medical marijuana
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 29, 2012
New Billboard Featuring Father and Son for Marijuana Regulation put up in Colorado…
Supporters of Colorado’s Amendment 64 are starting to add up. Amendment 64 will be voted on by the people of Colorado in November and would see marijuana regulated and taxed. The group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol was instrumental in getting the signatures required to get the issue to the ballots. A new campaign that focuses on families was recently launched. The group has placed a billboard close to the stadium that is home to the Denver Broncos. Opponents were predictably critical and asserted that legalized marijuana will find its way into the hands of children. Recent studies have shown this not to be the case in Sacramento for medical marijuana. The group feels this is not the case and their billboard actually depicts a father and a son with the slogan “Please, Card My Son.” Under that it says “Regulate the sale of marijuana and keep it out of his hands.”
Chicago Passes Law to Ticket Small Level Marijuana Offenders…
Media outlets have been reporting on a plan to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in the city of Chicago. Aldermen (term used for Chicago City Legislators) had a long debate on the issue the other day but in the end overwhelmingly approved the measure, 43-3. The law was supported by President Obama’s former Chief of Staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. In response to dissenters who claimed the law sent a poor message to children, the Mayor actually stated that no action would send a far more devastating signal. Chicago has seen a tremendous rise in homicides, up 38% from this time last year. Many are concerned with police resources being tied up combating low level marijuana cases instead of more serious crimes. Alderman Will Burns said “The calls I get at 2 o’clock in the morning are not about marijuana possession, they’re about someone who’s been shot in my ward, I want those calls to cease and the way we do that is to make sure our police are fighting violent crime.” Residents of Chicago are also concerned, like New York City, about the disproportionate amount of marijuana arrests for Black and Hispanics, compared with Whites who actually smoke more marijuana.
For more on this story click here
New Jersey Assembly Approves Marijuana Decriminalization Bill…
New Jersey Lawmakers have been discussing a bill that would decriminalize marijuana for about a month. Earlier this week they passed it as many residents feel their tax dollars are being wasted on low level marijuana possession arrests. The New Jersey State Assembly passed measure A1465 by a margin of 44-30. Unfortunately for marijuana advocates, New Jersey Mayor Chris Christie has already indicated that he will veto the measure. Judging by the governor’s opposition to a medical marijuana program that was already passed before he came to office, New Jersey residents may be in store for a bitter battle over a sensible decriminalization debate. Check back with us as we will be covering the Governor’s response and possible veto in further detail to the decriminalization bill.
For more on this story click here
President Obama to Sign Bill Banning Synthetic Marijuana…
Momentum for outlawing synthetic marijuana has been building for over a year. Many states have their own laws against products such as “K2” and “Spice” but now it appears a federal ban will be signed by President Barack Obama soon. Recently a bill (led by NY Senator Charles Schumer) passed in the United States Senate and will make its way to the president’s desk soon. Dangerous side effects, especially for teens have been reported. Many feel a tightly regulated marijuana industry would have prevented the synthetic black market. The bill comes at a time when advocates are desperate for the White House to engage in a serious marijuana reform conversation. Many were offended when DEA officials refused to acknowledge that heroin and crack were more harmful than marijuana.
New Marijuana Regulations in California to be put on Hold
Proposition 215 and Dennis Peron changed the course of history in 1996 by overcoming staggering political opposition to medical marijuana. It was a great first step and should have been followed up with a more structured system for how to regulate and dispense medical marijuana. The lack of additional regulation has steadily become a growing problem with the recent dispensary raids symbolizing state lawmakers futility in evolving the program.
State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano had recently pushed for legislation, Assembly Bill 2312, that would create a state run medical marijuana program. Currently local municipalities have different interpretations of how to regulate cannabis dispensaries. With many pending lawsuits, momentum for a dispensary ban in Los Angeles, and the fact that the state supreme court will not be taking up the issue for at least a year, many were hoping to see lawmakers provide a solution. Ammiano’s bill passed in the State Assembly recently but was expected to face a difficult time passing California’s Senate committee vote. The bill aimed to set up a “Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement”. The Bureau would oversee the entire program and allow local governments to collect tax revenue from marijuana sales.
While the bill or a similar one is needed, many analysts and members of law enforcement were not pleased with it. As in any developing billion dollar industry, there were varied interests at stake. As a result many were wondering just exactly who would be part of the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Enforcement and what interests they would serve. Additionally, the extent and specifics of what the Bureau would do seemed vague. Law enforcement officials criticized the bill as being a free pass for dispensaries to operate without worry. While that may not be entirely accurate the bill did seem ill equipped at ensuring a patient oriented industry. It seems the criticism reached Ammiano as he canceled the Senate vote earlier this week.
