medical marijuana
Marijuana and MS, a true story
This past week has been an exciting one for medical news on the marijuana front. The Canadian Medical Association Journal published the results of a small study on the effects of marijuana for people who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis. Overall, the study shows that there is some benefit for patients. However, there are several drawbacks to the study. Its small sample size, 30 patients, as well as the inability to fully “blind” the patients. A blind study relies on patients not knowing if they are getting actual treatment or a placebo. Because of the “high” gained from cannabis use, most patients correctly guessed when they were given the real thing. Drawbacks aside, this is a very important study because it moves forward the idea that cannabis has legitimate medical use. For the most part, evidence in favor of marijuana use has been strictly anecdotal. While those stories can help sway public opinion, it does little to change the minds of the medical and political community. They want incontrovertible evidence, methodically gathered and rigorously tested. This is understandable, but it does nobody any good when these studies have difficulty obtaining funding and patients because Federal laws prohibiting its (schedule 1 substances have no medical value, and that is cannabis’ official classification) use and study are hard to overcome. Despite this, the anecdotes abound, especially in our networked era. As the stories spread, people who suffer will hear them and try marijuana for themselves. Hopefully it helps them and then they become one more reason to change a law and undertake another study.
Claire Hodges is one patient who has MS and opted to try marijuana, despite the legal and medical uncertainties. Claire had no symptoms until her late 20’s. At this point, stress from her job mounted and her symptoms started to manifest slowly and steadily. This was in the early 1980’s and detection techniques were not as advanced as they are now. So, Claire was unaware of her disease because of several misdiagnoses. Having traveled through Bangladesh, doctors initially thought she suffered from a rare form of malaria. But it took them over another year to isolate the disease. It was not until after she started showing classic brain tumor symptoms (and had a brain scan) that neurologists were able to diagnose her with Multiple Sclerosis.
There is no cure for MS, only treatments. Some of those are more effective than others, all with varying side effects. Claire’s doctors first steered her to steroid therapy ACTH, Acthar (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) which stimulates the adrenal cortex gland to secrete cortisol, corticosterone and aldosterone. She was suffering heavily at this point, unable to walk, and still believes that the effects of ACTH were far worse than the disease. It caused acute acne breakouts, weight gain, and irrationality and paranoia (steroid psychosis). She discontinued the ACTH regimen, and after having two children the disease progressed and her symptoms continued to grow worse. As the disease effected her more heavily she began suffering even more. She experienced muscle spasticity and pain, incontinence and other bladder issues followed, as well as vision degradation, poor balance, fatigue and more. As she succumbed to more troubles, doctors could only treat the symptoms by offering more prescriptions. She tried Valium and Temazepam for sleeping and muscle pains. Also, as her body became susceptible to infection she was on numerous courses of antibiotics treatment. She found the narcotics to be less than effective and their side effects only served to increase her gloom and depression.
Finally, after exhausting orthodox treatments, Claire looked in to other ways of medicating. Other friends with MS recommended she try cannabis to help with her discomfort. Initially she was uncomfortable with trying it out, so she asked her doctors. None of them were able to give her any promises to its effectiveness, but did calm her fears and said moderate use would most likely not be dangerous. That had to be better than all the dangerous pharmaceuticals she had tried before. Using her network of friends, Claire was forced to illegally obtain marijuana and tried it out. “The physical effects were almost immediate and extremely liberating. I felt as though a heavy weight had been lifted from me. The tension and discomfort in my spine and bladder melted away. I was comfortable with my body for the first time in years, and I slept soundly that night. The next day I was happy, knowing that there was something that would help me with my MS.” Since then, Claire has been medicating with cannabis regularly, and has been able to rely much less on pharmaceuticals. She grew her own medicine for some time, but stopped because of the fear of being caught with it. So she must continue to purchase her medication illegally unless she moves to a state with a compassionate use laws and proper dispensary system.
Claire’s testimony, and others like her, help to open the minds of otherwise skeptical people. If it can help her, than it can help other people. These stories are what we need to change the minds of politicians. They need to be convinced that there is strength in compassion, not found in zero tolerance laws. Claire is a strong human being. In spite of her affliction, she has not given up on life; she fights to stay active and productive for herself and her family. Her cause is the cause against superstition and old prejudices, the cause for progress.
Marijuana and Sports News
Sports are looking up.
