical marijuana programs in those states.