dispensaries
Marijuana Industry News September 20, 2013
MPP Produces Listing of 50 Most Influential Marijuana People who smoke…
Hopefully the news reported here and using their company sources helps to erase the negative stereotypes connected with marijuana. Marijuana Policy Project just launched a listing when the 50 most influential marijuana people who smoke. The activist group continues to be highly effective in supplying the general public with true details on marijuana. Their media campaigns are much talked about plus they have introduced some warmth around the big National football league empire to change marijuana testing and headgear for gamers. MPP’s list has lots of expected names for example current Leader Obama. Others out there has come about as more if your surprise for many.
Browse the MPP list on this link
Support Growing for Medicinal Marijuana in Pennsylvania…
With many states within the northeast changing marijuana laws and regulations and starting medical cannabis programs, it might appear only dependent on time before Pennsylvania would join this mixture. Previous attempts at passing a medicinal marijuana bill happen to be not successful. Senate bill 770, however, is booming in recognition. “It’s certainly being spoken about greater than it had, and i believe there’s some bipartisan support,” stated Senator Take advantage of Teplitz (D) of Dauphin County. He also continued to state, “It might be a large step with this condition. That’s why my position could be under tight supervision with a physician with controls to make certain that it is getting used for legitimate reasons, individuals would be the parameters which i would support.” The balance would permit using cannabis for several debilitating conditions.
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Town of Vegas Delays Dispensary Openings, Patients Feel Lives Might be in Jeopardy…
Like the lately fixed situation in Washington D.C., medicinal marijuana was approved more than about ten years ago in Vegas with no single dispensary being allowed to function legally. Within the summer time, D.C. saw it’s first dispensary open only blocks from Capitol Hill. Citizens in Vegas are wishing for the same effective outcome, though for many it might be not enough past too far. The town of Vegas has transpired a six-month moratorium on marijuana shops, contributing to the already 13 year delay. Meanwhile, the town patients should boost their own medication. Regrettably, that needs time to work, money and understanding many people are not outfitted with. Furthermore, it produces issues of safety as novice farmers can certainly produce tainted yields, that could increase their own health worries. One patient, Jack, told media shops “I’d most likely be dead in six several weeks basically needed to begin with scratch and also be.” He continued to state “Without cannabis I can’t eat whatsoever. You will find occasions where I’m short on cannabis and unable to eat for a few days. I did previously weigh 60 pounds greater than I actually do at this time.” Jack’s situation highlights the issue with government bodies dragging their ft. Frequently government authorities possess the smallest amount of understanding on medicinal marijuana, consequently, their delays and counter offers usually are unsuccessful of patient needs. Just like many patients, Jack is confronted with either disobeying the law and looking access unlawfully, or possible dying.
Marijuana industry news September 6, 2013
MPP places pro marijuana ad outside of NFL opener…
Marijuana Policy Project has proved to be invaluable in highlighting the truth about cannabis. The group made headlines with their recent NASCAR ad and will not stop there. Their next target is the NFL and their policy on testing players for marijuana use. An ad was placed outside of Denver’s Mile High Stadium that read ” Stop Driving Players to Drink. A Safer Choice is Now Legal Here.” NFL players have come under harsh criticism for the high number of DUI arrests among them. The NFL permits drinking but comes down harsh on players testing positive for marijuana. Players are suspended, for multiple games with former Miami Dolphin, Ricky Williams, being one if the most high profile examples of the policy. Mason Tvert of MPP feels the NFL ‘s stance is contradictory and recently said “NFL players are being told that they can go out and get completely drunk, but face no punishment from the league, but if a player gets caught using marijuana, they could be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars, forced to sit out games and deemed a troublemaker.”
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Oregon Reveals Plans for Marijuana Dispensaries…
Earlier this year Oregon lawmakers passed House Bill 3460, legislation aimed at creating a registry for medical marijuana providers. Medical marijuana is already thriving g in Oregon with law enforcement officials estimating that over 100 dispensaries are operating. So far there is little to no oversight so the implementation of HB3460 is crucial. A committee to oversee the caregivers has been formed and will convene, for the first time on September 20th. The committee, formed by Tom Burns who also oversees the pharmaceutical industry, is made up of police officers, prosecutors, marijuana lobbyists, lawyers, and dispensary operators. The committee expects to implant their rules by January 31, 2014.