In the past month the marijuana community has heard some great news from the world of sports. And this news comes from around the world. The National Basketball Association (USA) has decided to soften its approach to marijuana testing. The Australian Coalition of Major Professional and Participation Sports (COMPPS) has also decided to take a new look at what constitutes “performance enhancing drugs” as opposed to simply “banned substances” and all of this is causing the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to also review its rules. Furthermore, UFC fighter Nick Diaz’s recent drug suspension and legal rebuttals are forcing the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and the UFC to also address their stance on marijuana. Also, Martin Mayhew, GM of the Detroit Lions, has also spoken of his views on marijuana usage by NFL players and draftees. As these incidents move forward, the sports world is poised to make decisions that can and will have ripple effects outside of sports into the social and political fabric of the world. Although nothing has been set in stone yet, the best part is that all these associations are taking the time to look at marijuana in a methodical and scientifically informed manner to reach a proper decision. It appears that old prejudices and scare stories may be set aside with old arbitrary rulings.
The latest thunder from down under comes with quite a bang as the COMPPS has said that it believes marijuana should not be grouped with performance enhancers such as Human Growth Hormone and Anabolic steroids. Under current WADA rules a substance is placed on the banned list if it meets the following criteria: “It’s proven to be performance enhancing, it goes against the spirit of the sport, or it’s dangerous to the health of athletes.” Under those rules, anyone who tests positive for marijuana faces a two-year ban. With COMPPS’ declaration it seems that things are going to relax a bit for Australian athletes. Although, if any compete on an international level they are still subject to WADA rules. However, WADA President John Fahey had this to say, “There are those who believe our current criteria needs to be amended and that will be given appropriate consideration through this review process…Specifically to cannabis, I can only say to those, particularly in the football codes who have expressed concern that we’re focusing on an area that really isn’t about cheating in sport, I urge them to put a request up to WADA, which will be given to our list committee, who will examine it…I won’t express a view I’ll simply say it will be thoroughly examined. There are some substances today that are banned in some sports, but not in others. That may well be an option they [the WADA banned-list committee] may wish to come to the board with in due course. But I won’t pre-empt that, I’ll let them decide without any influence from me.” The sports world will have to wait a while for any final determination, as WADA’s new drug codes will not be released until November 2013.
American sports commissions are also moving in a positive direction. When the NBA restructured its labor agreement they altered their drug testing policy. As it now stands, players will only be tested for performance-enhancing drugs during the off-season. Marijuana is no longer on that list. Although illegal during the season, it means that players who use marijuana for pain or anxiety will get to medicate without fear of suspensions once that final buzzer has sounded. Inside the NFL it seems that cannabis is causing quite a stir. The Detroit Lions have made headlines as several of this year’s draft picks have been arrested for marijuana-related charges. The Lions are not the only team whose players have had troubles in the recent past (The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals also made the news for their players). But it seems that the league is thinking less of this controversy as its toxicity has waned to the public eye. The Lions’ GM Martin Mayhew recently spoke out about players’ off-field actions and concerns. Although contracts will still have morality clauses, and players should think before breaking the law, it appears that league penalties may reduce in severity and clubs will have more flexibility in handling these affairs.
From the Ultimate Fighting Championship comes news concerning contender Nick Diaz. After fighting at UFC 143 in February he tested positive for marijuana metabolites, the residual compounds indicative of marijuana use. Nick has tested positive once before and this may lead to sterner reprimands for the second charge. Nick is a California native and holds a medical marijuana card from the state. However, the fight and test were conducted in Nevada, and under NSAC rules he is immediately suspended for 45 days pending a hearing. At this time, the 45 day limit has expired and Nick is suing for violation of his due process rights, concerning his rights to make a living. NSAC executive director Keith Kizer spoke about the suspension and an in-court statement that failing his drug test posed a “threat to public safety.” Kizer took the stance that marijuana is not on the NSAC approved substance list and therefore Nick is in violation. His statement did seem to leave an opening for a debate on whether or not marijuana should continue to be on the banned substance list. Diaz has stated that he medicates in order to control his ADHD which would impair his ability to focus on training, as well as for pain management. And furthermore, he does not medicate in the week prior to his fights to keep his head clear and reflexes sharp. This certainly seems unjust considering that professional ballplayers can get a shot of cortisone and take a few pain killers so they can pitch in an ALCS game, and not to be able to recall the game later.
