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Marijuana news from around the world

House of Representatives

Oregon Legislature Could Greenlight Critical Changes to Marijuana Laws

Next week is setting up to be an action-packed showdown for some would-be progressive marijuana legislation in the Beaver State. With the bizarre standoff at the National Wildlife Refuge finally resolved, Oregon’s power brokers will be turning their attention to some slightly more lucrative matters – like overhauling Oregon’s current marijuana laws. According to the Capital […]

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Game Changers After Historic Election

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There were many highlights from Tuesday’s election.  Obviously the headlines are focusing on President Barack Obama’s re-election which came by dominating the electoral college.  However the President won a much slimmer popular vote victory.  There were also tremendous victories for the LGBT community and anyone who supports equal protection.  Minnesota residents voted against outlawing same sex marriage Maine and Maryland passed legislation allowing the unions.  Other stories include the fact that the majorities in the House (Republican controlled) and the Senate (Democratically controlled) stayed the same, with the exception of a few seats shifting.  Another victory for the people was the apparent failure of the Super PACS(outside political groups with no limits to how much they can spend) to impact the election.  Perhaps there will be a few less advertisements in 2016 or for the 2014 midterm elections, though that is likely wishful thinking.

In the world of marijuana reform, America saw a true game changing events.  Massachusetts has now become the 18th state to pass medical marijuana legislation.  The list almost grew to 19 but the ballot initiative narrowly failed(51-49%).  However, activists should be pleased as a narrow defeat shows even the deep south is changing and is receptive to marijuana reform.  What is even more striking is that Colorado and Washington State voters have passed an initiative that will regulate, tax, and distribute recreational marijuana.

Although the legalization in Colorado and Washington State does not end the conflict with the federal government, it does provide even more legitimacy for legalized marijuana.  Now there will be tighter regulation and greater tax revenues collected from marijuana sales.  If federal agents intervene, they now will have to compromise local economies and infringe on state laws.  They will have to take marijuana from safe and regulated environments and return it to street dealers.  Additionally, we are fresh off of a major statement by the people and while the feds have not respected our will previously, the writing on the wall is becoming more and more apparent.  All over this country the people want to see a different approach toward regulating marijuana, and the old system is simply obsolete.

Thankfully the election cycle is finally over.  It may be instinctive and easy to take a cynical outlook on what occurred but we should all be encouraged by the fact that the biggest changes in this country came directly from the hard work of the people and groups such as Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol and New Approach Washington .  Ballot initiatives have produced same sex marriage equality and common sense marijuana reform.  The 2012 election was historic and will set the stage for even more states to return rights back to the people.

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Victory For President Obama, Legal Marijuana In Colorado…

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The grueling 2012 election has finally come to an end.  Americans can now finally relax as the constant barrage of political ads will finally go away.  When including the GOP primary debates, this election got underway way back in the summer of 2011.  Last night President Barack Obama was victorious in what was a sweeping electoral victory but narrow popular vote advantage.  The other stories of the night were the Republicans taking a decisive lead in the House of Representatives while the Democrats won tough races to control the Senate.  Marijuana reformers had several stories to be pleased with including Colorado residents voting to legalize and regulate marijuana and Massachusetts passing legislation to start a medical marijuana program. Other big stories included the legalization of same sex marriage in several states including Minnesota. We will be breaking down the election and providing more updates and details from last night.

 

Click Here for CNN’s Up to Date Coverage of the 2012 Election results

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Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight for Marijuana Reform

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For decades the idea of high profile politicians taking on the issue of marijuana reform was laughable.  Even after the Proposition 215 passed, many lawmakers outside of California would not publicly consider proposing changes to marijuana law.  Currently there are now 16 states, (with Connecticut expected to join the growing list) and the nation’s capital where marijuana is permitted for medical use.

Americans have stated their desire for a compassionate medical system.  We are seeking to move on from medical treatments that rely on addictive pills and unaffordable bills. However, the greatest threat to our new compassionate medical system are the people who work for us.  The Federal government, despite statements from President Barack Obama that the Department of Justice would not be using tax payer resources to circumvent state laws, has tried to dismantle relief one dispensary at a time.  Fortunately, U.S. House of Representatives members Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) have proposed outlawing federal funds from being used to interfere with state laws.  The debate is over HR bill 5326, the bill that determines the funding for the Department of Justice.

Most of the reform conversation has revolved around protests and ballot initiatives.  While these have been successful, ballots to change the law have not been able to protect caregivers from federal raids.  It is only recently that our elected officials have decided to push the issue and get more creative.  Many of us are familiar with the popular legalization bill proposed by Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Ron Paul (R-TX).  The bill was met with predictable opposition, but at least kept the issue in the spotlight.  An attempt to defund the DOJ is a new method being utilized by lawmakers and may be a more effective way to frame the discussion.  If deficit spending continues to dominate the campaign coverage then saving money on raiding marijuana dispensaries should match the national financial conversation in step.

Like the ghosts of a haunted past, marijuana reform is rearing its pretty head everywhere.  The president has been taking criticism on marijuana policy seemingly everywhere he goes.  Foreign leaders (Vicente Fox), domestic allies (Nancy Pelosi), presidential candidates (Gary Johnson), comedians( Jimmy Kimmel), evangelicals (Pat Robertson) and of course patients seeking pain relief are all voicing their opinion in support of cannabis reform.  Now that politicians on a national stage are starting to support compassionate reform, hopefully they will use even more creativity in trying to pass legislation that will finally end a century long error.

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Medicinal Marijuana Industry News December 9, 2011

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Australian Teen Charged with Marijuana in Indonesia Returns to Sydney

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A 14 years old arrested in Indonesia for marijuana possession finally touched lower in the native Australia following a family trip converted into a nightmare.  The youthful visitor was caught with 3.6 grams of marijuana and was needed to invest two several weeks in prison.  Some worried that arduous Indonesia laws and regulations on marijuana would lead to a level longer sentence.  The storyline has gotten lots of media attention because of the opportunity of a teenager being jailed  (get more information at our previous coverage from the story) and accusations the boys parents are attempting to make money from the storyline.

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House Votes to Prohibit Chemical Substances of Synthetic Marijuana

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With recent fear over reported health issues connected by using synthetic marijuana, particularly in teens, Congress has made the decision to consider the problem.  Inside a election of 317-98, the home approved an invoice to prohibit the chemical substances present in synthetic items that mimic marijuana.  Items like “K2 and Spice” are frequently promoted as incense, however, many experts feel they’re manufactured for any very different reason.  Other states and metropolitan areas across the nation have passed their very own measures that outlaw synthetic cannabis.  Many researchers believe that an artificial prohibit will difficult to enforce as new items could be launched that sidestep the banned compounds.

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