Regarding the move he said “There is no doubt that my colleagues understand the need for this legislation, and I have a lot of faith in this committee that we can hammer out a well-balanced regulatory policy during the fall to answer calls from local governments, law enforcement including our Attorney General, patients, and the public to enact a highly regulated system for medical marijuana and provide a clear set of rules for everybody.”
If in fact Tom Ammiano canceled the vote in order to present a more comprehensive solution, then the news is not a total loss. However, many are wondering if they will ever see the state politicians come together and place the rhetoric aside and protect dispensaries and patients. To date, political solutions have failed and the “Safe Access” granted in Proposition 215 seems to be in jeopardy.
From The Lab: How We Test Marijuana
“From The Lab: How We Test Marijuana”
Research and patient testimonials have been building marijuana’s incredible medical portfolio for some time now. Taking the science of marijuana even further is The Werc Shop, a leading cannabis laboratory that utilizes cutting edge science to analyze medicine.
Marijuana.net is proud to present “From The Lab: How We Test Marijuana”. The video features Jeffrey C. Raber, Ph.D. and Sytze Elzinga, M.Sc. of The Werc Shop describing the methods they use in testing cannabis as well as many of the common misconceptions about cannabis and problems other laboratories often encounter. One of the first issues they speak about is THCA (THC Acid). Despite what some may believe, cannabis does not contain THC naturally. Rather, it has THCA and upon heating the acid will be converted into THC. THCA will not produce the psycho activity closely associated with THC though it may still yield medical benefits.
The video also highlights typical testing problems and limitations from other labs. For instance, many dispensaries and laboratories are citing strains with THC levels as high as 35%. Sytze points out why this is not possible. In short, when THC acid is transformed into THC much of the weight is lost. Some of the other laboratories are not taking this into consideration, and as a result their miscalculations (utilizing the original weight) can greatly inflate the actual THC levels. As Sytze states, 35% THC would mean that over one third of the plant material would have to be resin. Jeffrey then goes on to show us how THCA weighs more before being introduced to heat. Once heated the carbon dioxide is eliminated and the lighter (in weight) THC is produced.
The video shows why The Werc Shop is a leader in the field of marijuana testing. Viewers will quickly notice the sophistication of their testing methods, including the use of liquid chromatography to quantify different cannabinoids. Check back with us for future productions from marijuana.net.
2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup San Francisco Winners
Marijuana.net is proud to be at the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup in San Francisco. If you are in the bay area stop by and say hello to us. The weekend’s events have treated us to so much including engaging speakers, top quality products and industry updates. There were also some of the world’s highest quality medical strains on display. The weekend was to be capped off by announcing the results of the highly anticipated awards show. We updated the results live as they were announced. Below you can check out the full list of Cannabis Cup winners, and be sure to see all the photos we took at the event:
Best Indica
1. Cordero Kush Platinum from San Jose Patients Group
2. Master Yoda Kush from Kush Connection
3. Cherry Cola from Sonoma County Collective
Best Sativa
1. Premium Jack Herer from Playbud Delivery Service
2. Yogi Diesel from Elemental Wellness in San Jose
3. XJ13 Cracker Jack from Santa Cruise Mountain Naturals
Best Hybrid
1. Larry OG Kush from Cali Connection
2. Ken’s Phantom from Grand Daddy Purple Collective
3. OG Sky from Buddies Cannabis
Best Concentrates
1. Hardcore OG Butter from Superior Extracts for West Coast Cures
2. OG Super Sexy Budder from L.A. Confidential
3. Unfuckwitable OG Wax from Venice Medical Wax Center
Best Solventless Hash Concentrate
1. Solventless Bamf Hash from Buds and Roses
Best Product
1. Mama P’s Grinders
2. Ko Nail
3. V Syndicate Grinder Card
Best Glass
1. Hitman Glass
2. Pulse Glass
3. Dope Ass Glass
Best Booth
1. Mama P’s
2. Elemental Wellness
3. Cali Connection
Best Edibles
1. Organic Medicated Truffles from Hills Pharmacy
2. Canna Chocolate from Tea House Collective
3. Spicy Orange Drops from Greenway Compassion Relief Inc.
Best CBD Strain
1. Master Control Unit ATF from Hills Pharmacy (MCU ATF)
2. Lemon remedy from Harborside Health Center San Jose
3. Harlequin from Buds and Roses
Dr. Lester Grinspoon Award For Lifetime Achievement
1. Richard Lee, Activist and Founder of Oaksterdam University
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 22, 2012
Uruguay Looks to Legalize Marijuana In Effort to Reduce Violence and Crime…
Efforts by Central American countries to convince the United States government to reconsider their rigid stance on marijuana has proved unsuccessful. America’s demand for marijuana has lead to a rise in cartel power and violence all over Central America. Both President Obama and Vice President Biden have been hammered by criticism from leaders in the region on recent trips. Vicente Fox, former president of Mexico has been very vocal regarding how United States drug laws are having a devastating impact on Central America. Leaders in Uruguay are taking the initiative and will not wait for United States to take action at a glacial pace. Uruguay’s Defense Minister Eleuterio Fernandez Huidobro said this week that prohibition was causing “more problems than the drugs themselves.” Analysts believe this is only a start and that many nations will follow Uruguay’s lead.
For more on this story click here
New Hampshire Governor Vetoes Bill To Legalize Medical Marijuana…
Recently New Hampshire lawmakers approved a measure that would permit medical marijuana. There has been momentum for such a program for several years as a similar measure was passed in 2009 only to be vetoed by Governor Lynch. He has done so again with the new 2012 bill however advocates and lawmakers are hoping they can gather enough votes to override the Governor’s veto. The bill passed by a wide margin in both New Hampshire’s House and Senate though it is still unclear if enough legislators would support overriding the governor’s veto.
For more on this story click here
Two House Representatives Refuse to Let DEA Official Avoid Answering Marijuana Questions
Jared Polis (D-CO) is one of the nation’s most recognized marijuana supporters in Congress. Along with Barney Frank and Ron Paul (R-TX) Mr. Polis has certainly fought hard for marijuana patients. This week he grilled Michele Leonhart of the Drug Enforcement Administration during a Congressional hearing. As Ms. Leonhart was asked questions regarding marijuana, she seemed unwilling to elaborate as to why the federal government has marijuana classified as a schedule 1 drug. Steve Cohen (D-TN) also demanded straight forward answers from Leonhart Below you can find an excerpt of the exchange between Polis and Leonhardt:
POLIS: Is crack worse for a person than marijuana?
LEONHART: I believe all the illegal drug are bad.
POLIS: Is methamphetamine worse for somebody’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: I don’t think any illegal drug is good.
POLIS: Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: Again, all the drugs –
POLIS: I mean, either yes, no, or I don’t know. I mean, if you don’t know, you can look this up you should know this as the chief administrator for the Drug Enforcement Agency. I’m asking you a very straightforward question. Is heroin worse for someone’s health than marijuana?
LEONHART: All the illegal drugs are bad.
POLIS: Does this mean you don’t know?
LEONHART: Heroin causes an addiction that causes many problems that’s very hard to kick.
POLIS: Does that mean that the health impact is worse than marijuana, is that what you’re telling me?
LEONHART: I think that you are asking a subjective question.
Marijuana.net Will Be Attending the High Times Cannabis Cup In San Francisco this weekend…
There is no rest for the weary as marijuana.net will be taking the excitement from San Jose’s Hempcon with us to San Francisco and the 2012 High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. If you are in the Bay Area come check us out on Saturday, Sunday, or both days. We will continue with our popular raffles and we encourage patients to learn more about which medication is right for them with a free one on one session with our strain master . We’ll also be showing off our comprehensive strain library and be providing education on the newest marijuana reform developments.
Albany Bickering Stalls Governor’s Marijuana Reform Plan
New York City is often viewed as the center for progressive politics. However, New York State is much more balanced politically. When a state oversees a city on the level of New York, lawmakers often bicker as they try to represent their own constituencies.
Concerned New York City residents are finding this out the hard way. New York has desperately needed a change in it’s “Stop and Frisk” policy. Though possession of less than 25g of cannabis was decriminalized in New York during the 1970s it must not be used or held in public view. “Stop and Frisk” offers a loophole for police to demand that individuals empty their pockets, leaving the cannabis in plain site. Families are left to deal with the impact of an unnecessary arrest that could follow their child around for the rest of their lives. As we have mentioned previously, the “Stop and Frisk” law seems to unfairly target young Black and Hispanics. New York City residents have lobbied for years to change the controversial practice but have not succeeded.