The case for marijuana has never been stronger. It’s presence abounds in state’s politics, as it jockeys for position in the national spotlight. The horrors of the failed Drug War in Mexico make headlines every week. And now it is taking over the spotlight in global sports. Many have called for national talks concerning its legality. But Marijuana.net believes now is the right time for a worldwide reckoning concerning the future of humanity and the cannabis plant. It offers so much to help mankind, and asks for so little in return; it only needs a plot of land, steady sunshine, and some water. Hey ref, put down the red card.
Medical Marijuana Industry News May 18, 2012
Retired Judge in Oregon Defeats Anti-Marijuana U.S. Attorney in AG Primary…
With the help of passionate marijuana activists, Former Oregon Court of Appeals judge Ellen Rosenblum won the Democratic primary for Attorney General in Oregon by defeating U.S. Attorney Dwight Holton. So far the Republicans have not put forth a candidate so it very possible that Rosenblum has all but won the position of Attorney General and will run uncontested in November. Marijuana reform took on a very important role in the race. Judge Rosenblum is a supporter of marijuana reform efforts while Attorney Holton has taken a very rigid stance on the issue. He has been a supporter of federal raids on dispensaries. Supporters of marijuana reform (55,000 registered patients in Oregon) were thought to have been a major reason for Rosenblum’s victory. Advocates in Oregon are hoping the sweeping victory by Ellen Rosenblum will send a message to federal authorities. Marijuana.net will be following up on this story .
New Poll: About Three Quarters of Americans want to see an end to Marijuana Raids…
Marijuana.net has cited polls that indicate that the vast majority of Americans support a physician’s right to prescribe medical marijuana. This sentiment was further confirmed as new polls asked respondents about their views on the recent federal crackdown and raids of marijuana dispensaries. The poll showed that 74% of Americans are hoping to see an end to the raids. Larry Harris, a principal with Mason-Dixon Polling & Research said “These results are consistent with the clear and growing body of evidence that documents substantial voter support for the legalization of medical marijuana.” Steve Fox of the Marijuana Policy Project agreed and said, “The results of this survey demonstrate that there is virtually no support in the country for the Obama administration’s crackdown on state medical marijuana laws.” Many analysts felt the Obama administration had indicated that they would take on a softer approach toward medical marijuana when the president was elected.
For more on this story click here
Rhode Island Patients may finally see Dispensaries Open…
Rhode Island lawmakers finally seem ready to allow the medical marijuana dispensaries to start serving patients. In 2006, a law was passed that permitted patients to grow and possess their own marijuana (up to 12 plants and 2.5 ounces). Momentum has been building to open dispensaries as not all patients have the resources and ability to cultivate their own cannabis. Last year 3 dispensaries were expected to open before Governor Lincoln Chafee stopped the process after U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha threatened Rhode Island with federal intervention. Governor Chafee then worked with lawmakers to create a new law in hopes that it would be set up to satisfy federal authorities. The Governor is now expected to sign a new law that was recently passed by state lawmakers granting permission for the dispensaries to open. U.S. Attorney Peter Neronha has not given up and stated the Department of Justice is still concerned with “large-scale commercial cultivation and distribution” of marijuana.
For more on this story click here
Medical Marijuana Grower shopping at Walmart has more to Fear than Federal Raids…
Mica Craig holds a license to grow marijuana in Washington State. It is likely that he often worries of the federal crackdown and raids coming to his neighborhood. However, at a recent trip to Walmart he quickly realized he had far more immediate concerns. While shopping for mulch in the garden section of the controversial superstore, he was bitten by a rattlesnake. Craig was released from the hospital but had to return shortly after when his hand swelled up. He said “They got all the poison out of me but they don’t know how bad the muscle damage will be.” Although Craig’s job as a marijuana grower may not have been relevant to the snake attack, Walmart (whose problems seem to be mounting) cannot be thrilled to hear about another negative and high profile story hurting its reputation. The mega store famously fired employee Joseph Casias for using medical marijuana in accordance with Michigan state law. He also has battled a brain tumor and sinus cancer and feels that he needs to use cannabis to deal with his medical issues. He is considered to be a model employee and received the 2008 Associate of the Year at the store he worked in. The ACLU is working hard to help Casias.
