decriminalization
Marijuana Industry News October 25, 2013
Marijuana Breathalyzer May Come to California with Legalization…
One of the largest obstacles in governing the legal recreational marijuana industries is being able to assess a driver’s impairment. Tests for alcohol and drunk driving have become reliable and acceptable. Setting a blood alcohol limit of .1 or .08 is straight forward. Determining acceptable marijuana levels has not been as easy. California authorities and law makers are looking into having a similar test put into place. However deciding on where to set the legal levels may prove difficult. When asked about hard limits set in Washington state, Gabriel Reeves, the executive Chef at the Elemental Wellness Center in San Jose recently told NBC don’t feel that that sort of a limit has been established as scientifically accurate or something that would able to be standardized across the medical cannabis industry for each patient. Because each patient, each patient’s needs, vary with the amount of milligrams of THC that they need to alleviate their symptoms.”
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Support for Legalizing Marijuana Rising Quickly to all Time High…
American’s support for legalizing marijuana has been rising steadily over the past few years. Washington and Colorado provided evidence if this, but until recently, most polls showed just over 50% of Americans were in support with higher numbers backing decriminalization and medical use. A recent Gallop poll indicates that even the idea if legalizing for marijuana for recreational use is gaining support. In the poll 58% supported legalization, an all time high. The news came at a time when federal authorities have signaled a softer stance on marijuana. Marijuana enjoys a much higher approval rating than congress and may even offer a better chance at helping the economy.
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D.C. Mayor Seeks to Decriminalize Marijuana…
It has taken federal authorities years to even signal the possibility of bringing common sense to marijuana policy. However, right under their noses, in Washington D.C., the city has moved forward with major marijuana reforms. Medical marijuana has already been legalized, giving patients the chance at a better quality if life. Now there is a bill sitting with the D.C. Council that, if passed, would decriminalize small amounts of marijuana. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray has now signaled his support for the bill making passage more likely. Possession of less than one ounce would no longer accompany a six month jail sentence and $1,000 fine, rather, the penalty would be a civil citation ticket for $100 and no jail time. Like many other municipalities, D.C. has financial and correction center overcrowding issues to deal with.
Marijuana Updates From Romania and Switzerland
The United States government has taken the first step toward repealing prohibition, Canada has relaunched and expanded the scope of their medical marijuana program, and Mexican leaders and celebrities are banding together in unprecedented fashion in order to legalize and reduce cartel violence. It was an eventful month in North America. Perhaps riding the momentum spilling out of North America for marijuana reform, Switzerland and Romania have announced major changes to their cannabis laws.
As of this month, marijuana possession for adults in Switzerland has been decriminalized. For those over the age of 18, getting caught with 10 grams or less will result in a ticket without jail time or a court appearance. The fine has been set at 110 Francs (approximately $120 in U.S. currency). The move was aimed at freeing up the courts, law enforcement resources, and creating a clear law across the board, as local municipalities have enacted different and conflicting laws. The penalties for selling marijuana to those under 18 have increased.
Romania also has moved forward with significant changes to their marijuana laws. Recreational use will remain banned, but a new medical marijuana program received the green light this week. They have become the 10th country within the European Union to legalize medical marijuana. Patients with certain debilitating conditions may be able to legally obtain marijuana to help with their symptoms. Manufacturers will soon be able to apply through Romania’s National Agency of Medicines.
We will keep you updated with any new developments on this or other international developments. Cannabis’ reputation as a healer and economy driver seems to be traveling far and wide these days.
Marijuana Industry News October 4, 2013
Legalizing marijuana would finish underground community states Israeli Study…
Prohibition continues to be associated with stimulating organized crime on several occasion. Our neighbors towards the south, Mexico have observed an excessive amount of top notch bloodshed as cartel energy continues to be in a position to flourish. The calls to legalize and reduce cartel influence haven’t been more powerful. Israel, such as the relaxation around the globe is attempting to develop a plans for additional revenue and fewer violence. A recent study there came to the conclusion they might accomplish both through marijuana legalisation. “Realizing the large financial gains that will originate from legalisation demands the government take serious consideration in the proposal to legalize cannabis use under specific recommendations,” stated Yarden Gazit, who co-written the research in Israel.
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Washington and Colorado with changes to marijuana banking…
As continues to be recommended formerly by marijuana.internet and lots of other sources, the greatest hurdles within the legal marijuana industry relates to banking. Federal government bodies have compelled the banking institutions to prevent letting shops operate business accounts. The outcome is marijuana, cash, with no recorded paper trail. Individuals in the market happen to be lobbying to alter this. With Colorado and Washington continuing to move forward using their recently legalized leisure market, the requirement for modern banking us essential. Washington Condition Gov. Jay Inslee and Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper wrote instructions to federal government bodies, including Secretary of Treasury, Ben Bernanke. In it they condition that banking is a necessary aspect of ensure a correctly controlled system.
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Marijuana Policy Project’s effective advertising campaign strikes again…
Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) has already established a string of much talked about and effective advertisements launched lately. They have specific the National football league and Dale earnhardt jr ., getting contradictions to light how alcohol is treated versus. marijuana. Sticking with similar theme, MPP has become setting up advertisements at bus animal shelters in Tigard Maine. “I prefer marijuana over alcohol since it doesn’t cause me to feel rowdy or reckless,” among the advertisements reads. “Why must i be punished?” On Election Day in November, citizens in Tigard they would like to legalize small quantities of leisure marijuana for grown ups. Metro, Portland’s public bus service has gotten some complaints concerning the advertisements but stated the advertisements were considered political advertising, and turn into inside their advertising recommendations.
 
