medical marijuana
Residents of Oregon May Vote to Legalize Marijuana
While the bad news tends to stay ingrained in our psyche, it is important to note all of the success the marijuana reform movement has accomplished. Dispensary raids and the DEA’s recent refusal to admit that marijuana is less harmful than crack and heroine can give the false impression that patients and marijuana advocates have not been successful. This sentiment could not be farther from the truth. There are already 17 states and Washington D.C. (plus more states with proposed legislation)that have already enacted laws that permit medical marijuana. Additionally 13 states have approved measures to decriminalize low level marijuana possession.
2012 may be the year where marijuana reform is taken to even further heights. Earlier in the year we already learned that both Washington State and Colorado will see its residents vote on whether or not they want a legalized and regulated marijuana system. The groups New Approach Washington and Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol were instrumental in collecting enough signatures to get the issues to the ballot this November. If passed in either or both of those states, marijuana will be regulated and handled in a similar fashion to alcohol.
Late last week we at marijuana.net were encouraged to hear that it appears a third state may also be joining the legalization list. Oregon activists collected and submitted over twice the required signatures to the state in order to get the issue on the ballot and voted on by residents. The proposed law is being called the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act. Another interesting aspect of the bill is that it would also permit farmers to grow hemp, which can be used in a variety of ways including food, fuel, rope, building materials and paper. If approved, Oregon stands to create many jobs including new employees that would be required to operate the hemp farms.
Though the government still is attempting to derail the will of the people, their battle appears futile. Elected officials often forget who they work for and with over half the country supporting legalization and approximately 75% supporting medical marijuana, reform seems to be a matter of inevitability. Their jobs require votes and it is becoming increasingly difficult to predict where they will come from if they ignore several generations of Americans who will no longer tolerate the failed war on drugs, unnecessary youth incarcerations and denying relief to needy patients.
Germany May Follow Worldwide Marijuana Reform Efforts
While much of our focus on marijuana.net centers around the domestic United States patient, we are always trying to keep our readers up to date on international developments regarding marijuana reform. The past two weeks have treated us to great news coming out of Uruguay and Colombia with the former legalizing and the latter decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.
We at marijuana.net were excited to learn that Germans are also voicing their pleas for decriminalization and legalization efforts. German government officials have been conducting online polls in an effort to engage the people in the political process directly. According to Reuters, 152,000 German residents voted online to make cannabis legal. Also up for vote was a bestiality law, which received 93,000 votes, another vote we agree with. Apparently in 1969 sexual abuse of animals was decriminalized, decades before serious marijuana reform (if in fact it even happens soon).
Germany is known for their innovation and has successfully navigated through the rough economic currents challenging most of the world. In fact, much of the rest of Europe and those who utilize the Euro as their main currency have been depending on Germany to provide funds for a bailout in order to stabilize the effects of the European Debt Crisis. As they are typically forward thinkers in terms of industry, Germany may want to think of unconventional ideas in order to stay ahead of the economic curve. Additionally, their online polling and voting system may prove to be a great tool for future governing, letting the people actually have a say.
As stated above, there have been some great develops internationally for marijuana reform. It appears change is now occurring rapidly. Marijuana.net recently wrote about a U.N. study that showed marijuana has now become the most used “drug” in the world. Regulated cannabis could be used to solve financial issues (a small town in Spain tried to lease their land to growers as a way to climb out of debt) and bring much needed medical relief worldwide. Legalization could also make Oktoberfest even more fun.
Hemp’s Rich Legacy May be Showcased Soon in Kentucky Museum
As cannabis buds continue to impress the medical field as an all purpose medicine, it is important that we do not forget that the entire plant has so many benefits. Hemp is the all purpose fiber and it is no surprise that another part of the cannabis plant would offer as much variety as the medicine. Here at marijuana.net we have spoken about how hemp can be used in rope, building materials, paper, jewelry, clothing, fuel, medicine and food (this list can go on for quite a bit). With many historians believing that hemp has been cultivated since approximately 8000 B.C., we have had a long time to appreciate and learn more about this natural wonder (with new uses constantly being discovered).