Proposed Marijuana DUI Law in Colorado Fails
One of the major hurdles in the marijuana reform movement is how to enforce driving laws. With alcohol, there is a clear system that most people understand with tests that are not likely to turn up false positives. Testing drivers for recent marijuana use, however, has proved to be much more difficult.
Recently marijuana.net ran a story about a proposed law in Colorado that would set a limit as to how much THC could legally be permitted in a drivers system. Initially the bill to regulate marijuana DUI was passed by Colorado lawmakers by one vote, 18-17, two weeks ago. However, politics is often unpredictable and one of the bills major proponents, Nancy Spence was unable to make it to Tuesday’s vote. She was out of state attending a grandchild’s birthday party. Ms. Spence was urged to return quickly by her constituents but she expected the vote to take place a day later. Everyone voted identically as they did two weeks prior, except for Nancy Spence’s absent vote which killed the legislation and resulted in a 17-17 tie.
Critics and opponents have long been seeking a system to test if marijuana patients are suitable to take the wheel. Nationally, it would probably result in even more support (though over 70% of Americans already support medical marijuana) and maybe even by the government if safety measures were taken to ensure driver safety. However, the proposed law in Colorado seemed to be set entirely too low. It would appear that patients would face penalties who were not under the influence of marijuana. The 5 nanogram limit, as stated by Colorado lawmaker Pat Steadman may not work because “Some of these people wake up in the morning and roll out of bed at 5 nanograms.” In response to the vote yesterday, he mentioned that he thought the bill would do nothing to make the roads safer.
While the future of the industry may be very much intertwined with a standard system for analyzing marijuana DUI, we are pleased to see that vulnerable and innocent patients will not be arrested even when they are not impaired to operate a motor vehicle. This law will likely come up again as it has failed 3x already. Hopefully a more commonsense approach is utilized for what appears to be an inevitable law.
Artist finds outlet and more through medical marijuana with Kushed Out Fashions
As with any social movement, art is always a very important element. It serves as an outlet for self expression, social messages and can depict much more than just words. As we at marijuana.net have now attended many gatherings in the community and have noticed that artists play a very large role in the tone and mood of the events.
Recently, we were fortunate enough to meet Marie from Kushed Out Fashions at the 2012 Denver High Times Medical Marijuana Cannabis Cup. Marie put her talents on display as she drew a beautiful cannabis plant on our “I Medicate Because” sign. While the marijuana leaf has assumed a very symbolic role in our culture, Marie appreciates the entire plant for all of its beauty and creates much richer work that focuses on much more than a simple leaf.
After meeting at the Cannabis Cup, we decided to try and speak to Marie more about her Kushed Out Fashions. Kushed Out Fashions has been around since 2005. As we know, much has changed over the course of 7 years. With new states and new access for patients, marijuana has been able to shed much of its unfairly negative perception due to decades of false propaganda. When Marie first started her business many of her closest friends and relatives were not entirely supportive. She was often told she should pursue a more traditional career path. Marie did try this at first and was very close to becoming an air traffic controller but soon realized that this would never satisfy her artistic desires. Now, 7 years later, many in her close circle have applauded the unconventional choices she has made.
Kushed Out Fashions offers a variety of products including Shirts, Booty Shorts, Bags, Dresses, Cardigans, Blazers and more. Marie has demonstrated her varied skill set with her sister site, prettystoney.com, which features products such as Bracelets, earrings, hair extensions, chains, necklaces, rings, hemp jewelry, and scarves. Her products are personally handmade and are uniquely one of a kind. However besides products, as readers will see at the bottom of this article, Marie also showcases her talent with beautiful drawings. She has plans to launch a magazine named kushinformer.com. Marie would also like to see more creativity and flow return to hip-hop and plans on pursuing this in the future.
We at marijuana.net are not the only ones impressed with her work. Marie says that she has people approach her and tell her that they wear her t-shirts several times per week. Recently, at a cultural event a fan told her that she had not taken off her prettystoney earrings in over a year. Some high profile individuals have also taken notice. Marie is proudly supported by famous wrestlers Rob Van Dam and Booker T, plus the iconic rappers Redman and B-Real of Cypress Hill. Kushed Out Fashions is also included on the widely popular slang website www.urbandictionary.com. Additionally, readers are encouraged to check her out in the April 2012 edition of Skunk Magazine.