Marijuana Industry News September 27, 2013
Poll: Majority of California Residents Support Legal Marijuana…
While many think that support for marijuana legalization in California is a foregone conclusion, that has not always been the case. Residents have supported medical marijuana for years. At times, residents against recreational legalization have seemed to outnumber those for it. That trend is starting to change and recent polls show a majority of residents do support legal marijuana. With what happened last year in Colorado and Washington, and the DOJ’s recent admission that they will not prosecute those in accordance with state law, it may not be a surprise if the trend continues all over. A recent poll conducted by Public Policy Institute of California, indicated that 52% of California residents would like to see marijuana legalized. Democrats favored legalization by a margin of 64-33 while Republicans favored keeping marijuana illegal by a margin of 53-45%. The poll also found significantly more support for federal authorities to respect state laws, 68% of likely voters said the federal government should not interfere with state marijuana laws. California has encountered considerable financial and budgetary problems, perhaps making the idea of green lighting new tax revenues popular.
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NORML Makes Attempt at Getting Marijuana Ad to Air During Superbowl…
The NFL may not be able hide under its archaic marijuana policy for much longer. Calls to reduce mandatory suspensions for marijuana violations
are coming from all over. There is no mandatory suspension for Dui related arrests. Marijuana Policy Project recently put up a billboard outside of the Denver Broncos stadium that questioned the NFL’s pro alcohol and anti-marijuana policies. The billboard received a great deal of press. Now there may be a chance NORML takes the issue to even newer heights. Intuit is running a contest where the organization that receives the most votes will have a Superbowl ad paid for. NORML’s ad is currently the leader in votes. It will be interesting to see if Intuit will award NORML or refuse to help the ad air. Fox, the television host of the Superbowl may also elect not air the commercial. Unfortunately for Intuit, they may find that you cannot send an open offer to the people if you are not prepared to discuss what is truly on their minds.
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High Profile Mexicans Urge Decriminalization In Newspaper Ad…
Former Mexican president Vicente Fox has been beating the marijuana legalization drum for years. The country is experiencing devastating cartel violence and the idea of legalizing marijuana to reduce cartel power is popular. Earlier this week, a newspaper advertisement was printed with many highly successful Mexican residents including a Nobel prize scientist, businessmen, actors, and lawmakers coming together to call for marijuana decriminalization. The ad had a caption that read :
“Mexico has paid a high cost for applying the punitive policy of prohibition. We know well that neither decriminalization nor any other individual measure represents a panacea to end the violence, corruption and lawlessness in Mexico. But effective decriminalization of marijuana consumption by raising the dose permitted for personal use is a step in the right direction.”
Marijuana Updates in the American Capital
For marijuana activists, Washington D.C. doesn’t exactly represent a beacon of hope. Decades of immaturity and shut mindedness from congress has frustrated individuals who’ve grown weary in the money and lives wasted around the Fight against Drugs. Most chosen authorities have made the decision to remain quiet around the blatant fallacy that’s marijuana law.