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Justice Department Statement Will Not Immediately Solve IRS Problems For Marijuana Industry…
The statements by the Justice Department, last week, indicating they would respect state laws certainly was a boost for many patients and caregivers. However, this is only step one. Another major obstacle to overcome has to do with finance. Because of federal pressure, banks will not allow collectives to set up business accounts. The result, an untraceable cash business that helps neither the Feds (they can’t easily follow an electronic paper trail if a dispensary is operating illegally) or collective operators who have to keep cash and marijuana on hand. Armed security at dispensaries is also illegal. This forces collectives to have a bulls eye on their backs. Another issue for dispensary operators is the fact that they cannot deduct normal business expenses that allow other small businesses to keep their doors open. None of this benefits the patient and since prohibition appears dead the IRS should move quickly. Of course it is likely they will not.
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California Court Decision Highlights Importance For LA to Election Yes on F
For several weeks, many happen to be eagerly anticipating an approaching decision in the California Top Court that lots of wished will bring clearness towards the state’s confusing medical cannabis laws and regulations. Unfortunately the legal confusion appears prone to stay in spot for the expected future. The current decision within the Riverside situation to permit local cities to prohibit marijuana collectives is really a setback for individuals wishing to determine California adopt uniform state-wide rules. You will find also concerns that safe access for a lot of patients might be jeopardized. Local dispensary restrictions happen to be in position in a few areas. Karen O’Keefe, of Marijuana Policy Project referred to the choice as“disappointing to individuals people who only desire to get access to improve the standard in our lives.” In the decision, Condition Top Court Justice Marvin Baxter pointed out that although some cities are outfitted to deal with marijuana collectives, others might not be. However certainly one of individuals cities, The Town of La, ought to be a lot more than suitable for the requirements of the patients. In under two days La citizens may have the chance to election on three ballot initiatives associated with the way the city will regulate medicinal marijuana collectives. Last week, in our Industry News entry, we briefly referred to the variations between your suggested laws and regulations. Ordinance F may be the only comprehensive bill which will correctly regulate, tax, lab test, and safeguard minors. We’re encouraging citizens of los angeles to get out there and election yes on F. The election is essential to ensure patients will keep having safe use of medicine. La has numerous financial worries that could be partly alleviated using the new tax revenue F would create. Shops could be needed to to keep financial transparency, and would face regular audits. The medical cannabis itself would need to be examined by labs for the utmost safety and minors wouldn’t be allowed within shops. These aren’t issues that might be worked within Ordinance E or Proposition D. It’s been abundantly obvious for a long time that marijuana reform isn’t some passing fad and also the here we are at competent regulation is lengthy past due.
Medical Marijuana Industry News October 5, 2012
Los Angeles Patients and Activists Score Huge Victory as they Force City Council To Repeal Dispensary Ban…
The decision by the Los Angeles City Council to drop their current efforts in banning marijuana dispensaries is a huge lift for many concerned patients. While we at marijuana.net have posted the story already on our page, we thought it was important to bring more focus to the issue. The city wanted the ban as they have proved unable to come up with an adequate system of regulation. Instead of rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty, they decided the work would be too difficult and tried to brush the issue under the rug. A dispensary ban would have likely lead to a resurgence of unregulated gang related marijuana sales on the street level. This week’s victory shows how the voice of the people still matters and how great things can be accomplished. Americans for Safe Access was able to collect the over 27,000 signatures needed to block the ban. After the signatures were collected the City Council had the option of repealing the ban themselves or putting the vote to the people. Many analysts expected the issue to go to a vote. While we have been hard on how the City Council has handled the situation, we would like to applaud them in this decision. As it was becoming more clear that there was enough voter support to repeal the ban in the City Council decided not to drag out the inevitable.
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Synthetic Marijuana Linked to Kidney Failure in Oregon Residents…
Over the course of the past year fears have grown over synthetic marijuana use. Most state governments and the federal government have outlawed its production. Many health complications have been linked to synthetic cannabis use with kidney failure now emerging as the newest problem. In Oregon, 6 cases of kidney failure have been linked to use of popular products such as “Spice” and “K2”.