In an effort to bring awareness to the varied uses and long history of hemp, Katie Moyer plans on opening the Kentucky Hemp Museum. She has amassed a collection of items that include agricultural equipment and historic memorabilia. The collection is currently in Lexington but Ms. Moyer would like to transport it to its new home in Hopkinsville, where the museum is planned.
Kentucky has a long history with hemp and at one point produced 96% of the nations supply before it was outlawed. Katie said recently about hemp that “ It’s as much a part of our history as horses, or bluegrass, or anything and we don’t realize it. And the goal of having the museum is to educate people about Kentucky’s history.” We at marijuana.net agree and would love to see a resurgence in the hemp industry. Kentucky could certainly use the economic boost as they, like most states, have been hit hard with the bleak economy over the past few years. Also embracing the state’s history could help people to see this plant is not evil and would remind people of all of it’s benefits.
The moral objection to hemp is confusing at best. Hemp cannot produce any of the psychedelic effects associated with smoked cannabis and in an age where we can use cost efficient but quality solutions, hemp can re-emerge at the perfect time. In this digital age, it would be great to remind people how much we can accomplish with traditional farming. Keep checking back with us as we will soon revisit hemp and its under represented brilliance.
Medical Marijuana Industry News July 6, 2012
California Government Sponsored Study Contradicts DEA Position on Marijuana…
Those seeking a reclassification of marijuana as a schedule 1 narcotic may have gotten some uplifting news. A study sponsored by the California state government and conducted by the University of California Center for Medicinal Cannabis Research may help make this a reality sooner than later. The study published in The Open Neurology Journal indicates that marijuana was effective in helping to counter neuropathic pain and muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis. Paul Armentano, director of NORML, said in response to the study results that United States drug policy “is neither based upon nor guided by science.” The study suggests that cannabis does have some risk for dependency but should place it in the schedule III category. DEA officials have received considerable criticism lately as they were grilled by US Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) and would not admit that heroin and crack were more dangerous than marijuana.
Click here for more on this study
Long Beach Police Appear to Use Excessive Force During Dispensary Raid…
The Long Beach Police department is now engaged in an investigation into whether or not its officers used excessive force during a recent dispensary raid. A surveillance video appears to show an officer standing on the neck and placing all of his weight on Dorian Brooks, a volunteer at the dispensary. The officers did not seem to notice the camera until after they became physical with Brooks. Immediately after discovering the camera, officers appeared concerned as they proceeded to destroy the surveillance equipment. Attorney Matt Pappas plans on assisting Brooks in filing a lawsuit against the police department. Check out the surveillance video below.
Activists Confident Marijuana Legalization Ballot will Pass in Detroit…
Two years ago Detroit activists collected enough signatures to get marijuana legalization on the ballot. Last month, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the referendum should go to the voters this November. While residents have overwhelmingly supported decriminalization, medical marijuana, and legalization efforts, many law enforcement officials (most notably state Attorney General Bill Schuette) have tried to derail the reform measures. Recently Tim Beck, chairman of the Coalition for a Safer Detroit stated that he was very confident that Detroit residents will pass a legalization bill. Mr. Beck went on to say “The poll numbers are so far ahead … This thing is going to pass, period.” If in fact the referendum is passed, residents over the age of 21 will be permitted to possess under one ounce of marijuana on private property without risk for prosecution or arrest.
For more on this story click here
Longtime Marijuana Advocate Oliver Stone Wants to See End to Cartel Violence
High profile director Oliver Stone has been a marijuana reform supporter for years. The director of successful films such as “JFK”, “Natural Born Killers”, “Born on the Fourth of July” and “Wall Street” served as an infantryman during the Vietnam War. Stone has had an opportunity to open up lately regarding his views on marijuana as he is promoting his new film “Savages”. The film depicts Mexican Cartel violence that is associated with the current war on drugs. Mr. Stone said he would like to see marijuana legalized, regulated and taxed. He believes revenues could help pay for education costs. In the short term Oliver Stone said decriminalization efforts could be undertaken right away to reduce violence associated with the cartels.