Consequently, you will find typically couple of updates being released of D.C. relating to marijuana. However, in what may represent the fed’s lack of ability to prevent the inevitable, medicinal marijuana shops are going to open within our nation’s capital soon. Three medicinal marijuana shops are required to spread out their doorways this summer time. The irony from the Town of Washington D.C. opening marijuana collectives even while the pending authorities is constantly on the recycle old speaking points wasn’t lost on Vanessa West, the manager at Metropolitan Wellness Center. She lately stated “The proven fact that the District of Columbia can pass it legally, and also the District of Columbia is incorporated in the land of the us government is really a contradiction also it talks that federal law must kind of jump in using what more states say.”
This news for Washington D.C. large hairpieces isn’t improving. Possibly the greatest profile associated with Federal law in D.C. is U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder. He’s ongoing to guide the Justice Department’s fruitless quest for winning world war 2 against a plant. It was already a difficult week for that AG as numerous question the entire impact from the fallout in the recent phone record scandal. Mr. Holder required a rest from Washington D.C. Among the debate and was at Berkeley California. Unfortunately the U.S. Attorney General appears to become getting trouble making buddies wherever he goes. He was at attendance to greet law graduates in the College of Berkeley. Obviously, many California citizens will not easily your investment soft words Mr. Holder and Leader Obama utilized on the campaign trail and in early stages within the first term. Individuals words were tricked by 100s of shops being specific with no real conversation regarding how you can proceed with marijuana regulation. Throughout the graduations ceremony, an plane circled transporting a banner that read “Holder: Finish Rx Cannabis War #Peace4Patients.” It was also coupled with protestors holding signs that read “Fight Crime, Not Cannabis” as his limo contacted.
Clearly Washington D.C. shops highlight that activists take presctiption the offensive. The Justice Department, however might be around the defensive as Eric Holder’s time as Attorney General continues to be full of debate. Our nation’s capital is how the actual legal changes occur with shops opening right under their nose, the fight is clearly winding lower. Just like a General or perhaps a King who don’t realize world war 2 has ended, even while it’s apparent to any or all other experts, our government is highlighting on embarrassment.
Marijuan Industry News May 3, 2013
Way forward for La Marijuana Industry Might be Made the decision by Voters inside a Couple of Days…
La has observed quite the cleaning soap opera if this involves marijuana law. City Council authorities have experienced a range of ineffective ideas through the years inside a desperate make an effort to provide some semblance of regulation. However safe access for patients is frequently an after thought when these politically motivated ideas are created. There are three ballots that’ll be chosen on by La citizens on May 21st. You will see three measures relating to medicinal marijuana regulation that La Voters will select from. Ordinance E has lost support and it is basically glitch, as congress and U . s . Food and Commercial Employees union leaped ship after initially supporting the measure. Although abandoned, Ordinance E can’t be removed the ballot. Proposition D may also be around the ballot and can require a tax increase on medicinal marijuana transactions. However, the measures would also neglect to correctly address safety, lab testing, marijuana worker background inspections, and barring minors from entering shops. This really is the key reason why Marijuana.internet is promoting Ordiance F. If passed, Ordiance F provides probably the most comprehensive method of modern medicinal marijuana law. Taxes would be employed to supplement costs connected with education, police, and also the fire department. It might also require detailed financial records and transparency from dispensary operators. The goup Angelenos for Safe Access is attempting to boost awareness and be sure that patient’s safety factors are the main priority of Los Angeles’ efforts to manage medicinal marijuana.
 
