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Dennis Peron

New Marijuana Regulations in California to be put on Hold

Tom Ammiano bill

Proposition 215 and Dennis Peron changed the course of history in 1996 by overcoming staggering political opposition to medical marijuana.  It was a great first step and should have been followed up with a more structured system for how to regulate and dispense medical marijuana.  The lack of additional regulation has steadily become a growing problem with the recent dispensary raids symbolizing state lawmakers futility in evolving the program.

State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano had recently pushed for legislation, Assembly Bill 2312, that would create a state run medical marijuana program.  Currently local municipalities have different interpretations of how to regulate cannabis dispensaries.  With many pending lawsuits, momentum for a dispensary ban in Los Angeles, and the fact that the state supreme court will not be taking up the issue for at least a year, many were hoping to see lawmakers provide a solution.  Ammiano’s bill passed in the State Assembly recently but was expected to face a difficult time passing California’s Senate committee vote.  The bill aimed to set up a “Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement”.  The Bureau would oversee the entire program and allow local governments to collect tax revenue from marijuana sales.

While the bill or a similar one is needed, many analysts and members of law enforcement were not pleased with it.  As in any developing billion dollar industry, there were varied interests at stake.  As a result many were wondering just exactly who would be part of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement and what interests they would serve.  Additionally, the extent and specifics of what the Bureau would do seemed vague.  Law enforcement officials criticized the bill as being a free pass for dispensaries to operate without worry.  While that may not be entirely accurate the bill did seem ill equipped at ensuring a patient oriented industry.  It seems the criticism reached Ammiano as he canceled the Senate vote earlier this week.

Regarding the move he said “There is no doubt that my colleagues understand the need for this legislation, and I have a lot of faith in this committee that we can hammer out a well-balanced regulatory policy during the fall to answer calls from local governments, law enforcement including our Attorney General, patients, and the public to enact a highly regulated system for medical marijuana and provide a clear set of rules for everybody.”

If in fact Tom Ammiano canceled the vote in order to present a more comprehensive solution, then the news is not a total loss.  However, many are wondering if they will ever see the state politicians come together and place the rhetoric aside and protect dispensaries and patients.  To date, political solutions have failed and the “Safe Access” granted in Proposition 215 seems to be in jeopardy.

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Poll: Marijuana Legalization is now Supported by Majority of Americans

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While the past decade has seen a tremendous shift in the American attitude toward medical marijuana, overall legalization was something many analysts did not expect the country to embrace just yet.  In regards to marijuana, many have always felt change would come slowly.  For the activists in the 1940s through the mid 1990s, progress moved at a glacial pace.  Even after California changed the course of history in 1996, many analysts dismissed the newly legalized medical marijuana program as a fad that would quickly fade.  The previous decade proved just how far removed from the truth such sentiments were, but still, even some of the most passionate advocates held little faith in how quick Americans would change their view on legalizing recreational cannabis use.

Gallop has been asking participants since 1969 year on whether or not they feel that marijuana should be legal.  When the poll was first conducted only 12% of respondents agreed with legalizing cannabis.  In 1978 Gallop found that 21% of respondents said they welcomed the acceptance of marijuana.  This would drop again in the 1980s to 13% and as low as 11% in 1991.  History will show that the efforts of Dennis Peron only 5 years after such a low point for marijuana acceptance was nothing short of a modern political miracle.  The public did not have all of the facts and many snickered at the idea of  marijuana being used to improve quality of life for struggling patients.  Since 2002, support for marijuana legalization has steadily been climbing, and now for the first since polling began, a majority of Americans now support legalizing recreational marijuana use and wish to see it regulated in a similar way to alcohol and tobacco.  Click here for more information on the most recent poll on marijuana legalization, which now stands at a record high of 56%.

Much of the time marijuana activists focus has been on the 40 year old war on drugs launched by President Richard Nixon.  Interestingly enough marijuana acceptance’s lowest point was only about 20 years ago, not 40 or 50 years ago, making the change in sentiment that much more pronounced.  Shifts on many social issues show a new generation’s impact on the electorate and more awareness for previously eligible voters.  It seems government officials may have overreached as people seem to be embracing a more libertarian attitude and are seeking for the government to stay out of personal decisions.  They are no longer looking up to the men in suits for approval on how they conduct their daily lives.  Additionally we are in the age of communication where stories can be shared around the world instantaneously.

Between the 1960s and 1990s individuals who tried marijuana still responded negatively in polls and viewed it as a significant problem.  Perhaps they were made to feel guilty by society or assumed serious behavior/health problems would follow if they had continued to use cannabis.  Now with an abundance of scientific information, patients testimonials, and a reminder that over 40 years later, the Woodstock generation still cannot recall anyone who died from cannabis use, the facts are taking control of the argument.  With multigenerational support for marijuana reform the conversation has shifted from “if” to “when”.