State Public Health Division Director Mel Kohn, M.D., M.P.H, said “People need to know that synthetic or designer drugs like ‘spice’ or ‘synthetic amphetamines’ are chemicals that are not safe, can contain dangerous contaminants, and may cause serious harm to users – even death, If you become ill after taking a designer drug, seek medical attention immediately and bring the drug in so it can be tested.”
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Republican Senate Candidate in Washington State Endorses Marijuana Legalization Initiative…
Bi-partisan has become a dirty word in Washington D.C. as neither party seems willing to give the other credit. Hopefully in Washington State this can be corrected. Many people may associate marijuana reform with Democrats, but many Republicans, especially those who favor state rights seem to moving toward supporting marijuana. This is the case in Washington State as Republican Senate hopeful, Michael Baumgartner, has endorsed Initiative-502. This ballot initiative will be voted on by residents of the state and would create a system of regulating, taxing, and distributing marijuana in a similar way that alcohol is handled. In actuality, the marijuana industry will be handled by the states Liquor Control Board. Mr. Baumgartner explained his support of Initiative 502 by saying “It’s taking a different approach to a very expensive drug war, and potentially a better approach. They’ve checked all the boxes as far as what you would want to see happen in terms of provisions to keep it away from children and limiting access in the public space. I’ve just been impressed with the initiative and the people running it.” While he may be a longshot to unseat U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, he may be successful in motivating the already high support for the bill.
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Medical Marijuana Industry News September 14, 2012
New Bills In Congress Would Allow States to Decide Medical Marijuana…
As detailed often on marijuana.net, one of the biggest concerns for the medical marijuana industry is that is in a state of legislative limbo. Patients are often left to wonder if they will have access to their medication. Additionally, dispensaries face many difficulties operating in under the current system. For the most part they are prevented from utilizing bank accounts or credit unions. This results in high levels of marijuana and cash on premises, and dramatically increases the likelihood of being robbed. Additionally, these businesses cannot benefit from the tax code or deduct expenses, making their survival challenging. Several new laws in Congress have been introduced that would actually address these concerns. Three different bills, HB 1983, HB1984, and HB1985, would allow dispensaries to take advantage of electronic banking, tax deductions, and would allow states to decide if they wish to permit medical marijuana by re-scheduling marijuana. While similar bills have failed previously, there seems to be more bi-partisan support than ever for re-hauling the government’s approach toward medical marijuana. While support was previously higher from Democrats, they have now been joined by fiscally conservatives who no longer want to see funds wasted on DEA raids. Additionally, there is a growing call for returning many rights back to the states.
Two Marijuana Dispensaries to Open in Vermont…
The federal crackdown and raids on marijuana dispensaries may not be producing the intended outcomes, especially in the Northeast. In recent months, Connecticut has approved a measure to permit medical marijuana and even under the well known Republican Governor, Chris Christie (who does not support the program) New Jersey is close to dispensing marijuana to patients. There is momentum across the country as Detroit, the state of Washington, Colorado, and Oregon will see their residents vote to regulate and legalize even recreation marijuana use. A successful ballot initiative has also given residents of Arkansas the opportunity to vote on enacting a medical marijuana program. In Vermont, two marijuana dispensaries have been given the green light to open. One of the dispensaries will be located in Burlington while another will open its doors in Waterbury. Vermont legalized medical marijuana in 2004 but patients are responsible for growing and cultivating their own medicine. Patients in Vermont can possess up to 2 ounces and own 3 plants. Last year Vermont lawmakers passed a new law that would allow up to 4 dispensaries to open. The two dispensaries are expected to open in 6 months with additional applications to fill the other 2 openings under review.