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Federal Suit Accuses Police of Distorting Marijuana Accusations to produce Busts…
New York’s questionable “Stop and Frisk” tactic has brought to a lot of unnecessary busts and it has snapped up many head lines. Many New You are able to citizens have desired to visit a change in the manner police make use of a loophole to bypass the state’s decriminalized marijuana possession laws and regulations. Having under 25 grams of marijuana in New You are able to is really a civil infraction, unless of course the marijuana is within plain view, which could then be a misdemeanor charge. When officials utilize “Stop and Frisk” they frequently arrest individuals The NYPD has defended the practice which appears to focus on mainly non whites. From the 50 plus,000 1000 busts for marijuana this year, 84% were Hispanic or Black. The space is much more pronounced within the Bronx and five citizens within the northern borough have filed a federal civil privileges suit from the NYPD. The suit accuses Police of distorting what the law states to conduct searches of Black and Hispanic people without cause. What The Law States Department of recent You are able to City has yet to said around the situation and states haven’t yet been offered using the suit.
 
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Ohio Lawmaker Introduces Marijuana Legalisation Bills…
 
As the conversation regarding marijuana reform has increased within the Northeast, and try to appears to become thriving out west, it is vital that we don’t neglect what’s going on in the center of the nation. Michigan is a Area trailblazer for a long time if this involves progressive marijuana law. Ohio has become also joining the conversation as Condition Democratic Repetition. Robert Hagan features two bills that will drastically reform Ohio’s marijuana law. House Bill 153 would permit using medicinal marijuana for individuals with chronic conditions. This could make Ohio the twentieth condition to legalize medicinal marijuana with Maryland becoming the 19th now. House Joint Resolution 6 would put a choice of a tax and regulation system of leisure marijuana towards the Ohio voters. Repetition. Hagan has in comparison Resolution 6 towards the lately passed legalisation enter in Colorado. Hagan lately stated “With invested allocated to the fight against drugs with little progress to exhibit for this, the time is right for additional sensible drug policy within this country…This problem warrants a ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ election through the people.”
Marijuana Industry News April 26, 2013
California Condition Set up Committee Passes Medicinal Marijuana Regulation Bill…
 
The legislative mess that signifies California’s medicinal marijuana law continues to be well recorded. Since Proposition 215 was passed in 1996, when medicinal marijuana was initially legalized in California,government bodies, patients and collectives have observed a lot of confusion regarding what is allowable underneath the law. The possible lack of proper regulation has permitted illegitimate collectives to thrive while well intentioned institutions have frequently found trouble. Condition Assemblyman, Tom Ammiano introduced AB 473, an invoice to possess California’s Department of Alcohol Beverage Control oversee a lot of this program. He walked from an identical bill this past year when congress tried to give a provision to permit cities to prohibit shops. Now, condition set up committee passed AB473 the 2009 week. It’s unclear whether it can survive the whole political process and be law.
 
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Michigan Congress Introduce Decriminalization Bill…
 
Michigan has already established probably the most progressive marijuana laws and regulations around the books. Attorney General Bill Schuette had attempted to battle against medical and native decriminalization laws and regulations despite citizens outwardly supporting reform measures. It seems his efforts may fail short as state-wide decriminalization bill with bi partisan support continues to be introduced. Democratic Condition Repetition. Shaun Irwin features an invoice that considerably reduce the seriousness of low-level marijuana possession charges. For individuals caught with under one ounce, the penalty will be a civil infraction along with a fine. Presently, individuals with no valid marijuana prescription caught with similar amount could address annually of incarceration along with a misdemeanor charge. Repetition. Irwin lately stated “Even though we are investing no less than $325 million annually on arresting, trying and incarcerating marijuana customers within this condition, we all know marijuana has not been more available. We all know that police force is not effective at keeping marijuana from the hands of anybody within this condition.” The balance has got the support of some Republican congress within the condition government too, including Repetition. Mike Shirkey. Mr. Shirkey spoke concerning the bill lately and stated “This is actually the proper time to possess this debate in Michigan. “We are using lots of money, energy and assets in Michigan and nationwide to complete something we have unsuccessful at.”
 
