legalization
Washington Judge Orders Police To Come Back Marijuana to Owner
We at marijuana.internet happen to be happy with how rapidly the interest rate from the reform movement has faster. However, even present day story could have been hard to predict until lately. While cliches ought to be prevented more often than not, we believe a couple of might be appropriate within this situation. When it involves marijuana law, cops in Washington could find the shoe alternatively feet, or the tides have switched. A Tacoma judge has proven that even when police force mocks the desire of those, the courts might not. At a routine traffic stop this past year, a small amount if marijuana was grabbed from Frederick L. Robertson. Mr Robertson’s charges were dropped in December after voters legalized leisure marijuana use within the election this past year. After showing medical necessity, Mr. Robertson asked for the marijuana to become came back. Government bodies have declined to complete and might be taking a little of the gamble. Judge Jack Emery told assistant city attorney, John Master, that they have to “Appeal or comply, Or in a few days, appear, and that i would counsel you to create counsel.” Judge Emery initially instructed The marijuana to become came back on Feb 28th. The request was declined which likely describes the challenging language by Judge Emery this time around around. It’s unclear how this case will have out, however, there is much more on the line than the usual small bag of marijuana being came back. It could have been laughable, until lately to anticipate the court to demand the return of the individual’s marijuana. Additionally it is crucial that police force understands they work for anyone, and it’s our wishes and never their conventional thinking they ate certain to. They exist to safeguard OUR laws and regulations, and about this situation legislation the folks particularly chosen in. Old habits die hard, but eventually officials will not forfeit their pensions and be aware from the drastically altering marijuana landscape.
Puerto Rico Congress Considering Marijuna Legalisation
The continuing fight between your states and authorities over marijuana law continues to be well recorded. American media shops feast on images of medical dispensary raids and from time to time a federal official attempts to flex their muscle making tough public claims regarding marijuana.
We all know the way the Feds cope with their very own states, no regard for local law, even when the folks want legalized/medicinal marijuana. However, how would the U . s . States government cope with a typical wealth that’s in breach of federal law? We may soon discover as some Puerto Rican authorities are thinking about a marijuana legalisation bill.
Puerto Rico is renowned for standing on the conservative side on most political issues, making many experts question if your legalisation bill could be passed there. However, the same might be stated of numerous of states in the usa which have either considered or passed decriminalization, medical or legalisation bills. Officials in Puerto Rico are clearly divided. Senator Itzamar Pena lately told media shops that “It’s crazy that somebody who had been chosen through the people attempts to use his position to result in addiction, sicken and destroy Puerto Rican society.” However, Senator Miguel Pereira filed the legalisation bill and it has reported the large problem Puerto Rico has using its over crowded jails. 80 percent of inmates within the Puerto Rico penal system exist for non violent crimes.
This develop in Peurto Rico appears to participate an increasing trend of Hispanic regions which are frustrated with unsuccessful draconian marijuana guidelines. Columbia has legalized as well as our close ally, Mexico, is seriously thinking about a departure in the U . s . States strategy. Will we soon see federal raids by U.S. agents in Puerto Rico? It is doubtful that will review well politically.