Marijuana.net believes the future is bright for marijuana. Marie told us she also feels this way. She has seen so many patients ease their pain. Education and relief are overwhelming the empty propaganda. However artists can accelerate this process as one picture can say much more than an entire article. Marijuana.net will be featuring other artists in the near future.
Below is another great example of Marie’s artwork.
You can also check out these links which show off some of Marie’s great products
Detroit Lawmakers Attempt to Block Ballot Initiative to Decriminalize Marijuana
Michigan has been a hotbed of marijuana reform activity over the course of the past several years. They are one of the 16 states with legalized medical marijuana and have had local municipalities attempt decriminalization efforts, usually met with opposition by state Attorney General Bill Schuette.
The marijuana reform movement has had to rely heavily on ballot initiatives grassroots support as politicians have had a hard time breaking away from lobbyists who desperately want to uphold antiquated cannabis laws. Marijuana reform has many accomplishments including helping patients and pushing forward decriminalization efforts that can help non-violent offenders to avoid incarceration. It is also is allowing the American public access to a unique perspective in what is normally a very closed door political system. Americans can now see that so much more is at hand than simple matters of right or wrong. Lobbyists, special interests and long held stubborn beliefs carry more weight in Washington D.C. and state governments than struggling patients and those whose lives are ruined by small possession marijuana charges.
A recent entry in the Detroit Free Press sheds even more light on this issue in Michigan. Efforts to totally decriminalize small marijuana possession had gained considerable momentum as of late. However, the Detroit political machine is in full force and has filed a suit with the Michigan Supreme Court to disqualify a ballot initiative that would eliminate penalties associated with low level cannabis possession. Detroit’s legal department claims that the ballot issue would not create a legitimate ordinance because marijuana is not legal on a state level. Activists and patients are accustomed to this desperate political argument as relief is often prevented by this line of thinking. Of course what is most interesting is this the same state (like many others) that has already sided with its people by providing medical marijuana on a state wide level even though it conflicts with federal law. Proponents of the ballot initiative seemed unfazed as Tim Beck, who heads the initiative through an organization called Coalition for a Safer Detroit, stated “The law is on our side, and we have every expectation that the people of Detroit will vote on this in 2012.”
Activists should only be motivated by the actions our elected officials have taken. Clearly, lawmakers feel well within their comfort zone to ignore the pleas of Americans. Three quarters of this country agrees with medical marijuana and half even support total legalization. A ballot initiative is organized and conducted by the people, typically without the support of big time corporate lobbyists. Apparently politicians fear us far less than them, but they seem to have overplayed their hand, and whether they like it or not reform is coming.
Medical Marijuana Industry News May 11, 2012
Presumptive GOP Nominee Mitt Romney Irritated by Marijuana and Gay Marriage Questions…
The GOP primary race is all but officially over with Mitt Romney expected to accept the party’s nomination in August. The election season is heating up and the candidates now will be grilled over policy related issues on a daily basis. Earlier in the week, North Carolina passed a ban on Same Sex Marriage and Civil Unions. Proponents of the ban feel they are protecting marriage’s traditional values while opponents are concerned with civil rights and children who stand to lose health benefits. Mitt Romney indicated he did not agree with same sex marriage while President Obama has now come out in support of same sex couples being wed. While the marriage issue is predictably a large political issue, it is often now being followed up with questions on marijuana reform, showing that reporters are taking the issue seriously. At a campaign stop in Colorado on Wednesday, Mitt Romney was asked about both issues to which he responded by saying “Aren’t there issues of significance you would like to talk about?” Many residents in Colorado likely feel that these are issues of significance, especially to struggling patients and families. The fact that marijuana reform is now being asked as much as other social issues demonstrates its growing importance to Americans.
For more on the exchange between reporters and Mitt Romney click here
Attempt to Defund Marijuana Raids Fails but Shows Promise…
Yesterday marijuana.net ran entitled “Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight For Marijuana Reform” which described members of the House attempting to prevent the Department of Justice from using any funds to conduct marijuana dispensary raids. The gesture was significant and signals a new method policy makers can use in order to push issue of marijuana reform. The vote did fail by with a 163-262 vote. Only 29 Republicans supported the measure while seventy-three percent of democrats were in favor of the bill. The margin is not politically insurmountable and it will be interesting to see if future votes will be tighter or even in favor of outlawing the raids.