Marijuana Becomes Most Popular “Drug” Used Around the World
With no proven physically addictive properties, marijuana seems no more a “drug” than other pain relievers, though it does offer psychedelic effects. However, many still classify marijuana as a drug even as alcohol escapes this dubious distinction. Alcohol can result in a physical addiction, which is why many face difficult times when trying to quit drinking. Whatever the case is, it is now generally accepted that marijuana is far less harmful than consuming alcohol and new reports show the entire world agrees.
Several days ago Time Magazine published an article online entitled “Marijuana Now the Most Popular Drug in the World”. The article cites a U.N. report that shows as many as 224 million adults worldwide smoke marijuana. These staggering numbers do not even include those under the age of 18 who use cannabis. We have learned lately that teen use in the United States is climbing and it would not be a stretch to assume this is the case worldwide. Including teens would drastically inflate the U.N. statistics. Though the numbers are not rising as much in the North America, marijuana use is climbing steadily in Africa and Asia.
As we have been reporting, the international movement for marijuana reform is outpacing the United States. In a recent article, we reported on Uruguay making a historic move to legalize marijuana and how Colombia decriminalized marijuana days later. The momentum around the world is clearly picking up as we now know from the U.N. data that the two largest continents are also seeing an increase in marijuana acceptance. Israel is several steps ahead of America in their medical marijuana industry and has recently developed strains that have high levels of CBD (one of the 50 plus cannabinoids in marijuana) as opposed to the psychoactive cannabinoid THC. These medically friendly strains will not produce the well known psychedelic “high” most commonly associated with marijuana use.
Though the Time article omits any mention of alcohol, it does not seem to include alcohol in the “drug” category. With growing social and medical acceptance marijuana may be able to shed the “drug” classification in years to come especially as it has demonstrated far less addictive qualities and does not induce vomiting. There may yet still be some setbacks for patients and marijuana advocates but the worldwide trend seems to indicate that marijuana is here to stay.
A Day To Celebrate Our Independence
Besides Tom Cruise, there is another high profile birthday this week. While alcohol, red meat, and fireworks are sure to dominate the day for many Americans, July 4th represents our country’s birth. On this day the Founding Father’s adopted the Declaration of Independence and sent a clear message to the Kingdom of Britain that the original 13 colonies would no longer tolerate existing under such tyranny.
July 4th should remind us of the freedom that was won against all military odds. However at times it seems this freedom is dissipating a bit. Patients are not legally allowed under most states and federal law to relieve their medical ailments. George Washington would not have outlawed marijuana, in fact he did the opposite. It was mandated that farmers grow hemp, the all purpose wonder fiber which was instrumental in winning the Revolutionary War.
Our victory in the war provided us with freedom but with the turn of the century the political and propaganda machine took over, even though the Constitution was designed to combat this. Now patients such as Bob Crouse have to break the law to medicate. With a mounting deficit, several military engagements worldwide, and the often ignored issue of American poverty, why exactly is it imperative that we formulate battle strategies against a plant?
While we do not advocate breaking the law we do want people to feel good. July 4th is an upbeat holiday and there are people who would not be able to enjoy the days festivities without medicating with cannabis. Certain barbeque foods may not palatable for patients without nausea relief. Walks on the beach or hikes may not possible either if it were not for the world’s best naturally growing medication. Lets enjoy the day and appreciate the great things the United States has to offer. Our government is certainly off base on this one issue but if we get back to work after enjoying this holiday we may be able to make sure that this is the last July 4th where patients have to secretly improve the quality of their life.
The Walls Are Caving In: America’s Neighbors are Amending their Marijuana Policy
On June 22nd we at marijuana.net reported that Uruguay would be drastically altering their policy on marijuana. Frustrated with the United State’s unwillingness to help reduce Central and South American cartel violence, Uruguay decided to take matters into their own hands and legalize marijuana. In a stunning move the government in Uruguay government will cultivate, distribute, and regulate legalized cannabis.