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Seattle’s Children’s Alliance Supports Marijuana Legalization Initiative…
Supporting marijuana reform was previously career suicide in the public arena. Over the past few years there have been surprising supporters of marijuana reform including televangelist Pat Robertson and Progressive Insurance Chairman Peter B. Lewis. However, an even more surprising group of supporters have revealed themselves. A Seattle based non-profit group named The Children’s Alliance has come out in support of Initiative 502, which if passed by Washington State residents, would legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana in a way that is similar to how alcohol is handled. The group’s main focus is on protecting children’s futures. Although whites and African Americans consume marijuana at similar rates, non whites are significantly more at risk for being arrested for it. Often these arrests are of teens and having a criminal record can seriously jeopardize their ability to get a job, housing, or gain college acceptance. Jon Gould, Deputy Director of The Children’s Alliance said “The status quo is not working for children, particularly children of color. Public policy ought to move us further toward racial equity and justice, and Initiative 502 is one step forward to that.”
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 17, 2012
Los Angeles Marijuana Dispensaries Ordered To Close on Sept 6…
Several weeks ago the Los Angeles City Council decided to issue an order to ban all marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The move has caused a fair amount of commotion and legal experts do not even know for sure if they city is operating within their rights. A recent decision by California’s second District of Appeals ruled that local municipalities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. Earlier in the week, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office sent out 1,000 letters to buildings they believe are dispensaries informing them that they need to close their doors or face possible fines of $2,500 per day fine after September 6th. There is a considerable amount of legal confusion in the air. Besides the 2nd district decision, there are also referendums in the works with activists collecting signatures. This could also delay or eliminate the city’s ban. Kris Hermes of Americans for Safe Access said “We don’t have a clear-cut response for them on what’s going on. It would be imprudent to tell them to stay open. But at the same time, there is all this other activity going on that could change the situation in a matter of weeks.”
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Colorado Legalization Initiative Could Mean Big Bucks for State…
Earlier in the week marijuana.net ran a story that described how much money could be made in the state of Washington should residents vote to legalize, regulate, and tax cannabis. Colorado has also released a report that shows how much money could be generated if their similar law, amendment 64 is passed. A report released by The Colorado Center on Law and Policy (CCLP) indicated that in the first year alone legalizing cannabis could generate $60 million in its first year and rise to $120 million by 2017. Of the $120 million $80 million would go toward alleviating financial burdens of local and state government with the remaining $40 million being directed to a fund that would construct new schools. Showing its potential for job creation the program would create 350 new construction jobs. This is independent of the jobs created for medical personnel, dispensary workers, security companies and several other industries.
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New Jersey Off to Slow Start in Registering Patients…
Matching the snail’s pace of the launching the entire medical marijuana program in New Jersey, only 50 patients so far have been approved to be legal cannabis patients in the Garden State. The good news is that the program is moving forward after almost no action for two years after it was approved by exiting former Governor Jim Corzine. So far state lawmakers have delayed the program for as long as they can and the small patient registration numbers come as no surprise. The point of the program is to prevent patients from having to secure their medication from illegal sources. So far the program is doing the opposite. Chris Goldstein, a spokesperson for The Coalition for Medical Marijuana in New Jersey said “Patients meanwhile are going on the underground market. “It’s not like they’re not accessing medicine out there.” New Jersey aimed to be a state with strict guidelines but has been outpaced by other known strict medical marijuana states such as Arizona. However, there is reason to believe that patient registration will pick up as every aspect of the program has been hastened by the threat of lawsuits. Expect more of the same as advocates will surely pursue the legal route if patients are not being accepted into the program.
New Jersey Shows that the Wheels of Progression Cannot Be Stopped
Despite the best efforts of Governor Chris Christie, state legislators, and local townships, New Jersey’s medical marijuana program is moving along. Patients have clearly stated that they are in favor of the program that was passed several years ago only to see bureaucratic delays on every level. However as marijuana becomes widely accepted and research confirms its medical usefulness and lack of side effects, those trying to slow the unstoppable force of progression seem to be accepting the futility of such action.
Other states have deployed similar political tactics to delay the start of their marijuana program. Arizona’s governor Jan Brewer has tried several times to prevent dispensaries from serving patients. The result has created a rift between voters and the governor. Looking to avoid such tension New Jersey has given approval for patients to register and receive their medical marijuana identification cards. Patients with terminal cancer, Crohn’s disease, glaucoma, MS, and other qualifying conditions will have the opportunity to apply for the ID card. Patients can go to the New Jersey Department of Health Website to register or call 609-292-0424. A registration card costs $200 and will be valid for 2 years.