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NY Condition Set up Committee Passes bill to Legalize Medicinal Marijuana…
 
Despite the fact that most of New You are able to citizens have supported medicinal marijuana for quite some time, there continues to be little movement around the problem. Recently, however, NY political figures appear to become conditioning their stance. Governor Andrew Cuomo has began to guide electric power charge toward reform and it has notoriously adopted stop and frisk. Now a committee in the condition set up has transpired a medicinal marijuana bill. The election was almost unanimous and went by a margin of 21-4. New You are able to congress have battled to obtain previous medicinal marijuana bills off the floor. However, Gabriel Sayegh, director of recent York’s Drug Policy Alliance feels things may change soon. He told news shops “I believe it is becoming progressively obvious that regarding medicinal marijuana, New You are able to is actually behind the occasions.” He continued to state “We still heavily criminalize it, yet we’re encircled by states which are permitting medicinal marijuana.” There’s been lots of movement recently within the northeast also it appears only dependent on time before NY joins the growing listing of states enabling using medicinal marijuana
 
Marijuana Industry News April 19, 2013
Illinois House Grants Medicinal Marijuana…
 
Even while leader crosses his fingers and wants marijuana reform to merely disappear, the condition where he earned his political title might be legalizing medicinal marijuana without his consent. This week the Illinois House approved a stride that will legalize medicinal marijuana. The election went by a narrow margin of 61-57. The bill necessitates the approval of both condition senate and also the governor to be able to become law. However experts are positive concerning the Faye from the bill because the senate has approved previous medicinal marijuana legislation. The House was formerly viewed as the main obstacle and it has delayed past bills. Governor Pat Quinn has mentioned that’s unbiased towards the idea.
 
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Marijuana Maqui berry farmers Market Growing in Recognition…
Farmer’s marketplaces are extremely well-liked by good fanatics, or simply individuals who appreciate quality, choice, and cost. We have observed the “foodie” culture and also the marijuana culture grow concurrently. The Organicann Harvest Market is a superb illustration of how marijuana fanatics get together to talk about techniques and tales, just like individuals submerged within the food culture do. Site visitors can socialize and consult with farmers along with other experts. More marketplaces will probably open as legal marijuana is distributing to a lot of states in a quick pace. One other popular marijuana companies are situated in Tacoma, Washington. The “Renowned Cannabis Maqui berry farmers Market” is continues to be featured around the G4 network, and Occasions Magazine.
 
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Decriminalization one step Closer in Vermont…
 