Only days after Uruguay made history, Colombia has also decided to shift away from a failed drug policy. Colombia’s Constitutional Court approved the government’s legislation that aimed to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana and cocaine. Individuals caught with less than 20 grams of marijuana and 1 gram of cocaine can be sent to psychological rehabilitation but cannot be arrested or detained.
Even if the United States federal government does not realize it, the walls appear to be caving in on our failed drug policy. Federal inaction has prompted many of our 50 states to enact decriminalization and medical marijuana laws. In addition, our closest geographic neighbors are also riding the reform momentum. Besides Uruguay and Colombia, Mexico just witnessed a presidential election that revolved heavily around the issue of cartel violence. On Sunday it was announced that Enrique Pena Nieto of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) was the apparent winner. The president elect has vowed to reduce the surging violence linked to cartel activities, though it may take some time to win over all the people as the Institutional Revolutionary Party was known to rule in brutal fashion. Other leaders in Central and South America are also pro decriminalization, especially newly elected Guatemalan President Otto Pérez Molina.
The evidence of our failed war on drugs is overwhelming. Other than an upcoming presidential election, many analysts are left wondering exactly why the United States has decided to relinquish its traditional leadership role in international politics, and has instead chosen to be reform’s largest obstacle to overcome. As is often the case with American policy, it seems easy to ignore a problem that is not immediately a domestic threat. However, the United States’ failure to forecast how deep the cartel violence problem would become has now compromised our own security. The Mexican cartel has funneled money through race horses, set up a strong operational presence in Utah, and successfully dug over 75 tunnels (that we know of officially), complete with electrical lighting and ventilation. These breaches in security represent far worse than drug smuggling, and government officials should hope that Al Queda or other terrorists do not seize on these tailor made opportunities. Though its late in the game, the United States can recapture its leadership role and enact true marijuana reform which could eliminate the need for the Mexican Cartel’s supply and significantly reduce their funding and power.
New Age Propaganda: Marijuana Blamed for “Zombie” Attack
News of a Miami man tearing apart and consuming the flesh of a homeless man has made national news for weeks now. Initially, the attack was believed to be a catastrophic side effect of “bath salts,” which are hallucinogens viewed very much in the same light as synthetic cannabis products. The increased availability of black market home made drugs has been on the rise over the past several years. Emergency room visits linked to “K2” and hallucinogenic “bath salts” have been skyrocketing.
An extremely harsh policy toward marijuana seems to have created a black market that will likely be difficult or even impossible to control. Marijuana.net previously posted a lighthearted article linking marijuana prohibition to zombie attacks. Those who do not understand cannabis and its benefits were rewarded with a new tidbit of info prompting new propaganda and false claims. The “zombie” man, Rudy Eugene, only had marijuana in his system according to toxicology reports with no evidence of MDPV (the active psychedelic ingredient in “bath salts”).
Those who are at war against a plant have already come out in force with silly jokes about marijuana having made Rudy Eugene so hungry he attacked a human. Of course these are the same detractors that say marijuana makes people lazy. A zombie attack does not seem to be a lazy action so the new agents of propaganda may have to consider coordinating their empty statements with more precision. Their view against marijuana is elastic and will contort and bend into whatever shape they see fit. Overall, America’s view on marijuana has changed drastically and not everyone will be fooled by such reactive comments. Dr. Bruce Goldberger, professor and director of toxicology at the University of Florida mocked those who blame marijuana for the attack and said ‘Well, it must have been the marijuana that triggered Eugene’s behavior. That, in my opinion, is outrageous, and out of the question. Marijuana will not cause this type of behavior.” Dr. Goldberger also went on to express his doubts about labs being able to detect every type of “bath salts”, especially as black market home drug makers are always trying out new compounds in an attempt to circumvent testing and laws. Dr. Goldberger also said “I don’t believe the laboratory could confidently screen against all bath salt-type drugs.”