Patients in New Jersey may still have to wait a bit for their medication as only 6 dispensaries have been approved and only one seems close to opening its doors. Greenleaf Compassion Center has previously stated that it would have a crop available to distribute by September. However they still have not yet received the final approval to dispense marijuana. While there still may be time before the program is serving patients around the state, it seems to finally be moving on the right track. There are over 150 doctors have registered to be a part of the program. State Assemblyman Assemblyman Reed Gusciora also felt the program was moving in the right direction and recently said “The opening of a patient registry is a crucial and welcome step. . . . This represents the light at the end of the tunnel.”
Our elected officials often forget they are expected to work for the people. New Jersey officials have finally gotten the message but were close to facing lawsuits. Democracy is all about abiding by the will of the people and right now the people are expecting progress. Trying to stop that is as pointless as trying to stop the ocean currents.
Marijuana Updates Across the Country
With the federal government’s refusal to reclassify marijuana, medical cannabis progression has been achieved state by state. Most states have with medical marijuana programs are the result of ballot initiatives and efforts of local residents as state policy makers are unwilling to disobey federal law. The birth of modern medical marijuana got off to a bumpy start, and there may yet be future setbacks. However, in a country that cannot agree on much, it appears we are coming together over compassion, relief, and the law.
In Maine we recently learned of a story that shows how important it is to regulate cannabis and not turn a blind eye . Glenn W. Martin, a marijuana grower, used to illegally sell his crop to customers in New York and Boston. He has struggled, like many, with rising cost of living and had trouble paying his rising property taxes. Now that Maine has altered their laws, he is allowed to sell to patients and no longer has to hide his skills and the industry that he excels in. Last week Martin said “I’m focusing on how to make a high-quality product,’’ and It’s one of the best things to happen in our area.”
Moving across the country, there has been great news coming out of Arizona. Residents of the state passed a marijuana program about two years ago. However, Governor Jan Brewer and other state officials made every effort they could to derail the program. Having realized that ultimately the state has little choice but to allow the program to operate, there has been a different tone lately. The governor recently rejected formal letters by 13 county lawyers to stop the program. Ms. Brewer stated that she could not do so and was bound to the resident passed law. It now appears that dispensaries should be operating relatively soon. The town of Gilbert has started things off and is expected to hold a lottery to determine which dispensary applicants will be granted permission to start operating. Six potential dispensaries will be keeping their fingers crossed and hope that their name is on one of the two selected lottery balls drawn. Gilbert has 900 qualified medical marijuana cardholders and overall Arizona has 30,000 approved patients.
It may have taken some time but Arizona finally appears ready to abide by the wishes of its residents. On the side of the country Maine is showing a progressive approach to 40 years of failed laws and is starting to allow a necessary industry from operating in the shadows. Maine and Arizona are on opposite sides of the political spectrum but are showing that relief and compassion has little to do with blue vs. red states.
Medical Marijuana Industry News August 3, 2012
Federal Crackdown on Dispensaries Continues in San Francisco…
There does not appear to be any end in sight for federal raids targeting marijuana dispensaries. Attorney General Eric Holder has reiterated that they will not use federal resources to go after law abiding collectives, however that statement no longer appears true. Without any evidence of wrongdoing, federal authorities announced their intention to shut down the iconic and world’s largest marijuana dispensary, Harborside Health Center. This week we learned that two prominent San Francisco collectives, Vapor Room and Hope Net would also be forced to shut their doors. HopeNet Co-founder Catherine Smith said, “The Justice Department sent our landlord one of those nasty letters. So this is our D-Day, we have to leave.” Ray Chico who operates the popular jar company Doob Tubes, said the dispensary closings are hurting more than just patients and collective employees. He noticed his business also take a turn for the worse and has been forced to let go of staff.