Once we at marijuana.internet pointed out the 2009 week, the northeast is rapidly being a hotbed for marijuana reform. Almost every condition in the area has already established cool it’s marijuana laws and regulations in certain means by the past few years. Vermont already became a member of the ever growing listing of states that enable medicinal marijuana. They might be taking another major step toward modernizing their marijuana laws and regulations. This week congress within the Vermont House passed legislation to decriminalize small quantities of marijuana possession. Condition Repetition. Tony Klein said “I believe that if this sounds like the procedure it requires to get at where I believe you should be, that is legalisation, regulation and taxation, then that’s the step that I’m prepared to take.” You will see another round of voting in the home prior to the bill would achieve Governor Gov. Peter Shumlin, that has formerly stated he supports the thought of marijuana decriminalization.
Marijuana Industry News March 29, 2013
Portugal Decriminalization Yielding Positive Results…
The idea of decriminalizing marijuana has become increasingly popular over the years. At times, it seems only elected officials are seeking to maintain the failed approach. The idea of decriminalization and re diverting money while keeping teens out of jail is winning the argument. Those who support outdated drug laws never seem to take Portugal into consideration. Twelve years ago, Portugal underwent a major overhaul of their approach to controlled substance regulation. Even in the midst of many critics, they decided to pass decriminalization laws. The results are not shocking to activists as Portugal has seen the new laws produce results. Doctor João Goulão, a former family physician, has contributed a great deal to the new policies. He recently said that decriminalized laws needed to be considered because “We figured perhaps this way we would be better able get things under control. Criminalization certainly wasn’t working all that well.” While the idea enjoys more acceptance today, Dr. Goulão explained that Portugal was a pioneer in their approach over a decade ago. He said “At the point when we designed the law, we had hardly any data to draw on. We weren’t the least bit certain this would work.” The bill passed is referred to as “Law 30/2000” and Dr. Goulão explains that it has been successful. Specifically he said “This is working. Drug consumption has not increased severely. There is no mass chaos. For me as an evaluator, that’s a very good outcome.”
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Bill to Legalize and Tax Marijuana In Maine receives Support From Many Lawmakers…
With Colorado and Washington’s historic laws to legalize marijuana, it is not surprising that many other states are following their lead. We at marijuana.net have been pleased to report about all the new states considering decriminalization, legalization, and medical marijuana laws. Maine has recently introduced a bill that would legalize and tax marijuana. While it is unclear if the bill will pass, it is making sizable waves in the state government. There are already 35 co-sponsors for the bill and now it will move to a legislative committee hearing. If passed, there would be a $50 tax per ounce, with individuals being permitted to posses 2.5 ounces. Earlier this week, Maine’s political director for the Marijuana Policy Project, David Boyer said Maine can and should take a more sensible approach to marijuana policy and we are glad to see so many legislators agree.” Another interesting element of the Maine legalization bill is that is was lawmaker initiated. The legalization laws in Washington and Colorado were voter driven, as activists collected enough signatures to get the laws on the ballot and by a vote of the people. Maine appears to highlight a turning point, where introducing a marijuana legalization bill no longer hurts and perhaps even enhances their standing with voters.
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Dispensaries May Open this Year in Massachusetts…
It is clear that he northeast region of the United States is becoming a hotbed for marijuana reform. We have spoken at great length about New Jersey finally getting its medical program off the ground. Additionally, New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo has been fighting hard to reform “stop and frisk” in order for decriminalization laws function as they were intended. Connecticut has also legalized medical marijuana and just above this story we spoke about Maine considering legalization. Massachusetts may see the doors open to dispensaries before 2013 is over. The Massachusetts Department of Health has now filed draft regulations on medical marijuana use and expects to have a finalized version by May. The Department of Health is expected to start accepting applications for dispensaries over the summer. Last November, 63% of Massachusetts voters elected to legalize medical marijuana.
New Hamphire Set to Overhaul Marijuana Laws
The road to sensible marijuana reform has been long and windy for activists. Decades of frustration has now given way to frequent victories. Colorado and Washington may have altered the conversation permanently. After the 2012 election, decriminalization and legalization are no longer a fringe issues.
Another state appears ready to join the marijuana reform movement. New Hampshire lawmakers are considering two new marijuana bills. One bill would legalize medical marijuana while the second bill would decriminalize up to one ounce of marijuana. New Hampshire would become the 19th state to allow the medical use of cannabis if they pass the bill. There have been attempts to create a medical marijuana program in New Hampshire over the past few years.
Although previous bills have failed, many in New Hampshire are confident that the political situation is different this time around. Momentum has shifted across the country as public support for marijuana reform has reached an all-time high. Matt Simon, of Marijuana Policy Project, is feeling confident that New Hampshire lawmakers are poised to finally pass major marijuana reform laws. He recently said “There is an increasing appetite in the House for reforms, and I would say that appetite goes beyond therapeutic use.” Republican State Senator, Jeb Bradley, feels less optimistic about a decriminalization bill surviving the political process. However, Senator Bradley did mention that he thought a medical marijuana was likely to pass.
Even if New Hampshire does not see further reform beyond legalizing medical marijuana at this time, it is starting to seem as if it is only a matter of time. The public pressure is on as many Americans would like to see an end to unnecessary incarcerations and money wasted on by law enforcement.