Marijuana propaganda is as American as apple pie so it is not surprising that many detractors would jump on this story in order to promote the idea that marijuana creates killers. Today’s propaganda may be less ridiculous on the surface than it was decades ago, but it still based on a foundation of falsehoods and misleading statements. Current marijuana propaganda is far more subtle as opponents are losing the battle in the laboratory. Even as the opponents continue to devalue scientific data, the public is not so easily fooled. Scientific evidence and patient testimonies are revealed every day and have pushed marijuana propaganda into dark corners.
Important Dates in Marijuana History: November 24, 1976
The famous and brilliant marijuana advocate, Peter McWilliams, often used to cite the fact that the U.S. government does in fact provide marijuana to a handful of people. He would say he just wanted to join the elite group. While the fact that the federal government is providing four people with marijuana is becoming more well known, many of us do not recognize how this contradictory program came to be.
November 24, 1976 is one of the most important dates in medical marijuana’s history. On this date federal Judge James Washington ruled that Robert Randall could legally use marijuana out of legal necessity. Mr. Randall became the first person in the United States to be granted the legal right to use marijuana since 1937. He suffered from glaucoma and cultivated his own supply of marijuana to alleviate symptoms associated with his condition. He was arrested but as stated above, US v. Randall would become a landmark case and launch the medical marijuana movement.
As with successful movements, a superior understanding of the charges, authorities, and legal rights granted can often be the best weapon to bringing about true change. Randall utilized a little known defense at the time called The Common Law Doctrine of Necessity. A judge agreed and thus the government was forced to create a program for distributing medical marijuana. At its peak the program served 14 patients but still provides marijuana to 4 of the remaining participants. The program is rarely covered in the media, but last year an Oregon woman made headlines as she was pulled over with marijuana. Police officers were surprised about her claim that she received marijuana from the federal government, but after a series of phone calls Oregon police were able to verify her story.
Robert Randall passed away in 2001 but NORML founder Keith Stroup has called him “the father of medical marijuana.” Even after his death Robert Randall serves as a reminder that the federal government’s case against marijuana is contradicted by none other than the federal government. They have acknowledged marijuana’s medical benefits and have even proved competent enough to cultivate and distribute it. Although the battle is far from over, on November 24, 1976, we witnessed the end of the government’s ability to suppress one of the greatest healing agents we have ever known.
Who are We to Question Albert Einstein?
Many social debates are a matter of perspective, of opinion. However there are those iconic figures throughout history where we all simply stare in awe of their brilliance. Albert Einstein revolutionized quantum physics, which in turn, revolutionized philosophy and the definition of the humanity and the universe.
Albert Einstein was around before and during the government’s all out war on marijuana. Always a forward thinker, he did not agree with the United States war on cannabis. Specifically in regards to marijuana and hemp he said “The prestige of government has undoubtedly been lowered considerably by the prohibition law. For nothing is more destructive of respect for the government and the law of the land than passing laws which cannot be enforced. It is an open secret that the dangerous increase of crime in this country is closely connected with this.”
Of course, over 70 years after making the statement we are only finally starting to see a change in marijuana policy. Seventeen states have now passed laws permitting medical marijuana with some more enacting decriminalization measures. As always, we seem to ignore our experts and force their brilliance into a narrow scope. Einstein changed humanity and was much more than a man proficient at formulas and quantum physics. The man changed how we view space, time (space and time are now viewed as one entity because of his work) and humanity, yet we ignored his feelings on a civil rights and cannabis.
No article can do enough justice on Albert Einstein, especially a brief one such as this. However, when we feel that marijuana advocacy is a new phenomenon it is comforting to know that is not the case. This battle has been going on for decades, with recent victories showing we are winning the debate. Einstein may not have even smoked marijuana, but in a day and age where politicians insist on forcing their ideology on us, it is refreshing to hear from advocates of personal rights.