Arizona Courts Rule that Contracts With Medical Marijuana Companies are Not Enforceable…
Arizona has passed its fair share of confusing and seemingly unenforceable laws in recent years. Another ruling earlier this week added to the state’s legal confusion. Michele Rene Hammer and Mark Haile, issued a $500,000 loan to a medical marijuana company in Colorado. When the company failed to repay the loan Hammer and Haile filed a lawsuit. Maricopa County, Ariz., Superior Court Judge Michael McVey threw the case out of court because federal law prohibits marijuana on any level, even though the state the judge rules in does permit medical marijuana. Randy Nussbaum, who is from the firm representing Hammer and Haile, fears that no contract with any medical marijuana company is valid in Arizona now. Specifically Nussbaum said “The macro view of this is, if it’s true that anyone who has a contractual relationship with anyone dispensing medical marijuana and that contract is not enforceable, how does anyone enforce a legitimate contract in this business?”
For more on this story click here
Prominent Advocacy Group Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol Takes to the Airwaves…
One of the most successful and influential marijuana advocacy groups is about to take their successful message even further. “Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol” is largely responsible for Amendment 64, which would accomplish exactly what the group’s name states. If passed, marijuana would be governed in a way very similar to liquor. The group was instrumental in collecting the over 80,000 signatures needed to get the marijuana initiative onto the ballot. As a result, Colorado residents will have the chance to vote on legalizing cannabis. Now the group will be running its first television ads over the Mother’s Day weekend. You can look out for their “Dear Mom” ad on several broadcasts including Friday’s “Today Show’, “Ellen” show and the Mother’s Day episode of “The Doctors”.
Lawmakers Propose New Tactic in Fight for Marijuana Reform
For decades the idea of high profile politicians taking on the issue of marijuana reform was laughable. Even after the Proposition 215 passed, many lawmakers outside of California would not publicly consider proposing changes to marijuana law. Currently there are now 16 states, (with Connecticut expected to join the growing list) and the nation’s capital where marijuana is permitted for medical use.
Americans have stated their desire for a compassionate medical system. We are seeking to move on from medical treatments that rely on addictive pills and unaffordable bills. However, the greatest threat to our new compassionate medical system are the people who work for us. The Federal government, despite statements from President Barack Obama that the Department of Justice would not be using tax payer resources to circumvent state laws, has tried to dismantle relief one dispensary at a time. Fortunately, U.S. House of Representatives members Sam Farr (D-Calif.), Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) and Maurice Hinchey (D-N.Y.) have proposed outlawing federal funds from being used to interfere with state laws. The debate is over HR bill 5326, the bill that determines the funding for the Department of Justice.
Most of the reform conversation has revolved around protests and ballot initiatives. While these have been successful, ballots to change the law have not been able to protect caregivers from federal raids. It is only recently that our elected officials have decided to push the issue and get more creative. Many of us are familiar with the popular legalization bill proposed by Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Ron Paul (R-TX). The bill was met with predictable opposition, but at least kept the issue in the spotlight. An attempt to defund the DOJ is a new method being utilized by lawmakers and may be a more effective way to frame the discussion. If deficit spending continues to dominate the campaign coverage then saving money on raiding marijuana dispensaries should match the national financial conversation in step.
Like the ghosts of a haunted past, marijuana reform is rearing its pretty head everywhere. The president has been taking criticism on marijuana policy seemingly everywhere he goes. Foreign leaders (Vicente Fox), domestic allies (Nancy Pelosi), presidential candidates (Gary Johnson), comedians( Jimmy Kimmel), evangelicals (Pat Robertson) and of course patients seeking pain relief are all voicing their opinion in support of cannabis reform. Now that politicians on a national stage are starting to support compassionate reform, hopefully they will use even more creativity in trying to pass legislation that will finally end a century long error.
Teen Marijuana use on the Rise: Is America Finally Ready to Discuss Regulation?
Whether they realize it or not, the American minor is one of the staples of politics in the United States. Both sides of an out of touch political aisle hold up our children and claim to know how policies will or will not impact them. For the largest group of Americans who cannot vote, children have an awful lot to do with governing policy in the United States.