Legal Marijuana Sales Could Bring Economy Into The New Age
The foundation of progress and our consumer based economy is clear to everyone. It is physically represented by George, Abraham, Andrew but those symbols are becoming just that, symbols. Money has now become a complex web of online transactions, Wall Street speculation, and confusion for the masses. This transition from simple dollars and sense to complicated finances has been progressing over a long period of time. It continues today and may have been most noticeable in 2008 during the worst fiscal crisis since the Great Depression. There was a lesson for many during the dark days of 2008. The taxpayer, for reasons not entirely apparent to them, were forced to bail out huge companies, including AIG, whose demise could have brought down everything with it. The only universal clarity to rise from the fiscal ashes was the idea that money had clearly changed and the new world economy required a different approach if we are to sustain ourselves. Now we are all money conscious and do not seem inclined to continue to watch the federal government continue to throw money at useless pursuits. Creating new revenues has proven to be extremely difficult during this period of super partisanship. America no longer seems capable of brave and new ideas. Many financial experts , for years, have been discussing the huge economic boost legalized marijuana would create. If our elected leadership decided to expand their horizons, and join us in 2013, we may be able to work together to create the next economic boom. The idea of legal marijuana stands on its own merits and has grown considerably even as the highest levels of government remain an obstacle. In a recent Huffington Post article, author Caroline Fairchild cites a Medical Marijuana Business Daily study that predicts legal marijuana sales will rise from 1.5 billion dollars this year to 6 billion dollars by 2018. With 18 medical marijuana states and counting (Maryland could join this list within days) and two ( with several more considering full legalization) states that will tax and regulate sales of recreational marijuana it is easy to see why financial analysts are predicting tremendous revenues from the future of legalized marijuana. While these numbers are staggering, they may yet still be on the conservative side. The reform movement has maintained a pace that is quicker than most predicted. Additionally, legal marijuana creates so many other jobs in the areas if security, business lawyers, physicians, dispensary workers, delivery employees, construction workers and many more positions. Income taxes are generated for every job. Revenues could possibly exceed even the boldest predictions by 2018. Even if our favorite presidents and paper currency go the electronic route, money will remain a concern, it is time to let legal marijuana take us into the future.
Marijuana Industry News April 5, 2013
New Poll Shows Growing Majority of Americans Want Legal Marijuana …
Recent polls in the past few years seem to highlight a shrinking gap between those for and those against the legalization of marijuana. Even more recently, polls have started to show that a slight majority of Americans, for the first time since polling on the issue began, support the legalization of recreational cannabis use. There now seems to be a gap growing in the opposite direction. This week,we learned that a new poll found that Americans are in favor of legalizing recreational marijuana use by a margin of 52-45%. Adults between the age of 18-32 supported legal marijuana in even higher numbers (65%). Tom Angell of Marijuana Majority commented on the poll by saying “Not too long ago, it was widely accepted in political circles that elected officials who wanted to get re-elected needed to act ‘tough’ on drugs and go out of their way to support the continued criminalization of marijuana. “The opposite is quickly becoming true.”
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Colorado Hoping for Big Revenues from Marijuana Industry…
Even as the Federal government refuses to provide their outright approval, states are already making plans to generate new revenues in order to combat the long lasting fiscal crisis. In November, Colorado residents passed historic legislation that potentially created a tremendous new stream of revenue. Matt Brown and James Walker have started a marijuana travel agency of sorts. My 420 Tours will serve as an all in one travel company that will lead customers to marijuana friendly hotels, tours of dispensaries, as well as tickets to other marijuana events. State officials are likely not thrilled about the idea however it shows the degree of variety that businesses can capitalize on. Many jobs, in theory, could be created with revenues and taxes pouring in. Matt Brown recently told NBC “It’s an opportunity for people who prefer marijuana to alcohol to come to Colorado and know that they’re not going to have to walk around downtown asking strangers for pot.”
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Marijuana Legalization Super PAC Joins a Growing Trend….
Super PACs were certainly in fashion during the 2012 presidential campaign season. Even Comedy Central host, Stephen Colbert, formed a Super PAC. The corporate groups, free from traditional campaign regulations, have been sprouting up all over as interest groups have found a new way to target their audience. Brothers Mark and Dennis Rogers have started Legalize Marijuana Super Pac.com. The timing seems to be advantageous as there already is a eager audience. As we pointed out in one of the above stories, support for legalizing marijuana is reaching historic levels. Mark Rogers told the Huffington Post this week “We do a lot of activism up and down the West Coast, and we have relations with many dispensaries, so it just made sense. If we could all pool our collective interests and pockets books, maybe we could actually shine a light on the hypocrisy of the laws being put on the books.” Super Pacs have a tainted reputation at best, but activists may be forced to utilize them in order to push marijuana past the bureaucratic roadblocks and into mainstream media conversation. Concern may rise over the direction of the marijuana reform movement once a high level of politicized/corporatized money enters the arena.