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A Tribute to Peter McWilliams

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“Stubbornness is also determination. It’s simply a matter of shifting from “won’t power” to “will power.”
? Peter McWilliams

 

The brightest minds are not bound to one area of expertise.  True genius transcends departmentalized intelligence and spreads its branches out far and wide.  Unfortunately our society seems to have placed an emphasis on the narrow minded expert.  We want our athletes to play ball, our entertainers to dance, and our social commentators to discuss single topics.

Perhaps not a household name, Peter McWilliams has inspired people from all walks of life.  He was raised outside of Detroit in Allen Park, Michigan.  After attending Eastern Michigan University he found inspiration in Paul Krassner and his publication “The Realist”, which was regarded as one of the premiere counter culture publications of modern times.

Peter would quickly become an established writer himself and his diverse skill set was on display even in his early works.  Already publishing many works including insightful poetry , in 1974 he wrote, directed, and produced the religious satire movie originally called The Greatest Story Overtold” under the name Peter Alexander.  The movie has since been re-released as “The Thorn”.  In 1975 he and Denise Denniston released “The Transcendental Meditation TM Book”, which enjoyed a three week stay on top of the New York Times best sellers list.  He would go on to have 5 books in total to make it to the prestigious best seller list.   Another early highlight was How To Survive the Loss of a Love which he wrote with Harold H. Bloomfield in 1976 and expanded upon an earlier version Peter wrote in 1971. Already displaying his varied expertise in satire, human emotions and meditation, Peter McWilliams decided to share his proficiency of computers during a period of time where distrust and a lack of user knowledge in how to use computers was at an all time high.  In 1982 he released the “The Personal Computer Book” and “The Word Processing Book”.

In 1990, Peter McWilliams returned to the subject matter that may distinguish him the most, his understanding of humanity, emotion, and coping with pain.  “Life 101: Everything We Wished We Had Learned About Life in School but Didn’t” received great reviews and is still available on Amazon.com.  True to his nature, the book has been heralded as deep, philosophical and yet easily accessible with a style that resembles conversation instead of condescension.

His next work would be a smooth transition into the political and social commentary realm.  The 1993 book titled “Ain’t Nobody’s Business if You Do: The Absurdity of Consensual Crimes in Our Free Country” was released and still receives positive reviews.  The book examines what Mr. McWilliams categorizes as “victimless crimes” and how people have been hurt tremendously by consensual crimes throughout history.  Another major point of the book is that over regulating social behavior produces an environment that is ripe for black markets and organized crime.  The book resonated with many, including libertarians who appreciated his views on personal freedoms.

The book makes commentary on marijuana, a victimless crime according to Peter.  Coincidentally, this point would hit closer to home than perhaps he had envisioned.  In 1996, Peter McWilliams was diagnosed with both AIDS and cancer.  Conventional treatments produced extreme nausea for him and Peter found relief with the use of marijuana.  Two years later he would give a nationally televised speech at the 1998 Libertarian National Convention.  The speech was inspirational for many defenders of civil liberties, including those scared to embrace their sexuality.  Fourteen years ago was still a difficult period to admit to being gay, but Mr. McWilliams courageously revealed this during his iconic speech.

Peter McWilliams suffered greatly for his open views on medical marijuana.  Shortly after his address to the Libertarian party, he was arrested for growing marijuana plants that he says he planned to give to caregivers in order to provide relief for patients.  He believed he was targeted specifically because of how effectively he was conveying social change and the benefits of medical marijuana.  At the time he was helping Todd McCormick write a book titled “How to Grow Medical Marijuana”.  Both men were arrested by federal authorities. A judge ruled that Peter McWilliams could not mention his terminal illness or that he believed that medical marijuana was saving his life during the trial proceedings.  He was required to cease using marijuana or his mother would lose her house, which was used as collateral for his bail bond.  His extreme nausea returned and although not officially confirmed, it is believed that Peter McWilliams died from choking on excess vomit.

This tragic ending was not befitting of such brilliance.  Peter McWilliams had a golden touch with just about anything he encountered.  That is why it is so confusing that we can applaud intelligence in one field but then disregard it in another.  This was not a lazy man trying to abuse marijuana for recreational pleasure.  He embodied the diversity of the marijuana community with such insight and compassion.  Peter McWilliams’ mind would not be confined to one area of focus and almost 12 years after his death, his influence is still strong.  We were able to speak with Julia who maintains www.petermcwilliams.org, a site dedicated to remembering the great activist.  She mentions, as many others have, about Peter’s inviting writing style and that he had a way of directly talking to people as if he knew the reader.  When asked how to describe the influence he has had she said “The fact that 12 years after someone died, it should mean something that people are being touched by his life and still reading his books.” The site has much to offer including a description of Peter’s works including books, photography and other entries not covered in this article.  Additionally, the site includes quotes from Peter and many of his well established peers that include Paul Krassner, Gary Johnson and Dennis Peron.  There is also a video tribute by Julia and much more.