Marijuana advocates and patients are accustomed to this. The excuse of “what about the message this sends to children” has caused a tremendous amount of pain for patients who have witnessed their safe access be compromised as a result. Sick patients typically are not wearing trench coats and selling drugs on the street, rather, they are just seeking relief. Patients would say the message to children should be “we do not sit idle in this country and watch people suffer when we can easily help them.” Talking to your children about why people medicate is a far easier approach. Marijuana simply having legal status does not put it teen hands. Like alcohol, (with far worse addicting qualities yet receives less criticism), there are safety precautions to make sure minors/non patients are not purchasing it. Direct conversation is always the best antidote, but just as television executives have found, parents do not want to be the bad guys and have tried to enlist the help of policy makers to make their lives easier.
Reports on rising teenage marijuana use have been making the media rounds lately. According to an article by the Associated Press that was posted on CBS News, monthly marijuana use by teens rose from 19% in 2008 to 27% currently. The article cites a study conducted by the Partnership at Drugfree.org. Additional findings included a rise in teenagers who smoke 20 or more times per month. In 2008 this number was at 5%, but has almost doubled to 9% in 2012. Morgan Fox, a spokesman for Marijuana Policy Project responded to the findings by saying “If we remove marijuana from the criminal market and have the market run by responsible business people that have an incentive to check IDs and not sell to minors, then we might see those rates drop again.”
The facts obviously shows that legalized marijuana is not the core of the issue as even in states where marijuana is not legal, teens have been resourceful enough to find cannabis. Our attack on marijuana for close to a century has created a black market, The Mexican Cartel, dangerous synthetics, and gross misinformation. Ridiculous propaganda that was easily proven false by the last 50 years of youth has only made opponents seem silly and created an even larger generational gap. If a rise in teen cannabis smoking truly is a concern, then regulation is the only way to keep it out of the hands of minors.
Marijuana Friendly Gary Johnson Nominated as Libertarian Candidate for President while D.C. Program off to Rough Start
It has been an eventful week for marijuana law as Connecticut is poised to enact a strict medical marijuana program, aimed at avoiding the legislative pitfalls seen in other states, especially California. Over the weekend there was also the Global Marijuana March, which saw hundreds of thousands gather across the world with events held in over 160 cities in 29 different nations.
As always, there were many other stories that developed over the weekend. Although presumed to be the nominee for months, two term New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson has officially been named the Libertarian Party’s choice for President in the upcoming 2012 election this November. The long time supporter of marijuana reform/legalization won by capturing 70% of the party’s 632 delegates at the Libertarian Party’s convention held in Las Vegas. Mr. Johnson told Reuters that “I am very humbled. This is just the start.” In addition to his promise to reform marijuana laws, Gary Johnson has taken aim at big government spending and income tax laws. Gary Johnson shares Ron Paul’s view on ending income tax and replacing it with a “Fair Tax”. The proposal would see an end to the current income tax structure and replace it with flat rate 23% tax on new goods. Resold goods would not face any sales tax. Mr. Johnson is also hopeful that Ron Paul and his supporters will back the ex-Governor.
As Gary Johnson prepares for a possible journey to the White House, he may face the issue of marijuana reform before he even unpacks his bags. Washington D.C. has finally started to move forward with a medical marijuana program that has been weighed down by legal disputes. The program was originally voted on and approved by D.C. residents 12 years ago. Six licenses have finally been granted to cultivation centers with hopes of patients being served within a few months. Despite the approvals finally being issued, some applicants seeking to open dispensaries are filing lawsuits. They feel they have easily met the criteria laid out by the Health Department in order to open and have been denied anyway.
According to the Washington Times, 3 law firms have filed a total of 5 civil complaints that contest the way in which the D.C. Department of Health scored and denied the applicants. Dr. Duplessie is one of the plaintiffs and is seeking his application to be re-sent to Department of Health with a third party to oversee the second review. The Washington Times article quoted Dr. Duplessie as saying “It appears that the D.C. Board of Health has either not read my application or the playing field is not level, I think the process is beyond flawed.” Dr. Duplessie’s attorney has questioned what they believe is a lack of transparency, and said city health officials should elaborate on their decision further than simply saying “it’s just our right.”
While the D.C. story is not what patients want to hear, it is important to note how much progress has been made. With a presidential candidate and the city of Washington D.C. supporting cannabis reform, the future for patients appears bright. Despite whatever recycled statements are emitted from the well dressed men in landmark buildings, compassion seems to be winning out.