medical marijuana
White House Denies Soldiers Petition to Use Marijuana for PTSD
Despite having no military combat experience or even approving any federal cannabis research, President Obama has come to a very well thought out conclusion, marijuana has no benefit for sufferers of PTSD. Of course many doctors, scientists, and war veterans of this country feel very differently than the president. A coalition of returning soldiers has …continue reading
Ohio Teen Highlights the Tragedy of Inaction
History credits alcohol prohibition with giving way for the rise of the American mob. The aftermath of marijuana prohibition is eerily similar with cartels dictating Mexican politics. Unfortunately the situation for our southern neighbors is even more out of control as governments in Central and South America are unable to end the extreme violence. The …continue reading
Confusion in New Jersey Continues To Leave Residents Scratching Their Heads
We at marijuana.net have spoken at length about all of the exciting news regarding national marijuana reform. We have also discussed the bureaucratic delays that have frustrated patients and activists, especially as no plausible explanation is provided for all the red tape. Again we find ourselves talking about New Jersey. Yesterday we posted an article …continue reading
Chris Christie’s Mixed Message on Compassion
During a recent speech at the Brookings Institution Chris Christie made statements that called for an end to the war on drugs. In fact he called it a failure and even referenced his pro-life views. At one point during the speech he said “If you’re pro-life, as I am, you can’t be pro-life just in …continue reading
Marijuana Musical Delights Humboldt County
From Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to New York’s Broadway, plays have and continue to be an important outlet for entertainment, emotion, and art. Many social struggles are depicted through the use of live play actors. Popular plays such as “West Side Story” addressed cutting edge themes such as interracial relationships during a time where it was a very controversial issue. “Rent” dealt with a taboo topic of closely looking at how AIDS impacts the lives of those who contract it as well as those who close to them. “King Lear “ raised questions about God and humanity centuries before such topics could even be discussed in the mainstream, questions on God that are still taboo in many circles.
It seems the marijuana reform movement is no different than any other struggle. A new musical in North Humboldt County will deal with a new controversial issue, marijuana. “Mary Jane: The Musical” is currently being performed by Dell’Arte International. The group is known for colorful performances and the new marijuana musical seems to fit right in. The play takes a look at many marijuana related issues but often focuses primarily on the lives of growers, their family dynamics, and living with secrets. Also the issue of parenting and bringing children into a world of secret growing is explored.
As we have said previously at marijuana.net, art and creativity always seem to be the one positive by product to rise out of struggle. Of course there have been “stoner” movies for a long time (with several being hilarious) but it would be nice to see something lighthearted that is not totally ridiculous. Oliver Stone recently released “Savages” which takes an in depth look at Cartel life and the alarming level of violence associated with transporting Mexican marijuana. As acceptance of marijuana grows we hope to see productions that also reflect the problems that patients and growers are faced with on a more serious level, without forgetting to have some fun in the meantime. It appears that “Mary Jane: The Musical” has set out to do just that.
Could Hemp Save the World?
Much of our focus at marijuana.net is on the constantly evolving legalities that is the medical marijuana industry. Old propaganda dies hard and lazy politicians have taken up the standard talking points of “we need more research” and “what kind of message does this send to children?”. While talking about propaganda, medical research, patient stories …continue reading
Medical Marijuana Industry News July 13, 2012
Harborside Health Center the Target of Recent Federal Raid…
Harborside Health Center is one of the most widely known marijuana dispensaries in the world. It serves as the setting for the Discovery Channel’s popular series “Weed Wars”. The charismatic Steve DeAngelo runs the facility and has learned from U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag that she is threatening to shut down Harborside and its affiliated dispensary in San Jose. Analysts have questioned the government’s stated reasons for the recent wave of federal raids. Federal officials claim they are not targeting anyone who abides by state law. Many feel that shops abiding by California law have been targeted regardless. Ms. Haag stated “The larger the operation, the greater the likelihood that there will be abuse of the state’s medical marijuana laws, and marijuana in the hands of individuals who do not have a demonstrated medical need.” Though she did not outright accuse Harborside of any illegal (on state level) activity. The federal government appears to be trying to make a statement by going after the most well known facilitites. Earlier this year, raids on the famous Oaksterdam University were carried out by federal officials.
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Alcohol is more of a gateway than marijuana according to Study…
For decades marijuana has often been accused as a gateway drug even as no empirical data has been present to support such claims. Alcohol, with its physically addictive properties seems to elusively sidestep these conversations because its status as “legal” seems to pacify many. New research shows that alcohol is more likely to be a “gateway drug” than marijuana. A study that will appear in August issue of the Journal of School Health shows that teens are exposed to alcohol more frequently and earlier in life. The study found that the percentage of high school seniors who at least tried alcohol once. Of the 14,577 students questioned, 72.2% had tried alcohol at least once while 45% tried tobacco products and 43.3% had smoked marijuana. Researchers concluded that alcohol is much easier for teens to access. One researcher from The Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan where the study was conducted said “By recognizing the important predictive role of alcohol and delaying initiation of alcohol use, school officials and public health leaders can positively impact the progression of substance use.” He went to also say “I am confident in our findings and the clear implications they have for school-based prevention programs. By delaying and/or preventing the use of alcohol, these programs can indirectly reduce the rate of use of other substances.