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High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup locked in La over the past weekend

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As The Netherlands might be most carefully connected using the Cannabis Cup, La may rapidly establish its competition like a “Can’t Miss” event.  Despite the Grammy Honours within the backdrop, the 2012 High Occasions Medical Cannabis Cup saw 1000’s locally taking pleasure in the weekend lengthy festival.  The 2 occasions were running concurrently last evening but that did little to decrease the spirit of a lot of who attended.

The Cup introduced together a lot of people all finishes of marijuana’s diverse community.  Educational groups for example LA Jemm, RMLW, NORML and Maps were well symbolized.  Culture Magazine and LA Weekly were available to pay for the cup.  Yak Food items and Cheeba Chews displayed their popular food items.  People of Ron Paul’s presidential campaign were setup and providing information.  California Lightworks and Mama P’s Wholesome Mills were among companies addressing grower’s needs.  The Werc Shop, a lab trying to ensure safe medicine is available, assisted test most of the strains that were utilized in the Cannabis Cup.

The big event was peaceful and that we at marijuana.internet didn’t notice any major occurrences between police force and participants.  Our community understands how to hold large events and it is no wonder the Cannabis Cup went over very well.  The memorial upstairs in the primary building offered a soothing atmosphere because of so many gifted artists focus on display.  There have been also discussion sections within the event’s auditorium.  These sections talked about the most recent around the legal and medicinal world.

The Cannabis Cup also held its traditional competition where idol judges cast their ballots to choose the award those who win.  One of the large those who win were Therapeutic Healing Center, Somoma Coma, and Master Yoda.   Listed here are additional those who win.  Throughout the award ceremony a sincere tribute was proven explaining Jack Herer and the tremendous effect on marijuana culture.  Dennis Peron also spoke  Return soon for further coverage from the 2012 Cannabis Cup.

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A Period to provide Thanks

thanksgiving

Hot poultry, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cornbread, pumpkin cake, and lots of other goodies may dominate your Thanksgiving this season, it is a superb day for reflection too.  Marijuana.internet want to take this excellent chance to provide because of individuals who’ve assisted make our industry possible through the years.  Even though it is impossible to incorporate them all-in-one tribute article, we are able to discuss a couple of.

For just one, we have to begin with giving because of George Washington for a lot of reasons.  Clearly, he might be the only biggest reason we are able to fly our very own unique beautiful flag and revel in our independence.  George Washington, who couldn’t have recognized it at that time, provided us probably the most credible arguments for marijuana and hemp use still used today.  He would be a known grower and would be a major proponent of hemp’s many uses.  While George Washington is really a tough act to follow along with, you will find many more accountable for enhancing the marijuana industry progress.  Although he didn’t start and win a revolution against an excellent powered tyrant (really he indeed might have), Keith Stroup did begin a worldwide and influential organization.  Could any marijuana advocates make a world without NORML?  Stroup produced NORML decades ago and lots of feel his direct efforts have brought to decriminalization laws and regulations.  The next one we wish to give because of is really a leading heroine within the medicinal marijuana industry.  Steph Sherer produced the audience People in america for Safe Access.  Her organization makes tremendous strides in supplying information and protecting the privileges of patients.  People in america for Safe Access is symbolic of medicinal marijuana and it has acquired worldwide prestige.  Let’s also give because of Dennis Peron.  Without his efforts it’s possible we would  haven’t seen the passage from the famous Proposition 215.  Peron offered the U . s . States within the Vietnam war as well as for decades saw the advantages of marijuana use.  Also, he needed to watch his partner, Jonathan West, are afflicted by complications associated with Helps.  Peron has mentioned that West frequently found relief with cannabis use.

While marijuana reform may apparently be moving in a snail’s pace for many, it’s still vital that you give because of a rustic where might have a wide open dialogue.  This isn’t for everyone as fluff for the federal government, but to really reflect.  Although a lot of patients still suffer, many happen to be capable of finding relief through condition run medicinal marijuana programs.  We have to be grateful we have the various tools to produce change, awareness and then progress in this region.  We ought to give because of ballot initiatives and also to the political figures who really do are a symbol of patient relief as well as for civil privileges.

Thanksgiving is really a unique holiday.  It excludes no religion, no race.  It encourages family and buddies to obtain together, to understand and also to love one another.  Let’s be grateful it’s not the nineteen thirties, but don’t forget forget we have a lengthy road in front of us.  Eventually people like Dennis Peron, or Steph Sherer will no more be around us, however their extreme efforts will not be overlooked. We only hope that lots of more is going to be inspired by their efforts and become willing to get the torch to help keep fighting the great fight.  Because the hot poultry lulls you to definitely sleep, you are able to relax, reflect, and provide thank you for a lot.

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