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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The finish is nigh? Feds claim forget about interference with condition marijuana laws and regulations McCain’s Change on Marijuana Helps Him Cope With Otherwise Difficult Town Hall Meeting