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Michigan Court of Appeals Rules Cities Cannot Ban Marijuana Dispensaries…
Recently California’s 2nd Circuit of Appeals ruled that cities cannot outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The Los Angeles City Council seemed undeterred by this and went forward with what may be considered an illegal ban on dispensaries. Michigan courts have now issued a similar ruling. In the city of Wyoming Michigan an ordinance was passed that outlawed collectives. John Ter Beek of Wyoming Michigan filed a suit in 2010 challenging the ban, and the ACLU also joined the suit. Michigan’s appellate court ruled that a local ordinace does not overrule a state law. In this case since medical marijuana is protected on a state level, local municipalities cannot enact laws that conflict with state laws and outlaw dispensaries. Dan Korobkin of the ACLU was pleased with the ruling and said “In 2008, people across the state overwhelmingly voted to protect patients who use marijuana to treat their medical conditions from punishment and penalty.”
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Arizona Asked to Expand Medical Marijuana Program…
Arizona’s medical marijuana program got off to a rocky start and was delayed by two years after being passed by a vote of the people. There are still calls by opponents of medical marijuana for Governor Jan Brewer to end the program. Ms. Brewer did not have her most triumphant political moment in court and was chided by a federal judge for the way they handled the situation. However, as the Governor has received a great deal of criticism by marijuana advocates, they may be praising her today. Thirteen county attorney’s in Arizona drafted a letter formally requesting that Governor Brewer halt the medical marijuana program. She has rejected the request and wrote a response letter where she said “I am duty-bound to implement the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act, and my agency will do so unless and until I am instructed otherwise.” Patients will be pleased to hear this as the it ultimately is the responsibility of elected officials to carry out the will of the people, even if they do not agree with a situation on a personal level.
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Activists Urging Costa Mesa Voters to Lift Medical Marijuana Ban…
Advocates of medical marijuana submitted close to 6,800 signatures in an effort to get an initiative on the ballot to legalize non-profit medical marijuana collectives. Dispensary owner Robert Martinez said “It’s imperative to provide safe access for veterans and cancer patients. I’m super stoked to bring these signatures.” The number of signatures is 1,000 more than the 5,812 required signatures which represents 10% of the Costa Mesa population. However, often many signatures are invalidated during ballot initiatives and if the effort requires more signatures activists will only have until August 10 if they wish to have the issue placed before voters this November.
Are California Lawmakers Lost in the Clouds?
Although it is often medical marijuana patients and advocates who are accused of hazy judgment, recent legal developments have us wondering how clearly those in power are thinking. With conflicting decisions and a poor medical marijuana system that was never properly regulated, patient’s safe access has been seriously compromised.
Lawmakers have acted lazy and lethargic when it comes to regulating California’s medical marijuana program. Instead of basing decisions upon research and information, they never checked on how the program is being run or made changes. Now that the system is not functioning as they would like, many are trying to dismantle it. How would Social Security fare if we never monitored or adjusted during its 70 year lifespan? The difficult task is actually analyzing what works, speaking with law enforcement, legitimate dispensary workers, lawyers, and patients in order to determine the proper course of action. After 16 years, California is in desperate need of re-reforming its cannabis laws. Patients are confused as to where they can seek relief.
Despite the guarantees of “Safe Access” outlined in Proposition 215, many municipalities have taken it upon themselves to interpret the legal language as it suits them. Legal experts have witnessed a series of confusing rulings, with the most recent ruling having been issued approximately a week and a half ago. The July 2nd ruling by The Second Appellate District Court of Appeals stated that city municipalities do not have the right to outlaw marijuana dispensaries. The ruling is being applauded by many marijuana advocates and patients. It appears to have at least delayed some of the pending dispensary bans in places such as Long Beach and San Leandro. Joe Elford of Americans for Safe Access said “The court of appeal could not have been clearer in expressing that medical marijuana dispensaries are legal under state law, and that municipalities have no right to ban them.” All eyes will now turn to the California’s Supreme Court as they will be taking up the issue after the new year and will hopefully end the legal guessing game.
The lawsuits and pending court cases could have been avoided had California’s elected officials taken some sort of initiative on this issue. After Dennis Peron fought for the right for patients to medicate, California became the first state to permit medical marijuana. Did anyone think that a hands off program for the first legal cannabis state would just govern itself? It is time for our representation to get their heads out of the clouds and do their job, even if that requires actual work and thinking.