In a move that made headlines nationally, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo attempted to change a failed policy that is costing the state money and incarcerating its youth. While many members of the media pursued the easy story and poked fun at the governor, many were pleased to see what appears to be an evolving view for the governor. The reform will be delayed at best and even perhaps discarded. Some Albany Republicans lashed out against the plan in the usual silly and predictable over the top fashion. Dean Skelos claimed he was worried about a law that allowed people to “walk around with ten joints in each ear”. However, many who represent law enforcement welcomed a plan to get rid of the low level marijuana arrests. NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg came out in support of the plan (though he has defended “Stop and Frisk” previously). Additionally, NYC Police Commissioner Ray Kelly also wanted to see a change in the law. There will not be enough time during the current legislative session to bring the issue back up.
This is not unusual for Albany lawmakers. Albany reflects the diversity of New York State, complete with lawmakers who are from opposite sides of the aisle and are not always willing to work together. Analysts believe that Republicans are still stinging from a defeat on same sex marriage as New York became one of the few states to recognize the unions. It appears that NY Republicans are ignoring one of their key voting blocks (law enforcement officials) and are attempting to appease a base that is upset with same sex marriage and cares little for New York’s incarcerated youth.
Of course political revenge is not going to satisfy New York City residents who are tired of witnessing dysfunction among Albany politicians . Efforts to eliminate “Stop and Frisk” will continue and lawmakers from both parties are going to have to consider the fact that they may have pursued political posturing instead of the pleas of residents.
Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Do Not Increase Teen Use, Study Shows
The rise in teen marijuana use has been a popular discussion for several weeks. As expected, some will blame medical marijuana dispensaries for the increase even without any data to support these claims. As we have previously written, assessing a generation and a cultural shift is not as simple as blaming marijuana collectives.
New research indicates that teenage marijuana smoking does not rise in states with legalized medical cannabis. This also builds on the recent data that showed marijuana collectives did not impact the crime rate in the Sacramento area. Researchers analyzed data from the Youth Risky Behavior Survey which took into account information from the 13 legal medical marijuana programs from 1993-2009. Professors from Montana State University, the University of Oregon and the University of Colorado found no data that shows a rise in teen use in areas with marijuana dispensaries. One of the lead researchers, Professor Daniel I. Rees of the University of Colorado said “There is anecdotal evidence that medical marijuana is finding its way into the hands of teenagers, but there’s no statistical evidence that legalization increases the probability of use.”
Marijuana.net recently posted an article citing the recent data that shows a rise in teenage marijuana smokers as well as a reduction in younger tobacco smokers. We also made the point that this rise may be due to a combination of factors, including new age information sharing. Patient stories and scientific data regarding cannabis are instantly available to a generation raised during the information age. Marijuana propaganda simply cannot hold water in today’s society. Instead we should concentrate on having an open conversation with teens and accessing whether or not it is wise to continue our policy of non-regulation when it comes to cannabis. The culture has shifted and marijuana is here to stay. Continued efforts to deny this are starting to appear silly.
However, appearing silly rarely serves as a deterrent for government officials. This research serves as a rebuff to statements made by the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The office continues to assert that medical cannabis collectives are contributing to a rise in teenage marijuana use despite having evidence supporting the claim. The office may want to do some research as it is getting more difficult to mislead a population that is more informed than the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Marijuana.net Reports From Hempcon San Jose 2012
For years the medical marijuana community has put together memorable events. These gatherings are known for being peaceful and fun. So far this weekend we at marijuana.net have noticed more of the same, which in this case is welcomed.
The 2012 San Jose Hempcon has been a success so far with many in attendance feeling that the crowds and popularity of the event have grown this year. The diversity of those attending Hempcon is a testament to the greater marijuana community. All walks of life have been represented as both younger and older patients have come out for Hempcon. The diversity can also be found in all of the different businesses and educational organizations that attended. There were also great and informative presentations from a variety of people representing different aspects of the medical marijuana industry.
It has been exciting to talk to patients and provide them with up to date information on Marijuana.net’s strain library, the internet’s largest and most comprehensive strain database. Patients were also eager to consult with our Strain Master in one on one consultation sessions. After speaking with the strain master patients were able to identify their ideal medication. As always our vaporizer raffle and spin wheel are popular. We also had many engaging conversations regarding the newest political, legal , and social issues that are described in our daily articles and updates.
If you have not yet come to Hempcon and are able to make it to the San Jose Convention Center today please stop by and say hello to us. We would love to thank the city of San Jose and those who organized Hempcon and the weekend’s festivities. Check back with us this week as we go into further detail about many of the businesses and organizations that helped to make Hempcon a success.