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.
Hawaii Senate Votes to Decriminalize Marijuana
New states seem to be joining the marijuana reform movement on a regular basis. Last week we discussed that several states, including Maine and Maryland, are considering drastic changes to their marijuana laws. This week another state joined the conversation.
The Hawaii Senate has voted in favor of decriminalizing marijuana. The bill will now have to go before Hawaii House members. If passed by the House, the bill will decriminalize possession marijuana up to one ounce. For those charged with possession of less than one ounce, they will receive a civil citation and a $1,000 fine. The fine was included in the bill because lawmakers wanted to stress that marijuana is still illegal. A bill to legalize recreational marijuana was rejected several weeks ago by Hawaii lawmakers.
Hawaii state Senator, Clayton Hee, stated that the change in the law was not to legalize marijuana, but rather, an attempt to reduce the backlog of marijuana cases awaiting trial. If the bill passes it is expected to save Hawaii taxpayers money that would normally be allocated toward arrest, incarcerations, and trials. New Mexico lawmakers have also passed a similar bill, but former prosecutor and current Governor, Susana Martinez, has indicated that she is against relaxing any drug laws.
As economic struggles continue in America, there may be many other states that decide to re-consider how they allocate tax dollars. This week we are starting to feel the effects of sequestration. Unless Congress comes to an agreement soon, the sequestration cuts will have an even greater impact on our economy. There may be no better time for activists to make the financial case for marijuana reform.
Pennsylvania Senator Wants State to Regulate and Sell Legal Marijuana
Inaction by the federal government has been prompting states to alter their marijuana laws for over 15 years. Until November, state government officials and activists have mostly been discussing medical marijuana and decriminalization laws. With residents voting to legalize recreational marijuana in Colorado and Washington, the discussion has widened its scope.
Pennsylvania State State Senator Daylin Leach is seeking to have the state government regulate marijuana in the same way as alcohol. This would increase tax revenues and place a system of control that officials currently do not have in regards to regulating marijuana. As the idea of respecting state rights, individual freedoms, reducing incarcerations rates for non violent acts, and saving tax payer dollars grows in popularity, these proposals no longer seem so far fetched.
His plan to drastically update marijuana laws has certainly gained momentum. The voter initiated plans in Colorado and Washington seems to have prompted state lawmakers across the country to propose similar measures. Rhode Island lawmakers are also discussing a similar bill. Although a recent bill has stalled among lawmakers in Hawaii earlier this week, the momentum appears to be gaining. In West Virginia, a recent Marijuana Policy Project poll show that 53% of West Virginia residents support legalizing medical marijuana. An even greater number (63%) decided feel that marijuana was a safer choice than oxycontin for debilitating pain.
Senator Leach feels legalization is only a matter of time because the majority of younger Americans “have very little interest in continuing prohibition.” He also said the legislation was important because “There are other intoxicants that are far worse that we do not treat the same way. We do not accuse people of criminal offenses for consuming.” Senator Leach is hoping to save Pennsylvania over $500 million per year with a combination of law enforcement savings and tax revenue.
Washington State Looking to Keep Tight Legal Marijuana Regulations
The demographics of the United States are changing everyday. The newer generation of Americans no longer wish to see their peers treated unfairly because of who they wish to spend the night with. Even the Boy Scouts of America, an organization that has traditionally banned any gay members, is now reconsidering their position. Last November’s election showed that the country is heading in a new direction as states enacted marriage equality acts, and two states (Colorado, Washington) legalized recreational marijuana use.
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and Attorney General Bob Ferguson met with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder last week. The meeting was aimed at striking a balance between federal and state regulations. Washington state is moving forward with what their people want, a taxed and regulated marijuana market. However, Washington officials are not abandoning caution, and understand the concerns that opponents have about marijuana leaving state lines. The state is seeking the help of marijuana experts to help ensure that the proper regulations are set in place.