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Backers of Second Legalization Ballot Initiative in Oregon File Lawsuit…
Earlier this week marijuana.net reported that Oregon voters may get their chance to legalize marijuana this November. The ballot initiative is called “The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act” and would create a government regulatory system that would see marijuana regulated like alcohol. The issue has a great deal of support in the state as another ballot initiative also collected many signatures. However, Robert Wolfe has filed a lawsuit against Oregon’s Secretary of State, Kate Brown, on the grounds that she illegally invalidated many of the submitted signatures. Mr. Wolfe and his group submitted approximately 170,000 signatures which is over 50,000 more than required. Currently there are not enough signatures for the issue to make the ballot and Mr. Wolfe will have to be successful in court in order to get his efforts to the voters. However, it still appears Oregon voters will have the chance to at least vote on one legalization measure.
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.
Power to the People
The cynic will often lament the absence of American democracy. Phrases such as “we have no power” or comparisons to a police state are very popular. There is a cynical side to all of us, but equally, most of us hold onto a least a shred of optimism even if we bury it under negative talking points. Such defense mechanisms make it easier to converse with strangers and get through the day. There is no doubt that the decks are stacked against us, as most of us do not have paid lobbyists fighting for our jobs, but to those who think the average person can longer make a difference, November may provide a breath of fresh air.
Our elected officials have failed us on many issues and have become complacent and/or unwilling to take a controversial stand. As a result, with no more free time at anyone’s disposal, we the people have risen. Marijuana.net reported earlier in the week that Oregon was on its way to becoming the 3rd state (also Washington and Colorado) to put a marijuana legalization vote to its people. Ignored political issues do not find their way to the ballots itself, rather, it requires the sweat and effort of activists willing to go door to door and collect signatures. It takes optimism even as some may slam a door in their faces. It takes compassion, never to forget teens in jail or sick patients running out of options and it takes resiliency to fight on even as our federal government uses every tool at its disposal to sidetrack these efforts.
Advocates were rewarded with even more positive news as this week it was announced that Massachusetts voters will have the option of voting to enact a medical marijuana program. If passed the law would allow for up to 35 dispensaries statewide. Over 11,000 signatures were submitted to the Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. The system looks as if it will be strictly regulated and Massachusetts residents would only qualify if they have debilitating medical conditions such as cancer, ALS or Parkinson’s disease and others. The state will register dispensaries, employees, and patients and will set rules for the cultivation and storage process. Additionally, if access to transportation, physical inability to travel, or financial hardship compromise a patient’s access then they will be able to register with the state’s department of health to grown their own plants.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. It is the specific intent of reform opponents use to make us feel this way. However, they are now the minority and even if they have the ears of our representation, we have proven that they all can have each other. True power rests in the hands of the people and successful ballot initiatives bypass the dysfunction and corruption in Washington D.C. Change is coming and with all its documented problems, the United States of America still offers such beautiful freedom. Perhaps we have to work harder for it than we want but it is there, waiting for signatures and the support of our neighbors. As the election season heats up, expect to hear more news about more legalization/medical votes. When the curtain is closed behind you, pay close attention because your state may have the option of voting for compassion.
Marijuana May be Able to Help Weight Loss and Diabetes
New study findings are constantly providing us with surprising news regarding the potential of medical marijuana. The question we have to start asking is why are we still shocked to hear about these developments. No other treatment available has demonstrated such a wide variety of applications. Marijuana is producing results in areas that have baffled doctors and scientists. Recently we learned that cannabis appears to posses the potential to help combat the spreading of the AIDS virus. Additionally, new information is showing much promise for marijuana helping victims of PTSD and schizophrenia, two conditions where research has not been able to yield quality treatments. This of course, is beautifully combined with the older and more well known applications of medical marijuana such as pain and nausea.
New research actually shows that marijuana may be helpful in an area that could seem silly if only analyzed from the surface. While smoked cannabis is known for appetite stimulation (or the munchies as its more commonly referred as) GW Pharmaceuticals has found that two specific cannabinoids may be useful in appetite suppression and weight loss. Cannabidiol (more commonly referred to as CBD) and THCV (a homologue of THC) could help burn calories and reduce hunger. In tests, GW Pharmaceuticals found that animals introduced to the two cannabinoids displayed a boost in metabolic rates and fat burning. Professor Mike Cawthorne, who has been conducting the trials and director of metabolic research at the University of Buckingham said “Overall, it seems these molecules increase energy expenditure in the cells of the body by increasing the metabolism.”
This research builds on previous findings that the two cannabinoids were also effective in treating animals with type 2 diabetes. The two studies provide hope for a new avenue of treatment for heart disease, stroke and other conditions that can result from weight gain and a breakdown of the metabolism. Dr. Steph Wright, director of Research and Development at GW Pharmaceuticals agreed and recently said “We are interested in how these drugs effect the fat distribution and utilization in the body as a treatment for metabolic diseases.”
The pursuit of a magic weight loss pill has seemed as daunting as discovering the fountain of youth or spotting a unicorn. However this quest is usually undertaken for cosmetic reasons and not always to improve health. In either case, America’s obesity epidemic has reached dangerous levels with new and younger generations already dependent upon processed and unhealthy foods. New research is confirming that cannabis is not taking lives, but may hold the potential for saving lives.