Medical Marijuana Industry News June 15, 2012
Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill To Decriminalize Marijuana Possession…
Rhode Island will follow the momentum for reform that is taking that is going on northeast. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has already proposed eliminating unintended marijuana arrests in New York’s controversial “Stop and Frisk” program. That debate is sure to heated as Albany lawmakers are known for partisan politics. Governor Lincoln Chafee is a step ahead of New York as he has just signed a bill that will decriminalize marijuana possession of less than one ounce. Previously that amount would have resulted in a misdemeanor with possible jail time and a $500 fine. Under the new law the penalty will be a civil citation and a $150 fine. Minors would be required to complete a drug awareness program and community service.
For more on this story click here
Medical Marijuana Bill Passes New York State Assembly but tough Road Ahead…
As mentioned above New York lawmakers will consider the Governor’s proposal to eliminate or amend the plain sight provision in the “Stop and Frisk” program which has become a loophole for law enforcement officials to arrest New Yorkers on serious marijuana charges. In another development coming out of the Empire State legislators in the state’s assembly have passed a bill that would see New York join the growing number of states that permit medical marijuana. However the bill appears to have a tough legislative road ahead of it. Multiple medical marijuana bills have failed in New York state in the past. The momentum seems to be gaining as more state lawmakers are joining the 80% of residents who feel a physician should have the right to prescribe medical marijuana. Governor Cuomo has indicated that he would likely not sign the bill. There is hope for the future for New York patients as the governor has amended his view considerably since his 2010 campaign.
For more on this story click here
Imperial Beach Residents may get chance to Repeal Ban on Dispensaries…
Imperial Beach residents may get a chance to change what is considered the most restrictive marijuana laws in San Diego County. Even those with medical licenses are not permitted to keep any cannabis plants. There is a petition being circulated in Imperial Beach and so far the response has been very supportive of repealing the ban. Over 15% of registered voters have signed the petition. Eugene Davidovich of Americans for Safe Access (ASA) said “Strong regulations like the ones we’re proposing would keep medical cannabis away from children and schools, and create a safe means for those who are qualified, to have safe, reliable, local access to that medicine.” He also went on to say . “At the same time, we’re taking into strong consideration the concerns of the neighborhood.”
Marijuana.net Will be Attending the 2012 Hempcon in San Jose…
For those who plan on being in the San Jose area we encourage you to check out Marijuana.net at Hempcon this weekend. As always, we will be providing education on patient issues, new legal developments, and the future of cannabis in the United States and rest of the world. We will even have our staff on hand who can provide advice on what strains are appropriate for individual. The one on one session will result in a recommendation based on several criteria including ailments to be treated and desired effects. We will also be continuing our popular vaporizer raffle which has been a success as many previous events. Hope to see you there!
Tommy Chong Uses Hemp Oil to Treat Prostate Cancer
Tommy Chong has been making people smile for decades with his work that includes standup comedy, his role in the “Cheech and Chong” movies, and regular appearances on “That 70s Show”. While often playing a silly but harmless “stoner”, we know that Mr. Chong is an engaging and serious intellectual as well.
Tommy Chong has been a long time advocate of marijuana’s benefits so we at marijuana.net were saddened to hear that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. He will be attempting to fight his cancer by using hemp oil. The upbeat Chong recently said “I’ve got prostate cancer, and I’m treating it with hemp oil, with cannabis, so legalizing marijuana means a lot more to me than just being able to smoke a joint without being arrested.”
He is not the first person to recognize the great potential hemp oil may possess in the fight against cancer. There have been recent stories from patients regarding hemp oil fighting cancer. One famous benefactor of hemp oil’s healing is Rick Simpson. Simpson is considered a pioneer in this field and his method of using the concentrated oil has caught the attention of many. Additionally there are other non publicized studies showing how cannabis may be able to combat serious medical conditions. Here’s an official United States government study conducted in 2006 that shows THC battling leukemia.
Some Members of marijuana.net were fortunate enough to meet Mr. Chong at a rally in front of Los Angeles’ City Hall. He was extremely kind and personable. We hope that utilizing the hemp oil works for Tommy Chong and that his high profile story opens up a serious national discussion on alternative approaches to serious medical conditions. If cannabis has the potential to cure diseases that modern medicine is inept to fix, then we must demand that more research is conducted. However, we also simply wish whatever treatments Tommy Chong uses that he has a speedy recovery. This is one of the nicest individuals we have ever met and the world could use his kindness for years to come.