Washington and Colorado are hoping to create the model for how this can be done. Polling and recent voting shows a surge in support for drastic marijuana reform and there are no signs of this trend slowing. Washington’s Liquor Control Board has posted ads that indicates they seeking individuals with “at least three years of consulting experience relating to the knowledge of the cannabis industry, including but not limited to product growth, harvesting, packaging, product infusion and product safety.” Medical marijuana employees will likely be the target employees. The state is looking to determine safety and testing regulations, the proper amount of storefronts. There is time to work this out but the regulations are expected to be in place sooner than later as legal sales are expected to begin in December.
It may be about time for the federal government to start posting their own job advertisements. We are supposed to look to the federal government for guidance and should not have to enact common sense law ourselves years before they will even consider discussion. It is a fast paced, internet and technologically driven world that will soon not tolerate snail paced governing. Tough talk, failed policy, one liners, and bitter partisan politics are no longer in step with what most Americans want. If Washington state can demonstrate a connection to what the people want, we hope that Washington D.C. follows suit.
Michigan May Be Election’s Unsung Hero
Now that we are almost a week removed from the historic 2012 election, new stories are emerging in the aftermath. Colorado and Washington State are receiving most of the headlines in the world of marijuana reform for enacting landmark legislation that will see recreational marijuana legalized. Massachusetts has received some attention as well for approving a medical marijuana program and becoming the 18th state to do so. These stories cover both the west and east coast, but as was the case in the presidential election, the Midwest would have a lot to say about marijuana reform.
Michigan is known for its progressive medical marijuana program. It is one of the only states that allows for suffering minors to receive legal medical cannabis prescriptions. Its flagship city, is now going to take a more progressive approach toward rebuilding its ailing economy and crime problem. Last week, Detroit voters decided to decriminalize marijuana. Several other Michigan cities witnessed residents enact similar measures as Flint and Grand Rapids also decided to shift away from failed marijuana policies.
The tension between law enforcement and Michigan residents has been steadily rising for several years now. Even as Michigan residents have voiced their desire to alter marijuana laws, state Attorney General Bill Schuette has been notorious for disregarding the will of the people. Nobody likes a sore loser, and elections are set up to highlight which ideas win out. However, it seems that many are sticking their fingers in their ears and singing loudly and ignoring the vote tallies. Previously, those who lost the elections were expected to step aside.
In Michigan, we still now hear the losers resolving to carry on as if there was not some monumental election last week. Flint police Chief Alvern Lock said “We’re still police officers and we’re still empowered to enforce the laws of the state of Michigan and the United States. We’re still going to enforce the laws as we’ve been enforcing them.” We at marijuana.net are wondering exactly when Michigan police were granted the authority and time of day to act as enforcers of federal law. It would seem there is much to do in fighting crime in Michigan besides moving heaven and earth looking for artificial crimes. As Brian Morrissey of Coalition for a Safer Flint stated “”If the city police want to follow state law rather than city law, then maybe the state should be paying their salary.” Is there room for police in Michigan to moonlight as federal agents?
Even if officials are still desperately clinging to failed policy and false memories of the imaginary golden age of the 1950s, this election clearly showed the people are not living inside such ridiculous bubbles. Elected officials are not accustomed to answering to anyone, but they certainly have bosses. In fact, over 100 million of them casted their votes last week. Lawmakers and officers may not yet respect their bosses, but the writing on the wall is clear. There may be more peaks and valleys but marijuana reform is coming, via the will of the people and bureaucrats beware, suppressing the majority has a habit of accelerating change. Many analysts believe we saw this last week, as the non-white voter turnout was higher than ever and perhaps in response to voter suppression attempts. We would like to take this time to congratulate the voters in Detroit and to send a friendly warning to authorities. The Detroit metro area is one of the most populous regions in the America, located in one of the larger states. Politicians and law enforcement beware, you are drastically outnumbered in your misguided quest to fight the people. Even as the economy improves, nobody wants to be unemployed, most especially elected officials.