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Marijuana news from around the world

maine

Hawaii Senate Votes to Decriminalize Marijuana

hawaii

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.

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Maine Lawmakers Target Medical Marijuana and the Poor

section 8 housing

The poverty rate in the United States is set to reach its highest numbers in 50 years.  During an election the assumption would be that both candidates running for president would champion the cause of reducing poverty.  While we have heard about job growth, we do not hear the “p” word much, as both candidates are likely hoping poor people just goes away.  Perhaps a sitting president and one of the richest men in America just cannot relate.

Unfortunately, this election season has taught us that there are other priorities.  Millions of dollars have been spent on political Super PACS.  These outside groups that are allowed to spend as much secretive money as they want on campaign ads thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision in the Citizen’s United v. Federal Election Commission case.  The result is a political mess that focuses much more on large donors than the working class who is in dire need of help.

In a move that mirrors the greater social shift in ignoring the poor, Maine lawmakers have decided its time to target those who do not have Super Political Action Committees to fight their battles.  By a vote of 4-3, members of Maine’s Housing Board decided that medical marijuana is banned from all section 8 housing.  This builds on momentum from other states who have tried to enact drug testing for welfare recipients.  The idea sounds great from the surface, but it also costs significantly more in tax revenues to do so and seems specifically targeted at lower income families.  While critics say it is fair because government money is used supplement section 8 housing, we have to wonder why this is not across the board.  Will the government start to drug test seniors on Medicare, or the elderly who live in government supplemented retirement homes?

Medical marijuana has become a reliable and more cost effective solution for many who simply cannot afford traditional modern medicine.  While this may score points with many in Maine, the policy seems specifically targeted toward those who are unable to fight back in world of corporate politics.

 

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Marijuana Updates Across the Country

american flag

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.

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Medicinal Marijuana Industry News December 30, 2011

portland

Marijuana Dispensary in Maine to incorporate Social Shops

 

Wellness Connection in Tigard, Maine is placed to attract patients social side.  The dispensary intends to incorporate a vapor lounge, acupuncture treatment centers, organizations, counseling along with a free tea and coffee bar.  Based on the Wellness Connection website “People are always thanks for visiting relax and socialize near our fire place, or have a free bag having a friend within our coffee shop space.”  John Thiele, of Maine’s Department of Health insurance and Human Services feels Wellness Connection’s plans aren’t consistent with condition law.  Thiele also thinks that marketing a dispensary like a social hub may motivate patients to presenting greater levels of medicinal marijuana than is essential.

 

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Party Shows a far more Mature Side of the profession

 

Unlike the shops which have been raided or even the 2011 High Occasions Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam, you will find industry occasions which go off without an indication of trouble.  Reps from marijuana.internet were very happy to join People in america For Safe Access and GLACA (Greater La Collective Alliance) in their annual holiday fundraising event.  We  loved music and great conversation with other people who share our desire for the individual and caregiving.  Marijuana.internet supports occasions similar to this where everybody is urged to obtain together inside a peaceful and socially constructive way.  All attending appeared to contain holiday spirit, which we have started to expect from individuals inside our community.

Marijuana.internet will give you info for future occasions which help bring patients and care providers together.

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